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Book Review-An Introduction to Magic: A Guide to Crystals, Fairies, Palmistry, Tarot and the Zodiac by Nikki Van De Car
Photo Credits: Stock Photo of An Introduction to Magic, courtesy of publisher An Introduction to Magic: A Guide to Crystals, Fairies, Palmistry, Tarot and the Zodiac by Nikki Van De Car is a 170 page book published by Running Press Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, of which I received an e-book copy. Beautifully illustrated, and packed with accurate, useful information for the beginner to magic, witchcraft and the like, this book covers the basics of what most Pagans and similar spiritual paths use and work with. The material is covered with easy to understand terms, and no jargon (especially the Astrological section). The crystal section covers the chakras, colors, etc.,…
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Book Review-Bog Witch: A Semi-Mystical Immersion Into Wild Wetland Habitats, Their Myths, Magic, and Meaning by Mab Jones
Photo Credits: Stock Photo of Bog Witch: A Semi-Mystical Immersion Into Wild Wetlands, Their Myths, Magic and Meaning, courtesy of publisher Bog Witch: A Semi-Mystical Immersion Into Wild Wetland Habitats, Their Myths, Magic, and Meaning by Mab Jones is an 82 page book published by Moon Books, of which I received an E-Book copy. Bog Witch begins with the author’s personal experiences growing up in modern western culture, and its well-known approach to nature as a resource, and in the case of many wetland areas, an eyesore and something to be removed or beautified. Jones then goes into their personal exploration of wetland areas where they live, and then immerses you into the wisdom,…
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Book Review-The Witch’s Workshop: A Guide to Crafting Your Own Magical Tools by Melissa Jayne Madara
Photo Credits: Stock Photo of The Witch’s Workshop, courtesy of Publisher The Witch’s Workshop: A Guide to Crafting Your Own Magical Tools by Melissa Jayne Madara is a 231 page book published by Watkins Publishing, a division of Watkins Media Group, of which I received an e-book copy. This book, to start off with, is beautiful, with full color pages, photos and vintage style plant illustrations gracing the pages. As far as the material within the book goes, the recipes are tried and true, having used the same or similar recipes myself in the past. Madara gives recipes for incense, oils, powders, candles, dyes, inks, how to craft ritual paper, ritual chalk, and making…
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The Modern Merlin’s Corner: The Magick in Music
Photo Credits: Shutterstock photo “Spiritual Music” As I began writing this column entry, I realized that to some, this entry may seem as if I’m bragging, etc., so I wanted to take a moment to explain my reasoning for writing about it at all, which is two-fold: 1. To give thanks, and 2. To Share Wisdom and Magick I’ve learned and gained through these experiences. Before moving any further, I want to thank the Gods and Goddesses, Ancestors, and Spirits for the blessings I’ve received this year. This article is a direct result of those blessings and lots, and lots of hard work on my end to make certain goals…
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Book Review-2025 Witch’s Diary: Northern Hemisphere by Flavia Kate Peters and Barbara Meiklejohn-Free
Photo Credits: Stock Photo of 2025 Witch’s Diary: Northern Hemisphere 2025 Witch’s Diary: Northern Hemisphere is a beautifully illustrated and designed planner for those looking to walk in harmony with nature, the Craft and honor the Old Ones of the Craft. Published by Rockpool publishing, the 2025 Witch’s Diary features lunar correspondences, color correspondences, tree magicks, and so much more. Broken down into weekly sections, some days have historical facts about the Craft, founders of Wicca and major figures in Witchcraft’s history. Solemn facts, such as Witch burnings and executions are also noted throughout. Seasonal holidays, the Sabbats and little spells, rituals and the like grace the pages of the 2025 Witch’s Diary. This is…
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Book Review-People of the Outside: Witchcraft, Cannibalism, and the Elder Folk
People of the Outside: Witchcraft, Cannibalism, and the Elder Folk by Lee Morgan, published by Moon Books, is a 206 page book, of which I received an e-book copy. People of the Outside deals with subjects that seem, and in modern sensibilities, are, morbid, and disarming. Throughout the book, Morgan weaves different threads of taboo’s that have existed throughout Sapien society, backing up their theories with scientific evidence using DNA, and historical accounts. Morbid subjects like cannibalism, the profane kiss, and persecutions of countless groups of people deemed by Morgan to be “People of the Outside”, such as cathars, accused witches, and other groups, tying them to the modern notion and pop-culture view…
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Book Review: Alive with Spirits by Althaea Sebastiani
Overview of Alive with Spirits Alive with Spirits: The Path and Practice of Animistic Witchcraft by Althaea Sebastiani, published by Weiser, is a book that I’ve been personally excited to read since Weiser mentioned it on social media. Sebastiani doesn’t disappoint, either. She starts off with what I consider a thesis on the philosophy of animism, in that it isn’t something you believe but rather, something you embody through daily practice. Sebastiani continuously breaks down societal barriers and programming that prevent most from fully taking on this worldview. She states that Animistic Witchcraft and Polytheism typically go hand-in-hand (and from experience as a Polytheist and Animist, I concur), but that other paradigms of Witchcraft also…
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The Modern Merlin’s Corner: Owls and Oaks: Wisdom of the Seen and Unseen
My personal spiritual journey has been zig-zagging lately, between different topics, practices, pantheons and spirits. Lately, I’ve been on a path of deepening my connection with the land, the animals that inhabit it, and the spirits, too. When I began reading Celtic Goddess Grimoire for my review, which you can read here, I began sensing an even deeper appreciation for nature than I already had. I felt a deep connection with the trees, animals and land that I see everyday, and I can only explain this as Nemetona’s presence, one of the Goddesses in that book that really came through, along with Melusine, as I live in a town that was literally…
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Book Review – Herbana Witch: A Year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari
Book Review Herbana Witch: A Year in the Forest by Cecilia Lattari Publisher: Red Wheel 144 Pages Release Date: September 11, 2023 “The Herbana witch is a green witch who uses the power of nature and the wisdom of the forest and who has a deep understanding of herbs, barks, mushrooms, roots, flowers and woodland plants.” — Amazon “She is an earth witch, just as the wise women of the past were.” — C. Lattari “She keeps jars full of harvested and dried herbs in an ever-plentiful pantry, including coffee beans ready to be ground and sunflower seeds for bread dough in the spring.” — C. Lattari…
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Book Review – Psychic Skills for Magic & Witchcraft: Developing Your Spirit, Intuition, & Clairvoyance by Cat Gina Cole
Book Review Psychic Skills for Magic & Witchcraft: Developing Your Spirit, Intuition, & Clairvoyance By Cat Gina Cole Publisher: Llewellyn Publications 232 pages Publication Date: February 8, 2022 “Psychic Skills for Magic & Witchcraft” guides readers to develop intuitive abilities, something many may not realize is possible. The book begins with an introduction to beliefs, a glossary of terms, and exercises to master the fundamental tools required at all levels of psychism. Meditation, imagination, and the effects of social conditioning are explained. Pathworking, remote viewing, psychometry, manifesting, and letting go are among the skills covered. In Chapter 5, readers are given exercises to advance such skills…
