{"id":25900,"date":"2022-04-01T01:10:31","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T05:10:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=25900"},"modified":"2022-05-24T18:35:58","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T22:35:58","slug":"book-review-practically-pagan-an-alternative-guide-to-magical-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2022\/04\/01\/book-review-practically-pagan-an-alternative-guide-to-magical-living\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review – Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living"},"content":{"rendered":"

Book Review <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

by Maria DeBlassie<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Published by Moon Books<\/b><\/h1>\n

128 Pages <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Published: October 1, 2021<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living<\/em><\/strong> by Maria DeBlassie is a very readable book that provides the reader with all of the necessary tools to set out to explore a path of magical living. The content is organized in a way that is easy to move through and offers plenty of opportunities to try out spells, rituals and more.<\/p>\n

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living<\/em><\/strong> is separated into eight (8) sections, including the Introduction<\/strong> and Conclusion: Conjure Your Own Special Magic.<\/strong> This title is part of the Practically Pagan<\/em> series published by Moon Books focused on the new seeker who is exploring ways to deepen their spirituality and not necessarily identify as \u201cpagan\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201c…This is a practical guide to everyday magic, and like the title suggests, means it will be less double-double toil and trouble and more like making soup. Hey, never underestimate the power of a good soup! It heals sickness, mends broken hearts, and soothes tired souls. That\u2019s the kind of magic I\u2019m talking about…\u201d \u00b9<\/em><\/p>\n

The Introduction<\/strong> gives a very thorough background of the author\u2019s experiences, what drew her to a magickal path and the \u201cwork\u201d that is involved in crafting a sustainable and fulfilling practice. Continuing with a theme of personal examples, Chapter 1: What is Everyday Magic?<\/strong> drives home the perspective that those who choose this path are in it 24\/7-365 days a year. That the craft is a way of life and that there is inherently something sacred and magical about every day\u2019s experiences.<\/p>\n

Each chapter that follows takes another aspect of how to integrate and what to expect when choosing to walk the magical path and provides real life lessons, anecdotes and recommendations. These topics move from Radical Self-Care & The Goddess Within<\/strong> (Ch2), Make<\/strong> (ing) Your Routine Ritual<\/strong> (Ch3), Practice Pleasure Magick<\/strong> (Ch4), Be<\/strong>(ing) Open <\/strong>to Synchronicity<\/strong> (Ch5) and Live<\/strong>(ing) Beyond the Expected<\/strong> (Ch6). All contain sound advice and an approach that invites the reader to settle in and allow for an organic flow as mundane and magic become woven together.<\/p>\n

Would I Recommend: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living<\/em><\/strong> by Maria DeBlassie is a wonderful introduction to magic and infusing your life with the wonder of magic. The book is reader friendly and offers \u201cjust enough\u201d in moving through the nuances of adopting a magical lifestyle to allow for shifts, changes and the reader\u2019s personal revelations. And, I would also recommend this title as a refresher for those who have walked this path for many years as a way to re-ignite the excitement of new beginnings that arise.<\/p>\n

Reference:
\n1. Introduction<\/p>\n

Maria DeBlassie,<\/strong> <\/em>Ph.D. is a native New Mexican mestiza blogger, award-winning writer, and award-winning educator living in the Land of
\nEnchantment. Her first book, Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings<\/em> (Moon Books 2018) and her ongoing blog, Enchantment Learning & Living,<\/em> are about everyday magic, ordinary gothic, and the life of a kitchen witch. Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at www.mariadeblassie.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

About the author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>is an Elder within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>C<\/a>oven of the Mystic Path<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span>, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nAs a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: <\/span><\/span><\/span>A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>. <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span><\/span>Teachings on the Path with Robin.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span> <\/u><\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span>providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Review Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie Published by Moon Books 128 Pages Published: October 1, 2021     Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie is a very readable book that provides the reader with all of the necessary tools to set out to explore a path of magical living. The content is organized in a way that is easy to move through and offers plenty of opportunities to try out spells, rituals and more. Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living is separated into eight (8) sections, including the Introduction and Conclusion: Conjure Your Own Special Magic. This title is part of the Practically Pagan series published by Moon Books focused on the new seeker who is exploring ways to deepen their spirituality and not necessarily identify as \u201cpagan\u201d. \u201c…This is a practical guide to everyday magic, and like the title suggests, means it will be less double-double toil and trouble and more like making soup. Hey, never underestimate the power of a good soup! It heals sickness, mends broken hearts, and soothes tired souls. That\u2019s the kind of magic I\u2019m talking about…\u201d \u00b9 The Introduction gives a very thorough background of the author\u2019s experiences, what drew her to a magickal path and the \u201cwork\u201d that is involved in crafting a sustainable and fulfilling practice. Continuing with a theme of personal examples, Chapter 1: What is Everyday Magic? drives home the perspective that those who choose this path are in it 24\/7-365 days a year. That the craft is a way of life and that there is inherently something sacred and magical about every day\u2019s experiences. Each chapter that follows takes another aspect of how to integrate and what to expect when choosing to walk the magical path and provides real life lessons, anecdotes and recommendations. These topics move from Radical Self-Care & The Goddess Within (Ch2), Make (ing) Your Routine Ritual (Ch3), Practice Pleasure Magick (Ch4), Be(ing) Open to Synchronicity (Ch5) and Live(ing) Beyond the Expected (Ch6). All contain sound advice and an approach that invites the reader to settle in and allow for an organic flow as mundane and magic become woven together. Would I Recommend: Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie is a wonderful introduction to magic and infusing your life with the wonder of magic. The book is reader friendly and offers \u201cjust enough\u201d in moving through the nuances of adopting a magical lifestyle to allow for shifts, changes and the reader\u2019s personal revelations. And, I would also recommend this title as a refresher for those who have walked this path for many years as a way to re-ignite the excitement of new beginnings that arise. Reference: 1. Introduction Maria DeBlassie, Ph.D. is a native New Mexican mestiza blogger, award-winning writer, and award-winning educator living in the Land of Enchantment. Her first book, Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings (Moon Books 2018) and her ongoing blog, Enchantment Learning & Living, are about everyday magic, ordinary gothic, and the life of a kitchen witch. Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at www.mariadeblassie.com.   Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Magical Living on Amazon   ** About the author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is an Elder within\u00a0The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path.\u00a0\u00a0 Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers. Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015. As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work. Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin. Robin is the owner of\u00a0Holistic Embrace\u00a0providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education. Robin\u2019s Website:\u00a0www.robinfennelly.com Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW:\u00a0www.covenofthemysticpath.org Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website: For more info:\u00a0http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":25901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[10095,10015,11155,10065,13732,11846,10075],"class_list":["post-25900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reviews","tag-book","tag-book-review","tag-living","tag-magic","tag-maria-deblassie","tag-practically-pagan","tag-review"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/208"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25900"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26144,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25900\/revisions\/26144"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}