{"id":27378,"date":"2022-10-01T01:10:50","date_gmt":"2022-10-01T05:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=27378"},"modified":"2022-10-12T18:38:17","modified_gmt":"2022-10-12T22:38:17","slug":"book-review-folktales-faeries-and-spirits-by-halo-quin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2022\/10\/01\/book-review-folktales-faeries-and-spirits-by-halo-quin\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review \u2013 Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice by Halo Quin"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Faery Magic from Story to Practice<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>by Halo Quin<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Publisher: <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Moon Books<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>104 <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>P<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>ages <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1 class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Publication <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Date: August <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>25, <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>2022<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-27379\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/folktales-faeries-spirits.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"252\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/folktales-faeries-spirits.png 276w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/folktales-faeries-spirits-195x300.png 195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i><b>Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i><b>,\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>by Halo Quin<\/b><\/span><b> <\/b><span style=\"color: #333333;\">is one of the diverse and multi-topic books in the series Pagan Portals published by Moon Books. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">This title <\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">is separated into seven (7) chapters, each replete with well-researched information, lore and common sense recommendations for approaching this much written about subject of specific non-corporeal beings. Scattered throughout the chapters are \u201cpractices\u201d that allow the reader to spend some time in thought, action or experience that enriches the process of connecting to the spirits of the Fae. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Ms. Quin has skillfully used <\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i>\u201cThe Ballad of True Thomas\u201d<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">, a tale from the wild borderlands of Scotland, as the frame around which each of the chapters weave the telling of the story and the practical application of its message. The <\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i>\u201cBallad\u201d<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"> tells the story of Thomas the Rhymer, a bard who was given the gift of prophecy from the Fae, his exchange with the Queen of Elfland and journey to Faeryland. He is told not to speak a word during his seven-year service to the Queen and upon the ending of his service the Queen imparts the gift of his only being able to speak the truth. The story alone is intriguing and the use of it as a catalyst for what is imparted to the reader in each of the chapters speaks to the depth of connection Ms. Quin has with the realms of the Fae. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Above all, Ms. Quin encourages the reader to formulate their own conclusions about the Faery lore that abounds and remain open to the possibilities of there being something more than what is stated as \u201cfact\u201d. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating relationships with these beings in much the same way you would human counterparts and making no assumptions about what your experiences \u201cshould\u201d be. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>The Introduction: Preparing for an Adventure<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"> provides the reader with an explanation of the semantics used and what their meaning is in the context of this title. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>&#8230;. Firstly, \u201cspirits\u201d. I use this in a broad sense, to refer to the non embodied beings. Faeries, then \u2013 like gods, ghosts, and angels \u2013 are a type of spirit. I prefer to distinguish between literary and pop culture fiction \u201cfairies\u201d and the spirits and beings found in folklore and witchcraft with a slightly less common spelling, \u201cfaeries\u201d. This is a personal choice, so don\u2019t worry if you see them used differently elsewhere&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><sup><b>.1<\/b><\/sup><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Woven throughout <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i><b>Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0is a wonderful balance between the folk lore of the Fae and a modern interpretation of what the lore and work with the Fae has become as society has progressed, lands have been encroached upon and a genera turning away from the \u201cold ways\u201d has ensued. MS. Quin\u2019s one of re-introduction to the beings that inhabit the realms of the Fae and encouraging the reader to find ways of organic connection to the natural world in the process. I particularly enjoyed <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i>Practice 2. A Faery Wander<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> in <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Chapter 1: Under the Hawthorn Tree<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">. This is a very simple, yet powerful excursion into beginning the process of awareness and settling into the magick of place&#8230;<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i><b>&#8230;. If you can this week, spend some time wandering outside, soaking up the feeling of being out in nature (or as much nature as you can safely reach). Begin to notice places in your neighbourhood that might be magical, good for meeting faeries, or quiet enough for some meditation&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><i><b> <\/b><\/i><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><sup><b>.2<\/b><\/sup><\/span><i><b> <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Each of the chapters build one upon the other with intention and information that supports the reader\u2019s journey into relationship between land and the realms of Fae. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Chapter 6: Returning Home<\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"> is a reminder to integrate \u201clocal\u201d lore into your journey. Where you live is an important piece of the puzzle in recognizing these spirits universally. As inspiring and exciting as it may be to travel to the Celtic lands, if your home is in the American suburbs, there should be no discounting of the fact that there are Fae spirits in every corner of existence.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>&#8230;. Choose the story you\u2019ve found which best resonates with your feelings about the fae, or which illustrates what you see as a good relationship with the land spirits of your area. It is up to you and your resources on quite how local you get, you may even have tales about your town, or perhaps resources are hard to come by so you\u2019ve got something which is based in your country, but not quite your area of it. Either is fine as long as you feel it is a story that fits where you are doing<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>this work&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><sup><b> .3<\/b><\/sup><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Chapter 7: Integration and Practice <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">is focused specifically on application of what has been assimilated through the previous readings and making use of the suggested experiences and actions. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>&#8230;. it can be hard to work out how to apply the clues that we find, and when we do, it can be tempting to treat our choices as dogma. Just as faery spirits, and spirits in general, are not particularly easy to box into tidy categories, so too are our magical practices and our relationships with these beings fluid and prone to shapeshifting. Let us, then, look at what we can do with the clues that we find, and how we can take the interesting pieces of information and integrate them into our practice&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><sup><b> .4<\/b><\/sup><\/span><i><b> <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">The <\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Epilogue: Happy Journeying <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">brings to a conclusion the journey the reader has taken through the eyes of Ms. Quin and encourages the continuation from a space of openness and intuiting for yourself what resonates of truth vs. fiction vs. personal experience. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>&#8230;. The folklore, stories, and experiences of those that have walked this path before can help us to navigate our own journey. But we do well to remember that not all information is correct, not all conflicting information is false, and not all true information is useful. In your relationship to the spirits, the truth is between you and them&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><sup><b> .5<\/b><\/sup><\/span><b> <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><u><b>Would I Recommend:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i><b>Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice <\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">by Halo Quin is one of the few books that I have read (and these are many) that offers an approach that is both respectful of the lore and what has been the traditions surrounding the Fae and encouraging the reservation of definitive thoughts about working with the Fae until you have experienced the interactions personally. There is no dogma about the do\u2019s and don\u2019t\u2019s; rather, there is the breathing space for navigating the journey of connection and relationship in a natural, ethical and respectful way. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\">I<\/span><b> <\/b><span style=\"color: #333333;\">am always interested in the sources used for the writing of a book and the opportunities to dig deeper and explore other opinions and writings.<\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b> Further Reading <\/b><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">offers several pages of resource material for the avid reader and those who wish to deepen their knowledge of lore and magickal practice engaging nature and spirits of the Fae. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i><b>Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice <\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">by Halo Quin ticks off all the check boxes of a rich read that is both practical in nature (no pun intended LOL) and stimulates the imagination and inquiry into being more present and awake to our co-inhabitants in the manifest and etheric realms. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><b>Notes:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Pg. 3 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Pg. 13<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Pg. 60<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Pg. 69<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Pg. 76<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Led deep into the wilds of Wales by dreams and wandering words, <b>Halo Quin<\/b> has been a practicing Faery Witch since, well, forever. A changeling child, she was away with the faeries for much of her childhood and discovered human magic in her teens, which, of course, was most enchanting. Her magic has always focused on listening to the spirits, from the landwights to the gods. Halo is a witch, devotee of the Faery Queen, storyteller, philosopher, and consummate writer whose pen is ever in the service of magic. You can find her work at <a href=\"https:\/\/haloquin.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.haloquin.net<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>**<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\" align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>About the Author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-26713\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Robin-Fenelly.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Robin-Fenelly.jpg 276w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Robin-Fenelly-227x300.jpg 227w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">is an Elder within\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sacredwheel.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">, 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><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><a name=\"_GoBack\"><\/a> <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">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><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCI08DQcpZUH4d26Ht4Afzog\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>. <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"https:\/\/teachingsonthepathwithrobin.bandcamp.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Teachings on the Path with Robin. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">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><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.org\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><u><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"western\"><span style=\"font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Book Review Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits Faery Magic from Story to Practice by Halo Quin Publisher: Moon Books 104 Pages Publication Date: August 25, 2022 &nbsp; &nbsp; Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice,\u00a0by Halo Quin is one of the diverse and multi-topic books in the series Pagan Portals published by Moon Books. This title is separated into seven (7) chapters, each replete with well-researched information, lore and common sense recommendations for approaching this much written about subject of specific non-corporeal beings. Scattered throughout the chapters are \u201cpractices\u201d that allow the reader to spend some time in thought, action or experience that enriches the process of connecting to the spirits of the Fae. Ms. Quin has skillfully used \u201cThe Ballad of True Thomas\u201d, a tale from the wild borderlands of Scotland, as the frame around which each of the chapters weave the telling of the story and the practical application of its message. The \u201cBallad\u201d tells the story of Thomas the Rhymer, a bard who was given the gift of prophecy from the Fae, his exchange with the Queen of Elfland and journey to Faeryland. He is told not to speak a word during his seven-year service to the Queen and upon the ending of his service the Queen imparts the gift of his only being able to speak the truth. The story alone is intriguing and the use of it as a catalyst for what is imparted to the reader in each of the chapters speaks to the depth of connection Ms. Quin has with the realms of the Fae. Above all, Ms. Quin encourages the reader to formulate their own conclusions about the Faery lore that abounds and remain open to the possibilities of there being something more than what is stated as \u201cfact\u201d. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating relationships with these beings in much the same way you would human counterparts and making no assumptions about what your experiences \u201cshould\u201d be. The Introduction: Preparing for an Adventure provides the reader with an explanation of the semantics used and what their meaning is in the context of this title. &#8230;. Firstly, \u201cspirits\u201d. I use this in a broad sense, to refer to the non embodied beings. Faeries, then \u2013 like gods, ghosts, and angels \u2013 are a type of spirit. I prefer to distinguish between literary and pop culture fiction \u201cfairies\u201d and the spirits and beings found in folklore and witchcraft with a slightly less common spelling, \u201cfaeries\u201d. This is a personal choice, so don\u2019t worry if you see them used differently elsewhere&#8230;..1 Woven throughout Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice\u00a0is a wonderful balance between the folk lore of the Fae and a modern interpretation of what the lore and work with the Fae has become as society has progressed, lands have been encroached upon and a genera turning away from the \u201cold ways\u201d has ensued. MS. Quin\u2019s one of re-introduction to the beings that inhabit the realms of the Fae and encouraging the reader to find ways of organic connection to the natural world in the process. I particularly enjoyed Practice 2. A Faery Wander in Chapter 1: Under the Hawthorn Tree. This is a very simple, yet powerful excursion into beginning the process of awareness and settling into the magick of place&#8230; &#8230;. If you can this week, spend some time wandering outside, soaking up the feeling of being out in nature (or as much nature as you can safely reach). Begin to notice places in your neighbourhood that might be magical, good for meeting faeries, or quiet enough for some meditation&#8230;. .2 Each of the chapters build one upon the other with intention and information that supports the reader\u2019s journey into relationship between land and the realms of Fae. Chapter 6: Returning Home is a reminder to integrate \u201clocal\u201d lore into your journey. Where you live is an important piece of the puzzle in recognizing these spirits universally. As inspiring and exciting as it may be to travel to the Celtic lands, if your home is in the American suburbs, there should be no discounting of the fact that there are Fae spirits in every corner of existence. &#8230;. Choose the story you\u2019ve found which best resonates with your feelings about the fae, or which illustrates what you see as a good relationship with the land spirits of your area. It is up to you and your resources on quite how local you get, you may even have tales about your town, or perhaps resources are hard to come by so you\u2019ve got something which is based in your country, but not quite your area of it. Either is fine as long as you feel it is a story that fits where you are doing this work&#8230;. .3 Chapter 7: Integration and Practice is focused specifically on application of what has been assimilated through the previous readings and making use of the suggested experiences and actions. &#8230;. it can be hard to work out how to apply the clues that we find, and when we do, it can be tempting to treat our choices as dogma. Just as faery spirits, and spirits in general, are not particularly easy to box into tidy categories, so too are our magical practices and our relationships with these beings fluid and prone to shapeshifting. Let us, then, look at what we can do with the clues that we find, and how we can take the interesting pieces of information and integrate them into our practice&#8230;. .4 The Epilogue: Happy Journeying brings to a conclusion the journey the reader has taken through the eyes of Ms. Quin and encourages the continuation from a space of openness and intuiting for yourself what resonates of truth vs. fiction vs. personal experience. &#8230;. The folklore, stories, and experiences of those that have walked this path before can help us to navigate our own journey. But we do well to remember that not all information is correct, not all conflicting information is false, and not all true information is useful. In your relationship to the spirits, the truth is between you and them&#8230;. .5 Would I Recommend: Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice by Halo Quin is one of the few books that I have read (and these are many) that offers an approach that is both respectful of the lore and what has been the traditions surrounding the Fae and encouraging the reservation of definitive thoughts about working with the Fae until you have experienced the interactions personally. There is no dogma about the do\u2019s and don\u2019t\u2019s; rather, there is the breathing space for navigating the journey of connection and relationship in a natural, ethical and respectful way. I am always interested in the sources used for the writing of a book and the opportunities to dig deeper and explore other opinions and writings. Further Reading offers several pages of resource material for the avid reader and those who wish to deepen their knowledge of lore and magickal practice engaging nature and spirits of the Fae. Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits: Faery Magic from Story to Practice by Halo Quin ticks off all the check boxes of a rich read that is both practical in nature (no pun intended LOL) and stimulates the imagination and inquiry into being more present and awake to our co-inhabitants in the manifest and etheric realms. Notes: Pg. 3 Pg. 13 Pg. 60 Pg. 69 Pg. 76 Led deep into the wilds of Wales by dreams and wandering words, Halo Quin has been a practicing Faery Witch since, well, forever. A changeling child, she was away with the faeries for much of her childhood and discovered human magic in her teens, which, of course, was most enchanting. Her magic has always focused on listening to the spirits, from the landwights to the gods. Halo is a witch, devotee of the Faery Queen, storyteller, philosopher, and consummate writer whose pen is ever in the service of magic. You can find her work at www.haloquin.net ** 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":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[14096,10346,10095,11383,14147,14095,14098,10075],"class_list":["post-27378","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews","tag-and-spirits","tag-author","tag-book","tag-faeries","tag-faery-magic-from-story-to-practice","tag-folktales","tag-halo-quin","tag-review"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27378","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=27378"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27412,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27378\/revisions\/27412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}