Book Review: The Aleister Crowley Manual by Marco Visconti

Title: The Aleister Crowley Manual

Author: Marco Visconti
Genre: Thelema - Magic - Witchcraft
Publisher: Watkins Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: February 14, 2023
ISBN: 9781786787361
Read: March 1-18, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Marco Visconti has taught Aleister Crowley's Magick to hundreds of aspirants, proving to himself and others its transmutative powers. This book brings together the effective techniques and practices from those lessons. We all live very busy lives in increasingly small spaces, but this book shows that to practice magick you don’t need fancy tools or robes or marbles halls. Magick is truly for everyone, because all you need to practice it is a will set in stone. 

Each chapter in this manual is a lesson, which will add a new tool to your magical arsenal: 

• the nature of the Body of Light 
• what Prana is and how to harness it 
• the 4 Hermetic Elements that make up the foundations of the Magical Pyramid 
• the Quintessence 
• the Pentagram 
• Hexagram rituals 
• the Astral Light invoked through the Middle Pillar 

The benefits gained from bringing Magick into your life are manifold. You will gain a deeper understanding of your role in the universe, the ability to communicate with the Other, and the wisdom that comes from such relationships. Overall these practices offer a new and deeper sense of awareness of your own role in the universe.

Review: I freely admit my understanding of Thelema as a philosophy and spiritual path are limited, as is my overall knowledge of Aleister Crowley. After reading Marco Visconti's book, however, I don't feel as though either has increased all that much.

While Visconti seems to know his subjects rather well, his explanations of Thelema are rudimentary and lack true depth in what is an otherwise complex area of study. I've read other Thelema and magick-based books, some of which are reviewed here and accessible via the archives, and Visconti covers nothing that isn't already available in other books and with more clarity. Also, it's difficult to take an author who claims to have years of experience and accumulated knowledge seriously when they quote Wikipedia as their primary research source. Sorry, but Wikipedia doesn't even pass muster in the most basic of English composition courses. Either provide actual scholarly works or resources that are considered "sacred" to your particular philosophy/spiritual path as a backup or don't include the information at all.

Perhaps the only true reason to read this book is for the list of other books and websites on the subjects of Thelema and Crowley included at the back. However, even these can be found with a quick Google search so...yeah....

Book Review: The Little Book of the Occult by Astrid Carvel

Title: The Little Book of the Occult

Author: Astrid Carvel
Genre: Occult - Magic - Witchcraft
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781524882174
Read: January 13-16, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Come along on a journey of self-discovery and begin to make sense of the unpredictability of our existence with this fun and insightful introduction to the occult. 

An exploration of rich history and a discovery of lasting benefits, The Little Book of the Occult is a quick dive into the world of occult magick, perfect for both beginners and those who are more familiar with the practice. From sigils to tarot cards and rituals, occult practices are an insightful way to achieve your dreams, discover more about yourself, and feel empowered.

Review: The Little Book of the Occult is simply what the publisher's description states: "a quick dive into the world of occult magick." With only 128 pages, one cannot expect to have all the mysteries of the occult revealed. However, one can expect to have at least some of the mystery taken away, but Astrid Carvel seems to leave more questions unanswered than answered as if trusting the reader to continue researching the subject on their own. (Personally, I have no problem with research. I love nothing better than a deep dive into a subject that interests me. But it's not something everyone enjoys, I know.)

Most of the topics in this book are covered in the span of one or two pages. Again, this is not a book that's meant to be an exhaustive resource. It's meant to be more a means to pique the curiosity. Could Carvel perhaps spend a little more time on certain topics? Yes, absolutely. Does Carvel include every topic related to the occult? No, definitely not. Does Carvel at least cover the basics? Meh, I leave that up to the reader to decide.

Overall, The Little Book of the Occult is a very basic, Cliff Notes-version of an introduction to occult magick and history. If you're interested in the topic, chances are you'll continue on with your own research. If you're not that interested but are at least a little curious, then it will probably satisfy that curiosity. If you're looking for an exhaustive, authoritative treatise on the subject, this is definitely not the book for you.

Book Review: Mountain Magic by Rebecca Beyer

Title: Mountain Magic

Author: Rebecca Beyer
Genre: Folklore - Mythology - Magic - Witchcraft
Publisher: Wellfleet Press - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: February 21, 2023
ISBN: 9781577153351
Read: January 12-13, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Discover the wisdom and magic of Appalachia through Mountain Magic, an illustrated guide to the occult power of the hills and hollows. 

The people of Appalachia and the American backwoods have a long and deep magical tradition, one rooted in the power of place, land, and nature. With a creativity and ingenuity born of necessity, Appalachian witches built and sustained a wealth of magical knowledge drawn from European, Native American, and African American folk magic. Guided by expert witch and forager Rebecca Beyer, you can explore the wisdom of this powerful place: 

Learn medical and magical uses for common plants and herbs 

• Meet the traditional magical practitioners of Appalachia, from Blood Stoppers to Water Witches 
• Delve into a wealth of charms and curses, from witchballs to love workings 
• Follow the lore of the stars and seasons to grow and thrive 

Some of the magic and culture you will encounter in this enchanted guide include: 

• Magical lore surrounding the weather, seasons, and the movements of the moon and stars 
• Recipes for a tonic salad to move the blood in springtime and a cleansing spicebush tea 
• Profiles of the medicinal and magical properties of some essential mountain plants, including ginseng, blackberry, poke, sassafras, and mullein 
• Charms to protect from evil, including witch bottles, a holly twig charm, and the SATOR ROTAS square 

With this beautifully illustrated guide, you can bring the wisdom and magic of the backwoods to meet the challenges of modern life, building a magical practice that’s fueled by ancestral traditions and the nourishing power of the natural world.

Review: Rebecca Beyer lifts the veil of mystery surrounding Appalachian folk magic and provides a glimpse into this unique world of Yarb People, Water Witches, Burn Whisperers, Granny Women, and Conjure Folk. A blend of European magic, West African folklore, and Native American herbal knowledge, Appalachian folk magic is both a fascinating and powerful by-product of the landscape and the people who populated the Smoky Mountains, and it's still practiced today.

Mountain Magic is insightful and interesting in that much of the information has been passed down through generations, influenced by different eras and cultures, but remains largely unchanged in its core beliefs. Beyer's writing is easy to read and offers good explanations for concepts or items that may not be as familiar to readers outside of Appalachia. The illustrations compliment the information provided without distracting from the writing. Overall, this guidebook is a great introduction to a unique culture and the folklore and magic that has helped to shape it.

Book Review: The Untamed Witch by Lidia Pradas

 

Title: The Untamed Witch

Author: Lidia Pradas
Genre: Witchcraft - Spirituality - Magic
Publisher: Fair Winds Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 4, 2022
Read: December 30, 2022 - January 2, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Personalized magick is the most powerful magick. The Untamed Witch empowers you to use your own instincts, intuition, and personal environment in your witchcraft. 

Witchcraft is not one defined, arbitrary path. Rather, it is a diversity of practices that you can curate and align with based on your lifestyle and unique gifts. Moreover, those practices are not meant to be done the same way by every witch. Someone else’s love spell is how they conjure love. Why use lavender in a ritual if it isn’t native to your surroundings or you simply don’t like it? 

This guide gives you the insight and tools to undomesticate your craft from formulaic—to inspired—practice. 

The Untamed Witch also outlines: 

• Tools and practices to access the subconscious 
• How to work with the life, death, rebirth cycle 
• How to use elemental and land witchcraft 
• Ancestry work and communicating with spirit guides and entities 

With this book at your side, learn to use your instincts to rewild your magick.

Review: I loved this book! Finally, someone has written a book that isn't filled with formalized rituals, complicated spells, and endless lists of exotic supplies. I cannot express just how happy it made me to read The Untamed Witch by Lidia Pradas because in my own practice as a solitary Witch I prefer to keep things simple and uncomplicated, using what I have on hand or can easily source in my area versus relying on complex, multi-step rituals that leave me exhausted from the setting up of everything before the rite even begins. If you like uncomplicated witchcraft, this is the book for you!

The Untamed Witch is aimed at the solitary practitioner but could easily be modified for use in groups. Pradas states that the main premise of the book is to "access your power without intermediaries," and the chapters are divided and presented in such as way as to encourage the reader to explore not only their self but their local environment. Why use an herb that grows in a desert environment when you live in humid coastal area? "Rewilding" your magick--as Pradas calls it--is all about working with what you have available in your area in order to maximize your magick.

Filled with history, lore, charts, tips, and so much more, The Untamed Witch dares the reader to harken back to the days when the wise women and men utilized their talents and their local environment to craft their magick. The world needs more magick, but it doesn't need more complexity. Lidia Pradas has given us both, and this is one book I know I'll be referring to again and again.

Book Review: The Wheel of the Year by Rebecca Beattie

 

Title: The Wheel of the Year

Author: Rebecca Beattie
Genre: Wicca - Witchcraft - Spirituality
Publisher: Elliott & Thompson - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: February 1, 2023
Read: January 1, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Rediscover nature’s cycles through the Wheel of the Year: a celebration of eight key moments within the turning seasons – from solstices to equinoxes and those midpoints in-between. 

The Wheel of the Year allows its celebrants a moment to pause and still the chaos of modern life every six weeks, to observe what is happening in nature and to reflect on the turn of their own lives. 

This nurturing new guide is an exploration and celebration of the Wheel of the Year – from Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain to the Spring Equinox, Midsummer, Autumn Equinox and Yule. Our expert guide, Rebecca Beattie, traces the cycles of nature and the rhythms of the seasons, exploring enchanting traditions and folklore for each celebrated moment. ​ 

This book is alive with what is happening in the nature and in ourselves, offering tools and rituals to rediscover and appreciate each seasonal festival, to pause and reflect. It will connect you to the wheel of your own life, allowing its readers to explore and chart the turning of their own seasons alongside the cycles of the natural world.

Review: Rebecca Beattie introduces the Wheel of the Year by delving into its history, which is surprisingly recent as it was created by a merging of ideas originally conceived by Ross Nichols (Father of Modern Druidry) and Gerald Gardner (Father of Modern Witchcraft) in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, the wheel has gained wide acceptance in pagan communities and even in the larger mundane world as a way to mark the seasons. 

Each Sabbat is given its own chapter: Midwinter/Yule, Imbolc/Candlemas, Spring Equinox, May Eve/Beltane, Midsummer/Summer Solstice, Lammas, Autumn Equinox, November Eve/Samhain. The amount of information Beattie includes for each holiday ranges from history, folklore, rituals, recipes, crafting ideas, and tips/suggestions for marking the days in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, which isn't something I've seen often in books that cover the topic of the Wheel as most available to me tend to be Northern Hemisphere-centric.

Overall, The Wheel of the Year is a great addition to any Witch's or Pagan's library. Written in an easy-to-read style, the information isn't hard to follow, and yet the amount of research Beattie has obviously done on the subject is on full display, making this a good reference for anyone looking for more in-depth information regarding individual Sabbats and the Wheel of the Year as a whole.

Book Review: Candle Magic by Minerva Radcliffe

Title: Candle Magic

Author: Minerva Radcliffe
Genre: Wicca - Witchcraft - Magic
Publisher: Wellfleet Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 13, 2022
Read: December 20, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Harness the power of light with this collection of rituals and spells for seasoned witches, curious mystics, and new practitioners alike.

Light is everywhere, but like fire, the natural power that a candle holds within its flame can be life altering. Whether you are already familiar with other spiritual magics, or are tapping into the Universe with Candle Magic as your first practice, invite the power of light to bring joy, passion, comfort, and energy to your daily life. 

With this invaluable handbook, learn how candles of all shapes, sizes, and colors conduct the magic and energies of light. Experiment with the different results as you add candles to your altar, with beautiful illustrations to guide you toward the enchanting flame. If you’re seeking to add a spark to your magical practice, do so now by setting intentions and manifesting your desires with candle magic.

Review: Minerva Radcliffe takes a core element of Wicca/Witchcraft that has been studied in a plethora of books over the years and makes it seem fresh and new. The writing is clear and concise so anyone from novice to seasoned practitioner can understand the essence of candle magic. 

In addition to color, Radcliffe covers number magic, crystals and herbs as they relate to candle magic, and how each can enhance your practice. The spells and rituals included in the book are simple and can be easily adapted to a individual's style or a specific tradition. 

Overall, Candle Magic by Minerva Radcliffe is a welcomed addition to the vast trove of magical books and will surely find a home on many practitioners' shelves.

Book Review: The Magic of Astrology by Jessica Allen

 

Title: The Magic of Astrology

Author: Jessica Allen
Genre: Astrology - Divination
Publisher: Driven - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: November 29, 2022
Read: December 10, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Find your place in the stars with this fun and accessible guide to the 12 signs of the zodiac. 

Are you spontaneous and impulsive, or do you like to look before you leap? Are you constantly full to the brim with big ideas, or do you prefer to tackle your goals and dreams one at a time? Learning about your astrological sign can help you find out what energizes and challenges you, how you relate to different signs, and how to get to know not only yourself but also your friends and family better. 

• Organized by the 12 zodiac signs, each chapter covers everything you need to know about how astrology relates to you. 
• Beautiful illustrations and helpful charts throughout feature each sign’s classic and lesser-known traits, tips on travel and décor, communication style, health and wellness, and beyond. 
• Fun bonus material includes a sun sign yearbook page, a zodiac compatibility matrix, lists of famous duos and their zodiac signs, and career ideas for each sign.

Review: I've reviewed several astrology books in the past couple of months, and The Magic of Astrology is one of the better books I've read. It's not a long or difficult read (only 176 pages) but is packed with lots of useful information. Unlike some authors, Allen doesn't spend time explaining how to create or interpret a birth chart, and instead focuses on the individual zodiac signs. Each sign is provided with information on ruling planet, compatibility with other signs, health, careers, and a lot more. Handy charts make it easy to reference and cross-reference everything Allen packs into these pages. If you're looking for a quick-reference guide to the zodiac, this is the book for you.

Book Review: Astrology Magick by Lindsay Squire

Title: Astrology Magick

Author: Lindsay Squire
Genre: Astrology - Divination
Publisher: Leaping Hare Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: November 8, 2022
Read: December 7, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Astrology is a powerful tool for tuning into and better understanding yourself and others around you. Aligning your actions with the patterns and signs of the stars can bring you comfort and control in the 21st century, and empower you to really reflect on your present and future actions, and live your happiest life. 

Whether you're new to witchcraft OR astrology, discover how to use simple witchcraft and astrology to boost your wellbeing, find self-love and acceptance, and harness the power of the stars and universe in your life as well as your craft. 

Beautifully illustrated by Viki Lester, of @forensicsandflowers, this visually enchanting book will help you reconnect with the astrological bodies, rebalance your energies, and find spiritual meaning in the universe. 

Learn about: 

• How to incorporate astrology into your witchcraft practice 
• The different types of astrology (predictive, natal, karmic, and synastic) 
• The 12 zodiac signs, 9 planets, and 12 astrological houses 
• Your sun, moon, and rising sign 
• How to calculate and read your birth chart 
• What retrograde means and how to survive (and thrive!) when mercury is in retrograde 
• Astrology and its relationship to the moon 
• How to use astrology as part of your magickal and self-care practice

Review: Lindsay Squire makes astrology accessible to all in Astrology Magick. Whether you're new to the practice or an experienced follower of the stars, this book takes the complex subject of astrology and breaks it down into easily digestible chunks. Handy diagrams and a conversational writing style add to the book's overall quality. The illustrations by Viki Lester are beautiful and enhance Squire's information. 

Each chapter covers a different aspect of astrology--everything from creating a birth chart to how the placement of planets on the chart affect an individual's personality, outlook on life, relationships, and more. Also included are suggestions for tarot readings based on the different zodiac signs. Astrology Magick, regardless of whether or not you practice Wicca/Witchcraft, is by far one of the best resources I've found on the subject, and certainly one of the most approachable.

Book Review: Seal, Sigil & Call by J.R. Mascaro

Title: Seal, Sigil & Call

Author: J.R. Mascaro
Genre: Magic - Occultism
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 8, 2022
Read: December 5-8, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Practice Your Own Ritual Magic and Achieve a Higher State of Being 

Drawing from Eastern and Western traditions to form its unique path, Seal, Sigil & Call introduces you to a new school of ceremonial magic. This beginner-friendly book uses Tantric, Qabalistic, and tradition-free spiritual exercises to teach you concepts of energy and centered awareness. Once you've built a solid foundation, J. R. Mascaro shares the practices of paneidolism, his innovative system of ritual magic. This system shows you how to contact and work with various eidolons―spirit entities that aid your personal development. Seal, Sigil & Call helps you lift the veil of material awareness by providing powerful ontological tools that are not restricted by any single spiritual tradition. With Mascaro's guidance, you'll find greater peace through inner exploration and manifest your highest experience of being.

Review: The best way to describe J.R. Mascaro's Seal, Sigil & Call can be summed up as "ceremonial magic without the ceremony." Mascaro draws from a number of different sources including ceremonial magic, the Qabal, Buddhism, Wicca, and others to create a wholly original magical path that can be used either alone or incorporated into an already established system. 

Central to Mascaro's practice are the eidolons, which he describes as either spirit beings or archetypal aspects of the human subconscious. He leaves it up to the individual to ascertain how they choose to perceive the eidolons. He does "gift" eighteen eidolons to the reader--basically, these are beings/aspects that are open to being contacted by others seeking to work with eidolons--that comprise what Mascaro calls the Inner Host of the Ark. Eidolons are categorized in three ways: Otherworld Spirits, Primals, and Celestials. Each category comes with its own challenges and benefits. Once the magician has connected with and become accustomed to working with the Inner Host, more eidolons await to be discovered.

Mascaro does an admirable job of organizing his research and procedures for contacting eidolons. Some of his phrasing can be a repetitive and writing tends toward the overly flowery at times but overall, the information is unique and presented in an easy to follow manner. While Mascaro states he has not (as yet) encountered a malevolent eidolon, anyone seeking to make contact with possible spiritual beings should exercise the proper protection methods and use caution. Fortunately, he provides different methods for achieving this and although his passion for working with eidolons is evident, he does seem to acknowledge that doing so isn't for everyone. 

Overall, Seal, Sigil & Call is an uncommon approach to an aspect of magic that is often part of a large path or tradition. It goes beyond a basic "how to" book and offers a new perspective on familiar topics. Anyone who is interested in ceremonial magic would find this book useful and a welcomed addition to their library.

Book Review: Tea Magic by Jenay Marontate

Title: Tea Magic

Author: Jenay Marontate
Genre: Witchcraft - Wicca - Tea Magic - Kitchen Witchery
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 8, 2022
Read: November 16-24, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Pour a Steaming Cup of Health, Intuition, and Enchantment 

Brewing tea is more than just magic, it is an intimate act steeped in rich history, exciting pageantry, and ceremonial rituals. This beginner-friendly book covers everything you need to know about tea, including all six true varieties, herbal tisanes, and even cannabis tea. You will learn how to: 

• Create your own blend • Properly brew the perfect pot • Safely charge your tea with crystals • Connect to spirit guides and guardian angels • Draw on the influence of the zodiac • Scry into your teacup • Call on gods and goddesses • Read the leaves and water 

With chants, sigils, visualizations, and other tools, there is likely more to tea witchery than you ever imagined. This book's gentle guidance through the world of tea will help you improve meditation, increase wellness, enhance spell work, and expand your joy one cup at a time.

Review: Tasseography, the use of tea leaves (or coffee grounds) for divination, is an ancient art and one I've been personally interested in for a number of years but have never found a truly satisfying book on the subject. Imagine my excitement when I was gift an e-ARC from the publisher for Tea Magic by Jenay Marontate! "Finally," I thought, "here is a book that will explain tasseography." Alas, my search continues because the actual section on interpreting tea leaves and symbols is small and comes at the very end of the book. The majority of the book is dedicated to the various types of teas, blends, and their preparations. 

This is not to say the book isn't interesting because it is! I had no idea tea could be such a complex subject, and I'm also grateful to have information provided on different types of water that can be used for steeping tea in order to enhance its mystical properties. Marontate differentiates between green tea, black tea, white tea, and herbal infusions, which aren't truly "tea" as they generally don't contain any actual tea leaves. She also provides information on steeping times, water temperature, and a host of other brilliant insights into how to incorporate tea magic into daily life. I will certainly be referring to this book in the future.

However, I still wish the author had spent more time exploring the actual practice of tasseography as a form of divination. Whether it be in the form of interpreting visions found in clouds of milk or cream added to tea (or coffee) and signs/symbols in leaves (or grounds), I would have liked more pages devoted to the practical side of tea magic than to the selection of the tea itself. There are certainly little insightful nuggets throughout the book, such as using a tea bag as a pendulum (something I'd never considered before and I use pendulums a lot), that I found helpful and will definitely try in the future. 

Overall, I had hoped a book titled Tea Magic would spend a little more time on the practical side of the magic. But, I'm happy to have read the book and will gladly add a physical copy to my shelf upon publication.

Book Review: The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners by Sarah Bartlett

 

Title: The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners

Author: Sarah Bartlett
Genre: Witchcraft - Wicca - Spells
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 14, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Manifest your dreams with easy-to-follow spells that align with the cycles of nature and the universe. 

Magic can change your life and help you manifest your best self. Anyone with the curiosity and willingness can connect to the power of the natural and supernatural and to blend ancient practices in a modern context. Adapted from Sarah Bartlett’s The Witch’s Spellbook, this guide gives new and aspiring witches a simple path to the art of practical magic and the empowerment of magic spells. 

Following an introduction to the basics of witchcraft, The Witch’s Spellbook for Beginners holds an abundance of spells organized by concern—including your self, change, wishes, love, home and family, career, money, and protection. Whether you are looking to channel spirit guides and those who have passed over, need a protection amulet for you or a loved one, or manifest a new direction that aligns with your life’s desires, this spellbook will empower and inform your budding craft as a witch. Harness the power of the astrological elements, explore the lunar cycles and how they can enhance your magic, and embrace the seasons to amplify your spells and divination work. 

The spells include: 

*Find Your Life Direction 
*Restore Holistic Health 
*Make a Decision 
*Manifest an Aspiration 
*Ignite Desire 
*Get Over a Breakup 
*Change Careers 
*Open the Door to Prosperity 
*Banish Negativity 

Plan your spellwork by date, season, and lunar phase, and identify spells that can be used any time, using the calendar index of spells at the back of the book. 

Start your journey into witchcraft with purposeful and practical spells for every day and every event.

Review: Spellbooks are among the hardest to review because everyone comes to spells and witchcraft (or Wicca) via their own unique path and therefore, each individual has their own experiences that can potentially bias their opinion. Personally, I'm a Wiccan Witch with over thirty years of experience as both a solitary practitioner and in working with groups/covens. I've been trained in different traditions and for the most part, I prefer to work as a solitary. This being said, I understand the desire anyone may have to learn spells and how to use them.

The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners is certainly a good resource for anyone who is just starting. However, I would caution such a person to not jump blindly into spell work. Bartlett does take time in the introductory pages of the book to very briefly cover the history of spells and magic use, magical tools and tips, and to be sure the chosen spells or rituals are being performed for the correct reasons. While I appreciate that Bartlett covers the Threefold Law (again, very briefly) and the fact that spells are not a hundred precent effective nor are they a one-size-fits-all cure, I do believe the author could have spent more time discussing the issue of "karmic backdraft" if a spell is done either for the incorrect reason (such as wanting to cause harm to another) or with the incorrect intent (such as a desire to have a specific person fall in love with the caster). Let me be clear: Spells are not harmless fun. Spells are part of a larger magical system that incorporates many different factors and must be respected. I'm not saying that Bartlett is disrespectful, far from it, but again, I believe more could be said in the introductory pages of the book to caution readers to be certain their motives are correct before attempting any of the spells listed here.

As for the actual spells and rituals contained in the book, they're all fairly simple and include helpful information such as the best time and/or day(s) to perform them to achieve maximum benefit. The writing is clear and easily understood, and the graphics are crisp. Each spell has a handy materials list so items can be gathered ahead of time. The format is simple and easily followed, even if the ritual or spell requires multiple days to complete.

Overall, The Witch's Spellbook for Beginners is a good introductory book, but for those looking for more in-depth knowledge or a better understanding of Witchcraft (or Wicca) as a spiritual path, this may not be the best starting point.

Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals by Dawn Baumann Brunke

 

Title: The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals

Author: Dawn Baumann Brunke
Genre: Spirituality - Spirit Animals - Shamanism
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 12, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Discover your spirit animals and embrace the wisdom all around you 

Spirit animals provide guidance and wisdom, and can help you to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. We all have one or more spirit guides—the key is to learn how to communicate with them. Adapted from Key to Spirit Animals by Dawn Braumann Brunke, Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Animals provides an overview of animal guides and includes interactive exercises that allow you to attune to animal wisdom and form a meaningful relationship with your spirit animals. 

Perfect for beginners, this book assumes no prior experience with shamanistic communication and provides a basic but detailed overview of all the common spirit animals, what they symbolize, and what a particular spirit animal tells you about yourself. Activity-based lessons and exercises help you discover and understand how to approach and communicate with your personal animal spirit guides. 

Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Animals features: 

*Exercises for discovering and attuning to your spirit animals—Learn to engage your spirit animals consciously through meditations and dreams, and fine-tune your observational skills to learn to interpret the subtleties of what animal encounters mean. 

*Reference entries for over 100 different spirit animals—Discover the power and spiritual significance of a multitude of individual animals, birds, insects, and reptiles through concise descriptions of each animal’s expertise along with questions, suggestions, and recommendations to benefit their teachings. 

*Practical ways to deepen your spirit animal relationships—Explore how to share consciousness to experience reality from an animal’s perspective, integrate animal teachings into everyday life, share your experiences, and give back to life in heartfelt ways. 

Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Animals also provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting an abundance of signs and omens from nature that you might not otherwise take notice of. 

Open your mind to the inherent wisdom of the animal world by following the guidance in this truly simple guide for beginners.

Review: The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals the one of the best introductory books I've read on the subject of working with animal spirit guides. Dawn Baumann Brunke has an easy style of writing that's like having a conversation with a wise friend or mentor. The book is filled with great information on how to connect with animal guides and incorporate them into daily life. 

The book starts with basic information on shamanism and connecting with animal guides. Exercises and meditations make it easy to understand and navigate these unique spiritual paths. Example encounters and interpretations are used to offer a deeper appreciation for how animals come into our lives to help and guide us, whether their presence is short term or forever. One aspect of animals guides I've rarely seen addressed in other books is that of Shadow Animals, those guides who come to us to show the not-so-pretty side of ourselves and how we may improve upon it. Personally, I'm happy to see this topic addressed as I feel it's one that is important, especially for beginners, to understand that spirit animals are as dynamic and multifaceted as their human counterparts.

The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals goes beyond some other books in that is offers information not only on the animals themselves but on other aspects such as color, number, location, postures and actions, and how not every animal will mean the same thing to every person. The book devotes an entire chapter to the spirit animals and their teachings under different categories likes large and small mammals, birds, insects and arachnids, and finally, reptiles and water animals. This makes for easy referencing so the reader isn't thumbing through pages of lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!) to find information on the musical cricket or the humble frog. The book ends with how to integrate spirit animals into daily life. Again, samples interpretations are provided as well as suggestions for deepening our connection with our animal guides.

Overall, The Beginner's Guide to Spirit Animals is a perfect fit for anyone looking to discover their animal guide or wishes to deepen their connection with already established guides. 

Book Review: Tarot for Beginners by Ann Crane

Title: Tarot for Beginners

Author: Ann Crane
Genre: Spirituality - Divination - Tarot
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 9-11, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Unlock your own innate psychic potential with this accessible tarot reference 

This is your step-by-step guide to learning to read and interpret this mystical deck of seventy-eight cards. Tarot for Beginners explains the mystery and power of tarot through easy-to-understand text and simple, interactive lessons and exercises. Learn the symbolic mirror of opportunity that tarot provides to help you to make crucial decisions, confirm your true desires for the future, and enhance self-understanding. 

Tarot for Beginners will help you build your skills and learn all there is to know about reading the tarot without the complication and confusion that burdens more advanced books on the subject. You will be successfully channeling the messages offered in the tarot almost immediately. This essential reference features: 

*Tarot basics—Perfect for the absolute beginner, learn the history of tarot, what deck to choose, how to care for your deck, the significance of card-selection order and card positions, and how to access and learn to trust your intuition. 

*Paths to connect with the meanings of the cards—The book includes a survey of the meanings and example interpretations of every card of the major and minor arcana accompanied by exercises for connecting with their individual energies. 

*Tips for building confidence—Get acquainted with a variety of different spreads, learning from example interpretations, and build your intuitive power culled from the cards for your growth and self-awareness. 

Build your confidence quickly as you learn to harness the psychic power of the tarot deck, and soon you will begin to see what you couldn’t before. This new power will strengthen your decision-making at work and with money, relationships, family, and your own path to happiness.

Review: I love tarot cards almost as much as I love crystals and gemstones. At last count, I've collected somewhere between 20 and 25 tarot decks, and each has its own unique art, suggested layouts, and suggested interpretations for cards. However, to paraphrase a statement by Crane in Tarot for Beginners, the tarot is based on archetypes and symbology that speak to a universal language so regardless of the deck, anyone can learn to understand this language through practice. Tarot for Beginners is a great place for those just starting to learn the tarot as well as seasoned users.

Crane breaks the book down into four primary sections: The Basics, The Major Arcana, The Minor Arcana, and Interpreting Spreads. The first sections covers precisely what it states--the basics. Crane begins with a brief history of the tarot and then moves into how to choose the deck that is right for you, caring for your deck, the deck's structure, and finally, using the cards. Exercises, affirmations, and rituals are sprinkled throughout to help you in choosing, maintaining, and becoming familiar with the deck so you aren't always relying on the suggested interpretations provided by deck creators. These also build confidence in the user's abilities and are a great way for someone new to divination with the tarot to learn to trust their intuition. 

The next two sections cover the Major and Minor Arcana with exercises, rituals, and suggested interpretations for each card. I really like that Crane takes the time to address the Major and Minor separately and then further breaks the information down to individual cards all the while encouraging the reader to follow their own intuition for interpretations. There are many books on the tarot and all provide slightly different approaches and suggested ways of finding meaning within the cards. The fact that Crane states multiple times that the user shouldn't simply rely on suggested interpretations from a deck's creator but should develop their own approach and intuition is refreshing. 

The final section offers several different spreads that range from a simple three-card daily draw to a nine-card complex reading. Each spread has its own benefits, but when presenting each, Crane offers an explanation of the cards' positions and an example reading. I'm always searching for new spreads to try and found a couple I hadn't tried here so I can't wait to but them to use. 

Overall, Tarot for Beginners is a perfect book for anyone looking to start working with tarot cards or a seasoned reader who may be looking for ways to deepen their connection to tarot. Crane's easy writing style and conversational tone make for a quick read. This is one book that's found a permanent place on my shelf.

Book Review: The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing by Ashley Leavy

Title: The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing

Author: Ashley Leavy
Genre: Spirituality - Energy Healing - Crystals
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 9, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Discover 100 of the most empowering crystals for promoting spiritual balance, protection, and healing. 

The Beginner’s Guide to Crystal Healing, adapted from Ashley Leavy’s Crystals for Energy Healing, offers the perfect amount of information for the budding crystal enthusiast, including a range of crystals and their natural attributes, legendary powers, and holistic benefits along with information on each crystal’s specific energy and how the channel it for protection and healing. 

This essential guide features beautiful photography of every stone for clear identification as well as charts and illustrations detailing the basics of crystals for chakras, energy, and psychic healing. You will gain an essential understanding of crystals and how to use them, and help finding the right crystals for your own needs, as you explore: 

*Crystal basics, including what they are, how they work, and some of the common ways to use them 

*How to choose, cleanse, and dedicate your crystals 

*How to incorporate crystal healing into your daily routine, including affirmations, chakra balancing, crystal grids, and meditations 

*A crystal directory divided into three sections by purpose (emotional healing, spiritual healing and guidance, and shielding and protection) that helps you select the right crystals for each situation and use them effectively 

Protect your energy-body, change your mindset, and balance your emotions with this easy-to-use crystal guide.

Review: First, let me begin by saying I love crystals and stones. I have them placed all over my house, and every year, my husband and I travel to a gem & mineral show that's held around the same time as my birthday so I can add to my collection. So when I say I've read a lot of books on crystals and how they can be used for healing, wellness, and magic, I mean I've truly read a lot of books. 

Now, with that said, I can honestly tell you that Leavy's The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing is one of the best I've come across in recent years. The book is written in a plain manner that is both engaging and informative. Leavy takes the time in the beginning of the book to explain what crystals are, how they naturally form, how they've been used over time for everything from healing to magic to simple decor. 

The book is divided into three main sections dealing with the basics, crystal healing, and a crystal sourcebook that's further broken down into three subsections dealing with crystals for emotional healing, crystals for spiritual healing, and crystals for shielding and protection. I really like this layout for the sourcebook because while most books list stone and crystals in alphabetical order like an encyclopedia it can often been hard to find the right information in a hurry. If you're an energy worker, such as a Reiki practitioner or empath, then you know there are times when you need critical information at your fingertips. Although the sourcebook provided here is not exhaustive, it does cover many of the most commonly used crystals used in healing.

In addition to an easily searched sourcebook, "The Basics" of crystals are discussed with topics such as the history of crystal healing, ways of using healing crystals, sensing energies and selecting crystals, as well as how to properly cleanse and maintain your crystals. I especially like Leavy's suggestion to begin a crystal healing journal. This is a fabulous idea for someone who is just starting out because it allows you to see how your relationship with crystals grows over time, what works for you, what doesn't work, and how you're progressing. Leavy also addresses shapes and colors for crystals and how these can affect the energy. This isn't a topic I've personally seen covered in too many books and found it to be a welcomed addition here.

The section for crystal healing includes topics on how to get started, incorporating crystals into your personal and sacred spaces, and combining crystals with positive affirmations as well as exercises for including crystals in meditation. The exercises are simple and yet so effective for helping to open the senses to working with crystal energies. Again, this is an often overlooked topic in some books and an overly complicated one in others. I appreciate Leavy's deft touch at balancing between information, effectiveness, and ease. 

Overall, The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing is a great source book for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of crystal healing. Even seasoned energy workers will find helpful information and exercises to enhance their relationship with crystals. 

Book Review: Moon Energy for Beginners by Simone Butler

Title: Moon Energy for Beginners

Author: Simone Butler
Genre: Spirituality - Astrology
Publisher: New Shoe Press - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: October 11, 2022
Read: November 8, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Awaken, heal, and manifest your goals by connecting with the sacred feminine powers of the Moon 

The Moon, which waxes and wanes in predictable cycles, is the symbol and path for finding empowerment and strength in the cycles of birth, growth, death, and renewal. Moon Energy for Beginners, adapted from Simone Butler’s Moon Power, shows you how to honor the primal feminine powers—intuition, emotion, sexuality, creation, communion with nature—as they have been in the past by connecting spiritually with the Moon as you learn how to read and act on the lunar astrological signs and cycles. 

This empowering book explores: 

*The history of Moon worship and introduction to the phases—This accessible guide provides a basic history of ancient Moon worship, a simple introduction to the Moon phases, and the meanings of New and Full Moons. 

*The 12 Moon signs—You’ll find details on working with each sign as the Moon passes through it, a goddess and power animal for each Moon sign, and activities and rituals for connecting with their energy during certain Moon phases. 

*Recognition and development of your lunar nature—Even if you are completely new to harnessing lunar energy, you will learn how, through reflection, ritual, and purposeful action, you can connect to your emotional nature and inner spirit more deeply. 

Moon Energy for Beginners offers a simple path to reuniting with your inner Goddess in ways that deeply satisfy your soul. 

Review: There are many books on the market that deal with the subject of drawing on the moon for energy, inspiration, and magic. So what makes Simone Butler's any different from all these others? Simply, the book is concise, easy to read, and doesn't overly complicate the subject matter nor does it attempt to shoehorn the subject into a specific spiritual path. Butler approaches moon energy from an astrological standpoint and keeps things simple so that anyone--beginner, intermediate, or experienced--can incorporate her information into their path, whatever it may be. 

Special terms and concepts are highlighted in the text in call-out boxes that give more detail where it's needed. Butler's explanation of terms like "Super Moon," "Blood Moon," and the differences between lunar and solar eclipses are detailed and yet easily understood. She offers simple rituals and exercises to tune into lunar energies and how these may be used to enhance daily life. The fact that she's able to do all this without referring to an overarching path and stick to an astrological basis is undoubtedly the most helpful aspect of the book.

The reader is prompted to visit two separate websites to learn their own moon sign and moon phase at the time of their birth. (I found this really helpful as I was able to determine my moon sign to be Capricorn with a moon phase of waxing crescent. Something I didn't know until I read this book.) Once the reader has determined both, the book is divided into individual moon signs and each has helpful information such as lunar superpower, lunar shadow, sexual nature, karmic path, and moon qualities. I especially enjoyed reading about the moon women, or ancient goddesses, associated with each moon sign. Also included with the goddess information is sections about animals sacred to that goddess, how to set up an altar, and both full and new moon rituals. Activities and inspiration round out the individual moon signs. 

Overall, Moon Energy for Beginners is a great resource for anyone interested in astrology, lunar goddesses, and working with moon energy. It certainly has found a home on my bookshelf.