Book Review No. 55 - Dark Goddess Craft by Stephanie Woodfield

Wow, it has been awhile since I've been here. I guess I took a hiatus without even realizing it. I actually stepped away from most of the internet, taking some time to deal with family issues and more health work.
So, this review is a long time coming. This was an excellent book, and I enjoyed it a lot. Stephanie Woodfield's "Dark Goddess Craft" was filled with an enormous amount of information about the realms of the dark goddesses.   

 

Book Review No. 53 - Arthurian Magic by Virginia Chandler, John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews and Gareth Knight

Welcome 2018! The ending of a year and the beginning of a new always has a special quality about it, like things get refreshed.
I finished this magical book "Arthurian Magic" by Virginia Chandler, John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews and Gareth Knight. Now, I know little about King Arthur other than the basic mythology, but this book goes way deeper into ancient magics and mythos of the fabled king and Merlin.

Book Review No. 42 - Magical Power for Beginners by Deborah Lipp

Well hello there! Welcome back to my little blog, thanks for taking a gander and I hope you find something interesting. Not a whole lot is going on right now, just trying to stay cool in the heat. I've been listening to a lot of AFI, Alkaline Trio and Charlotte OC. If you've not checked out these artists, you really should.

It took me a little while to finish this week's book, but in no way is that a bad thing. Deborah Lipp's book "Magical Power for Beginners" is excellent. I can honestly say if you are new to this topic, this is a perfect place to start. Lipp covers a whole range of topics, some I never even thought to explore, in a very approachable manner. 

Book Review No. 37 - The Witch's Cauldron by Laura Tempest Zakroff

Welcome back! I've another great book to review. I know I call these "Book Review Tuesdays" and most of these are no longer posted on Tuesdays. Maybe I will get back to being more consistent soon...but until then...I hope you enjoy! Have you ever wanted to know more about the witch's cauldron, that symbol so deeply associated with witchery? I highly recommend Laura Tempest Zakroff's book "The Witch's Cauldron". She did a masterful job covering so many aspects of the magical vessel, this is a great reference book as well as enjoyable to read.  

 

Witch's Salt - What is and How to's with a DIY Black Salt Recipe

I was feeling particularity witchy the other day and decided so try my hand at a new recipe. After watching a plethora of YouTube videos on different salt types used in witchcraft, I wanted to go out a buy them all. And then I saw the price of some of these salts...yikes...they can get quite expensive.   There are many different types of salts, each having their own mineral content (usually dictating the color) and uses. Many of these salts also are used in gourmet cooking, so it can make finding them relatively easy. If you want to just go out and buy some, that is perfectly OK. I found volcanic black lava salt at Walmart for about $5.00 for 8-9 ounces. If you are a little more frugal or more hands on, then I want to share a easy and cheaper (if you have items on hand) way to get one type of salt: Black Salt.  

 

Book Review No. 30 - The Magic of Trees by Tess Whitehurst

Welcome! As it is a new year, I have a whole bunch new books that I want to get too. Yes, my husband has spoiled me and took me book shopping and then I order some more online. I have an addiction. I've also "committed" myself to reading 25 books this year, well that' the goal at least. I didn't read nearly as many books as I wanted last year, so I hope to remedy that in the next solar cycle.    I finished this book awhile ago and took some time to digest its contents. This is such a lovely book, full of a lot of great information. Tess Whitehurst's The Magic of Trees: A Guide to Their Sacred Wisdom & Metaphysical Properties is such a great resource into tree magic. Without a doubt, you can tell Whitehurst put a lot of work and energy into this collection.  

 

Book Review No. 22 - The Norse Shaman by Evelyn C. Rysdyk

Welcome and hello! This week I finished a well-researched book called "The Norse Shaman" by Evelyn C. Rysdyk. Before reading this book, I knew very little--to nothing--about actual shamanic practices of the Norse tradition. I do have a strong anthropological background, so I thoroughly enjoyed the historic data snippets in this book. Rysdyk backs up the Norse shamanic traditions with archeological evidence, which is refreshing. Several books I've read in this genre sort of forgo the archaeological record and jump right into the traditions without giving perspective about the landscape these people survived in.   

  After a brief introduction to shamanism and its role in many cultures across the globe, Rysdyk's focus of the book is on Norse shaman practices (obvious by the name of the book). Each chapter delves into different aspects of this tradition, and Rysdyk provides a meditation prompts to explore shamanistic trances on your own. This is also called "a seiðr ceremony". Warning, this is not a beginners guide to shamanism, and if you are not familiar with meditation or trancework you may want to skip this part of the book until you are more familiar with what to expect. Since I am a novice myself, I read through the meditations but did not perform them. I am looking forward to actually picking up her other book called "Spirit Walking: A Course in Shamanic Power."   Well researched and well written, if you have interest in Norse spiritual practices or just there culture in general, I recommend adding this book to your reading list. I really enjoyed this book, and found I had a hard time putting it down. Rysdyk's book has whet my interested in shamanism and Norse culture (not that I don't already have a strong interest in this region), something I hope to further explore.   Until next time, go out and enjoy the sunshine, Jenny

Book Review No. 19 - Stars at Dawn by Wendy Garling

Hello Hello! Welcome back! This week's book review Tuesday was something a bit new for me. I just finished reading this amazing book by Wendy Garling called "Stars at Dawn: Forgotten Stories of Women in the Buddha's Life" Just look at the book cover, I know you aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I really like artwork.  

Now, before cracking this book open (or turning on my e-reader) I  knew very little--to nothing about the life of the Buddha. My only real encounter with Gautama Buddha was with his beautiful and serene figurines and statues. This book is a feminist view of  Buddha, the author on several occasions points out how in some variations of his life the roles of women are significantly downplayed  and how some Buddhist monastic orders deny women, although Buddha respected women just as men. I read the book I realized the Buddha had many women impact all stages of his life, and he was very keen to include women into the religious practice.   

Book Review No. 17 - The Magical Year by Danu Forest

Welcome dears! Today, I'm writing a review of  book called "The Magical Year" by Danu Forest. This book is a Celtic-centered experience of the Wheel of the Year. Now, if you don't know, the Wheel of the Year is one of the pagan (or neopagan) methods of marking the seasons of the year with a collection of eight celebrations.  

Book Review No. 16 - For the Love of the Gods by Brandy Williams

Hello there! This week I'm writing a review of an interesting book called "For Love of the Gods: The History and Modern Practice of Theurgy" by Brandy Williams.