The 2nd Annual Alaska Steamposium is next week in Anchorage and we are very excited about being returning vendors! Steampunk, with its old-world aesthetics and tie-ins of spiritualism and cult societies of the Victorian era, is a subculture many witches love. Whether or not you're able to join us next week, you can still lavish the steampunk witch in your life (especially if it is yourself) with these magickal gifts. Steampunk Tarot Deck3 to choose from! For the crafty witch
Great for those who love to make or embellish their books of shadows After last month's review of American Gods for the Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge, I thought I would continue with another work of Neil Gaiman, this time writing with the amazing and late Terry Pratchett (I say late, but I will admit that the term seems a little strange...what on earth is he late for?) ~ Good Omens. I must admit, I am particularly fond of my copy of Good Omens because across the top is a review snippet from another favorite author of mine - Clive Barker (who said of Good Omens, "The Apocalypse has never been funnier"). There is just something about seeing the names of three amazing authors on one cover, even if they did not write it all together. Book SummaryIts the end of the world as we know it...or that is what orders from Heaven and Hell are, anyways. Here on earth, things have their own ways of working out - that free will thing and the wonderful blunders and follies of humans tend to twist fate as it has always done. This time, however, the hindrance of the apocalypse is being helped along by our unlikely heroes - the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale. FavoritesI must first say that I believe Crowley to be one of my most favorite characters in literature. The humor in this book in undeniable. I find myself laughing out loud frequently - and forcing those around me to listen as I read certain, particular funny excerpts. RatingRecommended Reading*affiliate links used in this blog post
Witchy Crafts |
Here was the first issue I came across in the book. I just cannot seem to make a wand stand out of incense cones. I was so excited about this craft too - buying patchouli cones and glue sticks and working away in scented bliss at the craft table...only to have the glue burn me and stick to EVERYTHING and the incense cones fall apart and the stand break away just after my picture was taken. Ack! |
I double and triple checked the book and couldn't figure out exactly what I did wrong. It migth have been the glue temperature, it might have been the type of incense cone I used, it might have been Mercury in retrograde or a void moon...who knows. If you attempt this particular project and it works for you, please let me know so I can see where we differed!
Kitchen Witch Wand
Probably my favorite of the projects I created. The spoon was one of my cheapest craft buys ever - got a pack of 3 bass wood spoons at the dollar store for, you guessed it, a dollar. I used Aventurine and gold for the main color themes because I wanted this want to bring in growth, prosperity, and healing into my kitchen projects. The stone donut I bought at Stars of Alaska and the craft wire from Alaska Bead Company. |
I did, of course, have to add my own flair to the wand with replacing raffia/hemp with gold plated copper wire and doing a lil pyrographed sigil on the back.
Sugar Body Scrub
I tried this out in 2 different recipes to which I added my own ingredients:
Latte: Add a teaspoon or so of used coffee grounds (does cause some coffee residue in bathtub to clean out later) and a couple of drops of patchouli
Latte: Add a teaspoon or so of used coffee grounds (does cause some coffee residue in bathtub to clean out later) and a couple of drops of patchouli
Calm: Add 5-10 drops lavender essential oil and some lavender blossoms (last part might cause lavender residue in the bathtub to clean out later)
These recipes are very different from each other in that the coffee recipe can add a caffeinated kick to your bath while the lavender calms you down and relaxes you. I can't take credit for the first recipe at all (coffee and patchouli smell divine together btw) as I first tried it from a sampler bar at the organic foods store Earth Fare in Tennessee years ago - been in love ever since.
I'm Not Done Yet!
There are 60 projects in this book and I intend to try my hand at all of them eventually. Some of these would make such great Yule gifts for my witchy friends! I currently have on my crafty to-do list the Pentacle Wreath and Coasters, Goddess Cornucopia, all of the tarot projects (of course), the ritual capelet and clasp, and the Altar Fan. Yea, its a long to-do list...
Issues with the Book
Besides not being able to figure out what the hell went wrong with my incense cone wand stand...I did have a couple of other issues with the book.
When Lexa uses clay, such as in the Heirloom Chalice projects, she doesn't explain very clearly that baking the heirloom pieces like toys and buttons could cause them damage like melting and burning - big safety tip there. I know it should be common sense but I've seen enough craft projects in my time to know that people can get really into what they are doing and without gentle safety reminders they tend to forget that sort of thing.
In the chapter Marvelous Mixtures: Recipes to Delight the storage notes are lacking. When dealing with oils, especially base oils like cocoa butter and almond oil, I always consider the fact these might go rancid without proper storage. I was disappointed to find no notes on storing the lotion bars, sugar scrub, or milk bath and as to how long they should be stored for before going bad and no longer can use. This is something readers would have to look up on their own, so the book is not an all-encompassing resource for these crafts.
When Lexa uses clay, such as in the Heirloom Chalice projects, she doesn't explain very clearly that baking the heirloom pieces like toys and buttons could cause them damage like melting and burning - big safety tip there. I know it should be common sense but I've seen enough craft projects in my time to know that people can get really into what they are doing and without gentle safety reminders they tend to forget that sort of thing.
In the chapter Marvelous Mixtures: Recipes to Delight the storage notes are lacking. When dealing with oils, especially base oils like cocoa butter and almond oil, I always consider the fact these might go rancid without proper storage. I was disappointed to find no notes on storing the lotion bars, sugar scrub, or milk bath and as to how long they should be stored for before going bad and no longer can use. This is something readers would have to look up on their own, so the book is not an all-encompassing resource for these crafts.
Happy Little Chapter Extras
I really loved all the little extra chapters added to the beginning and end of the book that sort of hugs the projects together.
The section on creating a craft group is wonderful for those witchy types that want to get together to celebrate and create. Its especially good for those of us who are solitary and hermits...ehem...to remind us to get out there and be around like-minded magickal people sometimes.
The Witch Trials and Errors chapter near the back of the book that covers different difficulties you might run into when creating these craft projects is super helpful. She covers allergic reactions, the need to work with non-porous materials like glass, and keeping your craft tools away from your kitchen tools.
I'm also a big fan of the charts in the Appendix. These are great and super simple references. I do, however, always recommend every practitioner create their own metaphysical correspondence charts at some point.
The section on creating a craft group is wonderful for those witchy types that want to get together to celebrate and create. Its especially good for those of us who are solitary and hermits...ehem...to remind us to get out there and be around like-minded magickal people sometimes.
The Witch Trials and Errors chapter near the back of the book that covers different difficulties you might run into when creating these craft projects is super helpful. She covers allergic reactions, the need to work with non-porous materials like glass, and keeping your craft tools away from your kitchen tools.
I'm also a big fan of the charts in the Appendix. These are great and super simple references. I do, however, always recommend every practitioner create their own metaphysical correspondence charts at some point.
Rating
While I really, really loved the projects and the whole concept of the book, I did have a couple of working issues with it. In the end I give Witchy Crafts 4 Stars
The Author
Lexa Olick has been crafting for over twenty years, creating artwork through knitting, crochet, felting, ceramics, sewing, and more. Her artwork has been featured in the online magazine Dark Romance, Dog Fancy magazine, and the Showtime series The L-Word. Lexa is also a talented writer who as received numerous awards for her screenplays.
Visit her online at WitchyCraftsBlog.com
Visit her online at WitchyCraftsBlog.com
Also Known As that Big Ass Witchy Book on My Shelf
Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation by Silver RavenWolf
I have had this book for a number of years. It is one of my most read and well loved books on the shelf (please forgive its battered state, its been through a lot). It first came into my life when I was in high school and my small group of friends that were also witches were discussing the book. One of us bought it (Lady Aconita! Do you remember who actually owned it?) and we were passing around notes from it during class (a sort of alternative form of education I suppose). When there was a falling out within that group, I knew I would have to get my own copy eventually...that eventually came nearly a decade later.
When I decided to write a review of this book, I looked at other reviews and mentions online to see if this writing would still be relevant today. Obviously I decided that it was because witches older and younger than myself are still grabbing it off the shelves! That being said, the reviews of the book are on a wide scale with some loving it (like myself) and some outright hating it. One only needs to look at the Amazon reviews to see the spread of opinions.
While I do not want to linger on the discord of some of the bad reviews, I did want to acknowledge that many that I read seemed to be written by people making assumptions about the book rather than reading it for themselves. These assumptions are often based on RavenWolf's controversial books for teens, which have been disregarded as "fluffy" and, in some cases, inappropriate for the age range they are published for. This is, of course, another topic all together but I did want to say I love Silver RavenWolf's writing, she is one of the reasons I studied witchcraft as a teenager, and many of the people that consider her work to be "fluff" ...well I can't really see it and don't think they've actually read much of her work. (Another note: her works of teen fiction are meant to be taken as that - fiction, not how-to manuals).
-deep breath-
Now that we have that covered, let's move on and get into The Ultimate BOS, shall we?
When I decided to write a review of this book, I looked at other reviews and mentions online to see if this writing would still be relevant today. Obviously I decided that it was because witches older and younger than myself are still grabbing it off the shelves! That being said, the reviews of the book are on a wide scale with some loving it (like myself) and some outright hating it. One only needs to look at the Amazon reviews to see the spread of opinions.
While I do not want to linger on the discord of some of the bad reviews, I did want to acknowledge that many that I read seemed to be written by people making assumptions about the book rather than reading it for themselves. These assumptions are often based on RavenWolf's controversial books for teens, which have been disregarded as "fluffy" and, in some cases, inappropriate for the age range they are published for. This is, of course, another topic all together but I did want to say I love Silver RavenWolf's writing, she is one of the reasons I studied witchcraft as a teenager, and many of the people that consider her work to be "fluff" ...well I can't really see it and don't think they've actually read much of her work. (Another note: her works of teen fiction are meant to be taken as that - fiction, not how-to manuals).
-deep breath-
Now that we have that covered, let's move on and get into The Ultimate BOS, shall we?
The book is mapped out in 5 sections (not counting the index and what-nots in the back). Each section takes us deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole from the very basics of witchy history (including the why-fors and how-tos) and on to a grimoire of practices and principles. Each section is also marked by little black tabs on the side so that you can go to any particular part of the book upon opening, rather than consulting the main table of contents in the front.
Each section has its own table of contents. I found this incredibly helpful rather than a 4 page table of contents at the very front to have to keep referring back to. The book actually reads more like an encyclopedia. The organization and effort that went into it...well, I cannot imagine and I wish my own book of shadows was this well put-together (confession: its actually a box of pages at this point waiting on me to reorganize and put it back into book-form).
Each section has its own table of contents. I found this incredibly helpful rather than a 4 page table of contents at the very front to have to keep referring back to. The book actually reads more like an encyclopedia. The organization and effort that went into it...well, I cannot imagine and I wish my own book of shadows was this well put-together (confession: its actually a box of pages at this point waiting on me to reorganize and put it back into book-form).
Shadows of Religion & Mystery
In this section, Silver covers some basic history and principles of witchcraft.
I wanted to note that this section is heavily influenced by Silver's own religious beliefs rather than an over-all view of witchcraft from different cultures. Most of the principles and sections here deal with Wiccan belief systems such as the Charge of the Goddess, sabbats, the Wiccan Rede, and the Witch's Pyramid. That being said, most of this information is good to know for any witch seeking a magickal education, even if they don't practice this in their own lives.
I am a particular fan of the sections on circle-casting (as it answers the question of why we cast a circle in the first place), rites of passage, and ritual from preparation to structure. Yes, this is all basic, 101 sort of stuff but I think even well-versed witches would do themselves some good to review these beginner principles now and then and remind themselves of where we come from and why we do what we do.
I wanted to note that this section is heavily influenced by Silver's own religious beliefs rather than an over-all view of witchcraft from different cultures. Most of the principles and sections here deal with Wiccan belief systems such as the Charge of the Goddess, sabbats, the Wiccan Rede, and the Witch's Pyramid. That being said, most of this information is good to know for any witch seeking a magickal education, even if they don't practice this in their own lives.
I am a particular fan of the sections on circle-casting (as it answers the question of why we cast a circle in the first place), rites of passage, and ritual from preparation to structure. Yes, this is all basic, 101 sort of stuff but I think even well-versed witches would do themselves some good to review these beginner principles now and then and remind themselves of where we come from and why we do what we do.
Shadows of Objects & Tools
This is the smallest section of the book and, I must admit, the one I use the least. Here is where the basic tools are described and the reader is given some basic knowledge of how to use them. I think it is the briefest section because one could write whole books on each category (and have). If you find yourself here, wanting to learn more about the 4 main ritual tools, candle-making for magick, the creation of poppets, and more then I would recommend finding a book that focuses soley on those matters rather than a book like this that only has space for a brief overview to give you the basic idea of why they are important.
Books I recommend include:
Books I recommend include:
Shadows of Expertise & Proficiency
Once we get into the last three sections of the book, the table of contents at the beginning of each section become more and more necessary. These sections are much larger and detailed than the last two. It is also helpful that the sections are laid out alphabetically so if you are studying herbalism and astrological connections, this section is where you need to go and you can easily flip between Astrology and Herbs either by checking with the table of contents or focusing on A and H.
This is the section of the book that I admit I use the most. I am not particularly proficient at astrology at this time and I find Silver's section and how-to's here to be very beneficial. She explains parts about astrology like charting, degrees, hour tables, and retrogrades in such a way that I'm finally, after years of struggling with even my own natal chart, starting to understand. |
I think this section also shows that, though Silver is an old-hand at most aspects of witchcraft, she is particularly fond of certain aspects - Astrology, history, and spell work.
The only part about this section that I found to be an issue (a very minor one) is I don't really understand the inclusion of Affirmations here nor would I have organized the section in the ways she has with Hoodoo and Pow-wow as merely mentioned as segments of spellwork and not given more of a place in the first part of the book as a cultural and magickal lifestyle and practice. I am sure she had her reasons but I can't place them in my own head. I also give a lot of thought to wondering if she or the editors placed things in the book as they are now.
The only part about this section that I found to be an issue (a very minor one) is I don't really understand the inclusion of Affirmations here nor would I have organized the section in the ways she has with Hoodoo and Pow-wow as merely mentioned as segments of spellwork and not given more of a place in the first part of the book as a cultural and magickal lifestyle and practice. I am sure she had her reasons but I can't place them in my own head. I also give a lot of thought to wondering if she or the editors placed things in the book as they are now.
Shadows of Magick & Enchantment
Here is a favorite section of more than a few of my friends. Silver begins to guide us to dip our toes into the work of Hermes Trismegistus, Alchemy, and correspondences. I admit, I don't use this section much as I prefer to refer to my own tables of correspondences and associations rather than using those supplied by others. I will say that I recommend this section highly to those just getting into associative magick and into creating their own talismans and amulets. The correspondence charts and segments here pair very well with the last section with working on spells, using tools, etc.
Shadows of Magick & Real Life
Here is what I consider to be Silver's forte - using magick in everyday life. Here you will find spells, advice, and magickal mindsets for problems spanning minor life struggles of acne and homesickness to major difficulties of imprisonment, finding a job, and eating disorders.
I think this is the section that we can see Silver as a leader in her community and as a mom as she takes so much into consideration and, I believe, that much of this section probably came from real issues that either she, her daughter, or those in her life have had to deal with. As someone who loves to help others add magick into their lives every day, there is a lot of love from me to Silver for putting this section in The Ultimate Book of Shadows (and for including similar sections in most of her non-fiction books).
I think this is the section that we can see Silver as a leader in her community and as a mom as she takes so much into consideration and, I believe, that much of this section probably came from real issues that either she, her daughter, or those in her life have had to deal with. As someone who loves to help others add magick into their lives every day, there is a lot of love from me to Silver for putting this section in The Ultimate Book of Shadows (and for including similar sections in most of her non-fiction books).
Final Notes
I do wish this book came in hard back. This paperback book tends to get a little battered and the spine on mine is already warped from continual use. Also, my back cover is torn from the simple act of moving it around my office space. I get that the addition of a hard cover would make the book heavier but its already a size that I would not consider lugging around to the cafe or study group with me unless necessary so I would not be opposed to a little more weight. This is, of course, more of a publishers issue than it is a book or author issue (are you reading this Llewellyn?!?).
This book is also great to take into consideration when creating your own book of shadows. Use the sections and tables of contents when figuring out what sections you would like to include in your own book or in a book you might be creating for a coven, a beginner witch under your mentorship, or your child if you plan to raise them in the path.
As I am sure you have guessed by my continuous mentions of how much I like this book, I am rating it 5 stars. It is a book that will be on my shelves for perusal and reference for many years and I don't foresee there being a time I don't recommend it to those starting out in the craft.
Silver RavenWolfOne of the biggest controversial names in witchcraft today! Silver's writing career began with how-to articles on art projects and fictional short stories that blossomed into a full-time career in 1991 with her first full length book. Since that time she has written over 21 books for Llewellyn World Wide. Silver is the Tradition Head of the Black Forest Clan, a Wiccan training organization that has grown exponentially in the past twenty years. Not Only is Silver a Witch, she is also a Braucherei (Pow-Wow) Practitioner. With over twenty years of experience, Silver teaches this amazing faith healing system to students all over the world. Be sure to check out her blog and her website. |
I'm a little late in the game for the challenge as it spans out the entire year, however there are no deadlines to signing up. This is the 4th year the challenge has run and there is reason enough in that to believe it will also be available next year for those that want to wait to participate in the whole year (or add it to their new year's resolutions).
This challenge also rounds up the book reviews monthly. Bloggers who participate in the challenge review the books they've read and link them back to Melissa's blog for the round up. This is not only a great way for like-minded bloggers to find each other, in my opinion, but also a way for me to find other book options from the reviews given. I'm all for finding new, witchy book options.
The timing of this challenge coming up for me now is serendipitous in that I recently resolved to read 30-60 minutes a day as part of my self-care. I got away from reading for fun or reading anything not business related for a while. The same went with writing. While I was reading and writing every day, none of it was to relax or to get my creative juices flowing like I used to. So I set the challenge for myself to read 30-60 minutes every day and to do at least 500 words of creative writing daily. (I keep up with these goals as best I can on my Coach.me account where I can check in daily on what goals I've completed).
The Witches & Witchcraft Reading Challenge allows readers to choose books of all sorts, fiction or non-fiction, so long as there are heavy elements of witchcraft or witches in them. Reference books, specifically those that are not read from cover to cover, are not permitted. This encourages me to choose fun reading for the challenge, meeting both this goal and my self-care reading goal.
As part of the challenge, participants declare how many books they plan to read. There are 4 different levels:
As part of the challenge, participants declare how many books they plan to read. There are 4 different levels:
- Initiate: Read 1 – 5 Witchy Books
- Maiden: Read 6 – 10 Witchy Books
- Mother: Read 11 – 15 Witchy Books
- Crone: Read 16 – 20 Witchy Books
Participants can go up a level but they cannot drop into a lower one - for example, I can choose to participate at the Initiate level and go up to Maiden if I decide to read more than # books. However, I cannot start out at the Mother level and drop down to Maiden if I feel that I cannot complete the # of books.
I will be participating at the Initiate level since I am starting late and have quite the busy schedule for the rest of the year, including handling a newborn. We will see how I do come the end of the year.
I will be participating at the Initiate level since I am starting late and have quite the busy schedule for the rest of the year, including handling a newborn. We will see how I do come the end of the year.
*affiliate links are used in this blog post.
Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells
The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts
by Judika Illes
This book is HUGE. I mean that literally. This is one of the biggest books in my library and not one that I would want to carry around with me very much. If it weren't for the modern cover and paper, the brightness of the art, and the slick design, this could easily resemble one of those ancient tomes in movies that the wizard drops down on the table before his apprentice (usually coughing from the cloud of dust lifted) and the table creaks under the weight of it.
Enter the World of Folklore, Myth, and Magic. Discover binding spells and banishing spells, spells for love, luck, wealth, power, spiritual protection, physical healing, and enhanced fertility drawn from Earth's every corner and spanning 5,000 ears of magical history.
This Encyclopedia is 1108 pages long (not counting the table of contents, acknowledgements, and preface) and is broken down into sections and chapters. The 2 main sections are Part One: Elements of Magic Spells and Part Two: The Spells. I also count the index, appendices, and other information in the back as Part Three, though it is not labeled as such in the table of contents. Chapters in Part Two are categorized alphabetically and titled simply from Animal Spells to Youth, Beauty, and Longevity Spells. Not only is the book easily categorized but the 14 page index in the back leaves no room for confusion. |
Illustrations in the book are sparse however, spattered across almost every page are stars, pentacles, and little wands in place of bullet points.This smattering of images is wonderfully whimsical, witchy, and much appreciated.
I've run into a lot of people who sneer at spell books sold at book stores and claiming that the readers and practitioners that buy these books fall into that derogatory category of "Fluffy Bunny." I encountered that harsh judgement in my own home with regards to this very book. Its a rather large book, as I said, and its colors, size, and title are very evident on my book shelf no matter where I've lived. A friend came over with an acquaintance of hers that is an IT expert, a practicing witch, and says he is a descendant of the Romany people. He saw my book shelf as he was working on my computer (I'm hopeless when it comes to tech stuff it seems) and pointed out that I had a spell book. His tone was derisive and he looked me over saying "You know those books don't work. They don't explain why magick actually works."
I only smiled and asked how the computer work was going, unwilling to go into this conversation with a stranger that had a hold of my most expensive piece of property at the time.
I only smiled and asked how the computer work was going, unwilling to go into this conversation with a stranger that had a hold of my most expensive piece of property at the time.
The thing is, I sort of agree with him...sort of.
I don't usually buy spell books. Its not because I don't see their value but its like he said, they don't explain why this or that spell actually works (if it works at all). These are like books of recipes. Spell books tell you the tools you need (kitchen tools and ingredients), the words to say (turn you oven on 450), how to use the tools and dispose of the spell after (mixing, baking, how long, and clean up). They don't usually explain that the reason you are using citrine and cinnamon in your better business spell is because citrine is a strong manifestation stone and cinnamon draws in clients and money just like a recipe won't go into detail about why baking powder helps your cakes become fluffy and that the reason to use butter instead of margarine is flavor as well as moistness.
I don't usually buy spell books. Its not because I don't see their value but its like he said, they don't explain why this or that spell actually works (if it works at all). These are like books of recipes. Spell books tell you the tools you need (kitchen tools and ingredients), the words to say (turn you oven on 450), how to use the tools and dispose of the spell after (mixing, baking, how long, and clean up). They don't usually explain that the reason you are using citrine and cinnamon in your better business spell is because citrine is a strong manifestation stone and cinnamon draws in clients and money just like a recipe won't go into detail about why baking powder helps your cakes become fluffy and that the reason to use butter instead of margarine is flavor as well as moistness.
Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells
is Not Your Ordinary Spell Book.
Simply reading the first part of the book, with its essays on using magickal tools to key concepts of how spells work, shows that this is not a recipe book. The jist of this whole matter can be summed up in the opening of the second chapter - Key Concepts for Casting Magic Spells:
"Although one can just start casting spells, learning by trial and error, understanding certain key concepts boost the changes of a spell-caster's success."
Judika does an excellent job at giving us those key concepts.
Even though every spell might not go in depth as to the why-fores and where-bys, there is an explanation to be found for the reason the author recommends goats milk for beauty and Galangal root for gambling spells. If the current spell you are reading doesn't have the explanation, a quick check in the index and the other spells or listings in that category will quickly point you to an explanation.
Even though every spell might not go in depth as to the why-fores and where-bys, there is an explanation to be found for the reason the author recommends goats milk for beauty and Galangal root for gambling spells. If the current spell you are reading doesn't have the explanation, a quick check in the index and the other spells or listings in that category will quickly point you to an explanation.
My favorite thing about this book isn't necessarily the spells however, its the recipes to make your own magickal ingredients. In the back of the book is a Formulary that has recipes for such spell ingredients as Florida Water, Crown of Success Oil, Dragons Blood Ink, and Kyphi. I love having recipes for these ingredients at hand with simple explanations of how to create it so that I don't have to rely solely on ordering off the internet for those items that I can't usually find around where I live. I also think its good practice for people to make their own magickal ingredients just as it is good for them to make their own magickal tools - not only does this add their own energies to the mix but it connects them to their spiritual heritage.
Favorite Spells from the Encyclopedia include:
Her recommendations for psychic enhancement such as the Oya Courage Spell, her dreama nd psychic vision incense recipes, and pretty much her whole chapter on the Evil Eye I love! Lately I've also been digging on her protection spells recorded for protecting children. Also, her recipe for Kyphi is one of the easier processes and certainly one of the best ones I've found so far when it comes to results.
A little warning for those of you who practice a form of magickal craft and belief system that shuns any spell work that 1) controls the free will of others or 2) has a negative effect on another person - you stand a chance at being offended by some of the spells in this book. Judika has proven herself to be well-versed in Hoodoo and folk magick as well as having knowledge of modern Western magickal practices of Wiccans and newer faiths. She doesn't skimp on spells from one system or another in this book and magick of all sorts can be found here.
Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes is an excellent resource for the home library of any magickal practitioner whether new or an old hand at spell craft.
I give Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells 5 stars!
Judika IllesBorn in New York City, Judika Illes's interest in the metaphysical began in childhood. A lifetime pursuing and researching that interest ensued: astrology, mythology, herbalism, and divination as well as spiritual, magical, folkloric, and healing traditions from all over Earth. Illes, an independent scholar and teacher, is a graduate of Rutgers College and The Australaisian College of Herbal Studies. She is the author of the Encyclopedia of Spirits, Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, and Pure Magic. Visit the author online at www.judikailles.com |
*This is not a paid review, nor did I receive any book or other endorsement for my writing.
I did however use affiliate links. Thank you for your patronage.
I did however use affiliate links. Thank you for your patronage.
The thing is, the people complaining about 101 books on the market are not beginners, so of course they do not need a 101 book. They are not who the 101 books are written for. Beginners books are written for beginners and with the wide range people new to magick, each one is bound to be looking for something a little bit different.
I hear this all the time among the spiritual community, we don't need another witchcraft or Wicca 101 book. We don't need another book for beginners on tarot. We don't need another basics of crystals and healing book.
I know, I know, this is coming off as a bit of a rant. It might be. I'll try and restrain myself a bit. However, I felt the need to acknowledge this complaint as I just read it again the other day in a forum with the complaining party discussing how a writer s/he knows is working on a beginners books for witches. My first reaction was annoyance and a little bit of anger, I must admit. Writers should be encouraged, not broken down because of the subject of their writing.
I know, I know, this is coming off as a bit of a rant. It might be. I'll try and restrain myself a bit. However, I felt the need to acknowledge this complaint as I just read it again the other day in a forum with the complaining party discussing how a writer s/he knows is working on a beginners books for witches. My first reaction was annoyance and a little bit of anger, I must admit. Writers should be encouraged, not broken down because of the subject of their writing.
As years go on, books on the basics will be called upon to cover different things in order to be relevant to the new reader. For example: new witches in the city who don't have much access to the wilds of nature need books that discuss the basics of how to live a magickal life in an urban setting. While, yes there are books about urban magick, they need to be updated for new generations as terminology, dates, spells, and illustrations will quickly become outdated as technology grows. Already, my copy of Patricia Telesco's book The Urban Pagan looks retro to most young pagans who are looking for a book written just for them. |
The same goes for books on tarot and astrology, especially in regard to relationships. Our society is evolving and changing. Our diversity is starting to be celebrated more and more and our books need to reflect this. No longer can books on romantic tarot spreads and astrological compatibility only cover heteronormative couples. We need books and spreads that also talk about same-sex couples, polyamory, and gender-queer querents.
New witches and spiritual seekers need new information (and, lets be honest, our veterans could also do with a return to the basics in new light every one in a while).
New witches and spiritual seekers need new information (and, lets be honest, our veterans could also do with a return to the basics in new light every one in a while).
That all being said, one more reason that the "Not another 101 book" argument is simply silly. Each writer, publisher, illustrator, editor, etc is different. Each one is going to create a very different book. This is great because each reader is different and is looking for something that speaks to them, not the masses. It is very unlikely that there are as many 101 books out there as there are new people to magick.
After all of that, I do want to say that I get it. I get it. It is like 500x easier to find a beginners book on a topic than it is to find one for a more advanced practitioner. This goes for nearly every topic and category on the market. There are simply more writers and publishers creating content for new people than those developing their current audience for the most part. I personally am overjoyed when I find books that teach more than basic card meanings and the Celtic Cross spread (yes, these books do exist, they're just hard to find...like unicorns).
I have often wondered why it is that there aren't as many intermediate and advanced books on the market.
- For one, it is indeed easier to write what you know and most practitioners who are writing have the basics down already.
- It is easier to re-invent the wheel than it is to, say, reinvent the whole car. Writing about something already fully developed by others is going to give authors more ideas and they will see their own angle easier when they can see the whole box.
- There already are advanced books on the market. With the complaints about 101 books being what they are, the publishers and authors of the more advanced books might not want to have the same objections raised towards their category.
- Authors that are advanced and could write books on the intermediate and advanced levels are busy. I have this image that the advanced masters of the craft are occupied with studying the mysteries of the occult and have no time to explain their findings to us mere journeymen. Or, more likely, they are busy at the conventions, gatherings, and books signings. (This is probably far far from the truth, but its an idea I had and thought I would share.)
- Lastly, authors and publishers might simply not be aware there is a market for advanced books. There certainly isn't much of a section for them in the store that I've seen. Maybe they simply need to be aware that their readers want more.
I have other theories, each more silly than the last. In the end, it all comes down to letting the author and publisher knew what we want. So when you browse the Llewellyn or Azure Green catalog, or peruse the local book store, and see a new 101 book on the area of your interest, don't bemoan it. My suggestion is, instead of being frustrated at the flood of beginner books on the market, make it known to your favorite stores, publishers, and writers what you are looking for - intermediate or advanced books on the subject of your interest. Remember, we are magickal people that bring our desires into being and manifest changes in our lives. This is relevant to the information we seek as well.
Blessings,
December
P.S. I do want to thank writers like Raven Grimassi, Patricia Telesco, Raven Kaldera, Eileen Connolly, and the many others who do write amazing books and resources not only for those just starting out but also for those practitioners wanting to deepen their magickal experience and go further. Thank you, thank you.
What is your favorite intermediate or advanced book on magick, divination, healing, etc?
*affiliate links are used in this post.
December
P.S. I do want to thank writers like Raven Grimassi, Patricia Telesco, Raven Kaldera, Eileen Connolly, and the many others who do write amazing books and resources not only for those just starting out but also for those practitioners wanting to deepen their magickal experience and go further. Thank you, thank you.
What is your favorite intermediate or advanced book on magick, divination, healing, etc?
*affiliate links are used in this post.
When I learned Eat Pray Love was a book, I knew I had to read it. This review was first written in 2014 for Amazon. I edited it and posted it here for you all as the sentiments expressed are pretty much still the same. The book came back to my attention when doing readings with the Chrysalis Tarot and learning that The Visionary in the deck was based on Ketut from Eat, Pray, Love. When I pulled it one day in a daily reading, I was spurred into an Eat, Pray, Love marathon of book and movie and had to share.
I need to go ahead and get this out of the way.
Most books are better than the movie. This is a well known and constantly repeated fact. There are a few exceptions to this rule - Witches of Eastwick, Chocolat and Practical Magic being three of those exceptions (sorry ladies who love the books, they bored the hell outta me and totally not what I expected after such imaginative movies).
This movie and book were not exceptions.
If I was enamoured with the movie, I am deeply involved with the book...
I'd wear its Letterman jacket, or ring...we might just get matching tats.
I need to go ahead and get this out of the way.
Most books are better than the movie. This is a well known and constantly repeated fact. There are a few exceptions to this rule - Witches of Eastwick, Chocolat and Practical Magic being three of those exceptions (sorry ladies who love the books, they bored the hell outta me and totally not what I expected after such imaginative movies).
This movie and book were not exceptions.
If I was enamoured with the movie, I am deeply involved with the book...
I'd wear its Letterman jacket, or ring...we might just get matching tats.
I won't complain about the movie here - though I do wish I could have seen on screen some of the amazing people the script omitted but were beautifully described in the book. I do understand partially why the screenwriters and directors omitted the political discussion on America's immigration policy and the war in Iraq as such a view could make the movie more about politics and less about this woman's journey - but man I would have loved to "meet" Yudhi and hear his guitar.
I smile immediately at the intro that explains how this story, with its 3 main sections and its 108 parts, like the beads of a mala with this 109th bead being her section of thanks. It was such a beautiful, thought-provoking explanation. I hadn't ever read a book set up in such a way. It was introducing me to a friend for the first time, it seemed, after its reputation preceded and we had eyed each other from across the cocktail party. Hello. It also made me get out my mala after it had been put away for a few months.
I smile immediately at the intro that explains how this story, with its 3 main sections and its 108 parts, like the beads of a mala with this 109th bead being her section of thanks. It was such a beautiful, thought-provoking explanation. I hadn't ever read a book set up in such a way. It was introducing me to a friend for the first time, it seemed, after its reputation preceded and we had eyed each other from across the cocktail party. Hello. It also made me get out my mala after it had been put away for a few months.
When you first start to read this amazing story, which begins in Italy, I suggest having some sort of snack near at hand. This first part will make you starve. This week I indulged in Olive Garden five cheese ziti and Great Alaska Pizza Company pepperoni pizza, which are both things I normally try to avoid. I also finished off a tub of triple chocolate gelato. I don't know if my thighs will forgive my reading this book.
One of my favorite characters is in this part of the book is Luca Spaghetti. This is a man who I would invite out to eat just to hear him talk about food and people and life. I think they did a good job casting for him in the movie but this character, I don't think, could ever really be captured on film.
One of my favorite characters is in this part of the book is Luca Spaghetti. This is a man who I would invite out to eat just to hear him talk about food and people and life. I think they did a good job casting for him in the movie but this character, I don't think, could ever really be captured on film.
In the second part of the book...the reader, or this reader I should say...I felt like I was reading a very different book and story. In fact, Liz could have easily written her story in three books without causing the reader to feel something was missing after each adventure.
We are quickly transported from Italy to India...from the world of laid back, amused pleasure to a universe of calm, spiritual, focused concentration.
As much as I wanted to visit Italy after reading part 1, I am dying to visit India after reading part 2.
The idea of spending 4 months in an Ashram, where my only focus is meditating, yoga, the Geet, and getting in touch with the Divine...sounds...well, divine!
Liz is honest about the experience though. There are difficulties such as malaria carrying mosquitoes, being surrounded by poverty, the rough days of getting up at 3 am to meditate, do yoga and attend what is called the Geet all before breakfast at 9. I know myself well enough that a week of that would either make me or break me.
We are quickly transported from Italy to India...from the world of laid back, amused pleasure to a universe of calm, spiritual, focused concentration.
As much as I wanted to visit Italy after reading part 1, I am dying to visit India after reading part 2.
The idea of spending 4 months in an Ashram, where my only focus is meditating, yoga, the Geet, and getting in touch with the Divine...sounds...well, divine!
Liz is honest about the experience though. There are difficulties such as malaria carrying mosquitoes, being surrounded by poverty, the rough days of getting up at 3 am to meditate, do yoga and attend what is called the Geet all before breakfast at 9. I know myself well enough that a week of that would either make me or break me.
I really like Liz's explanation of Kundalini rising. Having experienced this myself, I feel she has best put it into words and congratulate her for that because most books do not explain the sensation very well beyond an energy like a snake rising from base chakra to crown - an explanation that is as dry and non-descript as any textbook. I also loved how she wrote about it from several different religious points of view from Hindu to Catholic. I feel like just that could be a great talking point for a World Religion class lecture.
I also think many of us can completely relate to her difficulty of meditating while the brain or mind keeps distracting you. I do want to point out that she does overcome it and this type of meditation, the clearing of the mind, has been said to be one of the most difficult for those of the Western world to practice.
It is in this section that I cried. Please, if you never read this book...please pick it up at a book store and read pages 157-158. I fell in love with her argument between mind and heart and the heart's response...made me cry joyfully.
But before I give too much away...
I also think many of us can completely relate to her difficulty of meditating while the brain or mind keeps distracting you. I do want to point out that she does overcome it and this type of meditation, the clearing of the mind, has been said to be one of the most difficult for those of the Western world to practice.
It is in this section that I cried. Please, if you never read this book...please pick it up at a book store and read pages 157-158. I fell in love with her argument between mind and heart and the heart's response...made me cry joyfully.
But before I give too much away...
Part 3 in Bali sounds cool enough but unless a guy who looks like Yoda gives me a prophesy, I don't plan on visiting. I feel this part of the book is so much more about the people than the place and I would so love to meet Ketut Liyer, Wayan the healer and her 3 girls (yea she has 3 in the book, not just Tutti), Yuhdi, and Mario the Italian/Indonesian.
Of course, if you've seen the movie, you know that this is where Liz finds love in a Brazilian man named Filipe. Their story is actually continued in the book Committed. So if you fell in love with Felipe too, you might want to check that out.
Of course, if you've seen the movie, you know that this is where Liz finds love in a Brazilian man named Filipe. Their story is actually continued in the book Committed. So if you fell in love with Felipe too, you might want to check that out.
While I loved the romance of it and am super happy that Liz found a champion that made her believe in love again, I was more in love with the ending concept.
In Bali, Liz focuses on Balance.
How do you balance a life between pleasure and devotion?
I have this question too. Should I be an Epicurian? Experience everything life has to offer? OR should I cultivate a life of meditative devotion to the divine? I think I chose my pagan ways because it has this balance. For Liz, this balance was found in practice of her meditation, her yoga, her relationships and her love. She found no reason to give up any of these things. All she gave up was attachment to misery that is guilt and shame and worry. I love that.
In Bali, Liz focuses on Balance.
How do you balance a life between pleasure and devotion?
I have this question too. Should I be an Epicurian? Experience everything life has to offer? OR should I cultivate a life of meditative devotion to the divine? I think I chose my pagan ways because it has this balance. For Liz, this balance was found in practice of her meditation, her yoga, her relationships and her love. She found no reason to give up any of these things. All she gave up was attachment to misery that is guilt and shame and worry. I love that.
I give this book 5 stars, and a witchy nod of approval.
I have recommended it to all of my friends and read it aloud to Damon, whether he wanted to hear it or not, hah! I recommend it to you, too!
Book Blessings,
December
I have recommended it to all of my friends and read it aloud to Damon, whether he wanted to hear it or not, hah! I recommend it to you, too!
Book Blessings,
December
- Tarot Poetry Interview
- Create a Sacred Space for Journaling
- Tarot Spread Testing: Down the Rabbit Hole
Hi! I'm December, the more talkative half of the Seer&Sundry team. Along with reading Tarot, my passion is helping people live a magickal life every day & writing about all things witchy. You'll find all three topics that I love here!
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