Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Author Archives: Alanna Kali

About Alanna Kali

Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.

Land Healing, by Dana O’Driscoll

Land Healing: Physical, Metaphysical, and Ritual Practices for Healing the Earth, by Dana O’Driscoll
REDFeather, 0764367706, 208 pages,  March 2024

Land Healing: Physical, Metaphysical, and Ritual Practices for Healing the Earth by Dana O’Driscoll is a comprehensive guide to land healing for neopagans and earth-based spiritual practitioners. Drawing on her decades of experience as a land healer, O’Driscoll offers readers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of ecological stewardship and personal spiritual growth through a flexible framework that’s easy to adapt to one’s lifestyle. The book covers a wide range of topics, including physical land healing, metaphysical healing techniques, and spiritual self-care. 

O’Driscoll is a wonderful guide on the path to becoming a land healer, and her writing in this book is thoughtfully insightful. Since 2019, she has served as Grand Archdruid in the Ancient Order of Druids in America. She is also a certified permaculture designer and permaculture teacher. She successfully weaves in so much information to this book while keeping the reader grounded and centered to integrate the wisdom.

The book begins with an introduction to land healing, sharing with readers why it’s so important right now in our anthropocentric time period to heed the call of tending to the land. O’Driscoll takes the time to explain the foundation of beliefs shared in this book, such as animism, energy-work, and magic, along with how these metaphysic practices can be incorporated into the ecosystems of the physical world.

For those ready to undertake being a land healer, O’Driscoll starts from step one of gathering the necessary supplies. She shares how to make one’s own “Crane Bag” so that one always has the supplies necessary to work with the land in whatever capacity is called for at the moment. There are seven main methods of land interaction she prepared readers to engage in: blessing, growth, healing, protection, sleep, acknowledgement, and passage. Each landscape one works with will require different types of healing, and learning these seven is a great way to get started.

One of the central themes in Land Healing is the concept of reciprocity. O’Driscoll emphasizes the importance of a reciprocal relationship with the earth, where land healers open themselves to commune with the land on the land’s terms rather than their own whims or desires.  There’s an emphasis on forming an intentional relationship with the land before doing any work.

Some land might be very open to the land healer’s desire to work with it, while other land needs time to warm up. Occasionally, land might even refute any efforts of the land healer, and it’s important to honor the land’s decision. O’Driscoll teaches readers how to acknowledge, witness, and apologize to the land–a great first step in building a relationship based on trust and respect. Additionally, she shares the importance of remembrance in this work, honoring what was before as a powerful act of healing.

Readers gain a lot of insight about how to work with the different needs of the land energetically in chapters four through six, where O’Driscoll teaches about the seven elements (four classical elements–fire, air, water, earth–and three spirit aspects–above, below, within). She offers a variety of methods to perform energy work on the land, including sigils, virtualization, meditation, energy work, chanting, creating mandalas, and smoke prayers, depending on the needs of the land.

This was the first book I’ve read on the topic that acknowledged some land might prefer to go into a deep slumber to rest during trauma. Land healers can offer palliative care for land that is too damaged to be fully restored or “energetically awake and suffering”1. I found the chapter on energetic palliative care quite touching, and it made me feel more deeply into the consciousness of different lands.

Later in the book, there’s a chapter about working with plants and animals that have passed on, and I found it very holistic for O’Driscoll to include this too, as it’s not just the land that suffers in the wake of environmental destruction. For those who feel called and ready, she shares a bit about psychopomp work that can be done to help these living entities transition from life to death, as well as rituals to honor those that have passed on.

O’Driscoll’s knowledge of permaculture and ecology shines through in the one chapter about physical land healing. This chapter offers practical advice about how one can get to know their ecosystems better. From studying the plants to engaging in conservation work, there’s plenty of local ways one can get involved with the lands around them. O’Driscoll shares a bit about permaculture, creating wildlife refugia, and the often-overlooked practice of wild-tending as further ways readers can engage physically with the land.

Beyond specific energetic and physical techniques, O’Driscoll emphasizes the importance of the healer’s own spiritual well-being.  The final chapter focuses on self-care and suggests land healers create a self-care plan for themselves when doing this work. The stress of witnessing ecological crises, offering our energy to the land in the form of blessings and healing, or even just basic life stuff that crops up all can take its toll on the well-being of a practitioner. I love that O’Driscoll cares deeply enough for readers to fortify them with wonderful suggestions about how to care for one’s mind, body, and spirit.

Overall, Land Healing is a practical guide for hands-on ways readers can cultivate their practice of engaging with the land physically and energetically to promote ecological well-being. The techniques shared by O’Driscoll promote a deep understanding of the spiritual and energetic dimensions of our relationship with the land. Anyone interested in deepening their relationship with the earth and taking an active role in its healing, particularly those who follow a nature-based spiritual path, will find all they need to begin their own journey of land healing within this book.

While many might set out to heal nature, in turn, I have no doubt they will discover the healing power of nature through this work.  O’Driscoll illustrates how engaging with the natural world can be a transformative experience, offering physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. And one of the best things about this book is how she shares personal anecdotes and practical exercises that encourage readers to embrace nature as a source of solace and inspiration.

Through a combination of ecological wisdom and spiritual insight, O’Driscoll invites readers to embark on a journey of healing—for themselves and the planet. Land Healing is a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their relationship with the natural world and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Aquarian Shaman, by Linda Star Wolf

The Aquarian Shaman: Walking the Spiral Path of Transformation, by Linda Star Wolf
Bear & Company, 1591435145, 192 pages, September 2024

The Aquarian Shaman: Walking the Spiral Path of Transformation by Linda Star Wolf is a captivating exploration of shamanic practices and their relevance in the modern age as humanity undergoes a major shift in consciousness. Star Wolf, a seasoned shamanic practitioner, presents a guide that combines ancient wisdom with contemporary insights, aiming to assist readers in navigating the transformative energies of the Aquarian age. Offering tools and practices to awaken reader’s inner Aquarian Shaman, Star Wolf serves as a midwife for others during this quantum shift.

Star Wolf begins the book with a heartfelt introduction that shares her background with shamanic work and what called her to write this book. She provides the context for her terms “Aquarian Shaman” and bridges the past and present of shamanic work, illuminating for readers the sacred history of shamanic elders she’s worked with, while also encouraging readers to follow present callings to undergo this inner journey for the purpose of creating a better world.

“For me, the Aquarian Shaman is one who humbly learns from the timeless, sacred wisdom passed to them by respected elders. The true Aquarian Shaman has also learned, or remembered, how to listen and to trust their inner healer and guide, and has found a path back to wholeness.”2

Central to the book is the concept of the Aquarian Age—a period characterized by rapid change and spiritual awakening. Star Wolf suggests that the energies of this age offer unique opportunities for transformation and healing. She encourages readers to embrace these energies, using them as a catalyst for personal evolution. Star Wolf teaches how becoming an Aquarius Shaman can assist readers in navigating the emergence of this new time, even contributing to its emergence by cultivate the inner sight that shifts collective awareness.

While the idea of becoming a shaman, something a highly revered position in many cultures, might seem like a daunting task, Star Wolf teaches tools to aid readers in reaching this level of consciousness and integrating their practice into their daily life with ease. Star Wolf delves deeply into shamanic technique, providing an overview of rituals, ceremonies, and tools that have been used by shamans for centuries. She teaches how these timeless techniques are just as potent today, providing a roadmap for embarking on their own shamanic journeys.

“As we move beyond relying solely on external authorities for answers, we’re now embracing the chance to find wisdom within and assume greater personal responsibility. In order to enable a massive Aquarian consciousness shift, a great number of us must take part in this profound evolution.”3

Star Wolf’s approach is both empowering and accessible, making the practices applicable to individuals at any stage of their spiritual journey. In “Section 2: Shamanic Medicine Tools and Practices” there are chapters dedicated to connecting with nature, opening one’s heart, being in circle with others, communing with sacred objects,  creating meaningful altars, connecting with totem animals, and working with the medicine wheel. At the end of each chapter there is a “shamanic exercise” that readers can perform. The focus on this section is the external, while the following section focuses on internal tools. I found this distinction very useful when moving through the Aquarian Shamanic process.

“Section 3: The “Inner Tools” to Awaken the Aquarian Shaman Within” invites readers to use their imagination, one of the greatest tools we all have within; she especially focuses on the mythic imagination and the value of working with archetypes for transformation. Star Wolf also details the Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process (SHIP) she created in 2000 for those “seeking structured shamanic training.”4 This impactful process involves within with the archetypal energies and embodying the five elements (water, earth, fire, spirit, and air). This process culminates in an inner metamorphosis, similar to a kundalini awakening. As with the previous section, there are shamanic exercises readers can do for personal initiation.

Working with the elements in this way was a powerful experience. I really felt my relationship with them deepen, and I had different revelations with each one. I suggest taking one’s time moving through this section, as certain elements can be challenging for us, showing where we might need healing before we integrate the energy. It took me almost two weeks to feel ready to move to the final sixth step in the process. There’s absolutely no rush when undergoing this potent initiation process!

“A new heightened consciousness unfolds when we focus our imagination to access inward wisdom, surrender to the inner journey, and then take action steps in the outer world to achieve what we have imagined.”5

The final section, “Section 4: Shamanic Experiences for a Quantum Shift”, brings all that reader has learned into the wider world. Star Wolf shares co-creative ways for Aquarian Shamans to connect with each other, including Shamanic Breathwork (“a highly experiential, ceremonial process that uses deep, circular breathing combined with chakra-attuned music to stir up, activate, and liberate energy held in the chakras6), pilgrimage to sacred sites, and seeking out shamanic communities for further growth.

Overall, The Aquarian Shaman is a valuable resource for anyone interested in shamanic practices and spiritual growth. The book’s blend of ancient wisdom and modern insights makes it a relevant and inspiring guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the Aquarian Age. Whether you’re new to shamanism or a seasoned practitioner, this book offers valuable guidance on the path to personal and spiritual transformation. Star Wolf’s positive and encouraging tone inspires readers to pursue the path of the Aquarian Shaman with confidence, offering a path to change within and discover others on this path to build co-creative communities as a new age emerges.

The Ofrenda Oracle, by Nancy Hendrickson and Carrie Paris

The Ofrenda Oracle: Celebrating the Day of the Dead, by Nancy Hendrickson and Carrie Paris
Weiser Books, 1578638496, 136 pages, 60 cards, September 2024

The Ofrenda Oracle: Celebrating the Day of the Dead by Nancy Hendrickson and Carrie Paris is a beautiful deep dive into the world of divination, spirituality, and ancestor reverence. In this oracle deck, the creators draw upon the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos, inviting readers to connect with their heritage and the wisdom of those who came before them.

“This oracle was created to honor those who have passed beyond the Great Veil, to facilitate messages from the Otherworld, or to divine your own future.”7

The format of this deck is very interesting. Creators Hendrickson and Paris designed it as two systems in one deck. Readers can either use Cards 1 through 36 as a standard Lenormand deck, or they can use all 60 cards together in the form of a regular oracle deck. The first 36 cards have the Lenormand symbolism on them, while Cards 37 through 56 feature symbolic images that represent aspects of Día de los Muertos.

There’s also a special card, “The Ofrenda”, that “represents the offerings left on the Altar de los Muertos”8, which the creators recommend placing face up when working with the cards to the remind the reader of their ancestors while doing their reading.

Each card is beautifully illustrated, featuring vibrant colors and symbolic imagery that pay homage to  Día de los Muertos, offering multiple layers of interpretation for users. The dark blue cards are filled with vibrant colors (red, yellow, white, purple, light blue) that pop in the style of traditional Mexican art. When looking at the artistry of this deck, one feels an instant connection to the modern cultures that celebrate Día de los Muertos along with Aztex and Toltec cultures in which the tradition originated.

The cards are smaller than standard oracle deck size, fitting in the palm of the hand like playing cards instead. At first I was surprised by their smaller size, but when shuffling and working with the deck, I’ve come to enjoy the way they feel and look when laid out in a spread. For once, I can easily fit them all on my table! The spreads the creators share in the guidebook focus on communion with the beloved dead; they are truly beautiful to work with, facilitating a tangible connection with loved ones who have passed on.

The guidebook is written in English on the right and Spanish on the left. For each card, the creators provide keywords, meaning, Storyteller message, and when applicable, Lenormand meaning too. The Storyteller message is unique in that it represents the message from “those beyond the Veil.”9 This blend of different interpretations provides illuminating insight into the card’s meaning while leaving plenty of room for reflection on the significance of the card’s message. Themes of remembrance, gratitude, and spiritual connection permeate throughout the card’s meaning, creating a sense of continuity between the past and present.

One of favorite cards in the deck is The Stork. This card features a burnt orange skeleton stork standing on one leg. The overall message of the card indicates a time of change, relocation, journey/movement, and pregnancy and birth. This joy-filled card made me feel inspired when I pulled it, and I really liked the Storyteller’s message in the guidebook:

“German folklore tells us that storks were given the task of flying babies home to their new parents. Even today we reference the Stork when talking about a newborn. We hope the glide path is free of obstruction.”10

This message makes me feel optimistic about my upcoming ventures!

Overall, The Ofrenda Oracle is a gorgeous work of art that honors tradition of Día de los Muertos and offers a path for spiritual exploration and ancestral connection. Hendrickson and Paris have succeeded in creating a deck that is not only a tool for divination but also a celebration of life, memory, and cultural heritage. Whether you are seeking to deepen your spiritual practice to connect with your ancestors or simply looking appreciate the beautiful symbolism of  Día de los Muertos, this oracle is a delightful addition to any collection.

Pagan Portals – The Fallen Women of Mythology, by Lady Haight-Ashton

Pagan Portals – The Fallen Women of Mythology: Goddesses, Saints, and Sinners, by Lady Haight-Ashton
Moon Books, 180341636X, 112 pages, October 2024

Pagan Portals – The Fallen Women of Mythology: Goddesses, Saints, and Sinners by Lady Haight-Ashton is a fascinating exploration into the lives and legends of women who have been labeled as “fallen”. This book delves into the complexities and dualities of these figures, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges traditional narratives, challenging stereotypes that have boxed them into these disempowering labels. Seeking to present these women in a new light, acknowledging their strength and agency, Haight-Ashton reclaims the stories of those often misunderstood or misrepresented.

Haight-Ashton covers quite a range of women in this book, from accused witches to Greek and Hindu goddesses, along with Christian saints and women in the Bible. There’s a good mixture of mortal and divine women, sharing insight into the historical background of some, which earned them a sort of mythology based on their so-called “deviance”, and classical mythological figures who have aspects of the feminine that have been denounced, feared, or condemned.

“Using the power of the word, I have chosen a diverse cross section of remarkable women with compelling stories. Some are obscured and others known, but all of their stories are worthy of our notice.”11

The information given about each woman is relatively short. Some entries are only a few paragraphs, while others might span a page. For those looking to go deeper, additional research would be necessary. 

This book is more a compendium to honor the fallen women and introduce them to readers, commemorating their stories and offering a new perspective about their life.

There’s something sacred about taking the time to remember these women. This book might appear to be a quick read, as it’s only 112 pages, but I often found myself pausing to reflect on the women, the time period she lived, and the challenges she faced. I started to realize how connected all women are, throughout time and space, and the necessity to avoid judgement, criticism, and putting blame on others who don’t fall into our own conception of “good”.

I also started to reflect on the portrayal of women in the Bible while reading this book. I turned my back on my Christian upbringing quite some time ago, but reading about all the women classified as prostitutes, given no other reference to their personhood or character, made me angry at the sexual discrimination. Haight-Ashton does a great job showing their misrepresentation, indicating how they were misunderstood and then villainized for centuries to come.

The final chapter is filled with odes to the fallen women. There’s a liturgy, in memories, multiple odes to sinners, and three hymns to goddesses. For those also feeling the collective rage or grief that can be stirred up by this material, this chapter presents an opportunity to actively commemorate all the women who have befallen the fate of having their name smeared, lives ruined, and precious memories distorted.

Overall, I feel Pagan Portals – The Fallen Women of Mythology would be great for women who want a reminder of what has been collectively endured and put upon them throughout time. For those facing similar challenges now, such as discrimination or sexism, there will absolutely be stories of solidarity to remind you that we’ll keep on fighting no matter what. Remembering these fallen women is a testament to the strength of spirit we all have within. Honoring these women by reading their story is a wonderful way to show love to the rebel and fighter within ourselves! Lady Haight-Ashton offers a fresh perspective on well-known myths, encouraging readers to question and explore beyond traditional narratives.

Magdalene Manifestation Cards, by Danielle Rama Hoffman

Magdalene Manifestation Cards: Create Abundance through Love, by Danielle Rama Hoffman and illustrated by Christine Lucas
Bear & Company, 9781591434801, 44 cards, 202 pages, May 2023

In creating the Magdalene Manifestation Cards: Create Abundance through Love deck, Danielle Rama Hoffman has brought keys and holograms for manifestation into the hands of everyone who chooses to work with these codes of light.

Hoffman is an author, channel, and coach, who has been on the leading edge of the evolution of consciousness for almost 30 years. Her clients are healers, coaches, and lightworkers. She has trained massage therapists, reiki masters, and Quantum Light practitioners, as well as led tours to Egypt and France.

Christine Lucas is the illustrator of the beautiful keys, holograms, and light codes. She assigns her lineage to the Ascended Masters Lineage of Thoth. Lucas worked closely with Thoth, the Magdalenes, the Codes of Love, and Danielle to bring these cards to life. Lucas is an intuitive artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, who also has a background in meditation. She loves nature, travel, photography, and music.

Initially attracted to these cards because of the Magdalenes. Then once I began to play with the energy of the cards, I really resonated with the light codes and glyphs that Lucas and Hoffman have created. The deck is divided into two sections: 1) Four Resource Codes and 2) Twenty Codes of Love. Within the Twenty Codes of Love, you’ll find a pair of cards for each concept. The total number of cards in the deck is 44.

Hoffman presents an extensive introduction to the cards, how they came to be created, and her almost 30-year journey with Thoth. She includes some of her journey entries from several different meetings with Thoth, both in France and Egypt. She also defines the Magdalenes:

“A group of love beings including Anna, Isis, Mary Magdalene, the black Madonna, and many galactic beings.”12

When she returned from Egypt in 2020 and the pandemic lockdown began, she started to transcribe more of the Magdalene Codes and work on creating this deck. In the introduction, she shares stories from clients and friends who worked with the codes to manifest incredible results in health, wealth, and business success.

Hoffman shares several ways to work with this deck, from simple one card readings to a tableau of 16 cards. I chose to work with a one-card reading for 3 days in a row. As Hoffman suggests, I pulled a card from the deck and then found its “pair” for a complete reading and activation of the love codes.

My first card was the key card: Ecstatic Bliss – Joyful Simplicity.

“It is a joy to be me. Bliss exists in every moment. Home in on what matters most to you. Simplify to amplify your results.”13

This card really hit home for me, in that we are in the midst of a Venus retrograde, which asks us to really look at what we value and what we really want, focusing on that and letting go of the rest.

Then, I looked through the deck for the second card, the pair to that key, and I found the hologram: Ecstatic Bliss – Signature Essence.

“The difference of you is what matters. Boldly shine your uniqueness for consistent, predictable manifestation.”14

This concept is also something I’ve really been focusing on over the past year as I’ve worked with a designer to revise my website and fine-tune my offerings to be more true to who I am. I am also learning to put myself out there more with my blog and other posts on social media.

The guidebook has even more guidance from the Magdalenes and Thoth for each card, such as this from the passage on Ecstatic Bliss – Signature Essence:

“Simple, elegant, streamlined. Steep in this hologram to reabsorb that which is no longer aligned with you so that it organically falls away, like leaves on a tree that know when it’s time to fall with grace, ease, and an exhale. What remains is Ecstatic Bliss.”15

Hoffman also includes what she calls an application for each of the hologram cards. This consists of some suggestions for integrating the message of the card. It may include a ritual, an exercise, or something to do in nature, among other things.

Next, I did readings for three friends with this deck. I pulled the cards and then sent them photos of the cards and brief messages from the guidebook. For one friend who was struggling with a recent move for her business, I drew Birthright of Love. The key card is Authentic Expression, and the hologram card is Openhearted Connection.

The guidance for the key card recommended that she bring in the energy of the four Resource Codes, so I sent her photos of those four cards, as well. The other guidance that she really took to heart:

“Take one loving action today, not because you have to, but because it is natural for Love to move through you.”16

From the hologram card, I read that it was time to call upon the Birthright of Love Code. This guidance was recommended for the start of a new project, which was relevant to my friend’s new location for her business. The guidance went on to suggest focusing on the following affirmation:

“I am loved. All my creations are loved. Love is a given in this situation.17

My friend loved the guidance from these cards and was planning to print out all six cards and use them in her workspace. She called me later to say she printed a second set of cards for her home!

The artwork on these cards and the colors selected are very beautiful. Jewel tones are used with bright colored accents, some of which are almost neon. Each of the pairs of cards share the same color scheme, which makes it easy to find the matching card within the deck.
For another friend, I drew two of the resource code cards: Yummy Money and Divine Relationships.

Her message was a combination of allowing money “do things for you and watch your mission thrive”18 and remembering that “you may require primary relationships with light beings, animals, nature and crystals.”19 The guidebook encouraged my friend to use the word “Yummy” or say “mmmmm” each time she said or thought about money. Doing so raises your vibration. My friend loved the guidance and loved the Yummy Money challenge!

In order to find the guidance, one must use the table of contents and search for the name of each of the Codes of Love. These are not listed in alphabetical order, which takes a little longer to find the correct code. Once you find the code, you’ll see that there is a number assigned to each pair. It would have been very helpful for the designer to incorporate this number on the cards.

Due to the complex nature of the cards, the guidance, and the system to use these cards, I feel that this deck is best suited to someone with several years’ experience working with either tarot or oracle cards. Or, someone who is learning light language or learning to work with Thoth or any ascended masters for manifestation or personal healing would also benefit from this deck.

Hoffman includes extensive information on how to best work with the cards, including the use of a 16-card tableau for what she calls “Multi-D Abundance.”20 She also includes directions for using the cards for both personal and professional relationships, changing your money story and enhancing your energy. I’ll look forward to utilizing Magdalene Manifestation Cards in some of my groups and with clients who want to change the energy around relationships, abundance or vitality.

Wyrd Sisters, by Casey Zabala

Wyrd Sisters: A Deck of Spells and Rituals, by Casey Zabala
Weiser Books, 1578638291, 60 cards, 80 pages, April 2024

Ah, destiny! For those who enjoy contemplating fate, or the inevitable outcome of events, perhaps even tempting it here and there, Wyrd Sisters: A Deck of Spells and Rituals by Casey Zabala is a true delight. The concept of “wyrd”, originating from Old English and Norse mythology related to the predetermined outcome of events, has been explored as a way to understand the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that individuals are part of a larger cosmic pattern. While wyrd implies a sense of inevitability, it also carries the idea that individuals have some agency in shaping their own destinies through their choices and actions. Calling upon the duality of fate and free will, this deck helps readers to explore the mysteries of existence and the human experience.

Zabala is a devotee of the Wyrd Sisters, describing how they “are the ancient Deities who dwelt at the roots of the world tree and set the order of the cosmos through their spinning, weaving, and cutting the cords of fate. Their threefold process affirms the cyclical nature of our being.”21 Just as they weave fate, we too are weaving our own lives:

“We weave specific patterns and shapes for protection and success, with the awareness that our spells and wishes are delivered through the web of wyrd.”22

Believing that spellwork is deeply personal, Zabala has created a very creative and open-ended deck for readers to ascribe their own meanings to the imagery and messages and then use their own magical repertoire to integrate the energy. While there is some guidance provided through the guidebook, this deck really shines as a work of art that assists readers with strengthening their own intuition, crafting their own rituals, and creating magic that feel uniquely meaningful and relevant to them.

“Magic is the fifth element–also known as spirit, ether, or quintessence. It is the ethereal nature that keeps all beings connected and psychically tethered to each other.”23

There are five types of cards in this deck: spell cards, candle magic cards, sigil cards, magical tool cards, and Wyrd Sister cards. The guidebook entry differs depending on the type of card, as the type of magic coming through is aligned to the energy of your draw.

For the spell cards, there is an intuitive message along with a list of spell ingredients that one can use for inspiration. There’s something about being given three to five things and then being told, “Now go figure out what you can do with this” that makes my creativity soar. For instance, the spell ingredients for the card Spell for Surrender are “physical inversions, amethyst, strong winds, sharing secrets with strangers, salt”26. You can absolutely use none, one, some, or all of the spell ingredients, and I feel like the process of coming up with one that feels do-able and relevant for you is magic in itself.

For the candle magic cards, Zabala offers suggestions for the color candle and what to do during your candle magic ceremony. The Candle for Vitality card reads “Call all of your energy back to yourself.. Light a yellow candle and imagine a sunlight shield protecting your auric field from outside disturbance.”27

The guidance for the sigil card includes what to use the sigil, where to place it, and the ruling planet. As an example, the Sigil for Unbinding can be used to “untangle webs of entrapment or psychic manipulation”[/efn_note]page 55[/efn_note]. Zabala notes it should be placed in a ring of salt and the ruling planet is Pluto.

With the magical tool cards, Zabala reminds us, “Each tool represents the essence of our intentions, our spiritual connections, and the art of our will.”28 The guidebook describes the tool and then offers a suggestion of how one can best use their magical energy at this time. There is suggested magic for each one, ranging from speaking one’s truth to establish a boundary (athame) to gathering with friends to celebrate transformation through “ritual, feasting, and revelry”29 (bonfire).

Last but most important are the Wyrd Sister cards. I have yet to pull one myself! I honestly didn’t even want to read the guidebook description because I feel like it’s an initiation to pull one. However, from a quick glance at Zabala’s introduction, I can see they’re related to past, present, and future.

While you can pull a card for quick insight from this deck, as you can tell from reading the various descriptions, some of the cards require some more magical effort. Whether it’s planning out your spellwork, gathering the right color candle, or making preparations to perform the suggested magic related to a tool, it can take days, perhaps even weeks, to put the energy out into the world. It seems as though only the sigil cards can be used for immediate action. But I personally enjoy how the deck calls for you to savor its message and take the time to align with one’s intention and then put forth their magical working. You can always simply see what card comes through and then reflect on it before making any energetic investments.

As for the artwork, this deck is bright, abstract, and filled with symbolism. It definitely speaks to the non-verbal part of the psyche, activating inner knowledge through images, colors, and dimension. One thing I have been doing with this deck is noticing where my eyes go first, as there’s often many places to look, for insight into what is most relevant for me. For those who enjoy divination through creative decks, you could absolutely toss the guidebook aside and find plenty of messages and meaning within the cards themselves.

My favorite card that I’ve pulled so far is Spell for Grounding. Suitably, I pulled this on a night when my lower back was completely out of whack, indicating to me that I was ungrounded and needed to focus on my root chakra, as I rested with a heating pad. The image on the card was so fascinating to look at, and I spent a good five minutes letting my eyes explore. It shows a person with their arms in the air and an infinity symbol witch hat on their head, but the torso of their body is a tree trunk. It is growing from a patch of grass, and one can see the roots below the ground, pushing downward into spirals of energy below.

The guidebook calls for connecting with the earth, listening to plants, being barefoot, and speaking the name of the native land I live on, giving thanks. All of which my body and soul gave a resounding “yes, yes, yes, yes” as I read the entry and continued to meditate on the card. In this case, I didn’t feel a whole spell was needed; simply going outside and laying on the ground seemed to be enough, which I guess could be considered a simple spell in itself, but as Zabala intended, to each their own with this deck!

All in all, Zabala has created a really cool deck for those who love to explore their own magic and discover new possibilities. Wyrd Sisters is the perfect blend of intuitive guidance and freedom to roam with one’s own interpretation. Within the liminal magical space, we have the opportunity to discover our destiny, while also actively changing our fate. It all comes down to the willingness to ride the waves of mystery and magic, learning when to surrender and when to pursue. The Wyrd Sisters may be the universal weavers, but we are the active co-creators shaping the web too. As Zabala encourages:

“May your connection with the Wyrd ones inspire you to embrace the mystery and weave your own magical webs of belonging.”30

Your Book of Shadows, by Cerridwen Green leaf

Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800652968, 144 pages, April 2024

Mastering your magic takes time, focus, and dedication. Especially when just starting a magical journey, navigating the vast and intricate world of spells, rituals, and energies can quickly feel like uncharted territory. Getting to know what works best for you is a practice of trial and error, a journey where each misstep is as crucial as every success. In Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, Cerridwen Greenleaf teaches readers all they need to know about tracking their own magical practice, refining it by figuring out what did and did not work well, in order to chronicle a repertoire of the wisdom gained from magical experimentation.

Right off the bat, I was drawn to this book for the bright colors and many images throughout the pages. Each section is short and sweet, covering the necessities while creating the space to engage with the book by performing the suggested spells and rituals along the way. The layout of the content makes it easy to engage with the text as you move through the book–there’s a lot of places for your eyes to roam, helping your mind to take in Greenleaf’s wisdom through the sensory appeal of color, font style, and text organization. The design of the book makes me feel inspired, playful, and crafty!

Greenleaf begins by covering the history of Books of Shadows and their importance to a coven or solo practitioner. She then moves into how to choose and design your Book of Shadows, consecrating and protecting your Book of Shadows (as well as creating a shrine), and creating organization through a Table of Contents. She offers advice on how to select a book, decorate it, and keep it magically protected.

As one moves through the process of creating their own Book of Shadows, Greenleaf provides easy-to-follow rituals and spells  to assist with the process: a ritual of thanks, inscription rite,  pendulum spell for choosing the right book, self-assurance charm for creativity when decorating, and safeguarding spell to clear away unwanted energy from your Book of Shadows. There’s also parts on color magic (one focusing on the associations of each color and the other a correspondence chart of each zodiac sign with colors), along with crafting tips for adding pages and creating a book lock.

“… making a Book of Shadows is a very personal endeavor–let go of that fear of making mistakes. Always remember that perfection can be boring–something that is real and unique is much more appealing and special. Keep an open heart and mind, and your Book of Shadows can become a stunningly beautiful work of art.”22

Greenleaf’s emphasis on personalization is particularly noteworthy, encouraging readers to see their Book of Shadows as a living document that evolves with their spiritual journey. This approach not only helps one to build confidence in one’s practice but also makes the process of creating and maintaining a Book of Shadows a deeply personal and fulfilling endeavor.

The following chapters cover cyclical energies of nature that can influence one’s magical practice. Greenleaf first writes about moon spells, specifically focusing on the phases of the moon. For each phase, she gives an overview of the best type of spellwork to do at that time, a table of magical correspondences for the energy of the phase (days, colors, herbs, incense, essential oils, crystals, and metals), and a spell, ritual, or magical craft one can do for that phase.

For instance, Greenleaf describes how new moons are best for new beginnings and offers an incantation for new ideas, while noting waning moons are a “time to conserve our power, to turn our attention towards home and inner peace and wisdom”25 and sharing a recipe for spiritual scrub to cleanse energies from one’s home or ritual space.

Next, Greenleaf covers The Wheel of the Year. Beginning with the Celtic New Year, the high holiday Samhain, she details the eight sabbats, sharing recipes, rituals, divination spells, prayers to the god and goddess, and more. The descriptions of each sabbat aren’t too long, just an introduction, but each one contains enough information for readers to familiarize themselves with the energy of The Wheel of the Year to then further their own practice.

Now that readers have an understanding of the quick-paced moon cycle and the overarching Wheel of the Year, Greenleaf delves deeper into astrological energies. She describes the twelve zodiac signs, along with the correspondence stone for each time period. Later in the chapter, she also provides herbal correspondence for every sign too.

There’s also a very helpful table of the magical planetary hours, which shows the ruling planet for every hour throughout the week. This table is extremely useful for those who are at the level of fine-tuning their spell work to correspond with specific planetary energies, such as doing a love spell during Venus hours or an abundance spell during Jupiter hours. Greenleaf also delves into the elemental power of signs, highlighting which each element is best suited to perform certain magic.

There’s an entire chapter to tracking your magic as a solo practitioner too. Greenleaf recognizes that it can be hard to find community at times or that one might want to keep some matters private, but she still assures readers they can grow their magical practice through their personal Book of Shadows. She advises “keeping a list of personal intentions”30 as these are the key to success in magic. She shares a visualization to create an inner temple, how to make your own DIY wand, meditations for centering yourself, and a candle ceremony to invoke a deity. 

Then the final chapter is a real gem because it is filled with different correspondences to help readers discover more about subtle energies. There’s a list of trees and what else one can assist with spiritually; flower, herb, essential oil, and color correspondences; correspondences and enhancement abilities for gems, stones, and crystals; totem animal correspondences; significance of numerology; planet correspondences and colors; metal magical correspondences; and a list of magical domains and deities one can work with.

Overall, Your Book of Shadows is a compelling guide for those embarking on or furthering their journey into the realm of witchcraft, Wicca, or other pagan paths. This book serves not just as an introduction to aspects of these spiritual paths, but as an interactive tool, encouraging readers to actively engage with their practice by creating their own Book of Shadows. Greenleaf skillfully demystifies the process of starting a Book of Shadows, presenting it in a way that is both inviting and profound, providing all the essential guidance and spellwork readers need to take this step of connecting with their magical practice on a deeper level.

Wiccan Crystals, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

Wiccan Crystals: Harness the Power of Magical Stones for Spells, Rituals, and More, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800653700, 144 pages, September 2024

Wiccan Crystals: Harness the Power of Magical Stones for Spells, Rituals, and More by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a nifty guide to using crystals for magical and spiritual goals. Greenleaf has aptly applied her decades of witchcraft experience to teach readers about magically incorporating crystals into their lives. Covering a wide range of topics, from crystal basics to the many one can work with crystals, the breadth of guidance in this book makes it a one-stop resource for those looking to boost their craft.

“Crystals each have unique vibrational energies, which you can use to connect yourself to the Earth and are associated with a vast spectrum of healing properties. One of the fundamentals of crystal magic is intention—a crystal can be programmed with your intentions and desire and will in turn magnify your intent and assist you in bringing forth whatever sort of change and benefits you are seeking.”31

In the first chapter, Greenleaf lays the foundation needed for a successful crystal practice from a Pagan perspective. She covers topics such as charging and cleansing the stones, setting one’s intentions, crystal correspondences to zodiac signs and days of the week. Greenleaf also shares about walking a Pagan path and building altars. She specifically covers what can be put on an altar for each moon cycle, which I thought was very interesting! I look forward to adding this dimension to my moon practice.

The following chapters are all dedicated a certain type of intention one might want to manifest in their lives. Greenleaf leads readers through “Sacred Space and Magical Protection”, “Witchy Wellness and Calm”, “Personal Power and Inspiration”, “Prosperity and Abundance”, “Love and Relationships”, and “Divination and Psychic Vision”.

While this book is not too long, Greenleaf has packed a ton into each chapter! Each page is something new, making it so the spells or rituals are quick and easy to do even with a busy schedule. And for every spell, Greenleaf tells readers exactly what to say, so readers of all background levels can perform them. There’s also often tables of gemstone and crystal recommendations based on the topic. For instance, there’s a whole list of crystals and their energetic properties that are good for Feng Shui, space clearing, healing, and aiding mystical abilities.

Greenleaf also offers ideas about how to use crystals to connect with angels, goddesses, chakras, and nature. I found it fascinating to see which crystals enhanced these relationships, as well as the crystals that could aid me personally in health, wealth, love, and divination abilities. There’s even a page on how to create your own wand with a table of attributes certain crystals have to harness energy for the wand’s purpose.

One of my favorite things about this book is the colorful illustrations throughout the text. The detailed drawings and photos of crystals enhances the visual appeal of this book, aiding in crystal and gemstone identification. All the pictures are clear, making it easy to recognize the crystals in the book when you’re searching for the right on in your collection, in a shop, or online.

Overall, I would recommend Wiccan Crystals to those seeking to another tool to their magical practice. Whether you’re drawn to crystals for spiritual benefits, self-care purposes, or personal growth and new opportunities, Greenleaf has provided guidance on how to easily connect with the right crystals to bring your intentions into alignment. This book is suited for beginners, as it is descriptive enough to be an introduction one can follow, or those who are familiar with crystals, but looking to further learn more about how to work with them magically.

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883542, 224 pages, November 2024

Looking for a charm guide to magic? A Witch’s Book of Wisdom by Patricia Tesleco is just for you! Telesco is a prolific author, whose other works include Mastering Candle Magic, A Floral Grimoire, and A Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook. In this book, she adapts the persona of “Granny Good Witch”, an archetypal Cunning Folk, who is happy to share their honest thoughts and practical knowledge based on decades of experience to those seeking guidance on magical topics.

“The entire purpose of this book is to provide a nurturing, sound, practical, and fun-loving outlook on magic and spirituality as they intertwine with your everyday life.”32

The book is organized alphabetically by topic. From A to Z, readers can browse the magical advice Granny Good Witch has to offer on all sorts of aspects of the Craft. From etiquette to gardening to beauty, Granny Good Witch has something to say. While a spell or incantation might be offered here and there, this book is definitely more focused on imparting general knowledge than offering “how to” advice. For those looking for specific spells with directions to follow, I’d recommend Telesco’s  Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders.

Much of this book is sharing principles, lessons, helpful hints, and methods one can use to fulfill their intention. It reads like a magical compendium. For each topic, there’s a quote and Granny’s general take on the topic. Bullet-point lists are often included too, making the material easy to absorb and remember.

Telesco notes, “The processes provided are neither over time-consuming nor do they smack of Hollywood hocus-pocus.”33 I concur that all the advice was easy to implement! The whole book is very down to earth, acknowledging the reality that many magical practitioners don’t always have the time for complex workings. All this wisdom goes to show that our practice is meant to be lived and there’s many ways to incorporate magic into one’s day.

There’s quite a few tidbits of guidance from Granny that I picked up so far, yet three things have stood out the most. The first is to draw in luck by changing one’s routine around a bit. The second is a recipe for baking bread for kindness. And the third was a list of things fire magic can be used for.

Some of my favorite advice from Granny came from the “Manifestation” section:

“The question is, how do we go about encouraging manifestation? To answer this question, Granny looks at the ancients, who often used ritualistic dance to nudge the process along. Ritual dancing consummates the connection between the spiritual and temporal. It provides an energy-generating medium, and it then offers a way for the practitioner to express magical fulfillment as realized (in symbolic form).”34

Another aspect I like of Granny’s wisdom is the balance between encouragement and a healthy caution. This isn’t a fast-track to magic, and often, the advice is to keep on trying different things, such as working alone vs. in a group, until you find what works best for you. There’s absolutely not a “one-size fits all” mentality in these pages. Rather, the advice feels like it has your best interest at heart, as the message is tread of advice often circles back to discovering what’s best for your path, taking it slow in your exploration, and then keeping an open mind for the sake of flexibility; adaptation is definitely one of the Cunning Folk’s best attributes!

Overall, I recommend A Witch’s Book of Wisdom for those who are in need of someone (yes, even if it’s a book, Granny’s advice feels very comforting!) to turn to for magical advice. While some witches are blessed with a fulfilling community, others are left to seek out other like-minds in new groups or online forums, gathering the advice they can get from books and other resources. It’s very nice to have Granny in your corner; this is absolutely a book that is worth adding to your collection to turn to for inspiration when seeking guidance on a myriad of topics.

Magdalene’s Ascension, by Annie Van Der Meer, Ph.D.

Magdalene’s Ascension: Mary’s Journey to Becoming Light, by Annine Van Der Meer, Ph.D.
Bear & Company, 1591435269, 416 pages, January 2025

Magdalene’s Ascension: Mary’s Journey to Becoming Light by Annine Van Der Meer, Ph.D., is a deep dive into early Christianity and the role Mary Magdalene had within it, specifically through her ascension process. Often misunderstood and overlooked in Christian narratives, Van Der Meer, a scholar with a profound understanding of religious history and feminine spirituality, embarks on a journey to shed light on the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, portraying her as a pivotal figure in the spiritual realm.

Van Der Meer approaches the subject with rigor, combining biblical and early Christian canons, apocryphal texts of the Old and New testament, historical writing from classic antiquity, and alternative sources, such as channeled information and regression reports. Her work aims to uplift Mary Magdalene from the shadows of history, presenting her as a figure of light and wisdom. The book meticulously examines ancient texts, religious traditions, and historical contexts to reconstruct a more nuanced and empowering image of Mary Magdalene, while also drawing from a variety of channeled messages and regression reports that provide insights that have been missing from traditional texts.

As someone inclined to be a bit skeptical of the regressions, I felt more comfortable opening up to the idea while reading the first chapter “New Roads Open Up” in which Van Der Meer goes into great detail about others who have shared complied regressions that reveal insights into life during the time of Jesus. These include The Unknown Jesus by Joanne Klink, Jesus and the Essenes by Dolores Cannon, and The Essenes by Stuart Wilson and Joanna Prentis.

Additionally, I appreciated Van Der Meer’s explanation for “risking her reputation”35 focusing her work around The Gospel of the Beloved Companion, translated by Jehanne de Quillan, which is believed by some to be a first-century gospel of Mary Magdalene that has been preserved and kept hidden by “a closed Cathar community in western France”36. She states:

“My intuition, trained by a little less than fifty years of research into ancient pre- and early Christian texts, tells me that this text is pure and true, and this has been confirmed by measurements from spiritual radiesthesia…”37

The book is structured into seven portals (“Portal One”, “Portal Two”, and so on) that have between one to five chapters within. The early portals focus on Mary Magdalene’s personal ascension and then advance to her influence within collective ascension as the portals go higher. Throughout the book, Van Der Meer also included interludes between chapters where she shares specific historical sources, specifically separated from the alternative ones, to delve deeper into the topics discussed within the chapters.

There’s A LOT of information to absorb. Wanting to make sure I was fully comprehending everything, I moved extra slowly through this book, and I still feel I’ll often be going back again! Compared to other Mary Magdalene books I’ve read, such as Magdalene Mysteries by Seren and Azra Bertrand and The Magdalene Frequency  by Adele Venneri, this one is more scholarly; there’s a great amount of Christian historical context contained within, and it makes for a very illuminating read.

While the central theme of the book is Mary Magdalene’s transformation and ascension, Van Der Meer also shares information about the Essense community, the family of Jesus (Anna, Joseph of Arimathea, and Mother Mary), and what happened after Jesus’s crucifixion. She discusses what happened to Daniel and Joseph of Arimathea afterwards, as well as how Mary Magdalene continued on her spiritual journey, travelling to France. Van Der Meer even asserts based on her research that Jesus might have survived the crucifixion and continued on to Asia. There’s a lot to contemplate, as the information certainly rewrites the history most people believe to be true, and I commend Van Der Meer for being so transparent about her sources to give readers the opportunity to ponder these revelations themselves.

I really enjoyed the chapters in “Portal Seven” that covered the quantum physics of ascension, the current revolution in consciousness, and our collective ascension. For me, these chapters were the fascinating bridge between ancient history and the importance of uncovering this hidden knowledge in modern times. Van Der Meer writes:

“It was Love that brought the universe into being, and Love that sustains it and provides the impetus for change within the consciousness of the sentient beings. Whatever spiritual path you choose, the transformative energy of Unconditional Love is there to support and nourish that path and carry through the process of change and transformation within the heart.”38

Overall, Magdalene’s Ascension is a compelling read for anyone interested in religious studies, spirituality, and the role of women in religion. Van Der Meer offers a refreshing and enlightening take on Mary Magdalene, inviting readers to reconsider her significance within Christianity. This book not only enriches our understanding of Mary Magdalene but also inspires a deeper reflection on the themes of light, transformation, and spiritual ascension happening now. This work is a testament to the power of re-examining historical narratives within pioneering spiritual technologies and modern scientific insight.