Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews, by S.M. Harlow

A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews: Empowering the Magick of Tea with Crystal Grids, by S.M. Harlow
Weiser Books, 1578638712, 280 pages, April 2025

A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews: Empowering the Magick of Tea with Crystal Grids by S.M. Harlow invites readers to explore a unique fusion of herbal magic and crystal energy. Harlow, who is also the author of A Tea Witch’s Grimoire, brings a new twist to tea witchcraft, offering an intriguing guide that blends these two traditions into a unique way. This book explores how the ancient practices of tea brewing and crystal grid creation can be combined to enhance spiritual and magical practices for a wide variety of purposes.

“The transformative power of combining tea magick and crystal grids is a revelation that transcends the boundaries of conventional spiritual practices. Individually, both tea magick and crystal grids still hold profound potential for transformation, yet when united, their synergy becomes an extraordinary force for change and manifestation.”1

Harlow begins by explaining the fundamentals of tea craft, which involves the intentional and mindful brewing of tea to harness its natural energies. She notes, “The world of tea holds many diverse varieties, each with its own unique flavors, aromas, and most especially energetic magickal properties.”2 Covering the most popular teas (white, green, oolong, black, and pur-eh), she provides an overview of the energy of each along with suggestions for brewing temperature and portion size.

She then discusses the variety of herbal infusions that can add energetic properties to the tea. A full list of correspondences is provided in the appendices, guiding readers in selecting the appropriate herbs for the work they intend to do. Harlow additional provides input on how to select one’s tea and techniques for ritual preparation and meditation. Her introduction to tea witchcraft is the perfect amount of information for all levels to feel grounded and comfortable performing this work.

Next, Harlow turns her focus to crystal magic. Noting the metaphysical abilities of crystals—amplifying energy, healing, channeling intention, and more—she shares the color correspondences for readers to consider when selecting the crystals to include in their work. Just like the tea, there’s a list of specific crystal properties in the appendices for further guidance. Additionally, the basics of working with crystals is covered, including how to cleanse, charge, and program them.

Once readers have the basics of crystal magic under their belt, Harlow introduces the many grids that can be used. She discusses how sacred geometry “unveils a profound and harmonious interplay between the natural patterns of the universe and the energetic properties of the crystals.”3 Some of the grid shapes covered are a circle, lemniscate, merkaba, pentagram, sun burst, and triquetra, to name a few. In total, there’s seven grid shapes described, along with a sketch of the shape for visualization.

And now the magic of the book really begins: readers learn how to combine crystal grids and tea magic. Harlow teaches how to match tea with the aligned crystals for one’s intention, encouraging readers to explore different pairings and trust their intuition in the process. While she offers tons of guidance, there’s also plenty of room for readers to explore their creativity and trust their instincts within the craft. You could really spend months, if not years, studying and exploring this unique blend of magic, trying out various combinations!

One thing worth noting is how integrating two types of magic workings does include a bit more preparation. Luckily, Harlow offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions for creating intentional tea blends, preparing for the crystal tea ritual, designing and activating the grid, and performing the ritual. While it might seem like a lot of steps at first, Harlow describes how crystal tea magic can become easily incorporated into one’s daily practice.

For those who prefer to work from a prescribed recipe (me!), Harlow has two chapters with recipes she’s created for a multitude of intentions. The chapter “A Crystal Tea Witch’s Magickal Remedies” lists the grid type, ingredients and tools, and how-to prepare for a variety of purposes: divination, aura repair, happiness, binding, mental clarity, prosperity, and many more! She describes how to activate the grid, what to concentrate on when sipping your tea, and even the best time to create the grid (i.e. moon phase, day of the week, season).

“Advanced Grids: Lunar, Estate, and Elemental Ceremonies” which has a bit more complex grids and layers more crystals and herbs, while also including oils and candles in the ritual ceremony. The ritual draw down more energy, which is anchored by salt in the rituals, and thus require a bit more preparation. These are bigger workings that would be done at transformative times rather than a daily practice. In addition to the guidance Harlow provided for the magical remedies, for these rituals, she also includes how to set the space. 

As much as I love learning the foundation of how to do this work on my own, I’ll admit I absolutely love Harlow’s recipes, and for the time being, I will be following them to get a hang of this work! Today is actually Ostara, so I am tempted to do a crystal tea ceremony for it, but since I am just getting started, I am leaning towards gathering the supplies for one of the more simple rituals.

I have noticed that this work involves purchasing a few more supplies than I had on hand. While I have one or two pieces of a certain crystal, for most of the grids, I haven’t had enough crystals to fully make them yet. Many readers might also need to purchase specific herbs or types of tea to get started. This work is an investment, but I can tell there’d be a lot of rewards to reap. There’s something so alchemical about brewing the tea and preparing the grid, I’m looking forward to seeing my results!

And there’s even more you can do with the supplies, such as creating crystal elixirs and tea blends for health, each of which Harlow dedicates a chapter to towards the end of the book. I really like all the recipes for the crystal elixirs which are made by combining crystals and herbs in a jar and charging before you drink them. Meanwhile, the section on herbal health remedies is a wonderful natural way to nurture oneself.

It’s also worth noting this book is a nice size (about 5 x 7 inches) with plenty of colorful images and diagrams throughout. Readers will appreciate the organization of the text, as it’s very easy to read and keep track of information as you move along. The spine is study, but flexible, letting readers really open the book to full width and see both pages at one. There’s even a vivid blue fabric bookmark to keep track of your place!

Overall, Harlow has done a wonderful job presenting the innovative approach to combining tea and crystal magic in A Tea Witch’s Crystal Brews. Her detailed guidance on how to align the properties of teas with specific crystals to create synergistic effects opens so many possibilities for workings that can be done. There’s just something about the synergy that makes this work extra potent!

I love how this craft brings in all the elements: the earth of the crystals, fire of the brewing, water of the tea, and air of the steam. And I highly recommend this book for those looking for creative ways to work with tea, crystals, or simply embrace a new system of magic. Whether you want to learn the art of crafting your own brews or want to work from Harlow’s recipes, there’s many ways to bring your manifestations to reality with this combination of tea and crystal magic.

Ancient Manifestation Secrets, by George Lizos

Ancient Manifestation Secrets: Working with the 7 Laws of the Universe to Manifest Your Life and Purpose, by George Lizos
Findhorn Press, 979-8888500903, 208 pages, November 2024

Ancient Manifestation Secrets: Working with the 7 Laws of the Universe to Manifest Your Life and Purpose by George Lizos is an interesting read that takes a different approach to manifesting what you desire. The traditional guidance is founded within the laws of attraction, but many times this standard of method lacks the components and supportive structure that includes all of the Universal Laws, not just attraction. Lizos has expanded this ideology to be inclusive of all of the seven Universal Laws, thus making the process of manifestation one that is attuned to what you wish to create.

This title makes use of an ancient title of great worth, The Kybalion by the Three Initiates, thought to have been the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus and the foundations upon which all things in the never-ending Universal cycles work. I have used the workings of the seven universal laws for all of my magick and mundane endeavors and having these as foundations for what I have wished to create/manifest in my life has been an exercise in efficiency and purpose. So, of course, when I saw the opportunity to review this title, I jumped right in.

This book is organized into 3 parts inclusive of 30 chapters and culminating with “Part Three: a 10-Day Manifestation Challenge”. The conclusion feels like a resounding applause from the author for having made it through the density, at times, of the material and a supportive dose of encouragement to keep the energy flowing: “The Universe Will Show Up For You, If You Show Up For You.”4

“Part One: The 7 Laws of the Universe” provides the reader with a comprehensive yet fully relatable understanding of these 7 laws which originated from an ancient system. Lizos brings the language into more modern vernacular while still retaining the original meanings of each of the laws. Each of the laws presents reader with the opportunity to thoughtfully come to a conclusion and definition that is accessible regardless of the level of understanding they possess.

“Part Two: Five-Step Manifestation Process” gets to the meat of the work–your actions and intentions.

“Rather than a quick formula for instant manifestation, this five-step process is, instead, a long-term framework for your manifestation journey, that you get to use and improve on throughout your life.”5

These five-steps are broken down into:

  1. Raise Your Vibration
  2. Clarify Your Desires
  3. Release Your Limiting Beliefs
  4. Nurture the Energy of Your Desires
  5. Take Inspired Action.

Each of the 5 steps is explored in an interactive manner combining exercises of support, journaling, contemplation, and sound theoretical approach. Additionally, there are real life examples given of the experiences of others who have benefitted from this method of approach, not only in manifesting what they desire but in their day-to-day growth as well.

“Part Three: 10-Day Manifestation Challenge” provides the reader opportunity to actively apply the tools acquired from moving through the five steps and the deeper understanding now found in the power of the 7 Universal Laws and their function in creating the life you wish.

“Every day, I’ll give you an actionable step that draws from what you’ve learned so far and builds on the previous one, to help you manifest your chosen desire. The steps will be easy to complete and won’t take you more than 15 minutes daily. All you’ll need is your journal to complete the daily practices, your meditation space, and trust in yourself and the process.”6

These practices make for a very complete and purposeful journey through the steps necessary to enhance your powers of manifesting, most importantly that of having confidence in yourself to become the creator of your own destiny.

Would I Recommend?

Ancient Manifestation Secrets is precisely what is needed now to empower and uplift humanity, reminding each of us of our vital place in the workings of the Universe and the innate power we have when we align ourselves with the Universal Laws. I appreciated the brevity, yet impact every point on discussion of the Universal Laws. This text has great useability by those well versed in Hermetic principles as well as those coming from a completely different perspective or new to the subject.

Having tasks to complete and this methodology organized in a way that is bite-sized and engaging is an added bonus for the reader. Completing this title is sure to give the reader all that they need in establishing a routine practice of energetically aligning with the universal flow and connecting more deeply to the potential of “what could be” surrounding us. This book would make a lovely gift to anyone who is struggling with their control and power over their life circumstances, as well as a wonderful self-gifting to YOU in honoring your place as an integral part of the Universe in all of life’s manifestations.

About the Author: George Lizos

George Lizos is a spiritual teacher, psychic healer, priest to Hellenic Polytheism, and the creator of Intuition Mastery School®. The award-winning author of Protect Your Light and Secrets of Greek Mysticism, he is the host of The Lit Up Lightworker and Can’t Host podcasts. George regularly teaches workshops and online courses. He lives in Cyprus, Greece.

Pagan Portals: Hestia, by Irisanya Moon

Pagan Portals: Hestia: Goddess of Hearth, Home & Community, by Irisanya Moon
Moon Books, 1803415894, 120 pages, April 2025

Pagan Portals: Hestia: Goddess of Hearth, Home & Community by Irisanya Moon is an exploration of the often overlooked Greek goddess, Hestia. Known as the deity of the hearth, home, and communal harmony, Hestia’s influence is both subtle and profound. Moon’s book seeks to illuminate Hestia’s role in Ancient Greece and integrate Her into modern pagan spirituality for those seeking to connect with her. The book is part of the Pagan Portals series, which aims to provide accessible introductions to various pagan deities and practices.

Moon begins this book by delving into Hestia’s mythology, exploring her characteristics and the role she played in Greek culture. Unlike other deities, Hestia is not often depicted in grandiose myths but is revered for her quiet strength and the stability she brings to both domestic and communal spheres; she has no temples dedicated to her and it’s believed she didn’t taken human form the way the other gods and goddesses did. In the little bits of recorded history about Hestia, it appears she avoided the drama and power-grabs of her Olympian brothers and sisters, preferring to stay out of the squabbles. In return, Zeus granted her wish to remain an eternal virgin. 

Despite her lack of public worship spots, Hestia remains present in the most important part of the household: the hearth. Moon writes:

“The heart was designated as a palace for practical and spiritual connection. This was a place where people would gather to celebrate, but also to tend to the complexities of community. A hearth was the heart, and a place where things could be broken and fixed. Again and again. To me, this is the holiness of Hestia, the magick and the mystery of fire.”7

While modern homes are no longer usually centered around the hearth, this doesn’t mean we can’t still invite Hestia into our home and lives. Moon shares plenty of ways to connect with Hestia from embracing her spirit of community to creating one’s own hearth, whether on an altar space or within their heart. There’s a whole chapter dedicated to ways one can worship her, as well as one on her symbols and ideas for offerings.

One thing Moon emphasizes in this book that I found really interesting is how creating sacred space and fostering community is part of the worship of Hestia, or at least something she can assist you with once you form a relationship. Most books I’ve read on deities focus on establishing an individual relationship with them. Yet in this book, Moon offers suggestions for nurturing community such as agreeing on community values, group practices and rituals that can be done together, and navigating conflict and transitions

I really feel like Moon’s background in the Reclaiming tradition shines through when she discusses these things! In all my personal exploration, Reclaiming seems to give the most attention to tending community and fostering sustainable group relations. It’s evident from the way Moon writes that plenty of thought and reflection have been put into the concept of group worship, which I found so unique and necessary in the modern times where individualism is eroding the sacred bonds of community.

Moon also integrates her Reclaiming background into the practices she offers for readers to try. For instance, to create an initiation connection with Hestia, Moon invites readers to do a trance meditation journey to meet her. Later in the book, Moon shares a group trance to travel to the hearth of community. Other practices to connect with Hestia include cleaning, cooking, acts of service, and volunteering, all of which Moon offers specific suggestions for doing. Unlike more demanding deities, it seems simpler to incorporate Hestia’s essence into daily life.

The final chapter before the conclusion titled “Cultivating a Modern Relationship with Hestia” is where Moon really ties everything together, offering readers details about how to create their own relationship with Hestia. From initially making contact with her to building a relationship where expectations are clear, Moon teaches how to include Hestia in one’s day to day life with worship practices, hearth rituals, and gratitude workings. She even covers what to do if you are currently working with other deities. There’s a dedication ritual included too for those ready to take that next step.

Throughout the book, Moon balances academic sources with personal insights, making the content both informative and relatable. The beginning of the book really focuses on defining Hestia through historical sources, while the latter part of the book is more of Moon’s guidance on working with Hestia. Both are interesting, but I personally love Moon’s insights the most!

Overall, Pagan Portals: Hestia Is a thoughtful and enlightening exploration of a goddess who embodies stability and domestic peace. This book is ideal for those new to Hestia or seeking to deepen their understanding of Her influence. By highlighting Hestia’s role in fostering community, Moon underscores a timeless and universal need for connection and unity. This is a great read for anyone interested in connecting with Hestia as part of their spiritual practice to invite her dedicated values of home and community into their lives.

The Night House, by Danielle Dulsky

The Night House: Folklore, Fairy Tales, Rites, and Magick for the Wise and Wild, by Danielle Dulsky
New World Library, 1608689794, 232 pages, March 2025

The Night House by Danielle Dulsky is a captivating blend of ritual and storytelling, taking readers on a journey into the realms of mystery and magic of fairy tales. This book is not only filled with tales of intrigue many might remember from childhood, but also a profound exploration of the human psyche and the shadows that dwell within us all. Each page ripe with enchantment of literary magic, readers are offered the chance to craft rituals with these tales and explore the potent archetypal energy that lives within them.

“Worse, we were told the fairy tale was a prison, built to keep our world small and women caged in the archetypal boxes of princess, fragile mother, and fearsome sorcerer; yet, in those long-stretching midnight rituals of unexpected communion with the wild unseen, with a hidden intelligence that exists both beyond us and within us, we have a full-spirited understanding of a key truth the old fairy tellers knew well: Every fairy tale holds a piece of the old magick.”8

Divided into three parts, Dulsky leads readers through the “rooms” of the Night House, with tales to provoke, awaken, fortify, and soothe the reader’s psyche. “Part I: Hidden Rooms and Wild Skins” reconnects readers with their instinct wild side, the untamed parts often hidden for the sake of fitting in, but requiring liberation to breathe once again; “Part II: The Bone Cellar” reminds readers of their unbreakable spirit, the essentials that infuse them with power when otherwise striped bare; and “Part III: The Spirit Tower” connects readers with the transcendent nature of life—fate, dreams, and the wild imaginings that create new futures.

While ushering readers into less traveled territory of the psyche, Dulsky provides all the tools needed to enter these realms, explore them thoroughly and integrate their message, and then move onto our next story when ready. For each tale, she provides an introduction that primes the reader for the story by letting them know what they’re delving into, an invitation to the story the highlights the main theme, ideas of what to put on a story altar, and three rituals that can be performed after reading the tale. The structure provided really makes tapping into the unpredictable archetypal energy a bit more contained, a skillset that reflects Dulsky’s level of witchcraft mastery and dedication to readers having all the magical tools they need to perform this inner work.

As for the stories themselves, Dulsky’s retelling is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the atmospheric world created with her words. The prose is rich with imagery, and readers will truly feel immersed within the tale. As mentioned, readers will be familiar with some fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, but others are certain to be novel. Much like Grimm’s tales, Dulsky doesn’t shield away from the realistic brutality of humanity, grounding the stories in the relatable human experience. Her ability to balance the ethereal with the eerie, the authentic and the fantastical, adds depth to the narrative, making The Night House a truly unique reading experience.

Back in December, I purchased a 13-moon prophecy reading from Dulsky, which included a divination about the overarching story resonant for me this year. In my reading, she explained my tale for the year was Tatterhood, a tale popular in Norway and Iceland about twin sisters, one of whom is beautiful and the other is ugly. While I’ve read multiple versions of the fairy tale, which is absolutely awesome in that “hideous” Tatterhood is badass and rides a goat and waves her wooden spoon around to fight off banshees, hags, or trolls, depending on the telling, I was struggling to connect with the meaning of the story with elements in my life.

You can only imagine how thrilled I was to discover that this tale is one of the stories Dulsky covers in The Night House in the chapter “The Shadow Twin”! I had such a great time crafting a story altar based on Dulsky’s suggestion, which was the first thing that made me feel more connected to the tale. Then after a few readings of it, I started on the first rite. So far, I’ve only gone that far because I’m intentionally taking a week or so in between to integrate the tale before moving forward, but I can affirm the process Dulsky offers for weaving these tales into our own psyche is well-worth the time and energy of exploration.

I can definitely affirm that this magic-weaving methodology brings the reader much deeper into the fairy tale than simply trying to read it on their own and discern meaning. Dulsky has taken a lot of the “grunt work” out of finding meaning in these tales and working with them psychically to integrate their energy. For those who have never worked with story before within the context of a magical practice, this book is the perfect introduction to the art of storytelling.

Another chapter I had fun exploring was “The Red Hood”, which is the first story in the book. I especially enjoyed the rites for this chapter, which involved searching for mythic signals in my life, reflecting on how I am mending my ancestral lineage and moving towards a new chapter of life, and creating my own “wearable symbol”9 of “unique ancestral medicine”10.

While I have been moving chronologically, and to be honest, I’ve yet to really go in-depth in Part II and Part III beyond a quick read to get a feel for the book overall, I definitely feel readers could easily move to the story that pulls them without concern for the linear progression. While Dulsky does bridge one story to the next, each story stands alone and can be explored when it feels right.

Overall, The Night House by Danielle Dulsky is a mesmerizing book that will appeal to those who enjoy discovering new narratives, exploring their inner worlds through storytelling, or are feeling called to explore themes within fairy tales and folklore. Dulsky’s approach is perfectly suited to initiate readers into these realms often overlooked or neglected due to the loss of storytelling in Western culture, reclaiming the potency and magic of these timeless tales. Her ability to blend the mystical with the personal makes this book a compelling read. For those who dare to enter the Night House, the rewards are manifold.

Herbal Intelligence, by David Hoffmann

Herbal Intelligence: Plant Teachers and the Return of Viriditas, by David Hoffmann
Healing Arts Press, 1620556146, 256 pages, March 2024

David Hoffmann’s Herbal Intelligence: Plant Teachers and the Return of Viriditas is more than just a book on herbal medicine; it is a philosophical and practical exploration of the deep intelligence of plants, human relationships with nature, and the evolving role of herbalism in contemporary times. Hoffmann, a seasoned herbalist and a fellow of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists, brings decades of experience and scholarship to this work, integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific insights.

The title immediately intrigued me, particularly the emphasis on “viriditas,” a concept popularized by Hildegard von Bingen, referring to the life-giving green force of nature. In a time when herbalism is increasingly commercialized and detached from its roots, Hoffmann’s book serves as both a wake-up call and a guide for reconnecting with the true essence of plant medicine.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to weave together history, science, and spiritual philosophy. Hoffmann presents a compelling argument for the intelligence of nature, illustrating how plants have coevolved with humans and other species in ways that suggest a deep, symbiotic relationship. His discussion of biodiversity, chemodiversity, and ecological interactions is both enlightening and accessible, making complex topics digestible for a broad audience.

The book is structured in a way that allows readers to approach herbalism from multiple angles. Hoffmann begins by exploring the ancient roots of herbal medicine, examining how early humans observed and utilized plants for healing. He then moves into modern herbalism, discussing the exponential growth of peer-reviewed research on phytotherapy and the role of herbs in contemporary healthcare.

Perhaps most intriguing is his critique of the commodification of herbalism. He warns against the dangers of separating herbal medicine from its cultural and ecological roots, emphasizing that herbs should remain integrated with holistic health practices rather than becoming mere pharmaceutical substitutes. Hoffmann’s call for a return to traditional, community-based herbalism is particularly compelling in today’s wellness industry, where herbal supplements are often marketed with little regard for their origins or intended uses.

A highlight of Herbal Intelligence is Hoffmann’s practical approach to herbalism. While he provides a scholarly foundation, he also offers personal insights, case studies, and techniques for deepening one’s relationship with plants. He encourages readers to engage with herbal medicine not just intellectually but experientially—through direct interaction with plants, mindful harvesting, and preparation of remedies.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Hoffmann’s ability to bring scientific evidence into alignment with intuitive plant wisdom. He presents studies on medicinal plant use in animals, which reinforce the idea that humans are not the only species that rely on herbal medicine for survival. This exploration of interspecies herbalism was something I hadn’t encountered in many other herbal texts, and it added a fresh perspective to the discussion.

I also appreciated his examination of the social and political dimensions of herbal medicine. Hoffmann does not shy away from discussing how herbalism intersects with issues of social justice, sustainability, and healthcare accessibility. His argument that herbal knowledge should remain freely available to communities rather than monopolized by corporations resonates deeply with the ethos of grassroots herbalism.

Hoffmann’s writing is engaging and well-researched, striking a balance between being academic and approachable. While some sections are dense with scientific terminology, he does an excellent job of breaking down complex ideas into digestible explanations. His passion for the subject is evident throughout the book, making it an inspiring read for both beginners and seasoned herbalists.

The book is well-organized, with clear chapter divisions that allow readers to navigate topics easily. Hoffmann’s use of historical anecdotes, personal reflections, and case studies makes the content relatable and engaging.

For those new to herbalism, some sections may feel a bit advanced, especially when he delves into biochemistry and the ecological roles of plant compounds. However, even readers without a background in science will find valuable insights, as Hoffmann consistently brings the discussion back to practical applications.

Overall, Herbal Intelligence is an essential read for anyone interested in herbal medicine, ecology, and holistic health. Hoffmann presents a compelling vision of herbalism as a living tradition that must be preserved and adapted responsibly for the modern world.

I highly recommend this book to herbalists, naturopaths, botanists, and anyone interested in deepening their connection with plants. It is especially relevant to those concerned with sustainability and the ethics of herbal medicine, as it thoughtfully critiques commercialization while offering solutions for maintaining herbalism’s integrity.

For me, this book was both an educational and spiritual journey, reinforcing my belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. It has inspired me to approach herbalism with greater mindfulness and to advocate for the preservation of traditional plant knowledge. If you’re looking for a book that goes beyond the standard herbal guide and delves into the philosophy, science, and ethics of plant medicine, Herbal Intelligence is a must-read.

Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence, by Angela Paine

Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence: The Development of Herbal Medicine in Florence, by Angela Paine
Moon Books, 1803413115, 296 pages, January 2025

Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence: The Development of Herbal Medicine in Florence by Angela Paine offers a fascinating exploration into the world of botany during the Renaissance period in Florence. Paine’s work is an intricate blend of history, science, and herbalism, which provides readers with both an educational and captivating journey into the past. Whether you’re a lover of ancient history or herbalism, this book is packed with fascinating details about plant medicine during one of Italy’s most interesting times.

In “Part 1: Introduction”, Paine introduces readers to this topic by events that spurred her own interest in healing plants of Renaissance Florence: her time working at the National Library restoring ancient books, the exhibit The Botany of Leonardo da Vinci, and discovering the Medici family grew medicinal plants in gardens to make their own medicine.

From here, Paine sets the scene for readers with a vivid depiction of Florence during the Renaissance. She shares overviews of the members of the Medici family lineage that promoted medicinal herbs: Giovanni di Bucci, Cosimo the Elder, Lorenzo the Magnificent, Cosimo I de’ Medici, Francesco de’ Medici, and Ferdinando de’ Medici. It was absolutely fascinating to learn about Cosimo I de’ Medici’s interest in alchemy, which consumed his son Francesco de’ Medici much to the city’s dismay. I also loved how Paine shares the socio-cultural events during the lives of these Medici family members, including the plague beginning in 1478 and banking developments like the double entry system.

“This was a time when the whole world was changing, due to numerous voyages of exploration. Medicinal, food and decorative plants were being transported across the world and transplanted into countries where they had never grown before. The Medici were as excited as everyone else by the new plants, and they had the means to acquire them and grow them in their botanic gardens.”10

In “Part 2: Healing Plants of the Renaissance” Paine details the plants most used during this time based on the research of Cristina Bellorini. Bellorini authored Speziale al Giglio, which is “a detailed study of the account books of the apothecary shops.”11 Drawing from Bellorini’s writing, Paine covers the twenty-two most commonly used healing plants during this time, which include Aloe, Dill, Ivy, Lemon, Mustard, Rose, Sage, and more.

For each plant, Paine provides an introduction and sketch, botanical description, list of healing properties, chemistry of the plant, modern research about the plant’s use, how to use the plant, and contraindications (when not to use the plant). Some plant entries also include guidance on dosage. Herbalists will absolutely love this section, likewise those interested in learning more about how to incorporate plants into their healing work will benefit from the information on the medicinal properties. I found it very cool to think about the connection between myself and those in Renaissance Florence using these plants for the same purposes!

“Part 3: Exotic Healing Plants Used in Renaissance Florence” covers the imported plants Cosimo I was able to cultivate in his garden and use for healing purposes. Paine gives these plants the same thorough description as the common plants. Some of the plants covered in this section are Cinnamon, Dragon’s Blood Tree, Liquorice, and Nutmeg.

Finally, Paine concludes with “Part 4: Poisonous Plants in Renaissance Florence”. While she doesn’t provide full-detailed descriptions of the plants, she shares about the widespread use of poison during this time, detailing how the Medici were especially aware of dangers and took  measures to protect themselves. From soldiers coating their knives with poison to a few drops being put in a wine glass, the uses of poisons were extensive and Paine gives a great overview of the common poisons present at this time. Nevertheless, these plants were also used for medical purposes, albeit not without their risks.

Overall, Healing Plants of Renaissance Florence is a well-researched book that will appeal to history enthusiasts, herbalists, and anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, alchemy, and botany. Paine successfully brings to life the rich tapestry of Renaissance botanical practices, offering readers a unique glimpse into a world where the properties of plants were just being discovered for use in rapidly changing times. Her coverage of the influence of the Medici family in cultivating plant medicine and recording the process through their writings is a captivating piece of history, one I had never before known about. For those interested in further research, Paine has included a thorough reference list that is sure to lead readers to other insightful discoveries of Renaissance plants.

Naturally Modern Magick, by Lacey Burbage

Naturally Modern Magick: The Essential Compendium of Spells and Rituals for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity, by Lacey Burbage
Red Wheel Weiser, 9781590035849, 224 pages, March 2025

Naturally Modern Magick: The Essential Compendium of Spells and Rituals for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity by Lacey Burbage presents the meeting place between ancient magical practices and modern life. As an experienced practitioner and modern witch, Burbage provides readers with a comprehensive guide to incorporating magic into their daily lives.

Burbage is a fourth-generation folk healer and witch who follows animism, paganism and modern wicca. She found a deck of tarot cards in her mother’s bureau at the age of five and her adventure with the occult began. Her specialty is domestic magic, and she loves to practice and share the traditions of her family. In 1999, she decided to pursue a study of Wicca and has been a member of two covens and since created her own mentorship program.  In 2017, she found the Sophia Center for Goddess Study and was later ordained as a Priestess of The Goddess. Burbage lives in Las Vegas with her husband and children, where she also enjoys working in her garden. Learn more about Burbage on her website.

Burbage dedicates the book “To the little witch in all of us: may you always feel safe and free to live your life openly.”12

Comprised of an “Introduction”, “Basics”, and thirteen chapters, this book is one of the most comprehensive books on spells and witchy life that I have read. I really enjoy how Burbage writes for the “modern” witch.  This is so refreshing, as many of the books I’ve encountered write in the language and style of the early twentieth century. In her own words:

“Let’s face it, we’re modern witches with modern lives. We don’t always have the time to sit in meditation for hours. Create a solid energy base with this quick grounding meditation, which is great to use for magical work or any time you need to stabilize your spirit.”13

I love the “Energy-Balancing Elemental Grounding Meditation” that she shares on pages 22-23. This is for those times when you need a “little more help harmonizing your energy.”14 I also appreciate how she recommends that you record the meditations to enjoy later.  With phones and other small recording devices, this is so easy to do. 

As I shared earlier, Burbage divides the book into thirteen chapters and includes all areas of life. She goes from grounding and centering to cleansing and protection, before launching into happiness and harmony, health and healing, and career and productivity. Next, we encounter several chapters on abundance and manifestation before her tips on love and relationships.  Finally, Burbage covers intuition, divination, and spirituality. 

She includes complete instructions for all spells. I really enjoyed the “Spell to Dispel Self-Doubt,”15 and will be performing that one later today! I also liked this one: “A Charm to Stop Replaying Situations in Your Mind”16 and will use that one tomorrow. Each spell or charm is carefully written in easy-to-follow instructions.  Her tone is light and cheerful, and she is never judgmental or preachy. It’s almost as if the reader is sitting across the table from Burbage, enjoying a cup of tea as a trusted mentor shares her words of wisdom.

Burbage dedicates fifteen pages to “Love and Passion” and includes all kinds of spells and charms. My favorite was the “Blooming Heart Beads to Draw Love” on page 153-154.  Using rose petals, spices, and your blender, you make a paste that you turn into beads! By adding your favorite essential oils, you make the beads truly your own.

More helpful tips in this chapter include “sleeping with mugwort and lavender under your pillow””17 and “enjoying a cup of tea made with rose and marshmallow.”18

Burbage has created the book in a handy, travel size, which is only 6 x 9. It is a hardbound book, which will stand up to repeated use. The pages are a heavy paper stock, as well.  She uses color coded markings on the chapters, to make it easy to navigate. The pages are printed in beautiful designs, with soothing pastel hues and lots of accent colors, as well.

There are lots of green sections too, which offer tips, special notes, or quotes.  All the materials you will need for spells or charms are carefully marked inside a circular, green leaf design. There is a nice ribbon to use as a bookmark, which is something I always enjoy, and few publishers now include.

Near the end of the book, Burbage includes what she calls “Correspondences and Substitutions,” which includes information on plants, minerals, colors, and tarot cards. Lastly, Burbage includes a seven-page index, as if her Table of Contents isn’t enough to light the way!

From simple morning blessings to elaborate full-moon ceremonies, Naturally Modern Magick covers a wide range of practices designed to support personal well-being, foster connections with nature, and manifest desires. I recommend the wealth of information in these beautiful pages for anyone who is interested in Paganism or Wicca or who might want to deepen their spiritual practices. Burbage welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and encourages everyone to adapt the practices to suit their own unique paths. She also emphasizes that magic is not confined to special occasions but can be woven into our everyday lives.

I truly enjoyed this book and can see myself going back to it again and again to enhance my life and the lives of the women I support in my mentoring practice.  As Burbage says:

“If you’re ready to get back on your spiritual path, protect your vital essence, and enhance your relationship with your spirit allies, keep reading.”19

Pagan Portals – Maman Brigitte, by Pauline Green

Pagan Portals – Maman Brigitte: Dark Goddess of Africa and Ireland, by Pauline Breen
Moon Books, 1803417366, 112 pages, December 2024

I was unexpectedly and pleasantly surprised while reading Pagan Portals – Maman Brigitte: Dark Goddess of Africa and Ireland by Pauline Breen. While I’ve always been drawn to learning more about Saint Brigid from Ireland, I was previously unaware of Maman Brigitte and Brigid’s possible connection to the Lwa of Vodou.

Breen masterfully traces Brigid’s influence from Ireland to Haiti and, astoundingly, even to New Orleans in Louisiana, where I currently reside. Her research is conducted with evident respect for each culture she explores. It is profoundly interesting to observe how a goddess from Celtic culture has traversed such vast distances and touched the lives of people from completely different backgrounds, especially women who clearly needed her presence in their darkest times.

This book proved to be a truly fascinating read, resonating with me on a deeply personal level. As a woman of Irish descent, born and raised in Louisiana, and a mother currently navigating the recent loss of an infant, I felt a strong connection to Maman Brigitte. The book reveals that Maman Brigitte can be called upon for numerous purposes, but I was particularly drawn to her role as a protector of mothers, especially pregnant mothers, and children, as well as her assistance to souls transitioning from life to death.

I firmly believe that all things happen for a reason and that experiences come to us when we need them most, which is precisely how I feel about encountering this book. Unlocking knowledge of a goddess who aligns so closely with my current path has been an incredibly enlightening and humbling experience. I found myself deeply moved by the sample invocation and prayer included within the pages, which inspired me to write my own. Connecting to her energy was surprisingly effortless; I simply asked for her assistance, and I felt her presence with me. She provided me with strength and enveloped me in love, reassuring me that I would, and could, get through this challenging time.

Breen’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making the book’s topics easy to understand. Her obvious passion for her subject matter shines through, and her dedication to her studies is evident on every page. Breen’s explanations of the historical and cultural contexts surrounding both Brigid and Maman Brigitte were clear and informative. The book is well-organized, with each chapter building upon the previous one, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative.

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I did find myself yearning for more in-depth exploration. Each chapter left me with a desire to delve further into the histories and struggles of women in each of the regions discussed. I would have loved for the author to have traveled to Haiti to gain more firsthand experience and speak with more practitioners and women who have a direct relationship with Maman Brigitte. While Breen does include references and quotes from other books that can guide further exploration, which I will be seeking those out to add to my library, her writing is so engaging that I found myself preferring to continue learning from her experiences and perspective.

Pagan Portals – Mama Brigitte serves as an excellent introduction to both Maman Brigitte and Saint Brigid. It is a highly informative work, and Pauline Breen demonstrates an impressive level of knowledge and devotion to her subject. I am very interested in learning and reading more from her in the future and even beginning my own research into the duality of gods and goddesses across various cultures.

This book offers a truly unique perspective that many might not connect on their own. It is a valuable read for all women, offering historical insights and a source of personal empowerment. The exploration of the connection between these two powerful figures is both fascinating and thought-provoking, and the book’s exploration of their shared aspects and their individual qualities is well-balanced.

In conclusion, Pagan Portals – Maman Brigitte is a compelling and enlightening book that offers a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of cultures and the enduring power of feminine spirituality. It is a must-read for anyone interested in goddesses, Celtic traditions, Vodou, or the history of women’s spirituality. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these subjects or looking for inspiration and empowerment in their own lives. I eagerly await Breen’s future works and will continue to explore the themes and ideas presented in this captivating book.

Alchemical Hermeticism, by David Pantano

Alchemical Hermeticism: The Secret Teachings of Marco Daffi on Initiation, by David Pantano
Inner Traditions, 1644119978, 352 pages, January 2025

Alchemical Hermeticism: The Secret Teachings of Marco Daffi on Initiation by David Pantano focuses on the unique perspective of Marco Daffi’s teachings. Daffi, the pseudonym for Baron Ricciardo Ricciardelli, was an Italian Hermeticist and alchemist in the early 20th century. This was a man who took beliefs and thoughts on Hermeticism into his own hands, building his own perspective that focuses on one’s inner-self and a person’s intentions, exploring the more obscure realms of esotericism.

Daffi holds “a distinguished position within the pantheon of magical heroes, having carved out a niche of his own, within the vast universe of Hermeticism for explorations of the inner planes through the agency of Hermetic initiation.”18

As stated in the forward written by Valerio Tomassini, the true intent of the book is not to repeat Daffi’s teachings but to “point out his approach to the ‘Dry’ path and the strictly technical aspects of his writings.”20 Pantano puts in the work to outline the unique experiences that Daffi had while expanding on his knowledge and teachings of Hermeticism, making the content a bit more approachable with his examples and explanations on Daffi’s “Inner Laboratory.” As someone new to the topic of Hermeticism, the idea of learning about the technical side of the topic seemed absolutely fascinating to me.

This book is divided into four parts. Part one focuses on the themes of Marco Daffi’s Hermetic worldview, exploring original topics translated into his personal insights. Part two focuses on the correspondence with Daffi, specifically discussing the two volumes edited by Giammaria that documented their “epistolary ruminations on the Hermetic arts”21. Part three focuses on the human aspects of Ricciardo Ricciardelli, giving a gateway into understanding Daffi more thoroughly. Then part four is entirely focused on the magical legacy that Daffi left behind, bringing in voices from a wider audience, taking the path of Daffi’s ideas and what they have explored themselves.

Pantano does an incredible job of taking some of the unapproachable subject matter for new readers into a more modern context. Not only that, but he elaborates on the topics extensively. Every single term that I found myself a bit confused with, Pantano followed with a breakdown of what that term meant to the context as a whole.

A prime example of this is at the end of the introduction, Pantano provides an explanation to each section going forward; you’re told what to expect from each part, which can help immensely in preparing for each section. As someone brand new to the topics in Alchemic Hermeticism, the introduction was extremely beneficial to me so that I could better focus each section’s content and absorb the material. Not only that, but this introduction helped me feel less overwhelmed with the subject matter overall.

Additionally, it really helped having the explanations for each unknown term or thought process, and the book showcases multiple interpretations or origins of these concepts. For example, on pages 32-33, Pantano gives definition to the alchemical terms Saturnian, Lunar, Mercurial, and Solar bodies.These definitions really helped me understand more of Daffi’s teachings and what these bodies actually meant in the contexts that are provided throughout the book.

One of my favorite things while reading was learning how different parts of the world, even different religions, view magic and Hermeticism as a whole. It was fascinating to learn about metapsychism and how they’re “judged from the magical point of view as being an error”22. This, among many other topics I was not familiar with, was an absolute delight to learn about and has opened my eyes to so many subjects I wish to study further. Now, I’m even more interested to learn about Daffi’s teachings from a beginner’s standpoint.

Overall, I recommend Alchemical Hermeticism for those who are familiar with Daffi’s teachings first and foremost, or at the very least, those who have a basic understanding of alchemy. Having prior background knowledge would be a big help in fully grasping the hidden teachings from Daffi’s “Inner Laboratory”. However, those new to the topic will also benefit from Pantano’s detailed explanations of the material. This book is well worth reading if you’re willing to take the time and give the attention needed to follow along with the material in order to explore Daffi’s interesting work and the impact he had on modern esoteric history. Pantano has done a wonderful job of bringing forth Daffy’s work for others to enjoy and appreciate.

Bog Witch, by Mab Jones

Bog Witch, by Mab Jones
Moon Books, 1803411872, 96 pages, June 2024

Bog Witch by Mab Jones is a poetic and beautifully weaved piece of work that blends memoir, environmental awareness, and folklore. Jones’ story begins in a deeply personal setting exploring her working-class upbringing in Europe, which touches on a larger discussion of nature, feminism and capitalism’s harmful hold on both the environment and people.

Initially Bog Witch drew me in because of the interesting cover—a woman with a face mostly hidden with long hair which gave me the impression that this was going to be a scary book filled with mystical stories of myths of a witch that lives in the bog with creatures. However, this book is far from my guess, and despite that fact, I still enjoyed this piece. Diving into this book I have found that it is geared more towards weaving the author’s personal life, folklore, and deep analogies of the environment to raise awareness before it is too late to care for and save the earth. This focus in itself made a lasting impression and left me with deep thoughts inspiring more love for the nature that surrounds us.

When I started reading this book my very first thoughts were, “Gosh this author sure knows how to write visually and relate to her audience.” Even though my experiences were not exactly the same, I had similar experiences throughout my life and relating to the author made me feel relieved because there were not that many authors I could relate to. In a way this book touched my heart and I felt inspired realizing this could be me writing my heartfelt experiences on paper and sharing it with my audience as well. All of my passions, life experiences, and desires to get through to humanity is a task I have been uncomfortable to take on until now. Books like Bog Witch inspire not just a call to action but creativity as well because the words woven on paper have been well put together.

I enjoyed the foretelling of Jones’ childhood and experiences in nature:

“My interactions with nature were few and far between, and restricted to things found in or on hedges as we walked the short route to school. This included ladybirds, caterpillars, and, once, a hedgehog.”1

Experiences like this took me back to my memories of childhood and all the times I was outside in nature and unaware of all its beautiful mysteries. When I was young just like the author I too was “Blind to the beauties of nature.”2

The style of Jones’ writing at first was a bit difficult for me to understand, as she uses a lot of analogies and descriptive storytelling throughout the entire book. However, when I started getting further into my reading journey, it was as if I slowly started to ease into Jones’ world and relax. Bog Witch is a book that will catch you off guard and disarm your overly critical thinking mind (as it has done to me). Understanding the point and mission of the book became apparent to me when I started relaxing into the author’s words: Change yourself first, notice the beauty of nature, and protect nature. 

Each chapter like “Fenny,” “Tongue of dog”, “In the cauldron”, and so on talk about a different type of particular bog. Bogs are described as mucky, icky, and gross but Jones showed a different perspective and way of thinking which I enjoyed reading. In chapter two,  the title named “Fenny” came from a story of three witches and their incantation using the word “fenny” to describe an ingredient. The way the author connected the name of her chapters to storytelling is creative. And the use of folklore from Welsh, English, Hindu, and other cultures creates a unique and diverse atmosphere for readers.

Other than the folklore there is also a bit of education on water spirits which I did not have much knowledge of prior. Water spirits are not talked about that much in the witchy community, and I was hoping that the author would touch more on the subject but a little bit of information was definitely better than nothing.

Further in the book on page 29, I learn that dragonflies have other folk names such as the flying dragon which made me curious and want to research the subject further. Commonly dragonflies are known as Devil’s Darning Needle or Snake Doctor which seems to barely scratch the surface and requires more research on my end.

From beginners to advanced in knowledge, this book has a little something for everybody to take a piece of and walk away with. Even if you don’t learn something new, it is still a great book to sit down with a cup of tea and read to raise awareness of our environment and make you think about how you might be treating nature. What people fail to realize is that not only do we have one planet but change starts with us because too many people are not wanting to take accountability and just leave future problems to future generations. The author sees this happening and does a great job translating her words on paper to sway audiences and beg for change.

Overall even with the shaky start of starting Bog Witch, I finished strong with confidence and longing for another volume. Raising awareness of nature with a mix of storytelling, folklore, and knowledge is the perfect blend to a piece of writing that isn’t boring and preachy. Jones knows how to relate to her audience, entice, and educate. I can definitely see myself influenced by her words even though I have started my journey of caring for the earth a while back.

Her knowledge on bogs has taught me to appreciate and respect their space. Bogs are sacred, beautiful, and have environmental purposes. My other witchy friends that love nature or want to learn more about nature are the ones I would definitely recommend this book to. People that are not witches would still enjoy this book because it doesn’t particularly get into witchcraft and therefore they would not feel a conflict in their beliefs.