Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Be Like the Wind, by Ellen Kohn

Be Like the Wind: Three Equines Channel Spiritual Light, by Ellen Kohn
6th Books, 1803416017, 192 pages, November 2024

Be Like the Wind: Three Equines Channel Spiritual Light by Ellen Kohn is a uniquely enchanting exploration of the profound connections between humans and animals, specifically through the lens of equine companionship. Kohn, an experienced animal communicator, delves into the spiritual and emotional bonds that can exist between horses and their human counterparts.

“Spirit has demonstrated horse energy signifies one of the most powerful forces on the planet. In preparation for global transformation and healing, horse was chosen to mentor and guide humans…”1

The book is a blend of personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, offering readers a glimpse into the transformative power of these majestic creatures. Kohn’s writing is both heartfelt and evocative, painting vivid pictures of her experiences with the horses that have touched her life. She presents each equine not simply as an animal but as a spiritual entity capable of offering guidance and healing.

Kohn shares the journey of three horses–Billy, Monty, and Romeo–”chosen by the Equine Council to initiate a psychic connection”2 with her. This Council “represents a group of highly ascended beings who have spent many lifetimes as a horse.”3

Serving as a moderator, Kohn has woven together the messages she’s received via direct communication and vibration exchange with these horses. Portions of the book are written in the narrated form of the three horses united in energy, called The Tribune, while other parts are narratives of a singular horse sharing their wisdom in the form of conversions with Kohn. All the stories are written in first-person, facilitating a conversational and intimate reader experience.

The Tribunes offer a special metaphysics of this world that will most likely be novel to most readers. From the horses sharing their past life experiences (Romeo served King Philip in Spain during the mid-1500s!) to an exploration of what the soul is, the higher wisdom coming through the Tribune is a unique and interesting spiritual perspective. Here’s an excerpt from the chapter “Signs from Beyond the Veil” where the Tribune shares signs of spirit manifesting:

“Chills declare a Divine presence, affirming spiritual information from your helpers, guides, and angels.  When chills appear in your energy field, they confirm what you believe to be true. An unambiguous feeling, chills infuse clarity into your awareness and faith.”4

Notably, some readers might find the spiritual themes to be esoteric, especially those who approach animal behavior in a scientific manner. But for those who enjoy the spiritual wisdom of  animals, there’s an abundance of channeled messages focused on healing, love, and surrender to the Divine that are sure to provide inspiration and comfort.

One of the strengths of the book is Kohn’s ability to convey the subtleties of non-verbal communication. Her descriptions of the silent interactions and the shared sense of understanding between her and the horses are deeply moving and thought-provoking. This makes the book appealing not only to horse enthusiasts but also to anyone interested in spiritual growth and the interconnection between all living beings.

Overall, Be Like the Wind is a compelling read for those open to the spiritual wisdom of horses. Kohn’s passion for communicating the lessons channeled by her relationship with Billy, Monty, and Romeo is a true service to the world. This inspirational book would be a wonderful addition to the libraries of both animal lovers and spiritual seekers alike. The gentle communication style of the horses opens up hearts and brings a renewed sense of hope and faith.

Song of the Dark Man, by Darragh Mason

Song of the Dark Man: Father of Witches, Lord of the Crossroads, by Darragh Mason
Destiny Books, 1644119099, 208 pages, August 2024

Darragh Mason’s Song of the Dark Man beckons readers down a crooked, thorn-riddled forest path to meet the Devil at the crossroads. Following the haunting melody of his Pan pipes through a captivating blend of folktales, historical records, and contemporary testimonies, Mason seeks the elusive figure of the Dark Man of the Witches’ Sabbath, whose children are “the witches and storytellers.”1

Divided into two parts, this book delves into the historical context of the Dark Man, including the chilling accounts of the Scottish witch trials, and then explores the lived experiences of present-day witches who have encountered the Dark Man. Mason invites readers to sit beside an ancestral campfire, for “this is a work created in the spirit of the sagas and poems sung by our forebears.”2

Darragh Mason is an award-winning photographer, researcher, and author, best known for his work on the Djinn and the Aghori Hindu sect. He also hosts the award-nominated paranormal podcast Spirit Box. Mason doesn’t claim to be a scholar or an authority on witchcraft. “This book is for the curious and the haunted,”5 he says.

Mason asserts that the Dark Man is a spectral figure lurking in the shadows of our collective unconscious.

“Our folktales are remnants of the dreamtime memories of our ancestors, a memory of an age before the veil between the imagined and the material hardened over,” Mason says. “If our folktales are our dream history, then the Dark Man has haunted our dreams since the beginning.”6

He is the shadowy muse behind obsessive artistic expression, inspiring great works of art at a potentially destructive cost to the artist. “The Witchfather is dangerous, ruthless, and may devour you,”7 Mason warns readers. “Those who worked with him in the past were known as cunning folk for a reason, in that they could work with him and not get eaten.”8 Mason claims this book was written at the behest of Lucifer.

In many folktales, the Dark Man “is a composite figure of the Fairy King, Devil, and Lord of the Dead.”9 Mason delves into the paranormal phenomena associated with this dreadful specter, such as the infamous “Devil’s Footprints”10 and the eerie tales of black riders spiriting people away to fairy realms. One account that particularly resonated with me was the phenomenon of the “Hairy Hands.”11 During the 1920s, witnesses in Devon, England claimed that phantom hairy hands had hijacked control of their vehicles, leading to numerous accidents along the B3212 road. 

This account gave me chills because of my own experience of seeing a disembodied hairy hand when I was about three years old. I lived in Florida, not England, and I have never heard of anyone else experiencing this phenomenon before I read this book. One morning, while my dad was getting ready for work and my mom was still asleep, I was sitting at our glass dining room table eating cereal, when I noticed a strange shadow on the chair beside me. I was startled by how much it resembled a werewolf’s hand, with hairy, splayed fingers and long claws. Feeling more curious than afraid, my eyes searched the room, trying to figure out what was casting the shadow, but found nothing. My father seemed oblivious to the phantom hand as he continued his morning ritual, pacing back and forth, gathering his things and adjusting his tie, so I didn’t mention it to him, and wondered if I was imagining it. Later that morning, I told my mother about the strange shadow, and she confessed that she had also seen this hairy hand, only it had appeared to her in the flesh, crawling up the wall.

Another account that struck a chord with me was that of Shullie H. Porter, a hereditary witch, who “was born dead with her umbilical cord around her neck.”12 While I wasn’t born dead, the circumstances surrounding my birth were strikingly similar. My mother described my face as purple, like a grape, due to the umbilical noose strangling my neck. Discovering that I share this rare birth complication with another modern witch, I can’t help but wonder if it might mirror the traumatic death of being hanged, perhaps for witchcraft, in a past life.

Porter was also given the same name for the Dark Man as he once gave me during a telepathic conversation. “I know who he is now,” she says. “I don’t mind saying his name—it’s Samael.”13 This revelation, coupled with our shared birth trauma, has validated and reaffirmed my personal connection to the Dark Man and the chthonic current into which he initiated me.

In Jewish folklore, Samael, the venom of God, was the name of the satanic serpent in the Garden of Eden, who impregnated Eve with Cain. In traditional witchcraft, witches are believed to be descended from the Cainite lineage of serpent seed. This is the source of the so-called witch blood, which Mason prefers to call a “fire in the blood,”14 and I love this poetic description, because I like to think of it as a bright etheric venom burning in the veins. In the foreword to this book, Peter Mark Adams, author of The Game of Saturn,  further defines witch blood as “the inherited imprints of initiations and devotions undertaken within an ancestral line”15

After revealing his name to me, the Dark Man visited me in a vivid dream, clad in black and wearing a deer skull mask, bestowing upon me a pair of antlers that I felt physically fusing to my skull. Upon waking, my crown was still tingling with the sensation of the astral antlers, and I immediately recorded this experience in my dream journal. Through subsequent research, I discovered that horns are sometimes associated with the biblical Mark of Cain. This oneiric vision served as a profound confirmation of my initiation into the mysteries of the Dark Man and the witch’s Cainite inheritance of the mark of the crooked path of exile.

The magical significance and sacred power of horns and antlers is explored in an interview with Orion Foxwood, a traditional witch and Appalachian Conjure man. Foxwood says that horns “pierce the veil between seen and unseen,” and “the deer in the faery tradition is the psychopomp between the worlds.”16 With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that one of the Dark Man’s epiphanies is the deer. Mason also notes that, in the confessions of the seventeenth-century Scottish witch Isobel Gowdie, sometimes the Dark Man “would copulate with the witches in the form of a deer or other forms, and they would never refuse him.”17 

The sexual initiation of the Dark Man in the guise of a lusty horned beast is significant when one considers the historical demonization of sexuality by monotheism.

“Christianity’s virgin birth to a celibate God severed copulation from female sexuality in particular, removing it from its rightful place of veneration to a place of revulsion and fear,” Mason says. “This tragedy led to the desacralization of the earth which, combined with monotheism and the demonization of the Dark Man, is catastrophic.”18

“Thus,” Mason further observes, “the vulva cave became the hellmouth, changing from a source of wonder and the threshold of creation to a place of corruption and spiritual danger.”19 The Dark Man is a wild god who reclaims the kingdom of the earth and restores the sacredness of the flesh. His sexual initiation is a primal act, a defiance of the puritanical chains that bind us. His carnal embrace offers liberation to the untamed beast within.

I was intrigued to learn that this ancient ritual union of humanity with the wilderness is still preserved in the symbolic marriage of a girl to a feral goat during the annual Irish Puck Fair, which takes place from the 10th to 12th of August, in close proximity to the pagan festival of Lughnasadh, suggesting pre-Christian roots. “The Puck Fair’s main event is the capture of a wild billy goat that is then crowned King Puck,” Mason says. “King Puck has a bride, traditionally a schoolgirl from one of the local primary schools.”20 Queen Puck, the Goat Bride, brings to mind mythical brides of the Devil, such as Lilith and Persephone.

By transcending boundaries and limitations, often in shocking or taboo ways that invert monotheistic beliefs, the Dark Man and his witches challenge a dualistic worldview, which tends to separate humanity from nature and the divine. This rejection of separation can lead to a deeper connection with the natural world and a sense of unity with all beings. “The composite nature of the Dark Man and the shape-shifting of the witches all point to nondualism and a rejection of our separation,”21 Mason says.

The primal experience of encountering the Dark Man can make it difficult to interface with modern technology. Many devotees of the Dark Man, including the author himself, have felt guided to disengage from the trappings of social media. As Mason puts it, “the Dark Man experience pushes us to protect our imaginal spaces, to maintain their integrity from the encroachment of invasive technologies and their wake.”22 This resonated deeply with me because I also feel he has urged me to limit my use of technology and abandon social media platforms. The incoherent, distracting white noise of social media fragments consciousness and interferes with our ability to hear the Dark Man’s song. His palpable presence demands that we turn within instead, realign with our intuition and creativity, and follow our soul’s purpose. As a deity of Fate, that purpose also serves his own mysterious agenda.  

Whether the Dark Man appears as an eldritch black figure with a phantom hand upon the wheel of fate, or as a spectral stag, his cloven footprints leaving the devil’s mark upon virgin snow, he is an eternal symbol of the primal forces that shape our destinies. He is the embodiment of the void that lies beyond the veil of consciousness, the dark matter of the soul. Through the eyes of modern witches, we witness his presence, feel his power, and experience the profound initiation he offers. 

Song of the Dark Man is more than just a collection of tales; it is a ritual, a summoning of the Dark Man into our collective consciousness. It challenges us to confront our deepest fears and embrace the unknown.

Winter Wellbeing, by CICO Books

Winter Wellbeing: Seasonal self-care to nourish, sustain, and warm your soul, by CICO Books
CICO Books, 1800653719, 144 pages, September 2024

Winter Wellbeing: Seasonal self-care to nourish, sustain, and warm your soul by CICO Books is a delightful guide that invites readers to embrace the colder months with a sense of comfort and self-care. With tips for tending to mind, body, and soul, this book is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their winter experience by focusing on holistic wellbeing practices.

“With self-care practices, nourishing recipes, and ways to appreciate the season, this guide will help you revitalize and recharge your soul, even when it’s cold and dark outside.”1

This book is beautifully designed, with a calming aesthetic that reflects the tranquility it aims to bring into the reader’s life. The hardcover makes it perfect to keep out all season long on a coffee table or counter. The wide range of topics, from nourishing recipes to cozy crafts and mindful activities, are all tailored to help individuals find joy and warmth during the winter season, and you’ll definitely want to keep it within easy reach.

The first chapter, “Embracing the Season” focuses on how one can make the most of the cold temperatures that characterize this time of the year. This book honors the seasonal cycles and teaches ways to stay in touch with nature: walks in the cold temperatures, maintaining your circadian rhythm by getting enough sunlight, and embracing rest during the extra hours of darkness. It also suggests ways to bring the winter inside by creating a shrine, putting up decorations, and simplifying our surroundings. Recipes in this section include tea for the full moon and a mulled cider recipe for festive celebrations.

The next chapter, “Boosting Your Immune System” is extremely useful in the season of colds and viruses. It is filled with inspiration for how to get a good night’s rest to stay healthy, tea and soup recipes to keep illness at bay or overcome it quickly, and baths to soothe symptoms. I particularly liked reading about Oxymel Tonic, which uses honey and vinegar to ease respiratory issues.

To make it through the cold, dark days of winter, it becomes important to build in daily habits to keep ourselves nourished. Chapter three, “Caring for Your Body, Mind, and Soul” suggests establishing a wellbeing ritual to keep you focused on your self-care during the winter months. Breathing exercises, massage, and healthy drinks, such as Celery juice elixir and Gentle detox tea, and relaxing baths are some of the many things one can build into their wellbeing routine. My favorite part of this section is the DIY body-care product recipes for things like body whip, lip balm and face masks.

The final chapter, “Revitalizing, Recharging, and Renewing” integrates all the previous chapters, providing restorative exercise, conscious eating, healing teas, and breathing exercise to keep the winter blues away and sustain mental, emotional, and spiritual health during the winter months.  All the self-care practices can be seamlessly integrated into daily life, encouraging mindfulness and reflection and fostering a sense of peace and gratitude even in the darker, colder months.

Overall, Winter Wellbeing is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to enhance their winter self-care routine. Its thoughtful blend of recipes, activities, and lifestyle tips makes it a perfect companion for those wanting to embrace the season with warmth and positivity. Whether you’re looking to maintain your physical health or find new ways to nurture your soul, this book offers a wealth of inspiration.

A Confluence of Witches, edited by Casey Zabala

A Confluence of Witches: Celebrating Our Lunar Roots, Decolonizing the Craft, and Reenchanting Our World, edited by Casey Zabala
Weiser Books, 1578638453, 224 pages, October 2024

Witchcraft is not a one-size-fits-all practice. There’s no single, universal “witchcraft” that everyone follows. Different witches may have varying beliefs, rituals, and traditions, influenced by their individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personal paths. This diversity is what makes witchcraft such a rich and fascinating exploration.

A Confluence of Witches: Celebrating our Lunar Roots, Decolonizing the Craft, and Reenchanting Our World, edited by Casey Zabala, brings together a diverse array of voices within the contemporary witchcraft community. Through a rich tapestry of essays, rituals, and personal narratives, this anthology shines a light on the multifaceted nature of witchcraft in the modern world to explore “the authentic intersection of magic, spirituality, personal development, and social justice.”7

“Modern Witchcraft is not a disavowal of our Pagan, animist, lunar roots. Rather, Modern Witchcraft is an evolution of our responsibilities as practicing witches. These responsibilities have historically been to praise the divinity of the Earth and cosmos, to provide healing remedy and support to the community, and to offer a spiritual framework for the oppressed. To be a modern witch we must straddle both our ancient origins and our futurist dreams.”23

This anthology covers a broad range of topics that will appeal to both seasoned practitioners and those new to the craft. The seven chapters each focus on a certain aspect of witchcraft: the Moon, the blending of traditional magic with modern technology, the decolonization of witchcraft, connection with the spirit world, connection to our bodies and Earth, pathways of healing, and the power of covens. Within the chapter there’s three essays related to the topic.

The essays in A Confluence of Witches are thought-provoking and deeply personal. Each contributor shares their unique journey and insights, making the anthology both informative and intimate. Some of my favorites are “Reclamining Resources: Money Magic in This Time of Capitalism” Jessie Susannah Karnatz, “Loving What Is: Quantum Witchcraft” by Sanyu Estelle, “Flower Animism: A Floral Spell” by Liz Migliorelli, and “There is Sustenance in the Roots by Star Feliz.

Zabala’s editorial hand is evident in the seamless flow of the book. At the start of each chapter, she writes an introduction for the topic, creating a cohesive overview of the essays that follow. I also felt like the arrangement of the chapters was very intuitive, though there’s truly no need to read them all in order.

One of this anthology’s greatest strengths is its inclusivity. Zabala has curated contributions from witches of various backgrounds, practices, and traditions, ensuring that readers are exposed to a wide spectrum of perspectives. This diversity not only enriches the reader’s understanding of witchcraft but also challenges any preconceived notions they might have. The essays all give a little glimpse inside the world of the writers, so readers can then pursue exploring more work of the writers they especially resonate with.

There are so many leads I want to follow now that I’ve read this book! I am truly enamored with the insights from the writers who contributed. At the end, Zabala has included biographies for all the contributors. Here readers can discover new podcasts, YouTube channels, books, organizations and groups, and more. The community Zabala created in 2018 is called Modern Witches, which aims “to heal and honor the collective’s relationship to the witch.”24

Reading through this book prompted a lot of reflection for me, and I began to see my practice connected to a much wider group of people. Oftentimes, especially when feeling isolated or marginalized, I think witches forget the community resources available to them. But there are so many others out there shaping Modern Witchcraft. I learned about so many other amazing witches and their work when reading this book that I would have never known about otherwise, and I’m really excited to further brand out and explore some new groups I learned about from the book.

It felt very expansive to see just how vast the world of Modern Witchcraft is right now and to take the time to think about the impact of technology, political systems, and social structures on witchcraft right now. With each chapter, I felt a shimmering web of energy growing between me and these other witches; even though our practices might look very different, we all walk the same path at this current time.

Overall, A Confluence of Witches is an essential read for anyone interested in the Modern Witchcraft movement. Within the variety of voices, the book maintains a narrative that guides the reader through the complexities of Modern Witchcraft that is expansive, inclusive, and thought-provoking. Whether one is new to the craft or a seasoned practitioner, this book gives voice to where Modern Witchcraft is at right now, contextualizing the greater community of witches beyond one’s daily scope.

We all possess our own sacred blend of spirituality, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and connections to the world around us. By embracing the diversity of witchcraft and honoring the unique practices of others, we can create a more inclusive and supportive community that celebrates the richness of human spirituality.

Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life, by Selina Maitreya

Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life: How to Respond with Love to Life’s Difficulties, by Selina Maitreya
Destiny Books, 979-8888500460, 208 pages, June 2024

Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life: How to Respond with Love to Life’s Difficulties by Selina Maitreya is a compelling guide to elevating one’s personal energy levels to achieve greater well-being and fulfillment. Maitreya, a well-respected spiritual teacher and intuitive, combines her profound knowledge and experience to offer practical advice and transformative exercises.

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of raising one’s vibration. Maitreya begins by explaining the concept of frequency and how it relates to our everyday lives. Her encouraging words remind readers they have the power to control how they respond to life’s circumstances, especially once they understand their own spiritual nature as “a multidimensional being filled with frequencies that can be simply defined as both high (Oneness, higher consciousness wisdom, love) and love (fear, judgment, anger, jealousy, lack) energies working within a dense, solid form: your physical body.”25

While many might focus on thinking good thoughts or evoking positive emotions, Maitreya teaches that it’s our energetic frequency that is the most important tool for guidance. Just like our behaviors, we develop frequency response patterns throughout our lives, which often stems from our unconscious fears and conditioning.  But with the tools offered in this book, new habits of high-vibrational frequency responses can be achieved, transforming the reader’s life in the process.

Topics covered in this book include how to develop the awareness necessary to fine-tune your frequency, using fear as a tool for transformation, tackling resistant patterns that keep you stuck, cultivating self-care and love, understanding and overcoming triggers, and practical techniques to shift one’s vibration and remain in a higher frequency day-to-day no matter what life throws your way.

One of the strengths of the book is its actionable steps. Maitreya doesn’t just present theories; she provides readers with tangible practices to implement in their daily routines. From meditation techniques to mindful breathing exercises and prayer, the book is filled with tools that can be easily integrated into busy lives. Maitreya emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-care. She encourages readers to conduct an honest assessment of their current energy levels and to identify areas where they may be leaking energy. This introspective approach allows for a personalized journey towards higher frequency living.

“When you choose to respond to low-vibrational experiences from Oneness you completely transmute the frequency of what has arrived in your life. You literally change dark to light, and you begin the journey of reclaiming your gift of peace, neutrality, and abundance.”26

The writing style of this book is both inspiring and comforting, making readers feel supported and understood. Maitreya’s compassionate voice shines through, creating a sense of connection and trust. Her anecdotes and real-life examples add a personal touch that make the content relatable and motivating.  Plus, besides individual practices, the book also explores how raising one’s frequency can positively impact relationships and community interactions. Maitreya illustrates how higher energy levels can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling connections with others, enhancing the overall quality of life.

This book was a very helpful read as I was moving through a transition in life. It helped shift my perspective, moving from confusion and frustration into acceptance and excitement, which made the situation overall a lot better. I’ve enjoyed reflecting on Maitreya’s wisdom, especially when the news comes on and anger or fear starts to take over. Utilizing the techniques in this book, I am able to find my own vibration again and open to the frequency of peace, grace, and unity.

Overall, Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life is a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their personal energy and transform their life. Selina Maitreya’s insightful guidance and practical advice make this book a must-read for those on a path of personal growth and spiritual development. We have so much power within us that grows as our awareness expands to focus on the unity and Oneness in life.

Crystal Body Grids, by Sharon McAllister

Crystal Body Grids: 56 Gemstone Layouts for Energy Healing, by Sharon L. McAllister
Earthdancer Books, 9798888500866, 208 pages, September 2024

In her highly informative book, Crystal Body Grids: 56 Gemstone Layouts for Energy Healing, crystal healer and teacher Sharon L. McAllister provides a helpful guide for using crystals to heal one’s body. From the basic introduction to crystals to the unique crystal key that she uses to reference crystals for the crystal grids and layouts, McAllister presents everything you need to know about healing with crystals.

McAllister has over 30 years’ experience as a holistic therapist. Some of her specialties include soul recall therapy, crystal healing, and reflexology. She has taught reflexology and crystal healing for many years and has written another book about programming crystals and gemstones titled Awakening Your Crystals: Activate the Higher Potential of Healing Stones.

From the minute you open this book, you know that you have found a wonderful reference for working with crystals. The inner flap features a list of 23 crystals with an A-Z key that the author uses throughout the book. The back flap contains another tool: Quick Guide to Setting Up a Crystal Circuit, as well as showing three main crystal shapes. In her disclaimer, McAllister advises how to use crystals safely, including a note about refraining from using alcohol or drugs with crystals.

Next, McAllister shares a complete Table of Contents, broken into two parts. “Part 1: Crystal Healing” gives background information on crystals and energy healing, including how to program them and the relationship between human energy fields, chakras, and the disease metaphysics. “Part 2: Enhance Your Physical Energy with Healing Gemstones” covers different body systems chapter by chapter, teaching how to use the crystal layouts for healing. She covers the whole body: skeletal, nerves, gut, heart, immune system, skin and hair, and head.

After the main body of the book, McAllister shares 25 pages of the key crystals to use in crystal circuits or grids. Next, she presents a complete glossary of crystal and metaphysical terms and a wonderful index for finding crystals, symptoms, parts of the body, and other topics from the book. The structure of the book and all of these tools make the information so accessible and helpful for the reader.

To test drive the book, I decided to research edema, which is a malady I have struggled with for several years. The index took me to a two-page spread on this symptom. She recommends the use of fluorite. Before using the fluorite crystal, McAllister recommends that you program the crystal with this prayer or invocation:

“I ask the Light (or earth energies), please charge these crystals with the highest positive energy to envelope (full name) with the light of flowing harmony, energetic healing, balance, and alignment at this time. Thank the Light.”1

In addition to healing edema with the grid, McAllister also recommends that you tape a piece of fluorite to the affected body part and sleep with the crystal.

I also learned to use a clear quartz crystal at my head to “ignite” or begin the healing for my body and to use a smokey quartz crystal as the “exit” crystal.  On the graphic for the healing grid, McAllister uses the letter key that she presented on the flap of the book. (She also lists the crystals on the page to make it even easier for the reader.)  She also advises you where to place each crystal, either on the body, above the body or below the body, or near the feet. 

Later that same day, when my husband remarked about having trouble sleeping, I recommended a crystal layout to him. The crystals included clear quartz, rose quartz, blue kyanite, and smoky quartz. Luckily, I had each of these crystals on hand. Again, the healing protocol was easy to understand and implement and lasted 10 minutes. McAllister recommends doing the healing process weekly for one month for best results.

She also shares a little background on a “positive sleep pattern”27 and how to make other changes in the bedroom or your personal habits to facilitate better sleep.

Everything in the book is shared from a very positive point of view and includes the “energy” of the symptom or illness.  I love this!  For example, she discusses the “energy of allergies,”28 and the “energy of the throat”29. Within this information, McAllister does a great job of explaining how the symptoms originate in the energy field, so you can better understand how to treat and heal the condition. Throughout the book, she also reminds the reader to check with a doctor or medical professional before proceeding or if you have questions about your malady.

One of the things I really like about this book is that McAllister utilizes fairly common crystals. As I glanced down the list of crystals recommended for the crystal grids there were only two that I did not have on hand and both will be very easy to obtain in a local crystal shop or online with Etsy.

Along with the grids or circuits, which are presented with line art and the crystal keys mentioned earlier, McAllister includes photos of people with the crystals placed on the body. She also includes “holistic tips”30, such as one explaining how to do scalp massage with oil for thinning hair.  This is in addition to the crystal grid she recommends for thinning hair.

Crystal Body Grids is one of the best books on crystal healing that I have seen (and I have about twenty other books in my library). McAllister’s book would be great for a novice wanting to learn how to work with crystals, as well as someone like me with years of experience. The book is easy to read and in case someone doesn’t understand a concept or metaphysical term, McAllister includes a great glossary. Because the book is structured for easy navigation and includes common crystals, it will serve anyone wanting to work with crystals and gemstones for healing on all levels of the mind, body, and spirit.

Witches, by Judika Illes

Witches: A Compendium, by Judika Illes
Weiser Books, 1578638577, 240 pages, October 2024

Autumn has arrived, and I think we can all agree.. It’s officially the season of the witch! For those who are feeling drawn to witches, whether through fictional tales or their own witchcraft practice, Judika Illes’ latest book Witches: A Compendium offers a fascinating exploration of the subject, from ancient times to modern day. This comprehensive guide covers a range of witchcraft topics, from famous witches to the best witch-travel destinations.

“The world of witches is filled with passion, magic, high spirits, and joy. It is a world where the sacred is ever-present, a world in which even the most mundane objects possess deep spiritual significance. The world of witches is a world of wonder in which every color, incident, creature, sight, or sound has some sort of magical import.”31

Illes does an excellent job of presenting a diverse range of perspectives on witchcraft. Chapters are dedicated to types of witches, witchcraft tools, animal familiars, various well-known witches (famous ones, fictional ones, divination witches, and those who have been persecuted for their practice). She includes stories and practices from different cultures, highlighting the universal appeal and varied interpretations of witchcraft around the world. This inclusivity is a refreshing aspect of the book, as it acknowledges and respects the wide array of traditions and beliefs associated with witchcraft.

For each topic in the compendium, there’s anywhere from one paragraph to two pages dedicated to the subject. Illes’ writing style is engaging and accessible. She excels in writing insightful profiles that bring these individuals to life, offering readers a glimpse into their lives and the culture during the time they lived. Some of my favorites covered include Tamoamo-no-Mae, Hulda, and Kybele. I also loved the focus on fictional witches, such as Agatha Harkness, whose new TV show I just started watching on Disney+; Illes writing is so up-to-date that it mentions this new Marvel show, along with the recent WandaVision.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see that Illes included quite a few men in this compendium. Of course, there’s the male founders of certain traditions, such as Alexandrian Wicca and The Clan of Tubal Cain, who were influential in the spread of modern witchcraft. But she also looks to famous magicians and sorcerers of the past too, such as Abei no Seimei, Franz Bardon, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, and Dr. Leo Martello. This inclusion gives a very balanced perspective on witchcraft, offering a full picture that counters stereotypes of witches always being old hags or devious young women.

The chapters on the tools, crafts, and animals associated with witchcraft are especially beneficial for readers to learn more about different practices. Illes covers tools like dolls, mirrors, runes, and wands, along with crafts of the trade such as dowsing, scrying, and astrology. The chapter “Animal Witches and Witches’ Animals” is loaded with information about the roles various animals have in witchcraft practices worldwide. I was fascinated to learn:

“European itches were accused of riding wolves or bates; African witches ride galloping hyenas, the animal most closely identified with witches throughout Africa.”32

And, if after making it through most of this book you are wondering if you’re a witch, Illes’ final chapter helps to answer this question. She includes lore that indicates being a witch, such as being the seventh-born son or daughter, as well as having a witch-mark or disliking salt. She also notes personality traits like “you have an affinity for wild nature, a love for the world’s wild, untamed places”33 and “you possess an independent streak: you don’t like being told what you can’t do, can’t learn, can’t known, can’t read, or where you can’t go.”34

Finally, the visual aspect of the book is also worth mentioning. Witches is beautifully illustrated, with images that complement the text and enhance the reader’s experience. The illustrations add an extra layer of enchantment to the book, making it not only informative but also a pleasure to look at.

Overall, Witches: A Compendium is a great read for anyone interested in the world of witchcraft. It is comprehensive, well-researched, and beautifully presented. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this book offers valuable insights and practical knowledge that will deepen your understanding of witchcraft and its enduring allure.

And if you enjoy this book, Illes has quite a few other informative books published, including Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells, Encyclopedia of Spirits, The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, and Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, & Sages, along with The Weiser Field Guide to Witches and The Weiser Field Guide to the Paranormal.

Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling, by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens

Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling: Divining with Tarot, Palmistry, Tea Leaves, and More, by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens
Weiser Books, 1578638585, 224 pages, October 2024

Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling: Divining with Tarot, Palmistry, Tea Leaves, and More by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens is a compelling exploration into the rich and often secret world of Romani divination practices. The book serves as both an educational resource and a captivating narrative, shedding light on the traditions and cultural significance of fortune-telling within the Romani community. While not all secrets can be revealed, the authors open the world of Romani divination to us gadje (non-Romanian folks) to facilitate more cultural appreciation and less cultural appropriation.

“To understand the true art of Romani fortune-telling, and the secrets of intuition, we will share some spiritual techniques and business acumen, but more than that, we will share our beliefs, culture, history, trauma, resilience, and our stories. All of these make up the much misunderstood, maligned, and misrepresented practice of Romani divination.”35

Both Von Thiele and Stevens are of Romani descent. Von Thiele is a creative spark, working as a fortune teller, writer, editor, teacher, and performer in New Hampshire. While Stevens lives in California running her business Romani Holistic Healing where she offers clients fortune-telling, meditation, herbal health remedies, and life coaching. The authors combine their expertise in their joint podcast Romanistan, which inspired and led to Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling.

What I love about the authors is how in both their podcast and this book they challenge aspects of their culture that need to evolve. They consider themselves intersectional feminists, gender librators, and anti-colonist, choosing to walk their own path, support LGBTQIA+ communities, and speak out against cultural issues such as domestic violence and arranged teen marriage. Their collaboration ensures that the book is not only informative but also sensitive to the cultural intricacies and historical context of Romani fortune-telling; it does not sugarcoating what needs to be addressed while simultaneously promoting a more inclusive future.

The book is structured to guide readers through various aspects of Romani divination. It covers a range of techniques, from palmistry and tarot reading to more obscure methods like coffee grounds and crystal gazing. Each chapter delves into the history, symbolism, and practical application of these techniques, making the book suitable for both beginners and those with a more advanced interest in the subject.

A real highlight are the  personal stories Von Thiele and Stevens share from firsthand experience. The authors share anecdotes and insights from their own lives, providing a personal touch that makes the material more relatable and engaging. This narrative approach helps demystify the practice of fortune-telling and highlights its significance as a living tradition within Romani culture.

It’s also interesting to compare and contrast the experiences of Von Thiele and Stevens as their stories are often side-by-side, offering a multi-faceted perspective. I particularly enjoyed the information shared in the chapter “Dream Divination”. Each author shares their family’s approach to dreams, as well as prophetic dreams they’ve had, bedtime tea recipes, and dreams for interpretation. It feels like you are getting a two-for-one bonus with the dual insights shared by the authors.

I found it interesting to read about all the energy clearing and protective measures within Romani culture. Similar to my Italian heritage, the Romani culture veers towards superstitions and proactively acts to counter bad energy. There’s a whole section on the evil eye and what measures one can take to avoid it or remove it. The authors explain how within is an emphasis on cleansing and protecting your space and yourself, offering ways one can do this to maintain good energy.

“Fortune-telling deals with people’s lives, secrets, hopes, dreams, beliefs, loves, mistakes, struggles, and ambitions. The potential for messiness is great if you don’t have a solid moral compass yourself.”36

Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed is the guidance for working with clients and running one’s own fortune-telling business. The authors are seasoned professionals, trained from childhood to be fortune tellers, and after decades of this work, it’s clear they know what they’re doing. Entire chapters are dedicated to fortune-telling ethics, how to be convincing as a reader, ways to deal with skeptics, and how to be a professional fortune-teller. For those interested in running any client based business where they’re offering readings, these chapters are very helpful.

Overall, Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling is a valuable addition to the literature on divination and Romani culture. It offers readers a unique perspective, combining historical context, practical guidance, and personal narrative. Whether you are interested in learning about fortune-telling techniques or gaining a deeper understanding of Romani traditions, this book is a worthwhile read.

Written in the Stars, by Kate Rose

Written in the Stars: The Astrology of Soulmate, Karmic, and Twin Flame Relationship, by Kate Rose
New World Library, 1608689158, 296 pages, September 2024

Have you ever wondered if you were compatible with someone based on your astrology charts? Until recently most astrological compatibility books have been based on sun signs, but focusing only one aspect of the chart doesn’t give the whole picture. This is especially true when you begin to understand there’s different types of relationships we experience in life. Not all relationships are the same; people come into our lives for different reasons at different seasons. And learning to decode astrological energy is one of the best ways to gain more insight into your romantic life and the nature of your relationships.

Written in the Stars: The Astrology of Soulmates, Karmic, and Twin Flame Relationships by Kate Rose is one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read on the topic of romance and astrology. Rose, an experienced astrologer and relationship coach, delves into the astrological aspects that influence romantic connections. She provides readers with a unique blend of practical advice and spiritual wisdom, offering guidance on how to navigate the complexities of love. Through an exploration of the intricate dance between fate and personal choice in the realm of love and relationships, readers become empowered to trust the flow of relationships as they have a cosmic purpose to fulfill.

“The cosmos is always waiting for you to read the ancient code of astrology like braille on your heart that’s been starved for hope, knowing that once you do, your soul opens to see clearly and choose differently.”1

Rose identities three types of love: soulmate, karmic, and twin flame. There’s a section dedicated to each type, along with the relevant astrological aspects that influence that type the most. And it’s the combination of type of love with astrological backing that yields fascinating insights into one’s relationships. There’s a lot to discover, whether or not you’re currently in a relationship, because you’ll start to reflect on how your relationships up until now have progressed or repeated patterns, offering insight into the type of lessons you’re learning through love.

According to Rose, soulmate relationships are usually most people’s entry into love, representing when we think love should look like. She describes how “it can feel like you’re with your best friend because there are little to no challenges, but that is also why there is rarely any growth.”2 A key lesson for this type of relationship “is that what is best for your is not what is most like you but, rather, what complements you.”37 To guide readers through identifying a soulmate and delving deeper into their chart, Rose teaches about Saturn, Mercury, and the dynamic between the Sun and the Moon in compatibility. 

Next, there’s karmic relationships. These are the uncomfortable ones that hit you like a bolt of lightning. There’s no denying the chemistry, but there’s also plenty of challenges to overcome as you learn to honor your truth, healing old wounds, discovering your self worth, and relate in a healthy way to your partner. It can often take years of a karmic on-again, off-again situation to fully integrate the lessons. Rose writes, “This feeling of not being able to escape the connection is one of the hallmark traits of the karmic relationship.”38In this section Rose teaches the astrological signatures of the South Node, how to find balance by looking at the elemental make-up of one’s chart, and archetypes one moves through as they mature, and how to use astrology to heal childhood wounds.

“It’s when your truth aligns with the truth of another, when both of you have removed your masks and you’re standing free as sovereign beings under the light of the full moon ready to go all in, that love finally finds you.”39

The last section is dedicated to twin flame love, or “healthy divine love” as Rose also calls it. She refers to this stage as the “soft love era”40 “where you open to receive a love that genuinely does feel like home–even if it’s a home you have never before known.”41 Astrologically, Rose teaches about the placements of Venus and the North Node and the Rising sign in one’s chart. These can point the way towards living an authentic life where you are seen, valued, and loved for being exactly who you are.

One strength of this book is Rose’s ability to balance spiritual growth with practical relationship advice. The real-life examples and anecdotes she shares add a relatable and human touch to the astrological concepts. No matter where you are in your love journey, Rose provides guidance, hope, and a promise there’s an amazing future ahead. She also consistently reminds readers that all our love relationships have happened exactly when they were meant to, offering the lessons needed at that time.

“Nothing is lost, and nothing is wasted, because as you surrender into the arms of love, time evaporates in the fulfillment of understanding.”42

Her empowering messages resonate throughout the book, making it not just a guide to astrology, but a manual for healing, personal growth, and self-discovery. In each section, there are blank charts readers can fill in their astrological placements alongside their partner’s for comparison as they learn about astrological signatures from Rose. And at the end of each section, there’s journal prompts, affirmations, and moon rituals that the reader can do. These  practical exercises and reflection questions really help to deepen their understanding of the material and apply it to one’s own life. This book truly offers a deep dive into your natal chart and the charts of those you love.

Overall, Written in the Stars is a thoughtful and enlightening book that offers valuable insights into the interplay between astrology and relationships. Rose’s compassionate and knowledgeable approach to relationships makes it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in exploring the cosmic influences on their love life. I have gained so much insight by looking back on my past relationships to see how the different partners were a reflection of what I was moving through personally at different stages of life; I also had great discussions with my husband while reading that opened up new layers of intimacy in our relationship. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, this book is sure to provide revelations about your love life and point the way towards cultivating healthy divine love.

A Return to Radiance, by Becca Powers

A Return to Radiance: The POWER Method to Ignite Your Soul and Unleash Your Potential, by Becca Powers
New World Library, 1608689344, 280 pages, October 2024

A Return to Radiance: The POWER Method to Ignite Your Soul and Unleash Your Potential by Becca Powers is an inspiring and practical guide for anyone looking to reignite their inner spark and maximize their potential. This book artfully combines personal anecdotes, actionable strategies, and motivational insights to create a compelling roadmap for personal transformation.

“Returning to our radiance isn’t just about uncovering our gifts and talents and letting them loose in the world. It’s about infusing them to every nook and cranny of our lives, from how we rock our day-to-day firing to how we navigate love and leadership.”41

In the introduction, Powers introduces the POWER Method, an acronym that stands for Purpose, Ownership, Wisdom, Energy, and Resilience. The subsequent five sections each delves deeper into one of these core principles. The chapters within the section provide readers with a clear understanding of how to integrate the principle into their lives. Topics covered include create boundaries, aligning actions with values, cultivating faith, enhancing one’s energy, and finally, coming into one’s own radiance.

Powers’ engaging writing style makes these concepts accessible, and her authentic voice resonates with readers who are seeking meaningful change. She often shares her own experiences, from noticing the burnout happening in her own life to sharing how she noticed her parents losing their creative spark to the detriment of their whole family. These personal anecdotes highlight Powers’ empathetic understanding of those she’s serving through the mission of teaching her audience how to reclaim their radiance.

One of the strengths of this book is its balance between heartfelt advice, inspiring wisdom, and guidance about practical ways to incorporate the POWER principles into one’s life. Between the practical exercises and thought-provoking questions that encourage readers to reflect on their own lives and take actionable steps towards their goals, this book is not only motivational, but also a useful tool for personal development.

Moreover, A Return to Radiance stands out for its emphasis on holistic well-being. Powers acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and offers guidance on nurturing each aspect to achieve a harmonious and fulfilling life. Her approach is inclusive and empathetic, recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to personal growth.

“Alignment with the truth of who you are is the most incredible gift you can give yourself, for it results in the beautiful unfolding of a life filled with passion, potential, and purpose.”43

It was a desire to reconnect with myself that drew me to this book. I had been feeling subpar, as though I was simply slogging through the days without any deeper connection to my why. By working my way through, I noticed an increase in the care I was showing myself. I felt called to acknowledge how many of the clothes I was wearing felt drab and I was neglecting personal care; hence, I decided to donate what no longer felt aligned and spend some time getting my hair styled in a way that better reflects my inner shine. Other changes I made while reading this book were purposely scheduling more time for my creative pursuits and doing a deep-dive into what I truly value. This mixture of tuning into my inter-landscape while also making external choices to match the reflections I was having lead to a major shift. By the end, I did feel like a radiance I had lost was once again sparkling.

One thing I observed while reading the book was its strong “girl power” attitude, which can be incredibly empowering for those who need a little boost of confidence. The book exudes a can-do alpha female vibe, which is perfect for readers seeking motivation and a proactive approach to life. While this energetic and goal-oriented perspective added a touch of pressure for me, it was a welcome push, helping me establish a more structured routine. Powers offers an approve to life-improvement that can happen at your own pace and doesn’t just feel like another task on a “to-do” list; the guidance is all about finding what lights you up from the inside out and letting that guide your path.

Overall, A Return to Radiance is a valuable resource for anyone looking to reignite their passion and unleash their potential. The POWER Method provides a structured yet flexible framework for personal development, and Powers’ genuine, supportive tone makes the journey towards self-improvement both achievable and enjoyable. Whether you’re at a crossroads in your life or simply looking to enhance your personal growth, this book offers the motivational tools and inspiration you need to shine brightly once again.