Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage, by Thea Prothero

Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage, by Thea Prothero
Moon Books, 1803416866, 104 pages, November 2024

Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage by Thea Prothero offers an insightful exploration into the spiritual journey of pilgrimage. Presenting pilgrimage as not only a physical journey but also a transformative spiritual experience, this book is a starting point for those who feel the calling to travel. Whether you have a specific plan in mind or simply have a longing to discover a new place, Prothero will guide you through the process of planning and undergoing your own pilgrimage with helpful advice and wisdom from her travels.

“We feel a need to find something within ourselves but aren’t sure what exactly. You have grown weary of the our lives are now and want to have new experiences to enable us to find a change in outlook or gain a new perspective. You are in a conundrum and are looking for clarity. In short, a pilgrimage maybe the key to transformation, or inner growth you are looking for.”1

The engaging and informative writing style of Porthero has an expansiveness within it that invites readers from all backgrounds to explore the benefits of pilgrimage, not only Pagan readers. People from various spiritual paths will be able to relate to her insights and adapt them to their own journey. The blend of historical context, practical advice, and spiritual insight makes it an excellent starting point for those looking to discover where their soul is calling them to visit and have the courage to take the steps to get there.

Prothero begins by sharing with readers the historical and cultural significance of pilgrimage, offering readers an understanding of its place within different spiritual paths.  She explains how humans have been taking pilgrimages for thousands of years and it still continues to be a vital practice for many, from ancient Egyptians venturing to Abydos to honor Osiris to modern Muslims traveling to Mecca once in their lifetime. Pilgrimage is a pathway for deepening one’s personal growth and spiritual experiences that is adaptable to all belief systems yet also personalized and unique to every traveler.

Adaptability and flexibility are important for any journey, especially once you get further out of your comfort zone. But there’s still plenty of ways one can prepare to undertake their pilgrimage that Prothero shines light on. These include exploring the spiritual connection with the place you intend to visit through inner reflection and journaling to research and planning to feel prepared to handle the logistics of your trip. Choosing a destination, planning the journey, and preparing mentally and spiritually for the experience are all covered by Prothero, who shares her own process as an inspiration for others.

But what to do once one gets to their destination? Prothero also shares insights on how to make the most of the moment and then integrate all that you’ve undergone once you return home again. She draws from own experience of traveling to Iona, Scotland, a place that had been calling to her for decades. The description of her journey made me feel like I was there witnessing the beauty of Iona with her, a liminal space opened just by talking about pilgrimage. It makes me crave the feeling of being an explorer in an unknown land!

“On your pilgrimage, you will be crossing from the familiar into the unknown. Liminal space is one of the most important constituents of any spiritual quest or journey. It is here that we are challenged. Everything we are familiar with and our understanding of the everyday, the normal, collapses. We are free to explore the unexplored and what exists beyond our normal human experience and understanding.”2

Overall, Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage is a great primer for anyone interested in exploring the concept of pilgrimage. The book’s practical advice makes it a useful guide for anyone considering a pilgrimage, regardless of their level of experience with travel. As an introductory text, it’s sure to stir your spirit to new lands.

The world awaits!

Magick for Transformation, by Brandi Amara Skyy

Magick for Transformation: Rituals and Alchemy for Manifesting Your Wildest Dreams, by Brandi Amara Skyy
CICO Books, 1800653743, 144 pages, October 2024

Feeling like it’s time for a change? Brandi Amara Skyy’s Magick for Transformation: Rituals and Alchemy for Manifesting Your Wildest Dreams delves into magic as a tool for personal transformation, offering readers all they need to re-envision their lives. With a blend of practical guidance and spiritual insights, Skyy offers a comprehensive approach to harnessing the power of magic for positive change.

In her introduction, Skyy describes how the magic she teaches is non-denominational, radically intersectional, and drawn from intersectional alchemy, which in her case is a blend of the “Aztecs Medicine Wheel and the Seven Hermetic Principles.”3 While this foundation is unique to Skyy and influences the content of the book, she acknowledges diverse paths to spiritual growth and ensures the magical practices in the book can be undertaken by readers from diverse spiritual backgrounds and magical experience.

“I realized that magick is not inherently or solely Wiccan, European, or white-centric. Magick is something I could gift, be, or learn myself. And so can you. Because magick isn’t about semantics. It’s about energy. And magick can (and does!) look like you. Magick can be many things but here’s the main thing it’s not: Magick is not passive.”4

I love this quote so much because it reminds me that to make the changes I want in my life, I need to actively be pursuing the next version of myself. I can grumble about my current dissatisfaction and fantasize about “what if” things looked different, but until I began actively taking steps to transform, I was always stuck. This book was a great starting point to connect with my inner discontent, remember my own personal power to change things, and begin the journey of shifting the way my life was feeling. Skyy teaches us to be change makers, breaking the status quo of our outdated beliefs, habits, and feelings to reconnect with dreams and live more aligned.

The first section following the introduction taps readers into the present moment. Titled “Part 0: You Are Here”, Skyy shares what readers will be embarking on by reading this book and offers exercises to asses where they currently are now. She explains the concepts of magick and transformation, offering insight into how your Self “is the entry point to magick” and how transformation is interlinked with choice. I thought it was interesting to think about transformation in the way she describes, which is a skill that can be actively cultivated.

“Part I: Preparing for Your Journey” gets readers ready to make a magical transformation by cultivating their energy, intention, mindset, spiritual will, and self-leadership, among other skills needed to undergo the change. This section really puts the reader in the driver seat, reminding them of the inner strength and personal responsibility. No one else can make a change for you; readers must take an inventory of their life, notice what needs to be realigned, and then pick the direction that they want to go in. Easier said than done though, and luckily, Skyy provides many ideas about how to prepare for a successful follow through.

Throughout the book there are “Praxis” exercises where Skyy provides instructions for putting into effect what she’s been discussing, transforming the theory into practice. The many praxises include meditating, journaling, tarot reading, and working with ancestral spirits and nature. To truly get the most out of this book, I highly encourage pausing and taking the time to do the praxis before moving forward, as the book does move in a sequential format that requires readers to hone their intentions, connect with their Self, and set clear goals to take action towards.

“Part II: Your Magickal Tools for Transformation” teaches readers of all the spiritual assistance they can draw upon for the change. From the lunar cycle to the medicine wheel, Skyy reminds us that there’s greater force at work that we can attune ourselves to for natural change. She also discusses ancestors and animal allies, tarot, spirit writing, and alchemy as methods to foster transformation. The variety of methods for change makes it so readers have options to draw inspiration from, ensuring they find a path that feels right for them.

Finally, “Part III: Transforming Your Life” brings the whole process together, encouraging readers to take the L.E.A.P. (“Learn. Alchemize. Express. Praxis.”5 Skyy shares a 30-day transformation plan, which offers a detailed format for how one might choose to work with this book. For each day, she recommends specific pages to read and goals to fulfill. As much as I loved reading the book front to cover, I also love this plan! I think it would be great for those who are looking for a structure to their practice to solidify their commitment to change.

One of the best parts of this books is the way it’s designed. This is not a book of all texts; there’s plenty of bright color and varying texts to keep the reader actively engaged. Different fonts make certain things stand out, while lists and bullet points allow for easy-to-follow instructions. Plus, every page is wonderfully illustrated with images and symbolism that bring to life the text.

Overall, Magick for Transformation is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to embark on a journey of personal transformation and self-discovery. Whether you are a seasoned magical practitioner or looking for inner change and feel magic is the method for you, Skyy’s warm and engaging writing style and practical advice will empower you to unlock your potential and manifest your dreams. For me, simply holding it gave me the hope that change is possible, and I can resource myself with the tools and practices needed to get the initiation started. Working my way through has been very impactful, and I’m sure others will also benefit from the insight Skyy shares to support readers in their personal transformation.

The Tameless Path, by Kamden Cornell

The Tameless Path: Unleashing the Power of Invasive Plants in Witchcraft, by Kamden Cornell
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883631, 306 pages, August 2024

In recent years, there’s been a shift in how plants are used in magical practices. There have always been ways to obtain ingredients for spells or other workings, but the events during the last few years have seen many people foraging for their own elements. Without overly generalizing, it seems as though anyone with access to an outdoor space has taken advantage of that and started to grow their own herbs and such. But how many people actually forage, as in go into the woods and search endlessly for plants that grow wild only in certain spots? And how do you make sure that what you are gathering is safe and not harmful to children or pets?

Enter The Tameless Path: Unleashing the Power of Invasive Plants in Witchcraft, by Kamden Cornell. If Rachel Pollacks’ 78 Degrees of Wisdom is looked upon as the definitive book on tarot, then Cornell’s book will certainly be a top contender with respect to plants. Cornell is no stranger to plants: they currently teach classes on witchcraft, occultism, herbalism, wortcunning, foraging, and invasive species wildcrafting in their region. They also work as an apothecarist and own a small, witchcraft-oriented business that focuses on herbal remedies, ritual goods, and education. To say they are qualified is an understatement.

“What we call “weeds” have been used as remedies and food for thousands of years in the regions they were native to before being transplanted to our own soils.”6

One of the first things I questioned when I picked up this book was relevance to me personally; after all, I don’t live anywhere near the author. Looking at the table of contents quickly relieved me of that fear as I saw many familiar plants that grow in my area listed. The chapters on alchemy, planetary magic, and various methods of plant preparation are well written and provide information that will lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the connection between plants and the universe.

There are two table of contents pages: one showcases chapters divided thoughtfully into a pattern that makes sense in terms of content, and the other is a full listing of spells and recipes by weed. Both are comprehensive and well laid out, but it’s the spells and recipes that drew me in. While some of the spells seem whimsical in terms of their ingredients, knowing what can be substituted for the more arcane and less available tasks is vital. Knowing a bit of herbology and spellcraft would be useful here but isn’t necessary as long as the internet exists!

Chapter 4 is my favorite as it deals specifically with choosing the method of preparation and provides clear instruction on how to do so. The preamble for the directions is very informative and provides a ton of guidance around the processes. There is also a disclaimer regarding using words such as medicine or medicinal, as Cornell is very clear to reiterate that “nothing in this book is intended to be a substitute for medical treatment.”7 The author is very clear about personal safety and recommends being in the care of an allopathic physician should one choose to utilize herbal protocols in any way. 

Cornell goes into great detail in each section of this chapter, explaining common terms that relate to each section such as tisane and strewing blends. Most people who pick up this book will probably have some knowledge around these terms, yet Cornell goes deep into each area and ensures there are no stones left unturned. I appreciate that immensely as there is no need for cross referencing: everything you need to know is contained in one book. How convenient!

Perhaps the most interesting part of the section is the alchemical one. Not being familiar with this specific method myself, I devoured the section and made notes. I was under the impression that processes like distillation were complicated and involved so many containers and apparatus, and I was right. Probably not something I could do in my tiny apartment, but a girl can dream. I love the idea of distilling my own supplies, but the reality is I cannot. Not the first time I’ve been disappointed but at least it’s not with the book.

The Tameless Path is perfect for those who are interested in the path of herbology and want to deepen the practice. Chock full of information that isn’t readily available elsewhere unless you dig deep, this book provides clear and concise information as well as a variety of accompanying methods and recipes for a well-rounded literary journey through the land of herbology. Practical and magical, I will be gifting copies of this book to a few of my green-thumbed friends, who might be persuaded to share the fruits of their labour with me.

Palmistry, by Sasha Fenton

Palmistry: Your Plain & Simple Guide to Reading Destiny in Your Hands, by Sasha Fenton
Hampton Roads Publishing, 978-1642970685, 160 pages, 2024

In her book, Palmistry: Your Plain and Simple Guide to Reading Destiny in Your Hands, author Sasha Fenton presents an easy-to-read guide to reading palms.  She even includes a brief explanation of fingerprints. The book is written in a very conversational style with lots of drawings that support the text and make it easy to read your own palm and the hands of friends and family. This book is a reprint of a version that was published in 2009 and again in 2016. 

A professional astrologer since 1973, Sasha Fenton has also practiced tarot, numerology and palmistry for many years. She is a prolific writer, with over 120 books that have been translated into 11 languages around the world. In addition to speaking at workshops and panels in Great Britain, Fenton has also appeared on numerous TV and radio programs. Her articles on astrology have been published in many magazines and newspapers. She has also served on several boards and councils, as well as aiding in the launch of MBS Professionals LTD, a group for practitioners in the spiritual arts. Fenton currently lives in western England. 

I have always been fascinated by palmistry and was excited by the cover of Fenton’s book, which features a hand with some of the most important regions highlighted in bright, bold colors.  She even included the astrological correspondences for the fingers!

After a brief introduction, Fenton dives right into teaching us how to read hands, dividing the subject matter into eleven chapters. She begins with a masculine set of hands and a scene where you and your girlfriends are out for the evening and decide to research the guys you encounter. She covers hand size and the differences between right and left-handed people. I found this quote amusing:

“Right-handed people are in the majority; so, if you like an ordinary type of guy whose head isn’t full of artistic waffle, this is the man for you.”7

Next, she highlights details of female hands, before moving on to a “map of the hand,” which highlights different areas of our lives. She provides a brief history and shares: “the Indo-European palmistry that we use has links to the planets in astrology, but there are subtle differences between a palmist’s view of the planetary connections and that of astrologers.”8 She explains that she thinks that this difference relates to the way modern astrology has strayed from more ancient ways of looking at the planets and how they interact with life on earth.

Fenton presents a great table of the primary planets and the areas of the hand (and life) that each reflects. The rest of the chapter focuses on the planets and how each one shows up in our hands. In successive chapters, she covers the fingers, the lines on the hands, marks on the hands, and how the hands relate to love and relationships. I found this chapter really interesting!  

Next, Fenton covers the hands and markings and qualities that can point to health or illness.  She advises the reader to check out other, more comprehensive books on this topic if you are really interested in learning more.

Finally, Fenton combines all the knowledge that she has shared and brings the reader back to the restaurant scene from the first chapter. She gives you tips about bringing all the information together, in order to read a palm and learn more about the people in your life. This chapter is really focused on the “love” aspect, and she provides information about what to look for in a mate, if you are desiring certain traits and characteristics.

I decided to test what I’d learned and do a reading on my husband’s hands. Here’s what I learned:

Large hands: Doesn’t like to be rushed, enjoys quiet nights at home

Right-handed: Happy with the ordinary and may be good with hands for odd jobs 

Veins showing on back of hand: Sensitive in nature and will hear what you say 

Flexible hands: May be spontaneous and happy to go out of town on the spur of the moment

Edge of hand is thick: Not easy to shock this man

Fingers spread widely: Generous with money

Rounded fingertips and a thumb that opens widely: Friendly, helpful, social

I would say that each of these qualities is accurate for my guy! Next, I’ll look at his lines and look for more qualities and check out some of the health notes. 

Palmistry is great for anyone who wants to learn more about reading palms, hands, and fingers. It would probably be best for a beginner, as the information is very foundational and a more experienced palm reader might be disinterested. Since it is so easy to read, it would also be good for teenagers or young adults to read and use the information to analyze friends and family. 

I plan to investigate Sasha Fenton further and find more of her books and articles!

Boys Are Witches Too!, by Ted Enik and Shiloh Penfield

Boys Are Witches Too!, by Ted Enik and Shiloh Penfield
RedFeather, 0764368230, 32 pages, August 2024

I absolutely love sharing my Pagan beliefs with my son and cultivating family traditions together. However, it has been a challenge to find books that showcase other little boys being witches, as the focus is often on witchcraft being for girls. Boys Are Witches Too! by Ted Enik is a delightful children’s book that showcases the magical adventures of being a witch from boys’ point of view, inviting a sense of inclusivity to the craft, through the alphabet.

“Down through spiraling time, Witchcraft and other Pagan beliefs have always embraced this balance—it’s all around us: daylight and darkness, fire and water, summer and winter, sun and moon, and most meaningfully, the Goddess and the God. Women and men, boys and girls, can look to both Gods and Goddesses for inspiration and guidance and in doing so exercise a balanced, mutual respect.”8

Through clever storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book teaches the ABCs and various aspects of Pagan practices. E is for Elders, while V is for Veil. And for each there’s a rhyme, making this a very fun book to read aloud. Here’s an example for I, Intention:

“Intention means giving a wish a head start; It’s a map from your mind and a path from your heart.”9

This book is a collaboration between Ted Enik, who wrote the book and drew the illustrations, and Shiloh Penfield who handed the brilliant color. Enik was creative in choosing the words to use for each letter, ranging from animals (hare and narwhal) to tools within the craft (key and bells). And his illustrations show all types of little boys and girls happily participating in the craft. And with Penfield’s assistance, the illustrations are colorful, whimsical, and perfectly complement the text. The artwork brings the magical world to life and captures the imagination of readers, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.

The experience of both creators shines through in this book. Enik’s other work includes being the primary artist of the “I Can Read” series of Fancy Nancy. He also writers plays and films in addition to illustrating books and graphic novels. His expertise designing children’s book is apparent, and it’s just lovely how he includes a variety of Pagan symbols, such as the pentagram in many of the illustrations. Then Penfield’s background creating artwork for comics is reflective in the way the color of this book pops, making it perfect for young ones to read as it will maintain their attention and focus.

As a Pagan parent, I really like how the text fosters discussion. Even if your child already knows the ABCs, the different rhymes are sure to spark an interest and get your child asking questions, opening a dialogue about the craft. The illustrations especially will be of interest to older children, as they contain symbolism that can be absorbed, reflected on, and talked about with their parents.

For instance, Q for Quarters, features a child holding up a piece of paper with trees in each season in the corner, a big circle, and then images of the elements in their proper direction in the middle. This would be a great page to discuss topics such as the Wheel of the year, elements, directions, and how they all come together in a magical practice.

Overall, Boys Are Witches Too! is a real treat for children learning about the Paganism. While it’s a real treat for young boys to finally see themselves represented as a witch, all children will enjoy the fun illustrations and bright colors within the pages of this book. From teaching the ABCs to the creating dialogue about Paganism with your children, this is a wonderful book that is sure to be a delight for everyone!

Elemental Spirits, by Jaq D. Hawkins

Elemental Spirits: Building a Magical Practice in an Animistic World, by Jaq D. Hawkins
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883569, 294 pages, August 2024

Elemental Spirits: Building a Magical Practice in an Animistic World by Jaq D. Hawkins is a fascinating journey into the world of animism and elemental magic. Drawing on decades of experience, Hawkins presents readers with a comprehensive guide on connecting to the elements to develop a spiritual practice grounded in the natural world. She emphasizes the importance of forming a personal connection with nature, encouraging readers to view the world as filled with energy we can learn to draw upon and work in harmony with.

“When I speak of elemental spirits, the reference may refer to a wider spectrum of spiritual essences as well as more individualised spirits of different kinds. I’m basically an Alchemist and an Animist. I believe that everything that exists has a spiritual nature, including things that are manufactured. Everything is made from basic elements that begin in nature, after all.”10

In this book, Hawkins provides a detailed exploration of the elements—earth, air, fire, water, and aether—through a variety of perspectives. Most of the chapters focus on an overarching topic that delves into the perspective of each individual element. These topics include the animistic view (the nature of the element), folklore of the elemental spirits, locations to find the elemental spirits, how to perceive the spirits (actually see them), folk magic to work with the elements, formal elemental rituals (both outdoors and for specific tasks), creating elemental thought-form servitors, divining with the elemental spirits, and elemental spellwork.

One chapter that deviates from the general format delves into correspondences (astrological, alchemical, and incense), along with the numerology, including magic squares, and associations between “creatures, plants, and colours.”11 The other one covers tree lore, bird lore, holy wells, and dance.

With so many approaches to each element, readers really get to know the characteristics and energies of them. The book is enriched with practical exercises designed to help readers develop their skills, including meditation techniques, visualization exercises, and rituals that facilitate a deeper understanding of elemental spirits. Hawkins’ instructions are clear and concise, making them easy to follow for anyone looking to incorporate these practices into their daily lives.

This is a book readers will absolutely come back to over and over again because there’s SO much information! At first, I tried reading it all the way through, but it started to feel overwhelming to absorb so much at once. Instead, I decided to pick the element I wanted to focus on (air) and read the chapters on air that called to me. Hawkins writes of air:

“As an element, Air rules intellect, thought, the first steps towards creation, movement, pure visualisation, spells involving travel, instruction, freedom, obtaining knowledge, discovering lost items, and uncovering lies. It is the element of dreams and plans, goals, and inventions.”12

I learned so much from Hawkins about air!!! First, I discovered that banshees and night-elves are forms an air spirit might take. My perception of air was then expanded by Hawkin’s assertion that “it is the Air spirits who we are most likely to respond most strongly to on the subconscious level.”13 As someone with an air Mercury that squares Pluto, this makes a lot of sense about why depth psychology was my field of study. 

I also realized that I work with air much more naturally than I thought I did, as Hawkin’s descriptions of folk magic with Air elementals were pretty much already how I do much of my own practice! I enjoy inventing spells on the spot through using my intuition, and oftentimes, these spells involve singing silly chants that I make up and repeat over and over again. I also regularly write out what I want and charge it.

Some ideas I received from Hawkins about other things I can do are burn a sigil and then blow away the ashes to rid myself of things and hone my visualizing skills. My next steps with air? This weekend I plan to use Hawkin’s “Spell for Inviting Air Spirits Into the Temple or Home”14 to invite Air into my office space for inspiration.

I am really looking forward to taking my time and working with another element soon—which one is yet to be determined! To be honest, I am in no rush to “finish” this book, as it’s a field guide to working with the elements that I want to truly explore and delve into over time. By far, Elemental Spirits is the most comprehensive book on the subject that I’ve yet to find. Hawkins has written a treasure trove of information!

Overall, Elemental Spirits is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of nature and spirituality through the elements. Hawkins provides readers with the tools to build a meaningful and personalized magical practice rooted in the natural world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book offers insights and inspiration to deepen your connection with air, earth, water, fire, and aether.

Pagan Portals – Mestra the Shapeshifter, by Dianna Ryan

Pagan Portals – Mestra the Shapeshifter: Ancient Heroine of the Sacred Grove, by Dianna Rhyan
Moon Books, 1803415290, 144 pages, November 2024

Dianna Rhyan has re-animated a lesser-known, inspirational woman in Pagan Portals – Mestra the Shapeshifter: Ancient Heroine of the Sacred Grove. Often overshadowed by more famous mythological figures, Mestra was a one-of-a-kind ancient heroine, the only woman to ever figure out how to transform into different beings on her own. In this book, Rhyan opens the door to the world of Mestra through a composition of ancient texts and creative story-telling, highlighting her skills as a shapeshifter, her role within the sacred groves, her ability to defy conventional standards, and ultimately, her happy ending of freedom to come and go as she pleases.

“Mestra represents the outermost and innermost limits of human experience, a fertile capacity for radical change, that is always emergent in our psyche, even if it is something dormant or hidden away.”15

Rhyan’s writing is unique in that it weaves in historical and cultural insights that enrich the reader’s understanding of ancient Greek spirituality as it tells the tale of Mestra. Written like a literary collage, Rhyan uses text from ancient Greek and Latin sources, such as hymns to different deities, Women of Trachis by Sophocles, Metamorphoses by Ovid, and Illiad by Homer, alongside her own improvisation of the texts about Mestra to tell a story attuned to the heart of Greek zeitgeist.

Beyond being a brilliant composition of sources skillfully brought together to create an illuminating narrative, there’s also a sense of cohesion and union reflected in Mestra’s story as a whole. Rhyan shows the many separate parts of a greater whole within Mestra’s story, finding the themes and threads that unite them to give a cohesive insider look at her the forces that shaped her destiny. From the consequences of her greedy father Erysichthon cutting down Demeter’s sacred groove to the trickster suitors who pursued Mestra for marriage, there’s a web of influential forces that Mestra had to outmaneuver with her cunningness.

During a time when women’s roles were very much confined by social structure, her ability to remain in the driver seat of her life was quite a feat. And while this book is about her, Mestra seems to flee in and out of the pages as other aspects of her story offer center stage to her contemporaries. Rhyan explores Zeus’s sacred grove at Dodona, shares stories of other women (Io, Penelope, Ariadne, Arachne, Circe and more) who also mirror Mestra’s tale, and examines what it was like to be a woman of this time.

All the while, Rhyan describes divine presence, the natural beauty of the Earth, and the sensations of transformation with vivid language that makes the reader feel immersed within the story. The sacred grove, a recurring motif in the narrative, serves as both a physical and metaphysical space for readers to explore. Meanwhile, the salty sea becomes her place of refuge and transcendence. The dual natures of land and sea, male and female, human and wild animal, are integrated within Mestra’s polymorphic essence.

Rhyan skillfully brings Mestra’s shapeshifting abilities to life, portraying her as a dynamic character capable of transformation not only in form but also in spirit. This theme of transformation resonates throughout the book, inviting readers to consider the power of change and adaptation in their own lives. This was one of the most stimulating books I’ve read in a while, and there’s even journal questions at the end for readers to further reflect on.

“We have heard of the hero with a thousand faces; she is a heroine who gathers that tradition into her manifold self. . . No longer is she voiceless or shackled or by fate.”16

Overall, Rhyan provides a fresh take on Greek mythology, offering readers a chance to explore a less celebrated heroine in Pagan Portals – Mestra the Shapeshifter. Filled with historical and cultural details that enhance the reader’s understanding of ancient Greek practices and beliefs, Rhyan’s ability to blend storytelling with factual information keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. This is a compelling read for anyone interested in mythology, spirituality, or ancient cultures, as well as those who feel ready for a transformation and seeking the inspiration.

Earth Wisdom Teachings, by Carlos Philip Glover

Earth Wisdom Teachings: Practical Guidance from the Eight Directions of the Medicine Wheel, by Carlos Philip Glover
Findhorn Press,  979-8888501634, 240 pages, October 2024

I’ve had the privilege now of reviewing several books from Findhorn Press and I am always struck by the consistency of message throughout their titles regardless of focus, points of origin, and author’s experience: the health and wellbeing of our planet, its ecological systems, and reminder to humanity that through our various practices we are intimately tied to the energy and consequences of our actions. Earth Wisdom Teachings: Practical Guidance from the Eight Directions of the Medicine Wheel by Carlos Philip Glover is yet another reflection of these themes, drawing upon the wisdom  of the Medicine Wheel and the teachings of the shamans and native peoples who have cultivated a deeper knowledge steeped in the wisdom of the Earth to teach others how to connect with the energies of our earth.

This book is dedicated to the evolutionary unfolding of our collective consciousness. Let us find our way back into wholeness and ecological balance with Self, Life and Earth.17

This book is organized into three sections with eight chapters, each specific to one of the eight directions. There are lovely full color plate images separating the chapters, engaging a visual component as the reader explores the book. A Bibliography, List of Practices for quick access, and a Recommended Connections page of organizations, artists, and collectives supporting earth-centered practices concludes this title. The addition of an Index adds an extra layer of useability for those who may want to focus on a specific type of energy or information.

Earth Wisdom Teachings is a highly usable book both in writing style and in content regardless of familiarity with the Medicine Wheel. And, in support of an approach of embodying these sacred energies, each chapter contains a Practice that integrates the essence of the specific direction and an opportunity to make applicable use of content read.

“Introduction: Earth Medicine for Global Evolution” lays the groundwork for what lay ahead as the reader experiences each of the eight directions in subsequent dedicated chapters.

“Each direction represents a realm of universal consciousness. We access this consciousness with our intelligences. From a Medicine Wheel perspective, “intelligence” is more than intellect and cleverness; it also includes our creativity, presence, emotion, path, healing, dreaming, heart and energy. All of us have eight innate “intelligences,” and we develop them through experience and practice.”18

As the reader moves through each of the eight directions, ample information and thought-provoking practices are provided. In this way, the reader moves in a synchronistic way with what is being read and the potential for application and deeper understanding that opens new pathways to be explored. It was interesting to me to work with the semantics Glover assigns to the eight directions; yet another pathway into new perspectives and immediate resonance of consciousness in their familiarity:

East: Creation
Southeast: Presence
South: Emotion
Southwest: Path
West: Healing
Northwest: Dreaming
North: Heart
Northeast: Energy

I enjoyed using the recommended practices given for each of the directions as tools for re-thinking what my basic associations of the direction may be. Exercises to foster Deep Listening and Stillness  (Southeast: Presence) are a reminder that to be fully present one must stop the hurriedness of life and truly be engaged.  Another practice that aligned with the South: Emotion was to view Life as a Mirror and observe your emotions and be fully present in what arises. Some others included are Healing with the Four Elements (West: Healing), Feeding the Fire (Northeast: Energy), and Solo Quest (Southwest: Path), plus many more. Each practice integrated work, from the previous chapter’s direction of focus making for a satisfying and progressive journey throughout.

Would I Recommend?

Glover offers many “ah ha” moments in his choice of content. This is not another book of ritual in the sense of outer nature; it is a transformative journey through the inner landscapes of our natural mind and state of consciousness. In this way, Glover works on the foundational approach of resonance with the core practices of the Medicine Wheel and allows the reader to shift perspective of the natural world in a way that becomes the resonating moment within collective consciousness.

I also appreciate the “giving back in service” approach of Glover, as the text states, “A donation of the author’s income from this book will go to Ehama Institute, New Mexico, and to the Survival International to support the rights of threatened tribal people.”19

Earth Wisdom Teachings is a timely book given that our world and all life on it is in the midst of a great shift. It is an evolution, if you will, that is calling all of us to reflect on our place in the world, along with how we contribute our personal efforts to the greater work. Within the pages of this title there is a plan and the tools to become a partner in this process.

“Human consciousness is complex, and whether we believe such a transformation is possible depends on the aperture of our state of consciousness. The Medicine Wheel is a map for our journey of opening this possibility….. All of these directions are inherent potentials in everyone, and when we align with the full spectrum of life forces, we open the doorway (that) LEADS to our transformation. And as more people step through  it, our collective field of consciousness shifts.20

About the Author: Carlos Philip Glover

Carlos Philip Glover has trained with teachers from different traditions, among them Ehama Institute of New Mexico, for more than 40 years. He is the co-leader, with WindEagle, of Evocative Leadership Mastery in Spain and for more than 20 years has served as the Dance Chief for the UK Drum Dance. The founder of Earth Wisdom Teachings, Carlos lives in Devon, UK.

The Moon Apothecary, by Lorraine Anderson

The Moon Apothecary: Rituals and Recipes for the Lunar Phases, by Lorraine Anderson
Rockpool Publishing, 1925946800, 272 pages, October 2024

The Moon Apothecary: Rituals and Recipes for the Lunar Phases by Lorraine Anderson is a captivating exploration of wellness rituals and recipes coordinated with the lunar cycles. Blending the magic of the moon with rituals that readers can incorporate into their everyday lives, Anderson teaches readers how to discover the fulfillment of aligning one’s intention with the lunar phases. Within these pages resides all readers need to begin their own moon apothecary.

Anderson is the co-creator of the popular Seasons of the Witch oracle decks, yet in this book, she shares what she’s learned on her journey of beauty, wellness, and magic. In the introduction to this book, she writes:

“I truly believe success and self-care go hand in hand. The more you take care of both your physical and spiritual bodies, the more your higher self will support you on the material plane.”19

While there’s plenty of books on the market about how to work with the phases of the moon, what sets this one apart is how Anderson’s focus is on guiding readers to discover and connect with their own unique current desires and then channel the energy into various wellness products. She covers lotions, creams, oils, sprays, sugar scrubs, soaps, teas, ritual baths, and more! Anderson always highlights the use of natural ingredients, encouraging readers to tap into the healing power of nature too in addition to the moon.

In true teacher fashion, Anderson begins this book by reminding readers of their magical responsibility and need to put safety first. While her writing is gentle and nurturing, her tone is firm about the need to take what we’re doing seriously. Actions such as consulting a qualified professional when necessary, avoiding certain ingredients if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have certain illnesses, having cultural mindfulness, and practicing sustainability.

Next, Anderson covers the wide-range of ingredients that one can work with in their lunar apothecary, covering how to safely source them and tips for using them in one’s self-care practice. She explains the properties of different oils, clays, salts that one can use as a basis for their work, along with alcoholics and crystals too. From here, she shares how to build one’s intention, creating a synergy between their feelings, ingredients, and intentions to create a magical product. She really encourages the reader to incorporate all their senses during the process, infusing one’s craft with enjoyment as they move through the process in order to wind up with a potent final product.

“Part II: Moon Recipes” delves into the spiritual and holistic ways to connect one’s wellness routine with the moon’s phases. Moving through the eight primary phases, the rituals and recipes tailored to each one. These self-care rituals are designed to help readers connect with the moon’s energy and incorporate it into their personal development, spiritual practices. Each ritual is thoughtfully crafted, focusing on introspection, manifestation, release, and renewal, depending on the moon phase. Plus, Anderson includes additional an additional chapter on eclipses and another covering special moons, such as blue moons and super moons.

What I really enjoy is how each chapter in this section is different, as Anderson is not using a template for each chapter. The variety between chapters feels reflective of the shifts of the moon, perfectly aligned with the energy of each phase. And all throughout Anderson’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, making complex concepts accessible. Her approach is both inclusive and accessible, making it a suitable read for both novices and seasoned lunar enthusiasts.

There are so many suggestions that Anderson shares!!! Here’s a quick list of some of the ones that I’m most excited to create:

Third Eye- Activating Face Serum for the New Moon

Crown Chakra Anointing Hair Oils to Unlock the Upper Chakras for the New Moon

Restoring Hope Incense for the Waxing Gibbous Moon

Full Moon Spray for Clarity

Grounding Body Cream for the Last Quarter Moon

Support and Strength Shampoo for eclipses

Citrine Crystal Bath Bar with Rosemary and Black Pepper Melt and Pour Hand Soap

For those who are nurtured through food, Anderson also offers a variety of recipes that align with the energy of each lunar phase as part of the self-care process. These recipes range from herbal teas to nourishing meals. Some of the ones that sound especially delicious to me are  Savory Oatmeal with Goat Cheese and Avocado (Waxing Gibbous Moon), Moon Milk Cream Soda (Full Moon), and Kale Salad with Strawberries, Pecans, and Grilled Steak (Waxing Gibbous Moon). Yummy!

Sometimes, Anderson even includes crafts one can do. For the Waxing Crescent Moon, there’s guidance on how to craft a vision. Then there’s instructions for making a Manifestation Protection Box to keep “shield them from anyone’s negative energy”21.

Another thing I adore about this book is its visual appeal. Every page has illustrations that complement the text and enhance the reader’s experience. Plus, the use of bullet points, text boxes, and font styles make it engaging to read. Throughout the book, there’s “Moon-Maker Tips” where Anderson shares tidbits of information to offer other ways to use something to make the most of what one has created. Once again, her dedication to sustainability shines through, encouraging readers to use all they’ve got in various ways without waste.

One of my favorite chapters is “Basic Recipes” where Anderson shares the base recipes for things such as body scrubs, face masks, body washes, salves, and more. Having the key ingredients listed gives readers the starting point to then customize their own based on the intention they have by selecting corresponding ingredients. Luckily, “Appendix I: Corresponding Tables” covers the corresponding moon phase and properties of essential oils, plants, and crystals. “Appendix II: The Moon Signs of the Zodiac” follows up with insight into the energy of the twelve astrological moon signs.

Overall, The Moon Apothecary is a beautifully crafted guide that invites readers to explore the profound connection between the moon and personal well-being. Anderson’s blend of rituals and recipes offers a unique approach to understanding and harnessing lunar energy. Her emphasis on the importance of mindfulness and intention guides readers to create a personal connection with the moon that is grounded, nurturing, and easily integrated into one’s daily life.

These valuable insights and practical advice make it the perfect book for those looking to create their own personal self-care rituals or learn more about how to work with the energy of the moon cycle. Whether a reader is into body care, artsy crafts, or food, there’s something for everyone.

Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult, by Paul Wyld

Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side, by Paul Wyld
Inner Traditions, 979-8888500804, 256 pages, September 2024

Lizard King and shaman-poet Jim Morrison (1943-1971), a fork-tongued prophet of the Age of Aquarius, slithered out of the depths of the 1960s counterculture as the iconic frontman of the psychedelic rock band The Doors. His raucous Dionysian incantations conjured otherworldly forces and awakened dormant powers within the souls of the masses. Paul Wyld’s Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult: A Journey to the Other Side offers a fresh perspective on this legendary rock star, revealing Morrison to be a disciple of ancient wisdom, tapped into cosmic consciousness, channeling its energy into his music and poetry.

Wyld, himself a singer-songwriter and poet, writes about Morrison’s creative process with the intimate understanding of a kindred spirit. Delving into his fascination with the occult and its influence on his work, Wyld challenges the conventional portrayal of Morrison as a drug-addled rebellious rocker. Instead, he paints a portrait of Morrison as a spiritual guide, drawing parallels between the singer’s life and the teachings of ancient mystics. By illuminating Morrison’s exploration of the occult, Wyld provides a deeper understanding of this complex and multifaceted artist.

“This book focuses on Jim Morrison’s role as a secret teacher through his music and writings,” Wyld says in the introduction. “It’s my hope that this new vision of Jim Morrison’s life will further magnify the beauty and strangeness that’s to be discovered in the living quality of Jim Morrison’s art.”22

Through the sonic labyrinth of psychedelic rock music and lyrics, The Doors channeled echoes of primitive rituals. Morrison’s potent incantations were delivered through a wide range of emotive vocal expressions, from a seductive, silky smooth baritone to a raspy whisky voice, accompanied by guttural grunts and primal screams. In the velvet darkness of closed eyes, their music is an immersive sensual experience, a journey into the abyss of the soul.

As keyboardist Ray Manzarek once said in an interview, “If you’re in harmony with the planet–and that’s what opening the doors of perception are all about–if you had the courage to open the doors of perception, you’re gonna find a whole new world inside of you, man.”23 The band’s name was derived from the title of Aldous Huxley’s book The Doors of Perception, which in turn drew inspiration from the following line in William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell: “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, Infinite.”24

By closing the curtains of our eyes, cutting off external stimulation and distractions, and immersing ourselves in their music, we can experience the theater of cosmic consciousness within. The robust sensory overload is a crucial part of the visceral, Dionysian ecstasy, demanding our full bodily presence. From carnivalesque rock ballads to the blues and beyond, few bands have ever been capable of such experimental genre-bending versatility. Describing the unique sound of The Doors to someone who hasn’t heard them is like a person with synesthesia trying to describe how a color tastes. You really have to experience it for yourself.

Wyld taps into astrological insights to explore the mystical synergy between the band members. “The strong winds of Ray’s Aquarius air sign and carnival organ sound complemented Jim’s Sagittarius fire sign and strange, avante-garde surrealist/Symbolist lyrics,”25 Wyld says. “Jim went into shamanic trances and ecstasies onstage, making all kinds of wild animal sounds while drummer John Densmore thrashed away on his drums to aid Jim in summoning the healing magic of the spirit world.”26 According to Wyld, Morrison followed the calling of his Leo North Node to bring his secret teachings out into the spotlight with his larger-than-life persona. 

“Jim’s timeless appeal partly lay in his capacity to put us in touch with very distant times, very old places, and the intense longing to go back and connect with its primitive magic, for among all primitive and ancient peoples there existed an ever-present reverence for the Great Mystery,”27 Wyld says.

Wyld deep dives into Morrison’s occult odyssey, tracing his journey from teen magus to psychedelic prophet. A copy of Seligmann’s The History of Magic & the Occult, checked out from the library and never returned, exerted a profound influence on his adolescent psyche. Additionally, Wyld traces Morrison’s literary lineage, highlighting his astral travels through the psychic landscapes of the Beat poets and the Symbolists.

“Jim lived on the fringes to remain in touch with the ‘new, alien and other,’ both within and around him just as his heroes Jack Kerouac, Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Antonin Artaud did before him,”28 Wyld says. Morrison’s work was also inspired by his favorite artist, Hieronymous Bosch, who “viewed the world as a hell in which we pass through the devil’s digestive system.”29

According to Wyld, “Creating concert venue chaos that felt like being in a sinful, beautiful, terrifying, and ecstatic Bosch painting was one of Jim’s original visions he’d once dreamed of achieving as a filmmaker.”30 That surreal cosmic vision is eloquently expressed in his poetry, such as in the following excerpt Wyld shares from Morrison’s collected works: “The Universe, one line, is a/ long snake, & we each are/ facets on its jeweled skin.”31

Drawing on insights from Jean Bolen’s Gods in Everyman, Wyld delves into how Jim Morrison’s life and music were deeply intertwined with the Dionysian archetype. This ancient Greek god, associated with wine, ecstasy, and chaos, embodies the primal, irrational forces of the human psyche. Morrison’s wild stage performances, drug-fueled lifestyle, and poetic explorations of the darker aspects of human nature mirrored this Dionysian spirit.

By embracing the Dionysian, Morrison sought to transcend the boundaries of conventional reality and connect with a deeper, more primal level of existence. His music served as a conduit for this Dionysian energy, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and sensory overload. As Bolen notes, individuals embodying the Dionysian archetype are prone to internal conflict and psychological turmoil, struggling to reconcile opposing forces within themselves. This constant tension, akin to “dismemberment or crucifixion”32 by conflicting desires and impulses, is a hallmark of the Dionysian experience.

Morrison’s high voltage channeling of primeval cosmic forces was destabilizing and dangerous for him. “To feel the destructive sword of spiritual awakening upon ordinary consciousness, to share this with so many waking up, was to both participate in and witness nothing less than a spiritual apocalypse,”33 Wyld says. The intense pressure of being a spiritual leader for a massive new age movement may have exacerbated Morrison’s substance abuse, and his drunken alter ego, “Jimbo,”34 often took over.

He also drank to silence the voices of “indwelling spirits”35 that had haunted him ever since he witnessed a horrific car accident at the tender age of four years old. Scarred by this traumatic encounter with death, he believed that the spirits of Indians dying on the roadside had entered his body and merged with his own soul. He referenced this experience in the song “Peace Frog” with the following lyrics: “Indians scattered on dawn’s highway bleeding./Ghosts crowd the young child’s fragile eggshell mind.”

Perhaps consumed by the intense cosmic forces he was channeling, he met a sudden and mysterious death, succumbing to apparent heart failure, at the age of 27. Despite his incredible rock legacy, Wyld notes that “Jim’s greatest desire was to be known and remembered as a poet,”36 and he lamented his hyper-sexualized public persona, even regretting posing for pictures. I wonder if he was referring to those famous Christ-like shirtless photos that are still to this day plastered on all kinds of Doors paraphernalia, from t-shirts and posters to books and greatest hits album covers. This inner conflict, perhaps rooted in his Dionysian archetype, highlights the complexity of the man behind the myth.

The Christ-like images of Jim Morrison were the first ones I saw as a teenager in the nineties, when I was immersed in the alternative rock scene, which was heavily influenced by the resurgence of 60s counterculture, popularized by films like The Doors (1991), starring Val Kilmer. I was introduced to the band through one of my pothead friends, who fell in love with Jim Morrison after watching the movie. We would get high and play Super Mario on her old school Nintendo with The Doors album Waiting for the Sun (1968) softly playing in the background as a psychedelic soundtrack to the game.

The song “Strange Days” off their second album was my favorite song, and, while listening to it on repeat after smoking a joint laced with Dionysus knows what, the doors of perception opened wide enough for me to hear Jim mumbling alternate lyrics to the song, which I dutifully transcribed in poetry form. Even as a sober adult, the song’s sonic landscape and Morrison’s distorted vocals continue to mesmerize and inspire. This experience taught me that writing poetry can be a mediumistic act, a channeling of spirit voices.

Morrison still exerts a profound influence on me, and The Doors remain one of my all-time favorite bands. After earning my bachelor’s degree in English, I delved deeper into Morrison’s work, studying his first book of poetry, The Lords & the New Creatures (1970), and his poetry album An American Prayer (1978). Wyld’s book has inspired me to revisit the band’s discography with fresh ears, uncovering new depths in their music. 

Jim Morrison remains an enigmatic figure, a cultural icon whose influence continues to shape our collective consciousness. Wyld’s book offers a compelling exploration of Morrison’s mystical side, shedding light on the spiritual and intellectual underpinnings of his art. Diving into the depths of Morrison’s legacy, we are reminded of his enduring power to inspire and provoke. Jim Morrison, Secret Teacher of the Occult is a must-read for fans of The Doors and anyone interested in the intersection of music, mysticism, and the Universal Mind.