Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

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

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

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

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

“Using the power of the word, I have chosen a diverse cross section of remarkable women with compelling stories. Some are obscured and others known, but all of their stories are worthy of our notice.”1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Book of Shadows, by Cerridwen Green leaf

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

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

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

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

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

“… making a Book of Shadows is a very personal endeavor–let go of that fear of making mistakes. Always remember that perfection can be boring–something that is real and unique is much more appealing and special. Keep an open heart and mind, and your Book of Shadows can become a stunningly beautiful work of art.”2

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

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

For instance, Greenleaf describes how new moons are best for new beginnings and offers an incantation for new ideas, while noting waning moons are a “time to conserve our power, to turn our attention towards home and inner peace and wisdom”3 and sharing a recipe for spiritual scrub to cleanse energies from one’s home or ritual space.

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

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

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

There’s an entire chapter to tracking your magic as a solo practitioner too. Greenleaf recognizes that it can be hard to find community at times or that one might want to keep some matters private, but she still assures readers they can grow their magical practice through their personal Book of Shadows. She advises “keeping a list of personal intentions”4 as these are the key to success in magic. She shares a visualization to create an inner temple, how to make your own DIY wand, meditations for centering yourself, and a candle ceremony to invoke a deity. 

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

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

The Royal Path of Shakti, by Daniel Odier

The Royal Path of Shakti: The Erotic and Magical Techniques of Kaula Tantra, by Daniel Odier
Inner Traditions, 9781644117163, 187 pages, July 2023

Daniel Odier has detailed and explained each technique of the Kaula Tantra in his book The Royal Path of Shakti: The Erotic and Magical Techniques of Kaula Tantra.

Odier was born in Geneva and studied fine arts in both Rome and Paris. After working as a music critic for a newspaper, he traveled to India and studied with Kalu Rinpoche for seven years. Almost ten years later, he met the yogini Lalita Devi and received a transmission of Mahamudra and other mystical teachings in the Kaula Tantra Tradition. He presents the teachings in this book with the full permission of Lalita Devi. Odier has shared these teachings all over the world, as well as publishing poetry, critical works, and numerous books on tantra and Eastern mysticism. When not traveling, he resides in Switzerland.

“The problem with seeking enlightenment is that you always come to the point where you think you have it.”5

Odier was born in Geneva and studied fine arts in both Rome and Paris. After working as a music critic for a newspaper, he traveled to India and studied with Kalu Rinpoche for seven years. Almost ten years later, he met the yogini Lalita Devi and received a transmission of Mahamudra and other mystical teachings in the Kaula Tantra Tradition. He presents the teachings in this book with the full permission of Lalita Devi. Odier has shared these teachings all over the world, as well as publishing poetry, critical works, and numerous books on tantra and Eastern mysticism. When not traveling, he resides in Switzerland.

“Each time that I asked her where something was in the Kaula Tantra, she would smile and reply “I am placing it in your heart and that will be your library. Knowledge is not practice and the Matsyendranath took care to conceal the practice so that only he who received the direct transmission could penetrate the mysteries of the twilight language.”6

In reading about the practices, I learned that the chakra system was a little different from the chakras I had been taught in my yoga practice and Reiki training. This system utilized eight chakras, including one on the forehead AND one between the eyebrows. The other difference was the addition of a chakra of the mouth and palate. Throughout the information on the practices, Odier weaves stories of his own initiation into this magical system for life.

One of my favorite practices is “Practice 23: Dietary Practices”. In this chapter, I learned about the interconnectedness of everything and how everything is alive. He speaks of the importance of asking your body what it wants to eat. I also enjoyed “Practice 40: The Yoga of Looking with Your Skin”. I recorded the meditation in that chapter and enjoyed this exploration with the ruby goddess.

After reviewing the practices, I was interested to know what “patala” meant. It translates as “feet,” and refers to the lower regions of the universe: underworld or netherworld. These transmissions bestow sacred knowledge to the student and each one builds on the patala that comes before it. As I was reading the warehouse of knowledge in the second part of the book, I was reminded of A Course in Miracles and how the text starts with simple ideas and builds the knowledge base of the student.

My favorite patala is Patala 7, which relates to “old age and decline.”7 Through a series of meditations over a period of six months, one can transcend age and dying:

“By uniting with Kamakala, one can put an end to old age. Thus, we have explained to you the secret and the characteristics of the being who has changed inwardly.”8

At the end of the book, Odier shares a brilliant conclusion, a glossary of spiritual and mystical terms and a complete index. Each of these helps the reader process the information that he relates. This last sentence summarizes the teachings of Odier. The life of the yogi truly relates to changing oneself from the inside out. In his conclusion, he says this about the Kaula Tantra tradition:

“The yoginis saw the master-disciple relationship as an intense heart-to-heart experience-no wasting of time, no prerequisite purification, no milestones to get beyond. . . This is what this text reveals to us, imbued with the magic of a time freed of all religious conformism.”9

Odier’s writing style is very conversational and easy to read. The patala section is written as a letter or a journal entry that chronicles questions from the student and the teacher’s reply. I really enjoyed this style of writing and found it to be very personal and authentic.

The Royal Path of Shakti would be good for any yoga student, yoga teacher, or anyone who wants to strengthen his relationship with spirit or adopt a spiritual practice. I can see myself starting the new year or a new month by rereading the book, in a “practice a day” systematic approach.

Wiccan Crystals, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

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

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

“Crystals each have unique vibrational energies, which you can use to connect yourself to the Earth and are associated with a vast spectrum of healing properties. One of the fundamentals of crystal magic is intention—a crystal can be programmed with your intentions and desire and will in turn magnify your intent and assist you in bringing forth whatever sort of change and benefits you are seeking.”10

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco

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

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

“The entire purpose of this book is to provide a nurturing, sound, practical, and fun-loving outlook on magic and spirituality as they intertwine with your everyday life.”11

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

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

Telesco notes, “The processes provided are neither over time-consuming nor do they smack of Hollywood hocus-pocus.”12 I concur that all the advice was easy to implement! The whole book is very down to earth, acknowledging the reality that many magical practitioners don’t always have the time for complex workings. All this wisdom goes to show that our practice is meant to be lived and there’s many ways to incorporate magic into one’s day.

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

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

“The question is, how do we go about encouraging manifestation? To answer this question, Granny looks at the ancients, who often used ritualistic dance to nudge the process along. Ritual dancing consummates the connection between the spiritual and temporal. It provides an energy-generating medium, and it then offers a way for the practitioner to express magical fulfillment as realized (in symbolic form).”13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, I appreciated Van Der Meer’s explanation for “risking her reputation”14 focusing her work around The Gospel of the Beloved Companion, translated by Jehanne de Quillan, which is believed by some to be a first-century gospel of Mary Magdalene that has been preserved and kept hidden by “a closed Cathar community in western France”15. She states:

“My intuition, trained by a little less than fifty years of research into ancient pre- and early Christian texts, tells me that this text is pure and true, and this has been confirmed by measurements from spiritual radiesthesia…”16

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

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

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

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

“It was Love that brought the universe into being, and Love that sustains it and provides the impetus for change within the consciousness of the sentient beings. Whatever spiritual path you choose, the transformative energy of Unconditional Love is there to support and nourish that path and carry through the process of change and transformation within the heart.”17

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

The Poison Path Grimoire, by Coby Michael

The Poison Path Grimoire: Dark Herbalism, Poison Magic, and Baneful Allies, by Coby Michael
Destiny Books, 978-1644119952, 240 pages, November 2024

One of the most time-worn conversations in magic is the debate between light and dark magic. Which is stronger? Which extracts the higher price for knowledge or skill, and how might one get started on either path? While this book doesn’t answer any of those questions, it does provide unique insight into the idea of intentional knowledge gathering, which might prove to be helpful in determining which is the right path to follow.

As an occult herbalist and magical practitioner who teaches about the ritual use of poisonous and psychoactive plants, Coby Michael is well positioned to opine about the topic in his book The Poison Path Grimoire: Dark Herbalism, Poison Magic, and Baneful Allies. While one could certainly dive into this book and gain knowledge of the darker side of herbalism, my recommendation would be to pick up and read his first book, The Poison Path Herbal, prior to doing any work with this one. Trust me on this. Having said that, it isn’t a requirement to have read anything prior to delving into this tome; I personally feel that the reader would benefit from having both books.

The book is sectioned into various topics that deal with areas such as the context of poison, the variety of paths in this practice, and much more. It’s hard to choose one area to explore as it’s all fascinating; however, the section I was drawn to dealt with botanical allies. Here we are introduced to numerous herbs that “offers a compilation of some of my favorite baneful plant allies to work with”18, Michael explains. He goes on to provide some context for the plants, stating that “not all of them are harmful or adversarial or thorny”19 and that each exhibit some quality of ‘otherness’ which is not limited to plants that are poisonous, but also apply to most of the natural world.

Great care is taken to showcase details regarding each herb and plant listed in this section. Michael is careful to provide thorough information regarding uses and associations. For example, in the section for aconite, Michael goes into detail about how it was associated with the Goddess Hecate, and how to safely work with it today. He also describes other uses for the herb, both medicinal and spiritual in the context of spell craft or warding. It’s fascinating to read about how this specific plant was cultivated by monks and used for their everyday remedies as well as recognizing the connection through Hecate. 

Like all plant and herbology books, this one also comes with a stern warning. If you’ve ever partaken of plant medicine or related ceremonies outside of the common usages, you most likely have been given a variation of this warning. I personally have not ever participated in plant ceremonial magic, and the caution Michael gives is a sobering one meant to dissuade those who would use the information in this book for anything other than what it was intended for: personal enlightenment.

Michael cautions the reader, saying:

“Poisonous and psychoactive plants can open us up to very primal and sometimes ambivalent forces. This is why it’s important to work with these plants in a ritual setting with a clear intention and clear boundaries. Disrespecting this boundary and working with these plants recreationally once you have entered into spiritual relationships with them can spell trouble.”20

This makes sense on many levels, as one thing people are told prior to taking plant medicine is that they need to have clear intentions as to why they are partaking. Having a clear ‘why’ provides a much more balanced experience. Michael says, “our experiences with these plant allies are often very powerful, sometime traumatic, and in the end cathartic if properly processed. If left in an unprocessed state, however, these experiences can lead to mental and spiritual disturbances.”21

Interestingly, there is also another caution in this section, this one against using the book too frequently. It is recommended that practitioners of the poison path should observe cleansing rituals and work with healing herbs to balance their work with the other. Michael includes a selection of herbs he uses to counteract the aftereffects of the herbs used in his own practice. He recommends brewing a nourishing tea after working with baneful allies, as it’s a wonderful way to reconnect after doing the work.

The information in The Poison Path Grimoire is beyond useful and a must for anyone interested in baneful herbs and how to incorporate their uses into personal practice. It’s a magical book filled with dark herbalism, left-hand-path philosophy, shadow work, and spellcraft. While tempting to describe the work as dark, it’s also healing, empowering, and uplifting as the information presented enriches one’s personal practice.

Guardian Angels, by Jacky Newcomb

Guardian Angels: Guidance and Inspiration for Happiness & Healing, by Jacky Newcomb
CICO Books, 978-1800653726, 144 pages, September 2024

With Guardian Angels: Guidance and Inspiration for Happiness & Healing, author Jacky Newcomb shares everything you need to know about these heavenly creatures, including stories and experiences from other people as well. 

Known as “The Angel Lady,” Jacky Newcomb specializes in angels and the afterlife, including near-death experiences, past lives, and psychic children. An award-winning author, her numerous books have been translated into multiple languages. She loves to connect with people from all over the world to share her love of angels and paranormal activities. Newcomb also conducts workshops and classes around the UK. You can learn more about Newcomb on her website.

What interested me most about this book was the focus on guardian angels. I have always felt that I had a guardian angel and have felt their presence and seen evidence of their guidance and protection in my life. Newcomb also shares this belief, and she begins this book with a brief look at her life story, weaving in the role angels have played. She shares:

“My life mission was fixed. I instantly knew that my role was to document these angel experiences and spread the word. I planned to write a book of angel stories.”19

Newcomb goes on to explain that one book became two and then four and soon she had written many, many books on angels.

Guardian Angels utilizes an easy-to-follow design. There’s seven chapters on angels and a final chapter for your own journaling activities–she even includes lined spaces for writing. Newcomb begins with an introduction to explain her view of guardian angels and then goes into more detail in the first chapter.

She uses a type of Q & A format to answer questions about angels. In each chapter, there are beige note sections, marked with a pen that sports angel wings. These graphic devices pose personal questions for the reader, which can be answered in the special journal section in Chapter 8.  She also includes a “Tip” every few pages. These tips tell you practical advice or give you an activity to do to get closer to your angels or share your own angel stories.

Next, Newcomb discusses the history of angels, followed by information on the specific angels for healing, guidance, and protection. On page 52-53, she shares a chart of eleven archangels, with the name, meaning of the name, and a brief passage about each one. 

The book goes on to present information about signs from angels, angel meditations and exercises, altars and rituals, and angel stories. The list of angel feather colors on page 70 was truly amazing! My favorite chapter was the one entitled “Angel Meditations and Exercises.”  

“To reach out to your guardian Angel using meditations is simple. . . Let me share some wonderful meditations and exercises with you; They are designed to bring you closer to your guardian Angel.”21

As in the previous chapters, Newcomb includes tips, notes, and questions to guide you through the material. The one called “Guardian Guidance” was a beautiful meditation that I recorded and then enjoyed on a quiet morning. She advises having water close by and recording some of your impressions in your journal afterwards. “Practice this exercise a lot,”22 Newcomb recommends.

In addition to sprinkling angel experiences throughout the book, Newcomb also uses the seventh chapter to present “True Stories of Angels in Our Lives.”  The story about the woman who found a feather on the roof of her garage after praying for her husband’s recovery after surgery was beautiful!

The artwork that accompanies the pages of the book is a combination of beautiful angel images and graphic accents. The artwork was created by Jane Delaford Taylor and Trina Daziel.  Each chapter opens with a full page of angel artwork on the left and a lighter, softer version of the same artwork on the right-hand page where the chapter title and a brief introduction to the theme is shown.

Some of the artwork is simply stunning, such as the depiction of countless angels surrounding the earth on page 10-11.  Their wings are outspread and their hands hover over the globe in a mode of healing and protecting the earth and its inhabitants. There are other full-page, full-color illustrations throughout the book, not only of angels, but also of people. There are also lots of simple illustrations on most pages. Some are one-color line drawings, while others are more intricate graphic designs. The illustrations break up the type and add interest and variety to the book.

The two-page index is perfect for finding a passage later or looking up a specific sign or symbol. For example, I looked up “feather” and saw that Newcomb has five references to feathers in the book. Additionally, I like how the book is a paperback with a cardstock cover that features flaps on both front and back, so you can use each as a bookmark. 

Guardian Angels is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning more about guardian angels and fostering a better relationship with their own angel. Most people over the age of thirteen would benefit from the material and activities in this book due to its easy-to-read style and Newcomb’s compassionate way of relating to the reader. She shares this quote from St. Francis de Sales in the introduction:

“Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit; For without being seen, they are present with you.”23

Ancient Goddess Magic, by Vanessa Lavallée

Ancient Goddess Magic: Invoking the Queens of the Heavens, by Vanessa Lavallée
Destiny Books, 1644116456, 176 pages, November 2024

Those who feel connected to the stars most likely have learned about the mythology of the Greek and Roman pantheons, or perhaps even the ancient Mayan, Native American, or Vedic stories of the skies. But even deeper, layered in history, are celestial roots of influential goddesses that once held very important roles in ancient religions.

Ancient Goddess Magic: Invoking the Queens of the Heavens by Vanessa Lavallée is a fascinating exploration into the world of goddess worship and  astral magic, offering modern readers a chance to create spiritual practices based upon thousand-year old religious practices and recall the connection of the divine feminine to the constellations above. In this book, Lavallée, who holds a master’s degree in ancient religion, weaves back together the relationship between goddesses and the astral realm, sharing with readers a much-needed remembrance of the many faces of the goddess, shining among the stars, that can still be drawn upon today.

“The constellations and stars that were revered by our ancestors continue to exist, but they don’t learn about them as much as we did before, and we certainly do not know where they are in the firmament. This simple fact is the reason why we tend to analyze the ancient world through a sense that has forgotten that deities were once very present and real for our ancestors.”24

Lavallée begins the book by sharing her path towards exploring ancient goddess history and astral magic. Within the Preface, she explains her background (she’s currently writing a thesis “about the demonic feminine”25 (so cool!) and along the way noticed the connection ancient goddesses had with patterns and symbols associated with specific stars and constellations. Recognizing entire books could be dedicated to this each goddess, Lavallée chose “goddesses and their respective celestial bodies according to the types of magic and power they hold”26 to categorize the ancient goddesses into four types: Creatrix, Warrior, Healer, and Lady of the Sea.

In the Introduction, Lavallée liberates the goddess from the narratives of archeologists in the 19th and 20th century, which “assumed that all goddesses found in the Mediterranean and Europe were fertility deities”27. She explores how values and perspective have shifted overtime, from the symbolic and mythological significance of the stars that began in the Upper Paleolithic era to the prevalence of an anthropomorphic male deity that has come to dominate religion. This section was absolutely fascinating, especially as someone who feels a deep connection to the Goddess. The history of how ancient goddess worship shifted, whether it be from a patriarchal perspective pushing aside the feminine or a modern reductionist lens of their power, was revitalizing to discover.

“Most Goddesses, meanwhile, were, for quite some time, more often associated with the heavenly skies, especially the night sky—before the male sky gods overturned their sovereignty.”28

The following chapters are each dedicated to one of the goddess categories. At the start of the chapter, there is a list of the goddesses covered, a quote, and a table that tells the celestial bodies, symbols, season, and symbolic message associated with the type of goddess. Depending on the goddess type, Lavallée covers six to ten goddesses within each chapter, covering their mythology, history, and influence in their culture. She also describes religious syncretism and how some goddesses shifted into others with the rise and falls of different cultures. The goddesses described come from a variety of cultures too—Mesopotamia, Phoenician, Egyptian, Canaanite—as well as general locations, such as Allat from the “pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula.”29. This is interesting to read about because it shows how goddesses can transcend cultures, which shift and evolve through time, and remain tied to the land and sky of the region.

Throughout the chapter, there is added text that shares information beyond the scope of the specific goddesses. Some examples of these are “Relationship of Hecate to the Hittite Sun Goddess of Arinna”30, “Eagle Lore in the Ancient Worldview”31, “Sirius, Guardian of the Milky Way”32, and “The Legend of Corona Borealis”33. Then at the end of the chapter, Lavallée shares the symbolic message for the goddess-type along with ideas on how to work with that face of the goddess.

The final chapter, “Celestial Healing”, is rituals that Lavallée has adapted for modern readers based on ancient sources. The first one is modeled from mîs-pî, “the washing of the mouth”34, which was described on cuneiform dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, done to breathe life into a new effigy of a deity. The second one is another Mesopotamian ritual to invite protective spirits, called lamassu, into figurines. Lavallée also shares invocations for the Creatrix, Warrior, Healer, Lady of the Sea, and Queen of Heavens. Other rituals include dream incubation under the stars, taking a celestial bath, purifying and protecting the home, and making peace with death. The step-by-step instructions given by Lavallée ensure all readers can successfully perform these rituals or ceremonies with ease.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is Lavallée’s ability to blend historical scholarship with practical spirituality. Her writing is both scholarly and accessible, providing a well-rounded perspective on the subject matter. All of the content is well researched and up to date in regard to modern religious studies. Lavallée quotes or refers to the writing of other scholars and authors, pointing readers in the direction of other material they can explore to learn more. There’s a long bibliography at the end of the book, along with a detailed index to find just what you’re looking for, if needed.

Additionally, the book’s inclusive approach, embracing goddesses from various cultures, adds a rich diversity that broadens the reader’s understanding of goddess spirituality through time. As someone who aspires to be a scholar of goddess worship, and thus has read countless books on the subject, this has been one of the most awakening and well-written ones I’ve ever come across. For the past few months, I have let myself linger while reading, taking the time to immerse myself in the celestial magic of the goddesses Lavallée shares and doing my own research. This book has been a springboard for revelation, inspiring dozens of pages written in my journal.

Overall, Ancient Goddess Magic is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of goddess worship and celestial magic. Vanessa Lavallée’s insightful approach combines historical knowledge with practical application, sharing with readers how they can draw upon the strength of the goddess in their own lives. This book is extremely relevant for anyone who wants to learn more about goddesses throughout time, especially since the ancient goddesses tend to be overlooked for the more popular Western goddesses. I can say with confidence, this has been one of the best books of 2024 that I’ve read!

Anubis, by Charlie Larson

Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection, by Charlie Larson
Weiser Books,  978-1578638413, 224 pages, November 2024

Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection by Charlie Larson is a timely addition in bringing forward the jackal-headed God and his energetic signature of protection, death, and healing. As we move into 2025 with the increasing challenges of war, unrest, and uncertainty, the Ancient Ones are here to guide, strengthen, and create more stable foundations. Anubis is at the ready.

This book is organized into two parts with eighteen chapters, each aligned with the goal of bringing the diverse nature and powerful energy of Anubis into the lives of those seeking his wisdom. It is quite apparent that this author “knows” Anubis and has a deeply personal relationship with this Deity. The Dedication page is an offering to Anubis, and even in the reading of it, the reader begins a journey into the many epithets and titles that Anubis has offered. These include:

“Anubis-Anpu, Navigator Through the Chaos, Obsidian Lord, Keeper of Keys, Lord of Shadows, Cosmic Balancer, Healer of Souls.”26

Each of the chapters concludes with a specific, to-the-focus prayer, followed by a selection of journal prompts. This offers the reader an opportunity to gather a selection of prayers to Anubis as example and journal drawing from their own experiences arising from the reading of the chapter’s information. Here’s a sample prayer extract:

“Hail Anubis Psychopompos! He who protects, He who leads the souls of the departed to the afterlife, He who walks the path of the weary traveler.”27

And this is an example journal prompt:

“What other psychopomp figures can you name? How are they similar or different from Anubis?”28

The Introduction provides the reader with a reminder about what approach should be taken in setting course to connect with the Ancient Gods:

“It is important to remember while reading this book that we live in a modern world., and we need to see deities through a modern lens. Many, or dare I say most, of those who follow any of the ancient Egyptian deities have no direct connection to the Egypt of old. . . Our world is vastly different from a world of 2,000 or 3,000 years ago, and so it is not always relevant to simply try to recreate what was.”29

Larson continues this recommendation to say:

“Myths can inform and inspire us, but we must be able to translate them into a context that makes them applicable today if they are to have any meaning for us. Myths can be incredibly interesting and they can serve as a foundational understanding of a deity, but we must not view them as “scripture” that must be closely followed. The most important thing about connecting with deities is the experiences you have with them.30

These statements set the tone for how to gain the most from the information that follows and set the reader to approaching this read with deliberate and effective intentions. 

“Part One: Discovering Anubis” provides the reader with a thorough and in-depth introduction to Anubis, covering the traditional assignations as well as those not so commonly parsed out. Each chapter contained within separates out the many faces of Anubis and underscores the vast and powerful influence this deity had and still has today. I especially liked “Chapter 7: The Great Watcher” and how this epithet may be applied as a protector of those marginalized. This feels particularly relevant today; it is a definite space of calling to this aspect of Anubis that the modern practitioner can empower within themselves and subsequent relationship with Anubis.

“Part Two: Working with Anubis” offers the means to connect more deeply with Anubis and the tools of practical application for cultivating a relationship. If the reader has done their due diligence in actively engaging on the material offered in “Part One”, they are suitably prepared to begin the task of personal work with this multifaceted Ancient God.

“Chapter 11: Communicating with Anubis” takes the reader through the basics of meditation, journeying, divination with some notable oracle decks and the caution of respect and humility when approaching a deity of this magnitude. The chapter concludes with a beautifully written pathworking, “Journey to Meet Anubis”, that is both simple and rich in nuances that enables the reader to begin first explorations of the potential for a relationship. 

In keeping with the necessary approach to establish relationship with the ancient Gods, the next chapters discuss ways of creating a daily devotional practice and appropriate offerings for Anubis. The following chapters, focusing on sacred space, magick, and celebrations, provide useable and simple recommendations for begin the next level of work with Anubis, including spells for protection and other magicks, blessings for amulets, and calling to Anubis for spiritual guidance through divinatory techniques and charms. Finally, “Chapter 17: Shadow Work of Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection” dives right into the core of Anubis’ gifts for coming to know all parts of self: light, dark, and shadow. 

The culminating engagement for the reader is in the form of “Chapter 18: Formal Dedication”. As with any dedication to a deity this is not something to be taken lightly. If it is so desired by the reader, the information and steps contained are both sound and complex in the aftereffects.

“Walk with me , dearest child, and I will lead you down the path that leads to the secrets and the mysteries of the world-seen and unseen. On this journey, you will shed what no longer serves you and grow into the best version of yourself that you  can be. Painful as it may be at times, take my hand, and I will guide you. Shielding and protecting you from harm.”35

The book rounds out nicely with three appendices, including a “Historical Timeline of Ancient Egypt” (A), “List of Correspondences” (B), and a most useful quick-find Index of “Prayers and Practices” (C). A four page bibliography provides the reader with an abundance of resources to explore and three pages of art credits support the highly visual aspects of spiritual practice employed by the ancient Egyptians.

Would I Recommend?

Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection is a refreshing and informative read about a deity who is most often written only as part of the broader collection of known Egyptian Deities. And, for anyone who works with this pantheon, this title is something to be savored.

I would also give due diligence in recognizing the beautifully powerful artwork that graces the cover. That in and of itself, draws the attention of the reader and is commanding in its presence. This book is ripe with black and white illustrations and photos of museum pieces throughout, adding to the layers of visual, intellectual and practical.

The psychopomp energy of Anubis is precisely what will speak to those who are death doulas. Ancestor veneration  is guided by Anubis and informs all manner of honoring and working with the Ancestors. Those seeking balance in the midst of a chaotic world are enhanced by Anubis’ gifts and knowledge of Ma’at’s order.  Larson’s closing words aptly express one of the goals of his title:

“Anubis is a complex and powerful deity who resides in more spaces than you can imagine. . . No matter how you see Anubis or how you approach him, I wish you all the best in building your relationship with him. Don’t forget that, when life gets hard, he will always be there , watching from the shadows, ready to bring light into the darkness.”36

About the Author: Charlie Larson 

Charlie Larson has been a practicing witch and eclectic Pagan for over two decades. Charlie is passionate about nature, ancestral magick, energy healing, and shadow work. He is a priest of Anubis and works closely with Hekate and other deities. A leader in his coven since the 2000s, he has written and taught in various online communities since 2016. He currently resides in California. You can connect with him at anubislightandshadow.com.