Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Runes and Astrology, by Nigel Pennick

Runes and Astrology: Symbol and Starcraft in the Northern Tradition, by Nigel Pennick
Destiny Books, 978-1644116005, 223 pages, June 2023

I’m just going to say it: Runes and Astrology: Symbol and Starcraft in the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick is an absolute must have if there is even an inkling of curiosity about Northern Tradition runes and their kin. This book is an absolute treasure trove of insight, magic, and tradition and is worth every single penny. If a previous edition sits on your shelf, move it over and put this one beside it.

Nigel Pennick is an authority on ancient belief systems, traditions, runes, and geomancy and has traveled and lectured extensively in Europe and the United States. He is the founder of the Institute of Geomantic Research and the author and illustrator of more than 60 books, including Elemental Magic, Magic in the Landscape, and The Ancestral Power of Amulets, Talismans, and Amulets. His level of insight into this tradition is unparalleled, and that insight resonates throughout this latest book.

One thing I love about a good book is the introduction and the appendices. Runes and Astrology does not disappoint on either front. The introduction is well layered with history and practical application is evenly distributed throughout. I love it when authors set out their intentions for the rest of the book within the context of the introduction and that’s precisely what Pennick has done. Glorious.

The Table of Contents is neatly set out and covers the topics one would assume to find. There’s a chapter on basics which is extremely well written and very informative. Titled “The Basic Concepts”, this first chapter is anything but. Honestly, you could read this one chapter and you’d know more about runes and their history and use than most people. Starting with linking runes with the idea that everything exists simultaneously with everything else, Pennick states clearly that “nothing in existence exists separately – everything that is present in the universe is continuous with its surroundings and is the product of its own historical circumstances.”1

Pennick continues:

“Wherever we choose to look, there is nothing that exists now, or that has existed in the past, that is not the result of a multiplicity of events and processes, traceable back ultimately to the formation of the world eons agon. Because of this, it is only by studying history in the widest sense that we can begin to get some insights into the true meaning of anything.”2

By tracing the lineage of the runes and the system they are part of, Pennick explores the concept of using history as a way to understand how things became what they are currently. It’s a brilliant method of writing and gives rise to a whole new way of thinking about runes and their place within a divination system. Personally, I enjoy learning about the history of things, whether they are divination systems, magical paths, or ingredients. For me, knowing how we came to use such things is as useful as knowing how to apply them practically in today’s world.

There’s an excellent chapter about runes and their meanings, but for me the chapter to really get into is the chapter titled “The Runes, the Planets, and Their Cycles.” Connecting the runes to various planets in the context of their deeper meanings is fascinating. Pennick takes time to clearly explain the links made between the runes and the various planets and satellites generally accepted as rulers of both hours and days of the current way of timekeeping.

Pennick’s style of writing is both informative and descriptive and lends itself well to the topics covered in this book. I found it both a delight to read because of the easy style of writing and also very interesting as there is so much information present in each chapter.

Do yourself a favor and pick Runes and Astrology up. Even if you only have a passing interest in astrology or runes, this book contains so much information through both the individual chapters and the appendices that follow, you will be glad you have it on your shelf as a reference.

Soul Medicine, by Edward Tick

Soul Medicine: Healing through Dream Incubation, Visions, Oracles, and Pilgrimage, by Edward Tick
Healing Arts Press, 164411089X, 288 pages, January 2023

In ancient Greece, the sick sought healing through dreams, and patients would retreat to sacred sanctuaries where they would pray and rest, waiting for the gods to intervene on their behalf and impart healing wisdom through oneiric visions. This “temple sleep,”2 also known as dream incubation, was practiced for two thousand years before the advent of modern medicine. Most contemporary physicians dismiss the power of the psyche to reveal cures through dream incubation, but a holistic practice that honors the patient’s relationship with their inner self, combined with a Jungian approach to psychotherapy, bridges the gap between past and present, allowing the gods to reemerge in the present day as archetypal powers that can guide patients on their healing journeys. 

In Soul Medicine: Healing Through Dream Incubation, Visions, Oracles, and Pilgrimage, poet and transformational psychotherapist Edward Tick, Ph.D. offers a soul-nourishing approach to healing trauma, informed by sixty years of studying the ancient Greek healing tradition.  Dr. Tick has been working with Vietnam veterans since 1979, accompanying them on pilgrimages, returning with them to the place of trauma to retrieve their souls3, a topic he has explored in previous works, such as War and the Soul: Healing Our Nation’s Veterans from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (2005) and Warrior’s Return: Restoring the Soul After War (2014). In Soul Medicine, Tick takes veterans to sacred sites in Greece, where they encounter the gods in healing dreams and visions. While he specializes in treating veterans with PTSD, his methods can be adopted by readers who are recovering from any form of trauma or those who are seeking to restore and deepen their connection with their inner selves. 

As a psychotherapist, Tick is an “attendant of the soul.”5 Just as the wounded healer Chiron learned to live with the emotional pain of being rejected by his mother as a child and from the incurable wound inflicted by one of Herakles’s poisoned arrows as an adult, we must learn to accept and integrate our traumas. By identifying with archetypal powers, our own identities are enlarged and expanded, awakening us to universal truths greater than ourselves. 

In Tick’s practice, he seeks to bridge the gap in medicine between science and spirituality with ancient healing wisdom. An atheistic, sterilized approach to healthcare is suffocating for those who crave communion with the Universe, yet modern psychology often labels magical thinking as a symptom of a mental disorder. Existential suffering is numbed by mass consumerism and pill-popping biochemical regulation instead of getting to the root cause. Medical practices devoid of spirituality have detached us from the World Soul, and the severance of the body-soul connection is deeply wounding on a collective level.

In Tick’s mythopoetic approach to illness, he looks for the god within the disease. He found that his own lifelong history of back problems related to the Titan Atlas, who bears the weight of the world.6 An alcoholic may need to transform their relationship with Dionysos7, and a sex addict might find healing in devotion to Aphrodite, the goddess of love.8  Collective problems, such as a pandemic, may be a plague sent by Apollo to punish the hubris and irresponsibility of humanity.9 

The healing process in Soul Medicine involves transmuting personal suffering and victimhood into universal wisdom that benefits the collective. When we understand what our personal trials and tribulations say about the human condition, we transcend our private pain and merge with the archetypal universe. Part of this requires affirming the inevitability of fate and surrendering to these cosmic powers.10 

 “Ananke [Necessity] indicates that we do not have a choice,” Tick says. “What happened cannot be changed but only how we interpret, carry, and respond to it. These are ultimate conditions we are challenged to accept as ingredients of our personal mythic history. This is a necessary step in any healing enterprise, a step I call “affirmation of destiny.” ”11 

This fatalistic perspective might raise some hackles in a New Age community obsessed with personal power and accepting full responsibility for controlling one’s own destiny, but it can be freeing for someone coping with feelings of powerlessness, shame, and guilt associated with past trauma. Unfortunately, the New Age fixation on personal power and the belief in manifesting one’s reality through the Law of Attraction philosophy, which blames bad circumstances on negative thoughts, can be used to spiritually bypass and blame victims, instead of offering them the emotional support they need when recovering from trauma. For those who are tired of accepting personal responsibility for things beyond their control, Soul Medicine is a soothing balm.

Tick compares trauma to the mythical dismemberment of the god Dionysos, who was torn to pieces by the Titans. “Remembering what we have denied, buried, or forgotten is an act of being re-membered—put together in a new way,”12  Tick says. Dionysos is the god of theater, and watching or reenacting tragic plays can awaken our own repressed wounds and provide cathartic release, while also comforting us with the insight that we are not alone in our experience because tragedies explore universal themes of abuse, death, and grief.13 

In Soul Medicine, Tick shares beautifully written anecdotes about pilgrimages to sacred sites and the divine revelations he has experienced at them, coupled with signs and synchronicities, taking the form of earthly messengers of the gods such as crows, butterflies, bulls, and shed snakeskin. He writes about moments of divine inspiration with poetic grace.

During a pilgrimage to the Oracle of Delphi, Tick had “an imaginal conversation with Apollo.”14

“Apollo, the god of the inner light, consciousness, and reason,” he says, “spoke as the voice of my knowing deep mind.”15 

Tick professed doubts about who he was and what he should be doing with his life, and rather than clarifying his purpose, his inner Apollo replied, “You already know.”16 

He was losing sight of his personal path and not embracing it because he was distracted by external human affairs. In fulfilling one’s soul purpose, Tick says, “It is our human task to remain committed against barriers and disappointments.”17  The gods will assist us in mysterious ways, but they will also test our faith and our worthiness.

When Tick asked what he was doing wrong, his inner Apollo replied, “Continue as you are…Nothing is wrong.”18  As if to confirm this telepathic conversation was a true divine message, a black cloud of crows, the messengers of Apollo, circled around Tick as he ascended to Apollo’s temple.

This touching message resonated with me because there have been many times when I have struggled with my own self-doubt and despair over not knowing my place in this world, then heard a reassuring voice inside my mind whispering the same words to me: Nothing is wrong with you. 

This passage also reminded me of a dream I had about a year ago, in which an unseen female deity, who I believed to be Artemis, had instructed me to honor Apollo. I was guided to sit outside at dawn, facing the east, bathed in the rosy pink light of the golden hour, and burn a bay leaf, while praying to him and savoring the sweet smoke. As the burning leaf crackled, I found myself sitting in front of a bronze statue of Apollo reclining on a couch, and his posture reminded me of his half-brother Dionysos, the god of ecstasy and madness who counterbalances his logic and reason. I sensed that Dionysos was with me as well, though invisible, creeping around the edge of my awareness like a serpentine vine. I realized that calling on one of them also summons the other, for they are as light and shadow, and two sides of the same coin.

I have always felt an affinity with Dionysos, and I apologized to Apollo for not being moved to honor him sooner. I sensed Apollo’s presence as aloof and haughty and knew that calling him beautiful would appeal to his vanity. Upon waking this reminded me of the arrogance ascribed to Lucifer, and how self-knowledge is demonized as narcissism. When the sun rose, I grabbed a lighter and a bay leaf from my kitchen cabinet, went outside, and recited the Orphic Hymn to Apollo, which calls him Bacchos, identifying him with his half-brother Dionysos.19 It felt important to me that I reenact the dream in waking life to reaffirm the act of devotion I had taken on the astral plane. 

Soul Medicine has reminded me yet again that I need to remember to honor my inner Apollo and trust in his wisdom. We are all his oracles, if we choose to listen.

Pagan Portals – Planetary Magic, by Rebecca Beattie

Pagan Portals – Planetary Magic: A Friendly Introduction to Creating Modern Magic with the Seven Energies, by Rebecca Beattie
Moon Books,1803411767, 152 pages, August 2023

What if you weren’t at the mercy of the planets, but rather could learn to work with their energies in order to create magic? Pagan Portals – Planetary Magic: A Friendly Introduction to Creating Modern Magic with the Seven Energies by Rebecca Beattie is a guide to connecting with the Seven Planetary Powers to enhance your spellwork. Within this book is all you need to learn about each planetary energy and different methods to invoke their powers.

Since Beattie’s focus is on the Pre-modern Universe, this book focuses on the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn (sorry Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto!). She draws upon traditional grimoires of this time, such as Cornelius Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, and takes readers back in time through history to understand how these planetary energies were observed by cultures of the past. The illustrations in the book “are taken from pre-modern woodcuts from either the grimoire tradition, or medieval tomes on the nature of the universe,”15 which is great for those interested in occult history.

Before delving into the energies, in addition to the history of grimoires and planetary magic, Beattie covers topics such as twenty-first century magic (the conscious/unconscious mind), the Kabbalah, planetary kameas (magic squares) and sigils, working with herbs, tarot correspondences, planetary days and hours (magical timing), and Orphic Hymns. She also acknowledges how source texts are often contradictory, noting in this book she primarily focuses on Agrippa’s work. For those who read additional sources from this time, Beattie recommends keeping a notebook to keep track of differences in order to make up one’s own mind.

The chapters for each planet pretty much follow the same format. They begin with an Orphic Hymn followed by an introduction to the planetary energy by Beattie. She explains how working with the planetary energy can be helpful and then provides the kamea, sigil, Agrippa’s suffumigation, incense recipe, sigil, seal, examples of deities with this energy, tarot correspondences, and then practical magic section. The practical magic section varies depending upon the planetary energy, but various examples include oil recipes, bath salt recipe, tea recipes, herbal sachet recipes, and candle magic recipes, along with planet-specific spells.

And I just love how well organized it all this whole book is for reference! I admittedly own a copy of Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy, but the books are hefty and quite long; they are not something I could easily carry around for reference. In comparison, Pagan Portals – Planetary Magic is short, sweet, and densely packed with all you’d need for planetary magic spellwork. This is a book that I could keep in my backpack or near my altar for reference.

Plus, Beattie makes it so easy to figure out which planet to work with by including a long list of intentions, alphabetically ordered, with the corresponding planet. From abundance to worry, the A-Z list of intentions also includes breaking contracts, dreams, fertility, mental power, peace, sea-faring protection, preventing theft, and so much more!

I recently started a new fitness plan, so I decided to bolster my motivation with some spellwork. Using the list of intention, I found “Athetlics – endurance”20 and saw it was ruled by the SUN. This is something I wouldn’t have guessed, since I figured Mars would be the planetary energy for all things athletic. I decided to draw the seal of the Sun and tape it on my water bottle. And then I also followed Beattie’s directions for making a solar candle for health, which was anointed with the solar oil for success recipe Beattie also provided.

In addition to the practicality of the book having so much information in one place, my other favorite thing about this book is the inclusion of deities beyond the Roman pantheon the planets are named from. Beattie writes:

“It’s the quality of the planetary energy that is important, not the name, and while the deities they were named for might be ascribed masculine or feminine genders, the planetary energies aren’t gendered in this book as I don’t consider them to be gendered.”21

I appreciated this non-binary approach to the planetary energies. And furthermore, I also highly enjoyed how for each planetary energy Beattie included alternative deities to work beyond the traditional Roman one. For instance, other Saturnian deities included Osiris, Hel, Persephone, and Binah. Beattie shares a bit about the deity, how they reflect the plantery energy, and sometimes even specific ways to work with them (i.e. offerings the deity likes).

Overall, Pagan Portals – Planetary Magic: A Friendly Introduction to Creating Modern Magic with the Seven Energies has been a delightful read for me. Beattie is a wonderful guide for those who want to learn how to include planetary magic in their practice. Her ability to concisely present a vast, ancient magical system without skimping in detail is truly so valuable for readers. I appreciate the work she has done so that we all can have a handy guide for planetary magic. It’s a book that I am certainly going to keep handy for reference. Whenever I want to carve a planetary sigil, it’ll be quick to find it in this book. Or when I want to create incense or an oil, all the information I need is right here.

Wiccan Teas & Brews, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

Wiccan Teas & Brews: Recipes for Magical Drinks, Essences, and Tinctures, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800652003, 144 pages, March 2023

Wiccan Teas & Brews: Recipes for Magical Drinks, Essences, and Tinctures by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a practical, while still undeniably engaging, book that takes readers on a magical journey into the enchanted realm of tea, blending the worlds of witchcraft and herbalism to create a delightful collection of recipes, rituals, and insights.

From the very beginning, the book immerses readers in the rich history and significance of tea and brewing in Wiccan traditions, weaving together spirituality and healing properties of herbs. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a novice, the book caters to all experience levels, providing clear instructions and explanations throughout.

The heart of Wiccan Teas and Brews lies in its carefully curated tea recipes, each thoughtfully designed to align with specific intentions, seasons, and rituals. From invigorating morning brews to calming bedtime blends, each recipe is accompanied by its magical correspondences, allowing readers to infuse their teas with intention and purpose. The book goes beyond mere recipes, encouraging readers to explore the art of tea making as a sacred ritual, a way to connect with nature’s elements, and a means of spiritual growth.

The captivating illustrations lend a personal touch, almost as if you’re peering into the private journal of a Wiccan practitioner. One of the book’s most admirable traits is its accessibility. The recipes are clear and straightforward, making them easily understandable, even for those new to blending their own teas. The book offers a delightful array of tea recipes, catering to the simple and readily available ingredients and those that require more effort to find.

Each recipe comes with a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ensuring you can effortlessly recreate these magical potions in the comfort of your home. The book’s logical organization makes it a breeze to locate the information you seek whenever you need it. Greenleaf also provides readers details about the diverse herbs and flowers utilized in the teas, including guidance on cultivation, harvesting timings, and an enjoyable exploration of which herbs align perfectly with each zodiac sign!

In addition to the recipes, the book emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and intention during these ceremonies, creating a space for self-reflection and connection to the natural world.

Overall, Wiccan Teas and Brews is a captivating and irresistible resource for anyone interested in the magical world of Wiccan tea magic. The author’s expertise and genuine love for the subject shine through every page, making it a pleasure to read and an invaluable addition to any witch’s bookshelf.

Enchanting witches with a penchant for exploring the magical realm of tea and curious new seekers alike will find Wiccan Teas and Brews a cherished resource and an absolute essential for their bookshelf. Whether you seek healing, empowerment, or a deeper connection to nature, this book offers a delightful journey into Wiccan tea magic, inviting readers to savor the magic in every sip.

Mysteries of the Far North, by Jacques Privat

Mysteries of the Far North: The Secret History of the Vikings in Greenland and North America, by Jacques Privat
Inner Traditions, 164411447X, 456 pages, March 2023

Mysteries of the Far North: The Secret History of the Vikings in Greenland and North America by Jacques Privat (translated by Jon E. Graham) is a captivating and thought-provoking book that breaks new ground in the exploration of the history of the Scandinavian Arctic, particularly Greenland. Privat’s dedication to dispelling isolationist theories and shedding light on the complexities of the Arctic’s past is commendable. This comprehensive and well-researched work challenges long-held assumptions and gives readers a fresh and inclusive perspective on the region’s evolution.

The book goes beyond a simple travelogue and delves into the rich history, geography, and challenges faced by Arctic inhabitants. Privat artfully weaves scientific knowledge, historical accounts, and personal anecdotes together to create a well-rounded and informative narrative. The journey begins with the remarkable dominance of the Inuit people in the Arctic and the existence of a thriving Scandinavian colony in Greenland during the Middle Ages. Contrary to popular belief, Greenland was not an isolated outpost but a frequently visited region by sailors, hunters, and European expeditions long before Columbus’s famous voyages.

Much of the book explores the dynamic relationship between the Church and Scandinavian colonists in Greenland. Privat skillfully navigates the positive and negative effects of the Church’s influence, including disputes that led to the departure of some colonists. The book paints a nuanced picture of the interactions between the Inuit and Scandinavian communities, revealing evidence of fairly good relations and potential intercultural blending.

What sets Mysteries of the Far North apart is its incorporation of European sources, particularly early European maps, to unveil the significant presence of various European nations in the Arctic. This challenges the traditional view of Scandinavian dominance and provides a more comprehensive understanding of Arctic trade and exploration.

The book’s concluding chapters are particularly intriguing, offering compelling theories about the disappearance of the Scandinavian colonists, including the possibility of Portuguese involvement and the impact of the Treaty of Tordesillas. Moreover, the book raises questions about Celtic cultural elements in Greenland and the potential influence of Irish monks who arrived before Norse colonization.

Throughout the book, Privat draws attention to the linguistic evolution of the name “Greenland” and highlights its significance in understanding the historical context. Extensive archaeological work further bolsters the arguments, bringing the past to life and adding depth to the narrative.

Privat’s writing style is rich and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers to the frozen realms of the Arctic. His vivid descriptions of vast glaciers, towering icebergs, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights make one feel as though they are experiencing the chilling Arctic winds and serene landscapes firsthand.

An outstanding aspect of Mysteries of the Far North is its insightful portrayal of the Arctic’s indigenous cultures. Privat pays homage to the wisdom and resilience of the native peoples who have thrived in harmony with the Arctic environment for generations. Their traditions, myths, and ways of life add depth to the book, fostering a profound appreciation for the Far North’s cultural diversity.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and history enthusiasts seeking to explore the untold complexities of the Arctic and its interactions with different cultures. Mysteries of the Far North celebrates the Arctic’s natural and cultural wonders and serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect this fragile ecosystem. Privat’s eloquence emphasizes the importance of preserving the Arctic and its unique biodiversity for the well-being of future generations.

In conclusion, Mysteries of the Far North is a compelling and groundbreaking read that challenges assumptions and invites readers to embark on an enlightening journey through the hidden intricacies of the Scandinavian Arctic. Privat’s profound knowledge and passion for the region shine through every page, providing a fresh perspective on the region’s history and serving as an excellent contribution to Arctic studies. This book is a true gem for anyone fascinated by the wonders of the Far North. It is sure to leave readers with a deep appreciation for the Arctic’s mysteries and a heightened sense of responsibility toward its preservation.

Pagan Portals – Ancient Fayerie, by Melanie Godfrey

Pagan Portals – Ancient Fayerie: Stories of the Celtic Sidhe and how to Connect to the Otherworldly Realms, by Melanie Godfrey
Moon Books, 1782794778, 136 pages, September 2022

Pagan Portals – Ancient Fayerie: Stories of the Celtic Sidhe and how to Connect to the Otherworldly Realms by Melanie Godfrey is a brilliant and enchanting book that transports readers into the mystical realm of spirit beings known as “fayerie,” distinct from the popularized fairies of Disney tales. Inspired by the renowned British folklorist Katharine Briggs, Godfrey’s heartfelt and personal account takes us on a captivating journey through her intimate encounters with Faery and the Elemental Kingdoms.

The book not only weaves captivating stories born from the author’s experiences with sacred landscapes but also serves as a profound guide for readers to deepen their connections with nature beings and the mystical places they inhabit. Divided into two sections, the book’s first part focuses on connecting with the heart of ancient fayerie, encouraging exploration of the landscapes around us and communication with the spirit guardians residing in trees and stones.

Godfrey skillfully introduces valuable techniques, meditations, and ceremonies that enable readers to access a higher state of consciousness and engage with their imaginative faculties. Through these meditations, readers encounter different types of fayerie, who offer guidance and wisdom in life’s journey.

The book further delves into the “Clair Senses,” such as Clairaudience, Clairsentience, and Clairvoyance, providing various ways to perceive and sense the fayerie world. Meditation emerges as a potent tool to connect with the subtle energies of the earth and the diverse fayerie races that inhabit it.

Pagan Portals – Ancient Fayerie sheds light on the significance of the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—associated with different types of fayerie beings, such as gnomes, sylphs, dragons, and merfolk, respectively. Additionally, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and exercising discernment when interacting with the fayerie realms, especially during times of emotional imbalance.

Godfrey’s authoritative and delightful narration empowers readers to explore their own psyches, unlocking a deeper understanding of the multidimensional world we inhabit alongside these ancient and original nature spirits. Through dreams and visions, she guides readers on connecting with various spirits and energies in the parallel realms of the Otherworlds, intricately intertwined with our reality.

Furthermore, the book imparts a Fayerie Code of Ethics, advocating for kindness towards nature, reciprocity, belief in magic, and mindfulness of environmental impact. It beautifully reminds us of the magic and beauty surrounding us, often unseen and underappreciated. It encourages readers to open their eyes and hearts to the wonders of the fayerie world.

The second section of Pagan Portals – Ancient Fayerie treats readers to captivating tales from the Celtic Otherworld, derived from the author’s pilgrimages across the ancient lands of Albion (Ireland, Scotland, and England). Godfrey’s respect for the wisdom gained from the guardians of our world shines through the pages, instilling a sense of warmth and appreciation.

In today’s world, this book’s relevance cannot be overstated, as it encourages readers to embrace the complexity of nature and engage with its profound wisdom. With passion and dedication, Godfrey significantly contributes to our understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Each page offers a treasure trove of insights and inspiration, urging readers to cherish and learn from the intricate fabric of our world. It is a rich and immersive exploration of the spirit world, providing readers with meditative practices, enchanting stories, and ethical considerations to connect with the mystical beings that reside beyond the human eye.

Pagan Portals – Ancient Fayerie is a masterful work that captures the magic and wonder of the fayerie realm. Godfrey’s writing is captivating and illuminating, offering readers an opportunity to embrace the ancient wisdom of these elusive and powerful entities. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with the natural world and explore the mysteries of the unseen realms.

Essential Astrology, by Joanna Watters

Essential Astrology: Learn to be your own astrologer and unlock the secrets of the signs and planets, by Joanna Watters
CICO Books, 9781800652354, 160 pages, July 2023

In Essential Astrology, Joanna Watters presents the basics of reading your own natal chart in a very clear and step-by-step manner.  With numerous graphics and examples of famous people, she illustrates the meanings behind the luminaries (Sun and Moon) and the planets in various signs.  She also shares a brief look into the twelve houses of the zodiac, as well as aspects, elements, and modes of the signs.

Her subtitle says it all: “Learn to be your own astrologer and unlock the secrets of the signs and the planets”.22

Watters has been an astrologer for over 30 years, doing readings, teaching, and writing her astrology blog. She has lived in Greece, in the village of Nidri on the Ionian island of Lefkada since 1995. She is the author of three other books on astrology and tarot.

As a student of astrology for the past four years, I was interested in investigating Watters’ methods of chart reading for myself. I particularly enjoyed how she explained what the chart really is:

“At an objective and mathematical level, the horoscope is generated from specific data and is firmly rooted in time and space, but at a subjective and symbolic level, the horoscope holds destiny’s DNA that awaits to be unraveled and decoded…. In other words, the craft of horoscopy shows us how to marry astrological symbolism with the uniqueness of an individual’s life story. Horoscopy therefore is not clairvoyance. But it is magic.”23

Watters begins her explanation of the luminaries and planets with a complete discussion of the sun and includes information for each of the twelve zodiac signs. I appreciated her prefacing this discussion with a note about the dangers of over-simplifying the qualities of the signs or presenting this descriptive information as written in stone.  She adds:

“We all know earth-sign individuals who do not know one end of a screwdriver from another or fire-sign people who are not risk takers.”24

I found the description of my Sagittarius sun to be on point, including my love of personal freedom and a note on the dangers of marrying too early! (Been there, done that!) She also includes a list of what she calls “Textbook Sagittarians”, which included comedian Billy Connolly, Bette Midler, and Mark Twain. Watters includes examples of famous people for each sun sign. 

Watters goes on to describe the elements and modes of the signs, including characteristics and two unique graphics that show how fire, earth, air and water line up on the zodiac wheel. Next, she describes the modes of cardinal, fixed, and mutable in a similar fashion, with a beautiful graphic, as well. 

Her “In a Nutshell” recap in this section ties it all together and shares each sign with its own mode and element, as well as whether masculine or feminine. I’ve already made a note of that graphic to use later.

Next, Watters dives into the personal planets and reminds the reader:

“The following cameos of the planets through the 12 signs are offered as “takes,” that is, illustrations as opposed to absolute givens, snapshots of symbolism as seen through my own client work or in the lives of prominent people.”25

She begins the discussion with the moon and includes a recap on what the moon represents before listing the qualities of each zodiac sign. She ends each section with three words or phrases to encapsulate the moon in that sign.  

I found her description for my Capricorn moon to be accurate and also provided some insight into my childhood:

“More typically, there is nearly always some early situation, which, in some way, forced them to grow up too quickly. As a result of such upbringings, this moon often signals a truncated childhood.”26

Watters includes these references to childhood in many of her descriptions and I can’t wait to investigate more of the charts of my family members through the lens of her wisdom and experience.

I was particularly interested in reviewing Watters’ information on my Venus in Scorpio. In many natal chart readings I have had and in plethora of the books I have studied, the Venus in Scorpio type is described as a cold and calculating yet passionate person. Watters goes much deeper: “Venus in Scorpio’s feminine sign is intense and deeply emotional… These Venus people do not wear their hearts on their sleeves, to put it mildly.”27 In my years of study, I’ve never seen such an accurate portrayal of my Venus in Scorpio!  Thanks, Joanna Watters! 

Due to the complete and easy-to-read style, as well as the stunning graphics, Watters’ book is valuable for both the beginner and intermediate astrology student.  I found quite a lot of new information in the book, as well as a more helpful compilation of astrological information than I have seen previously.

Many books seem to make you “work” to learn the data, while Watters takes you by the hand, leads you through the Zodiac wheel, and prepares you to read your own chart.  I felt supported and informed, rather than someone talking in esoteric language. She also sprinkles beautiful graphics for the planets and signs to keep your interest and brighten the pages. 

One idea that Watters shares is that of creating your own natal chart by hand.  She explains that by using pencil and paper to create your own chart with a blank zodiac wheel, the information will really come alive for you.  I can’t wait to find a blank wheel online and do this! 

Watters includes a simple table of contents, an extensive index, and a bibliography.  She even includes the website from which she drew the celebrity natal chart information. The book is very well organized overall and is easy to navigate and return to for additional information.

The index is particularly important.  I looked up “stellium” and found a great reference, although I had totally missed it when I reviewed that page initially. The index also gives multiple references for each zodiac sign in different sections of the book.  This will be very helpful to me as I prepare readings for clients and friends.

Whether you are new to astrology or have basic knowledge and want to learn more, allow Essential Astrology to take you on a magical learning adventure.

The Eye Evil, by Antonio Pagliarulo

The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse, by Antonio Pagliarulo
Weiser Books,157863797X,  256 pages, May 2023

The mysterious power of eyes to psychically touch what they gaze upon is unmistakable to anyone who has felt the uncomfortable sensation of someone staring at them, or has been caught in the act of staring at someone else. Have you ever been paid an insincere compliment accompanied by a look that made your skin crawl because you sensed an undercurrent of jealousy and malice beneath it, and not long afterwards you seemed to have a run of bad luck? If so, you may have felt the sting of the magically weaponized gaze known in Italian as il malocchio, “the Evil Eye.”23

The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse by Italian folk magic practitioner Antonio Pagliarulo is a manual on psychic protection that teaches you how to detect, banish, and prevent the malison of the Evil Eye. If you are so inclined, there are even instructions on how to cast the curse yourself as a form of self-defense.28 The book itself, decorated with a radiant gilded eye on the front cover, is a protective amulet, and the author recommends keeping it on your desk or by your bedside.

Raised in the Bronx by southern Italian immigrants, Pagliarulo learned folk magic cures for the Evil Eye from his grandmother when he was a child. When he attended public high school in Manhattan and made friends with people from other cultures, he discovered that the concept of the Evil Eye is a universal belief with ancient roots. It is known as mal de ojo in Spanish, mati in Greek, and ayin hara in Hebrew.29 In ancient Rome, it was called the oculus malus, and phallic amulets were believed to deflect it.30 Belief in the Evil Eye is so ancient that archeological evidence for it dates as far back as the third millennium BCE, to Sumerian apotropaic spells recorded on cuneiform tablets. 31

The Evil Eye is so ubiquitous because anyone can cast this curse, regardless of whether they intend to or not. “The Eye’s point of origin is emotion,” explains Pagliarulo, “and we all experience feelings of envy, greed, and resentment at some point in life.”32 He advises that we watch out in particular for people who are harboring years of resentment, because they pack a lot of festering emotions behind their attacks. As an interesting side note, “Zoroastrians also believe that a menstruating woman can cast the strongest Evil Eye curse.”33 I’ll keep that in mind the next time my uterus is angry. 

So, what exactly is this malevolent Evil Eye, and how does one cast it?

“The Evil Eye is a baneful force transmitted through a stare or glance, and it can be delineated in three distinct ways,” Pagliarulo says.34

The first way is through a compliment, laced with envy. Regardless of how kind and sincere the words may sound, the eyes reveal the true underlying feelings of bitterness and jealousy. The second type of attack is obvious because the person won’t hide their contempt behind flattery, and they will often publicly vocalize their malice.35 The third way is unintentional, through being the recipient of excessive praise and adoration. Too much good fortune tempts the Eye to balance the scales by adding the weight of misfortune and sorrow. 36 

The way Pagliarulo describes the Eye in the third scenario, it sounds like a malicious and adversarial entity with a consciousness of its own, one that follows a distorted supernatural system of checks and balances. This gave me pause, because I feel that one should be grateful for the good things they experience in life and not hide their happiness out of fear that some invisible force will take it away, especially when success has been hard-earned and well-deserved. 

However, the more I think about it, it occurs to me that perhaps excessive praise, especially on the grandiose level that celebrities receive, can generate a malaise of jealousy in the common rabble that coalesces into a malicious entity, as multiple people envy the attention the target is receiving and feed the Eye with their collective negative energies. It’s not surprising that Meghan Markle, who has been vilified by the media and resentful family members ever since her so-called fairy tale wedding to Prince Harry, has been spotted wearing the blue-eyed nazar amulet, one of the most popular and easily recognizable wards against the Evil Eye.37 

Pagliarulo assures readers that he does not intend to frighten them into silence. “The key,” Pagliarulo says, “is to create a healthy balance of self-praise and discretion, which is accomplished by being mindful of your speech.”38

One interesting example of using speech to deter the Evil Eye comes from Egypt. An Egyptian man Pagliarulo interviewed said that he would deflect a compliment regarding his good health and thriving business by claiming he had tripped and almost broken his leg that morning, even though this wasn’t true. “What matters is the strategy—by minimizing the compliment, he minimized the potential envy brewing inside the person who offered the compliment,” Pagliarulo says.39

Some common amulets believed to protect one from the Evil Eye include the ancient Egyptian wedjat or udjat (the Eye of Horus), the hamsa, or Hand of Fatima, a hand-shaped amulet with an eye in the center of the palmthe Italian cornicello, or “little horn,” the Cimaruta (cima di ruta means “top of rue” in Italian), which depicts a sprig of rue decorated with a crescent moon, a key, a serpent, and other witchy symbols that ward the Evil Eye while doubling as a lucky charm, and the Turkish nazar, a beautiful pattern of blue and white concentric rings that looks like an eye, which is by far the most popular and seems to be everywhere these days. The nazar amulet is so trendy that many witches display the nazar emoji on their social media profiles.

“Wearing one of these ancient symbols is an act of magic, for it creates a shield of protection around the individual,” Pagliarulo says.40 He encourages the reader to trust their intuition when choosing an amulet, rather than picking one based on religious affiliation or the popularity of use.

After an extensive list of amulets, this book contains methods for diagnosing the Evil Eye and several protection spells that require few supplies and are simple to perform. Most of the spell ingredients can be found in the kitchen, such as olive oil, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and other herbs. One of the easiest spells involves braiding long hair into a basic three-strand brand and securing it with a rubber band or hair tie while reciting an incantation for protection.

Other spells call upon various spirits from different faiths to assist in the removal of the Evil Eye. Many of the workings are derived from the author’s Italian Catholic background and invoke the power of saints, but Pagliarulo also presents rituals from Judaism, Islam, and paganism. 

I came to this book as a believer seeking psychic protection, but also with a certain degree of healthy skepticism. I think that when one is too superstitious and paranoid about psychic attack, there is a risk of giving your power away to others through your belief in that superstition. My concern is that a fearful and excessive focus on the potency of the Evil Eye can be a self-fulfilling prophecy and a kind of psychic hypochondria. More often than not, I think there are rational explanations for bad things happening, and not everything is a sign of a curse. However, I also feel that empaths and magically inclined people are more sensitive and susceptible to psychic attacks so it’s a good idea to take magical precautions. As Pagliarulo says: “You can never be too safe.”41

Pagliarulo’s The Evil Eye is a powerful amulet for anyone who wishes to enhance their psychic shields and improve their overall luck and well-being. Even if you have doubts about whether or not the Eye has been cast upon you, these spells are good all-purpose cleansing and protection rituals. While not every bad thing that happens should be blamed on the Evil Eye, one can never be too careful.

Angel Abundance, by Belinda J. Womack

Angel Abundance: Revelations on True Wealth From the 12 Archangels, by Belinda J. Womack
Bear & Company, 159143498X, 272 pages, July 2023

Who doesn’t seek positive abundance? And what better entities to impart knowledge on how to live in abundance than the 12 Archangels? Angel Abundance: Revelations on True Wealth From the 12 Archangels by Belinda J. Womack is a book that came into my life at a time of immense self-questioning. You know, ask and it shall be given. I found myself “listening” intently to the messages from the 12 Archangels that came through Womack. Not only listening, but actually infusing my life and thoughts with the messages they were imparting.

Belinda initiates the reader to the concept of the Central Sun which is “composed of the energy we call love.”34 She writes about how we are living in the “Schoolroom Earth,” where we are learning and also remembering that we are divine beings. The Archangels seek to remind us to shift our vibration to a higher sort by letting go of fear and feelings of lack and unworthiness. All this to transform our lives and to move from suffering.

The Archangels remind the reader that their “words are infused with targeted healing energy that supports you or conscious mind in becoming aware of the negative thought habits giving you the message that you cannot have what you desire.”35 I add the caveat that we are giving what we desire if it is for our higher good because as the Rolling Stones reminded us, you can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need. They also provide us with an affirmative mantra:

“The Central Sun, through my own loving and generous Soul, will never deny me what I desire that is for my greatest good and highest joy.”42

The messages in the book go back to the concept that change works from the inside out. How we think and what we believe supports what happens to us physically, financially, emotionally, and yes, spiritually. Words and thoughts are powerful and the 12 Archangels offer a myriad of ways to shift negative self-talk and thinking to raise our vibration to “lighten up.” 

The messages in the book held my rapt attention. I read it slowly, letting the words of the Archangels act as a soothing balm. The book contains meditations meant to reconnect us to the infinite energy and love of Source. “What would life feel like if you were happy, safe, purposeful, and free?”43 Sign me up.

The Archangels show us ways to become aware of how we are controlled by negative beliefs that come in many different versions and strengths that shape our perceived self-worth. To Source we are all divine beings but in the Schoolroom Earth we tend to forget this. The Archangels show us the way to remembering and also provide us with tools to reconnect. 

They “speak” a lot of old stories we tell ourselves of suffering and unworthiness, of how the ego wants fast results. The meditations reconnect us with the wisdom of the divine child who lives within us, the divine child being our “true essence” who “vibrates at the frequency of undiluted love…”44

“When fear seduces you, say, no thank you, fear. I would rather put my energy into receiving abundance!”45

The 12 Archangels lovingly offer ways for us to conquer doubt, loosen the fear of lack of money, and remove blocks to financial abundance. It’s important, however, to follow their prompts, to do the exercises, and take time for the meditations. Why are we accepting less than what Source is offering to us? How do we lose negative familial patterns around money? 

As one who began reading this book at a time of self-questioning, I felt the wrap of angelic love around me as I read.

“Your Helpers in Heaven encourage you to practice letting go of questioning whether your train has been on the tracks or off the tracks for any part of life. Even when your train is derailed or parks itself for longer than you may like at the train depot, Soul is evolving through you.”46

The Archangels ask us to look at how we are earning our money and how we define wealth. Are we happy with the way we earn money? Are we using our unique talents (and yes, we all have unique talents) to bring forth our creativity in ways that support our growth and that of those around us? Are we living our purpose?

They work to help us with healing balance, to help us realize and then bring forth our unique purpose of being in the Schoolroom Earth. I loved that the book imparted ways for us to receive our wealth, create new financial realities, move from suffering, and transform. There are healing experiences imparted through meditations to help us rest, rejuvenate, and receive. 

I highly recommend Angel Abundance. Womack did an amazing job of imparting to us the love and wisdom of the 12 Archangels. The words were soothing but they also captured my rapt attention. I felt the loving support behind each and every word that I read. I truly believed that my highest good was at the forefront of what the Archangels were imparting. Who could ask for more? Ask – and receive. Amazing.

The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy, by Marlene Seven Bremner

The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy: Imagination, Creativity, and the Great Work, by Marlene Seven Bremner
Inner Traditions, 1644112906, 376 pages, June 2023

Last summer, as I was browsing a used book store in Rhode Island, I came across the book Surrealism and the Occult by Nadia Choucha. Instantly, I knew this book was right up my alley, and I spent the  next month reading about the influence of magical ideas in the work of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Lenora Carrington, Austin Osman Spare, and more. This was my introduction into how symbolism in western occultism, especially alchemy, became visual metaphors for surrealists to explore the unconscious realm.

I began to wonder how I might draw upon alchemy to further my own creative process, but life happened, and my desire to explore this was put on the back burner. Then with quite cyclic timing, The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy: Imagination, Creativity, and the Great Work by Marlene Seven Bremner was released a year later this June – once again my summer musings have been guided towards the alchemical process of creativity!

And let me tell you, this book is hefty. Not just in a physical sense with its hardcover, but also in details, imagery, and energetic presence. It is very clear that Bremner has a deep reverence for the alchemical process, as well as personal experience of using creative outlets alchemically. It’s worth reading her artist statement before diving into this book to better understand her influences and motivations for writing this book. You may also want to reference her previously published book Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy: The Emerald Tablet, the Corpus Hermeticum, and the Journey through the Seven Spheres too for more insight into the Hermetic tradition, though it’s definitely not needed to delve into this book.

Through paying homages to the imagination, Bremner inspires readers to undertake their own magnum opus. She teaches the readers how to bridge the conscious and unconscious in order to generate unity through the creative process and achieve greater self-knowledge.

“All things have their origins in the imagination, through which we commune with the greater story of the cosmos.”43

In “Part I: Alchemy and Imagination”, Bremner provides the rich art history of Romanticism, emergence of symbolism in art, Dada, and Surrealism. She paints a vivid picture for readers, filled with background information on artists and images of their work, to showcase the way “Surrealism and its aim of realizing the union of dream and reality has its roots in the Romantic movement.”44

For each movement, Bremner highlights the major themes (ie. Romanticism – exploration of nature, intensity of emotions; Symbolism – focus on dark dreams, interest in unseen realms, sense of transcendence; Dada – destruction as a form of creation, irrationality, upending convention, sense of nihilism; Surrealism – automatism, liberation of imagination, unity of inner/outer world), and provides a cohesive understanding of how each built upon the next, similar in many ways to the alchemical process an individual undergoes during the process of creation.

This section is pages and pages of art history that studies the magical imagination in play through time, as Bremner references a plethora of artists’ work, along with what was going on historically at each moment in time that inspired and shaped the movements. I found myself often pausing in my reading to look up a poem mentioned or Google the image of a painting, though there are quite a few images within the text too for reference.

From here, “Part II: The Magnum Opus” moves into Bremner teaching the method of creative alchemy, which she explains “goes beyond the creation of fantastic forms and expressions to an intimate relationship between consciousness and matter, presupposing inner transmutation through the creative process, and in turn, a spiritization of art that multiplies in the external world.”47 If you’re on board with breaking down the artistic ego, which Bremner likens to a death, to move through the creative process and achieve transcendent unity, this is where the fun begins! 

“As a result, the art that we create, in harmony with our subjective experience, is both surreal and ideal, depending on where we find ourselves in our personal creative evolution.”48

Bremner guides readers through the four stages of the magnum opus: nigredo, albedo, citrinitas, and rubedo. Along the way, she also goes into great depth about the zodiac sign correspondences to the alchemical process, for instance calcination is associated with Aries, to tease out the multiple layers of creativity in play at each stage. For reference, there are charts and tables that help the reader to visually see the associations. 

What stands out the most about Bremner’s writing, compared to other books on alchemy that I’ve read in the past, is the imagery and descriptiveness of her writing that brings each alchemical stage to life. Her reference to different works, both literary and artistic, and her interpretation of the work helps the reader to see the artist’s intentions, and as a result better understand their own inner imagery waiting to be crafted in the physical realm. 

As an example, in the chapter “Nigredo: Putrefaction and the Generation of Ideas, Bremner discusses works such as The Loss of Faith by Jan Toorop, Melencolia I by Albrecht Durer, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya. All the while, she connects these paintings to astrological correspondences and conveys the Hermetic significance of this part of the journey.

There is so much riveting information woven together that I must say that I am hardly scratching the surface of the depths of Bremner’s writing in this description. In all honesty, this has been my favorite book on alchemy that I’ve read yet. Though I will admit it’s a hardy read; I’ve been making my way through it for a few weeks, savoring each section as I go.

“While we can look to the alchemical processes and ordering of the stages as guides, we must realize the individual, personal,and unique nature of our own artistic approach, allowing ourselves to be flexible, creative, innovative, and adaptable. Further, we must remember that at the core of the work and of utmost importance is the transmutation of the egoic self into the transpersonal Self.”49

For those looking to explore more layers of their creative processes, undertaking the arduous process of transforming lead into gold, The Hermetic Marriage of Art and Alchemy is a wonderful resource. This book is rich with insights about how consciousness and matter can merge to usher in new levels of self-awareness and personal insights, along with uniting readers with spiritual energies to reach their highest potential. By following the path that’s been carved by artists of centuries past, Bremner assists readers in undertaking their own creative alchemy.