Page 4 – Musing Mystical

Enchanted Plants, by Varla A. Ventura

Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore and Magic, by Varla A. Ventura
Weiser Books, 1578638607, 288 pages, April 2025

Varla A. Ventura’s book Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore & Magic incorporates stories/legends, scientific/botanical information, folk information, magickal uses, and medicinal purposes for each selected plant.

First, let me start by commenting on the sheer beauty of this book:

1. The colors are rich and vibrant – from the spot gloss front and back cover to all the pages in between.

2. The art-nouveau-inspired illustrations are stunning. (The first thing I did was to flip through all the pictures, then go back through and really STUDY the artwork.) Each illustration magnificently enhances the experience.

3. The organization and layout is easy to follow and wonderfully presents the information in a visually appealing manner.

4. The gold gilded page edges are of collector’s quality which is additionally enhanced by the gold foiling on the front and back cover.

It is absolutely beautiful.

As a budding herbalist, my first stop was Chapter 4 “Among the Fields and Valleys: Wildflowers, Meadowlands, and Other Things to Gather – Dandelion.” After noting the botanical name, native locale, common names, medicinal properties, and magical properties, the Ventura provides general conceptions and/or personal insights for the plant, noting that it is and has always been considered a weed. She then recalls the story of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Conceited Apple Branch” which plays with the theme of vanity and gratitude.

“Just then, the young countess who had placed the bough in the vase and her ladies came into the room. Cradled delicately in her hand was a flower of some kind. Carefully, the countess removed the leaves and then the apple branch saw it. [T]here appeared the feathery seed crown of the despised yellow dandelion… ’Isn’t it beautiful?’ the young lady exclaimed.”¹

In organizing the information in such a way, Ventura creates a template for organic learning and teaching. Rather than simply providing factual information, the information is embedded and enhanced with modern traditions and folklore that can help with retention of information and practical applications.

Each chapter feels like a warm and inviting visit with my grandmother – full of wisdom, insight, stories, lessons, and love/respect for the natural/botanical world that is all around. My only regret is that there are not more chapters; however, it leaves room to hope for a second book!

I plan to use Enchanted Plants as a starting point and reference to teach, guide, and grow my children. With its mixture of stories, botany, general medicinal information (if applicable), and life lessons the possibilities are extensive! When teaching the chapter on the dandelion, I envision teaching my kids how to make daisy chains, the folklore of blowing seeds to the wind, how to make dandelion honey, and the benefits of dandelion tea.

And lastly, while this book does not provide specific recipes or spells, it pairs wonderfully with home apothecary guides (like Nicole Apelian’s, Forgotten Home Apothecary), herbalism books for magical purposes (like Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs), and tarot cards (like Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin’s The Herbal Tarot).

Enchanted Plants would be a valuable addition to both beginning and advanced herbalists looking to add additional insight to repertoire, magic users, plant enthusiasts, folk-lore lovers, and collectors of beautiful books. This book would also make a thoughtful gift for plant-loving bibliophiles.

What a gem of a book!

Kitchen Witch Oracle, by Jena Dellagrottaglia

Kitchen Witch Oracle: Spells, Incantations, and Natural Remedies, by Jena Dellagrottaglia
Rockpool Publishing, 1922786233, 112 pages, April 2025

Feeling like you need a shift energy, but can’t put your finger on what to do about it? Kitchen Witch Oracle by Jena Dellagrottaglia is an engaging oracle deck that merges the mystical energy work with the practical world of kitchen alchemy. Each card offers a variety of readers spells, incantations, and natural remedies readers can easily perform using everyday ingredients to shift their energy and call in their intentions, like a true sorceress in the kitchen.

In the introduction to this deck, Dellagrottaglia offers a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother, or Nona as she says in Italian, who taught her the ways of being a cucina strega (kitchen witch). I found it quite touching that she created this deck with such love, choosing to share her family’s special wisdom with readers. Her thoughtful intention for this deck shines throughout each card, creating an ancestral connection when working with it.

The cards in the deck are divided into four categories of intention: focus, balance, manifestation, and protection. This makes it so readers can use the deck in a variety of ways. If one knows the type of intention they are seeking, they can pull from the specific category. Or, as always, one can pull a card randomly from the entire deck to see what they get to either perform the working on the card or let the card’s intention guide their day. Dellagrottaglia has also indicated specific seasons that are the best time for the working on many of the cards, so readers can look through and find a working that aligns with the current seasonal energy.

As for the cards, Dellagrottaglia describes them as pulsing “with the energies of herbs, spices, and oil, which serve as keys to unlock the secrets of natural magic.”² There’s all types of scenery depicted on them, most portraying witchy women, but some feature still-life scenes or animals. There’s lots of visual clues to stimulate one’s intuition that speaks through the imagery. Mixtures of kitchen items, cauldrons, magical symbols, and elemental settings invoke powerful feelings when gazing at the cards. Past and present merge, blending the infinite timeline of women practicing kitchen witchcraft, giving readers a connection to a long-standing lineage of wise witches.

One each card there is an incantation at the bottom, and one can go to the guidebook for more insight in the cards’ meanings. In the guidebook, Dellagrottaglia shares a bit of background about the card, providing context about the potion or spell, shares a list of ingredients needed, and then gives detailed instructions. Unlike other oracle decks, there is no specific message of guidance. Surely, one can make use of the incantation for the card for divination purposes, but the deck is definitely more geared towards action. I mean, isn’t that the whole way of the kitchen witch? Crafting and blending her will to put out into the world…

And if kitchen witchcraft is something new for you, then this deck is perfect because throughout the deck, Dellagrottaglia shares plenty of practical tips and insights so one feels at ease doing this type of magic. There’s short sections in the guidebook on preparing one’s kitchen, the importance of intent, stocking ingredients (which also include a long list of ingredients and the intent they enhance), and magical tools. This information not only enriches the reader’s understanding of how to incorporate witchcraft into daily life, but also provides a wonderful overview to make them feel confident in their practice.

Granted, as well prepared as you might think you are with ingredients, you might find yourself in the same situation as me, frantically dialing my partner to make sure I reached him while he was still at the grocery store so I could tell him to pick up a few lemons and some rosemary. After a day of feeling very out of sorts, I pulled the card Citrus Rosemary Cleanse, which Dellagrottaglia is “a simple old midwives’ practice to cleanse your aura, boost your positivity, and help you get out of a rut.”³

The instructions explained to cut the lemon in half, add the rosemary sprig to the center of the lemon, and then sprinkle the lemon with sea salt. Then I took the lemon and moved it around my body as I imagined “the negativity drawing out into the center of the lemon like smoke furling away from you,”⁴ just like Dellagrottaglia describes.

Believe it or not, I’ve now drawn this card twice, so I’m glad I stocked up on the lemons!

Another card I enjoyed was Focus and Alert Simmer Pot. Once again, this spell called for a lemon, along with an orange, sage, eucalyptus oil (optional), and water. Dellagrottaglia explains how to stir the ingredients together in a simmer pot, infusing the intention as you do so, and then once cooled, transferring the brew into a glass jar or spray bottle. Then you can spray or drizzle the brew outside your windows to welcome in focused energy.

And there’s so many other cards I am excited to work with in this deck! Dellagrottaglia shares kitchen witch recipes for such a wonderful variety of things: reclaiming your power, removing back luck, money manifestation, attracting love, finding a new job or getting a raise, peaceful and soulful alignment, relieving stress, lucid dreaming, and more.

The card I am looking forward to working with soon is Limoncello Blessings, which Dellagrottaglia describes as “a lovely concoction for creating close family and community ties.”⁵ I think it would be fun to make and share with my community during the Summer Solstice.

Overall, Kitchen Witch Oracle is a delightful and inspiring oracle for anyone interested in the alchemy that can be done with common kitchen ingredients. Its practical approach and beautiful presentation make it a valuable addition to the library of both aspiring and seasoned kitchen witches. Whether you’re looking to enhance your culinary creations with a touch of magic or seeking natural ways to bring your intention outward, this book offers a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration from Dellagrottaglia’s personal family recipes and her own experience as a magical kitchen witch.

Voyages with the Celtic Saints, by John Matthews

Voyages with the Celtic Saints: Stories and Wisdom for Travelers in Search of Truth, by John Matthews with illustrations by Joe Machine
REDFeather, 0764368796, 224 pages, March 2025

Voyages with the Celtic Saints: Stories of Wisdom for Travelers in Search of Truth by John Matthews is an exploration of the extraordinary lives of 14 “ordinary” Celtic saints through a telling of their lives, their struggles and revelations, and ultimately their invitation for all of us to join them on a continuing voyage.

As Matthews writes, “the central theme of this book is voyaging. Voyaging of the soul, of the heart, voyages of the mind”.⁴ Voyages by their very nature are based on a desire to explore, to find the new, to uncover what is longing to be revealed. And in doing so, the personal voyage extends to a sharing of what was uncovered.

“The most wonderful and profound mystery that the Celts have to teach us is about our uniquely intimate relationship with the natural world.”⁶

Matthews focuses on 14 Celtic saints: Brendan of Clonfert, Kevin of Glendalough, Brighid of Kildare, Columba of Iona, Senan of Scattery, Mochua of Rahen, Samthann of Clonbroney, David of Wales, Gobnait of Ballyvourney, Ciaran of Clonmachnoise, Maedoc of Ferns, Berach of Connaught, Patrick of Armagh, and Kentigern of Scotland.

For each saint Matthews provides an overview of their place in Celtic history, their life and challenges, as well as what they offer to those who are willing to accept their gifts. Matthews offers meditation points on which to reflect how to incorporate these offerings into one’s life. Finally, he concludes each section with a poem on the saint or a prayer, some of which are translations from centuries past or attributed to the saint his/herself.

Some of these saints “makes it clear that Druids and Christians had far more in common than is generally understood, and that there were evident parallels in their approach to spirituality.”⁷ Brighid, for example, was one of the most important characters in the Celtic world who then was referred to as Saint Bridget by the Christians. Brighid, the goddess of the hearthfire, has a Christian feast day on February 1, the Celtic festival of Imbolc.

Some saints I was familiar with, others became new friends. On my most recent visit to Ireland, I met Saint Kevin when I serendipitously visited Glendolough. Naturally, I began my reading with him. Glendolough is in the Wicklow Mountains not far from Dublin. The remains of his monastery remain and can be visited. Although there was a communal setting for the monks, Kevin preferred a hermatic life surrounded by animals and birds.

As Matthews writes, “The importance of animals in everyday Celtic culture was considerable, and there are a number of stories that show that Kevin’s relationship with animals and birds was a not-uncommon tradition among older, pre-Christian figures.”⁸ The meditation points for Kevin’s chapter include thinking about your encounters with living things in nature and how you felt – awed, afraid, loving, angry.

I’ve been drawn to Iona for a long time. My rational side doesn’t understand how this Italian-American woman longs to visit this small, hard-to-reach island of the Inner Hebrides off the coast of Scotland. While my soul longs to visit Iona in person, my spirit travels there a lot, especially through readings such as the chapter on Columba.

Columba was known to be a seer and prophet. The chapter reveals extraordinary events in his life. Matthews reminds the reader that like Columba “our own sense of relationship with the cosmos may come only in flashes”⁹ but it is available to us nonetheless. The encouragement is to become aware of and embrace this inner knowing. For one of the meditation points on Columba, one is asked to “draw a ‘map’ of your spiritual journey, showing how certain key points are connected.”¹⁰

Brighid of Kildare exemplifies how to incorporate the feminine into one’s creative and spiritual life. Brighid is most associated with divine fire, in fact, she is most often depicted as a flaming redhead. The founder of a monastery in Kildare, Ireland, she is a crossover between the “pagan” and Christian worlds. She is the protector, the midwife, her mantle providing protection for one’s home and its occupants. One meditation point for this fiery spirit ask “what kind of fire illuminates your life, what inspires you and how can you find more of it in your day-to-day living?”¹¹ This one also particularly resonated with me.

Illustrator Joe Machine truly brings his artistic gifts forward in this book. The illustrations are done in a stark, monochromatic woodcut style. There is such detail in each one; readers will certainly spend plenty of time completing the beauty of the companion illustrations for each text. My favorite image is Gobnait of Ballyvourney, Lady of the Bees, depicted holding her hand up as she connects with nature, a serene expression on her face and a swirl of bees surrounding her.

Overall, Voyages with Celtic Saints is a quiet meandering sail through time, perfectly suited for readers who appreciate subtlety, mystery, and the sacred rhythms of early Christian life. I highly recommend it for spiritual seekers, Celtic Christianity enthusiasts, and lovers of reflective travel writing. It’s a book that I feel one should spend time with, incorporating the lessons and meditations of these saints into your life.

The Pocket Crystal Healer, by Philip Permutt

The Pocket Crystal Healer, by Philip Permutt
CICO Books, 9781800654051, 208 pages, March 2025

The Pocket Crystal Healer by Philip Permutt is an essential guide for anyone interested in the art of crystal healing. Designed into an easy to carry size (4.55” X 6”), this hardcover compact and comprehensive book offers readers a detailed introduction to the world of crystals, their properties, and their healing capabilities. As an acclaimed crystal healer and author, Philip Permutt brings his extensive knowledge and experience to this accessible and informative guide.

Permutt is based in England and is one of the UK’s leading crystal experts. He has been studying and working with crystals for more than 30 years after discovering crystals and their healing properties following a severe illness and several surgeries put him in the hospital. When he started using crystals for healing, his condition improved and soon he was walking after his doctor told him he might never walk again. Permutt has an honors degree in biology, is a bestselling author, crystal teacher and lecturer, and runs a successful wholesale and retail crystal business.

In the introduction, Permutt delves into the history and philosophy of crystal healing. He explains how crystals have been used for thousands of years across various cultures to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Permutt introduces readers to the concept of the body’s energy system, describing how crystals can be used to balance and enhance this energy.

Next, he moves into the core four chapters. The first chapter shares how one might prepare for working with crystals, while the second chapter introduces different ways to work with crystals. The third chapter contains a directory of over 100 crystals, complete with color photographs and descriptions of each crystal’s unique properties and uses.

The crystals are arranged by color into fourteen colors. I really like the way Permutt highlights the pages with a color strip on the outside of each page. This makes it easy to find the crystal you are researching. He also puts the name of the color on the bottom of the right-hand page in this chapter.

In the final chapter, Permutt shares “Crystal Remedies” for life, stating:

“When our energies are balanced, we are in a state of well-being.”¹²

He gives examples of several types of crystals that are beneficial to “help in different ways to balance out our energies, removing dis-ease and maintaining or restoring health in the process.”¹³

In the following sections, Permutt includes remedies for physical and emotional issues, as well as for spiritual aspects and lifestyle enhancement. In each of the four sections, he begins with a few recommendations for basic situations. Then he includes an alphabetized list that includes topics from A to Z.

For example, in the section on physical concerns, he includes this note about acid indigestion:

“Hold bornite, dolomite, or peridot to your chest just above the area of discomfort. . . . Carry or wear peridot to reduce or prevent recurrence.”¹⁴

In the section called “Crystals for Lifestyle Enhancement,” I learned about specific crystals I can use for decision-making. Since I already have citrine, jade and chevron amethyst on hand, I plan to scatter these stones around my office!

Within each section, Permutt also includes special notes that are highlighted by blocks of color. One might recommend what to carry or wear to support healthy bones, while another one may discuss “crystals to de-stress”¹⁵. One of my favorite tips was the suggestion to “carry turquoise to ease travel stress.”¹⁶

In addition to the crystal directory, this book offers practical advice on how to incorporate crystals into everyday life. Permutt covers a variety of topics, including how to create crystal grids, use crystals in meditation, and integrate them into personal wellness routines. He also covers essential techniques for choosing, cleansing, and programming crystals, providing step-by-step instructions for each process and making it easy for readers to follow along. This section is particularly valuable for beginners, as it lays a solid foundation for working with crystals.

To further investigate the wisdom of the book, I decided to research three topics: sinusitis, snoring, and grief. I found numerous entries related to sinus problems, including wearing jade. For snoring, there was a special note that mentioned placing pyrite under your pillow. For grief, Permutt mentioned quite a few crystals, all of which were common and easy to obtain. He is very skilled at recommending common crystals and gemstones for daily use.

To further support the reader, Permutt includes a 3-page glossary of crystal terms and a 5-page index. While the color-coded pages are great for finding a crystal you might want to name and research, the three sections on physical, emotional, and spiritual issues will help you pinpoint a crystal.

If you want to find other support, the index is helpful, as well. On the first page of the index, Permutt reminds the reader where to find the alphabetical listing of physical ailments. He really has thought of everything to create a crystal compendium of information for modern living.

Overall, The Pocket Crystal Healer is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the healing power of crystals. Its accessible format, comprehensive content, and practical advice make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Permutt’s expertise and passion for crystal healing shine through every page, making this book a must-have addition to any crystal enthusiast’s library.

Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of crystal healing or simply seeking a handy reference guide, this book is sure to provide the knowledge and inspiration you need. Its compact size makes it easy to carry with you. Permutt’s clear and insightful guidance makes this book an invaluable tool for anyone looking to harness the healing potential of these natural wonders.

Micro Meditation, by Nicci Roscoe

Micro Meditation: Moments of Calm for a Happier, Healthier Life, by Nicci Roscoe
CICO Books, 180065409X, 144 pages, March 2025

Sometimes all it takes is just a few minutes to shift our energy and attention. However, when we get caught up in the busyness of our daily schedule, we often forget to cultivate these moments of calming mindfulness. Cue Micro Meditation: Moments of Calm for a Happier, Healthier Life by Nicci Roscoe, a grounding book that offers easy to do mini-meditations for all types of situations we might find ourselves in throughout the day.

“Unlike longer, traditional meditations, micro meditations break your cycle of stress in a moment, without having to spend up to an hour every time you meditate. They give you an immediate focus, taking your attention away from what is frustrating or upsetting you, and helping you feel so much better in less than two minutes—some only take a few magical seconds.”¹⁷

Nicci Roscoe, a wellness expert and life coach, introduces the concept of “micro meditation” — brief, focused moments of mindfulness that can be seamlessly incorporated into daily routines. Her approach is both refreshing and accessible, especially for those who don’t have much time to spare during the day. She offers numerous practical exercises that can be done almost anywhere, such as during a commute or while doing laundry, making meditation less daunting and teaching readers that meditation can take many forms.

The book is structured into four chapters, each focusing on different types of micro meditations: overcoming stress and challenging emotions, changing your mindset, finding your calm, and working with crystals and chakras. And while there’s ton of exercises for readers to try within each chapter, Roscoe also includes lovely introductions to the topics, real life stories of those who have benefited from micro meditations, lists that help you identify when you are in need of a micro meditation, and plenty of tips for cultivating a healthier lifestyle.

Just flipping through the book is a calming experience, especially since it’s so vividly designed with popping colors and pictures that keep your eyes glued to the page in full absorption. Illustrator Camila Gray has done a truly marvelous job framing Roscoe’s insights in pictorial form and making the reader feel extra connected to the words on the page. From demonstrating facial massages to creating colorful charts, the content is structured to be easily absorbed. The illustrations are so uplifting and absolutely magnificent at transmitting the empowering, positive tone of this book.

What I really love about Roscoe’s approach is how she incorporates the senses. As someone who could never just sit on a cushion and clear my mind to meditate, her approach is much more accessible and pleasant to engage in. Splashing cold water on one’s face, mindfully eating a few spoonfuls of ice cream, being outside in nature, smelling a flower, playing either soothing or pump up music (depending on our mood), and doing a little hand massage are all methods Roscoe recommends for bringing our attention to the present moment and reframing our mindset.

Crystal lovers will definitely enjoy chapter four, “Crystal Magic and Chakras for Mini Meditation”. Roscoe teaches how a variety of crystals can be used for different purposes, boosting one’s meditative practice with their energy. From the revitalizing energy of garnet to the nurturing energy of rose quartz, Roscoe teaches that spending a few moments connecting with crystals is a meditative practice within itself. After reading this section, I decided to put some rainbow fluorite on my desk for focus along with carnelian for creativity. Whether I’m gazing at the crystals or holding them in my hand, I notice the boost of energy they bring to my work space.

There’s also plenty of micro meditations that can be done on the spot without any additional props. I’ve really benefited from the micro meditation Boxing Your Thoughts, where Roscoe instructs you to put your worries in separate boxes and close the lid until you’re in a better space to think about them. This has helped me to focus on one issue at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts and anxiety.

Another exercise from the book I’ve enjoyed is Anchor Away Your Frustrations, where Roscoe guides readers to think of a time they felt happy, calm, and peaceful. With this memory in mind, you then take calming breaths and squeeze together your thumb and forefinger and imagine the picture in your mind growing bigger, along with the positive emotions amplifying. This process anchors the feeling in the bodily sensation of pushing your thumb and forefinger together, which you can then do whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or upset. This one has been useful for when I’m dealing with my two-year-old son, who is doing a lot of learning by pushing boundaries these days!

Overall, Micro Meditation is a fun, engaging read for anyone looking to incorporate mindfulness into their life without extensive time commitment. Roscoe’s compassionate and knowledgeable approach makes meditation accessible to all. She teaches so many small ways we can take control of our moods by turning inward, if only for a few moments, leading to a happier and healthier way of life. I absolutely love all the suggestions Roscoe has provided, and I know that I’ll often be flipping through this book to remind myself of simple ways I can bring more mindfulness into my daily life.

Essence of Tarot, by Mary K. Greer

Essence of Tarot: Using Essential Oils, Magic & Rituals to Empower Your Readings, by Mary K. Greer
Weiser Books, 1578638526, 208 pages, January 2025

Mary K. Greer’s Essence of Tarot is a fascinating exploration into the intersection of tarot, aromatherapy, and ritual practices. With a deep understanding of both tarot and the art of scent, Greer artfully weaves these elements together to enhance the tarot experience for both beginners and long-time practitioners. As a long-time tarot enthusiast myself, I found it captivating how Greer bridges these two seemingly different worlds, revealing fresh and profound insights into the cards as well as the powerful influence of essential oils.

Greer, who is well-known and whose expertise in tarot is well-established, dives deep into the history and magic surrounding essential oils, illuminating aspects that many practitioners may overlook. This refreshing combination of knowledge makes the book not just an instructional guide but a compelling read that encourages introspection and growth. Through her words, readers are invited to delve into a practice that encompasses more than just card interpretation; it becomes a new level of experiencing tarot.

One of the most insightful aspects of this book is Greer’s thorough exploration of the “law of correspondence,” a foundational concept in both tarot and aromatherapy. Greer explains how each tarot card aligns with various elements, planets, and astrological signs, and how these correspondences connect to specific essential oils. This intricate framework deepens the reader’s understanding of the cards, allowing for a richer interpretation and connection to their meanings. For readers who are keen to expand their tarot practice, this analysis acts as a guiding light, connecting the dots between the spiritual and the sensory.

Greer’s writing style strikes a perfect balance between scholarly and accessibility. She is known for guiding readers through complex topics with ease, making even the more intricate aspects of tarot and aromatherapy understandable and engaging. Her ability to break down what is normally dense material and present it in a relatable manner is a testament to her expertise and passion. I found myself reflecting on how she balances objective information with her subjective experiences, sharing deeply personal insights while encouraging readers to forge their own connections to the cards and oils.

The practical elements of the book were highly engaging. Greer doesn’t just present theories; she provides clear, actionable instructions for creating tarot-themed oil blends, outlining specific oils that correspond to each Major Arcana card. This is where the transformative power of scent truly comes into play. Since reading this book I’ve begun experimenting with crafting my own blends based on Greer’s recommendations.

The specific scents I’ve chosen amplify the energetic vibrations of the cards, adding depth and another layer of meaning to my readings. I have found sitting with individual cards and a corresponding scent really enhances my connection to the symbolism of the card. I imagine that it creates new psychic pathways as well for connecting to etheric for tarot lives.

For instance, I recently blended ylang-ylang and rose, oils associated with the Empress card, which represents fertility and abundance. The rich, sweet scent transformed my reading session into a multi-sensory experience, allowing me to connect with the nurturing energy of the Empress in a new way. Each blend I have created not only enhances my practice but has created a deeper emotional connection to the archetypes represented in the tarot.

Greer’s emphasis on ritual within the practice of tarot particularly resonated with me. She provides a wealth of suggestions for incorporating essential oils into rituals, ranging from simple anointing practices to more intricate ceremonies aimed at deepening one’s connection with the cards. These rituals serve as a reminder of the sacredness of the tarot experience—transforming what might otherwise be a simple card reading into a meaningful spiritual practice.

One of the passages that struck me most profoundly was Greer’s discussion on the concept of “aroma imaging.” This technique, which involves using scent to consciously pattern aromatic responses and create new associations, ignited my curiosity. The idea that fragrance can be utilized not just for mood enhancement but as an integral part of spiritual practice is fascinating. I am eager to delve deeper into this technique and see how it can enhance my interactions with tarot. Imagining scent as a conduit for energy and intention opens up a world of possibilities in my readings.

The format of “Essence of Tarot” is also noteworthy. Greer intersperses her scholarly discussions with personal anecdotes and practical exercises, allowing readers to engage with the material on multiple levels. This structure fosters a learning environment that feels personal and interactive rather than just didactic. I found myself participating in the exercises, blending oils during readings, and thinking critically about how these practices enhance my intuitive insights.

Greer emphasizes the importance of connecting with your own intuitive abilities. She encourages readers to use the recipes and rituals as a guide while allowing for personal modifications and approaches that resonate with their unique spiritual journeys. This invitation to personalize the experience is essential; it nurtures creativity and authenticity, empowering readers to discover what works best for them.

By the time I reached the book’s conclusion, I felt not only more knowledgeable about tarot but inspired to continue exploring the intricate relationship between tarot and aromatherapy. Greer’s work has effectively expanded my understanding of both tarot and essential oils, this is going to open new avenues for exploration within my spiritual practice.

This book transcends being a mere guide on using essential oils with tarot; it is a call to dive into a rich tapestry of connections among scent, symbol, and spirit. It is a reminder that tarot is not just a visual tool but can be a multi-sensory experience that can be deeply enriched through the power of fragrance.

Ultimately, Essence of Tarot has reaffirmed for me the transformative power of tarot and the magic that lies within the cards, patiently waiting to be awakened through our senses. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to individuals who harbor a passion for tarot, whether they are seasoned readers or novices just embarking on their journey.

This book is not simply a read but an experience—one that will resonate long after the last page is turned. I know I will return to it repeatedly as I continue my exploration of the fascinating realms of tarot and aromatherapy. As a last aside, if you haven’t read any of her other books, I highly recommend them, especially Tarot for Yourself.

How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart, by Laurie Farrington

How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology, by Laurie Farrington
Weiser Books, 1578638461, 280 pages, January 2025

In How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology, Laurie Farrington offers a comprehensive guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding of natal astrology. Farrington is an experienced astrologer with over thirty years in practice. She presents a structured system for approaching the complexities of birth charts, providing valuable insights for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The book emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basics of astrology to achieve a more nuanced and insightful interpretation of the natal chart.

Farrington’s approach is both objective and subjective. She acknowledges the skill and art involved in interpreting a natal chart. She shares her personal experiences and insights, including her initial struggles with a cohesive method for chart interpretation and how the method presented in this book comes about. For Farrington, astrology is a spiritual discipline that provides a path to self-understanding and soul evolution. She encourages astrologers to approach each chart with fresh eyes and an open mind, recognizing a single natal chart’s immense complexity and potential.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part, “Reading the Heavens,” delves into the history of astrology, the four branches of Western astrology (natal, mundane, Electional, and horary), and the author’s perspective on Western humanistic astrology. Farrington advocates for a deeper understanding of the individual within the context of their birth chart, moving beyond the predictive approach to exploring personal growth and self-actualization. She also stresses the importance of developing a system for reading charts to provide clarity and confidence.

One of the things I found most interesting and helpful was her explanation of how the houses work, she writes the following:

“Consider your new friend with the hidden Pisces nature. Why is your experience on meeting her not what you would expect of a Pisces? Let’s say that Sagittarius was rising in the east at the time of her birth. This places her Pisces Sun in the 4th house (home and family). With Sagittarius rising (see Guidepost 7), Jupiter “rules” the chart (see Guidepost 2). Because Jupiter rules, not only her Sagittarius rising, but also her Pisces Sun, Jupiter is a key player in this chart. And if Jupiter is in the 9th house (higher understanding) in Leo, it is this expansive Leo exuberance that you encounter when you meet this person”¹⁸

Part two, “Guideposts for Understanding,” presents a detailed exploration of seventeen key concepts or “guideposts” that Farrington considers essential for accurate chart interpretation. These guideposts are key to understanding the whole of the chart, rather than its distinct pieces. Each guidepost is thoroughly explained with examples and considerations for practical application.

The guideposts are

Guidepost 1 – Sect Diurnal and Nocturnal Charts

Guidepost 2 – Planetary Rulers

Guidepost 3 – Hemispheres, Quadrants, and Houses

Guidepost 4 – Saturn Retrograde

Guidepost 5 – The Nurturing Moon

In this guidebook, she breaks down how the moon reflects the chart owner’s experience, not the parents themselves. As an example, here is what Farrington says about individuals with Moon in Leo:

“Moon in Leo

• These individuals experience the mother or mother figure as playful, exuberant, and generously affectionate.

• On a more challenging level, they likely see her overbearing, self-centered, and arrogant side as well.

• Example: Chelsea Clinton, born February 27, 1980, at 11:24 PM CST in Little Rock, Arkansas.”¹⁹

Guidepost 6 – Union of Sun and Moon

Guidepost 7 – Ascendant and Rising Signs

Guidepost 8 – Idealization

Guidepost 9 – Keywords and Personifications

Guidepost 10 – Signature Signs, which she describes as the sign that is most heavily emphasized in the chart.

Guidepost 11 – Retrograde motion

Guidepost 12 – Aspects and Unaspected Planets

Guidepost 13 – The Aries Point, which I plan on using going forward

Guidepost 14 – The Two Faces of Pluto

Guidepost 15 – Grand Trines

Guidepost 16 – Stelliums

Guidepost 17 – Dispositors

For example, the guidepost on “Planetary Rulers” explores the traditional and modern systems of planetary rulership, the concept of essential dignity, and the rulership of houses. Farrington combines traditional and contemporary approaches, advocating for using traditional rulers and modern co-rulers to understand the zodiac signs better. Her argument is that this integration enriches chart interpretation, providing a more complete picture of the individual’s astrological influences. I have also been using this same approach in my practice. It is very useful, offering nuances that the humanistic approach often overlooks.

Throughout the book, Farrington emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual behind the chart. She advocates asking open-ended questions and actively listening to facilitate collaborative chart exploration. This approach empowers individuals to connect with their “inner knowing” and fosters a deeper self-understanding.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart. It is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking to enhance their astrological knowledge and chart interpretation skills. I would recommend this book for an advanced beginner looking to take the practice to the next level.

This book fills far too big a gap in the available astrological literature on chart interpretation. There really aren’t that many books that teach you how to put everything together in a systematic way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Farrington’s systematic approach and emphasis on self-discovery and compassionate communication provide a solid foundation for personal exploration and professional practice.

The 17 guideposts are the key takeaway for me from How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart. I plan to include these in my chart Interpretation form that I use with every client. This book has made my list of 10 astrology books every astrologer should read.

The Awakening Tarot, by Monica Boridsky

The Awakening Tarot: An Elemental Approach, by Monica Boridsky
REDFeather, 0764367668, 288 pages, 78 pages, March 2024

The Awakening Tarot: An Elemental Approach by Monica Bodirsky is truly a deck that you will learn so much from. I was very drawn to this deck, and I can see very much why this was: Boridsky uses her brilliantly unusual and stunning watercolor artwork that is reminiscent of the 70’s. With her knowledgeable guidance through Earth-based spirituality, she creates this powerful deck that will be your framework to build you up and help guide you on your spiritual awakening.

Boridsky created this deck out of love for her divination and witchy practices, as well as her own experiences with awakening as well as being inspired by C.J Jung’s idea of external dreaming and the internal process of awakening. She is also moved to share her experiences with awakening to help others expand and grow creatively as well as spiritually. This deck will teach you how to become awakened and empowered spiritually, and you will learn to expand your consciousness with groundbreaking lessons from each of the elemental guides: water, fire, air, earth, and spirit.

The deck is very nicely packaged. There is a larger box with artwork of the Balance card. You open the box to reveal your deck in its own little box with artwork of the Nine of Air card on it.

The deck is truly perfect to help hone and understand the powers that you were given; through each card there is a lesson to be learned. The deck’s accompanying book will also guide you into “shadow work”, which is key to any spiritual awakening journey. Along with the shadow work, each card is shown on the page with both upright and reversed meanings as well as a mantra and a short message.

The guidebook is decently thick and has a lot of great information and insight. It is very easy to understand and it gives clarity and extraordinary insight. Like any normal Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot deck, the major and minor arcana are included. They have similar aspects to the RWS cards, but instead of the normal suits we’re familiar with, these are replaced with each suit’s respective elemental correspondence. For example, fire is wands, water is cups, earth is pentacles, and air is swords.

I do have to say for a fact this information tracks with what I know of the traditional card meanings. Plus, there is also a helpful guide at the beginning that tells you each correlating card, along with pictures for each card with a description accompanying the image.

Each element has its own section and it gives a lot of helpful information. It includes helpful keywords, manifestations, exercises, and healing rituals, reflection questions. Also, each section is color-coded, you can see it on the side of the book, this makes it super simple to find the card you’re looking for!

The guidebook is also very beautifully written. It blew me away with how much information it provides. Compared to some of my other decks, this is the first deck I have come across with such a well-written guidebook.

The deck shuffles with great ease and the cards fit perfectly in your hands. The cards are nice and sturdy. To say the least, these cards have been crafted perfectly. Each card uniquely showcases each element in a humanoid manner combined with that element.

Four of Fire had to be my favorite card that I had pulled, it depicts a humanoid figure with a fiery-colored fox head with a human body holding a sparkler with fireworks in the background. This shows the connection between us and the elements in a completely different way. Every card has art that is as eye-catching as the next, you could just gaze upon it and get lost in its beauty and detail for a good while.

If you’re a novice to tarot and working with the RWS deck, this deck is perfect to work with. You will find the messages to be clear and easy to understand, I was able to tell instantly which card corresponds to the RWS deck without using the guide at the beginning of the book!

I’ve been using this deck for about two weeks now and I really felt an instant connection to it. I just went to pull a card for myself and this is what I got for the Visionary of Water upright, which is a court card that corresponds to the Knight of Cups in the RWS deck.

The advice given said that I have reached the highest peak of emotional growth despite feeling alone. I’m a part of a good community, my visions are appreciated, and right now is my moment to move above and beyond and share my visions with a larger audience. What stuck out the most was this part, explaining how I need to move on in my career to a more creatively challenging job. Boridsky writes:

“To assist with the complexity of integrating self-development and divination, I have created this deck and guide as a method for us to transition from potentially feeling like passive observers in our lives to becoming active, awake, and empowered participants.“²⁰

This card was insanely on par with what I’m doing currently as I write this review.

Overall, The Awakening Tarot is for those who seek a genuine connection with the elements and themselves. If you’re interested in working with a one-of-a-kind deck with an innovative take on the normal RWS deck then this deck will most definitely suit your fancy, as the artwork is so unique. This deck is a good elemental approach to a traditional tarot deck. It is easy to understand, and it’s a deck that you’ll appreciate with all of its creativity.

Wild Whispers Oracle, by Nat Girsberger

Wild Whispers Oracle: Messages from the Desert, by Nat Girsberger
Rockpool Publishing, 9781922786258, 44 cards, 156 pages, March 2025

The Wild Whispers Oracle: Messages from the Desert by Nat Girsberger is a captivating deck that seamlessly blends art and intuition, inviting users to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. With its vivid desert imagery and insightful messages, this oracle deck utilizes a mixed media technique that is striking and bold.

Born in Switzerland, Nat Girsberger is an accomplished artist with a background in both visual arts and yoga. She “creates art that interprets the unseen and translates the omens of the earth.”²¹ This is Girsberger’s second card deck. Her love of the southwestern desert led her back to Joshua Tree in California and an adventure that yielded downloads of wisdom and imagery. To learn more about Girsberger, visit her website.

How Girsberger explains her creative process for this deck:

“I heard poems in the wind, and images emerged like the moonrise. They were more archetypal – minimal – than my previous work, which I attributed to the complex simplicity and directness of the natural world.”²²

The first thing that strikes you about the Wild Whispers Oracle is its stunning visual appeal. Each card is a masterpiece, featuring bold colors, fluid lines, and evocative symbols. Girsberger uses both collage and digital art to create a dynamic and layered card that draws the viewer in. Her artistry is both modern and timeless, making the deck a visual delight.

The symbolism within the cards is rich and multifaceted. Girsberger has carefully chosen each element to convey specific meanings and to resonate with the reader’s subconscious. The imagery ranges from abstract shapes to recognizable motifs, such as animals, celestial bodies, and natural landscapes. This diversity of symbols ensures that each reading is unique and open to personal interpretation.

The deck consists of 44 cards that all have a distinct message and artwork. The deck is then divided into four sections representing one of the different cycles of the Sun: Sunset, Sun Nadir, Sunrise, and Sun Zenith. This structure provides a framework for users to explore various themes and to gain even more insights. The cards are named with a key word and also numbered, which makes it easy to find the card’s message in the guidebook.

Accompanying the deck is a comprehensive guidebook written by Girsberger herself. The guidebook offers detailed interpretations for each card, based on the seven steps of spiritual alchemy. At first, I found this a little too esoteric for my taste, but as I began to work with the cards, the meanings behind each of the steps became clearer and I began to resonate with the guidance even more. As the author states:

“Centered around a core theme, individual cards are broken down into seven steps that follow a path to transformation loosely based on spiritual alchemy. That is, the process of manifesting change on a soul level. … In this context, it simply denotes a transcendence of the material dimension to permeate much deeper layers.”²³

The seven steps provide varying degrees of wisdom. After using the deck for a single card draw for five days, I found that on some days, the information in the Introspection section really spoke to me. On other days, the Practice section spoke loudly. I always enjoyed the Integration/Coagulation part of the message, which was a short, freeform poem that ended the guidance for each card.

I decided to further test drive the deck by taking it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and shared it with my friends. Each woman drew one of the desert-inspired cards and shared feedback as follows:

Friend K: I drew the Forgiveness card. Wow It punched me in the gut! Truly. I didn’t realize how much I was holding on to resentment toward my sister. I’ll do some journaling around this. Thanks!

Friend T: I drew number 22 Renewal. I notice that it is in the Sun phase of Sun Nadir. It says it is really dark and to rely on my intuition. I like that. Also, the spiral on the card speaks to me. Life is really a spiral, isn’t it? I also like the Practice section. She asks me to go through my clothes and other stuff and declutter. I’ve been needing to do this!

Friend S: I drew Wholeness, which is number 44 and the last one in the section and the last one in the deck. (I seem to do this a lot!) I feel it has extra meaning for me, being the last one. It’s in the Sun Zenith section, which is the highest point of the sun. I love the Sun! I love the energy it brings to my garden and my life. Anyway, this is what spoke to me most:

“It is your nature to strive beyond your current circumstances, to keep learning and changing like the time of day. The drive is not a problem, unless you forget that you are always moving into a new expression of being whole. Right here and right now, wherever you stand, you are already complete.”²⁴

(She had tears in her eyes as she read that last part.)

The cards are printed on high-quality cardstock with a matte finish, giving them a luxurious feel and ensuring durability. The size of the cards is a standard oracle deck size, perfect for shuffling and handling, making the deck easy to use. The deck and guidebook are housed in a sturdy two-part box that is also bathed in the desert hues of gold, orange, red, and brown. A single crow graces the sunscape design on both the box and the guidebook.

As you can see from the examples of my friends, users of the Wild Whispers Oracle report a strong intuitive connection with the deck. The artwork and messages resonate on a deep level, facilitating meaningful insights and “aha” moments. Girsberger encourages users to trust their intuition and to allow the cards to speak to them on a personal level. This approach fosters a sense of empowerment and encourages users to develop their own interpretive skills.

Wild Whispers Oracle stands out as a divination tool that offers both novices and seasoned practitioners an enriching experience. This would be a great deck for anyone who wants a deeper connection to their own intuition. I’ll be using it with my clients who come to me for mentoring and grief work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once readers have the basics of crystal magic under their belt, Harlow introduces the many grids that can be used. She discusses how sacred geometry “unveils a profound and harmonious interplay between the natural patterns of the universe and the energetic properties of the crystals.”²⁴ Some of the grid shapes covered are a circle, lemniscate, merkaba, pentagram, sun burst, and triquetra, to name a few. In total, there’s seven grid shapes described, along with a sketch of the shape for visualization.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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