✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Be Like the Wind, by Ellen Kohn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places, by Claire Kann

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places, by Claire Kann
Berkley, 0593336658, 416 pages, May 2024

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann is a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, infused with a touch of the supernatural. The novel follows the protagonist, 

Lucky, who is “gifted” (even though it sometimes feels like a curse) with the ability to read people to their core when she looks in their eyes for the first time. Decades of feeling ostracized due to her ESP abilities have left Lucky quite rusty when it comes to relationships, preferring her paranormal research over the company of others.

Lucky finally has her big career break after a trail of graduate school rejections and lack of investor funds for her research. A film company hires her to be the caretaker for a house that’s deemed haunted after the previous three tenants left abruptly after being tormented in the house. Lucky is determined to make it through the whole month in the house, unraveling it’s paranormal secrets along the way to bolster her career as in the field, but her usual go-it-alone attitude begins to change though when she meets Maverick, a podcaster and show host, whose work has always been a source of inspiration and comfort to her.

Lucky finds herself simultaneously bonding with the house, which develops an affinity for her, and her co-workers on the show, especially Maverick and his daughter Rebel. Meanwhile, she’s also trying to get a read on the owner of the home, Xander, to see just what’s going on here. Managing love and work can be hard as Lucky finds out, and it’s up to her to confront her past to choose the future she truly desires.

Claire Kann’s writing is both witty and heartfelt, offering a delightful blend of humor and emotion. She skillfully weaves together themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of spooky yet charming haunted locations. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Lucky’s journey of finding herself, building her career, and trying to open up to love in the process feelings genuine and engaging.

The supernatural elements add a unique layer to the story, providing both comedic relief and poignant moments. It’s a testament to Kann’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As someone who loves things all paranormal, Lucky’s career ambitions and relationship with the supernatural felt authentic. There is content about the different types of paranormal phenomena and Lucky’s personal areas of focus (human-created supernatural phenomena).

Plus, the sentience of the house is really neat to experience first hand. I’ve read plenty of books where the house comes alive (The September House, Starling House) but this house’s abilities were really cool. I was fully absorbed in Lucky’s experiential process of undercovering what the house’s intentions were through the ways she managed to communicate.

Another aspect of the book that was interesting compared to other romance novels was that Lucky is asexual. While most romance books have the characters coming together in the throes of passion, in this book there was a good amount of discussion about boundaries and consent. This isn’t to say sparks weren’t flying, but I enjoyed the slower pace of there being actual open and honest dialogue around sexual expectations and preferences. I feel like it was more relatable and models what true intimacy looks like in a relationship.

For those who have ever felt the sense of being on the outside that comes with being psychic or having abilities others don’t understand, I think you’ll find Lucky quite relatable. While it’s in the genre of romance, I was moved to near tears multiple times as the book truly captures the emotional experience of what it means to have extrasensory perception that others don’t understand. From being isolated to mocked and ridiculed, it can be tough! Many of us readers have surely felt this at one point or another, so seeing Lucky find true love was especially rewarding.

Overall, Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places is a fun romance read for those who love all things supernatural. Its clever plot, endearing characters, and perfect balance of humor and heart make it a great book to curl up with this fall. I highly recommend it as a sweet, spooky read that will keep you intrigued with paranormal activity and a slow but steady relationship build-up.

Song of the Dark Man, by Darragh Mason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Wellbeing, by CICO Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Year of the Dark Goddess, by Lara Vesta

Year of the Dark Goddess: A Journey of Ritual, Renewal & Rebirth, by Lara Vesta
Weiser Books, 978- 578638277, 232 pages, May 2024

Who is the Dark Goddess?

“She is what we fear most -change, hardship- and what we long for most -to make meaning from challenge, to be transformed by difficulty, to find purpose in our wending path. When we bring the descents of our lives into awareness and follow the initiatory patterns into cycles of regenerative growth, we can find the ancient mystery of our ancestral stories restorative. We may lean into the sacred patter and be empowered.”7 

Although Year of the Dark Goddess: A Journey of Ritual, Renewal & Rebirth by Lara Vesta was released in May of this year, somehow it seems timely and absolutely beneficial to bring attention to this treasure. Perhaps it is the time of year and the thinning of the veils and of connection to all that is of the realm of the Underworld and has unique powers within the dark. Perhaps it is because we are in a space of evolution where challenges seem impossible and direction is not clear. Or, perhaps it is because the Dark Goddess has her way of interjecting her wisdom when it is most needed. Regardless, this book is a guide to stepping into a journey back to one’s true strength. 

Year of the Dark Goddess is a rich and nuanced read that requires of the reader the courage to face those aspects of self that we tend to overlook as they are buried in the busy-ness and distraction of a less than authentic life. The scope of intention for this read is one of creating new connections to the Dark Goddess and using these as a path of self-initiation, change and growth.  

This book is organized into three parts, each building upon a deepening of descent into practices that will produce change; the degree of transformation dependent on the commitment and intention offered to each action, working and ritual as the reader methodically engages the physical/mundane and the spiritual/magical.

The Prologue serves as a poignant rendering of our deepest desire to learn how to navigate the dark, and what is necessary to navigate a ceremonial year that becomes a rite of passage into wisdom, trust and transformation. The reader is introduced to this title as a “story” which we all have access to and is deserving of our intention to become the Myth-teller of our own stories.

“The story you are about to receive is a story present in all of our peoples, a story spread with many names and places, a story with a form recognizable in the hard things life brings…. When the trials descend above all, you must not lose hope. This plan has a purpose, and we have a path. Even in the darkness of the Underworld, the realm of the Dark Goddess when we have received the medicine of her story, the way is always clear.”23

“Part 1: The Dark Goddess Awaits” provides the reader with all the information necessary to move effectively through the many workings, rituals, and other self-actualizing tasks that comprise a subject which is broad and vast in its depth and use. There is a very thought-filled approach that Vesta has rendered and it is clearly evident that what has been included in each section has been proven to be effective at multiple levels.

Within the section “Essential Elements of the Dark Goddess Year”, there are tools and skills that will provide the reader as they cultivate a resonant understanding in support of self-initiation. The how-tos of the components that subsequent chapters will echo throughout the year are given reason, purpose and practical application, enabling the reader to set forth on this journey ready for what lay ahead and open to the possibilities.

These foci include: Begin with the Body, Rooting Into the Story, Earth Rhythms, Medicine of the Quarter, a Quarter Challenge, Seasonal Ceremony, and more. For example, the starting practice of each quarter, Begin with the Body serves as both a necessary anchoring in the physical that is required before extending that reach into the magickal and spiritual realms and takes the form of Herbal Infusions, Womb Wisdom For Everyone, Flower Bathing, and Plant Blessing and Cleansing, each aligned with its own specific seasonal quarter. 

I especially liked the ending sections of Part 1 which includes A Ceremony of Preparation and Dedication to the Journey to the Mythic Underworld seeded by a guided contemplative to be used as the reader journeys into the Underworld.

“The purpose of imagining the Underworld prior to the rite of passage year is to familiarize ourselves with the chthonic processes we transition though in a rite of passes, to discover the resources and wisdom available in the depths and to begin to trust the representational cycles of death and rebirth necessary for transformation.”24

Having been given supportive and usable tools, the reader now embarks on the specific ceremonial seasonal work to be accomplished outlined in “Part II: The Year of the Dark Goddess”. Vesta separates the journey into quarters, beginning with the Winter Solstice through the Spring Equinox. Each of the remaining quarters moves in order capturing the Spring Equinox to Summer Solstice, Summer Solstice to Autumnal Equinox, and concluding with Autumnal Equinox to Winter Solstice. This very organic approach makes for the potential of a multitude of traditional and modern correspondences and themes to unfold as the reader follows a structured path of intention and purpose.

The final steps in this journey conclude appropriately with formal acknowledgement of all that has transpired and arisen for the reader in following their course. “Part III: Crafting Your Ritual”  offers the reader guidance on reflecting on the year and integrating what has been gained of this journey into a personal rite of passage, a ritual of self-initiation. The meaning of each of the actions and callings scripted within ceremonial ritual are explained in detail, ensuring that the reader/initiate is clear and purposeful in the underlying power held in the actions taken versus simply repeating verbatim and without understanding what magick is being crafted. There is a lovely ceremony template provided following the details of the “why we do this” that is complete and effective in claiming the change that has occurred at all levels of being. 

Would I Recommend?

Year of the Dark Goddess: A Journey of Ritual, Renewal & Rebirth is crafted exactly as it should be to provide the reader with rich experience, a spectrum of knowledge inclusive of many magickal disciplines and clear and direct guidance towards growth in one’s practice.  This book offers the invitation to become one who creates their story of rebirth, One who weaves the magick of the many Dark Goddess through the order of the seasonal wheel. The one who courageously meets the darkest of challenges with the wisdom gained in the journeys taken in their ceremonial rite of passage.

I would recommend this book to any who follow a path of spirit, magick, witchcraft . And, it is also a title that is applicable to those looking for a deeper meaning in their purpose with every perceived insurmountable challenge. The message is one of power, strength, and hope in the knowledge that you are the great initiator of your life’s experience, reminding readers that you have the power and inner wisdom to navigate through darkness as well as times of light. To know the Dark Goddess is to be able to stand in the liminal spaces and have no fear of what lay beyond, but rather, to command its energy.

The quote below from the final page of this title’s journey is both a preview of what the reader will aspire towards in moving through the Year of the Dark Goddess, as well as a fitting closure for the potential of outcome that is held between its pages:

“And now, powerful one, initiate, caretaker of the world and wild: You rebegin wearing the mantle of the Mythteller, opening your heart to the new-old story pouring through your bones. It is your birthright , it belongs with you, to you, through you.”[efn_notepage 211[/efn_note]

About the Author: Lara Vesta

Lara Vesta, MFA, is an artist, storyteller, and educator. She is the author of Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral FeminineThe Moon Divas Guidebook, and The Moon Divas Oracle Book. A certified Celebrant with the Celebrant Institute and Foundation, and a former PhD student in philosophy and religion, she has spent over a decade studying ritual in diverse communities and facilitating rituals for individuals and groups in hundreds of different environments. She also has been through multiple challenging rite-of-passage transitions due to disabling chronic illness, which framed her understanding of the Dark Goddess work. In 2015 she created the Wild Soul School, an online educational community offering classes in personal empowerment, ancestral connection, self-initiation, and ritual practice.

Season of the Witch: Mabon Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz

Season of the Witch: Mabon Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic
Rockpool Publishing, 1922579750, 160 pages, 44 cards, July 2023

Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz is a captivating addition to the Season of the Witch series, particularly for those who are drawn to the spiritual and mystical aspects of autumn. Filled with fall foliage and scenes of the harvest season, the card in this deck encapsulates the bountiful feelings of this season

The authors describe in their introduction how the cards in this deck “prioritize spiritual self-care, specifically care around establishing boundaries, surrendering to changes and letting go of what no longer serves.”1 This focus of shedding the old and nurturing oneself reminds me of the trees during the autumn season, dropping their leaves and going inward to make it through the dark winter season. There’s even “Falling leaves spread” the authors share too, along with other ones such as “Molasses spread” and “Maple tree spread”.

The guidebook that accompanies the deck is comprehensive and thoughtfully written. Anderson and Diaz have done an excellent job of providing clear interpretations and practical guidance for each card. For every entry, they share keywords, a one-sentence message, and then a two-page explanation of the card’s meaning.

The explanations all begin with “Your higher self chose this card because…”. I really liked this style! First, it made me feel connected to my spiritual self while reading. And second, it really delves into the “why” this card came through when it did and what it’s meant to be pointing out in that moment.

In the week leading up to Mabon, I pulled a card from this deck every day. Four times, including on actual Mabon, I got the card Reaper. It was one of those instances when it was loud and clear a message was coming through. The one-sentence message for this card reads:

“For the birth of something new to manifest the death of something holding you back is inevitable.”25

The keywords associated with the cards are “endings, sudden change, unhealthy attachments”26. It felt like I was really being asked to take stock of patterns in my life and make adjustments, even if it felt hard or like I wasn’t ready to do things a different (and more likely healthier) way. I appreciated how this deck doesn’t sugar coat things and focuses on both the dark and light aspects of the messages we need to hear for our own spiritual growth.

This balancing of light and dark, reflective of the autumn equinox is one of the best parts of this deck. This time of year is traditionally associated with gratitude, balance, and reflection, and the cards in this deck beautifully encapsulate these themes. The richer tones of this deck highlight the darkness that is beginning to descend while also honoring the joys that the light has brought, such as healthy crops to make stews, brews, and all the other autumn delights.

Some of the cards in this deck include Campfire, Corn maze, Cranberries, Foraging, Mead and wine, Pomegranate, Queen of the Dead, Scarecrow, Tea magick, Whiskey, and Wool. Just skimming through the cards and looking at the images on them gives me the fall feels–cozy moments, crispy air, and lots of community gatherings.

The artwork on the cards, created by Tijana Lukovic, is rich, evocative, and deeply resonant with the energy of the season. Each card is a work of art that invites the reader to delve into the symbolism and meaning of the card’s title. The dark hues balanced by the light perfectly capture the equilibrium of night and day that the autumn equinox marks.

One of the strengths of Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is its ability to inspire introspection and personal growth. The cards encourage users to explore their inner worlds, reflect on their lives, and embrace the cycles of change and renewal. This makes the deck not only a tool for divination but also a valuable resource for personal development and spiritual practice. Whether a reader dose a one-card pull daily or decorates an altar with the cards, there’s a lot of potency imbued in the deck.

In terms of usability, the cards are of high quality, with a sturdy cardstock that shuffles easily and feels good in the hands. The size of the cards is also practical, striking a balance between being large enough to appreciate the detailed artwork and small enough to handle comfortably.

Overall, Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully designed deck that offers both aesthetic pleasure and profound insights of autumn. It is a wonderful addition to any oracle card collection, especially for those who resonate with the energies and the themes of Mabon. Whether you are new to oracle cards or a seasoned practitioner, this deck is sure to provide inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature.

A Confluence of Witches, edited by Casey Zabala

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

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

A Confluence of Witches: Celebrating our Lunar Roots, Decolonizing the Craft, and Reenchanting Our World, edited by Casey Zabala, brings together a diverse array of voices within the contemporary witchcraft community. Through a rich tapestry of essays, rituals, and personal narratives, this anthology shines a light on the multifaceted nature of witchcraft in the modern world to explore “the authentic intersection of magic, spirituality, personal development, and social justice.”27

“Modern Witchcraft is not a disavowal of our Pagan, animist, lunar roots. Rather, Modern Witchcraft is an evolution of our responsibilities as practicing witches. These responsibilities have historically been to praise the divinity of the Earth and cosmos, to provide healing remedy and support to the community, and to offer a spiritual framework for the oppressed. To be a modern witch we must straddle both our ancient origins and our futurist dreams.”28

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

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

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

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

There are so many leads I want to follow now that I’ve read this book! I am truly enamored with the insights from the writers who contributed. At the end, Zabala has included biographies for all the contributors. Here readers can discover new podcasts, YouTube channels, books, organizations and groups, and more. The community Zabala created in 2018 is called Modern Witches, which aims “to heal and honor the collective’s relationship to the witch.”29

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

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

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

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

Raise Your Frequency, Transform Your Life, by Selina Maitreya

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

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

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of raising one’s vibration. Maitreya begins by explaining the concept of frequency and how it relates to our everyday lives. Her encouraging words remind readers they have the power to control how they respond to life’s circumstances, especially once they understand their own spiritual nature as “a multidimensional being filled with frequencies that can be simply defined as both high (Oneness, higher consciousness wisdom, love) and love (fear, judgment, anger, jealousy, lack) energies working within a dense, solid form: your physical body.”30

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

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

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

“When you choose to respond to low-vibrational experiences from Oneness you completely transmute the frequency of what has arrived in your life. You literally change dark to light, and you begin the journey of reclaiming your gift of peace, neutrality, and abundance.”31

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

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

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

Crystal Body Grids, by Sharon McAllister

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She also shares a little background on a “positive sleep pattern”32 and how to make other changes in the bedroom or your personal habits to facilitate better sleep.

Everything in the book is shared from a very positive point of view and includes the “energy” of the symptom or illness.  I love this!  For example, she discusses the “energy of allergies,”33 and the “energy of the throat”34. Within this information, McAllister does a great job of explaining how the symptoms originate in the energy field, so you can better understand how to treat and heal the condition. Throughout the book, she also reminds the reader to check with a doctor or medical professional before proceeding or if you have questions about your malady.

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

Along with the grids or circuits, which are presented with line art and the crystal keys mentioned earlier, McAllister includes photos of people with the crystals placed on the body. She also includes “holistic tips”35, such as one explaining how to do scalp massage with oil for thinning hair.  This is in addition to the crystal grid she recommends for thinning hair.

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

The Stained Glass Tarot, by James Edward

The Stained Glass Tarot: An Illuminated Journey through the Cards, by James Edward
Destiny Books, 9798888500828, 336 pages, 78 cards, 2024

In this beautiful deck, The Stained Glass Tarot: An Illuminated Journey through the Cards, creator James Edward presents 78 stunning cards filled with rich imagery and breathtaking stained glass images. Calling on the artwork from stained glass found around the world in churches, cathedrals, and other places dedicated to the sacred, Edward accents the cards in black and gold.

Each card features at least one stained glass window, which is usually the backdrop. The 9 of Cups has 13 stained glass windows! It is truly amazing how he creates each card as a masterpiece, with rich jewel tones and rays of light that shine through his creations. 

The Stained Glass Tarot presents a guidebook that shares Edward’s inspiration for the deck, how to use the deck, and numerous ideas for spreads. Next, he includes a brief history of tarot and how tarot blends with astrology, numerology, and alchemy. He also touches on Carl Jung and how the Swiss psychologist used tarot for “self-discovery and personal growth.”1

In the back of the book, Edward provides a list of books on tarot for further information. My favorite on this list is The Devil’s Playbook: The Complete Guide to Tarot Cards by Paul Huson!

Edward explains that when he was taken to church as a child, he would sit and watch “the bright morning light that shone through the glass, dyeing my skin and endlessly enchanting my vision.”2 He further notes:

“I have tested my response to stained glass numerous times and have confirmed that anytime I am in the presence of stained glass, I experience the same feelings — wonder, awe and peace.”3

In addition to the daunting task of creating the stained glass inspired artwork for each card, Edward also gave himself the challenge to write a poem about the major arcana, the minor arcana, and every other card in the 78-card deck! He also includes key words for each card.  For the major arcana, Edward presents the following for each card within the guidebook:

• Poem to capture the elements of the card’s energy
• Card Upright meaning
• Card Reversed meaning
• Astrological meaning
• Obscure meaning
• Jungian interpretation
• Card meanings for each of these situations:

  • Love and relationships
  • Health and well-being
  • Money and careers
  • Spirituality and spiritual development
  • Seeking clarity
  • Answer to:  How is my past affecting my present?
  • Ancestral influence
  • Unknown or hidden influence

For the 56 cards of the minor arcana, Edward devotes eight pages to a study of the suits and extensive information about each one. Next, he shares two to three pages on each card, starting with a poem about the main themes. Then he presents basic meanings for both upright and reversed positions and key words.

To test drive the deck, I pulled a card for my daily card draw. I asked for guidance regarding some goals I recently set. I drew the Star card. What a magical card! In Edward’s deck, this card shows a woman holding a star and accented by stars. She appears to wear a halo and has on medieval dress, complete with what appears to be armor on her shoulders. She is pensive, but hopeful. In the guidebook, Edward shares:

“It indicates that, after a period of darkness or uncertainty, one can have faith in the future and look forward to brighter possibilities. . . In an upright position, the querent will see a clearer picture of the path they must take to resolve their situation or overcome their problem.  . .  moving forward with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration.36

I also did a reading for one of my friends and pulled the Knight of Pentacles card. I shared that this card revealed a message about stepping back and reviewing her progress. There might be a need to be more flexible, also. My friend almost started crying. She told me about a difficult situation at work and that this short message was the guidance she needed to keep going.

The cards are a nice size, at 3” X 5” and feature rounded corners and a white border. The cards are printed on a light card stock, so time will tell how it holds up with shuffling. The back of the cards highlights a beautiful stained glass window, with a round central design and an eight-pointed star. The front of the box honors the artwork from the Magician card. The box includes a magnetic flap, two indented areas for the cards and ample room for the guidebook. 

This deck would be great for any level of tarot reader, including a beginner.  Due to the tarot history and “how to” section, as well as the guidance for each card, a novice would really benefit from practicing with this deck. The poems are a very nice addition to the guidebook, as each poem gives hints to the energy of the card and the rhyming stanzas give the brain something interesting to read, enjoy and retain.

I plan to keep The Stained Glass Tarot on hand for client readings. The extensive guidance will make a nice addition to my readings and the beautiful cards are an extra bonus. I really love this deck!

About the Author

James Edward has more than 20 years of experience in witchcraft, animism and other areas of the occult. He follows the symbology of the Rider-Waite tradition in creating this deck. As a chemist by day who works with a chemical company, Edward also enjoys house remodeling, cooking, and adding to his Tamagotchi collection. He currently enjoys his many cats and his home in southeastern Texas.