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BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments, by Patricia deSandro

BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments, by Patricia deSandro
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537487, 100 pages, November 2025

It’s easy to forget that magic is not confined to ritual circles or rare celestial alignments. Rather, it lives in the very fabric of our ordinary moments. Each breath, each exchange, each shift of energy carries an invitation to participate more consciously in the world around us. When we slow down enough to acknowledge the life humming in plants, in objects, and in the unseen currents of spirit, we begin to remember that enchantment is not something we wait for – it is something we co-create.

BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments by Patricia deSandro offers readers a gentle yet potent framework for weaving practical magic into the rhythm of daily life. Instead of focusing on elaborate spellwork or arcane magic, deSandro emphasizes accessible techniques such as using made up chants, gestures, familiar objects, and meaningful alliances, to intentionally shift energy, manifest opportunities, and protect what matters most. Her approach makes the art of enchantment into a living, relational practice that can grow organically from everyday moments.

The book is divided into four parts. “Part I: Will You Be My Friend?” focuses on enchanting everyday objects and creating relationships with “non-human living beings”1 (animals, plants, Elemental spirits).From establishing plant allies to getting to know your local woods, deSandro shares plenty of advice and personal stories about the value these relationships bring to one’s life. Her anecdotes make this section more than an animist approach, allowing readers to really see how these relationships should be conducted. She writes:

“We introduce ourselves to each other. We each decide if we want to be allies. We each come to the table with an offer of friendship based on how we define it. Sometimes, negotiations are required. Promises are made and trust is established. It becomes a contract we wouldn’t want to break.”2

“Part II: Making Magic” is the longest section, and it’s where deSandro shares different techniques for creating your own enchantments. She teaches how to use one’s words wisely, see patterns, connect the dots for manifestation, maintain protection, and do healing energy work, among other things. All the spells are ones she’s developed over the years, and many times she has a story to illuminate how the spell has worked for her.

The final two parts, “Part III: Endings and Beginnings” and “Part IV: The Temple of the Sacred Flame” are much shorter. The former focuses on the coming and going of those we love (when people pass and when babies are born) as well as establishing connection with those on the other side. Meanwhile, in the final section, deSandro guides readers through creating their own “Inner Temple, a sacred place inside you for your soul.”3

With its short length (around 100 pages), small size, and conversational style, the book is well-suited for those who want inspiration without intimidation. Quickly glancing at it, one might perceive the enchantments shared by deSandro to be beginner level magic, yet that impression overlooks the depth contained within the simplicity. The concepts shared are at the core all magic, skillfully weaving together intention with belief in a way that feels relevant and personalized in order to effect meaningful change. Plus, the way deSandro has personal experience that highlights the magic she shares is a wonderful testimony to its potency.

Honestly, this is a book I will probably return to again and again when more formulaic magic leaves me feeling jaded or frustrated, as the content reminds me of the power of being in the present moment, attuned to energies around me and the needs within, and how to create this bridge to change the circumstance.

I plan on keeping my copy on my night table or desk for a refreshing approach to magic, as deSandro’s approach reminds me that we live in an ensouled world, and there’s plenty of relationships that can be forged with living entities. Too often, plants are reduced to a table of correspondences, and I forget these vital sprouts have a will and energy pattern of their own I can interact with. DeSandro awakens this deep magic that unifies the world by highlighting the livelihood of all beings.

Likewise, this approach is a great confidence booster for when you need to remember your own magical agency. DeSandro imparts to readers that you can trust your instincts, make up things as you go, and honor natural relationships without to trying control things. Rather, the key to this magic is acknowledgement and attunement. A feature of this book that makes it great for readers is the lined pages that deSandro includes throughout for readers to jot down their own reflections in regard to a question she proposes. This makes the book a fun tool for introspection, in addition to being a handy guidebook for everyday enchantment.

All in all, BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments is a friendly and grounded approach to tapping into magic that does not require elaborate tools or lengthy rituals. When approached with sincerity and awareness, even the simplest gestures become enchantments and the vibrancy of magic surrounding us begins to glimmer. DeSandro’s friendly approach is great for those who appreciate lived wisdom and are looking for a relationship with magic that feels personal, intuitive, and inviting. All of her tales were inspiring, guiding readers towards embracing the enchantment for themselves!

The Magic of Birds, by Mabh Savage

The Magic of Birds, by Mabh Savage
Moon Books, 1803410604, 120 pages, January 2026

Four decades of working with the symbolism and correspondences of the natural world through traditional astrology will do something to you — you start paying attention to things most people walk right past. Birds are one of them. Omens, augury, messages from the gods — these ideas run through nearly every spiritual tradition I’ve encountered. So when I came across The Magic of Birds by Mabh Savage, published by Moon Books, it felt overdue.

Savage is a pagan author and musician with a particular interest in the magic of animals and plants, and a lifelong fascination for Irish legends, Paganism, and spirituality. She’s previously written A Modern Celt and Pagan Portals: Celtic Witchcraft, so she comes to this material with both scholarly grounding and lived practice. My initial thought? This felt like it would be a quick, pleasant read. It turned out to be considerably more than that.

Savage’s writing style is warm, conversational, and personal in a way that doesn’t feel performed. She has a way of weaving together academic folklore references with moments from her own life that makes even the most obscure mythology feel immediate. You can tell she’s not just compiling information from books — she’s actually out there watching blackbirds at twilight and getting scolded by wrens in her garden. The book is organized thematically by type of bird: songbirds, carrion eaters, birds of prey, water birds, and then a chapter on famous mythological birds, followed by a practical chapter on seasonal and everyday magic. Each section builds naturally, and the structure makes it easy to either read straight through or use as a reference when a particular bird crosses your path.

What sets this book apart is the range of cultural traditions she draws from. Celtic and Irish mythology are clearly her home territory, and the depth there is impressive — the sections on Rhiannon’s mystical birds, the Mabinogi, and the Irish goddess Badb as the battle crow are rich with detail. But she doesn’t stop there. Norse mythology, Greek tales, First Nations traditions from North America, Australian Aboriginal dreamtime stories, and even Zulu folklore all make appearances.

What I appreciated was her explicit caution about Indigenous practices, which she places right in the Eagles section when discussing First Nations traditions: “Please don’t reproduce these unless you have genuine associations with a tribe or permission from those peoples”2. That showed real integrity, something you don’t always see in books that touch on cross-cultural spiritual material.

The personal anecdotes are what really elevate this book above a standard reference. Savage tells a story about a raven at an animal rescue centre that tricked her into stepping close, then deftly tipped her cup of duck food onto the floor and hopped down to enjoy her prize. “She knew, within seconds, that tipping the cup would give her the greatest prize. Remarkable animals”4. These moments bring the correspondences to life in a way that a simple list never could.

Similarly, her account of watching redwings arrive on a winter Solstice morning — “Beautiful redwings, probably just arrived from Scandinavia, resting after a long, cold night in the chilled winter air”5 — captures that feeling of witnessing something genuinely magical in the ordinary world.

For each bird, Savage provides correspondences and associations, folklore snippets, and practical magical applications. The corvid sections are perhaps the strongest — the magpies, ravens, jackdaws, and crows each get thorough treatment. Her retelling of the Lenape tale of the Rainbow Crow, who sacrificed his beautiful plumage to bring fire to the freezing animals, is genuinely moving. And her exploration of jackdaws as communicators who “use their eyes to communicate, and study the eyes of other animals in order to ascertain their intent”6 gave me a whole new appreciation for those noisy little birds.

The four seasonal rituals in the final chapter were an unexpected bonus. They’re well-written and adaptable — Savage explicitly encourages readers to change the birds to ones more familiar to them and to adapt the rituals to their own needs. The guided visualization for working with birds is thoughtfully designed, and she takes care to note that not everyone can visualize — something most magical authors never bother to mention. Her debunking of meditation myths, particularly that your mind must be blank, was refreshing. As someone who uses meditation in my own astrological practice, I found the woodland pathworking exercise genuinely useful and plan to incorporate elements of it into my own work.

Savage’s original poetry is scattered throughout the text, and while not all of it resonated equally with me, the pieces about blackbirds and curlews were evocative. The illustrations by Kay Savage add a lovely visual dimension to the book as well. If I had one minor observation, it’s that some birds get considerably more attention than others — the blackbird and wren sections are wonderfully deep, while some later entries feel more like sketches. But Savage is upfront about this being an introduction only, and she consistently points toward further reading, so that feels like an honest trade-off rather than a shortcoming.

Overall, The Magic of Birds is warm, thorough, and honest about what it is — an introduction, not an encyclopedia. There’s enough folklore depth to satisfy experienced practitioners, and enough plain language to not lose beginners. I’d recommend it to anyone on a pagan or nature-based spiritual path, any witch interested in expanding their practice with animal correspondences, or honestly, anyone who has ever felt that strange pull when a blackbird sings at dusk or a crow watches you from a rooftop.

This book has made me pay closer attention to the birds in my own neighborhood here in Southern California — different species than Savage’s birds, perhaps, but carrying their own magic nonetheless. As she writes in her preface, birds have been “chirping, squawking, tweeting, and flapping their way around my brain until there had to be an outlet”7. After reading this book, they’ve started doing the same in mine.

Coven, by Fiona Horne

Coven: Where Witches Gather, by Fiona Horne
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208462, 272 pages, March 2026

For many witches, the path begins in solitude – a quiet unfolding of intuition, ritual, and personal power. Yet there is a different kind of magic that awakens when practice becomes shared. Being part of a coven offers more than companionship; it creates a living current of collective energy where wisdom is exchanged, strengths are amplified, and individual blind spots are gently illuminated. Within a trusted circle, ritual deepens, accountability strengthens intention, and transformation becomes both witnessed and supported. Coven: Where Witches Gather by Fiona Horne explores how magic can be enhanced through group relationship, becoming shared sacred work, and offers guidance for creating or finding your own magical community.

Author Fiona Horne is an Australian witch, author, musician and teacher who emerged publicly in the 1990s as one of the first modern practitioners to openly identify as a witch in mainstream media. Raised with an early interest in mysticism and the occult, she later helped popularize contemporary witchcraft through bestselling books that reframed it as a nature-honoring, self-empowered spiritual path rather than something secretive or sensationalized. Over the decades, her work has focused on making witchcraft accessible, community-oriented, and aligned with modern life, encouraging practitioners to claim their identity openly and practice with confidence. This book is a revised and updated version of her previous publication The Coven: Making Magick Together (2003).

I was immediately impressed with the smooth texture of this book and gilded green edges. Though light in weight, there is a feeling of spiritual significance that comes through the book’s design. There’s a sensory elegance to it; the surface feels deliberately textured with care, as if it was made to be handled slowly. Instantly, I recognized this as a potent grimoire.

Peeking inside, I noticed the enchanting design continues within too. The interior pages all have an intricate border design, adding a feeling of elegance. The text is well structured and neatly organized with plenty of headings, bullet points, and different size and style of fonts. There’s also a nice ribbon for bookmarking your place. All throughout illuminating black and white images that contribute to the magical resonance, infusing the text with visual prompts too.

As for the content, Horne begins with a chapter introducing witchcraft, including what witches believe and laws of witchcraft (many from traditional Wicca), followed by a chapter on witchcraft in the past, present, and future. The information in these sections sufficiently grounds readers in the wider context of witchcraft, a base from which they can then go and explore covencraft.

“A coven is a sacred space – but it’s also a shared space, and that means it comes with all the beauty and complexity of human interaction.”8

There’s so many elements to a coven, and Horne covers the different aspects and layers of this joint interaction in the following chapters. From the get-go she distinguishes the type of coven this book is aimed for is different from traditional Gardnerian and Alexandrian witchcraft ones. Some of the differences in modern covens that Horne values are things such as shared leadership, inclusivity, environmental focuses, and rapid adaptation and flexibility. Meanwhile, she also shares different types of covens, ranging from eclectic ones with members who have a mixture of magical backgrounds to “working” covens that are more focused on learning and discussion, and noting how some covens meet in-person while others are virtual. The main emphasis is on the variety of ways a coven can exist, giving readers plenty of room to feel into what would be best suited for them.

As for actually forming or finding a coven, Horne provides plenty of advice for where one might connect with other like-minded souls, even providing an attraction spell. She also shares how to know if someone is a good fit for a coven. Once the group is established, Horne guides readers through the process of establishing responsibilities, picking deities, naming the coven and choosing a magical name for one’s self, and deciding where to gather. She also covers topics such as choosing which tools to use within the coven as well as wardrobe when gathering, noting the financial element of these decisions too. All of these small decisions laid out clearly provide a good roadmap for beginning a coven’s journey.

Horne has a whole chapter dedicated to how to run a coven meeting, including preparation, casting a circle, element invocation, inviting the deities,raising energy, and closing the circle. This chapter is a great resource for those familiarizing themselves with group magic. Subsequent chapters then cover topics such as sabbats, spellwork, group meditation, magickal gathering (open to those outside the coven too), sacred play, sex within the craft, and healthy living.

One chapter that I think is very valuable is “The Art of Coven Keeping” because I’ve seen SO many covens fall apart from disagreements, gossip, jealousies, misunderstandings, and simple lack of energy or interest in maintaining them. There’s usually a potent energy at the formation of a coven, but sustaining this energy takes work. In addition to this information in this chapter, Horne also has created an oracle deck, Coven Oracle, to provide insight into group dynamics that I think is a great tool for any group work.

I really resonated with her approach to covens, making it feel much more accessible than the traditional, “hidden” covens that require much more rigid adherence to a belief system and thorough initiation. In fact, Horne’s approach to the coven dispelled many long-standing beliefs I had about covens. For the first time, I believed it was possible I could create my own or find an aligned magical community. Not only does Horne provide an overview of how to do this, but she leaves so much room for personalization, especially considering every coven will have unique energies. I enjoy how she honors the art of covencrafting, rather than trying to make it fit in specific and outdated boxes.

At the same time, Horne takes a very practical approach to covens. The chapter dedicated to legally incorporating a coven as a spiritual organization was all novel for me. I had never really thought about this approach, but it makes sense in that the organization becomes tax exempt and is eligible for grants. I appreciate how Horne offers this, in addition to all her magical advice, because it grounds the potential of each coven in our structured reality.

“Because beneath the hashtags and highlight reels there is still a living, breathing mystery – a sacred, subversive truth that belongs to witches; a truth about power, connection, and the unseen forces that shape our world. This book isn’t just a how-to. It’s a lived testament to community, courage, and the magick we create when we gather in trust and intention.”9

Overall, Coven stands out as a thoughtful and practical resource for witches drawn to group magical working. Horne offers meaningful insight into not only how to form a coven, but how to nurture, protect, and sustain its energetic integrity over time. By weaving foundational witchcraft principles with guidance on leadership, harmony, and shared intention, she creates a framework that feels both accessible and purposeful. For those seeking to move beyond solitary practice and into the alchemy of collective magic, this book serves as a steady and encouraging guide. There’s so much to explore within a group witchcraft practice, and Horne has truly provided the community with a valuable tool for navigating this special type of magic.

The Left-Hand Path of Tarot, by Cherry Parra

The Left-Hand Path of Tarot: Breaking Taboos, Confronting Shadows, and Achieving Self-Love, by Cherry Parra
Weiser Books, 157863878X, 248 pages, February 2025

The Left-Hand Path of Tarot: Breaking Taboos, Confronting Shadows, and Achieving Self-Love by Cherry Parra teaches that tarot is not meant to simply soothe the ego or wrap us in spiritual platitudes. She asserts that at its deepest level, tarot is a mirror that reflects what we might prefer not to see. When approached with honesty, the cards cut through wishful thinking and invite us into radical self-responsibility. They illuminate patterns we perpetuate, desires we hide, grief we avoid, and truths we sense but hesitate to claim.

This kind of practice asks for courage and the willingness to sit with discomfort rather than reaching for quick reassurance. Parra invites readers to work with the tarot in this way, demonstrating how tarot can be a tool for maturation, shadow integration, and self-catalyst. Having the agency to choose differently or act with clarity comes from the willingness to wade in the chaos, ask the tough questions, and pivot when necessary.

“First and foremost we deal in truth, and it is often uncomfortable and usually brutal. If we want the truth, we must ask true questions. Tarot is not a hiding place. There should be no room for shame, self-deception, or hide-and-seek dynamics.”10

Divided into three parts, Parra leads readers through viewing the tarot from the lens of the Left-Hand Path, interpreting the cards to offer a wider perspective (sometimes even challenging or subverting card meanings), and then how to put into practice the Left-Hand Path of tarot.

“Part 1: Welcome to the Left-Hand Path” provides an introduction to the overall topic of using tarot for confronting uncomfortable truths and reclaiming marginalized aspects of the self. Parra shows how tarot is a guide to outsiders, those who are outcast, marginalized, and nonconforming. When challenging social norms as a healer, visionary, artistic, or activist–all vital roles amid chaotic times–tarot can be used dually as a weapon and as a tool for self-alchemy. The chapters on shadow work and manifestation give insight into how readers can learn to embrace the “not positive” aspects of the cards for growth, revelation, and ultimately more personal agency.

“Part 2: Left-Hand Path Interpretations” is where Parra delves into the meaning of the cards. For each Major Arcana card, she shares about two pages of insight. While the general traditional meaning shines through, Parra definitely infuses the cards with meaning reflecting the philosophy of a Left-Hand Path journey. This is to say, she strips a lot of the BS away and gives a straight-forward message that acknowledges what’s really going on beneath the surface. What I appreciate about her approach is that there’s no doom and gloom, rather, it’s very grounded and “tell it like it is” for optimum clarity.

As for the Minor Arcana, Parra deconstructs the traditional idea of each suit corresponding to only one element. She writes, how “every Minor Arcana card, regardless of which suit it belongs to, carries wisdom from more than one element of nature.”11 This was the first time I’d ever come across this notion in my tarot studies, and the idea felt supremely liberating, a deviation with plenty of potential to explore on my own. In this chapter, Parra provides interpretations for each suit and then uses tables to provide short meanings (upright and reversed) for the Minor Arcana cards. 

In the final section, “Part 3: Walking the Left-Hand Path with Tarot”, Parra takes the information shared thus far and casts it out into the wider world. She likens the Left-Hand Path to the “Path of Doubt”12, which “deals with uncertainty, contradictions, mysteries, and even riddles.”13. Here, Parra reminds readers to embrace their own flavor of reading, embracing their “out-of-the-box”14 interpretations when they arise. Infusing anarchy, challenging the trickster, and lingering in the unknown are all aspects of the Left-Hand Path that tarot can help cultivate. She offers ideas for shuffling, dialoging with the cards, and personalizing your decks.

Plus, Parra includes so many spreads! Spreads for money and business, self love, body image, mommy/daddy issues, psychic battles, transmutation and more. It’s like Parra has attuned to the multi-faceted shadow aspects and taboo topics that could use a reading for more insight and crafted meaningful spreads to mine the information with ease. Furthermore, she covers tarot rituals, such as opening/closing the reading and protection, offering readers a well-rounded approach to doing these readings.

All throughout, I really enjoyed how Parra shares her tarot wisdom. It’s very evident she’s gained a ton of experience as a reader, both for herself and others, and does a great job synthesizing what she’s learned into practical advice. From offering tips to both beginners and pros to framing the mindset of querents to better understand their position to how to handle readings honestly when cards reveal things aren’t peachy keen, Parra provides a lot of value for those interested in reading for others. The epilogue, “The Ethics of Tarot”15, also is great food-for-thought.

I also just gained a lot of perspective from Parra’s Left-Hand Path interpretations of the cards. In addition to enjoying her liberation of the Minor Arcana from the elemental suits previously discussed, her depictions of the Major Arcana were a breath of fresh air. It was SO nice to read novel interpretations of the cards, especially from Parra’s first-hand perspective. From linking the Hierophant with personal discipline to saying sometimes the Hermit can point towards needing a good old bed-rot, her lens was modern, relatable, and still deeply meaningful.

“Very few people actually discuss and practice the art of leaning into catastrophe, of riding the lows with as much attention and enthusiasm as they surf the highs, and of finding the potential within imbalance.”16

Overall, The Left-Hand Path of Tarot offers an approach to tarot that emphasizes the nitty gritty truth. Emphasizing the shattering of social taboos and upholding personal empowerment, readers will appreciate the originality of Parra’s interpretation of the cards. Within this framework, tarot becomes a method for choice, conformation, and cultivating personal agency (and responsibility!). Accessible for tarot readers of all levels, this book is best for those ready to question their spiritual conditioning, subvert traditional tarot meanings, and discover methods to bring more active questioning into their practice.

Divine Feminine Gnosis, by Lee Irwin

Divine Feminine Gnosis: The Lesser and Greater Mysteries of Sophia, by Lee Irwin
Inner Traditions, 979-8888502532, 304 pages, December 2025

Within Lee Irwin’s Divine Feminine Gnosis: The Lesser and Greater Mysteries of Sophia is a challenge many books discussing esoteric topics face: the author must diligently walk the fine line between coherently communicating their ideas, experiences, and sentiments within the limits of language, with one hand, and gesturing toward the veiled dance of the deeper Mystery with the other. And the attempt to thread this needle in order to present the reader with a tapestry of divine feminine–i.e. Sophianic–wisdom is an even greater challenge due to the diversity of expression that such wisdom can take, as Irwin himself acknowledges.

The book is divided into two main sections: the Lesser and Greater Mysteries, which correspond to Praxis (practice, lived-experience, development of feminine values) and Sophiana (the hidden esoteric realities that ground and unify the expressions of feminine gnosis in one’s lived experience). While the latter half is certainly more abstract and metaphysical, it covers familiar Gnostic territory: Divine Union, the World Soul, Aeons, Rebirth, and how they connect to the lived-expressions of Sophia through the Body, Soul, and Mind as discussed in the first half.

At the outset, Irwin himself suggests that attempting to read the book in a typically “masculine” way: e.g. looking for precise, logical argumentation meant to arrive at a determinate conclusion, is not fitting for the content of the feminine gnosis. Throughout the text, Irwin takes great care to distinguish how the potentially limitless expression of Sophia–the divine source of this embodied, intuitive, and creative feminine type of knowing–differs from the masculine patterns that have dominated the religious and social institutions of our inherited past.

In a sense, because Sophianic knowing explicitly does not seek a final, closed formulation of beliefs, theory, or way of being-in-the-world, it seems difficult to provide any concrete examples of how divine feminine wisdom manifests in the world. Instead, Irwin relies upon the masculine/feminine contrast–using the distinction of what feminine gnosis is not like–along with repeated cycles of key descriptors to illuminate the topic.

Although Irwin’s presentation of the Lesser Mysteries is meant to reveal how feminine gnosis shows up in the world of our experience, this is especially where illustrating particular instances of feminine wisdom and/or practices that may open one to the grace of Sophia would be helpful for the reader. In lieu of this, Irwin presents iterations of generalized descriptions and “guiding principles” that often lack means toward practical application.

For example, Irwin writes, “The grounded praxis is simply to be loving and compassionate, to express care and concern that is heart-centered, in the most direct and genuine sense,”13 and “In post-traditional spirituality, what matters most is direct personal insights and how those insights contribute to a better, more mature world.”17 As a reader, I was left wondering: How do I become simply loving and compassionate? What is insight? How do we recognize and/or cultivate this capacity?

Irwin gestures at some practices which may help foster insight, such as meditation, soul-based education, creative projects, and dreamwork–indeed, Irwin’s only concrete example of a praxis is a simple, three-step process for dream analysis. Although the accumulation and refining of insight is one of the most frequent ways Irwin describes the ingress of Sophianic wisdom to lived-experience, this term does not even warrant a mention in the Index. Nor is insight differentiated from intuition, another key capacity for receiving Sophia’s gifts.

In the end, feminine gnosis comes down to some special way of knowing. Such knowledge is not based in abstract, rationalistic doctrines or privileged states of consciousness bequeathed by an (often patriarchal) authority or tradition. It is a “secret knowledge” (a common Gnostic trope) in the sense that it cannot be codified into language, emerging uniquely for each individual, and aimed toward the formulation and realization of certain qualities within both the individual, society, and Cosmos. E.g. inclusive equality of all beings and ways of life (people, animals, plants, minerals, angels, the deceased, etc.), mediated by mature loving relationships and guiding principles that foster universal well-being and the creative actualization of possibility awaiting exploration beyond the horizon of previous experience.

Despite the reservations I felt about Irwin’s style/structure, Divine Feminine Gnosis began to resonate on a deeper level over time, marinating with more exposure to the potentially inexhaustible ways Sophia weaves within the Mystery of Being. I urge readers who may be highly-analytic (myself included) to consider Irwin’s early guidance in how to read his book in the Preface and Opening (xi – 12). Personally, I found that pulling back and softening my focus on the text (even taking a break!) made reading flow far better, and without the feeling I was missing/losing content. 

I also found some of Irwin’s characterizations of “masculine” religions, wisdom traditions, etc. to be more abrasive, dichotomizing, and dismissive than necessary (not the most inclusive, holistic, respectful attitude, in my opinion). However, this emphasized that the revitalization of feminine Wisdom in our world cannot happen without disrupting the excesses of masculine patterns of thinking-being that grip us at individual and collective scales. For readers who may be more comfortable in these more masculine patterns (scientific, rationalistic, etc.), I found Irwin’s perspective resonated with contemporary cognitive science: e.g. McGilchrist’s argument that our brain’s left hemisphere (analytic, control-oriented) is playing the role of “master” rather than playing the emissary of the (holistic, relational) right hemisphere.

Irwin’s work was inspiring as it was illuminating, inviting a courageous openness to adopt a new perspective. Without this openness, I may not have persisted to the end of the book–and would’ve missed one of the most deeply resonant expressions:

“The incarnate world is the center of creation, not some lower level, but the very heart and soul of becoming as embodied life seeks to maximize our deepest potentials. We need physical life to actually reach maturity; we need the challenges and limitations as a means within which we can form and develop new structures and patterns of becoming.”18

Apothecary for the Afflicted, by Dr. Melissa Kim Corter and Stephanie Wicker-Campbell

Apothecary for the Afflicted: Shadow Work for Invisible Wounds, by Dr. Melissa Kim Corter with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell
Muse Oracle Press, 1763586952, 200 pages, November 2025

Shadow work is a core yet often misunderstood part of the spiritual journey. It asks us to turn toward the parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to hide: the fears, desires, wounds, and contradictions that live beneath our curated identities. Rather than something to be conquered or purified away, the shadow is a repository of truth. When approached with curiosity and compassion, it becomes a source of power, creativity, and self-knowledge. To engage in shadow work is to move beyond spiritual bypassing and into an honest relationship with the full spectrum of who you are.

Apothecary for the Afflicted: Shadow Work for Invisible Wounds by Dr. Melissia Kim Corter with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell is an engaging read to explore the shadow within. Rooted in Jungian psychology, Dr. Corter has created a guide for readers to learn about shadow work and then confront and heal their own psychological wounds that are unconscious, repressed, or difficult to articulate. She blends depth psychology, archetypal energies of fairy tales, and thoughtful writing prompts to lead readers through eight motifs while delving into the underworld of psyche.

The chapters are structured in a way that moves readers through learning about the type of situations that often lead to an aspect of oneself being shadowed, reading a fairy tale that highlights the aspect of shadow, and presenting reflective questions at the end. Dr. Corter lays out the underpinning psychology in a way that makes it accessible to readers, acknowledging things like coping strategies, trauma responses, Jungian terms like “projection,” while also considering a broader viewpoint of shamanism, anthropology, and somatic techniques as well.

“We cannot transmute what we are not willing to witness. Nightmares, resistance, and the body all point to the buried consciousness, darkness as a form of invisible light. We are suppressing by intentionally stifling unmet needs and unfelt feelings. The shadow contains these suppressed aspects until they are dealt with.”19

Shadow work is tough. Not only can it be mentally, emotionally, psychically, and spiritually draining, it also isn’t always easy to find an access point into our own internal darkness; we’re keeping it neatly tucked away and buried for a reason! However, Dr. Corter’s approach brings readers right to the threshold and then holds their hands as they take a brave step into the liminal space of their psyche. She’s done a wonderful job of synthesizing information about the shadow to give readers the background needed to understand the shadow work process, while also crafting a creative way for readers to engage with the material presented.

One thing I really enjoy about the book is how Dr. Corter blends her professional background in both depth psychology and as Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator. The names of the chapters (“Dismemebred”, “Poisoned”, “Decomposed”) reminded me of the reality of the physical aspects of death we often tend to look away from, just like it’s common to turn away from the darkness of the shadow. Thinking about how Dr. Corter has the courage to go into violent, tragic scenes somehow gave me the courage to face my own darkness, gruesome as that might be!

I also love the layout and illustrations done by Wicker-Campbell. The material can definitely get a bit heavy, bringing up past memories or fears held deep within, but the little skulls, candles, cobwebs and spiders throughout remind me that I’m wading into a realm of death in order to become more fully alive. The illustrations help ground abstract psychological work are an invitation to slow down, digest, and sit with complex emotional material. Additionally, the fairy tales being white text on a darker page helps me to switch my mindset when reading, making me more receptive to the story.

At the beginning of the book, Dr. Corter suggests creating a darkness journal to record your unfiltered, uncensored thoughts and feelings. While I journal a lot, specifically having a space for this writing feels like the invitation I needed to give more attention to what’s really going on within my psyche. And for those who aren’t ready to start their own darkness journal, there is plenty of space for journaling within the book itself in the section of writing prompts.

I was really moved by the “Numb: She Who Is Frozen”, which I happened to read in the midst of a blizzard (an apt reflection in nature). Sure, I would admit I’m not the most emotional person, but I often blame that on my Aquarian nature. But reading this chapter awoke a deeper part of me that realized it has been stuck in time, encased in ice, and unwilling to connect with others for fear of rejection. Dr. Corter’s identification of how this pattern often shows up, “these individuals are incredibly strong outwardly, yet the continued failed needs never being met and expressions never being honored wears them down, and they collapse within themselves”20 helped me to recognize these shadow traits.

The fairy tale for this section is Sleepy Beauty, and I resonated with Dr. Corter’s explanation for how this story is a reflection of the deeper wounding that occurs when we go numb, or put certain puts of ourselves to sleep for too long. After years of feeling silence was protecting me, I realized it was mostly a defense from acknowledging a deeper hurt. Dr. Corter’s words were a potent reminder of the need to speak out and honestly address where I’ve been hiding my true needs and feelings:

“Silence can be a form of numbness, a paralysis of the voice, the expression, and our authentic nature. The shadow of the things we could not, cannot, or refuse to express. Whether through force or choice, the restriction of the authentic voice is liberated as we reclaim what was silent or silenced.”21

This is definitely a book one can come back to time and again, as the form our shadow takes changes and there’s unexpected initiations that life presents sometimes that require having a tool kit to wade into the murkier parts of our inner world. I’m looking forward to exploring each chapter’s fairy tale more in-depth too, noticing ways they act as a mirror for the psyche to work with the shadow in a symbolic way and my reactions to the characters that disturb, enchant, or feel uncomfortably familiar, hinting at the part of myself seeking recognition.

Overall, Apothecary for the Afflicted for those looking for an entry point into shadow work. Dr. Corter’s background in Jungian psychology is a very grounding approach to a sensitive subject. Her approach invites creative, experiential engagement with the shadow rather than an analytical or clinical self-help methodology.  This grounded guide encourages deep, symbolic exploration of unconscious wounds and transformative self-reflection, serving as a meaningful companion for those ready to engage with inner darkness and reclaim hidden parts of the psyche.

I highly recommend this book to those drawn to Jungian psychology and symbolic interpretation of fairy tales, those pursuing deep psychological and emotional introspection, and those who are looking to excavate their psyche to discover more of their authentic nature. This book is sure to begin to uncover readers’ hidden beliefs, unmet needs, and buried strengths, in which reclaiming lost or fragmented parts of the self becomes not only possible, but transformative.

The Rosicrucian Counterculture, by Ronnie Pontiac

The Rosicrucian Counterculture: The Origins and Influence of the Invisible Society, by Ronnie Pontiac
Inner Tradition, 979-8888500354, 240 pages, December 2025

It’s tough to overstate the influence Rosicrucianism had on Western occultism, yet it’s hard to pinpoint the origins of the spiritual movement . Emerging in the early 17th-century, Rosicrucianism offered an integrative vision that fused Hermetic philosophy, alchemical symbolism, Christian mysticism, and natural science into a single spiritual worldview, reframing magic as a process of inner transformation rather than external power. At a time when alchemy was at its heights, the first Rosicrucian manuscripts emphasized spiritual alchemy, a transmutation of the soul rather than the production of gold.

Through its emphasis on moral refinement, symbolic initiation, and the myth of an invisible brotherhood working for humanity’s spiritual renewal, Rosicrucianism provided a conceptual template that later informed Freemasonry, the Golden Dawn, Theosophy, and modern psychological approaches to magic. Even where its historical structures remain elusive, its philosophical imprint endures, shaping Western occultism’s enduring focus on self-initiation, ethical responsibility, and the Great Work as an inward, regenerative path.

But just what was happening at the time when the first Rosicrucianism texts emerged? And who is responsible for writing them? Was there ever truly such an order? Ronnie Pontiac takes on these mystical mysteries in The Rosicrucian Counterculture: The Origins and Influence of the Invisible Society, sharing historical context in which these original Rosicucian manuscripts were published and tracing the influence of Rosicrucianism from the 17th century to modern era.

Approaching this topic as a storyteller, Pontiac delves right into the drama of the Early Modern Period. He looks at the esoteric culture around Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II and his court, including Tycho Brahe and Johannese Kepler. Visitors, such as John Dee and Rabbi Loew, added to the discourse too, amid many other contributing figures to a significant period in history.

Next, Pontiac moves into the reign of Frederick V of Palatinate and Queen Elizabeth (Elizabeth Stuart of King James I of England), including the efforts to make Frederick the first Protestant Holy Roman Emperor, triggering the Thirty Years’ War. Though their story is one of Protestant resilience, it also highlights how mystical and reformist ideas intertwined with European politics. From their wedding, featuring alchemical symbols and celebrated Shakespeare plays to their incredible gardens and intellectual court, Pontiac goes into great detail surrounding the atmosphere of this time.

Other notable chapters include one about Robert Fludd, who wrote Tractatus apologeticus integritatem Societatis de Rosea Cruce (Treatist to defend the integrity of the Society of the Rosy Cross), and the aftermath of Frederick and Elizabeth’s rule, leading to the rise of their son Prince Rupert of Rhine.

There’s a lot of historical background here. Despite taking AP European history in high school, I will admit I was OFTEN having to look up family charts, paintings of the people, and maps. Until I read this book I hadn’t even known Bohemia existed (kind of embarrassing but it’s the truth), nor did I realize the level of the contention between the Protestant and Catholics during this time. As an American, it was quite eye-opening to explore the past of Europe in this depth. Another thing I learned? That Prince Rupert of the Rhine, son of King Frederick and Queen Elizabeth, had such a significant role in the slave trade as the founder, principal investor, and the first governor of the Royal African Company.

Though Pontiac doesn’t position himself as an academic historian, he nevertheless provides an impressively dense and illuminating historical framework that significantly deepened my understanding of the cultural, political, and religious conditions out of which Rosicrucianism emerged. For anyone interested in Western occultism, this context is genuinely valuable. Understanding how the esoteric movement developed alongside dynastic power struggles, religious persecution, and early scientific inquiry makes Rosicrucianism feel less like an abstract mystery and more like a living response to its moment in history.

That said, there were moments when the sheer weight of historical detail caused me to lose the plot. Sometimes the narrative veered so deeply into political history that I momentarily forgot I was reading a book about Rosicrucianism at all. Additionally, the structure can also feel somewhat nonlinear, with jumps across time periods and re-emergence of previously mentioned people (whom I definitely didn’t remember amidst the details), which occasionally made it difficult to maintain a clear perspective. While this factual density will likely delight readers with a strong appetite for early modern European history, it can challenge those approaching the text primarily from an occult or esoteric perspective, requiring patience to continually reorient and reconnect the historical material back to Rosicrucianism itself.

This said, I’m very glad to have learned about the origins of Rosicrucianism in this depth, even if there’s no definitive answer amid much speculation. The chapter “Three Little Books”, which focuses on Fama Fraternitatis, Confessio Fraternitatis, and The Chymical Wedding, gives a great overview of the zeitgeist of when these books were published. It’s one thing to look back on them from the perspective of hoping to receive the mystical insights of Rosicrucianism, it’s a whole other to contextualize their origins within the time period they emerged.

What struck me the most is how the true identity of the writer(s) of these books has remained secret for hundreds of years. There’s still debate about if the secret society even really existed. If anything, I now see that “Rosicrucianism became a popular hustle”22 with people claiming to be part of the mystical society to enhance their reputation, swindle others, or lend prestige to other evolving esoteric movements.

All in all, Pontiac is doing important work by bringing rigor, clarity, and historical grounding to occult subjects that are too easily romanticized or obscured by mystique. His willingness to explore uncertainty strengthens the study of Western occultism, reminding readers that esoteric traditions do not emerge in a vacuum. This book is part of a three-book series, including American Metaphysical Religion and The Magic of the Orphic Hymns, co-authored with Tamra Lucid, all of which reflect a consistent commitment to illuminating the philosophical, cultural, and historical roots of esoteric thought. Rather than offering tidy revelations, Pontiac invites readers into a more mature engagement with occult history, valuing context, discernment, and intellectual honesty as much as mystery itself. The Rosicrucian Counterculture is a wonderful resource for those seeking to better understand the historical underpinnings of this long-lasting esoteric movement.

Financial Sorcery, by Jason Miller

Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth, by Jason Miller
Weiser Books, 1578639034, 256 pages, December 2025

Jason Miller’s Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth (2012) completely shifted how I approached money when I read it in 2019. Among all the chatter about prosperity magic and abundance, this book got straight to the heart of things, combining practical, mundane financial advice with magical expertise. I saw results quickly. I credit the information in this original book as the starting point of my financial journey of paying off debts, building a buffer of savings, gaining new clients, and increasing hourly rate.

When I heard there is a revised and updated version coming out, Financial Sorcery: Magical Strategies to Create Real and Lasting Wealth (2025), I could not wait to delve in! For those new to Miller, his magical experience spans 35 years. Within this time he’s written six books, including well-known Protection and Reversal Magick. He currently teaches courses and classes online, such as Strategic Sorcery, Level Up, and The Sorcery of Hekate. I highly recommend checking out his website and joining his email list, as he sometimes does community magical ventures free of charge that I’ve always benefited (practically and experientially) from participating in.

One thing to note about Financial Sorcery is that Miller doesn’t teach magic as a way to escape the reality of our material world. A good portion of this book is pragmatic advice. This said, Miller also discusses the metaphysics of money too, making for an interesting opportunity to reflect on what money is and the way you relate to it. Readers get a well-rounded education in sensible strategies for navigating the market and magical underpinnings that help to support their financial foundation.

Chapter topics vary from mundane to magical with ease. To begin, Miller grounds this reading experience by encouraging readers to acknowledge perspective. Topics like rich vs. wealth and what financial magic can and cannot do are explored. Miller highlights why sometimes things don’t work, especially when relying on the lottery or emergency magic. In the next chapter, he explores the spirit of money, noting what money does and does not like. Then it’s onto a discussion of the four stages of financial circumstances most people find themselves in. These first chapters definitely set the stage for understanding your own financial situation and attitudes and behaviours you have in regard to money.

From here, the more magical aspects are covered. Miller shares core skills (meditation, breath, maintaining an altar) and dedicates a whole chapter on working with spirits, planetary powers, and deities. I personally loved that he focuses a whole chapter on Jupiter, as I’m in the midst of my Jupiter return and intentionally working more in-depth. This chapter features over a dozen sigils for a variety of purposes that are big and bold, making it easy to copy them onto a piece of paper or other material for ritual use.

Whole chapters are dedicated to getting rid of debt, managing money, finding a job, getting a promotion, entrepreneurial magic, emergency magic, and passive income. Many of these chapters include step-by-step guidance for fostering the results you wish to see, and not all of the steps are magical. From writing a simple thank-you card after a job interview to knowing when it’s time to fold an entrepreneurial venture, Miller provides grounded, meaningful advice.

There’s three appendices at the back of the book: “Meta Glyphs”, featuring glyphs for binding, distributing, manifesting, and a seal of power for a glyph table, “A Rite of Juno Moneta”, and “Helios for Solar Success”.

Miller has a way of keeping readers engaged in the content. He speaks candidly with the reader, often sharing his own experience, and never undermines the reader’s intellect. Rather than over-explaining or spoon-feeding conclusions, Miller trusts readers to connect the dots, absorb the guidance, and engage actively with the text; he writes with the assumption readers are capable. This respect for the audience creates a more rewarding experience that feels like a conversation between equals, never condescending and never reductive. While reading, Miller makes me feel like I’m in the driver’s seat, even as he pours all his wisdom into my mind via the text.

As mentioned before, this book is an updated edition of Miller’s previously published work. How does this compare to the first printing? Pretty much every chapter has new additional commentary at the end of the chapter. Honestly, it’s not too much more information–Miller sticks to tried and true financial acumen for the most part–but it does take into account modern financial trends, such as cryptocurrency, and adds more examples for greater clarity and depth.

Early on in the book, Miller writes “I am not saying it’s how things should work. I’m saying it’s how things do work.”23 For those seeking for a praxis that is soundly situated within the reality of the material world, Financial Sorcery is a fantastic resource.

Moving through the book is part financial therapy (an honest, grounding process of taking stock of your current beliefs and circumstances) and part magical enhancement, where intention, symbolism, and ritual are used to expand what feels possible. It asks you to tend both the practical roots and the energetic currents at the same time, so change happens not just in spreadsheets or plans, but in the way you feel when you claim abundance. The result is a recalibration where money becomes less fraught, more conscious, and quietly enchanted.

To me, the book remains as relevant and motivating as it was when I read it nearly seven years ago. The additional commentary is a real bonus and makes it well worth re-reading and including in my book collection. And for first time readers, this is the kind of book you read knowing it’s going to change you in the best way, rearranging how you think about money, power, and possibility while you’re busy enjoying the ride. Pick it up when you’re ready for things to shift, because once you do, life has a funny way of responding. That’s magic for you, right?

Tarot in Other Words, edited by Cassandra Snow

Tarot in Other Words: An Essential Anthology by Leading Queer Tarot Writers, edited by Cassandra Snow
Weiser Books, 1578638445, 208 pages, May 2025

As a professional tarot card reader and teacher, writer, and theatre maker, Cassandra Snow is well versed in the art of creating. In this book, Tarot in Other Words, Snow has pulled together well-known queer Tarot writers with a view to showcasing their unique perspectives on tarot through essays. 

The introduction is robust, with many pages devoted to Snow talking about the hows and whys of matching tarot with queerness and providing historical links between the two. She explains, saying:

“This isn’t a history book, but I do want to bring some lesser discussed history and trivia to the table that ties queerness and tarot. One of the biggest reasons I think of tarot and queerness together is this: for a lot of cultures, such as the Romani and other oppressed groups forced into nomadic lifestyles, fortune-telling using cards and other tools was and is to this day survival work… We take it up for survival, and to feel as free as we can while we earn money to survive.”24

Snow’s dedication to showcasing queer writers in the realm of tarot is both timely and necessary, as queer voices in any context are currently undergoing a type of censorship. I’m not going to delve into my personal feelings on that topic specifically as it has no place here, but one could take my writing a review about queer voices as a hint as to where my allegiance falls. 

The anthology separates essays into two sections: in part one, we read writings about “Finding Ourselves in the Tarot” and in the second part, the writings are focused on “Finding the Tarot in Ourselves”. Snow says that she found the essays received “…fell into one of two camps: personal storytelling that highlights the powerful ways tarot can move through and transform us, and instructional materials highlighting techniques and opportunities for you to look at tarot in new and inclusive ways… Even that attempt at classification and noticing the overlap plays with the theme of fluidity, being, and what we owe to each other that are so important in both queer and radical theory.”25

Nothing excites me more in the realm of tarot than learning how others use the cards and interpret them. Of the dozens of books I have on the subject, there are a few that I consistently reach for. Snow’s book, with this amazing collection of insights and personal experiences with the cards, has been added to that short list. “The High Priestess as Black Femme Memory” by Junauda Petrus is a beautifully sensual piece devoted to the High Priestess, one of my favorite cards, and after reading it, I don’t think I will look at that card the same way. *fans self*

There are spells, card spreads, recipes, and meditation prompts. There is an in-depth how-to on building altars and suggestions on what could be included on that altar. There is an essay by Maria Minnis that links lichens with tarot, specifically the suit of Cups, and uses the symbiotic nature of lichen as a focus to illustrate how everything is connected. This book is an absolute feast for the soul and opens the cards up to new ways of thinking and viewing ourselves, no matter who/what we identify as. I have never felt so seen as I was reading this book.

I love the variety of voices in this collection, and the different ways they approach the cards. The idea of reciprocity within the craft of reading tarot is something I haven’t seen discussed so thoroughly before. The essay “Queering the Numbers” by Meg Jones Wall is one of my favorites as she tackles the heteronormative system of numbers as applied to tarot. In this essay, Jones Wall takes the reader through the usual numerology meanings and expands on them, inviting the reader to look deeper and challenge the typical meanings of the numbers. This was definitely one of the more jarring parts of this book, as I realized I was still subscribing to the traditional numerological concepts as it refers to the minor arcana. This essay gave me an opportunity to explore what information I already possessed was still relevant for me as a reader in this context, while making space for new interpretations and meanings.

Whether you identify as queer or not, if you read tarot, pick up Tarot in Other Words. There is literally something for everyone in this collection of essays and the different viewpoints illustrated within make this a fascinating read.

Charm Casting, by Tina Hardt

Charm Casting: Divining with Trinkets, Trifles, Baubles, and Bits, by Tina Hardt
Weiser Books, 1578638720, 208 pages, November 2025

Charm Casting: Divining with Trinkets, Trifles, Baubles, and Bits by Tina Hardt is a great start to anyone’s charm casting journey. This form of divination is so much fun and it brings a lot of whimsy to your craft! If this sounds up your alley then this is the book for you, my dear friend!

This book was a very fun read. Hardt encourages developing your intuition through play, encouraging creative spiritual exploration. She teaches not only how to build your charm kit but also how to apply the wisdom of the reading to different areas of life. All throughout, I enjoyed the prompts, charts, and checklists. (I always love books that allow you to write in.)

Hardt really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what else I could be adding into my charm casting bag. She encourages readers to personalize their charm set by selecting objects that resonate uniquely with you She also gives very thoughtful tips, such as not adding glass items to your charm casting kit. I made this mistake with a small glass cat charm I had, and it ended up getting chipped in the process of my readings. We live and learn! But having Hardt’s warning prior would have been beneficial.

This said, the information covered will come in handy for beginners and for those who are way past the beginner stage of charm casting. You may find yourself reading and going “Why didn’t I think of that?!” because I sure was! This book is a very quick read too. It dives right in with all of the useful information you need to build up and read your kit, coming up with meanings, what charms you should add, how to store them, where to find these charms, how to read them and so on. I was very impressed with the knowledge Hardt has packed into this book.

I also found myself learning about other items that can be used for charm casting, such as Go stones. I wasn’t familiar with what those were until I read this book. But apparently the black and white pieces that make excellent yes and no charms! Hardt gives many great ideas for themed kits too, ranging from people, to themes (ex. love), and to even sports. All of the ideas for different themed kits really got my creative juices flowing on creating some different sets for myself. Currently, I only have two basic sets I use but the ideas given to me opened up a world of possibilities.

Another interesting concept presented by Hardt is to let the pieces you’re bonding with to “perform” for you. I have struggled to connect with some of my charms, but hard reminds readers, “You’re the director.”26 This helped me get clarity on some of my more elusive charms that I’ve been trying to understand their meaning for sometime. Letting them perform really helped me understand them more.

Overall, Charm Casting is a fun and engaging read. It helped me understand a lot more about charm casting, with Hardt going in depth and providing a lot of helpful advice and information. She has done a great job encouraging readers to trust their intuition and build their own personal relationship with their charms. Beginner or not, if you’re a charm caster you’ll appreciate Charm Casting, especially if you’re ready to jump in and practice right away as a hands-on approach is best suited for this book.