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Entering Hekate’s Cauldron, by Cyndi Brannen

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites & Rituals, by Cyndi Brannen, PhD
Weiser Books, 157863881X, 256 pages, July 2025 

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron by Cyndi Brannen, PhD, is a thorough, evocative exploration of Hekatean witchcraft that stands apart from most contemporary works on the goddess. Brannen, already well known for her contributions to modern Hekatean practice, brings an  academic precision and a deep personal devotion that gives this book both authority and soul. This beautifully structured volume blends scholarship, spirituality, and ritual praxis into a guide that is both accessible to newcomers and profoundly enriching for seasoned practitioners. 

What immediately drew me into this book was its depth. Brannen approaches Hekate not  simply as an archetype or historical figure but as a living, multidimensional goddess whose presence is felt in the liminal spaces of nature, psyche, and spirit. Her writing is grounded  in research—mythological, historical, and ritual—but also shaped by decades of personal devotional practice. This combination gives the book a tone that is both reverent and confident, offering readers a clear and coherent path into relationship with Hekate without sensationalism or oversimplification. 

One of the best aspects of Entering Hekate’s Cauldron is its organization. Brannen builds the reader’s understanding gradually, beginning with foundational mythos and historical context before moving into ritual structure, devotional work, and spellcraft. The sections exploring Hekate’s epithets are especially compelling. Brannen treats these titles not merely as poetic descriptors but as gateways into the goddess’s distinct powers and personalities. Her method of using the epithets for divination and for discerning which  aspect of Hekate is present is refreshing, innovative, and deeply rooted in traditional magical sensibilities. For practitioners seeking a nuanced relationship with the goddess, this section alone is invaluable. 

The practical material is another highlight. Brannen includes recipes, ritual components, correspondences, and offerings, each framed within a culturally respectful and historically informed understanding of Hekate’s cult. Her instructions for crafting sacred  items, preparing devotional foods, and working within the cauldron as a metaphysical space are presented with clarity and care. These recipes and rites feel both approachable and potent, offering readers tangible ways to bring Hekate into their daily or monthly spiritual rhythms.

Perhaps what resonated with me most was the way the book illuminated Hekate’s  presence not only in ancient myth and ritual but also in modern life. Brannen’s discussions  of symbolism (the crossroads, torches, keys, dogs, serpents, herbs, and moon) encouraged me to reflect on how these signs have appeared throughout my own  experiences. The book sparked a sense of synchronicity, revealing connections I had not  previously recognized. In many ways, reading this book felt like being led step by step  toward an encounter I had long sensed but never fully understood. 

Brannen writes with the voice of someone who has walked this path sincerely and  extensively. Her explanations of liminality, shadow work, and spiritual sovereignty are  clear, articulate, and grounded in both academia and lived devotion. The tone is warm yet authoritative, offering guidance without prescriptive rigidity. She emphasizes personal discernment and encourages practitioners to build a relationship with Hekate that is ethical, reciprocal, and authentic. 

The book is also visually and structurally well-designed, with thoughtful interior formatting  and an intuitive chapter progression. It is evident that great care went into arranging the  material so that readers can deepen their understanding progressively as they work  through the text. Whether used as a study manual, a ritual guide, or a devotional  companion, it adapts beautifully to the practitioner’s needs. 

Overall, Entering Hekate’s Cauldron is one of the most comprehensive and meaningful  works on Hekate currently available. It bridges scholarship and witchcraft seamlessly,  honoring both the historical tradition and the living, evolving nature of modern Hekatean  practice. Brannen’s approach is mature, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine reverence,  making it an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to cultivate a deeper relationship with  the goddess. 

For me personally, this book opened the door to a new level of connection with Hekate. It clarified aspects of her mythology that I had only glimpsed, illuminated her symbolism in  ways that felt personally relevant, and provided a framework for approaching her with  respect and understanding. By the time I finished the last page, I knew that Hekate would  become part of my own spiritual practice moving forward. 

I highly recommend Entering Hekate’s Cauldron to witches, spirit workers, scholars of  ancient religion, and anyone seeking to explore the mysteries of a complex and powerful  goddess. Brannen offers a guide that is both academically rigorous and spiritually  transformative—a rare combination, and one that makes this book truly exceptional.

Tarot Spreads, by Meg Jones Wall

Tarot Spreads: How to Read Them, Create Them, and Revise Them, by Meg Jones Wall
Weiser Books, 1578638550, 240 pages, July 2025

What’s your reading style? Are you a spread person or more of an unstructured reader, asking questions and pulling cards as you go along? I’m definitely more of the second type, as the typical past-present-future spread has always felt too vague and the Celtic Cross feels like too much to do for most readings, unless I’m really digging into something. If I do use a spread, it’s most likely one I’ve found online, usually for a specific zodiac season or related to the Wheel of the Year.

To be honest? I hadn’t really considered the spread as a vital part of a reading, focusing on the cards themselves, until reading Tarot Spreads: How to Read Them, Create Them, and Revise Them by Meg Jones Wall, which has given me so much more agency and empowerment in structuring my layouts and reignited my excitement for tarot readings! Within this book, Jones Walls does a deep-dive into an often under-appreciated aspect of tarot reading: the spread. From discussing the way spreads work to how to read them effectively, readers get the opportunity to learn how to read them effectively, create their own, or adapt/revise spreads to best get at the heart of the question at hand.

Jones Wall frames the spread as something that can be a personalized structure, capable of being customized and amended, rather than a rigid formula. With Jones Wall’s advice, readers can move beyond copying other people’s layouts and begin designing spreads that truly serve their unique questions and reading needs.

“What I’m saying is that a well-crafted tarot spread, regardless of its length of specificity, can deliver a very accurate, powerful, and useful reading, no matter the complexity of the situation or question. It’s all about learning how to work with the structure that the spread provides, and understanding the relationship between the cards, the positions, and the overall flow of the reading.”1

Divided into five parts, Jones Wall chronologically leads through the book, beginning with a heartfelt introduction in which she shares her journey to creating custom tarot spreads. Her empathy for others and insight to some of the struggles readers face at times is evident, making her a compassionate guide on this reading journey. Throughout the book, Jones Wall does a wonderful job of assuaging concerns, acknowledging the potential for disappointment readers face, and boosting the confidence of the reader by letting them know it’s okay to experiment, make mistakes, and do what feels right, regardless of what this book or any other has to say.

Plus, much of the content is written in an answer and response style, which adds to the feeling of being in dialogue with Jones Wall. I really like her style, as it makes for an engaging read. She has an uncanny knack for knowing just what the reader might ask next, keeping the flow of the book moving swiftly and intuitively. Truly, any question that popped in my head while reading was immediately answered within a few pages!

“Part One: Before We Begin” is an overview of tarot, which answers questions like what tarot is and how it works, along with providing a short description of the Major Arcana, numerology of the tarot, suits, and more. “Part Two: Reading Spreads” covers tips for reading cards, such as what to do if you don’t understand your reading and how to read reversals. While much of these two parts is tarot basics, I still appreciated Jones Wall’s unique perspective on the topic; every reader has their own little nuggets of wisdom, and I always enjoy hearing what insights they’ve picked up through their tarot journey.

In “Part Three: Writing Spreads”, Jones Wall teaches the art of creating your own spreads. She covers topics like why and when we might choose to create a spread ourselves, what to include in a well-written spread, and provides three different methods for crafting spreads, aptly named The Way of the Magician, The Way of the Hierophant, and The Way of the Priestess. She even offers advice for writing spreads in collaboration with others.

As much as I enjoy writing, the editor in me was thrilled to see a whole next dedicated to editing your spread. In “Part Four: Revising Spreads” Jones Wall offers insight on when to revise and when not to revise, as well as sharing where editing might be needed: adding a position, removing a position, switching the wording of a position for more clarity, etc. Along the way, in both “Part Three” and “Part Four”, Jones Wall includes examples and exercises for readers to see what she’s talking about in action as well as practice it for themselves.

Finally, “Part Five: Spreads for Every Occasion” provides tons of spread ideas that readers can use for inspiration to edit, tweak, or revise on their own. Jones Wall includes one-card spreads, three-card spreads, Celtic cross, zodiac spreads, Wheel of the Year spreads, and a bunch for different themes (love, creativity, self-reflection). For those who are a bit nervous about starting from scratch in creating a spread, the spreads in chapter are perfect as a starting point!

Tarot Spreads has really gotten me back into my tarot practice, which was feeling a bit stale; the content was exactly what I needed to feel confident in my connection with the cards again. The idea of a spread as a static, unchanging, and something that must be followed precisely for the “right results” is something I never questioned before, assuming that I couldn’t deviate from the layout formation of the cards. Yet Jones Wall made me see that making your own spreads is an opportunity to use my creativity, hone my intentions for the reading, and commune with the cards more fluently. And this has me excited about tarot again after a year-long hiatus!

It might sound silly, but I honestly needed to hear that you don’t have to use the spreads “as is”. And I like that Jones Walls teaches too how to tweak layouts, adjust prompts, and make spreads your own while also emphasizing that it doesn’t need to be overly complex. It’s okay to create a layout you enjoy and then shift it as-needed depending on the circumstances. The whole process of creatively engaging with the spread through creating, revision, and focusing on what’s most important to know for the reading helps me slow down and be more intentional in my readings. This process of making the spread myself seems to have boosted my intuitive development as well as my overall reading skills.

Overall, if your tarot work has felt stuck in limited popular spreads often promoted in guidebooks or you’re tired of screenshotting card layouts content creators are putting up, Tarot Spreads offers a fresh and much-needed pivot. Jones Wall provides readers with the language, structure, and confidence to ask: “What does this reading need right now?” and “What layout will serve that question best?” For those seeking to move beyond standard spreads, stepping into more creative and personal layout designs to deepen the link between intention and card placement, this book is a must-read.

While it’s absolutely suited for beginners, even intermediate or expert readers would gain something from this book because it’s a topic that most tarot books don’t spend much time delving into. The use (or not) of a spread is something readers don’t often consciously focus on, opting for their usual spread of choice or a premade one for reference. Tarot Spreads is a gateway to discovering how to make your readings more personalized, clarifying the intentions and focus for the reading, and speaking with the cards in a way that feels resonant. There’s so much possibility that’s unleashed when you embrace creative control of the spread!

The Witching Stones, by Nicholas Pearson

The Witching Stones: The Lore and Craft of the Essential Crystals, Gemstones, and Minerals to Empower Your Magic, by Nicholas Pearson
Weiser Books, 157863833X, 288 pages, October 2025

The Witching Stones by Nicholas Pearson is a captivating journey into the world of folklore, magic, and the sacred significance of stones. Known for his expertise in the field of crystals and their metaphysical properties, Pearson takes the reader into the historical, cultural, and spiritual roles that stones have played in the traditions of witchcraft and magic. Pearson offers readers a comprehensive blend of knowledge and practical guidance, making it an essential addition for those intrigued by both the mystical and the historical aspects of stone lore.

Nicholas Pearson has studied and worked with minerals and crystals for almost thirty years. His relationship with gems and crystals began when he was a small child. Pearson is an author, teacher, Reiki master and energy healer, who uses magic and flower essences in his practice.  He loves to show how crystals can change lives and believes he serves as a bridge between science and spirituality. Pearson appears on numerous podcasts and workshops around the country, including a tarot and divination workshop in Dallas which I attended a few years ago. Learn more about Nicholas Pearson on his website.

In this extensive work on witching stones, Nicholas Pierson has put together a guide to the 14 stones which he attests are integral to witchcraft. What follows are thirteen chapters, each one devoted to one magical stone, with the exception of amber and jet, which he combines into one chapter. He explains this pairing:

“Two particular stones that were prized by magicians and priests of prehistory, amber and jet are both organic gems of fossil origin. Because of their similar luster, comparable weight, and being found in the same kinds of environments they have developed parallel imagery as complementary stones. At several points in history, they were regarded as the same or remarkably similar substances.Today these stones have come to be known as the gemstones of the high priestess, priest, or priestess.”2

Pearson structures The Witching Stones in a way that is both accessible to newcomers and enriching for seasoned practitioners. The book begins with an exploration of the mythology and history surrounding stones, tracing their importance from ancient times through modern practices. Pearson weaves together stories from various cultures, showcasing the universal reverence for stones as sources of power, wisdom, and protection.

Next, Pearson provides detailed descriptions of individual stones, their mythology, their properties, and their traditional uses in magical and healing practices. Each chapter is well-organized, often including practical exercises, meditations, and rituals that readers can apply in their own spiritual work. This information comes under a heading that the author calls “Craft.”

Near the end of the book, Pearson recommends that the reader enjoy the book in the order in which he wrote it:

“Working through the chapters in order represents a symbolic journey of crafting the witch’s soul, of embodying magic inside and out. . . The role of the witch is to stand at the threshold of the material and the magical, learning from and partnering with the spirits of place. Let the landscape reveal its magic to you and surely you will know the witching stones residing there.”3

My favorite chapter was “Lodestone: Stone of Attraction and Direction”. Like all curious students, learning about stones and their properties is interesting, entertaining fun.  I was unaware that lodestone had magnetic properties. Pearson explains, “The earliest evidence of magnetite comes from Mesopotamia, where it was used alongside other iron ores to fashion weights and cylinder seals more than 4000 years ago.”4 Because of its magnetic qualities, lodestone has been used in magic and medicine for millennia. This stone is useful for “attracting” all types of desires:  love, money, health and happiness.

Pearson includes a lodestone manifestation and attraction spell, as well as a spell to reverse or stop unwanted attractions. He also includes a spell for when you may have lost your way and want direction or inspiration.  All of the spells are easy to conduct and most include simple ingredients.

I also really enjoyed the chapter on Jet and Amber, as I have been a fan of amber for many years. Did you know that you can create a necklace of amber and jet, representing the ultimate power of the witch? Pearson shares the history of this claim in both myth and literature.

Pearson writes in a clear and inviting style and makes complex concepts understandable, without oversimplification. His prose is educational and entertaining.  He includes five pages of notes that include references to each chapter, as well as a four-page bibliography.

The cover is beautifully designed with embossed, varnished letters and photos of three stones. On the back cover, his author photo is varnished and embossed. Inside the cover pages, the book features beautiful four-color photos of all fourteen stones. Each is shown in chapter order, which makes these photos a great reference tool. 

Overall, The Witching Stones by Nicholas Pearson is an enlightening and practical resource for anyone interested in the intersection of stones, folklore, and magic. Pearson’s expertise, combined with his passion for the subject, shines through in every chapter, making this book a valuable companion for both study and practice. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this book invites you to discover the ancient mysteries and enduring power of the stones beneath your feet.

“The witching stones are magic embodied. They are the tools for casting spells and carrying out rituals to commune with gods and spirits. They are part and parcel of the witch’s cabinet, the materia magica of the secret art.”5

I’ll be sure to keep The Witching Stones on hand for reference for client readings and follow up notes. I can see myself using and recommending many of the spells and potions he describes. I often recommend specific crystals or stones to clients and this book will be a valuable resource to share.

Hallowed Ground, by Mark Norman

Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards, by Mark Norman
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537002, 207 pages, May 2025

I am writing this on Mischief Night, knowing that tomorrow on Halloween, children, accompanied by parents, will go door to door in costume asking for candy, with the warning that to not be given any might be met with a trick. Scary costumes, carving pumpkins, seeing ghosts are all part of Halloween. Many call this time on the calendar Samhain, believing that this is when the veil between our world and the other world is the thinnest. What began as folkloric stories and rituals in many cultures have become what we today embrace as Halloween traditions.  

In Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards, Mark Norman, a noted folklorist, delves into the essence of folklore and how the church incorporated many pagan symbols and beliefs as it was growing in strength and power. Norman explains that folklore is a shared activity of common beliefs and experiences, neutral to many, without attachment to a particular religion or belief system.

“Folklore is about community. We are all members of folk groups – gathering places where people can enjoy shared interests.”6

That “folklore is neutral,”7 is the sentiment at the heart of the book.

Unknowingly, when I visited Lincoln Cathedral in Lincoln, England where my husband attended university, I, a lover of gift shops, bought a replica of the Lincoln Imp to hang in my home in New Jersey. The Lincoln Imp, a footlong grotesque creature that is part human and part animal, sits in the Angel Choir of the Cathedral which was built in the late 1200s. At the time it was not uncommon for churchgoers to see such an image built into their place of workshop. Seen as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, the Imp was sent by Satan to cause mischief in the cathedral but it was turned into stone by an angel. The story of the Imp sprang from area folklore which Norman writes about in the chapter “Meeting the Devil in the Church”. 

Images of folklore in a cathedral I could somewhat understand. But magic and witchcraft in the churchyard seemed harder to accept. Norman explains, “The adoption and combining of older festival and celebration time with the Christian calendar has obviously fed into this dynamic.”8

I was aware of the efforts of the early church to incorporate pagan rituals into services in order to have the new converts more easily accept their rituals. The birth of Christ (December 25) occurred around the time of the Winter Solstice, when the light begins to return to the Northern Hemisphere. Easter coincided with Ostara, the time of fertility with those rabbits and eggs. As Norman states:

“The observation that all this leads to is that there are many connections between the Church, or Christian religion, and magic.”9

Another thing I was surprised to read is that while village witches and healers were almost always illiterate, most had a good working knowledge of the Bible and that clergy would sometimes seek their advice. Norman goes on to share about how many books of spells and charms feature biblical characters or psalms.

The book is filled with stories and examples from Babylonian times to modern day. Separated into seven chapters, readers can delve into the construction and role of the church, spectral figures in the courtyard, flora and fauna, pagan symbols in the church, superstition in the church and churchyard, and more. A multi-page bibliography provides the reader with resources for further research and reading. 

Norman often returns to the understanding that folklore doesn’t seem to prove or disprove anything. In the chapter titled “Spectral Figure in the Churchyard”, for example, he writes that “science cannot definitively prove or disprove the existence of ghosts, whatever they may be.”10 Instead, folklorists are “in the best position to examine some of the ways in which spectral apparitions have been recorded on hallowed ground, and what their meaning might be.”11

One could not wish for a more experienced author on this subject. Mark Norman, a folklorist, has one of the leading podcasts in the field (The Folklore Podcast). Based in Devon, England, he is curator of the Folklore Library and Archive. His other books on folklore are varied in subject matter: Dark Folklore, Folklore of Wales, Telling the Bees and Other Customs: The Folklore of Rural Crafts, The Folklore of Devon, Black Dog Folklore, and ZOINKS!: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby Doo.

Overall, Hallowed Ground will especially appeal to readers fascinated by the intersection of religion, mythology, and cultural history. Those who enjoy uncovering the layers of meaning behind long-standing traditions, whether rooted in pagan ritual, Christian symbolism, or village superstition, will find Norman’s work both enlightening and accessible.

I recommend this book for folklorists, historians, spiritual seekers, and lovers of ghost stories. Norman brings folklore to life with this engaging storytelling, inviting readers to  view sacred spaces through a new lens and revealing how centuries of belief, magic, and myth continue to shape our collective understanding of what is truly “hallowed ground.”

Karma Healing, by Yael Eini

Karma Healing: Unblock Your Life on the Soul Level, by Yael Eini
Findhorn Press, 979-8888502594, 192 pages, April 2025

Karma Healing: Unblock Your Life On the Soul Level by Yael Eini is worth the read. This book took me a few months to work through, not because of the complexity, because of the paradigm shifting concepts that Eini provides. Not just ONE paradigm, but multiple paradigms. While I read through Karma Healing, I also practiced the exercises she recommends and provides. However, I had to work through it slowly, to allow my understanding and awareness time to process the information. 

One of the biggest paradigm shifts I encountered occurred early in the book (chapter 3) when Eini says:

“The soul is in our body, but the soul is not our whole body (just as the brain is not our whole body). While it is within us, it also exists in the world of souls. A soul is not a linear thing; it is energy and frequency.”9

She further explains:

“One day I met a medium who told me I was running too fast; that my soul was tired of the race and wanted me to slow down. This was the first time I had an experience of “splitting.” Apparently, my soul is not me, and there are things I do that are incompatible with my soul.”11

This concept of “splitting” has stayed with me since I read it. I often think about how my mind has an agenda. And now I understand that my soul ALSO has an agenda. And sometimes they do not align.

Fortunately, Eini provides exercises that help delineate these two concepts within our existence, and how to WORK with the mind and the soul through this process. Eini provides clear guidance on how to use representations, and how to interact with them in a beneficial way. 

I read this book prior to experiencing a Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique session. Karma Healing was pivotal in understanding many of the experiences of the session, especially the differentiation of the soul, the higher-self, and the mind. Not only did Eini’s explanation help understand and differentiate these, she also helped with understanding the concept of karmic vows/curses (Eini, pg 143-162) and how to dissolve them.

These concepts played a large role in the healing portion of the session. I believe that because my subconscious had already been introduced to the concept of karmic vows/curses, my soul was ready to provide the vow that it was carrying. I learned that I have uttered this same vow in my current life, too. Eini’s introduction to this part of the healing played a vital role in my soul recognizing, processing, and working toward releasing this vow. 

I truly appreciate the time that Eini takes to explain the foundational concepts behind her work. Without a solid grasp on the quantum fields, the subconscious, karma, past lives, and karmic constellations, this book would be a difficult read; however, Eini makes spectacular work of breaking down these ideas, showing how it all relates, and guiding the reader on a journey of learning how to work with the soul to move forward on a healing journey. 

I highly recommend Karma Healing to those who are seeking to heal, whether just beginning the journey or those who have been working on it for years. Other books that pair well with this book would be Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss and Shamanic Healing for Toxic Relationships by Stefan Limmer. 

Our souls are wondrous things. And being a part of the healing process is a gift that our minds and bodies can give to our souls.

Talismans and Tarot, by Lori Lytle

Talismans and Tarot: Magical Tools to Amplify, Attract, and Manifest, by Lori Lytle
Weiser Books, 1578638755, 248 pages, September 2025

Tarot cards and talismans both serve as bridges between the seen and unseen world, one offering insight into the unknown and the other embodying mystical energy in a special object. In Talismans and Tarot: Magical Tools to Amplify, Attract, and Manifest, Lori Lytle shows how combining these two practices creates deeply personal and powerful results. Within these pages, Lytle teaches readers how to handcraft talismans to encapsulate the essence, wisdom, and energy revealed in tarot readings, transforming spiritual guidance into tangible form.

“Humans have always turned to these touchstones when fearful or in need of comfort, or when inspired and ambitious and wanting to believe that anything is possible in this life.”1

Divided into two parts, the book begins with “Part One: The Basics”. In this section, Lytle provides an overview of the foundation of talismans and tarots. She shares about amulets, popular symbols used for luck and protection, and the importance of intention when creating your own talisman. She then moves onto tarot, teaching the fundamentals of suits, structure, and numbers in the tarot, along with a bit on court cards.

A lengthy portion of this part is focused on Lytle sharing her insights on each tarot card. Moving through the whole deck, for each card there’s a picture (Rider-Wait-Smith imagery), description of the card’s meaning, talisman intention themes, affirmation, and musings to further reflect on. For those already familiar with tarot, the most novel information in this section is the guidance on cards’ themes in regard to talisman creation. For instance, intention themes for a 10 of Swords talisman include “surrender, transformation, rebirth”12, while some intention themes of Wheel of Fortune are “Good luck, good timing, risk paying off”13.

The final chapter in this part is dedicated to reading tarot cards. Lytle covers all the steps of a reading from preparing for a reading, choosing your spread, formulating questions to weaving the story that emerges together. She even shares sample readings to show readers how to interpret the cards to create a meaningful story of wisdom and guidance. While engaging, this section seems aimed for beginners, as it’s the starter information; those who have even a bit of experience reading tarot will most likely be able to move through this chapter quickly.

Once readers are familiar with the basics of tarot and what talismans are, in “Part Two: The Process”, Lytle shares how to combine the two. While I’ve worked with tarot cards for the sake of manifestation before, specifically working with the card through visualization or meditation to call in the energy of the card, Lytle’s process is different and more open to the card’s intuitive guidance. She leads readers through crafting an intention and then doing a reading about the intention. Based on the story the reading tells, whether it’s just a one card pull or a full spread, Lytle teaches how to create a talisman from “what you have discovered about your intention.”14

I love this approach because it leaves room for the wisdom and spontaneity of tarot to illuminate new information about your intention, pointing you in the best direction. Rather than someone picking the card they think is best for boosting their intentions, this method leaves room for surrender to the tarot’s wisdom, opening space for unrealized insights to emerge. Just like divination with tarot, where you don’t know what will appear but choose to trust the guidance, this process of talisman creation also lets the cards lead the way.

As far as creation of one’s talisman, Lytle shares how to choose the material that aligns with your intention. She covers a wide range of crystals for different intentions, metals, symbolic representations, animal representations, and even found objects or things with personal significance.

Once the material is picked out and prepared to be turned into a talisman, this is where Lytle brings in the tarot. She shares a spread to find clarity around one’s intention, offers multiple sample readings to study, and then details how to craft an affirmation based on the story the tarot reveals. This affirmation is then used in the ritual process to consecrate one’s talisman, which Lytle leads readers through. The final chapter then focuses on working with the consecrated talisman and what to do when it’s time to release the talisman.

While this book is filled with novice tarot information, the talisman process created by Lytle is something very unique. It invites readers to use the tarot not just for reading, but for creating, consecrating, and carrying something that extends the energy of a reading into everyday life.  By translating an intention into a physical talisman, readers anchor them in the material world, boosting the manifestation process as well as aligning their intention with the mystic wisdom of the tarot.

Overall, Talismans and Tarot is a good read for those looking to add something fresh to their magic toolkit. While the tarot content is beginner level, the talisman process is a new way to interact with the cards, making this a fun read for all levels. Many look to tarot for insights about the future, but this process of focusing on one’s intention and bringing it to life in the physical world through talismans is a way for readers to be more co-creative in the manifestation process. Plus, Lytle leaves a lot of room for personalization too, from choosing the best time for their ritual to picking out materials that feel symbolic to them, making the process both an intuitive and empowering method for creating a talisman.

I’d recommend this book to those looking for a new way to manifest their intentions. The combination of connecting with tarot and then consecration a symbolic talisman is a two-fold magical method, adding double the boost of alignment. Lytle presents an accessible  way to work tarot as a living, active magical tool. As someone with many talismans, I know the potency of being able to physically hold your imbued intentions in your hand keeps your mind focused and spirit receptive to our heart’s desires also coming into physical form.

Chakra Dreamwork, by Therese E. Duckett

Chakra Dreamwork: Decode and Heal Your Energy Field through Conscious Dreaming, by Therese E. Duckett
Destiny Books,  979-8888502419, 192 pages, October 2025

“You may not have given much consideration to your dreams–let alone your chakras. However, chakras have been well known and documented for several millennia as being connected to our level of consciousness. What I explore in this book is the powerful relationship between our chakras and our dreams. Chakras provide the energy to dredge up dreams from our subconscious mind, and the corresponding dreams can provide us with guidance and information we may need to build a better, healthier and more meaningful life.”1

Chakra Dreamwork: Decode and Heal Your Energy Field through Conscious Dreaming by Therese E. Duckett exposes the reader to the many ways that our energetic anatomy incorporates into our waking moments and the overarching influence that it has in our sleep journeys as well. Symbology, visual key notes, and more are offered to the reader for exploration and practice in  refining a style that speaks to the individual in communing with this vast network of energy.

The exercises contained in this book are meant to open the individual to restoring a healthy flow of energy within each of the chakra points and gain insight to possible blockages and their origins. Sound therapy and meditation are discussed as vital tools to be used in connecting more deeply to the universal and cosmic sources of the primal energies of our chakras, facilitated by the role of vibration and resonance to reconnect as cosmic and energetic beings. In the traditional staple of all work of “knowing thyself”, keeping a dream journal is highly recommended.

Additionally there is a “Chakra Balance Checklist” that can be printed out or used within the book. This can be used as a barometer of which chakra may need some additional attention at any given time. Questions relating to each of the specific chakras ( “Do you feel unsafe in the world?” for Root Chakra) and a rating scale (1-10) of what is arising for you around that question guide the way towards bringing awareness to what is happening within your energetic world.

The content is organized into eleven chapters, distributed through three parts. A glossary and robust bibliography follow the conclusion and offer the reader another opportunity to fully dive into energetic anatomy, including and beyond the chakras. And, an index provides the finishing touches for those who want to search for specifics and use it as a source of reference without wading through it all.

“Part One: Humans as Part of the Universal Energy System” gives a thorough and easily digestible overview of chakras and their role in the bigger energetic picture that comprises our energetic anatomy. “Chapter 1: Chakras and Energy” begins with the reaffirming that we are energetic beings and as such are connected to the all and everything that is part of that energetic network: the Universe, itself. Discussion of the electromagnetic fields surrounding planets and that surrounding our energetic system provides a smooth transition into the nature and use of our own fields-the Subtle Bodies.

The following three chapters (two, three, and four) provide information about the triune combination of the chakras of lower expression, the heart chakras, and the upper three. There is some very interesting information provided in “Chapter 5: Chakras Being Activated (Consciousness Evolving)” that explores more recent recognition of  the multiple layers of energetic anatomy that comprise our being beyond the seven traditional chakras.

“Much has been written about the seven primary chakras that are located in the body. More recently, more attention is being given to the twenty-one minor chakras and the eighty-six micro chakras that also contribute to the infinite network of energy continuously flowing through us: But there are also chakras that are located outside of our bodies. These are called the sub-personal and transpersonal chakras. It has been estimated that there are five sub-personal and five transpersonal chakras.”15

“Part Two: Dreamwork of Chakra Dreamwork: Decode and Heal Your Energy Field through Conscious Dreaming” dives right into the importance of sleep as a beneficial rejuvenator at both the etheric and manifest levels and more importantly the role that the chakras play in what and how we dream. Recurring dreams, sleep disorder, and dream symbols are points of discussion and examples of how these may out picture in the dream state are given, providing another layer to process and use.

Each of the chakras is also taken individually with ample attention and examples given to how the dreamscape may reveal underlying chakra blockages and energetic disruptions. The feeling in reading through each of these was one of being given information that everyone could relate to in its most basic form and the comfort in knowing that you are not strangely unique. 

“Part Three: Healing with Energy Frequencies” gets down to the focus of healing and assessing what is needed for wholeness in all of your states of being. Exercises are given for each of the chakras that may be identified as contributing negatively to your energetic state and all are simple and straightforward in how to go about a specific practice.

Sound therapy, making use of tone and vibration, as well as contemplative meditation practice and visualization techniques are offered in “Chapter 10: Therapies to Facilitate Chakra Healing”. This was perhaps one of my favorite chapters as I personally used sound and vibration daily and in my spiritual practice of evolution, so I am aware first hand of the impact and power that these tools hold. Additionally, the breathing techniques prescribed for each chakra are balancers and physical health strengtheners as many of us breathe very shallowly and without intention.

Would I Recommend?

Chakra Dreamwork: Decode and Heal Your Energy Field through Conscious Dreaming by Therese E. Duckett is a simple, no frills title that collectively adds insight into both the subtle anatomy of our systems and the potential of conscious dream work to balance and restore a healthy etheric and manifest form.

Beautiful and soft watercolor graphics are appropriately placed throughout the book, allowing for the visual stimuli to arise as part of the experience, particularly in engaging the colors of the chakras. The information contained makes easy work of shifting attention to the subtle nature of our day-to-day existence and encourages a continuing and steady process towards recognizing the limitless energy we have at our disposal because of our chakras. 

All in all, this book fills the bill for bridging our often ignored dreams and the messages being sent via our energetic bodies. It is both a simple and quick read and a wonderful reference to slowly move through, allowing for integration of the ideas, information, and new perspective on our dream states.

About the Author: Therese E. Duckett 

Therese E. Duckett worked for more than twenty years as a psychologist. Her interest in the human mind has lead to her study of quantum theory and how the brain, body, and consciousness are connected. She currently lives in Victoria, Australia.16

The Original Zodiac, by Graham Phillips

The Original Zodiac: What Ancient Astrology Reveals About You, by Graham Phillips
Bear & Company, 9781591435419, 208 pages, October 2025

The Original Zodiac by Graham Phillips is a fascinating exploration into the origins of astrology, delving deep into the ancient roots of the zodiac signs and their historical significance. Known for his investigative approach to historical mysteries, Phillips brings readers on a journey to uncover the beginnings of the zodiac as we know it today. In this book, he takes us back to Mesopotamia to unearth eighteen signs of the zodiac. 

Phillips is one-part historical detective and one-part adventurer, as he weaves together thought-provoking works on some of the greatest myths and legends of all time. He has penned books on King Arthur, Mother Mary, and the origins of Judaism, among others. Once a reporter for BBC radio, he also appeared in numerous TV documentaries and mini-series on similar topics. He lives in the Midlands of England. Learn more about him on his website.

Phillips sets out to challenge conventional wisdom about the zodiac, proposing that its origins lie not in Babylonian or Greek tradition as commonly believed, but much further back in time and in different cultures. The book is meticulously researched, drawing on archaeological findings, ancient texts, and astronomical observations to build a compelling case for a much older and, perhaps, more mysterious origin of astrological symbolism.

Instead of the well-known zodiac signs, Phillips “uncovers the original 18-sign zodiac, an ancient system that predates the familiar 12-sign zodiac by millennia.”1 In doing his research, Phillips finds and presents evidence that our birth date and time reveal much about each of us. While the Greeks created the 12-sign system we use today, the ancient ones in Mesopotamia used 20 degrees for each sign, thus eighteen symbols. They also assigned an animal to each sign.

“So, this 18-sign zodiac is thousands of years older than the one we are familiar with today. We don’t know what specific stars were incorporated into constellations to represent each of those ancient signs. Still, we know that the list began at the spring equinox and that the subsequent year was divided into 18 divisions of some 20 days each. These, therefore, appear to be the sacred creatures of the original Mesopotamian zodiac, with the dates covered by each birth sign.”17

Phillips writes how the oldest description of this 18-sign zodiac is on a clay tablet dating back to 686 BCE. Found in Mosul, an area in Northern Iraq once the ancient city of Nineveh, this artifact now resides in the British Museum. Basing his date calculator on this artifact and axis progression, Phillips was able to calculate the birth dates each sign falls within. While no artifacts or records exist detailing this original zodiac, Phillips recreated it based on his extensive research.

Over the course of several years, Phillips used his list of eighteen signs and collected tons of data. He writes how he “compiled an in-depth survey, recording people’s attitudes, opinions, likes, dislikes, hobbies, pastimes, employment, health, and many other factors, and found that those born in each sign did appear to share common traits well beyond what should be expected by chance.”18 He used this information to create his own interpretations of the 18-sign original zodiac. This approach is quite fascinating and reading the entries for each sign was insightful.

Instead of a Sagittarius Sun, as I am in the traditional zodiac, I am a Goat in this system. I read the section and agree with most of the qualities and characteristics Phillips presents. However, he makes several comments about physical qualities that didn’t fit.

Since my birthday is close to a cusp, or dividing line, chosen by Phillips, I decided to look at the sign prior to Goat, which is Horse. As I read the qualities of Horse, I began to see that I was a mix of both signs. The adventurous spirit of the Horse and the dedication of the Goat combine with other traits to create me!

Next, I read the section on Serpent to check the characteristics and qualities for my husband. For the most part, Phillips was accurate in his assessment. The only thing I found incorrect was the reference to “few suffer from digestive complaints.”19 My husband has a series of digestive problems and has struggled with these most of his life. The author’s reference to “intuition, imagination and versatility”20 for those born under the sign of the Serpent though is accurate for my husband. 

Phillips brings his book together with notes that cover sources for much of his research as well as a two-page bibliography with even more information for those who would be interested in further study. The book is well researched; his dedication to the multi-year data collection project of numerous people and their lives is impressive. Phillips has created something to give modern day astrology students and practitioners a new way to view the zodiac signs and their meaning. 

Overall, The Original Zodiac is a thought-provoking and ambitious work that will appeal to anyone interested in ancient history, mythology, and astrology. Phillips offers a compelling argument for re-examining the roots of the zodiac, combining meticulous research with an engaging narrative style. While some of his conclusions may be open to debate, the book succeeds in sparking curiosity and offering new perspectives on an ancient topic that continues to fascinate people today.

By questioning established beliefs, Phillips encourages readers to think critically about the history of astrology and its cultural impact. If you are intrigued by the mysteries of the past and enjoy books that challenge conventional wisdom, this book is certainly worth reading.

The Goddess Casts the Runes, by Anu Dudley

The Goddess Casts the Runes: Divination and Wisdom of the Earth Mother, by Anu Dudley
Destiny Books, 1644117266, 128 pages, September 2025

For many modern divination practitioners, myself included, the runes carry an energy that can feel sharply masculine, rooted in conquest, battle, and the legends of Odin. However, this perspective overshadows the quieter, more cyclical wisdom that also flows through these ancient symbols too. Born from the living earth, carved from wood and stone, whispering the language of nature long before patriarchal retellings reshaped their origins, the symbols on the runes have an even deeper history that still can be connected with today.

In The Goddess Casts the Runes, Anu Dudley offers a reimagined perspective on the Elder Futhark runes, shifting away from the more dominant Odin-/Viking myths to place them in the context of veneration for the Mother Goddess. Dudley offers a pathway to re-envisioning the runes with a more balanced lens that honors the feminine, intuitive, and nurturing forces of creation. Reading the runes from this perspective highlights the relatedness, responsiveness, and receptiveness of feminine energy, which Dudley asserts is most aligned with their original essence reflective of the Mother Goddess, described as “the Divine Entity who created life and endowed it with strength, compassion, and wisdom.”20.

“The purpose of this book is to provide an ecofeminist, Earth-based perspective on the runes that takes into account salient principles of feminism, environmentalism, and the sacredness of the Earth as well as the archeological, mythological, spiritual, and etymological origins and significance of the runes. It reclaims the runes for the Mother Goddess, whose grace and power these ancient symbols were originally created to honor.”21

“Part 1: Reclaiming the Runes for the Goddess” has three sections. First, Dudley explains the origins of the runes in relation to the Mother Goddess. Next, she provides an overview of Odin and how the runes were “won” through his sacrifice, which mythologically was representative of the shift from a worship of the Mother Goddess to a male dominated patriarchal culture. And just as a note for readers, these sections are only a few pages, summarizing huge portions of history into a quick framework for understanding the context of this book.

In the final section of part one, Dudley offers guidance on casting the runes. She covers topics like crafting your questions, selecting your tools, and how to interpret the way the runes land. Though this section is introductory, I found it quite insightful. Dudley goes into how to notice the overall shape along with advice for interpreting the way runes land, such as “dark” or facedown, on their side, or even overlaying one another. She even provides a sample of a reading to provide clarity.

“Part 2: Reading the Runes” moves into the “historical, spiritual, and mythological exploration of each rune”22 from this feminine-centered perspective. Dudley has re-visioned the three Aetts of the runes into Maiden, Mother, and Crone. For those who read the runes in the traditional manner, the overall interpretation of each one does not change too much, however the way Dudley highlights where the Goddess is present in each interpretation, definitely brings in a new perspective. She reframes the runes as part of a broader, more inclusive spiritual tradition tied to Earth, nature, and the divine feminine.

Here are some examples of the way Dudley weaves in feminine wisdom, spiritual insight, and ecological awareness:

  • • For the rune Gebo in the Maiden aett, Dudley describes how as “children of the Earth, we are natural givers”23. From our gratitude of the world around us to our physical exhalation of carbon dioxide to plants, we are inherently giving creatures. She ties this into the traditional meaning of the rune as the “Marriage Rune”, where we are giving of ourselves to another.
  • • For the rune Jera in the Mother aett, Dudley introduces Near Eastern goddess Jerah, who was descended from Vedic goddess Jara, ruler of “cycles of time and transformation”24. The natural cycle of things are used as examples of time management and inherent responsibilities that come along with the tending of our harvest.
  • • For the rune Inguz in the Crone aett, Dudley notes how the sacred yoni, the portal of birth, was known as the Earth Diamond, symbolized in this rune. She writes, “The diamond shape is made by taking a square, a classic earth symbol and tipping it up on one of its corners so that it radiates vibrancy and creativity, the essential elements of fertility.”25

It’s truly fascinating to learn about the goddess associations for each rune, along with how Dudley ties in the aspects of nature that reflect the rune’s meaning as well as other symbolism that brings forth a deeper feminine meaning. This feminine-rooted, earth-centered approach brings the runes to life for me in a whole new way. Suddenly, there’s goddesses I can learn more about or connect with spiritually to enhance my understanding of the meaning. I can see runic insight happening in nature as the wind blows or seasons turn. I can apply this knowledge for reflection, divination, and meditation that reflects my personal values of compassion, connection, and balance with Mother Earth.

Overall, The Goddess Casts the Runes is a refreshing and empowering reclamation of an ancient divinatory system that has skewed too far into patriarchal territory. Dudley beautifully restores the runes to their earthy, life-giving roots, illuminating the presence of the Goddess within each symbol. This approach brings new insight into rune meanings as well as a deeper spiritual framework that centers on feminine, Earth-based spirituality.

I highly recommend this book for those who are seeking to work with the runes not just as symbols, but as living tools for spiritual insight, ecological awareness, and feminine wisdom.  In reclaiming the runes through the lens of the Earth Mother, Dudley invites readers to reconnect with the sacred cycles of nature and rediscover the divine balance within creation, reawakening the intuitive and nurturing aspects of the runes. The Goddess Casts the Runes ultimately reminds us that divination is not only about seeking answers but about entering into relationship with the land, the symbols, and the living wisdom of the Goddess herself.

Magic from the Hilltops and Hollers, by Leah Middleton

Magic from the Hilltops and Hollers: Folk Witchery, Superstitions, and Healing Practices from Appalachia, by Leah Middleton
Weiser Books, 1578638801, 240 pages, September 2025

Magic From the Hilltops and Hollers: Folk Witchery, Superstitions, and Healing Practices from Appalachia by Leah Middleton impressed me a lot with how informative and detailed it is. Coming from near the Alleganies, I really enjoyed how this book included all of Appalachia and not just the south! It was nice to learn more about the place I call home.

At the same time, it was interesting  to learn about Appalachia from a Southerner’s experience. I loved reading Middleton’s experiences and travels down South in addition to the history. Chapter one, “The Southern Hills of Appalachia: Welcome Home”, did an excellent job at summarizing the history of the region. Middleton provides a nice overview of the Civil War. We can never forget the history that shaped these mountains. Out of the two other books I’ve read on Appalachian magic, this is the first book I’ve read that included the Civil War. It was a great refresher for me!

Chapter two, “On Front Porches and in Garden Beds: Folkways of the Southern Mountaineer”, covers a typical homestead and gardening. One thing I’ll have to try out once I have the yard space is planting by the moon cycle! Also covered in this chapter is the kitchen, where we also get our first spell to try out. The next topic that is covered is folk art, and then faith is also discussed as well.

That brings us to chapter three, “By the Devil’s Hand: Witchery in Southern Appalachia”, which goes more in depth on faith in the Appalachians. I enjoyed all the local witch tales, especially Uncle Johnnie’s story. Chapter four, “To Help or to Harm: Southern Mountain Folk Practioners”, goes over the different types of practitioners found in the region, superstitions, and what items are used. Chapter five, “The Mountain’s Helping Hands: Folk Healing in Southern Appalachia”, goes deeper into practices such as healing, dreams, cartomancy, and even commonly used herbs!

Then that brings us to the last two chapters. Chapter six, “A Tale Worth Telling: Exploring Southern Appalachian Superstitions, Stories, and Omens” shares more stories and superstitions from the Appalachia’s, while chapter seven, “The Finished Binding” gives more insight on the practice and concludes the book.

Overall, Magic from the Hilltops and Hollers is very meaningful and well written. I didn’t get a chance to try the “From Mamaw’s Book of Spells” sections yet, but I do plan on doing some of these soon like the Apple jam and biscuits for connection. I will make this when I have company over!

I really enjoyed every last second I spent with this book. A lot of these superstitions and stories are things I was hearing for the first time, but it is true when Leah writes:

“The region is vast, with many hands involved. I have met practitioners from the same county whose work varies from my own.”1

This is all seemingly very accurate based on what I’ve personally experienced within the practice myself and what I’ve read, heard, and researched on this practice thus far. I think this is a great book for those who live in Appalachia or may want to connect with ancestors from the region, those who enjoy witchy history, or those who just want to seek out spiritual practices in America. Also, for the intermediate witch looking to expand their magical knowledge, this is a good book for you!