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Mastering Candle Magic, by Patricia Telesco

Mastering Candle Magic: Advanced Spells and Charms for Every Rite, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883518, 220 pages, August 2024

One of the most appealing aspects of candle magic is its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need elaborate tools or extensive training to begin practicing; a single candle and a clear intention are often enough. Yet for those who are seeking to learn more about candle magic, leaping from beginner to expert, Patricia Telesco provides wonderful guidance in Mastering Candle Magic: Advanced Spells and Charms for Every Rite.

Patricia Telesco is a prolific American author, herbalist, poet, lecturer, priestess, and folk magician. She has penned over 60 books covering topics such as self-help, cookery, magic, folklore. She is deeply involved in the metaphysical community, serving as a trustee for the Universal Federation of Pagans. You can see all her experience shine through in the pages of this book, which is filled with creative ideas and unique practical magical advice.

“The whole purpose behind Mastering Candle Magic is one of exploring ways to add in, personalize, or enhance your candle-lighting efforts for any ritual, spell, charm, meditation, or other metaphysical process.”1

Divided into two parts, this book begins with “Part 1: The Next Step”, which as the title confers is filled with the wisdom needed to advance one’s candle magic practice. In this section, Telesco encourages readers to begin to create, test, and refine their own candle magic spells, noting this is a step of spiritual growth in one’s practice. This might look like modifying prefabricated spells in a way that feels intuitive right or simply based on the items one has available to utilize in that moment to fully crafting a spell from scratch based on an understanding of correspondences.

Telesco offers ideas for both modifying and personalizing prefabricated spells as well as sharing a step-by-step process for creating one’s own candle magic spells. While the process might seem a bit like an introduction to candle magic for those who have practiced for some time, the foundation of it serves to reconnect readers with the basics that make a spell flourish. Telesco writes: “How much focus you give the spell, how much support you provide afterward, how much you trust in your magic–all of these things influence the results.”2

Ironically, even though the first part focuses on developing one’s own practice, “Part Two: Putting Match to Wick” is filled with tons of candle magic ideas for a wide variety of topics. For me, the greatest challenge is not simply using the prefabricated spells Telesco has provided and continuing to try to craft my own because all the ones in the book are so interesting and unique. But in an effort to focus on personalizing my spells, the ideas Telesco provides are fantastic starting points that have truly become a creative guide for me.

One thing that inspired me is the range of things candle magic can be used for. Prior to reading Mastering Candle Magic, I never thought to do spellwork to find lost objects, support my conscious mind, handle a haunting, or for organization. Yet these are just some of the types of candle magic Telesco offers spells for in addition to the most common ones like relationship needs, abundance, healing, divination, fertility, justice, power, opportunity, and more.

For each topic, Telesco describes why one might want to use that type of magic. She then shares a list that includes the best timing for the spell (moon phase, day of the week, type of weather, etc.), aromas, candle color, and other symbolic components (tarot card, crystal, household item, etc.). And following this, she offers two prefabricated spells that have plenty of room for personalizing but can also be used without modification.

In some cases, as with entries for Relationships and Hauntings, there’s more information that can be discerned from the way in which the flame burns or candle melts. For these, Telesco provides additional information about the meaning for readers to yield more insight from their process. For instance, a flame that quickly smolders means the relationship might be soon fading away if significant enough is not put in. This information helps the reader to better understand the subtleties of candle magic.

Finally, a real bonus of this book is the appendices at the end. “Appendix A: Historical Tidbits, Folk Beliefs, and Helpful Hints” further expand one’s knowledge of candles through time, from what they’ve been made of to how to best care for them. “Appendix B: Useful Correspondences” is very helpful for those ready to craft their own spells or modify an existing one by making a substitution. The content includes color associations (zodiac sign, general energy), numerology, energetic properties of stones, symbolism of shapes and images that can be carved into candles, aromatics and herbs, and significance of timing (weekdays, moon phases, seasons).

I have really enjoyed every spell, in particular how Telesco shares the words to recite for them amid detailed directions. While I do like the practice of creating my own, sometimes it’s just easier to apply what’s already ready to go! So far, I’ve noticed a big shift in my energy after doing the spell for Focus (I declined invitations that would have distracted me from getting what needed to be done, and then I relished my time, proud of how I honored my commitment to myself to focus on work.) and Organization (My thoughts are so much more clear and aligned – as is my wardrobe!) I plan on doing two more of Telesco’s spells for the full moon in Aquarius coming up: Freedom and Inspiration.

Overall, Mastering Candle Magic is suitable for any level of candle magic experience. It’s by far one of the most customizable candle magic books that beginners will have a lot of fun experimenting with as they gain the confidence to craft their own spells, while those looking to advance their practice will gain a lot of wisdom and creative initiative. Telesco’s originality is sure to open new pathways for readers’ to advance their own candle magic practice.

Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders, by Patricia Telesco

Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders: Modern Magick for Everyday Life, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883526, 220 pages, August 2024

Ever feel like you need a boost to get your magic moving? I certainly do! In the hustle of the day, roadblocks like limited time and lack of inspiration leave me feeling disconnected, especially from the magic and wonder in the world. Reading Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders: Modern Magick for Everyday Life by Patricia Telesco has been the boost I needed to spur on my creativity and reconnect with my magic practice. This book is a one-stop shop for all the spell inspiration one might need!

“Keeping magic uncomplicated provides more time to focus on our goals instead of on the procedures used. By so doing, we reclaim the freedom to get inspired and empowered by the simplest things. Our hearts become the helms for our lives and our paths, and our environments become the stimuli for originality.”3

“Part 1: A Spellcraft Primer” provides a historical foundation of spellwork, covering what magic is and is not and offering general guidelines for using magic responsibility. Telesco describes for readers various common components of spells–music, aromas, herbs, repetition, timing, and more–to prepare them for what lies ahead in the book. She then goes on to give a ten-step method for creating personalized spells from start to finish. This section does a great job of teaching the basics for those new to magic while providing a refresher for advanced practitioners.

“Part 2: Spells by Topic” is where this book gets very fun! For over 100 magical intentions, ranging alphabetically from Abundance to Zeal, Telesco shares information for readers to draw upon so that their “vision of magic can be shaped, assembled, and woven together.”4 This information includes general uses for the spell type, optimal timing, props or focal points to work with, secondary listing (related types of spell work shared in the book one can look up), and sample spells.

What I love about each entry is how there’s so much room for improvisation yet also straight-forward spells you can use directly from the book too. So far I’ve tried both ways, creating my own spell from the information Telesco provides as well as utilizing the spell she shares without modification, and both methods have been successful. I also really enjoy the variety of spell intentions she covers and how the sample spells are always unique.

Here are some examples that highlight the variety of the content:

• For Goals spellwork, she explains how to do a magical form of Pin the Tail on the Donkey by writing your goals on strips of paper, coating them with ginger, repeating a mantra, blindfolding yourself, focusing on visualizing your goals, and then trying to get them on a piece of construction paper representing the sacred space for them to grow and manifest. If you’re missing the paper, she recommends trying again every day until you’re hitting the work.

• For Joy spellwork, she suggests preparing a box of gelatin dessert and adding berries or peaches then imbuing the positive emotions in each bite to take them in.

• For Passion spellwork, she offers a candle magic ritual where two candles are lit to represent each person in the union and then a third candle remains unlit until the mood is just right. At this point, both people take their candle to light the third one and whisper the magical words to unite them.

• For Jobs, she writes you can find job advertisements of interest that you’re qualified for, anoint it with patchouli oil, and then ignite it while speaking out loud your intention. From there, you can keep the ashes as a charm or bury them with a plant to grow.

• For Zeal, she describes creating confetti and then throwing it in the air over oneself while doing visualizations of colors and sensations rising within, reaching a pinnacle, then vigorously pouring down on you.

And this is just a small sampling of all of Telesco’s ideas, as each spell intention usually has two or three spell samples to choose from.

“Appendix A: Components, Symbols, and Common Magical Associations” is an alphabetized list of item associations usually used in folk magic. Once again, readers are given tons of guidance useful in crafting their own spells. Within the list, Telesco goes through the meaning of numbers, runes, flowers, and hundreds of household items. The association for a food processor? “Diverse energy blending, transformations.”5 Doorbells? “Guests, messages, news, welcome[/efn_note]page 206[/efn_note] Baking Soda/Power? “Increasing energy or hopeful expectations.”6 I learned so much going through the list and will absolutely be referencing it often!

“Appendix B: Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, and Heroes for Spellcraft” offers lists of deities or spirits that can assist with specific spell intentions. Telesco’s suggestions span a range of pantheons and cultures–Polynesian, Chaldaen, Slavic, Hindu, Mayan, and Teutonic–and for each one, their gender and cultural origin is listed. I love the diversity! I’m sure this list will come in handy not just for spellwork but also for personal research.

Then “Appendix C: Handcrafting Magical Compounds” is a real bonus for those who like to get crafty. In this section, Telesco shares the how-to for many magical items that can be handmade: candles, herb bundles, masks, incense, poppets, wreaths, and more. While there’s only a few paragraphs for each one, there’s enough information to once again get the creative wheels spinning and prompt ideas for what one might want to make for their magical practice.

All in all, Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders is the perfect book for those looking for versatility, creativity, and flexibility in their spellwork. Telesco is an absolutely wonderful teacher, drawing upon her thirty plus years of experience to make the readers feel confident in their spellwork. There’s so many directions one can go with this book and the possibilities are truly endless. I highly recommend it to magical practitioners of all levels as it’s bound to get the magic inspiration flowing and point you in the right direction when you need a creative boost.

A Floral Grimoire, by Patricia Telesco

A Floral Grimoire: Plant Charms, Spells, Recipes and Rituals, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 9781959883739, 187 pages, March 2024

When I saw A Floral Grimoire: Plant Charms, Spells, Recipes, and Rituals, I was drawn to learning about the ways to use flowers and herbs in my daily, magical life.  In this book Patricia, “Trish”, Telesco weaves a beautiful chronicle of history, lore, practical steps, and magical vibes. I learned about flowers, as well as how to use the rest of the plant for potions, crafts, and much more.

Calling herself a “kitchen witch,” Telesco studied Wicca on her own and then became initiated by the Stega tradition of Italy.  As the author of over 30 books, she also coordinates spiritually oriented tours of Europe. She shares her knowledge of herbs, metaphysics, dreams, divination, folklore and magic in workshops and lectures around the US. She lives in western upstate New York with her husband and children.  You can learn more about Telesco on her website.

Telesco begins with a history of the use of flowers, mentioning the Victorians and their creation of a “petaled vocabulary”7 for secret messages. Then she goes on to share how merchants during the Crusades “often mingled magical lore and wives’ tales into their selling techniques.”8 She provides two examples that we still see today in our modern world:  sprinkling rose petals for love and using garlic to keep away “wandering spirits.”9 From here, she invites the reader to become involved in “Green Witchery” and travel with her through this practical guidebook for discovering more about nature and magic.

The book is an easy read, almost as if you are sitting with Telesco for a cup of tea and about to make a craft with flowers and herbs.  She shares more history and folklore from botany, herbology, and the magical arts, as she includes her knowledge and wisdom from more than 30 years of experience as a Green Witch too.

Telesco’s stories of the various uses for flowers, plants, and other natural elements includes the Greek myth of Hekate teaching her daughters all about herbs. The tradition says that these daughters taught other witches how to utilize this magic. She goes on to say that “this myth, which is one of many linking Witches and nature together, gives us a peek into the minds of our ancestors.”10

My favorite chapter was ”Chapter 6:  Petaled Psychism: Floromancy and Botanomancy”.  In other words, how to use flowers, herbs, stone, or wood for divination. In this chapter, she includes how to observe the plants and flowers that grow around us, as well as casting herbs or flowers on water or cloth to receive a message. She also shares how to make a flower or herb pendulum and an oracle to keep for use over time.  I want to try my hand at making a pressed flower oracle later this spring!

In this chapter, she also includes spreads for use with your oracle cards, as well as guidelines for doing readings. In fact, all throughout the book Telesco includes guidelines to help the novice better utilize the knowledge and rituals she shares. 

And what book on flowers and herbs for magic would be complete without information on edible flowers? Telesco includes recipes for all kinds of teas, beverages, oils, vinegars, and sauces, as well as a recipe for Mystic Mushrooms11 and Peace Porridge12.

An interesting list that the author includes in the book is a “List of Anti-Magic and Anti-Witch Herbs.”13 This list contains things from nature that can protect the witch in adverse circumstances. Later, she adds a list of herbs, flowers and plants that can honor and support witches and their magic.

Some other lists and information I found helpful:

“Ways to use a leaf you find on your walk”14

“How to get in touch with a plant spirit”15

“How to use the Moon by Zodiac sign”16

“Tools of the Trade”17

“Ingredients for Spells & Charms”18

That last list, in a chapter titled “Spicy Spells & Charms”, includes how to use anything from alfalfa to violets for “pleasing and powerful results.”19 And I must point out that these are just a few of the lists that are sprinkled throughout the book!

Another key bit of knowledge Telesco includes is called the Doctrine of Signatures and Law of Similars. If you do not have a particular flower or plant for a spell or ritual, “you can substitute an item of a similar shape, texture or color and still maintain magical congruency.”20 For example, a pale blue flower could be substituted for lavender.

This book has a wonderful Table of Contents that shares chapter titles and brief subheadings for the contents of each chapter.  This makes it very easy to find passages or information later. Telesco also includes an eleven-page index, which makes retrieving information even easier! She also shares an extensive bibliography for future research.

A Floral Grimoire is great for a new witch or seasoned pro.  It holds valuable information for anyone wanting to harness the power of nature in their daily life. I will refer often to the information for spells and charms, as well as the ingredients list and correspondence list.  With the various lists and the index, I have a valuable reference for utilizing flowers and herbs in practical and magical ways.  I can see myself adding this book to the resource list I provide clients who come to me for readings for their daily lives.