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Wyrd Sisters, by Casey Zabala

Wyrd Sisters: A Deck of Spells and Rituals, by Casey Zabala
Weiser Books, 1578638291, 60 cards, 80 pages, April 2024

Ah, destiny! For those who enjoy contemplating fate, or the inevitable outcome of events, perhaps even tempting it here and there, Wyrd Sisters: A Deck of Spells and Rituals by Casey Zabala is a true delight. The concept of “wyrd”, originating from Old English and Norse mythology related to the predetermined outcome of events, has been explored as a way to understand the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that individuals are part of a larger cosmic pattern. While wyrd implies a sense of inevitability, it also carries the idea that individuals have some agency in shaping their own destinies through their choices and actions. Calling upon the duality of fate and free will, this deck helps readers to explore the mysteries of existence and the human experience.

Zabala is a devotee of the Wyrd Sisters, describing how they “are the ancient Deities who dwelt at the roots of the world tree and set the order of the cosmos through their spinning, weaving, and cutting the cords of fate. Their threefold process affirms the cyclical nature of our being.”1 Just as they weave fate, we too are weaving our own lives:

“We weave specific patterns and shapes for protection and success, with the awareness that our spells and wishes are delivered through the web of wyrd.”2

Believing that spellwork is deeply personal, Zabala has created a very creative and open-ended deck for readers to ascribe their own meanings to the imagery and messages and then use their own magical repertoire to integrate the energy. While there is some guidance provided through the guidebook, this deck really shines as a work of art that assists readers with strengthening their own intuition, crafting their own rituals, and creating magic that feel uniquely meaningful and relevant to them.

“Magic is the fifth element–also known as spirit, ether, or quintessence. It is the ethereal nature that keeps all beings connected and psychically tethered to each other.”3

There are five types of cards in this deck: spell cards, candle magic cards, sigil cards, magical tool cards, and Wyrd Sister cards. The guidebook entry differs depending on the type of card, as the type of magic coming through is aligned to the energy of your draw.

For the spell cards, there is an intuitive message along with a list of spell ingredients that one can use for inspiration. There’s something about being given three to five things and then being told, “Now go figure out what you can do with this” that makes my creativity soar. For instance, the spell ingredients for the card Spell for Surrender are “physical inversions, amethyst, strong winds, sharing secrets with strangers, salt”6. You can absolutely use none, one, some, or all of the spell ingredients, and I feel like the process of coming up with one that feels do-able and relevant for you is magic in itself.

For the candle magic cards, Zabala offers suggestions for the color candle and what to do during your candle magic ceremony. The Candle for Vitality card reads “Call all of your energy back to yourself.. Light a yellow candle and imagine a sunlight shield protecting your auric field from outside disturbance.”7

The guidance for the sigil card includes what to use the sigil, where to place it, and the ruling planet. As an example, the Sigil for Unbinding can be used to “untangle webs of entrapment or psychic manipulation”[/efn_note]page 55[/efn_note]. Zabala notes it should be placed in a ring of salt and the ruling planet is Pluto.

With the magical tool cards, Zabala reminds us, “Each tool represents the essence of our intentions, our spiritual connections, and the art of our will.”8 The guidebook describes the tool and then offers a suggestion of how one can best use their magical energy at this time. There is suggested magic for each one, ranging from speaking one’s truth to establish a boundary (athame) to gathering with friends to celebrate transformation through “ritual, feasting, and revelry”9 (bonfire).

Last but most important are the Wyrd Sister cards. I have yet to pull one myself! I honestly didn’t even want to read the guidebook description because I feel like it’s an initiation to pull one. However, from a quick glance at Zabala’s introduction, I can see they’re related to past, present, and future.

While you can pull a card for quick insight from this deck, as you can tell from reading the various descriptions, some of the cards require some more magical effort. Whether it’s planning out your spellwork, gathering the right color candle, or making preparations to perform the suggested magic related to a tool, it can take days, perhaps even weeks, to put the energy out into the world. It seems as though only the sigil cards can be used for immediate action. But I personally enjoy how the deck calls for you to savor its message and take the time to align with one’s intention and then put forth their magical working. You can always simply see what card comes through and then reflect on it before making any energetic investments.

As for the artwork, this deck is bright, abstract, and filled with symbolism. It definitely speaks to the non-verbal part of the psyche, activating inner knowledge through images, colors, and dimension. One thing I have been doing with this deck is noticing where my eyes go first, as there’s often many places to look, for insight into what is most relevant for me. For those who enjoy divination through creative decks, you could absolutely toss the guidebook aside and find plenty of messages and meaning within the cards themselves.

My favorite card that I’ve pulled so far is Spell for Grounding. Suitably, I pulled this on a night when my lower back was completely out of whack, indicating to me that I was ungrounded and needed to focus on my root chakra, as I rested with a heating pad. The image on the card was so fascinating to look at, and I spent a good five minutes letting my eyes explore. It shows a person with their arms in the air and an infinity symbol witch hat on their head, but the torso of their body is a tree trunk. It is growing from a patch of grass, and one can see the roots below the ground, pushing downward into spirals of energy below.

The guidebook calls for connecting with the earth, listening to plants, being barefoot, and speaking the name of the native land I live on, giving thanks. All of which my body and soul gave a resounding “yes, yes, yes, yes” as I read the entry and continued to meditate on the card. In this case, I didn’t feel a whole spell was needed; simply going outside and laying on the ground seemed to be enough, which I guess could be considered a simple spell in itself, but as Zabala intended, to each their own with this deck!

All in all, Zabala has created a really cool deck for those who love to explore their own magic and discover new possibilities. Wyrd Sisters is the perfect blend of intuitive guidance and freedom to roam with one’s own interpretation. Within the liminal magical space, we have the opportunity to discover our destiny, while also actively changing our fate. It all comes down to the willingness to ride the waves of mystery and magic, learning when to surrender and when to pursue. The Wyrd Sisters may be the universal weavers, but we are the active co-creators shaping the web too. As Zabala encourages:

“May your connection with the Wyrd ones inspire you to embrace the mystery and weave your own magical webs of belonging.”10

Your Book of Shadows, by Cerridwen Green leaf

Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800652968, 144 pages, April 2024

Mastering your magic takes time, focus, and dedication. Especially when just starting a magical journey, navigating the vast and intricate world of spells, rituals, and energies can quickly feel like uncharted territory. Getting to know what works best for you is a practice of trial and error, a journey where each misstep is as crucial as every success. In Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, Cerridwen Greenleaf teaches readers all they need to know about tracking their own magical practice, refining it by figuring out what did and did not work well, in order to chronicle a repertoire of the wisdom gained from magical experimentation.

Right off the bat, I was drawn to this book for the bright colors and many images throughout the pages. Each section is short and sweet, covering the necessities while creating the space to engage with the book by performing the suggested spells and rituals along the way. The layout of the content makes it easy to engage with the text as you move through the book–there’s a lot of places for your eyes to roam, helping your mind to take in Greenleaf’s wisdom through the sensory appeal of color, font style, and text organization. The design of the book makes me feel inspired, playful, and crafty!

Greenleaf begins by covering the history of Books of Shadows and their importance to a coven or solo practitioner. She then moves into how to choose and design your Book of Shadows, consecrating and protecting your Book of Shadows (as well as creating a shrine), and creating organization through a Table of Contents. She offers advice on how to select a book, decorate it, and keep it magically protected.

As one moves through the process of creating their own Book of Shadows, Greenleaf provides easy-to-follow rituals and spells  to assist with the process: a ritual of thanks, inscription rite,  pendulum spell for choosing the right book, self-assurance charm for creativity when decorating, and safeguarding spell to clear away unwanted energy from your Book of Shadows. There’s also parts on color magic (one focusing on the associations of each color and the other a correspondence chart of each zodiac sign with colors), along with crafting tips for adding pages and creating a book lock.

“… making a Book of Shadows is a very personal endeavor–let go of that fear of making mistakes. Always remember that perfection can be boring–something that is real and unique is much more appealing and special. Keep an open heart and mind, and your Book of Shadows can become a stunningly beautiful work of art.”2

Greenleaf’s emphasis on personalization is particularly noteworthy, encouraging readers to see their Book of Shadows as a living document that evolves with their spiritual journey. This approach not only helps one to build confidence in one’s practice but also makes the process of creating and maintaining a Book of Shadows a deeply personal and fulfilling endeavor.

The following chapters cover cyclical energies of nature that can influence one’s magical practice. Greenleaf first writes about moon spells, specifically focusing on the phases of the moon. For each phase, she gives an overview of the best type of spellwork to do at that time, a table of magical correspondences for the energy of the phase (days, colors, herbs, incense, essential oils, crystals, and metals), and a spell, ritual, or magical craft one can do for that phase.

For instance, Greenleaf describes how new moons are best for new beginnings and offers an incantation for new ideas, while noting waning moons are a “time to conserve our power, to turn our attention towards home and inner peace and wisdom”5 and sharing a recipe for spiritual scrub to cleanse energies from one’s home or ritual space.

Next, Greenleaf covers The Wheel of the Year. Beginning with the Celtic New Year, the high holiday Samhain, she details the eight sabbats, sharing recipes, rituals, divination spells, prayers to the god and goddess, and more. The descriptions of each sabbat aren’t too long, just an introduction, but each one contains enough information for readers to familiarize themselves with the energy of The Wheel of the Year to then further their own practice.

Now that readers have an understanding of the quick-paced moon cycle and the overarching Wheel of the Year, Greenleaf delves deeper into astrological energies. She describes the twelve zodiac signs, along with the correspondence stone for each time period. Later in the chapter, she also provides herbal correspondence for every sign too.

There’s also a very helpful table of the magical planetary hours, which shows the ruling planet for every hour throughout the week. This table is extremely useful for those who are at the level of fine-tuning their spell work to correspond with specific planetary energies, such as doing a love spell during Venus hours or an abundance spell during Jupiter hours. Greenleaf also delves into the elemental power of signs, highlighting which each element is best suited to perform certain magic.

There’s an entire chapter to tracking your magic as a solo practitioner too. Greenleaf recognizes that it can be hard to find community at times or that one might want to keep some matters private, but she still assures readers they can grow their magical practice through their personal Book of Shadows. She advises “keeping a list of personal intentions”11 as these are the key to success in magic. She shares a visualization to create an inner temple, how to make your own DIY wand, meditations for centering yourself, and a candle ceremony to invoke a deity

Then the final chapter is a real gem because it is filled with different correspondences to help readers discover more about subtle energies. There’s a list of trees and what else one can assist with spiritually; flower, herb, essential oil, and color correspondences; correspondences and enhancement abilities for gems, stones, and crystals; totem animal correspondences; significance of numerology; planet correspondences and colors; metal magical correspondences; and a list of magical domains and deities one can work with.

Overall, Your Book of Shadows is a compelling guide for those embarking on or furthering their journey into the realm of witchcraft, Wicca, or other pagan paths. This book serves not just as an introduction to aspects of these spiritual paths, but as an interactive tool, encouraging readers to actively engage with their practice by creating their own Book of Shadows. Greenleaf skillfully demystifies the process of starting a Book of Shadows, presenting it in a way that is both inviting and profound, providing all the essential guidance and spellwork readers need to take this step of connecting with their magical practice on a deeper level.

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco

A Witch’s Book of Wisdom, by Patricia Telesco
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883542, 224 pages, November 2024

Looking for a charm guide to magic? A Witch’s Book of Wisdom by Patricia Tesleco is just for you! Telesco is a prolific author, whose other works include Mastering Candle Magic, A Floral Grimoire, and A Kitchen Witch’s Cookbook. In this book, she adapts the persona of “Granny Good Witch”, an archetypal Cunning Folk, who is happy to share their honest thoughts and practical knowledge based on decades of experience to those seeking guidance on magical topics.

“The entire purpose of this book is to provide a nurturing, sound, practical, and fun-loving outlook on magic and spirituality as they intertwine with your everyday life.”12

The book is organized alphabetically by topic. From A to Z, readers can browse the magical advice Granny Good Witch has to offer on all sorts of aspects of the Craft. From etiquette to gardening to beauty, Granny Good Witch has something to say. While a spell or incantation might be offered here and there, this book is definitely more focused on imparting general knowledge than offering “how to” advice. For those looking for specific spells with directions to follow, I’d recommend Telesco’s  Spinning Spells, Weaving Wonders.

Much of this book is sharing principles, lessons, helpful hints, and methods one can use to fulfill their intention. It reads like a magical compendium. For each topic, there’s a quote and Granny’s general take on the topic. Bullet-point lists are often included too, making the material easy to absorb and remember.

Telesco notes, “The processes provided are neither over time-consuming nor do they smack of Hollywood hocus-pocus.”13 I concur that all the advice was easy to implement! The whole book is very down to earth, acknowledging the reality that many magical practitioners don’t always have the time for complex workings. All this wisdom goes to show that our practice is meant to be lived and there’s many ways to incorporate magic into one’s day.

There’s quite a few tidbits of guidance from Granny that I picked up so far, yet three things have stood out the most. The first is to draw in luck by changing one’s routine around a bit. The second is a recipe for baking bread for kindness. And the third was a list of things fire magic can be used for.

Some of my favorite advice from Granny came from the “Manifestation” section:

“The question is, how do we go about encouraging manifestation? To answer this question, Granny looks at the ancients, who often used ritualistic dance to nudge the process along. Ritual dancing consummates the connection between the spiritual and temporal. It provides an energy-generating medium, and it then offers a way for the practitioner to express magical fulfillment as realized (in symbolic form).”14

Another aspect I like of Granny’s wisdom is the balance between encouragement and a healthy caution. This isn’t a fast-track to magic, and often, the advice is to keep on trying different things, such as working alone vs. in a group, until you find what works best for you. There’s absolutely not a “one-size fits all” mentality in these pages. Rather, the advice feels like it has your best interest at heart, as the message is tread of advice often circles back to discovering what’s best for your path, taking it slow in your exploration, and then keeping an open mind for the sake of flexibility; adaptation is definitely one of the Cunning Folk’s best attributes!

Overall, I recommend A Witch’s Book of Wisdom for those who are in need of someone (yes, even if it’s a book, Granny’s advice feels very comforting!) to turn to for magical advice. While some witches are blessed with a fulfilling community, others are left to seek out other like-minds in new groups or online forums, gathering the advice they can get from books and other resources. It’s very nice to have Granny in your corner; this is absolutely a book that is worth adding to your collection to turn to for inspiration when seeking guidance on a myriad of topics.

Wiccan Self-care Spells, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

Wiccan Self-care Spells: Restorative rituals to ease stress, heal mind and body, and conjure contentment, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 180065376X, 144 pages, October 2024

Wiccan Self-care Spells by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a delightful guide that blends the principles of Wicca with the essential practice of self-care. This book is a treasure trove for those looking to nurture their spiritual, physical, mental well-being through simple yet effective spells and rituals. From enhancing personal energy to fostering emotional healing, the book covers a wide array of topics that are pertinent to anyone seeking balance and harmony in their life.

Cerridwen Greenleaf is a seasoned author in the realm of witchcraft. Her previous publications include Your Book of Shadows, The Book of Kitchen Witchery, Wiccan Teas & Brews, Wiccan Crystals, and The Modern Wiccan’s Guide to Living. In this book, she weaves her expertise into a comprehensive collection of self-care, offering readers magical ways to ease their burdens and bring more self-nurturing into their lives.

The book is well-structured, featuring eight chapters arranged by theme, along with an introduction and conclusion too. The eight chapters cover personal self-care, home magic, office magic, crystals, essential oils, meditation, teas/tonics, and sleep. I like how the book is arranged because it makes it easy to pick out just what area of life you feel could use some tending to magically. While this book can definitely be read cover to cover, being able to quickly look up a topic makes it easy to come back to again and again.

Each section provides magical methods for topics related to the theme, which can range from detailed instructions on how to perform the spells, including the tools and ingredients needed, to recipes for elixirs, brews, essential oil sprays, and body-care products. Most of the ingredients are things people have on hand in their home, though some readers might need to pick up some essential oils, herbs, crystals, and other items to do all the spells. Here are some examples of spells, crafts, and rituals Greenleaf offers throughout the book:

  • ✨ Gather Your Guardians: Simple Home Shrine
  • ✨ Fire of Focus: Inspire Abundance and Success
  • ✨ Happy Home Spray: To Refresh, Restore, and Uplift
  • ✨ Career Candle Magic: Color craft
  • ✨ Witch Craft: Kitchen Cupboard Incase
  • ✨ Sweeping Change: Broom Blessing Spell
  • ✨ Lavender and Chamomile: Tranquility Tonic
  • ✨ Prophetic Pouch: Diana Dream Divination
  • ✨ Positive Incantations: Compose Your Own

In addition to these, Greenleaf also covers more broad magical workings, including sigil magic, using a crystal ball, working with the moon’s phases, connecting to nature, using affirmations and incantations, and candle magic. I love the variety of approaches Greenleaf shares in regard to self-care. The different at-home body care products she teaches how to make such as a mango-butter bars to feel better to a soothing potion to apply to one’s pulse points to bring a sense of calm. There’s a good mix of hands-on ways for readers to be active in their self-care with relaxing and soothing ways too (think baths, forest bathing, and visualization). Whether you’re someone who finds peace in motion or in stillness, there’s opportunities abound to offer yourself care and nurturing.

Greenleaf really knows how to engage the senses with her spellwork too. Whether it’s incredibly good smelling incense, delicious tasting brews, or soothing homemade balms, these magic crafts all ground readers in the physical body while nourishing their spirit. One of my favorites so far is Salts and Pepper: Raise-Your-Spirits Ritual which combines Epsom salts, pepper, and essential oils to bring contentment and a fresh perspective.

I’ve also enjoyed Greenleaf’s suggestions in Holy Smoke: Hygge Home-Fire Rite, which suggests different herbs that can be added to the fire for various purposes. I recently stocked up on new herbs, so we have quite a selection to choose from. We started with adding roses to our fire, to “bring sweetness and peace to any space”15 as Greenleaf shared. Both my husband and I could sense a lightness in our hearts, making us feel close and connected as the fire burned.

All the spells are designed to be accessible for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Greenleaf avoids overly complex rituals, making it easy for readers to integrate these practices into their daily routines. Most of these spells are things that can be done within the span of a few minutes to an hour; none are too long, energetically demanding, or overly complicated. Greenleaf’s write style in an empowering and supportive tone, encouraging readers to embrace their inner magic and prioritize their well-being, which I think many witches need to be reminded of often!

Greenleaf’s approach is also inclusive to all, even if you’re not Wiccan. The focus on self-care is particularly timely, given the increasing awareness of mental health and wellness. I shared quite bit of Greenleaf’s advice with family members who are not magically-included, such as the healing teas and ideas for certain gemstones to use to bolster their goals. For those just dipping their toes into magic, this book is a great place to start!

Beyond the content, the layout and format of this book is extremely visually appealing. There’s beautiful illustrations and a clean layout that enhance the reading experience, filled with color and different fonts and text sizes to make reading engaging. There’s plenty to take in on each page, and the well-crafted aesthetic offers additional pleasure when reading this book.

Overall, Wiccan Self-care Spells is a charming and practical guide for anyone interested in integrating magical practices into their self-care routine. Greenleaf succeeds in providing a resource that is both informative and empowering, making it a valuable addition to the library of any modern witch or self-care enthusiast. Whether you are new to magic or a seasoned practitioner, this book offers a wealth of inspiration and guidance to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. As Greenleaf writes, “Take good care of yourself. You are very much worth it and the better you are, the better our world will be.”16

Blackthorn’s Book of Sacred Plant Magic, by Amy Blackthorn

Blackthorn’s Book of Sacred Plant Magic: Spells, Rites, and Rituals for Living an Aromatic Life, by Amy Blackthorn
Weiser Books, 978-1578638307, 272 pages, September 2024

Amy Blackthorn is a renowned herbalist and author of multiple books that are widely used both in the pagan and mainstream communities. Her expertise and deep commitment to the use of plants as both allies and magical companions in all facets of her work is clearly evident in Blackthorn’s Book of Sacred Plant Magic: Spells, Rites, and Rituals for Living an Aromatic Life.

“In this book, I hope to help open your eyes to the connection, the relationships that can be built, and the friends you’ll likely make along the way.  We’ll talk about who to build botanical relationships with and why-as well as how to find the magical attributes for plants that aren’t listed in your favorite magical tomes.”17

Blackthorn’s Book of Sacred Plant Magic is organized into two sections and a total of eleven chapters. A multi-page bibliography and brief Plant Index conclude the book. In support of the intention of this title, “Section 1: Creating Relationships with Plants” takes the reader on a journey of introductions to those lesser known plant allies and reacquaints them in a deeper fashion alongside those that are commonly used for magical practice.

“Chapter 1: Scent, Memory, And Personal History” reminds the reader of the importance of scent, from our earliest stages of development as infants to those memories brought into adulthood that remain throughout our lives. The focus is on the association of emotions and the trigger of a specific scent, whether consciously or subconsciously, and the powerful association we have to the smells surrounding us.

As the reader moves through subsequent chapters of the first section, the intention of stepping more closely into relationship with and understanding of the nature of plants/botanicals and the spirit that each holds as its specific energetic signature is slowly and methodically built. Blackthorn has a very accessible style of writing; all the while, she is imparting gems of knowledge that begin the seeding process of what is to bloom. 

One of the first exercises is found in “Chapter 2: Developing Plant Spirit Relationships” as the reader is guided to Create Your Visual Landscape to become an inner-lands where plant spirits may be met. Blackthorn provides suggestions for approaching the plant spirits and questions that may be asked. She also reminds that the call may organically come from the botanical spirit and you may not yet even know what a healing relationship with that specific plant may unfold.

“Have you ever been in a plant nursery, hardware store, or even a big-box store and noticed a plant that you knew you just had to purchase, take care of, and get to know?  When you feel it in your bones, you know it’s time to get to know that plant, whatever it is. The plant you find can tell you a lot about yourself or your magical needs-and the remedy is that plant.”18

Another feature of this book is the plethora of active workings, spells, recipes, ritual and more that fully engage the reader in setting their own energetic imprint on their personal journey of plant alliances. “Chapter 3: Building Botanical Relationships” takes us on a journey of exploring the energy in plants starting with the simplicity of the spices in your kitchen.

“Take a look inside your kitchen cabinet and you can take a trip around the world. Each spice, herb, and flavor have a rich history of use in medicine, folklore, and witchcraft.”19

“Chapter 5: Plant Spirit Families” is a fascinating backstory for the reader of the origins of the botanical plant names. Blackthorn teaches how plants may be categorized and energetically aligned and the broader families of which they are a part. We are introduced to those botanical members of the Mint, Citrus, Rose and Myrtle Families. Every family has their own particular type of magic and nuance. 

Each of the chapters of “Section I: Scent, Memory, And Personal History” provides the foundational information covering many aspects of botanical use as essential oils, aromatherapy, medicinally, and more. Additionally, the properties of each form that a botanical may take and proper uses, cautionary considerations, length of efficacy, storage, and appropriate application are thoughtfully shared. All, in support of cultivating a deep connection and, most importantly, a working magical/mundane and spiritual relationship with your chosen plants. 

“Section II: Deeper Connections” jumps right into practical use and application of the properties of botanicals. This section comprises approximately half of the book, making this title a suitable reference source to be returned to as the reader’s journeys into the realm of botanicals evolves and grows.

“Chapter 10: Botanical Listings A-Z” is a cornucopia of over twenty-five botanicals, each offering herbal lore and uses, spells, and a recipe specific to its properties. The result is a complete introduction for the reader to the adaptability and ways in which various plants can be organically woven into mundane and magical practices. Appropriate warnings are placed on those botanicals that may be toxic in specific circumstances along with a reminder to always error on the side of caution.

Blackthorn concludes the journey on a very practical note with recommendations that are invaluable to those readers new to the botanical industry. “Chapter 11: Practical Test for Oil Integrity” offers advice to the botanical shopper seeking prepared botanical oils for their magical work. She notes, “With many shops looking to provide affordable supplies to support their customers, it can be difficult to tell what kind of materials you have in your shop.”20

A list of “Things to Look Out For” such as type of storage bottles, labels, price and enhancements is followed by testing methods that may be employed such as alcohol, water, and paper to determine the authenticity and potency of the product. This offers readers sound advice in exercising discernment around their choices. Although just a few pages in length, the importance of using a product that is what should be expected in quality and price is underscored by Blackthorn for it evokes the sacred action of choosing your plant allies wisely and honoring their power.

Would I Recommend?

Blackthorn’s Book of Sacred Plant Magic is perfect for anyone who is plant curious, working with botanicals, or simply wants to be more connected to the kingdom of plants. It is definitely worth adding to one’s reference library. In keeping with the style of delivery and ease of implementation that is a staple of Blackthorn’s books, this one absolutely delivers and surpasses readers’ expectations. This title, along with any other of Blackthorn’s books, would be a prized gift for consideration as we near the holiday season.

“Everyone has times in their lives when their magic seems out of reach; it’s natural in such a busy, harried culture. I was looking for a reconnect. The full moon came and it was time to venture out into my yard to connect with my land spirits and let them know I hadn’t forgotten them.  As I gathered my libations and tools, I had a feeling of peace I hadn’t experienced in a while. This is what I had been missing.21

About the Author: Amy Blackthorn

Amy Blackthorn is a professional intuitive and the bestselling author of several books on botanical magic, including Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic, Blackthorn’s Botanical Brews, and Blackthorn’s Botanical Wellness. The founder of Blackthorn’s Botanicals, she has a certification in aromatherapy and was ordained by the Order of the Golden Gryphon. Amy lives in Delaware. Keep up with Amy’s book news on her website and check out her tea shop.

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.”22

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.”23

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.”24

“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.”25 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.”26 Doorbells? “Guests, messages, news, welcome[/efn_note]page 206[/efn_note] Baking Soda/Power? “Increasing energy or hopeful expectations.”27 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.

Magic for Change, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

Magic for Change: Spells and Rituals for Social Transformation, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800652623, 144 pages, October 2023

When I first started reading Cerridwen Greenleaf’s Magic for Change: Spells and Rituals for Social Transformation, I wasn’t fully sure what to expect. I had read other books with similar themes in the past, so I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the concepts that were going to be introduced; however, I know that there are some methods of discussing social justice and social change from a (very) narrow perspective, so I didn’t necessarily have high hopes that this book would be different.

I was pleasantly surprised. Greenleaf discussed several different manners and topics for activism, including chapters on climate change; peace, which featured not only country-level conflicts but also gun violence as a whole; ending hunger, not only in the world, but also in your local community; witchcraft for feminists; and ways to manifest money and other material gains for the benefit of all. According to Greenleaf:

“This book stems from my years of activism and is based on the magical intention to provide practitioners with the tools, ideas, and inspiration to make this a better world.”28

Out of everything in their book, I was particularly interested in some of the concepts and practices that Greenleaf discusses in their chapter about feminist witchcraft. Their section on Solidarity Shrines was especially interesting to me because I can’t always have an obvious shrine set up in my space; their suggestions for small things to use in place of a full altar that will still attract like minded people motivated me to set up a small Solidarity Shrine of my own! (And if you’re curious, I think it has worked so far; I’ve met several more writer friends both in-person and online, and have even found a local group to go play trivia at bars, which is something I’ve never been able to do before!)

Greenleaf’s discussions about tea were also some of my favorite parts of Magic for Change. I’m a huge tea drinker, so it seemed natural that I would gravitate toward these recipes, especially since I could very easily translate them into my morning or nighttime rituals. Most of the herbal teas that they discussed were equal parts magical and delicious, with their herbal money brew being one of my favorite new recipes that I tried. As to whether I’ve been able to manifest more money, that remains to be seen… but I have found money in unexpected places that I must’ve stored away and forgotten about, so if that counts, then the herbal money brew works quite well!

Throughout the book, Greenleaf’s writing style was very approachable and accessible for all levels of practitioner, from beginners to those who are more advanced in their craft; the content seems to be more geared toward beginners and early-intermediate practitioners, though. If you’ve been practicing witchcraft for years, you most likely will know a lot of the information that they discuss already, though you may not know exactly how to apply it in the context of creating social change, which could make this book an interesting addition to any witch’s bookshelf.

Another aspect of Magic for Change that made the book very accessible to read was the fact that it wasn’t all simply blocks of text; rather, there were a lot of illustrations included, many in what would be considered the borders or margins of the page, but that served to break the text into easily digestible pages.

It seems that they have a very strong understanding of kitchen and home/hearth styles of witchcraft, which is what a majority of this book focuses on; I would have appreciated if they included some material on more diverse forms of magic that could also be used for change, protest, and resistance, but it did not impact my enjoyment of the book in any way. It’s probably just a personal preference, but if you’re like me and something like divination or ancestor worship are at the forefront of your practice, you might find it a little difficult to fully immerse yourself .

I also would not recommend this book for anyone who is unable to practice openly or who doesn’t have any safe spaces to practice, also known as being “in the broom closet.” A lot of the rituals Greenleaf suggests will leave physical evidence or will require the practitioner to acquire supplies that may raise some red flags for nosy individuals in their life.

However, if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of magical practices that can very easily be adapted to activism, Magic for Change would be a good choice. There were a lot of examples of rituals that I had never thought to apply to the context of activism; if you have a coven, this book will give you ideas of how you can all work together to manifest change, but there are also plenty of rituals and ideas for a solo practitioner to develop their craft.

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”29 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.”30 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.”31 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.”32

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 Mushrooms33 and Peace Porridge34.

An interesting list that the author includes in the book is a “List of Anti-Magic and Anti-Witch Herbs.”35 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”36

“How to get in touch with a plant spirit”37

“How to use the Moon by Zodiac sign”38

“Tools of the Trade”39

“Ingredients for Spells & Charms”40

That last list, in a chapter titled “Spicy Spells & Charms”, includes how to use anything from alfalfa to violets for “pleasing and powerful results.”41 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.”42 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.

2024 Witch’s Diary, by Flavia Kate Peters and Barbara Meiklejohn-free

2024 Witch’s Diary – Northern Hemisphere: Reclaiming the Magick of the Old Ways, Flavia Kate Peters and Barbara Meiklejohn-Free
Rockpool Publishing, 1922579289, 160 pages, June 2023

A witchcraft diary is a unique and personal account of an individual’s experiences and practices within the craft. It can serve as a valuable tool for self-reflection, growth, and learning, as well as a historical record for future generations. Yet as many times as I’ve made the resolution to keep better records of my magical workings, inevitably I lose focus or realize I’ve started in one journal only to switch to another, mixing up all my writing. This year, with the intention to track my practice throughout the year, I’ve done myself a favor by getting a copy of 2024 Witch’s Diary – Northern Hemisphere: Reclaiming the Magick of the Old Ways by Flavia Kate Peters and Barbara Meiklejohn-Free.

“The 2024 Witch’s Diary, a magickal tool from which you can draw ancient wisdom, enables you to thrive in balance and harmony with a sprinkle of very real magick. This practical guide will show you how to harness the magick of nature, claim your personal power through the discovery of ancient wisdom and embrace the divine feminine.”30

Peters and Meiklejohn-Free are a formidable duo as prominent leaders in the witchcraft community. They published their first Witch’s Diary in 2022, making this one their third joint creation. Peters, also known as the Faery Seer, is a hereditary witch and high princess of Arnemetia and The Morrighan. She is a medium, clairvoyant, and published author of works such as Your Dark Goddess. Meiklejohn-Free, also known as the Highland Seer, is a hereditary and eclectic witch who is an initiated high priestess of Isis and the Cailleach.

This planner is a great tool for any practicing witch. It offers a comprehensive guide to the phases of the moon and eclipses, seasonal spells, and other important dates to keep in mind when planning rituals and spells, such as the birthday of famous witches. Also included throughout the dairy are witchy tips, innovations, details about the Wheel of the Year, planting and harvesting timing, and recipes! All this information would be especially helpful for beginners on their witchcraft path, as the month to month  guidance helps to establish a year-round practice.

One of the standout features of the witchcraft planner is its beautiful design. The pages are adorned with stunning illustrations and wisdom that inspire and motivate. The contrast of black and white work in tandem to aesthetically coax out the magic within. Plus, the diary is sturdy and well-made; it will be able to withstand daily use and travel.

Even though I haven’t started writing in the diary yet, I’ve been making use of the incantation provided for October and November. For instance, there’s a really powerful chant titled “Samhain Incantation” that I recited on Halloween. It begins:

Cauldrons boiling, lanterns are shing
Ghouls and ghosts, groans and whining
Parties sweep across the land
Children, adult, hand in hand
Time of fun but must remember
As fires burn bright and glow with embers
Our ancestors who walked before
We honour thee and ask for more
31

Other interesting things I’ve read about in the pages transition from October to November include kitchen witch information about elderberry and a recipe for making a cordial to fight the flu and sinusitis, a pentagram incantation for protection, weather magic and incantation, and moon magic ritual. The authors also provide an overview of November from a magical perspective, writing “These harsh, biting days are a good time to defend  yourself and define your boundaries with others and for darker magick to ward off harm.”32

As someone who often consults various books to find incantations, it’s absolutely lovely having so many to choose from in this planner. Even better, the authors have arranged them in accordance with the seasons, making it so the timing of the incarnation is always good. The #lazywitch in my is thrilled to have this all laid out for me in advance.

Overall, 2024 Witch’s Diary is an essential item for any witch looking to organize and enhance their spiritual journey. Its beautiful design and useful information make it a valuable tool for both individual and group practice (coven organization!). I am confident this diary will be immensely beneficial to my craft, assisting me with gaining new insights into my practice and deepening connection to the natural world through honoring the seasons of the year. I highly recommend this diary for other magical practitioners seeking an all-in-one place for tracking and planning their craft.