Midsummer: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for Litha - Deborah Blake [Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials]
Source: Netgalley
Original Review: March 31, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve not been impressed so far with the books Llewellyn has put out on the Wheel of the Year. After reading Everyday Witchcraft by this same author, I had higher hopes for Midsummer than maybe I would have otherwise. In some ways, I think having a different author was a huge improvement over the book on Beltane. In other ways, the pervading thought was that Llewellyn needs to take their fingers out of the editing pot on these and let the authors do their jobs. One of the major issues I had with Beltane is still front and center here.
All of these thoughts were coming to me before I was even 10% of the way through the book. So I’m not spending valuable time here covering the same old issues, I’m just going to highlight the biggest one: repetition. You can only put the same information into so many boxes (and so many books) before eyes start to glaze over.
One other thing I think that interfered with my enjoyment of the book wasn’t a failure on Llewellyn’s part, but a failure in my reading order. I had just finished reading through The Great Work by Tiffany Lazic when I started reading Midsummer. Ultimately, this one felt . . . like perhaps it (and the other books in this series) should be used in conjunction with The Great Work – at least by the more seasoned practitioner.
But, it’s in the content itself where the differences between the author’s really begin to show up. There is a lot of information available on how people of different walks can celebrate Midsummer here. It’s not limited to just that, though. If you don’t have a specific path or system of celebration, there are also plenty of simple, more general options included with the foundational information that even the barest newsbie to the Wheel could use.
No matter how familiar you already are with Midsummer lore and celebration, you’re sure to find something new here. Whatever your approach is, be it spiritual, crafty, or kitchenry, there’s something in this book for you to try.
Midsummer is truly going to be a magickal experience for anyone who reads this book!
Showing posts with label witchcraft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label witchcraft. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
The Great Work: Self-Knowledge and Healing Through the Wheel of the Year - Tiffany Lazic
The Great Work: Self-Knowledge and Healing Through the Wheel of the Year - Tiffany Lazic
Source: Netgalley
Original Review: March 1, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I first came across this book, I was excited. Eastern tradition has long emphasized balancing our mind, body, and spirit, but Western spirituality has seemed completely out of touch with this concept.
To have a book, now, that takes the spiritual and natural balance of the Wheel of the Year, and combines it with the Eastern traditions, plus the author's background in Psychotherapy... at minimum, this book is a revolutionary approach using spirituality and psychotherapy to treat a myriad of psychological roadblocks for all kinds of people.
The unfortunate thing about this book, is it's not something that can be understood or resonated with all at one time. The usefulness of The Great work is tied directly to both the current phase of the Wheel of the Year, and one's own state of mind. Because of that, it could take years to get full benefit out of the materia.
That being said, I was able to feel attuned to one of the sections in the book immediately, and so can easily testify to the more practical elements of the material provided.
One of the many benefits of the way the book is presented is, even if you're not "spiritually inclined" or attuned to the natural cycles of your environment, there are other ways to find out where you're at within the cycles presented. It was as simple as paging through the contents section to find where I needed to begin. Between elements I have an aversion to, and where I personally feel my mental state stands, the answer practically smacked me in the face. (Ironically, we're in the middle of that phase as specified in the book right now.) Reading through the "prescriptions" for that section only serves to confirm it, using a broad swathe of criteria (again, not all being spiritual in nature.)
If you're a journaler, you will absolutely love having daily questions to think on and respond to. Even if you're not, the daily questions are thought provoking. One thing the reader definitely needs to keep in mind is this: no matter how open you are to the need for change, it could take repeating a cycle multiple times (not necessarily consecutively, either) in order to effect the fullest change possible.
If you've never meditated before, now would be a great time to learn. Each cycle has it's questions, but also it's element relating to the cycle to assist in understanding and implementing the material. Meditating on the element proved to be a great help in assimilating the information and ideas presented.
Whatever your approach to personal heading, this book will help you identify what areas you need to work on, and give you a myriad of ways to approach The Great Work you need to do on yourself.
I thank Tiffany Lazic from the bottom of my heart for being bold enough to write such a book!
Source: Netgalley
Original Review: March 1, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I first came across this book, I was excited. Eastern tradition has long emphasized balancing our mind, body, and spirit, but Western spirituality has seemed completely out of touch with this concept.
To have a book, now, that takes the spiritual and natural balance of the Wheel of the Year, and combines it with the Eastern traditions, plus the author's background in Psychotherapy... at minimum, this book is a revolutionary approach using spirituality and psychotherapy to treat a myriad of psychological roadblocks for all kinds of people.
The unfortunate thing about this book, is it's not something that can be understood or resonated with all at one time. The usefulness of The Great work is tied directly to both the current phase of the Wheel of the Year, and one's own state of mind. Because of that, it could take years to get full benefit out of the materia.
That being said, I was able to feel attuned to one of the sections in the book immediately, and so can easily testify to the more practical elements of the material provided.
One of the many benefits of the way the book is presented is, even if you're not "spiritually inclined" or attuned to the natural cycles of your environment, there are other ways to find out where you're at within the cycles presented. It was as simple as paging through the contents section to find where I needed to begin. Between elements I have an aversion to, and where I personally feel my mental state stands, the answer practically smacked me in the face. (Ironically, we're in the middle of that phase as specified in the book right now.) Reading through the "prescriptions" for that section only serves to confirm it, using a broad swathe of criteria (again, not all being spiritual in nature.)
If you're a journaler, you will absolutely love having daily questions to think on and respond to. Even if you're not, the daily questions are thought provoking. One thing the reader definitely needs to keep in mind is this: no matter how open you are to the need for change, it could take repeating a cycle multiple times (not necessarily consecutively, either) in order to effect the fullest change possible.
If you've never meditated before, now would be a great time to learn. Each cycle has it's questions, but also it's element relating to the cycle to assist in understanding and implementing the material. Meditating on the element proved to be a great help in assimilating the information and ideas presented.
Whatever your approach to personal heading, this book will help you identify what areas you need to work on, and give you a myriad of ways to approach The Great Work you need to do on yourself.
I thank Tiffany Lazic from the bottom of my heart for being bold enough to write such a book!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Beltane: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for May Day - Melanie Marquis [Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials]
Beltane: Rituals, Recipes & Lore for May Day - Melanie Marquis [Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials]
Source: NetGalley
Originally Reviewed: January 13, 2015
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is another book published by Llewellyn that I’ll have to go back and make notes on. Everything was very clearly explained, and it’d be difficult to misunderstand the information. There’s a lot of information on Beltane available, but the kind of clarity Ms. Marquis brings to it allows for a lot more detail, and there was obviously a lot of thought put into this book. It was great to finally know where some of the most common information actually originated from.
I found a lot of the information refreshing, but it took an excessively long time to actually get to the information, plus there was not-so-common history bits that are still relevant today. As opposed to the included Tarot information, which could be found in any introductory book on Tarot, or with a few clicks on Google.
Oh, but the recipes. And the crafts! And the explanation of prayer from a Pagan perspective… brilliant, and the best I’ve ever read.
This book would probably be best for the solitary Witch who doesn’t already have an established practice, or perhaps for the experienced Witch who wants to freshen up what they already do.
I ended up skipping the section on modern Beltane celebrations. They got kind of repetitive, plus there wasn’t anything included that’s local to me so it wasn’t very interesting.
Speaking of repetitive, there was a summary of Beltane at the start of almost every chapter. I think after the second or third time it gets pretty well ingrained and we don’t need to be reminded. The additional details on the astrological timing of Beltane was nice.
Reading through this book I’m reminded of some friends I had in high school. They were part of this masonic-type organization for young women – I forget what it was called – but every year they would decorate plates and make a bunch of goodies and leave them on people’s doorsteps early on May 1 before school.
The author could stand to find some more creative segways. The word “another” can only be used so many times before it starts reading as gibberish. And I can understand the reasoning behind knowing the history of what you’re celebrating, but… I was starting to fall asleep. You don’t need quite that much.
Source: NetGalley
Originally Reviewed: January 13, 2015
Rating: ★★★☆☆
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is another book published by Llewellyn that I’ll have to go back and make notes on. Everything was very clearly explained, and it’d be difficult to misunderstand the information. There’s a lot of information on Beltane available, but the kind of clarity Ms. Marquis brings to it allows for a lot more detail, and there was obviously a lot of thought put into this book. It was great to finally know where some of the most common information actually originated from.
I found a lot of the information refreshing, but it took an excessively long time to actually get to the information, plus there was not-so-common history bits that are still relevant today. As opposed to the included Tarot information, which could be found in any introductory book on Tarot, or with a few clicks on Google.
Oh, but the recipes. And the crafts! And the explanation of prayer from a Pagan perspective… brilliant, and the best I’ve ever read.
This book would probably be best for the solitary Witch who doesn’t already have an established practice, or perhaps for the experienced Witch who wants to freshen up what they already do.
I ended up skipping the section on modern Beltane celebrations. They got kind of repetitive, plus there wasn’t anything included that’s local to me so it wasn’t very interesting.
Speaking of repetitive, there was a summary of Beltane at the start of almost every chapter. I think after the second or third time it gets pretty well ingrained and we don’t need to be reminded. The additional details on the astrological timing of Beltane was nice.
Reading through this book I’m reminded of some friends I had in high school. They were part of this masonic-type organization for young women – I forget what it was called – but every year they would decorate plates and make a bunch of goodies and leave them on people’s doorsteps early on May 1 before school.
The author could stand to find some more creative segways. The word “another” can only be used so many times before it starts reading as gibberish. And I can understand the reasoning behind knowing the history of what you’re celebrating, but… I was starting to fall asleep. You don’t need quite that much.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Everyday Witchcraft: Making Time for Spirit in a Too-Busy World - Deborah Blake
Everyday Witchcraft: Making Time for Spirit in a Too-Busy World - Deborah Blake
Source: NetGalley
Originally Reviewed: January 9, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book, and was so happy that it did not disappoint. And the writing style was beautiful – I could almost hear the author reading aloud. She definitely has her own voice, and she uses it well.
She writes in a very no-nonsense manner. Everything is straightforward and easily understandable. She throws in these dashes of humor that break things up so smoothly and at just the right places. And I can’t emphasize enough how much I love the simplicity of the entire book.
There are so many people I could see picking up and utilizing this book. The experienced Witch trying to revitalize their practice (such as myself). Someone who might be interested in Witchcraft but the idea of ritual and spells makes them uncomfortable. And she says it in the book, but it’s definitely worth nothing here: If you end up reading this book, something is calling you to a deeper, more involved spiritual practice.
Being that I’ve been a practicing witch for… eesh, at least fifteen+ years (I’ve lost track), there were some sections I skipped over: moon phases, Wheel of the Year, the elements. The majority of the information there is “old news” for long-time practitioners, but it never hurts to re-acquaint ones self with the basics. Plus, she includes great little rituals to help solidify your connection with the different elements and such. I also ended up skipping others because there wasn’t really any relevance to an actual daily practice.
Still, I’ll probably go back and read it again and make notes on the information. Even when I had other things to do, I had a hard time putting it down. She gave a lot of ideas I want to try, and says a lot of things I think everybody needs to remember. I need to point out one major thing – this is the first time I’ve read a book that has given reasonable, doable suggestions for working with and involving familiars.
There were some things that were distracting and kept me from giving this book a full five stars. There is one area where there is quite a bit of personal opinion, as well as quite the tirade on social/ecological issues. While I can see the relation between the Activist Pagan and these subjects, I question the validity of including this in a book for the “everyday Witch” who already has trouble meeting their spiritual goals. The entire subject seems best suited for a different kind of book all together.
There are also issues that, well, the author freely admits she doesn’t know much about. Those types of issues I believe should have been left out entirely, as they bear no relevance without a strong background. Others still are issues that are merely trendy. They serve as nothing more than a source of contention in the greater Pagan community and would be best to be avoided.
Oh, one final thing that made me really happy: She didn’t forget the car!
I used to hang a Kundalini charm from my rear-view window and listen to Laura Powers and other “witchy” music on my way to and from work every day. I am so pleased to see this included!
Source: NetGalley
Originally Reviewed: January 9, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book, and was so happy that it did not disappoint. And the writing style was beautiful – I could almost hear the author reading aloud. She definitely has her own voice, and she uses it well.
She writes in a very no-nonsense manner. Everything is straightforward and easily understandable. She throws in these dashes of humor that break things up so smoothly and at just the right places. And I can’t emphasize enough how much I love the simplicity of the entire book.
There are so many people I could see picking up and utilizing this book. The experienced Witch trying to revitalize their practice (such as myself). Someone who might be interested in Witchcraft but the idea of ritual and spells makes them uncomfortable. And she says it in the book, but it’s definitely worth nothing here: If you end up reading this book, something is calling you to a deeper, more involved spiritual practice.
Being that I’ve been a practicing witch for… eesh, at least fifteen+ years (I’ve lost track), there were some sections I skipped over: moon phases, Wheel of the Year, the elements. The majority of the information there is “old news” for long-time practitioners, but it never hurts to re-acquaint ones self with the basics. Plus, she includes great little rituals to help solidify your connection with the different elements and such. I also ended up skipping others because there wasn’t really any relevance to an actual daily practice.
Still, I’ll probably go back and read it again and make notes on the information. Even when I had other things to do, I had a hard time putting it down. She gave a lot of ideas I want to try, and says a lot of things I think everybody needs to remember. I need to point out one major thing – this is the first time I’ve read a book that has given reasonable, doable suggestions for working with and involving familiars.
There were some things that were distracting and kept me from giving this book a full five stars. There is one area where there is quite a bit of personal opinion, as well as quite the tirade on social/ecological issues. While I can see the relation between the Activist Pagan and these subjects, I question the validity of including this in a book for the “everyday Witch” who already has trouble meeting their spiritual goals. The entire subject seems best suited for a different kind of book all together.
There are also issues that, well, the author freely admits she doesn’t know much about. Those types of issues I believe should have been left out entirely, as they bear no relevance without a strong background. Others still are issues that are merely trendy. They serve as nothing more than a source of contention in the greater Pagan community and would be best to be avoided.
Oh, one final thing that made me really happy: She didn’t forget the car!
I used to hang a Kundalini charm from my rear-view window and listen to Laura Powers and other “witchy” music on my way to and from work every day. I am so pleased to see this included!
Friday, August 1, 2014
The Gray Witch's Grimoire - Amythyst Raine
The Gray Witch's Grimoire - Amythyst Raine
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: August 1, 2014
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for this book. I really did. After reading the pages available as a preview, and going through the reviews available on Amazon, I was excited! Finally, a book that took (what I believe to be) a realistic perspective on Witchcraft – that all parts of it are to be respected, not feared.
I wish I could say I wasn’t disappointed. For one, its short. Less than 200 pages. (If I had the ability to focus I once did, I could read it in one sitting.) For another, it doesn’t really address Gray Witchcraft. It reads like a basic introduction to Witchcraft for the average seeker rather than someone who’s experienced in the Craft and wants to dive a little deeper into areas not typically covered.
I can appreciate her opening with “Magickal Principles” and a “Code of Ethics” for us “gray witches”, but that doesn’t even cover a full dozen pages. After that, it’s discussion on some symbols, and basic Witchcraft beliefs.
I understand this is titled as a Grimoire, so I’m not taking issue with the fact the rest of the book is full of correspondences. However, they are correspondences that can be found with just a few keystrokes on Google, with no real link to the concept of Gray Witchcraft.
That being said, there are a few things in the book that I think are missing from most basic Wicca/Witchcraft books on the market today – but again, nothing really specific to Gray Witchcraft. It was neat seeing how the author viewed Initiation, as that almost always ends up being a contentious subject. I enjoyed her take on how one experiences initiation not being a part of a group. I also enjoyed how she expanded on “The Metaphysical Laws of Witchcraft.” Again, something I think most books on Witchcraft are missing, but nothing special to the Gray Witch.
To wrap this up, I’ll say this: I think Amythyst Raine had a great idea, but the execution could have been done much better. The book itself is a good book – not something I would sit down and read, but definitely something I would still use as a quick reference as it has a lot of good information. If you are looking for a book that might actually be a good reference for the Gray Witch, I’d strongly suggest you search elsewhere.
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: August 1, 2014
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for this book. I really did. After reading the pages available as a preview, and going through the reviews available on Amazon, I was excited! Finally, a book that took (what I believe to be) a realistic perspective on Witchcraft – that all parts of it are to be respected, not feared.
I wish I could say I wasn’t disappointed. For one, its short. Less than 200 pages. (If I had the ability to focus I once did, I could read it in one sitting.) For another, it doesn’t really address Gray Witchcraft. It reads like a basic introduction to Witchcraft for the average seeker rather than someone who’s experienced in the Craft and wants to dive a little deeper into areas not typically covered.
I can appreciate her opening with “Magickal Principles” and a “Code of Ethics” for us “gray witches”, but that doesn’t even cover a full dozen pages. After that, it’s discussion on some symbols, and basic Witchcraft beliefs.
I understand this is titled as a Grimoire, so I’m not taking issue with the fact the rest of the book is full of correspondences. However, they are correspondences that can be found with just a few keystrokes on Google, with no real link to the concept of Gray Witchcraft.
That being said, there are a few things in the book that I think are missing from most basic Wicca/Witchcraft books on the market today – but again, nothing really specific to Gray Witchcraft. It was neat seeing how the author viewed Initiation, as that almost always ends up being a contentious subject. I enjoyed her take on how one experiences initiation not being a part of a group. I also enjoyed how she expanded on “The Metaphysical Laws of Witchcraft.” Again, something I think most books on Witchcraft are missing, but nothing special to the Gray Witch.
To wrap this up, I’ll say this: I think Amythyst Raine had a great idea, but the execution could have been done much better. The book itself is a good book – not something I would sit down and read, but definitely something I would still use as a quick reference as it has a lot of good information. If you are looking for a book that might actually be a good reference for the Gray Witch, I’d strongly suggest you search elsewhere.
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