Natural Magic – Review
Magic? It’s natural!
Many new witches and Wiccans are discovering the Old Ways. However, some of them don’t realize that the Old Ways — and natural magic — were explored and documented back in the 20th century by people like Doreen Valiente, the author of this important book.
To more fully understand the world around you — and the natural magic in your everyday life — this book is vital. It’s one of the classics.
Did you know…that the thickness of the layers in a locally grown onion will indicate the severity of the coming winter? That’s one of many tips in this book that will introduce you to the wise ways of past witches and Wiccans.
Keep the Old Ways alive. Enrich your life with magic from the natural world around you.
Though I think you’ll want to own this book, even if you can’t buy it right now, see if your public library owns a copy. (If they don’t, ask if they can get it for you from another library.)
Magic is all around us. All we need is the ability to see it, understand it, and apply it. Natural Magic allows us to do just that, and this book makes it simple.
The ‘Charmed’ Book of Shadows – Review
Though Charmed was fiction, not fact, it introduced many people to the charming world (pun intended) of real magick, witchcraft, and Wicca.
I wouldn’t make this Charmed book of shadows a high priority for beginners or even for advanced students of the Craft. However, if you were as impressed as I was, watching this dynamic TV series, this book is a must-own.
This ultimate guide to the hit TV series, the “Charmed” Book of Shadows serves as both a book of spells and a key to the mysteries of the show. Pretty cool stuff, eh?
The Book of Shadows celebrates the best of Charmed, from its roots in the ancient tradition of Wicca, to insider information on the popular TV series and its stars.
It’s not a substitute for real magic or books of shadows, but if you’re a Charmed fan like me… it’s kind of cool.
Look at it this way: You could spend the same money on a couple of magazines that you’ll read and throw out. Or, you can score the Charmed Book of Shadows and own some great reading (and re-reading) about the Charmed sisters and the magic they wove for us.
My advice? Get the book.
Armchair Magician – Book review
Now and then, someone recommends a book that isn’t related to witchcraft or Wicca at all.
Armchair Magician is one of those books.
It’s not the “magic” we practice. In fact, this kind of magic is why a lot of witches (including us, now & then) spell our work differently: Magick… with a K. We want to be sure people understand we’re not fooling anyone with a stage trick, smoke or mirrors.
Okay, with that out of the way, here’s our review: It’s a cool book of tricks if you love old-fashioned parlor magic.
Here’s the official description:
The carefully guarded secrets of master magicians, such as Houdini, Harry Blackstone, and Siegfriend and Roy, are revealed in a book of exceptional instruction and magical effects.
Easter’s Pagan Roots
Easter has Pagan roots. Most Christians don’t realize that. They only know that Easter is usually celebrated on a Sunday in March or April. Unlike Christmas (always on December 25th), Easter is celebrated at widely varying dates.
Why is that? If Christ’s birth date is so easy to pinpoint, why does the date of his Resurrection seem so vague?
Ask almost any Christian why Easter is celebrated at such different dates, from year to year. He or she will usually pause and say, “I have no idea.”
Here’s the answer: Easter is always the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox.
Yes, like many Christian holy days, Easter is firmly rooted in Pagan traditions. Most people know that holidays such as Christmas and All Saints Day were deliberately placed on or near times when converted Pagans were accustomed to celebrating.
Easter — based on Ostara, the Pagan celebration of springtime renewal — is a holiday clearly founded on earth-based traditions.
Many Pagans and Wiccans embrace that as another symbol of how all religions are interconnected. We’re happy to share basic spiritual concepts with other faiths. The names may change, but the core beliefs are universal.
Ostara and Easter both celebrate the renewal of life, and they’re an affirmation that the spirit continues after apparent physical death.
Many Christians embrace that unifying belief system as well. Though firmly asserting non-Pagan concepts (such as a powerful devil or Satan figure), the book The More Perfect Way (by Chad and Christopher McCoy), urges Christians to return to first century Christian beliefs. Though some Pagans will be baffled by — or even resent — the “evil” references linked to the Old Ways, few books cover as much ground linking modern religions (such as Christianity) to their time-honored foundations.
Pagans may be more comfortable with books such as Solar Myths and Christian Festivals, by Edward Carpenter (Kindle format). He also connects the events and belief systems that preceded today’s Christian holidays and holy days. However, his views celebrate Pagan (and Wiccan) traditions rather than cast them in Satan’s shadow.
Drawing lines between religions is not helpful. Pagans, Wiccans and Christians can live in harmony. We can find joy in our common concepts, regardless of the labels placed on them.
Whether you call it Easter, Eostre, Ostara, or by some other name, the meaning of the season is the same: A celebration of rebirth, and an affirmation of eternal life through our connection with Deity.
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Though it may seem a little “too Christian” and heavy-handed for some Pagans, this book may be a useful bridge between witches and our Christian neighbors who aren’t too sure if their church is still authentic.
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The Magical Household: Spells & Rituals for the Home
Magick begins at home. If you’re serious about being a witch or practicing Wicca, you know that it’s far more than just casting a spell here or a protection there.
Like any spiritual belief, the Craft and Wicca are part of your daily life. From how you greet the morning to the protection you invoke at night — and everything in-between — magick becomes part of your daily routine and your household.
This is a classic book that belongs in the home of every witch. It takes everyday magickal living beyond the cute “ooh, let’s pretend we’re witches” level. It helps you make every moment magickal… and filled with the power of the Old Ways.
Here’s a summary of this important book:
Recognize and celebrate the magic of life with timeless rites and spells. Create a magical household—a haven of harmony, safety, spirituality, security, and romance. The benefits include a happier existence, protection against thieves, improved
