Today I'm reviewing Light Magic for Dark Times by Lisa Marie Basile, founder of Luna Luna Magazine.
Author Web Site
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Amazon Author Link
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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.
This is a pretty solid book from a binding perspective. Even without a dust jacket the color and printing are vibrant and easy to read. The cover is great and the author not only added my favorite bit, an index but arranged the chapters by subject. This makes it a great to use as a reference book, which in my opinion is what all spell/ritual books are. The only thing that would make this a bit easier would be color tabs on the edges of the pages to allow you to flip directly to a section. They did however put the chapter numbers on the edges of the pages, which was a great addition. Over all the contents page is fantastic.
By far this is one of the most modern ritual/spell books I have reviewed to date. On page 82, the author gives us a spell to recharge after attending a protest or doing social justice work.
My only real issue is the relating of magic to colors. In the recharge spell, the author has the following:
While this may not be the author's intention, using references making the color black bad, or negative is something we see in all sorts of literary sources and in my opinion is something that ingrains racism into our society. For centuries magic has been practiced by all sorts of people. From those who attended high society Greek/Roman events to those frequenting the cemeteries of the bayou to cast their spells. Magic is magic. Adding color to it, in my opinion, promotes colonialism.
I really enjoyed the spell on page 90 called "A Spell for Saying Hell No to Labels". The ritual reads like directions for making yourself a better person. This is what I say everyday to those sending me messages on my Facebook page or clients who are looking for making changes in their lives. You have to say it out. YOU have to own it. You must see yourself living the results of the spell. If you don't see it, how will it come to fruition? It won't. You have to own it!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think that this would make a fine addition to any magical library. I would encourage my readers however, to take some time to explore the links I have provided at the end of my blog to have a long hard look at what we call white magic and black magic. Intentions are one thing, magic is another. Think of it this way. Trucks are neither male nor female. Its a machine with no gender. Yet, we sit and allow marketing teams to convince us that if our little girl wants a truck, it's the end of the world. Magic too, has no gender. It has no color. Magic is magic. No more, no less.
More Reading
The Black is Bad Effect - Scientific America
Can Asatru Be Saved From the Racists - The Atlantic
How Worshiping Thor Turned Racist - Vice
Gray Witchcraft - The Porcelain Pumpkin
20 Years After Midnight - South Magazine
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| Book Cover |
Author Web Site
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.
This is a pretty solid book from a binding perspective. Even without a dust jacket the color and printing are vibrant and easy to read. The cover is great and the author not only added my favorite bit, an index but arranged the chapters by subject. This makes it a great to use as a reference book, which in my opinion is what all spell/ritual books are. The only thing that would make this a bit easier would be color tabs on the edges of the pages to allow you to flip directly to a section. They did however put the chapter numbers on the edges of the pages, which was a great addition. Over all the contents page is fantastic.
By far this is one of the most modern ritual/spell books I have reviewed to date. On page 82, the author gives us a spell to recharge after attending a protest or doing social justice work.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Light Magic for Dark Times |
My only real issue is the relating of magic to colors. In the recharge spell, the author has the following:
With the face-up palms, begin to envision the universe's energy coming into you. Feel it charging through you as a pure white light.
While this may not be the author's intention, using references making the color black bad, or negative is something we see in all sorts of literary sources and in my opinion is something that ingrains racism into our society. For centuries magic has been practiced by all sorts of people. From those who attended high society Greek/Roman events to those frequenting the cemeteries of the bayou to cast their spells. Magic is magic. Adding color to it, in my opinion, promotes colonialism.
I really enjoyed the spell on page 90 called "A Spell for Saying Hell No to Labels". The ritual reads like directions for making yourself a better person. This is what I say everyday to those sending me messages on my Facebook page or clients who are looking for making changes in their lives. You have to say it out. YOU have to own it. You must see yourself living the results of the spell. If you don't see it, how will it come to fruition? It won't. You have to own it!
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Light Magic for Dark Times |
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think that this would make a fine addition to any magical library. I would encourage my readers however, to take some time to explore the links I have provided at the end of my blog to have a long hard look at what we call white magic and black magic. Intentions are one thing, magic is another. Think of it this way. Trucks are neither male nor female. Its a machine with no gender. Yet, we sit and allow marketing teams to convince us that if our little girl wants a truck, it's the end of the world. Magic too, has no gender. It has no color. Magic is magic. No more, no less.
More Reading
The Black is Bad Effect - Scientific America
Can Asatru Be Saved From the Racists - The Atlantic
How Worshiping Thor Turned Racist - Vice
Gray Witchcraft - The Porcelain Pumpkin
20 Years After Midnight - South Magazine
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