Celebrating Samhain - A Giveaway

One of the most exciting times of the year for me is Samhain. I love the crisp air and the falling leaves. I love finding time to connect with the Ancestors.  Over the years I have compiled quite a list of Samhain posts.  Here's a link to all of my blog posts related to Samhain.

This year I decided to cut back and bit and take a moment to invite one of my readers to benefit from my bookshelf. Over the next week, I'll be accepting entries to win the books listed below.  These books are ones that I have reviewed and will ship to the winner at no charge.

Entries begin at blog publication, which is 10/26/18 at 12:00 AM
Entries close on 10/31/18 at 12:00 AM

There are several opportunities to qualify for extra entries, including sharing, commenting on the blog and a bonus entry to get more points by tweeting about the giveaway each day.

I will draw a name on 11/01/18 and contact the winner via the email they provided at registration. They will have 24 hours to contact me.  If they do not contact me, I will redraw a new winner and notify them.


This giveaway includes the following books.


Light Magic for Dark Times
The Holy Wild
Find Your Goddess
Protection Spells
Modern Witchcraft Guide to Natural Magic
Egyptian Numerology
Develop Your ESP - I didn't review this book, but thought it made a great addition to this giveaway so I'm including it in this box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free shipping to lower 48 only, US Only, Void where prohibited. Facebook, Rafflecopter, Twitter and Blogger are in no way affiliated with this offer.

Please note this are advanced copies of these books in some cases provided by the media publishing company for reviews.

Celebrating Samhain - A Giveaway

One of the most exciting times of the year for me is Samhain. I love the crisp air and the falling leaves. I love finding time to connect with the Ancestors.  Over the years I have compiled quite a list of Samhain posts.  Here's a link to all of my blog posts related to Samhain.

This year I decided to cut back and bit and take a moment to invite one of my readers to benefit from my bookshelf. Over the next week, I'll be accepting entries to win the books listed below.  These books are ones that I have reviewed and will ship to the winner at no charge.

Entries begin at blog publication, which is 10/19/18 at 12:00 AM
Entries close on 10/25/18 at 12:00 AM

There are several opportunities to qualify for extra entries, including sharing, commenting on the blog and a bonus entry to get more points by tweeting about the giveaway each day.

I will draw a name on 10/26/18 and contact the winner via the email they provided at registration. They will have 24 hours to contact me.  If they do not contact me, I will redraw a new winner and notify them.


This giveaway includes the following books.

In Focus Crystals
In Focus Astrology
In Focus Palmistry
In Focus Meditation
The Ultimate Guide to Chakras
Moon Magic
The Ultimate Guide to Divination

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Free shipping to lower 48 only, US Only, Void where prohibited. Facebook, Rafflecopter, Twitter and Blogger are in no way affiliated with this offer.

Please note this are advanced copies of these books in some cases provided by the media publishing company for reviews.

Witches @ Work - A Review

This week I'm doing a review of a new Kickstarter projects that I found called Witches @ Work by  Bobbie Berendson Wilcox.


If you head over to the kickstarter page, the artist has shared a video of the various pages completed so far in this amazing collection. And if you're so inclined take a moment to support this fantastic protect.

Image Credit - Bobbie Berendson Wilcox
Shared with permission

A message from the artist:

Hi, my name is Bobbie Berendson W. and I am a solitary pagan leaning artist 
and creator who, among other things, makes coloring-story books. All of my 
books feature my hand drawn images and story bits.  My first 3 were 
hand-bound by me, this new one will be spiral bound professionally.

My latest one is on kickstarter right now until Oct. 30th.  It is called 
Witches@Work and has more than 30 hand drawn coloring pages and story bios 
of each character.  I love the classic witch asthetic and as it symbolizes 
wisdom and compassion to me I thought it would be fun to apply it to a 
variety of things in a world full of witches.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/717858090/witches-work-coloring-and-art-book

   I am posting a full color version of each drawing daily so even watching 
the kickstarter lets you see lots of free eye candy.  If you could give it 
a look and if it tickles your fancy perhaps share it with others.

Image Credit - Bobbie Berendson Wilcox
Shared with permission

Image Credit - Bobbie Berendson Wilcox
Shared with permission

Magic Medicine - A Trip Through the Intoxicating History & Modern Day Use of Psychedelic Plants & Substances - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Magic Medicine - A Trip Through the Intoxicating History & Modern Day Use of Psychedelic Plants & Substances by Cody Johnson.

Book Cover

Author Web Page
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.

As usually I'll start this view with a general look at the physical book.  I am one of those folks who doesn't get the same enjoyment from e-books as I do from holding a physical book in my hands.  While I may be in the minority, I really like a book that feels good to hold. I like to smell the pages and feel the texture of the pages beneath my fingers as I devour the book word by word.  To me, there is just something missing a bit from an e-book.  This book is solid.  When you pick it up, you'll know you have a book in your hands. The cover is fantastic.  With the images of magical mushrooms and molecular symbols the excruciatingly long title is less offensive. The pages are smooth, however they lack images. I would expect a book providing information on medicinal herbs would have more photos.  

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Magic Medicine

My favorite part of most books like this is the index. Generally a strong index will help the reader locate information quickly if the book is intended to be used as reference. This book has one page, front and back for an index.  The book however is heavily referenced.  The reference section includes three pages, both front and back, that thoroughly provide the supporting information for the reader.  I found this extremely helpful for many of the chapters.  

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Magic Medicine

I won't go into all the chapters here, but will go into one in particular.  Page 185 begins the section on Cannabis.  This is of particular interest to me as my husband has Glaucoma and I have Bipolar & Borderline Personality disorders. The author tells us that this herb is one of the most commonly used drug in history yet, has not been responsible for a single death or overdose.  The author takes us through the three species of cannabis and the assorted methods of ingestion.  These methods range from eating, smoking, vaping to oils and tinctures. 

I like the fact that the author also talks about the spiritual aspects of using cannabis. Along with the medicinal, there are times when the brain just needs to slow down.  In order to connect with oneself, at times we need to just stop.  As a person with bipolar disorder, I can tell you, this mind rarely slows down. I am going 24/7.  I figure out problems in my sleep. My brain works on projects and fills out the process for solutions while I sleep.  I'll wake in the middle of the night and need to jot things down. This of course is a disruption.  The ability to sit down and SLOOOOW down is something that escapes me.  Being able to sit and be ok with not doing anything is a struggle and as one would expect, doing any work on meditation or visualizations are a struggle.  Mood stabilization and nausea cures are just two of the amazing benefits of this herb.  

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Magic Medicine

Each chapter is taken on withe the same care. Beginning with the origin and background of each herb, the author takes us through the experience of the herb as well as any toxicity related to it. I found the information both informative and useful. 

While to me, the index was lacking, the rest of the book is full of extremely useful information and I believe most will find instrumental in discovering the magic at our fingertips in the garden. 

The Practical Witch's Spell book for Love, Happiness and Success

Today I'm reviewing The Practical Witch's Spell book for Love, Happiness and Success by Cerridwen Greenleaf.

Cover

Author Links - Middle Earth Magic
Author Links - Your Magical Home
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.


As normal I'm going to start out with a review of the physical book.  I'm one of those people who enjoy picking up a book and flipping through the pages. E-books such as books in PDF or Kindle books just don't give me the same enjoyment as I get from holding a printed/bound book in my hands.  This book is solid. It is a hard cover with vibrant printing on the outside that entices the reader to open the cover.  The interior features a lot of illustrative art and is whimsical in nature. It also boasts of two full index pages, front and back allowing the reader to keep this book in hand for reference.

The author also added an appendix in this book which is critical for reference, in my opinion. This includes several tables on correspondences, full moon names and even a section on the Pythangorean system of numbering.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

This book is chock full of information that I believe every witch will benefit from. If you are an experienced witch and would like a fresh look at some of our old favorites or if you're a new comer to the craft, this book is for you.  It is written very simply in plain English for the novice to understand.

I loved the way the author presented the magical tips in Chapter 6 - House Magic for a Happy Home. There are several spells here for house cleansing as well as house warming. Often I sent rosemary and lavender as house warming gifts to friends and family. I am happy to see these simple spells and chants used in this book. There's even a spell to remove a haunting!  By far my favorite is the Bucks of Joy Floor Wash which includes the following spell:

Only joy is welcome here, no fear and doubt.
Spirits ill and energy dark, I cast you out!
sadness, anger, illness and doubt, I cast you out!
Welcome contentment and glee; this home is now happy and free.
Blessing to all who enter here.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Another sections I enjoyed was Chapter 9 - Pagan Parties and Sacred Sabbats. Those of you who follow me regularly will not be surprised by that choice.

Autumn is my favorite time of year and by far one of my favorite chapters in this book is called Lammas Day Feast, Harvesting Your Happiness. The author gives us a look at what Lammas is from a symbolic point of view and then adds some practical witchy tips including this wonderful chant.

O, ancient Lugh of the fields and farms,
We invite you here with open arms.
In this place between worlds, in flowering fields of hay,
You have brought the blessings we receive this Lammas Day.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

The author takes us on a journey from a five minute blade blessing to celebrating pagan sabbats. There are rituals and spells as well as a great index with correspondences and tables to make your magical life easier.  I think over all this is a great book for your magical library.


So now for the giveaway!   This giveaway will run for a week.  You are welcome to tweet each day to get extra points for the giveaway.  I'll make the drawing at the end of the week and contact the winner via email.  The winner will have 24 hours to reply to my email. If they do not reply with in the specified time, I will chose another winner.

If you cannot enter in the Rafflecopter link below you can also enter on my Facebook Page.

1 copy of The Practical Witch's Spell Book
1 Practical Magic Mini Book with Crystals
1 Set of blank note cards
1 Set of blank note books

Here are some pics of the items you could win!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Practical Witch's Spell Book

Please note, due to rising postal fees, I cannot ship internationally. This is open to continental USA only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free shipping to lower 48 only, US Only, Void where prohibited. Facebook, Rafflecopter, Twitter and Blogger are in no way affiliated with this offer.

Please note this are advanced copies of these books in some cases provided by the media publishing company for reviews.