The Book of Blessings and Rituals - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Book of Blessings and Rituals - Magical Invocations For Healing, Setting Energy and Creating Sacred Space by Athena Perrakis, Ph.D.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page
Release Date: 7/30/19


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. 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 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.


I'll begin this review with the physical book.  The review copy I received is a hard cover book but did not have a dust jacket.  The image on the front shows assorted religious emblems and is a very vibrant raised image on cover.  The art inside is illustrative art and lends itself nicely to the context of the book.  There is no index in this book but the table of contents is pretty extensive.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The chapters are broken down by month and include an assortment of rituals and blessings that correspond.  January, for example has new year's blessings and directional invocations while September offers  prayers for Rosh Hashanah, Mabon  and a Honey Blessing Jar project.

As in many of her other books, the author provides a clear and concise delivery of the information within the pages. The chapters begin with a brief overview of each month which includes a brief history or explanation of that rites within.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The October chapter provides a brief look at Samhain (Summer's End in Gaelic) and how the Celts may have celebrated this new year.  The author gives us several rituals and a project associated with the celebration of the dead. Creating an ancestor altar has been one of my yearly traditional for quite some time.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


I really enjoyed the diversity included in this book.  While reading up on Samhain I was delighted to find a section on Diwali.  Diwali is Sanskrit for light or lamp.  Its an ancient Hindu festival celebrated at the New Moon in October.

The blessing begins:

On this new moon,
we remember light's victory over darkness.
Diyas glow like treasures,
thunderous sounds boom triumphantly
illuminating the night with color and sound
Now is the time to delight in celebration.
Lakshmi, I honor you on this day.
Thank you for blessing us with your abundance.

Over all, this book is well organized, and provides a well rounded bit of information from an assortment of cultures. Including projects with each chapter provides the reader the opportunity to not only read about rituals they may not have heard about, but also the ability to put them into practice as well.   I believe this is a great book to have on your self to compliment an extensive religious text collection or to introduce yourself to new paths you may have otherwise missed.





The Astrology of Love & Sex - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Astrology of Love & Sex, a Modern Compatibility Guide by Annabel Gat.  Illustrations by Jess Rotter.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover


Author Links - Link
Illustrator Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page
Release Date July 30, 2019

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. 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 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.

I'm going to start off with a review of the physical book.  In this day and age of e-Books I find that most publishers are skimping on the physical aesthetics of a print book.  Most are poorly bound or the pages lack luster.  The cover lacks definition and/or color and the art is pitiful.  That is NOT the case with this book.  This book is stunning.  The cover, although only two colors, is delightful. The front is decorated with the illustrative work of Jess Rotter.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Pages

I snapped a few photos of these images and man, they are fantastic.  As an out Lesbian married to a Trans-man I can tell you we do not see enough diversity in some of these books on love and relationships that cross my desk.  This one, however, is the exception.  I love the way this artist interpreted the signs and represented love across the board in such a way that, in my humble opinion, anyone can connect with.  This book is heavy too. A solid book with shiny gilded page ends that make for a wonderful feel.  If you are a person who loves to feel a strong book in your hands, this book is for you!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Aries



On to the contents!

The author takes us on a journey through each of the signs telling us the ins and outs (pun intended) to hooking up with each.  Taking my own sign, the author tell yous about the Piscean at their best and worst.  First impressions, flirting and the how each sign can connect with this mystical fish.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Taurus


I did a quick check of course, comparing the signs of previous lovers and found that the author seems to be able to connect directly to the positive and negative aspects of each sign. Showing exactly how the ebb and flow of love and sex are intertwined.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Pisces
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Pisces

Cross referencing the signs (Pisces and Virgo then Virgo and Pisces) shows the skill that the author avoids the easy copy and paste here and gives the dirt on working with each sign, from that sign's prospective. My partner and I have been together 17 years and this book was dead right on our relationship.  For example the author writes:


On the surface, Virgo may not seem as mystical as Pisces, the psychedelic fish, but this is vary from from the truth: Virgos are deep thinkers, profoundly concerned with finding inner truth, which is something these two very much have in common.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Virgo
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Virgo



That is very much true in this relationship.  I loved every aspect of this book.  The artwork, the way the author weaves together the lives and loves of the signs.  They even include a poly relationship. So amazing to see. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cancer


I highly recommend this book for anyone who longs to see diversity displayed in all its rainbow glory on the pages of a horoscope book.  No more pretending to see people who look like us.  This book takes on a magical journey, and we want to go back again and again!





What I Wish You Said....

At some point in everyone's life there comes a moment when you look back at a relationship, a job, an event where your friends around you offered suggestions, encouragement or support.  After that moment has passed retrospection usually follows.  As an analytical person, I spend a great deal of time looking back over tasks, jobs, positions and the like trying to determine the best course of action.  Did I follow the rules?  Did I meet my goal?  Was the outcome, the best outcome?

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


One of my recent blog posts was a book review about a great book that helped me really sit back and look at what brought me bliss. This retrospection is all about understanding what brings you happiness and contentment.  Today I have a great job, a wonderful family and am working on getting my health to the best it can be for a 50 year old.  I may not ever be a kick-boxer, but I know that I will be able to take care of myself in my golden years, instead of relying on someone else to bathe me.

Over the last few years I have read everything I can get my hands on related to health and wellness. I have poured my soul into understanding the best course of action to fully take charge of my health, my well being and my surroundings.  I took a year to live in an RV in the desert just to come to terms with what is really important for me.



What I needed to do was read that my weight, while maybe normal for someone on a SAD eating plan, it wasn't normal for my body. In those articles I learned that all the oil I was putting in my body, all the sugar was killing me. And I needed to change that.



I commented this morning on a article about kicking wellness to the curb on a page called "Fat Fe..... Wi...."  Name blurred to protect the innocent.  I was met with the reply of, your comment is off topic and will be deleted shortly.  I removed my comment and un-liked the page.  You see, sometimes people, especially fat people who are unhealthy (and I can speak to this because I was one), don't like to be told they are accountable for their own actions.  This article was speaking to how people fall into stereotypes and go into one fad diet after another to try to "fix" what isn't broken. Because you know, if you just love fat people (who are unhealthy) they'll be fine.  To that I say bullshit.



Fat (who are unhealthy) people don't need to be told their beautiful. We need to be told we're in danger. And I say that with a loud fucking yell because I heard from all my friends how beautiful I was at 300 pounds.  I heard them tell me what I was loved and I was find just the way I was.  But you know what?  I wasn't fine. I was close to death. I couldn't breathe when I walked up a slight incline. I couldn't sleep well because the fat around my throat was choking me while I slept. What I need was someone to come to me and say:

Photo Credit Elijah Olson
Pic 1  July 2016 - Pic 2 July 2019
128 lbs lost

  1. Hey, Renee, you should really get rid of all the processed food in your cabinets.  
  2. Hey Renee, you should toss out that milk because, you know you're not a fucking baby cow and you shouldn't drink it.
  3. Hey Renee, you can't breathe because the fat around your neck is getting so think that its choking you to death while you sleep.
  4. Hey Renee, your knee and hip arthritis is so bad because your knees weren't intended to carry around three hundred fucking pounds.
  5. Hey Renee, stop eating pizza or you're going to die, way early and way painfully.


I completely understand being a support system for those who are unhealthy.  You see my weight, my size was directly related to my health. Today I'm a much healthier person and a side effect of my new eating habits are having lost 128 lbs. My blood work is amazing now.  I no longer have issues with sleep, my knees, my hip or my fibro. I have completely reversed my type 2 diabetes and have seem to have no continued issues with my congestive heart failure.


Photo Credit - Screen Cap UNC Health

Photo Credit - Screen Cap UNC Health
Just so I'm clear, I'm not saying we need to be ugly to people who are overweight. I'm not saying you need to call names or shun anyone.  What I am saying is look out for your tribe. If you see someone struggling, lend a hand.  A real hand.  Don't tell someone a dress looks great on them when it doesn't.  A real friend will tell you that you have a booger showing. A real friend will tell you that you need to address certain things.  Be someone who helps straighten a crown when NO ONE is watching.

I'm also not saying that everyone over a certain size is unhealthy.  We are all different. We all have different body make ups and there is no perfect size.  Your body will tell you what is right for you when you give it the nutrients it needs.  I figured this out the hard way.

I am putting this offer out there.  Anyone at all who is interested in learning about WFPB lifestyle and healing your body holistically feel free to reach out to me via this blog or on my support page at Real Rations.  I share science based resources to learning to live and heal your body using food. I share recipes in my group Real Rations Recipes as well as welcome stories and before and afters here.  Everything I share there is free.  My goal is to help those out there who were like me.  Those who were morbidly obese and utterly hopeless.  Those who felt as though they wanted to die.

I'm not trying to change your mind on plant based eating. That's not my business and frankly, I don't have the energy for that fight.  I'm here for those who want to change.  Who want to try something new. Those who need to try something new.  For those, this message is for you.  I see you.  I hear you. You are important. You are worth it.  <3








25,000 Followers Celebration

We did it!!  25,000 are part of the Confessions of a Modern Witch family. To celebrate I'm going to kick off a giveaway.  I have two books by Skye Alexander that I'm going to give away to two lucky members.  I'll choose one at random from the top fans list and one at random using Rafflecopter.



For the Top fan, I'll be giving away a copy of 10-Minute Magic Spells, Simple Spells and Self-Care Practices to Harness Your Inner Power.  You can find my review of that book here.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover



And for the Rafflecopter give away, you'll enter to win a copy of 10 Minute Crystal Ball, Easy Tips for Developing Your Inner Wisdom and Psychic Powers.  You can find my review of that book here.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Credit - Cover


I'll open the rafflecopter giveaway for the next five days!  You can enter by checking out some of the pages that I manage and by tweeting about the giveaway on Twitter.  On the day of the drawing I'll pick at random a winner from rafflecopter and choose one of the Top Fans on the Confessions of a Modern Witch page to send a copy of the book.

A few rules, first Facebook, Blogger, Twitter and Rafflecopter are in no way associated with my giveaway. I will need you to send a shipping address within 24 hours of being notified of winning AND you must live in the United States.  Unfortunately shipping costs are so high I can only afford to send to US addresses.

You have from July 8, 2019 at 12:00 AM - July 13, 2019 at 12:00 AM to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Little Book of Self-Care for Leo - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Little Book of Self-Care for Leo by Constance Stellas.
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Src - Cover




Author Links - Link
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 contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. 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 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.


As always I'm going to start with a review of the physical book.  This is a small hard cover book, perfect size to toss in a bag or backpack.  The the cover has a textured finish and is colorful.  My copy came with a sticker "not for resale".  one of the more annoying aspects of doing book reviews.  The inside is printed in red ink and has no illustrations at all.  The contents page is six lines long. Yes, I said six, and there is no index. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Src - Cover



The author defines for the reader, self care and goes on to break it down into types of self care. Such as physical, emotional, mental and practical just to list a few of the section headers.  I enjoyed the section called "What Self-Care Isn't".  I think a lot of self proclaimed gurus forget this aspect and many who think they are taking time to careful themselves miss this entirely.

The author writes:

Self-care is restorative. Self-care is clarifying. Self-care is whatever you need to do to make yourself feel secure in the universe.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Src - Cover


The section on Governing Elements is incredible.  I think that this section is key to fully understanding Chapter 3 which defines the element of fire as it relates to the sign of Leo.  Leading directly into the second part of the book which includes self care rituals.  These rituals are short, sweet and to the point.  One ritual per page, front and back for over 100 pages.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Src - Book

While directed specifically at Leo, the suggestion on page 41 to decorate the house with peacock feathers hit the nail on the head for me.  Surround yourself with things that are beautiful and you will feel beautiful. 

Overall this is an adorable book that is available in all the signs of the zodiac. This would be a great graduation, birthday or bridal party gift. I highly recommend heading out and grabbing your copy today.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Src - Promo Materials


Celebrating Equality on July 4th

As today's festivities get underway remember the history of today. The founding fathers, slave owners, fought against an oppressive monarchy. They fought against a government that did not provide fair and equal treatment. Much like they were doing in their own colonies by treating human beings as chattel. They proposed a notion of freedom. Freedom and equality for all. Yet this, at the time and still to some extent today, was an entitlement for white wealthy land owners. Land, stolen from the indigenous peoples of this continent. They wanted fair and equal representation because they felt their government was not proving that. Much like I, and I know many others, feel today.



I sit here, seeing our President behave much like the monarchy this nation fought against. A tiny group of people against tyranny. Today we must not allow our nation to be ruled by the elite few. Our history is made by those coming from around the world. The oppressed, the tired, the hungry yearning to be free. Our beginning was in oppression. Our future is in freedom.

Max D. Stanley's painting “The Trail of Tears.”


Our country was built on the backs of black people. Our country was built on the labor of people of color. Our country prospered on the backs of the immigrant, the forced slavery of a proud people. This country is stolen from a people, the first people, pushed to the brink of extinction by white people.

Image SRC - History.com


Today we need to accept that this nation, our nation, is not perfect. We have blemishes. We made mistakes. As white people we need to use our privilege to raise up those who are disenfranchised. We need to not speak for, or speak over these people. We need to pass the mic.

Source

So, what can we do? Today July 4, 2019 declare your independence from tyranny. Use your voice to embrace equality. Share content from black people. Believe black women. Raise awareness on the injustice in the workplace, the education system and the prison pipeline that railroad black people and people of color in this nation. Follow black bloggers. Read black authors. Learn black history. Learn LGBTQI history. Learn about people of color. Learn about immigration. Welcome the Muslim, the Jew as well as the Atheist to the table. Make room for those who without your support would be forgotten.



Source

Most of all, close your mouth and listen. Don't explain black people. Don't speak for black people. Don't try to explain what Trans people should feel. Don't speak over the disenfranchised. Instead amplify their voices. Share their work. Give them the platform you have.

  


I share a lot of articles with out commentary. I do this because this is their story. This is their voice. This is our time to show our support for our black brothers and sisters, our families of color and our LGBTQI family.

We are not free as long as one of us are bound.

Today, pass the mic.