SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Psychic Witch - Matt Auryn

Release Date: 01/03/20

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications

SYNOPSIS:

Discover how to be a powerful psychic witch with this book on wielding energy and awakening your psychic senses. Psychic Witch explores the relationship between psychic ability and magick, interweaving them to create a strong foundation for accessing the full potential of your mind, body, and spirit. Mat Auryn reveals some of his most closely guarded tips, practices, and meditations so that you can master the perception and manipulation of energy. Featuring over ninety exercises and the inner tools you need to perform magick anywhere and at any time, Psychic Witch helps you tune in to yourself and the subtle energies of the world 

 

 

REVIEW:

To quote Shakespeare "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." (Hamlet Act 1 Scene 5) and to be honest I feel thats pretty much true when your delving into magic and other new age ways to help live your life. 

 

Each person has to find a path that works for them and for some, like me, its discovering the magic within and learning to enhance and utilise it to improve my life. Its one of the reasons why I read so many spiritual titles. Each adds a little something to my understanding and whilst bits and pieces fit within my own philosophies I really love finding my own path . 

 

This title by Matt Auryn takes the reader on a journey into a different area, and whilst its pretty common now to find books dealing with moon or sun magic, finding something that deals more with following your own intuition and tapping into its potential is a lot harder. 

 

Matt's writing style is easy to follow, gives you exercises in order to follow and all in has helped me to become more intuitive within my own life, I love the way that i can dive in and reread as well as relearn earlier parts as i develop and whilst Im still a novice I am noticing differences when I make choices that are improving my life. A solid read.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Essential Oils for Beginners - Kac Young

Release Date: 08/02/20

Publisher:  Llewellyn Publications

SYNOPSIS:

This approachable guide shares the secrets to improving your health and wellness through the use of twenty essential oils specifically chosen for their versatility and practicality. Kac Young shows you how these oils can be made into cleaning products, massage oils, aromatics, aphrodisiacs, magical formulas, and more. Explore the many ways essential oils can be used for personal empowerment and well-being, such as peppermint for pain relief and rosemary for weight loss. Designed to help you enjoy essential oils throughout your life, this impressive book provides profiles for each oil, application and safety guidelines, diffusing and pairing insights, recipes, and more. A must-have resource for your bookshelf, Essential Oils for Beginners enhances spirituality, happiness, beauty, and fortitude. 

 

REVIEW:

Whilst i have used essential oils for a number of years, I've never really learned which one is meant to promote various health benefits and to aid in other area's such as your own magical practices, crafting massage oils and cleaning products. 

 

Its well crafted, explains which scents go with which and how to build on various notes on differing levels to create new scents for your own personal scents. In addition, its easy to reference, is something that is easy to thumb through and find the various sections you want and above all else is written in an easy to understand manner in order to help you learn as you go without wasting expensive materials. 

 

All round a very happy reader and one that will keep returning to this title time and again not only to check basics but in order to help build up other options for future use.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Llewellyn Complete Book of Reiki - Melissa Tipton

Release Date: 29/02/20

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications

SYNOPSIS:

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH REIKI Discover the deep healing benefits of reiki and learn how to begin or advance your own practice. Llewellyn's Complete Book of Reiki shares the many ways reiki can uplift your spirit and restore your well-being. With dozens of exercises and more than 100 illustrations showing hand positions, symbols, and more, this thorough reference book is ideal for students and practitioners of every level. Within these pages, you will find helpful information and practical tips on the most important topics in reiki, including: 

 

• Vibrational Healing • Sensing Energy • Hand Positions • Symbols • Mantras • Traditional and Non-Traditional Techniques • Reiki Self-Practice • Professional Practice • Conducting Sessions • Teaching Reiki • Reiki Attunements • Reiki for Children and Pets • And More 

 

Reiki has the power to change your life from the inside out, and the more you interact with this energy, the more profound and far reaching the changes will be. This book shares insights into the many branches of reiki, helping you unlock your inner gifts for improved physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual vitality. 

 

REVIEW:

As a person who has utilised Reiki for a number of years, I love to find ways to improve my own practice and to enhance the experience not only for the recipient but also for myself as the practisioner.   This title has a great many exercises for the reader to follow, explains clearly the origin of reiki as well as how to utilise your full potential. 

 

Its written from a point of view of one who understands the practice, has a great deal of advice and is easy to follow and refer back to.    All in, as usual, from Llewellyn a title that will be used to as a reference guide time and again and is worth its weight in gold.  Cracking.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: The Way of Fire and Ice - Ryan Smith

Release Date: 01/11/19
Publisher:  Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: The Way of Fire and Ice reimagines and grounds Norse Paganism in today s world, providing practical information on crafting ritual, developing personal mystical practices, and building sustainable community. Instead of being a guide to the reconstruction of ancient Norse religion, this material helps you participate in a radical modern revival that integrates Norse deities and beliefs with elements of Neopagan practice. Author Ryan Smith shares steps you can take to begin relationships with the gods, ancestors, and spirits of place. You will also find fascinating perspectives on Norse cosmology, the runes, the nine worlds, and much more. Whether you want to improve your spiritual connection in the routine matters of daily life or want to work with bigger questions of purpose and meaning, the ideas presented here will serve you well on your journey.  


REVIEW: I've spent a lot of time reading through the mythologies and theologies of various societies and each one has fascinated me with the way that they've gone on to explain how things occurred, how they've effected the mindset of the various peoples and also demonstrated through the stories how things were met and overcome. 

For me, Norse mythology is perhaps the most human of those that I've read with even the gods making human errors and having to face their fates when the time of ragnorak comes. This book takes you through the various aspects of the norse religion addressing various offshoots and even facing its own dark rising from the far right stealing and manipulating the stories for their own use. 

The book deals with that, explains the errors and also goes on to show you how their own teaching give them various means to explore the human experience, showing you ways to utlise the runes both for divination as well as magic and how your own fate is yours to control through strength and courage rather than letting it be manipulated. Its a solid read, it doesn't take prisoners and I find it refreshing how it deals with all aspects revealing the darker things that can happen alongside how to walk your own path. 

All round its utterly refreshing and for me a title I had a hell of a time putting down.

FACTUAL GHOST STORIES: Haunted Rails - Matthew L Swayne

Release Date: 25/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: First you hear the mournful wail of the ghost train s horn. Then you hear the throaty diesel engines roar and the heavy wheels clatter and groan on the steel tracks. You see the bright searchlight cut the inky dark And, moments later, it s gone. Vanished in thin air. Haunted Rails is filled with stories of ghost trains, haunted locomotives, and spectral cabooses. Within these pages, you ll read the riveting stories of fatal crashes and the ghosts that linger in old railroad stations and museums. You ll discover engineers, conductors, and brakemen who perished on the job but have yet to cross over into the light. This book includes dozens of true ghost stories that take place on famous rail lines and in out-of-the-way locations that will delight even the most fervent railroad fan.

REVIEW: As a fan of a sitting by a campfire and listening to ghost stories I love spending time hearing stories that whilst old are brand new to me. This book takes you on the rails of america to hear a whole host of stories from ghostly signalmen to haunted cabooses. From female apparitions to eerie rail stations. Its a title full of short stories, that brings them to the fore, well written, to the point and with research from those who have investigated the claims themselves where possible.
All round a fun read and one that I was more than happy to spend time with, especially when you add good storytelling blended with research to help back up the story. Great fun.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Unicorn Magic: Awaken to Mystical Energy and Embrace your Personal Power - Tess Whitehurst

Release Date:   08/11/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Discover your personal strength through the whimsical-yet-practical lens of unicorn wisdom. This enchanting book is about finding your core power in a spiritual way—finding what makes you a unique, magical being.

Employing unicorn legends and lore as a sparkling framework, Unicorn Magic includes spiritual insight and practical exercises that counteract the current madness of our culture with the beauty and wonder that is our true legacy and birthright. Explore a wide range of topics, including energy work, meditation, ritual, activism and service, dreamwork, powers of the natural world (like crystals, herbs, and trees), creating a unicorn altar, spellwork, and more. With Tess Whitehurst's guidance, you'll rediscover your sense of wonder, awaken your intuition, and find the courage to make positive change in your life and in the world.

REVIEW: A book that I was more than interested in reading however for me it was a title that I sadly couldn't connect with in a meaningful way. Not that others won't but when I was a good way through, the practices didn't feel appropriate for me and an inner voice was telling me that it was sadly a title that I was just reading for knowledge in another area of the magic realm.

Tess' passion does show, it has exercises that will allow those who feel it appropriate to them to work through and develop an understanding but for me, sadly a miss.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Honoring the Ancestors - Mallorie Vaudoise

Release Date: 24/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publishing



SYNOPSIS: Ancestor veneration is one of the most widespread spiritual practices in the world. This book shares techniques to help you connect to your ancestors and receive the benefits that come from veneration more love in your life, better outcomes in creative pursuits, and an improved sense of wellness. Discover how genealogical research, family recipes, gentle rituals, and even practices like music and dancing can help open a wonderful new dimension of your spiritual journey. Honoring Your Ancestors shares the important distinctions between working with blood ancestors, lineage ancestors, and affinity ancestors. You will also explore the topic of ancestral trauma so you can be sure to develop a veneration practice that s uplifting and affirming for you.

REVIEW: Mysticism is on the increase over more recent years and whilst for a great many of us, some parts are strange and almost alien, its when you sit down and do your research that you can find a great many truths that add not only a sense of belonging but a sense of knowing those who have come before.

Within this title are ways for you to connect to your past blending mental exercises with psychological aspects alongside reasoning from other cultures who practice ancestral worship to help bring the points across to create an almost universal understanding so that we feel their connections down through the ages. It gives you a sense of belonging, an ideology of understanding those who have gone before but perhaps best of all ways to understand yourself better.

All round a fascinating read and one that I will take lessons from for quite some time to come.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood - Rev Lora O'Brien

Release Date: 01/11/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: There s a pressing need in the Pagan community for strong, aware, responsible, and accountable leaders. This book provides a down-to-earth perspective on what it means to be a priestess or priest and explores the duties, responsibilities, challenges, and benefits of stepping into such a role. Whether you are currently a priest or priestess, are considering becoming one, or would like to be more informed about Pagan leadership so you can better support your community, this book helps you learn about the practical skills required and provides ideas on how you can acquire or improve them. As Paganism continues to grow and new generations become leaders, this guide shares a practical picture of what the Pagan clergy can be.
REVIEW: As a reader fascinated with a lot of different aspects of the spiritualism I picked this book up to see how the more religious side of the equation worked for those within and whilst I couldn't see myself as a member of the Pagan Priesthood, I found the lessons within interesting and explained really well.

However for me, other than this, I really didn't get on with the book as I felt it wasn't quite written for the pagan faith in and of itself, more of how all priests should act for any faith. Don't get me wrong, that's not always a bad thing bringing the moralistic stance to practitioners however for me, the only real lesson that I took from the whole title was to think about how your own acts and actions would impair others around, which I suppose is perhaps the whole point of the book.

All round its solid enough and obviously written by someone who knows what they're talking about but for me, it wasn't a title I had to spend hours with or will be rereading again which sadly means it wouldn't be something that would have to have shelf space.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW - Pathworking the Tarot: Spiritual Guidance & Practical Advice from the Cards - Leeza Robertson

Release Date: 08/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Deepen your connection to the tarot cards with this book's amazing approach to pathworking. Just as using a tarot deck is a journey through a story, so is pathworking a journey of meditating. As you pathwork through the cards, you'll learn how to meditate on what is discovered in your readings. Pathworking the Tarot introduces you to three pathworking styles: intentional (intentionally selecting cards based on theme), intuitive (letting the cards guide you), and wandering (combining a little of both the intentional and intuitive styles).

Using straightforward techniques and hands-on exercises, author Leeza Robertson guides you through each of the 78 cards and the story it tells. This remarkable book inspires you to go further, deeper, and wider with your tarot knowledge and to expand your spiritual being through your experiences with your deck.


REVIEW: Having recently read one book on tarot, my interest has only increased and my thirst for knowledge needs sating, so when I had the chance to read and work my way through exercises explaining how to connect a personal relationship with the cards I couldn't wait to expand my understanding.

The book is well written, takes the reader on a journey that helps you understand the cards more regardless of which set you use and above all else helps you find ways to use them in your reading that will allow you to make connections and remember them without having to keep refering to individual pieces of paper.

Yes theres' a lot within this book and you will end up rereading multiple cards a number of times to help you get the meanings contained within but with this guide it allows you to easily take it at your own pace to help commit to memory. For me its a book I will reread a good few times and I do feel its a title that will give a lot to anyone who reads it.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: The Ancient Magick of Trees - Greogry Michael Brewer

Release Date: 08/10/19
Publisher:   Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Part field guide and part magical resource, this unique book helps you not only identify more than one hundred common trees across North America and Europe but also discover their medicinal and magickal properties. Author Gregory Brewer provides detailed information about the mythology and symbolism of trees from around the world along with an abundance of exercises and meditations suitable for Pagans of all skill levels and traditions. Highly organized and easy to use, The Ancient Magick of Trees is the only book you'll need while studying trees. Whether you're seeking the scientific characteristics of a particular species or the folk traditions and remedies associated with it, this comprehensive guide is a must-have for those who want to grow their magical practice and enhance their understanding of our unique relationship with trees.

REVIEW:  
Whilst we all know that tree's effect our every day life as well as can alter our moods, we very rarely look deeper than that often choosing to destroy rather than nurture believing that we're the pinnacle of intelligence. 

Within this title, the reader if given thoughts to question our understanding of the natural world as well as clear thoughts about how through various texts the ancients revered and understood the importance of the natural world around us. Add to this a well written break down of the various trees and their medicinal as well as magical properties and for me, its a book that is well written, has you asking questions and for me is something that is not only though provoking but a chance to get to know the natural world a lot better. Great stuff.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Morbid Magic - Tomas Prower

Release Date: 01/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Written with a mix of reverence, approachability, and deadpan wit by an actual mortician, Morbid Magic is the first multicultural guide to death spirituality and traditions from all over the world and throughout history. Discover the lore and magic of death, both on the physical and spiritual planes. Explore hands-on activities, spells, and prayers that will help you work through your own mourning process. Take solace in the personal stories and anecdotes contributed by writers from a variety of cultures and religions. This fascinating book makes death a more approachable topic, and it helps you understand and utilize the profound wisdom of cultures around the globe. Morbid Magic presents an amazing, in-depth look at how the world deals with death.

REVIEW: Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes however people are normally more willing to talk about the taxes side of things rather than death. Having recently gone through a bereavement in the family I've been coping the best way I can by working my way through it. So when this title arrived to review I was more than interested.

Taking the reader on a death tour of the world, we get to see how many cultures deal with death, traditions associated with it and presents you with a number of exercises to work through so that you see death as a part of your own cycle and helps you plan for not only dealing with the loss of those who have left you but also to give you idea's and thoughts on how to deal with what will happen after you own time.

Its well written, advice and information comes from those knowledgable of each religion and also all round tells you things in a matter of fact way. Back this up with an easy to follow journey of the world and all round its a more than fascinating read.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: The Language of Tarot - Jeannie Reed

Release Date: 01/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Learn how to give amazingly accurate and insightful tarot readings with little or no guesswork. This revolutionary guide, written by a tarot master with more than thirty years of experience, reveals a simple, proven system that makes reading cards in a spread nearly as straightforward as reading words on a page. The Language of Tarot presents an innovative system that treats tarot as a science. Jeannie Reed discovered that when the same two or three cards appear together, it always means the same issue in her client s life. This amazing book reveals what she learned, translating each combination for you and supplying examples that support each lesson until you are fluent in the language of tarot.
REVIEW: A book that I absolutely loved and brought the whole aspect of Tarot to the fore in lessons that were well explained, taking a lot of the mysticism and superstition out of the practice, demonstrating that Tarot is a marriage of the left and right side of the brains to interpret to help others not only see how they can work out their problems but also suggests that it is not something that is a fix all helping pass the clients onto professionals who can help them more such as a Psychotherapist.

Its well written, the book will take multiple rereads to learn the meanings of the cards alongside what their combinations can mean and for me is a book that will be of use for a long time as its also written in a very friendly manner that helps the lessons become absorbed.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Dragon Magick: Call on the Clans to help your practice soar - DJ Conway

Release Date:  08/08/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Connect with the Boundless Energy and Life-Changing Magick of Dragons
Discover how to work magick with the mighty dragon clans in this powerful book from bestselling author and dragon expert D. J. Conway. Perfect for beginners and experienced dragon handlers alike, this impressive guide first covers the basics of dragons and magick, and then provides comprehensive information about the thirty-three clans.

Explore each dragon's personality, coloring, eye traits, and claw, wing, and scale shape. Learn about the clans' different communication styles and how they approach honor, respect, and more. Build a personal connection with your guardian dragon through meditations and spells. This marvelous book opens the door to the world of dragons and allows you to soar with them to new heights of magick.


REVIEW: Magick is personal to each user and what works for one witch may not work with another. Some choose to work with ancient pantheons, other choose to work with nature yet for some its finding that connection with the mythical that allows them to find their own way within their practice.

Here DJ explains each of the dragon clans, exercises in how to find your teacher and ally and how to develop your relationship to another plane of understanding. Its written in a way that is friendly, shows the authors passion for these ancient beings who have stories in all cultures around the world and also allows the various genus; to bring their own gifts to the fore. Entertaining and full of knowledge for anyone interested in connecting.

SPIRITUAL AND NATURAL WORLD: Llewellyn's Complete Book of Essential Oils - Sandra Kynes

Release Date: 08/08/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Discover the Most Effective Essential Oils and Remedies for Healing, Emotional Support, Aromatherapy & Self-Care Recognized throughout history for their spiritual power, healing effects, and pleasing aromas, essential oils are must-have tools on the journey to wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Filled with tips, techniques, and hundreds of recipes, Llewellyn's Complete Book of Essential Oils shares the most important and up-to-date information about essential oils, including extraction methods, blending, perfume notes, medicinal remedies, personal care products, aromatherapy, spiritual and magical uses, chakras, feng shui, and much, much more. Detailed profiles for 68 essential oils, including: Amyris • Angelica • Basil • Bay Laurel • Cajeput • Caraway Seed • Cypress • Elemi • Eucalyptus • Fir Needle • Frankincense • Geranium • Ginger • Hyssop • Juniper Berry • Lavender • Lime • Mandarin • Marjoram • Myrrh • Niaouli • Orange • Palmarosa • Patchouli • Peppermint • Petitgrain • Rose • Rosemary • Sage • Sandalwood • Spearmint • Tea Tree • Thyme • Vetiver • Ylang-Ylang Descriptions of 12 carrier oils and 2 infused oils: Almond • Apricot • Avocado • Borage • Calendula • Coconut • Evening Primrose • Hazelnut • Jojoba • Olive • Rosehip Seed • Sesame • St. John's Wort • Sunflower Remedies for 75 common ailments, including: Acne • Arthritis • Athlete's Foot • Blisters • Bronchitis • Bruises • Chapped Skin • Colds • Corns • Dermatitis • Eczema • Fever • Flu • Hay Fever • Headaches • Inflammation • Insomnia • Jet Lag • Migraines • Muscle Aches • Nausea • Psoriasis • Sinus Infection • Sprains • Stress • Tendonitis Recipes for 100 personal and home care products, including: Birthday Perfume Blends • Bath Bombs • Bath Oils & Salts • Facial & Hand Scrubs • Hair Conditioner • Massage Oils • Moisturizers • Scented Candles • Shower Melts • Toners & Astringents • Aromatherapy Room Spray • Carpet Powder • Fridge Freshener • Furniture Polish • Glass Cleaner • Microwave Cleaner • Mold Inhibitor • Natural Pest Control • Surface Cleaners  


REVIEW:  
Whilst many think of essential oils as a way to put some scents within the house and as something a little bit hippy, if you get the natural ones rather than the synthetic (which this title explains how to get the right ones) you can do a lot from creating your own scents for perfume through to making your own bodywash alongside creating blends to help lift your mood. Its well thought out, talks you through how to select complimentary scents and also how to make your own unique oils for every day use. 

 Its detailed, its comprehensive and with so many options alongside lessons to learn within, whilst not making you an expert provides you with enough background information for you to make informed choices and a good solid grounding. All round a great read and a book that I'll be referring to time and again on my own journey. I really can't recommend this title enough.