Tattoo Tarot: Ink and Intuition, by Diana McMahon-Collins, illustrated by Megamunden

Laurence King Publishing, 9781786272058, 155 pp., 2018

The art of tarot and the art of tattoo have separate, storied histories shrouded in both mystery and misunderstanding, so it’s enchant­ing to see them brought together in this rich new deck from Laurence King Publishing, titled Tattoo Tarot: Ink and Intuition.

As their first venture into the world of tarot, Laurence King lined up an experienced tarot practitioner, Diana McMahon-Collis with an artist whose images stay true to the classic old style tattoo, Megamunden. The result is a beautiful deck with clean, crisp images and bold colours, perfect for a new student to tarot as well as a work of art for a collector’s library.

The packaging is first class: a sturdy clamshell box combines the use of full colour against a creamy, textured background, which gives it an almost antique look. Highlighting the design on the box cover is gold foil that accentuates the title as well as the all-seeing eye at the centre, a hint at the third eye’s intuition coming through the cards. The inside is lined in red, matching the back of the cards, and maybe a nod to the colour of blood when a tattoo needle pierces the skin! The cards themselves came shrink wrapped, ensuring no damage to the edges or to the sides as can happen when a bellyband is wrapped around the cards too tightly. But the biggest plus is the use of a black cloth pull tab secured at the bottom, making it very convenient to lift the entire deck from the box with one pull. No fumbling to retrieve individual cards clinging to the bottom!

The cards are sturdy and matte, and as such they don’t reflect any glare from overhead lights. The design of the card back looks very similar to regular playing cards, which is perhaps the designer’s way of paying respect to the playing cards that gave tarot its origin when they entered Europe in the late 14th century. At 6-3/8 x 4-3/8 inches, the cards are large enough to see clearly, and they fit comfortably in hand. There’s no gilding on the card edges as is sometimes used on decks, and it would have matched the box cover perfectly. But the lack of gilding does give the cards a cleaner, simpler look that echoes the classic, old school style of the tattoo art.

Some of the characters on the cards even have tattoos themselves, such as the full sleeve on the arm of the Knight of Swords and the heart on the back of the hand of the Queen of Wands. Talk about bringing consistency and continuity to the theme of a deck!

The Tattoo Tarot includes an easy to read, 28-page guidebook with the same cream colouring that matches the box. The use of black stitching on the spine instead of stapled closures really adds to the feel of a black tattoo outline.

The guide begins with an introduction to tarot and basic instructions on how to do a reading, perfect for the beginner or simply a refresher for the more experienced cartomancer. Three spreads (six-card, five-card, and three-card spreads) are illustrated and explained. The spread formations mimic classic tattoo imagery found throughout the deck, again repeating the theme. The guide offers keywords and short phrases, leaving more room for interpretation and other intuitive responses up to the reader.

The suits of the minor arcana are here named cups, swords, wands, and coins. But at one point, the coins are referred to as “pentacles.”¹ Probably an oversight that hopefully will be fixed in the next printing! Later on, where the descriptions of the minor arcana are explained in the guidebook, they are again correctly referred to as coins.

Tattoo Tarot: Ink and Intuition is priced remarkably well for the quality of the deck. The deck itself is easy enough for beginners to learn, with all the features that experienced readers would look for and perfect for an art or deck collector. This exceptional divination deck signals a great start for Laurence King Publishing’s entrée into the world of tarot.

1. p. 8

The post Tattoo Tarot appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Witchcraft Activism: A Toolkit for Magical Resistance, by David Salisbury

Weiser Books, 9781578636570, 192 pp., 2019

I knew I needed a copy of Witchcraft Activism: A Toolkit for Magical Resistance as soon as I read its summary. I believe that witchcraft is a tool to manifest change and can aid those who are in need, and so the idea of a book about this was promising.

Although I try to keep an open mind when reading an author for the first time, it was impossible not have high hopes for this one due to the subject. Honestly, it filled them all and proved to me that David Salisbury should write another book sooner rather than later. It has been a long time since I read something with substance and style that was so easy to follow. It was love at first page.

There is controversy about whether witchcraft should be used for activism,  but I agree with Salisbury when he writes, “activism isn’t always about gently educating and waiting for change. Sometimes it is about pushing your obstacles away and demanding that change occur by force. To me this also encompasses the spirit of magic itself.”¹ If we have a tool that could be ethically used for a fair cause, why not to do so?

it is my own hope that the trend of helping others and the world we live in will continue to be a theme for magic-makers everywhere. If anything, we certainly have a wealth of ancestral inspiration to draw from.²

Witchcraft Activism guides the reader in the mundane and energetic steps one should take in order to have positive results. Whether it is about meeting a person with an important charge, marching, or even writing an email, David Salisbury makes his ideas clear and gives a lot of examples and shares his experiences. This illustrates his point, and also make this an entertaining book.

Salisbury not only provides guidance and advice that is useful for times when we need to make ourselves heard, but also reminds us that “the only thing more important than the work you’re doing is you.”³ He goes straight to the point in this matter, but also says that “there’s an old saying, ‘a witch is never alone.’ This is great news for the activist witch.”⁴ Again, I agree with him. To serve a noble cause is even nobler, but to do so we must take care of ourselves first.

For this, Witchcraft Activism comes with several rituals and spells to ask for help when we need it, since “the activist witch might call upon the aid of ancestral spirits, spirits of the land (which would be particularly suitable for environmental causes), animal spirits, and otherworldly spirits such as demons and angels.”⁵ I would only advise the reader to do whatever they feel most comfortable doing and to follow their intuition.

I wish to finish by reminding you, as Salisbury does, that “every day is a chance to do something. Anything. While we certainly cannot do everything, we can always do something.”⁶ Reading and using Witchcraft Activism: A Toolkit for Magical Resistance is a good first step.

Image credit: Thomas Lee-Smith

1. p. 106
2. p. 163
3. p. 86
4. p. 87
5. p. 88
6. p. 166

The post Witchcraft Activism, by David Salisbury appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Barefoot Wisdom: Better Health Through Grounding, by Sharon Whiteley and Ann Marie Chiasson MD
Red Feather Mind, Body, Spirit, 0764355449, 112 pp., 2018

When a great long, flat box appears in the hands of my post mistress, I am curious. “Is it a book?” I ask. “Pretty thin, and big,” she says. Opening the carefully constructed cardboard casing, I discover a copy of Barefoot Wisdom: Better Health through Grounding, by Sharon Whiteley and Ann Marie Chiasson, MD, and happily skip out of the post office heading for home.

Containing just 112 pages, this six-inch by nine-inch book was both bigger and slimmer than usual. A photograph of a barefoot woman stretching outdoors covers the entire front and wraps around to the back. The woman in the picture appears to be one of the authors, Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson, and she has gorgeous hair! I was drawn into the book by its cover, and I often judge books by their cover, even though the old adage warns against it. I already liked Barefoot Wisdom before I opened it.

Pictures of the two authors also appear on the back cover below the short description of contents. Dr. Chiasson is a practicing integrative and energy medicine physician. Her co-author, Sharon Whiteley, is the CEO of Listen, the wellness-oriented brand. Her personal story starts the book and is what inspired her research and collaboration on the topic of grounding.

Each chapter begins with a colour photograph overlaid by the chapter’s title. Some of these pages also have quotes, such as Albert Einstein’s “there are two ways to live your life, one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is.”¹ Many chapters include an additional photograph; they are colourful and delightfully engage the senses. Both the quotes and photographs impart a lushness to the book that invokes quietude and attention.

Chapters one through three lay the groundwork for Barefoot Wisdom, outlining the basic principles of physics, atom construction, and how ions become polarized to be good or bad. “Bad ions” are molecules that have lost one electron or more, so learning that they hold a positive charge was counter-intuitive. These free radicals are created by pollution, tobacco smoke, alcohol, stress, pesticides, and a wide range of other sources. They can affect humans by inducing oxidative stress, which can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurologically degenerative conditions like MS, ALS, and Parkinson’s.

“Good ions,” also known as “negative ions,” are oxygen atoms with extra negatively charged electrons. They are abundant in nature, created by moving water, and are present in the earth, the beach, the mountains, and nature. Negative ions neutralize free radicals, promote healing, and balance the autonomic nervous system.

Building on the understanding of the simple physics, the authors cite a variety of sources from history which indicate how cultures who were daily in touch with the earth enjoyed health, vitality and longevity. Indigenous cultures who walked barefoot, or wore moccasins made of hide, enjoyed the therapeutic contact with the natural negative ion-rich energy of the earth. Our modern shoes, with their rubber and plastic soles, insulate us from a natural exchange of electromagnetic energy with the earth.

In chapter 10, a variety of methods are suggested to enable us to consciously re-establish the natural exchange with the earth’s energy.

The title, Barefoot Wisdom, comes from the easiest and most accessible of these, simply sitting on a chair or bench with our bare feet on the ground. Other accessible methods include wearing shoes with a natural leather or suede sole, walking barefoot on the beach, gardening with bare hands in the soil, hugging trees, standing under a shower stream, napping on the ground, picnicking in the park and going camping.²

Peppered with inspirational quotes focusing on the healing power of nature, Barefoot Wisdom feels very accessible, like I could pick it up and browse any section and find something inspirational and educational. Personal stories of health transformation are juxtaposed with the findings and citations of academic research documenting the efficacy of grounding. In a chapter entirely devoted to “Myths, Misconceptions, and Downright Skeptics,” the authors patiently take time to refute the naysayers with data generated through research, and their own learning and understanding of the far-reaching effects of grounding.

Already aware of the effects of nature on my disposition, I use water to reset my emotional and neurological system when I get overloaded, meditate on the rocks beside the lake because of the increased transcendental effect, and regularly choose to get out into nature in order to restore, and retain my mental health.

Barefoot Wisdom: Better Health Through Grounding is a book that I will loan to friends, and recommend to people who could benefit from increased grounding. Best of all, I will refer to it time and time again whenever I need to remember, or gain new techniques, enabling me to connect with my own barefoot wisdom. When I walk with Mother Earth, I walk in wisdom.

Image credit: Carl Jones

1. p. 49
2. p. 76-82

The post Barefoot Wisdom, by Sharon Whiteley and Ann Marie Chiasson appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Encounters with Nature Spirits: Co-creating with the Elemental Kingdom, by R. Ogilvie Crombie
Findhorn Press, 9781620558379, 232 pp., 2018

Encounters with Nature Spirits: Co-creating with the Elemental Kingdom by R. Ogilvie Crombie (1899-1975) is one of those rare books that immediately takes you out of your head and transports you into the woods or a park, sun shining down and warm, as you observe the play and interactions of those lesser seen beings. This little treasure is separated into bite-size chapters and explores the relationship between the author R. Ogilvie Crombie (ROC, as he is affectionately known), Pan, and the many and diverse elementals and spirits of the natural world. 

There is no doubt that Ogilvie was an initiate of an ancient and veiled spiritual tradition… (he) never revealed his spiritual lineage, but it’s clear he had a profound understanding, not only of what used to be called “the occult” but of all the world’s major religions, and many of its more obscure ones.¹

The first chapter, “Afternoon With A  Faun,” begins the journey of Crombie into the mysteries of the natural world, when he sees a faun dancing about a tree. As any rational man would do, he dismisses this as fancy, yet the visage persists, and he relinquishes disbelief as we are also reminded that “here was a strange and wonderful experience. Why should I not accept it, see what happened and analyze it later?”²

Thus begins the dialogue between man and the nature spirits of greater earth, as we too surrender our disbelief and read his recounting of a lovely afternoon’s revealing of what lay hidden, but hidden only by our own skepticism. As the years and chapters progress, we are reminded that once the doors have been opened, more will follow and the illusion of our separateness and aloneness in nature falls away. 

My favourite encounter occurs in the third chapter, “Meeting Pan on Iona.” This chapter, in particular, speaks of the increasing disconnect between humanity and nature, the demonizing of the god Pan, and the sadness within that world devoid of human interaction. These meetings and interactions between ROC and the spirits of the natural world serve as opportunities for reconciliation, through the author’s retelling of his encounters and the relating of their words and thoughts. 

One of the things that makes this book so relevant is that it opens up the possibilities that we co-exist beside an entire world that is not only living, breathing and evolving as we are, but that we can become co-creators of a more harmonious world, simply through recognition of this. These writings and philosophies came from one who was a scientist at heart and, driven by an innate sense of curiosity and a large dose of intuitive action, layered into that foundation proficiency in mythology, history, esotericism and the love of the fine arts. Add to this the fortune of living in Edinburgh, Scotland, in and of itself a natural sacred site, and you have the recipe for clear-headed analysis and openness to what lay beyond the realms of the usual human experience. 

“The Wild Garden” exemplifies the impact a single individual can have on what has been tradition. The tradition of formal gardens was long established in Britain, and those gardens not so finely manicured gardens were off limits to humans, being the domain of the fairies and elves. Lest a human stray from the path and be seduced into the timeless realm of the fae. On the other hand, ROC, having long been in contact with Pan and others of the natural realm, knew the importance of respect and reverence for these lesser tended spaces, leaving them to be the domain of the elementals and wilder spirits. I felt this as a timely reminder of a call to return to caring for and nurturing the lands; having enough for all seen and unseen, and being mindful of leaving a legacy of nature our gentle hands and hearts.

The afterword of Encounters with Nature Spirits is written by Dorothy Maclean, the co-founder of the Findhorn Garden Community (with Peter and Eileen Caddy). The Findhorn Community developed from the resettlement of the Caddys, their children and Maclean to the Findhorn Bay Caravan Park in 1962. The three had dedicated their lives to the pursuit of esoteric studies and applications and the barren soil of the caravan park provided the setting of opening to the land spirits and guidance in how to live in harmony on the land. All that was planted in accord with the aid of the devas, elementals, and other nature spirits grew beyond expectation and the garden became a marvel within the horticultural world.

Word had quickly spread of Crombie’s accounts of communication with nature spirits and the effectiveness of his approach of collaborative working within the natural world. We learn that piqued by the dynamics of ROC’s abilities and the potential benefit to the Findhorn project, ROC and Dorothy met sometime in the later 1960s, well after regular contact with the nature spirits of Findhorn had been established and the community and gardens were thriving.  The years following found ROC and the Findhorn Community collaborating, each informing the other of the experiences held in their own neck of the woods, so to speak, and we learn that the growth of Findhorn was further informed in its success by ROC’s more extended interactions and contacts within the realms of the nature spirits.

When ROC talked about his connection with nature beings, his imagination was clothing these entities in images arising from the many planetary cultures… in this case images from Greek mythology…. he was picking up thought forms already existing within the collective consciousness of humanity. ((p. 181-182))

I could go on and on offering praises to the value and content of Encounters with Nature Spirits, but this is one of those readings that has to be experienced first hand. As I read further into the book, I found myself doing so outside, surrounded by nature, imbibing in a fully visual and tactile experience calling me home. Did I see any nature spirits in my travels? Ah, that is mine to know, and yours to find out!

1. p. xiii
2. p. 5

The post Encounters with Nature Spirits, by R. Ogilvie Crombie appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft, by Cyndi Brannen
Moon Books, 9781789040753, 255 pp., 2019

The goddess Hekate is a figure with many forms: goddess of witches, psychopomp, torch barrier, goddess of the crossroads, speaker of the dead, and triple goddess. Her history is just as diverse and hidden in the shadows as the realm she walks. Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate’s Modern Witchcraft by Cyndi Brannen is an introduction to Hekate with a overview and brief history of how Hekate has been perceived over time. It also gives sources in the back to do further research. This is less a history of Hekate, but more of a workbook to building a lasting connection with the goddess in a modern witchcraft sense.

I have personally been working with Hekate off and on since the late ’90s early 2000s in some form or other, but in the last couple years I have dug deeper to see what Hekate means to me on a personal and spiritual level. Hekate came along veiled face, torches held high, heavy iron keys clanking on her hip and a subtle “about damn time” air about her. She has so many forms and titles; I see her at the crossroads and in the underworld speaking to the dead as a veiled lady. Keeping Her Keys is an amazing find, filled with information on what we know of her in antiquity and how we can interpret that in a modern way. This not reconstructionism, but rather it utilizes the history within a modern practice of witchcraft.

Cyndi Brannen is a teacher and blogger that has site with the same name (keepingherkeys.com), where she posts historical research about modern witchcraft. Brannen presents spells, prayers, and hymns of both ancient and modern verse to Hekate. Her blog is a subjective collection of her personal work, with the research of what we know of the goddess woven through. I will admit some bias in reading this book due to enjoying the blog over the last few years. I would recommend anyone wanting to read Keeping Her Keys to also read Brannen’s blog as well for further study and ideas. They are not the end all, but a starting point.

This book is formatted into 13 weeks of exercises, ending in a self-initiation. It works with the lunar cycle, starting on the dark moon and working through each lunar cycle, that acts similar to the year and a day Wiccan practice of initiates to learn and build on each lesson to create a rounded understanding of Hekate from both a knowledge, devotion, and magical base. Brannen goes through what this book means and how best to utilize the work. However, I do wish there was a clearer divider between weeks and sections, but this doesn’t take away from its usefulness.

I was happy see how much Brannen drills in the importance to journalling. This is something I think the Pagan community is bringing up more than ever, since all our work is subjective. Also, our memories are lousy, and we have multiple mediums to utilize to record our work. Each section has a exercise that includes journalling afterwards and focus.

In the back of the book, Brannen organized additional prayers along with a quiz on the 13 lessons. This book gives structure for each week to focus but also gives wiggle room to build in one’s own connection with Hekate.

Keeping Her Keys is not just a book of spells to get something out of Hekate, this is a book that focuses on building a give and take with her and to not just send off a spell and forget it or calling on her when something is needed.

There are so many mutual benefits in our relationship with Hekate. However, we need to be mindful of establishing a healthy relationship. Being sincere in our devotion and trying to live a magical life will help get this relationship off to a good start.¹

It also reminds the reader to look for signs through symbol sets such as keys, torches, strophalos (Hekate’s wheel) in everyday life and to also keep track of dreams since “our busy minds are quieted by sleep, allowing our establishing connection with our Lady to flow more freely,”² which can then be reviewed later to see what connections can be made. Along with various divination exercises, Brannen also goes into more detail of the various symbols used beyond the key and torch, such as the animals like snakes and dogs that are shown on ancient coins. She writes that even though the strophalos might not be directly tied to Heckate, it has come to be such a strong symbol for her in modern times that is worn and even tattooed on devotees. This is just one example of an image that may not have originally came with Hekate, but has now become a strong symbol of association with the passage of time.

The 13 lesson is spellcrafting, which first explains the various kinds such as banishing, binding, attraction, healing, and so forth. The final lesson is building a spell from the ground up by figuring out what kind of spell is intended, setting on the intentions, knowing what tools are needed, and deciding when it should be done and what aspect of Hekate is the focus. This is great since people often want to jump right into the spells and essentially run before walking. This method gives a stronger foundation to work on if they are new to all of this. “This course started with lots of information and exercises about personal development and why we do the practices that make up our Witch’s Hour of Power. Because there is no separation between our witchery and who we are.”³

This all culminates with the self-initiation and even goes into being solitary or finding a mentor “When selecting a mentor or a teacher, do your research and use your intuition before committing to anything,”⁴ which is great advice to any practitioner. Though we want to find a coven of like-minds or that amazing teacher, sometimes we must walk alone to understand what we want and what our true will is. Hekate in this book is just a guiding light to better reflect what is already there.

Keeping Her Keys is a springboard towards making a firmer connection with the elusive Hekate. The author shows that her version of Hekate may not be the same as the reader’s, but she wants to give method to help readers connect with that version they have, as well as her own. I would recommend that this book be read front to back first — before using it as a 13 week workbook.

1. p. 45
2. p. 48
3. p. 197
4. p. 225

The post Keeping Her Keys, by Cyndi Brannen appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Opening the Akashic Records: Meeting Your Record Keepers and Discover Your Soul’s Purpose, by Maureen J. St. Germain
Bear & Company, 9781591433385, 176 pp., 2019

Maureen J. St. Germain is a mystic and teacher with more than 25 years of experience with the mystical and sacred traditions. Through her personal connections, she channels angels, divine feminine energy, dragons, Hathor (an Egyptian goddesses), and ascended masters.

Opening the Akashic Records: Meeting Your Record Keepers and Discover Your Soul’s Purpose discusses the akashic records, a vast ethereal library of cosmic knowledge that has existed as long as life itself. The akashic records are said to be a repository of everything which has happened in the past, all that is happening in the present, and all future possibilities. St. Germain states, “the Akashic Records are like a film library that allows instant access.”¹ According to akashic theory, anyone with the right know-how may access the records.

St. Germain opens the book with a message, which she has channels from the Keepers of the Gates of Akasha. This message introduces the keepers and explains the premises and purposes of the records. The preface then explains how St. Germain came to be a messenger for the akashic records. This is the foundation of the book and rests on the notion that the Keepers of the Records have chosen this time to allow people access to attain enlightenment and increase their spiritual awareness.

In subsequent chapters, St. Germain goes on to explain what you can learn from the records, the role of prediction, what happens when you go into the records, and how you can obtain knowledge there. Using channelling, St. Germain also introduces the sponsors, or ascended masters, who are the gatekeepers of the records. These are here known as the Great Divine Director, the Goddess of Liberty, Lord Sanat Kumara, and Lord Metatron. “Calling upon the Ascended Masters ensures your success. This is another reason we ask the Ascended Masters by name to sponsor us and show up,” St. Germain writes.² St. Germain also provides photographs to help readers visualize the ascended masters. 

Humanity has been given access to the records in order to reap the maximum learning from their mistakes and to be able to ask about their personal experiences and understand them more fully. In order to help the reader on this path, St. Germain provides sample questions and sample answer from both the higher self and the ascended masters. 

The second half of Opening the Akashic Records equips the reader with the tools needed to access the records. These include a sacred opening prayer, exercises in how to access your higher self, and exercises in opening the akashic records. The book provides ample exercises and tips for maximizing your experience within the records. For example, one of the exercises I found most useful was “Questions for Your Higher Self and Akashic Records.”³ This exercise is designed to develop your connection with both your higher self and the records. It does so by means of a series of questions, such as “What is the meaning of wonder?” and “How do I stay in my joy?”⁴ By seeking answers to these questions you begin to strengthen your connections. St. Germain gives sample answers from her other students to compare your answers to.

One of the ways this book differs from many other books about the akashic records is that it introduces specific akashic guides by name. In this sense, it claims to be an authority on the records. Many readers may not be comfortable with this idea and prefer to find their own personal akashic guides. However, the exercises in the book may still be used without calling on specific guides by name. 

Opening the Akashic Records is a great book for anyone who wishes to take their first steps in the akashic records as it explains the steps to attain this goal in detail. It also presents a number of easy to follow exercises for the novice to practice with. Interestingly, it also provides advice on how to read the akashic records for others. 

1. p. 2
2. p. 12
3. p. 77
4. p. 78

The post Opening the Akashic Records, by St. Germain appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

What is Modern Witchcraft?: Contemporary Developments in the Ancient Craft, edited by Trevor Greenfield
Moon Books, 9781785358661, 97 pp., 2019

A book that claims to discuss modern witchcraft in 2019, that’s completely western Eurocentric and literally makes no mention of race or intersectionality? Is this a hoax? No, sadly it’s not. Welcome to What is Modern Witchcraft?: Contemporary Developments in the Ancient Craft edited by Trevor Greenfield. This slim volume includes 11 essays written by witches writing from Celtic and English traditions, from classic to contemporary witchcraft. Frankly, I was disappointed in this book, and I doubt readers will glean anything new that we haven’t read elsewhere. The nature of short essays on a broad topic is that it can be difficult for writers to create context and explore any topic in depth. The result here is a volume that lacks comprehensiveness and cohesion.

Thinking about context points to a critical issue with this book — it doesn’t introduce the reader to the essayist in an easy way. It might sound like a petty quibble, but if you’ve created a short book comprised of nothing but essays from disparate authors, you really need to orient your reader to who they’re reading! The editor here is Trevor Greenfield who is the publisher (and publicist) for Moon Books (the book’s publisher). Moon Books is an occult imprint of John Hunt Publishing and as such is the host of a series of occult books titled “Pagan Portals” and each covering a different topic; I’ve reviewed two books from the series for Spiral Nature Magazine: Candle Magic: A Witch’s Guide to Spells and Rituals by Lucy Starza, and Hekate: A Devotional by Vivienne Moss.

Now, I love a good introductory Pagan book. When they’re done right, they are amazing — a concise and well written springboard from which to delve deeper into a given topic. However, this book isn’t an introductory text; it’s more like a snapshot of modern witchcraft, through the various lenses of each writer’s perspective. Perhaps that’s why, although short, it’s a little disorienting to read. I kept pausing as I read, trying to figure out what I had missed that would help me glean some perspective with which to parse each author’s words. 

The authors’ biographies are all collated at the back of the book. I’m more accustomed to biographies being located at the end of each essay in this type of edited book. However, for this book, I would have preferred the biographical information right at the start of each essay. There are a handful of essays with very specific temporal or geographical perspectives. I’m thinking of Melusine Draco (“Old Craft for a New Generation”),¹ who is a staunch British Traditional witch, or Amie Ravenson (“Web Weaving for the Modern Witch”),² who has a more modern, eclectic style and whose essay focuses on cyber witchcraft. Unfortunately for the reader, without some introduction to the author or some editorial thread that could weave these essays together, they just read as disconnected and disorienting.

To be blunt, I wasn’t sure who these witches and writers were exactly. I wasn’t familiar with any names other than Rachel Patterson, whose other books concerning kitchen witchcraft I’ve enjoyed, such as The Art of Ritual, which I reviewed for Spiral Nature. It occurred to me that this book was rushed to press without much care, to capitalize on the popularity of and interest in modern witchcraft that we are seeing today. I think when a collection of essays is successful, it’s because the editor was able to distill some themes and bring forth some semblance of a narrative in terms of what exactly the book is trying to accomplish. With What is Modern Witchcraft?, too many essays seemed to meander on the theme of “modern witchcraft is eclectic!” and fail to adequately develop any of the more nuanced ideas that some authors brought forth. 

Thinking about the nuanced ideas, I’ll focus on some highlights. Irisanya Moon’s piece discusses a “ritual-art-activist” event that occurred in San Francisco at Samhain of 2017. Moon describes the event, which centered voices of two spirit indigenous activists, and goes on to discuss the responsibility that they see witches having to engage meaningfully with our political times in our spiritual work.³ I love this idea, and agree that witchcraft is perfectly poised and suited energetically and eclectically to tackle political issues on the material and the spiritual plane! (I also wrote about activist witches in “Witch activism: It’s happening now.”)

Witches online isn’t anything new, but I enjoyed Amie Ravenson’s essay in which she walks readers through part of a day in the life of a modern witch, which includes using online passwords to unlock knowledge and connection, social media for magical networking, and includes practical advice for witches interested in blogging or creating YouTube content. ((p. 37-42))

I also liked Rachel Patterson’s no nonsense introduction to kitchen witchcraft, where she superimposes a witch buying herbs at the local supermarket in a city onto an imagining of a rural hedge witch drying herbs from her garden for magical use. It’s nice to think that regardless of where we practice, whether our candles are hand poured or dollar store sourced, we are all resourcefully using what’s at hand to tap into the magical current in our lives. 

Sadly, the unique perspectives and exciting ideas stand out in this volume, surrounded as they are by just way too much credulous reiterations along some well worn themes: witchcraft has recently gained momentum, it looks very different from one practitioner to the next, there isn’t one authority on the topic of witchcraft, or that the Internet has been hugely helpful to boost witchcraft’s spread and popularity. I did dog-ear some pages to come back to, and I hope I’ve communicated that I think there are some worthwhile essays and ideas presented here. I just wish this book had been edited a little more thoughtfully. Ideally, it could have served to introduce readers to new voices in witchcraft space — a space which can be overwhelming and hard to navigate due to sheer profusion and proliferation of ideas and perspectives. 

Finally, and this isn’t a trivial observation, a Google search revealed that all 11 authors in this volume are white or white passing. Not to mention that all the authors write from Celtic or English witchcraft traditions. It’s truly baffling to me that there aren’t any African, Asian, Middle Eastern, South American or non-white or other non-Western diasporic authors who could have been tapped to contribute to What is Modern Witchcraft?. I think witches and Pagans need to take note of other communities which are choosing to centre non-white voices and experiences in the work we produce for public consumption. A book that claims to discuss modern witchcraft in 2019 that’s completely western Eurocentric and literally makes no mention of race or intersectionality? Come on friends, we can do better!

1. p. 50-57
2. p. 37-42
3. p. 16-23

The post What is Modern Witchcraft?, edited by Trevor Greenfield appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Hidden Insights projects a week where the only thing to expect is the unexpected. Unexpected changes, for both good and bad, are promised as Uranus stations retrograde, and Jupiter stations direct. These transits are enhanced by a Full Moon, conjunction between the Sun and Venus, as well as a square from Mercury to Uranus.

As Uranus stations retrograde in Taurus, the world’s sense of security may be questioned, and marks a period where financial markets will quickly rise and quickly fall. On a personal level it may be difficult for many to hold on to their money, while also experiencing sporadic boosts of income. From now until the 10 January 2020 the revolutionary and unpredictable energy of Uranus is in review. We must do our best to avoid holding onto anything that we think will bring us security, as Uranus may ask that we give it away. Fortunately, this is usually so Uranus can make improvements in our lives, especially if they relate to our sense of freedom.

Jupiter returns to its normal motion this week just as Uranus stations retrograde. This bring a return to luck and carefree happiness. We will be inspired to spend more time participating in enjoying activities that we enjoy. Essentially, it is time to let lose, let go, and have fun. During the time that Jupiter spent in retrograde, we were able to review our values in life and explore existential themes. Ask yourself what you have learned about your personal ethics and moral compass since April, so that you can make a positive change in your approach to others, faith, and religion.

As the week comes to an end, the square between Mercury and Uranus could bring unexpected news and shocking statements on Friday, 16 August and Saturday, 17 August. While this is not necessarily uncommon in today’s political landscape, these days should be closely watched. The personal effects of this transit may cause an argument or two, as slips of the tongue will likely lead a number of people in hot water. It would be best to be as reserved as possible this weekend.

Astro Homework

This week’s homework assignment focuses on the energy of the Full Moon in Aquarius. It will oppose Venus, which can bring love and magick into our lives.

Your assignment this week is to use the Full Moon’s energy to revitalize love in your life. This can be self-love, love of work you do, romantic love, or love of family and friends.

The colour pink is known to vibrate with pure love, while red vibrates with passionate love. Choose a candle colour that is appropriate, and petition the Moon to help bring love back into your life, or fortify the love that you currently have.

Aries (21 March — 20 April)

A dramatic shift in your personal finances comes this week, Aries, and you may need to rework your budget to help care for or assist a younger member of your family. Fortunately, Mercury moves into the most creative sector of your chart, which allows you to access unusual and innovative ways to solve problems. As Jupiter stations direct in your ninth house, the planet of luck brings fortune to legal affairs, travel, and higher education. Many born under the sign of the ram will see these themes become important and accessible. This is a great time to make a big move, take a long trip, and initiate successful legal endeavours. Be cautious on Friday, as a conversation will likely catch you off guard. Try to remain calm, and avoid showing your aggressive side.

Broadway musical: The Sound of Music

Taurus (21 April — 20 May)

Uranus station retrograde in your sign this week, Taurus, which can bring a minor shock to the body, as it encourages you to make a change to your physical appearance. Use the next five months to find a way to reinvent yourself and address any unhealthy patterns and habits. Early in the week you can expect lively conversation at home with family members. They will want to share their input right now, and provide positive feedback. Try not to look at this as judgements passed on you. Instead, find ways to collaborate with family members, and accept their opinions with an open mind. Over the weekend you can expect a surprise gift to arrive at your door. While you may not know who it is from, know that you are appreciated.

Broadway musical: Evita

Gemini (21 May — 20 June)

It’s a week ruled by progress, Gemini, as you are blessed with the ability to overcome any self-doubt you may have been feeling over the last several weeks. Early in the week you can expect a positive change in your romantic life. Single Geminis may even meet “the one” right now. As your ruling planet changes sign on Sunday, 11 August, you can expect to feel an urgent desire to stay moving. Don’t be surprised if you’re helping a friend or two with a ride before the week is over. Over the weekend, Mercury and Uranus team up to help you uncover a secret. For those who decide to accept an invitation for a date, or are in blossoming relationships, this information will help you better understand your partner.

Broadway musical: Avenue Q

Cancer (21 June — 20 July)

Your motivation and health are on the rise this week, Cancer, and you seem to have an endless supply of energy. Early in the week you can expect the opportunity to network professionally. If you’ve been looking to make a career change, then you don’t want to miss this opportunity. Say “yes” to any invitations you receive. An important discussion surrounding money occurs on Wednesday, and you will need to assert yourself to avoid being taken advantage of. Make sure you know what you can and cannot afford. Over the weekend you may experience a breakdown in communication. Don’t be surprised if others are having a difficult time getting back to you. Give them a few days before following up.

Broadway musical: Hello Dolly

Leo (21 July — 20 August)

It’s time to think about making a shift in your career, Leo. As Uranus stations retrograde in your tenth house, you can’t help but feel dissatisfied with your job right now. You are itching to make a move, or change in this area. Fortunately, if you put your mind to it, you could have an interview before the end of the week. You may also want to consider a different position with your current employer. Midweek, the Sun and Venus align in your sign, which will grace you with a natural charm that will help you get what you want. This would be a great time to ask for a raise, a transfer, and to show off your many talents. Over the weekend you may be presented with a difficult decision in relation to your home life. Try not to make any major changes yet.

Broadway musical: Tootsie

Virgo (21 August — 20 September)

Give and take will be the theme of your week, Virgo, as a you are blessed with abundance at home, as your public life takes a difficult turn. Jupiter is stationing direct in your sector of home and family, and this brings you both the joy and security that you’ve recently felt missing. Early in the week you may want to be on the lookout for an important legal letter or document that will require your immediate attention. Be sure to read the fine print carefully, as you may easily overlook an important detail that could make your life difficult over the next several months. Over the week your need to introvert may be overwhelming, and it might not be a bad idea to spend time at home in order to allow your loved ones to boost your spirits.

Broadway musical: Cats

Libra (21 September — 20 October)

Life seems to flow smoothly for you this week, Libra, especially when it comes to your ability to get from one place to another. Others are still dealing with the struggle of Mercury and remain in its shadow, yet you are less restricted and frustrated. Roadblocks — both metaphorical and actual — are no longer a problem, and you can finally make progress towards your goals. A minor financial hiccup is possible midweek, and you may find yourself short on cash. However, your financial worries will lift as you prepare yourself for greater earning power. The opportunity to take a class, certification, or continued education is possible this week. If you’ve been on the fence about getting more training, go for it!

Broadway musical: Wicked

Scorpio (21 October — 20 November)

Two important areas are about to make a major shift in your chart, Scorpio, and these are spheres are romance and finances. Uranus stations retrograde in your sector of interpersonal relationships, and you can expect sudden changes to your most intimate relationships. This week, you may need to sit down with a close friend or partner and redefine the way the two of you exists together. As with any Uranus transit, it is horrifically difficult to predict exactly how it will play out. The best thing you can do is expect a change. Financially, your life is about to improve as Jupiter turns direct in your sector of money and earnings. Where you have previously been financially restricted, you can expect fewer issues. Over the weekend, you can expect to stay busy with responsibilities or at work. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to unwind soon enough.

Broadway musical: Fiddler on the Roof

Sagittarius (21 November — 20 December)

A big week ahead is promised for you, Sagittarius, as Jupiter, your ruling planet, turns direct in your sign. The last several months may have seemed filled with annoying setbacks and personal hurdles to overcome. You can now sigh with relief and look forward to a fresh can-do attitude. Early in the week a bit of self-indulgence may turn your stomach sour, so be careful not to overeat. Just because you feel invincible, that doesn’t mean that you are. The opportunity to make travel plans comes midweek, and you may want to think about organizing a group vacation with several friends. Over the weekend, a disagreement over a moral or ethical problem is likely. While it’s always good to stand up for what you believe in, now is not the time to be righteous.

Broadway musical: Mame

Capricorn (21 December — 20 January)

“Rest and reflection” should be your mantra this week, Capricorn, as the heavens give you the opportunity to retreat into your own little world. Both Jupiter and Uranus give you a chance to unwind and dream lazily about your past. Speaking of dreams, be prepared for a series of wild nights with both vivid and prophetic images. As your imagination gets a boost, use this energy to envision things you want in life. The Secret speaks about creative visualization in great detail — a practice that mystics have known for some millennia. Think of this week as your opportunity to receive an extra shot of energy to imaginative manifestations. Over the weekend, a conversation about debt that yours or a friend’s child is experiencing may need a creative solution. Don’t be shy about giving advice.

Broadway musical: The Music Man

Aquarius (21 January — 20 February)

A few surprising changes at home and the opportunity to see your dreams come to life are promised this week, Aquarius. Early in the week, you will want to be on the lookout for a minor crisis at home. This could be an appliance that has suddenly stopped working, or a last minute addition to your household by someone who needs a place to stay. No matter how it manifests, take the change with an optimistic attitude. This week’s full Moon is in your sign, and it may leave you feeling a bit forgotten, especially since Venus is in play. Don’t be shy about your romantic needs with a partner. If you are single, this a great time to confess your feelings to someone you’ve had your eye on. Over the weekend a disagreement at home may get heated. However, if you can make it to Saturday night without a fight, you should be in the clear.

Broadway musical: Funny Girl

Pisces (21 February — 20 March)

This week is all about gaining status, and selling your skill set to others, Pisces. As Jupiter turns direct in your tenth house, you can expect a major shift in your professional life. Not only do you have the ability to impress those in positions of power, you can also initiate independent work. Having the confidence to start a business and be your own boss can be a scary prospect. However, right now you have the motivation and confidence to make it happen. Of course, if you are happy with your current job, you can easily make advancements over the next several months — if you initiate networking right now. Be on the lookout for these opportunities to peak on Wednesday, 14 August. Venus and the Sun will align to bring harmony, and possibly a little romance to your work environment.

Broadway musical: Oklahoma!

The post Hidden Insights: Astrology for the week of 11 August 2019 appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

Energy Medicine for Animals: The Bioenergetics of Animal Healing, by Diane Budd

Findhorn Press, 9781620558409, 192 pp., 2019

I have lived with animals most of my life, and I learned many techniques to heal and help my animal companions. Because they are part of my close knit family, animal healing holds as much importance as human healing. Energy Medicine for Animals: The Bioenergetics of Animal Healing has provided a variety of new tools for me, and a reminder of tools I had already been using. It is an excellent entry point book for someone interested in learning about the Bioenergetics of Animal Healing.

I knew a little about human healing when I became a mother, and then I jumped in to learn how to help and heal my daughter. Propelled by the same stimulus, love and care, I have actively sought information and instruction on healing and helping my animals.

These days I live with with two felines, and a canine. My cats are brothers from the same litter, almost four years old, and my dog is a 15 month old female golden retriever. Because my animals are sources of unconditional love, I have learned to do whatever I can to keep them safe, healthy and happy.

Following the preface and introduction, the nine chapters include titles that organize the information on different modalities of animal healing, including chapters on auras, chakras, colour, energy fields, essential oils, and past lives.

Not limited to just one kind of animal, Budd includes specific information on horse, dog, and cat energy fields, as well as chakras, and how each animal communicates. Interspersed throughout the chapters are case studies that tell the stories of some of the animals she has treated: outlining their symptoms, her diagnosis, the subsequent treatment, and the results observed in the animals’ health and well-being. I found the case studies suitably illustrative of the techniques she describes and recommends.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed were the line drawings of animals showing what their auras and energy looked like, and where to find the chakras on each animals’ anatomy. Having done energy work with my own animals, I felt attuned to what was presented, and appreciated the illustrations.

The chapter on essential oils and zoopharmacognosy (self-medication by animals), was eye opening, and it provided me with new information that augmented what I already knew. I have used homeopathy, essential oils, and herbs successfully with my animals, but previously had always used a pendulum to decide what to administer. Budd introduced the idea of letting animals self-select their medicine. She writes, “Zoopharmacognosy gives domesticated or captive animals the opportunity to self-medicate by offering them a variety of plant extracts.”¹ This practice empowers animals to self-manage their own health and treatment.

I liked the acknowledgement the author gave to animal instinct and wisdom, and their ability to know what to do to care for themselves. Because I know how intelligent and instinctual my animals are, I was grateful that Budd paid attention to their ability to choose, and be involved in their own healing.

What Budd termed “high sense perception” (HSP) intrigued me. It gives a sense of “what a psychic or sensitive might see when using HSP to work with an animal.”² With drawings and descriptions she outlines what different common ailments look like when she scans an animal. Her notes include information on scar tissue, arthritis, PMS, and even cancer.

The chapter on animal communication offers a variety of techniques that are useful for animal communication, including empathy, telepathy, meditation, and visualization. I was happy to read through the different practices, and recognize that many of them were simple enough that many readers would be able to use them.

Most of all, Budd recommends using our love for our animals to help us to attune to them, listen to and understand what they are communicating, and to guide our response for their well being. With a range tips for working with a variety of kinds of animals Energy Medicine for Animals is something that everyone who has a pet, service animal, companion, or working animal will find helpful.

Whether you are a beginner to animal healing, or like me, you have been practicing it for years in a variety of ways, Energy Medicine for Animals: The Bioenergetics of Animal Healing will offer information, advice and techniques to further your practice.

Image credit: Ian Livesey

1. p. 105
2. p. 123

The post Energy Medicine for Animals, by Diane Budd appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.

The Fraternitas Saturni: History, Doctrine, and Rituals of the Magical Order of the Brotherhood of Saturn, By Stephen E. Flowers
Inner Traditions, 9781620557211, 224 pp., 2018

From the primordial soup of Freemasonry and the Rosicrucians spawned the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which in turn spawned orders such as the Bavarian Illuminati, Grand Pansophical Lodge, the Original Hermetic Brotherhood of Light, the Theosophical Society, the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), and the Fraternitas Saturni, as we learn in The Fraternitas Saturni: History, Doctrine, and Rituals of the Magical Order of the Brotherhood of Saturn.

These organizations are often referred to as brotherhoods, but they don’t use this term in the ordinary or collegiate sense. The Fraternitas Saturni’s use of the term “brotherhood” is not an attempt to exclude women, in fact, the book states that women are viewed as equal members. The Fraternitas Saturni is a brotherhood in the sense that the bonds forged by the order and the initiate are designed to transcend our material world and be carried into the soul’s next incarnation. They are also formed on the astral, or mental, plane. In this way, all of the members are connected in a spiritual fraternity, and a larger tapestry is interwoven over various planes of existence, lifetimes and incarnations.

The Fraternitas Saturni: History, Doctrine, and Rituals of the Magical Order of the Brotherhood of Saturn by Stephen E. Flowers is the fourth revised and enlarged edition and it explains the concepts of the origins and organization of the Fraternitas Saturni unpretentiously, without diminishing the greater depths of the system in any way. Within the pages of this book, Flowers briefly outlines a rich history that includes the likes of Eliphas Levi, Jacob Boehme, Józef Maria Hoene-Wroński, Theodor Reuss, Aleister Crowley, and many more great names in science, magick, and mysticism. 

The Fraternitas Saturni seems to be a hybrid mix of astrology, cosmology, masonic principles and Golden Dawn-styled ceremonial magick, with a dash of Thelema and Aleister Crowley tossed into the mix. Yet, the Fraternitas Saturni is different than many of the hermetic magick orders that exist today. Flowers explains just what makes the Fraternitas Saturni unique among this vast world of quasi-masonic orders.

One significant difference is that the Fraternitas Saturni is both a teaching order and a social order. While many of these masonic-styled organizations emphasize either one or the other, the Fraternitas Saturni place a tremendous amount of importance on both group ritual as well as the personal work of each individual. Everyone knows that it is only through the disciplined practices of the individual, accomplished in secret, that enlightenment occurs, but the social aspect can be essential as well. Many valuable lessons can be learned through the social elements of fraternal organizations. Though the path of the initiate is a solitary one, the order assists the members by keeping the social aspect of the organization, as well as group rituals, firmly in place. The Fraturnitas Saturni is one organization that places equal significance on both of these dynamic aspects, and as a result, the order and its members are stronger because of it. Only the individual aspirant can ascertain spiritual truth and enlightenment for themselves, but the members make that more possible for one another by merely being in it together.

This book covers the organizational aspects of this group and explains the meanings of all 33 grades of the order in a way that is easy to understand. The curriculum of the Fraternitas Saturni covers a wide variety of subjects, some of which are relatively common like including cosmology, sex magick, and the kabbalah. Others are more rarely heard of like their Saturnian Sacraments, electrical magick, techno magick, sexo-cosmology and the Yoga of Light and Dark.

The curriculum of the Fraternitas Saturni accentuates the concept of duality and balance. The difference is they are not speaking strictly about the difference between good and evil. It goes far beyond that. They are talking about the difference between the balance of what-is-beyond-good and what-is-beyond-evil. Without darkness, there can be no light. Each one is necessary for the other to exist. Balance and mastery over both is one of the main goals for an aspirant of this order. The Fraternitas Saturni seems to provide a significant initiatory path with a highly original curriculum, even if it looks a bit Luciferian in nature.

When taking into consideration the myths and legends that surround Saturn, it’s no surprise that a Saturnian path would be one shrouded in darkness. In most initiatory orders, the candidate begins in darkness and is reborn into the light. It’s a tried and true religious concept that is known worldwide. Higher knowledge and even spirituality are often explained by finding the light or cultivating the light. I’ve heard it described as opening yourself to the light, which is a euphemism for the higher power in whatever manifestation you subscribe to.

In the book, Flowers states that at the heart of Fraternitas Saturni is the belief in Saturnian-Gnosis, which he explains as the interplay of opposing forces in the universe leading to the realization of the individual self as a god-like entity. In the Fraternitas Saturni attaining this state of Saturnian-Gnosis requires an understanding of the Luciferian element as well as much meditation and personal work by the individual including an understanding of the application of the Nine Pathways of Gnosis, which Flowers lays out for us.¹

Their concept of sex magick is essentially a darker expression of the idea of the union of sexuality and spirituality. The rituals outlined in the book are easy to understand and perform, though they aren’t necessarily an appropriate jumping off point for the novice sex magician. I would compare creating an astral entity to that of Crowley’s homunculus. The main difference is that instead of calling on demons, angels or other entities to answer questions or to do your bidding, with this type of magick you are essentially creating a new being composed of your own essence and energies. Well, that’s the idea anyway. It’s a concept that is not for the beginner or the faint of heart.

The Fraternitas Saturni began in 1926 in Welmar Berlin and dominated the occult world of Germany for decades. It managed to remain utterly secret until 1970. Maintaining a certain level of secrecy is of the utmost importance for a group like this. Becoming more public and part of the rest of the system would conflict with the basic postulates of the essential program of the Fraturnitas Saturni. Secrecy has kept the organization from becoming a part of the very social paradigm its program seeks to supplant. If they had placed their organization itself within the system, as the OTO did when it became a corporation, for example, it would have become absorbed into the system just as their order has.

The world of magical practice, of esoteric metaphysics and self-realization through initiation and empowerment remains a rich one. Its potential for serving as a source for the revivification of western civilization in the face of a grim medievalist onslaught based in superstition, fanaticism, and authoritarianism remains a real one, and as the most active and significant magical society in Germany today, the Fraternitas Saturni continue this work on several fronts. The Fraternitas Saturni: History, Doctrine, and Rituals of the Magical Order of the Brotherhood of Saturn sheds some much-needed light on one of the 20th century’s most secretive orders, illuminating their Nietzschean doctrines, Saturnian-Gnostic cosmologies, tantric rituals, Faustian ceremonies, and rigid masonic principals and origins.

1. p. 43

The post The Fraternitas Saturni, by Stephen E. Flowers appeared first on Spiral Nature Magazine.