Books Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Grimoire & Book of Shadows: A Beginner’s Guide On How to Start One

kitty fields — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 16:48:28 +0000

Every witch and magician loves a dusty tome filled with magic. If you’re brand new to witchcraft and magic, it’s time to start your own grimoire or Book of Shadows. But how? And what should be included? Here we provide the beginner with grimoire and Book of Shadows basics and teach you how to start your own grimoire! First, What is a Grimoire? What is a Book of Shadows? Technically speaking, a grimoire and a Book of Shadows are two different things. Yet in modern times, people tend to use these words interchangeably. The difference between the two comes down to a few things: A grimoire is an older term used to define a book of spells, invocations, etc. as opposed to the Book of Shadows which is a term popularized by the Wiccan movement in the twentieth century. Some people say a grimoire is the term non-Wiccans should use and reserve Book of Shadows for Wiccans. Grimoires, to some folks, are books of spells and rituals written in ancient or cryptic alphabets to keep magic a secret. While the Book of Shadows may be protected by magic symbols but isn’t necessarily written in ancient alphabet code. To put it simply, it’s up to you if you want to use the term grimoire or Book of Shadows to define your spellbook! For me, I use grimoire, but I don’t just include spells in my grimoire. I record my dreams, spiritual and emotional experiences, recipes, study notes and much more! The Do’s and Dont’s of Grimoire-Keeping You might be wondering, do I have to record everything in an ancient cryptic alphabet? The answer is NO. Of course not! Unless you feel particularly drawn to do so. For me? I don’t have that kind of time, nor do I have anything I need to hide from others at this point. But if you have someone who tends to snoop in your belongings or someone who wouldn’t approve of your craft, you can absolutely use old alphabets or symbols to record in your grimoire. So what are the do’s and don’t’s of grimoire-keeping? DO write down everything you find of value, DON’T limit yourself. That’s it! What Kind of Journal Should I Use? Though there are dozens of pretty, leather grimoires online to purchase, if you can’t afford fifty+ dollars for a grimoire, don’t spend it! A plain composition book or spiral notebook works just as well as a fancy leather one. And if you choose a notebook or composition book, simple post-it tabs help to organize and section off your grimoire. Unfortunately, in the large leather grimoire I own, I can’t add tabs because of the closure. If I add tabs, they’ll be smashed and the grimoire itself won’t close. So, that said, pretty doesn’t = functional! Diaries, journals, and even recipe books function well as grimoires too. Binders with loose-leaf paper and sheet protectors are great for organizational purposes. Subjects for Your Grimoire or Book of Shadows Truly any subject matter you want to add to your grimoire is perfectly fine. It’s up to you what to include. A few magical subjects I’ve added to mine include: Altar and tools: how to set up an altar, tools you like to include, seasonal changes and how to charge/bless altars, etc. Amulets and Talismans: charms and how to enchant or charge an amulet and talisman Ancestor Work: info on your ancestors, recent and ancient, DNA test results, ancestral rituals, healing, etc. Astrology: great to have in your grimoire including your sun, rising, ascending signs and a copy of your birth natal chart Cleansing Rituals: smudging, sprays, ritual baths, sound, etc. Color magic: each color’s magical properties Crystals and their magical and medicinal properties Days of the week: magic according to the days of the week Divination: different forms including runes, tarot cards, oracle, scrying sessions, nature signs and omens, throwing ‘dem bones, and palmistry (the sky’s the limit!) Dreams: a record of my dreams plus dream interpretations and symbols Elements: the basics on the four elements, their properties, elemental magic, how the elements affect our daily lives, one page for each of the 4 elements Experiences: include your spiritual experiences, thoughts, emotions Familiars: animal guides, household spirits, magical allies, etc. Garden: how I set up my magical garden, what to grow, timing of plantings/harvesting Goddesses Healing: rituals, Reiki, meditations, chakra alignment, healing candle spells, etc. Herbs: each herb gets its own page with magical correspondences, any culinary or topical purposes, mundane use, medicinal etc. History: the history of witchcraft, Witch Trials, shamanism, multicultural magical traditions, ancient paganism, folklore, etc. Home and Hearth: magical recipes, anecdotes, charms for protection, cleansing and protection rituals, magical cleaning routines, kitchen utensils that serve as magical tools, tea spells, etc. Love Rituals: any herbs, charms, rituals, spells, affirmations to attract love or self-love, sex magic Lost Civilizations: info on Avalon, Atlantis, Lemuria Moon Magic: lunar phases and their magical properties, lunar goddesses, moon rituals, drawing down the moon, how to make moon water, charging things in the moonlight Protection: laying wards, sealing one’s house, travel protection charms, shielding rituals, banishing, binding, reversals, etc. Sacred places: portals, ley lines, YOUR power places (places in nature you felt most connected and magical) Symbols: helpful if you draw or print out different sacred and magical symbols to include in your grimoire How to Cleanse and Charge Your Grimoire So you have a notebook and some ideas of what to write in your grimoire, but how do you dedicate it solely to your spiritual use? Cleansing and charging your grimoire is a good idea, similar to how you cleanse and charge your altar and tools. My favorite way to cleanse a grimoire is with smoke. Run the grimoire over and through the smoke front and back, visualizing negative energy leaving the pages. Envision a “clean slate” to dedicate to your magical studies. Then, hold it in your hands and to your heart and say, “I bless this book in the name of […]

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10 BEST Witchy Reference Books: Herbs, Crystals, Spirits and More!

kitty fields — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 19:04:03 +0000

The magical books I’ve used most over the years have been my trusted witchy reference books. They’re the books that I flip open to the Index, find a page, and look up my desired topic within seconds. When writing rituals, finding appropriate offerings, understanding herb and crystal correspondences, every witch or magical practitioner needs at least a few decent witchy reference books in their collection. Here’s our TOP 10 witchy reference books and why! DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. BEST Witchy Refence Books for Herbs and Crystals Whether you’re a beginner learning crystal and herb properties or if you’re advanced, solid crystal and herbal witchy reference books go a long way. Not sure which herb to add to that New Moon cleansing bath? Look it up! Just got a new piece of angelite and you’re not sure what it does? Look it up! Here’s a few of my favorites: 1. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham I’ve had this book for over fifteen years and still use it on a weekly basis! Listed in A-Z order, Cunningham identifies the most well-known magical herbs, their properties, and any planetary or deity correspondences. Super helpful and you’ll use it a million times, I promise! 2. The Encyclopedia of Crystals by Judy Hall What Cunningham does for magical herbs in the above witchy reference book, Judy Hall does for crystals in The Encyclopedia of Crystals. This is a BIG book but it covers so many crystals and groups them together by color. In addition, Hall provides the each crystal’s chemistry, hardness, source, chakra correspondence, zodiac and number, planets and describes what each crystal is effective for in relation to healing and magic. 3. 20,000 Secrets of Tea by Victoria Zak Using herbs medicinally is a practice of our ancestors and is slowly gaining popularity once more. If you’d like a quick reference book for the medicinal uses for herbal teas, pick up a copy of Zak’s 20,000 Secrets of Tea. A smaller, novel-sized book, but don’t let the size deter you. It’s been very helpful to me over the years when I needed to look up an herb for a particular ailment. 4. Crystals for Healing by Karen Frazier I was a little disappointed when I first bought this witchy reference book. Why? I thought it would have physical healing properties listed for each crystal. It doesn’t. However, let me rectify my dislikes by saying it has come in handy when I needed to look up crystals for mental and emotional healing. Frazier gives the best crystal recommendations for relieving anxiety, loneliness, denial and acceptance and much more! 5. The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham Scott Cunningham does it again with an amazing witchy reference book for looking up magical incense, oils and brews. He provides recipes, properties and much more in this one. A must-have in the witch’s magical library! Witchy Reference Books for Spells, Spirits, Dreams and More! As a writer and a witch, I’ll tell you how important it is for me to be able to quickly look up a specific goddess or fairy for my articles AND my practice. In addition, having a dream dictionary, birthday book, and a full encyclopedia of spells has been invaluable in my day-to-day practice. 6. The Encyclopedia of Spirits by Judika Iles Mostly a reference book of gods and goddesses, Iles also provides information on ghosts, demons, fairies, and much more in her Encyclopedia of Spirits. This is one that I’ve used time and time again and is useful when learning about a new deity and what offerings they like, etc. A large book but great reference guide for any witch or pagan. 7. The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Iles Speaking of Judika Iles, another witchy reference book I’ve used hundreds of times is her Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. If you want inspiration for your next charm, spell, or ritual, simply flip this book open to your desired intention and you’re overloaded with ideas! Ancient, modern, and multicultural spells for healing, protection, love, divorce, ghosts, cleansing, justice, friendship and much more! 8. A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk by Edain McCoy One of the very first witchy reference books I ever purchased was Edain McCoy’s A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk. Not only does McCoy explain faery-magick in full detail at the beginning of the book, she also dives into faery lore from A-Z in many different cultures. Find information on the Scottish Brownie, the Irish Bean-sidhe (banshee), Merfolk from all over the world, and more! 9. Llewellyn’s Complete Dictionary of Dreams by Dr. Michael Lennox If you’re anything like me, I’m an overactive dreamer. Often I want to understand what the symbols in my dreams might mean. This witchy reference book is great to quickly look up a dream topic like ocean waves, losing teeth, babies, etc. 10. The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider Want to really dial down into someone’s birthday astrology? The Secret Language of Birthdays doesn’t just go into someone’s zodiac sun, moon and rising signs, it gives you a full detailed look at the individual based on their specific birthday. 365+ days a year are represented in this book. And I’ll tell you, each birthday I’ve looked up is SPOT ON. More MAGICAL Book Lists: 9 Books for the Egyptian Witch 5 Helpful Empath Books and Resources 14+ Celtic Witchcraft Books

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The Empath Series: 5 Helpful Empath Books and Resources

kitty fields — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 23:46:26 +0000

Welcome back to another installment of the Empath Series! Last month I talked about the different ways to maintain your energetic field which included earthing, flushing, and grounding. This month is the month a lot of folks have been waiting for because this article is the empath’s guide to the best empath books and resources from beginner to adept. Where Does an Empath Turn for Resources? You may be adept at knowing where to find others like yourself as well as resources to help you function in every-day life and society. But, if you’re here, odds are you’re still searching for information. It can be completely overwhelming and ridiculously confusing trying to find solid information for empaths. Nowadays everywhere you turn it seems like everyone is an expert on empathic nature. I am no expert, but I do know a few people, places and books that I as an empath would be lost without. These resources literally saved my life and my sanity. My TOP 5 Empath Books and Resources Without further ado, here’s a list of my top empath books and resources for those on the clear feeling spectrum that will help you maintain your sanity, form new friendships, and hone your empathic senses. 1. Empathzone – https://empathzone.ning.com/ Empathzone was really the first place I learned that there were other people in the world like me. The website provides education and a social space for empaths to learn about, and explore, their spiritual gifts. It’s been around for over a decade and is loaded with great information, discussion boards, live chat, and even games to play using your newly-revealed sensitivities. The website is owned by Sandra Martinez who’s written several books on empathy and are offered for free at Empathzone. 2. Lonerwolf – https://lonerwolf.com/empath/ Lonerwolf is a website run by Aletheia Luna and Mateo Sol, a partnership of twin flames. While I don’t always agree 100% with their content because I’m not of the new age belief system, I resonate with their empath advice. They have several quizzes you can take, a checklist of signs to alert you to your empathic nature and talk about empathy in general. They also offer a week long empath course, as well as an e-book! 3. Elise Lebeau, Ph.D. – https://www.elislebeau.com Elise Lebeau, aka The Left Brain Intuitive, is a professional empath. Her website is full of goodies from further resources, links to Facebook groups, empath books, readings, a blog and more! Elise offers a free Empath Survival Training course that covers different aspects of socialization for the empath, including crowd and relationship navigation. Elise wrote her thesis on Empath Experience which earned her a Ph.D. in Metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology. 4. Empath Basics by Sandra Martinez, MS Empath Basics is the first empath book I ever read, and it’s by far my most highly recommended text for anyone who believes they’re an empath. This empath book is downloadable on both Amazon and Empathzone for free! This guide goes through definitions, grounding, flushing, chakras, crystals, and even has its own resource section with links! Sandra has a Master’s Degree in Physics and comes to the subject of empaths, not only as an empath herself, but also through the lens of physics. Science will one day catch up to known spiritual truths, and it’s awesome to see people in the scientific community backing up what so many tell us can’t be proven. 5. Awakened Empath by Luna & Sol On their blog they offer an empath e-book titled Awakened Empath that is chock full of goodness for the beginner and seasoned empaths. It explores boundary setting, how to handle narcissists, self-love practices, and dives deep into parenting empathic children. Luna and Sol’s information is tinted with new age philosophy. If you’re not into new age belief systems, that’s ok, the information is just as valuable without sticking to it by the letter. Wrapping It Up… Thank you so much for reading and join me next month as we close out 2019 with the last installment of the Empath Series, Growing Up Empath. Next month’s article will cover empathy and children, from what makes them different to how to help them grow in a healthy environment that nurtures their empathic sensitivities. Check out the Entire Empath Series by Allorah Rayne: The Empath Series: The Empath Spectrum and Shielding Cord Cutting and Transmutation Flushing, Grounding and Earthing About Allorah Rayne, Wayfaring Witch Allorah Rayne is a practitioner of amnestic wayfaring witchcraft and has been part of the online spiritual community since 2012. Her introduction to Tarot was the age of nine and she pursued more intensive learning at fifteen. Allorah is the founder of Wayfaring Witch © where she offers occult readings, mentorship, and supplies. She is also the co-founder of Spread This, Witches!, a community centered divination organization. Contact Allorah on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, and YouTube or by E-mail at allorahrayne@gmail.com.

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Egyptian Witch Books: 9 Must-Reads on Ancient Egyptian Myth & Magick

kitty fields — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 15:26:19 +0000

Are you an Egyptian witch looking for books to further your craft? Or maybe you’re just looking to incorporate some Egyptian witchcraft into your practice and need to know where to start. Here we provide our favorite Egyptian witch books on mythology and magick. DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. Mythology Books for the Egyptian Witch 1. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt by Richard H. Wilkinson There were literally hundreds of Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses over the centuries and this book does a wonderful job of addressing many of them. Gods and goddesses I’d never heard of were included in great detail. A must-have reference book for the Egyptian witch’s library. 2. The Egyptian Book of the Dead It’s name is daunting and a bit scary for those who don’t understand. But The Egyptian Book of the Dead’s title when further translated once meant The Book of Coming Forth by Day. It’s actually a spell book with text guiding the individual into the afterlife. Some of the spells give the reader things to say and what to wear in the afterlife when meeting the gods. Many of the passages are beautiful and honor the gods in a poetic way. A must-read for those interested in Egyptian witchcraft and magick. 3. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt While history can sometimes be boring, the history of Ancient Egypt is a riveting one and shouldn’t be overlooked by the Egyptian witch. Who better to write a book on Ancieng Egyptian history than Oxford? Pick this history book up for your collection and educate yourself on why the Ancient Egyptians believed what they did. 4. The Egyptian Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends by Gary J. Shaw Another guide to Egyptian mythology that would be rather helpful for the Egyptian witch. This book surveys how the ancient Egyptians saw and experienced the world. Remember, to the ancient Egyptians, the gods were an integral part of nature and vice versa and all of their magick was focused on pleasing and working with the gods. 5. Thoth: The History of the Ancient Egyptian God of Wisdom by Lesley Jackson When I first became interested in Egyptian witchcraft, Thoth the god of writing and wisdom called to me. I haven’t read many books on singular Egyptian gods but this one was informative and enlightening. Thoth is an Egyptian deity with much depth and aids any Egyptian witch interested in ancient history, writing as a form of spirituality, past lives, healing and more! 6. NatGeo’s A Treasury of Egyptian Mythology (for Kids) Yes, it says for kids, but hear me out. A. the pictures and illustrations are GORGEOUS and B. it really puts Egyptian mythology into a basic, understandable format. My daughter owns this book and tore through the entire thing in a week! Great for kids and Egyptian witch adults, too! Egyptian Magick Books 7. Ancient Egyptian Magic by Eleanor Harris I looked for a worthy Egyptian magick book for a long time before I found this one. It seemed every book that claimed Egyptian magick only detailed the gods and goddesses, but didn’t actually dive into spells, rituals or divination methods. This book does! It teaches how to divine by oil scrying, which I found particularly intriguing. That being said, because most of the ancient Egyptian rituals aren’t practical today, certain rituals should be used in an inspirational way instead of trying to duplicate it. 8. Circle of Isis: Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches by Ellen Cannon Reed Wonderful suggestions for how to incorporate Egyptian deities into one’s practice are included in this book by Ellen Cannon Reed. I particularly enjoyed the provided meditations. Another great resource for the Egyptian witch’s book collection. 9. Magic of Isis: A Book of Powerful Incantations and Prayers by Alana Fairchild If you’re a child of the Great Mother Isis, this book of prayers and chants is for you. Working a prayer to Isis into your daily rituals is rewarding and brings one closer to the Great Mother of Egyptian magic. Fairchild’s inspired book is also great to inspire personal prayers to almost any god or goddess. More Book Lists: 14+ Books for the Celtic Witch Kitchen Witch Books, Blogs and Resources Books for the Green Witch

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Celtic Witch Books: Our 14+ MUST-READS from Myth to Magick

kitty fields — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 12:48:35 +0000

To be a Celtic witch means to weave pagan Celtic spirituality and magick into your witchcraft practice. If you’re interested in adding Celtic myth and magick to your witchcraft path, here are our favorite Celtic witch books including Celtic mythology, Wicca, folklore and fairy magick. DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. Celtic Mythology Books for the Celtic Witch 1. Celtic Myth & Magick The late Edain McCoy is one of my favorite Wiccan and Witchcraft authors and with good reason. She makes Celtic spirituality and deities simple to understand and integrate in her book Celtic Myth and Magick. While it is a thick book, the way Edain breaks down the concepts is modern and helpful for any Celtic witch. 2. Element Encyclopedia of Celts A handy reference to have in your Celtic witch’s library. Everything from Celtic holidays to Celtic heroes and historical information. If you want to learn how to be a Celtic witch and have a quick reference guide, this book is it! 3. The Mabinogi One of the traditional, original pieces of Celtic Welsh mythology is The Mabinogi. Be ready for a heavy read, though – these are all Celtic myths. But if you’re a Celtic witch, it’s crucial to understand tales from the Celtic past. Rhiannon and Blodeuwedd (popular modern goddesses) make debut appearances in The Mabinogi. 4. The Four Cycles of Irish Mythology Another important collection of Celtic mythology every Celtic witch should read is The Four Cycles of Irish Mythology. The Four Cycles include: the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle and the Historical Cycle. If you want to know about Ireland’s pagan Celtic past, this is the collection to read (though it will take you some time to get through it, it’s worth it!) 5. Arthurian Magic: A Practical Guide to the Wisdom of Camelot Though not necessarily considered “Celtic”, the Arthurian legends play a large part in England’s mythological past. And because England was once ruled by the Celts, it’s thought much of the Arthurian legends reflect even older Celtic legends and deities. This is a BIG book but a great one to add to the Celtic witch’s book collection. Fairy and Folklore Books for the Celtic Witch 6. Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry One of the first fairy folklore books I read was Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by WB Yeats. Yeats is mostly known for his poetry in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but he was also interested in the occult and Celtic customs. Every Celtic witch should read Yeats’ folk tales. 7. A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk A staple in my witchy library, A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk by Edain McCoy has been in my possession since I was 16. I recommend it to every one interested in working with the faery realm. There’s an encyclopedia of fairies, as well as ways to work with them and ways to protect yourself from malevolent faeries. A must-have book for the Celtic witch. 8. Carmina Gadelica We’ve talked about Irish, English and Welsh Celtic mythology and folk tales, but what about Scottish? The Carmina Gadelica is a lovely collection of poems, incantations and tales of the Scottish variety. Celtic Magick and Witchcraft Books 9. Celtic Magic DJ Conway provides the Celtic witch beginner with an overview of ancient Celtic traditions as well as Celtic deities. And how you can work with them in your witchcraft practice with spells, rituals, and meditations. 10. Fire in the Head These days everyone gets up in arms when the word “shamanism” is used in reference to anything other than Siberian shamanism. Take the offense to the word out and you have an incredibly well-written book by Tom Cowan on the esoteric aspects of Celtic mythology and how to use it in spiritual journeying and healing. 11. By Oak, Ash and Thorn Another well-written Celtic witchcraft book by DJ Conway focused mainly on esoteric “shamanic” concepts like shapeshifting, soul retrieval, the ogham and Celtic herbs. I read this book when I was very young and didn’t connect to it, but now that I’m older it resonates deeply. Books on Celtic Spirituality for the Celtic Witch 12. The Mist-Filled Path One of my favorite Celtic spirituality books is The Mist-Filled Path: Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers and Seekers by Frank MacEowen. I’ve read this book more than once and always enjoy MacEowen’s approach to a Celtic spiritual path. If you want to learn innate natural beliefs of old Ireland and Scotland, this book is for you. 13. Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom I don’t have enough good things to say about John O’Donahue’s Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom. Yes, there are mentions of the Christian god and Jesus Christ within; however, it is few and if you can set biases aside this book offers every human being a wealth of knowledge and insight. I can’t remember how many times I highlighted quotes in this book. O’Donahue examines the Celtic spirituality of the past and applies it to the modern world in a profound way. 14. Tending Brigid’s Flame Another Celtic pagan book that I read recently is Tending Brigid’s Flame by Lunaea Weatherstone. Even if Brigid isn’t your matron goddess, you will gain something from this book. Weatherstone’s deep relationship with the Irish Celtic goddess Brigid shines through and really pulls the reader in. As a Celtic witch, it made me want to travel to Ireland in search for the goddess herself. More Books: HUGE List of Traditional Witchcraft Books Witchy Books & Tea Pairings for Spring Books and Blogs for the Green Witch

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Witchy Book & Tea Pairings for Spring

kitty fields — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:06:50 +0000

Spring is in the air! And witches still be readin’ and drinkin’ tea. Here’s our recommendations for the best Spring witchy reads (fiction and non-fiction) accompanied by matching, delicious teas. Grab a witchy book, pour a magical cup of tea, and lay a blanket down under a tree. DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. 1. The Girl Who Drank the Moon with Blue Moon Milk Guess who introduced me to this amazing witchy book? My daughter! The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill won the Newbery Medal and is a favorite of young readers…but don’t let the genre fool you. It’s an incredibly imaginative, magical witchy book that I guarantee any witch would enjoy reading. While set in a fantasy world, the main characters are a swamp witch, bog monster, dragon and a girl who’s accidentally fed moonlight. Read this witchy book this Spring with a cup of blue moon milk. 2. Circe with Chamomile Tea Circe by Madeline Miller isn’t your every day mythical fiction book. Sure, the Percy Jackson books are inspired by Greek mythology and are fun to read, but this. book. right. here. It will have you on the edge of your seat, foraging in the woods for magical herbs, and crying out loud with Circe the main character. Circe is a Greek nymph-goddess who’s exiled to a magical island called Aeaea, where she teaches herself witchcraft and transformative powers. Pair this witchy book with a cup of chamomile tea – it’s a traditional Greek tea. 3. The Green Witch with Green Tea This non-fiction book by Arin Murphy-Hiscock is a lovely reference and guide to the witch who wants to brush up on her green witchcraft skills. I find many green witch books lean towards herbs only, but The Green Witch dives into a little bit of everything including stones, oils, and flowers. When reading this witchy book this Spring, sip on a cup of green tea…because…well, green = green, right? 4. Garden Spells with Rose and Apple Tea One of my favorite authors hands-down is Sarah Addison Allen, if only for this one book – Garden Spells. What witchy book is more perfect for Spring than this? A fictional story based on two magical sisters (sort of like Practical Magic but imo better!), you won’t want to put this book down. Pair with rose and apple tea – there’s a magical apple tree in the sisters’ garden, as well as rose bushes. 5. Hungry Spirits with Mint Tea The second in the Cotton Family Series by Nicole Canfield, Hungry Spirits brings us to a magical farm in Maryland where Lucy Cotton battles restless, evil spirits, the Devil himself, and her own personal demons. Midsummer feasts, mojo bags, and shapeshifting will have you wanting more of this series. If you haven’t read the first (Familiar Spirits), you’ll want to before reading this one. Sit on the front porch with this witchy book and sip on a glass of iced mint tea. It’s one of Lucy’s favorites. 6. The Illustrated Herbiary with Passionflower Tea The Illustrated Herbiary by Maia Toll introduces thirty-some magical plants to the reader in a delightful way. When I think of Spring, I think of plants – herbs and flowers. I also love to read about plants in the Spring to inspire my magic. This witchy book doesn’t just educate, it provides little rituals for the reader to do to enhance the learning process. Drink passionflower tea while reading this book, as Maia Toll says passionflower is for “exuberant quietude.” 7. The Rules of Magic with Red Rooibos Tea Ever read or watched Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman? While I adore the movie, the book Practical Magic felt a little lackluster. HOWEVER, the second book in the Practical Magic series – The Rules of Magic – which was released last year – was BEYOND magical! I absolutely adored this book and didn’t want it to end. It’s a prequel to Sally and Jilly’s story based on the two aunts’ perspectives. The setting is in New York City (mostly) and in the 1970’s. You don’t want to pass up this witchy book this Spring. Match it with a hot cup of red rooibos tea because… enchantments and LOVE. More Book Lists: Winter Witchy Book & Tea Pairings HUGE List of Traditional Witchcraft Books Best Fairy Books for Pagans

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HUGE List of Traditional Witch Books: Witchcraft, Folklore, and Herbalism

kitty fields — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 15:35:47 +0000

The traditional witch has a plethora of resources at his or her fingertips. BUT to make it even easier, we’ve created a HUGE list of traditional witch books including on witchcraft, herbalism, and folklore. FIRST – what type of traditional witch will these books benefit? Every witch will benefit from reading these books, but when we say “traditional witch” we are speaking particularly of those who follow an older path apart from Wicca and Gardnerianism. DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about the paranormal and paganism. Traditional Witchcraft Books The Black Toad: West Country Witchcraft and Magic by Gemma Gary Treading the Mill: Workings in Traditional Witchcraft by Nigel G Pearson Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary A Deed Without a Name: Unearthing the Legacy of Traditional Witchcraft by Lee Morgan The Devil’s Dozen: Thirteen Craft Rites of the Old One by Gemma Gary Besom, Stang & Sword: A Guide to Traditional Witchcraft the Six-fold Path & the Hidden Landscape by Christopher Orapello Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Laura Tempest Zakroff Liber Nox: A Traditional Witch’s Gramarye by Michael Howard and Gemma Gary Craft of the Untamed: An inspired vision of traditional witchcraft by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold Children of Cain: A Study of Modern Traditional Witches Letters from the Devil’s Forest: An Anthology of Writings on Traditional Witchcraft, Spiritual Ecology and Provenance Traditionalism by Robin Artisson To Fly By Night: Craft of the Hedgewitch by Veronica Cummer An Carow Gwyn: Sorcery and the Ancient Fayerie Faith by Robin Artisson The Robert Cochrane Letters: An Insight Into Modern Traditional Witchcraft by Robert Cochrane and Evan John Jones Folk Witchcraft: A Guide to Lore, Land, and the Familiar Spirit by Roger J. Horne Balkan Traditional Witchcraft by Radomir Ristic and Michael C. Carter The Call of the Horned Piper by Nigel Jackson Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches’ Sabbath by Carlo Ginzburg Folklore & Scholarly Books for the Traditional Witch The Visions of Isobel Gowdie: Magic, Witchcraft, and Dark Shamanism in Seventeenth Century Scotland by Emma Wilby Cunningfolk and Familiar Spirits: Shamanistic Visionary Traditions in Early Modern British Witchcraft and Magic by Emma Wilby Fairies and Witches at the Boundary of South-Eastern and Central Europe by Eva Pocs Witches, Werewolves, and Fairies: Shapeshifters and Astral Doubles in the Middle Ages by Claude Lecouteux The Tradition of Household Spirits: Ancestral Lore and Practice by Claude Lecouteux Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology and Magic by Claude Lecouteux Carmina Gadelica: Hymns and Incantations compiled by Alexander Carmichael and John MacInnes The Mabinogion – Welsh Mythology The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans-Went Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by WB Yeats Tales of the Celtic Otherworld by John Matthews and Ian Daniels Ozark Magic and Folklore by Vance Randolph Teutonic Mythology (Volumes 1-4) by Jacob Grimm Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm American Witch Stories by Hubert J. Davis Popular Magic: Cunningfolk in English History by Owen Davies Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Leland Poison Path & Herbal Books Pharmako/Gnosis: Plant Teachers and the Poison Path by Dale Pendell Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism by Daniel Schulke Plants of the Devil by Corinne Boyer Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers by Richard Evan Schultes The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock The Witching Herbs: 13 Essential Herbs and Plants for Your Magical Garden by Harold Roth The Witches’ Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic by Thomas Hatsis The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants by Christian Ratsch Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants by Claudia Muller-Ebeling The Devil’s Garden: Facts and Folklore of Perilous Plants by Edward R Ricciuti Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart The Poison Path Herbal by Coby Michael Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health Wild and Weedy Apothecary by Doreen Shababy MORE Witchcraft Book Lists: Green Witch Books and Blogs BEST Fairy Books for Pagans 25 Books to Advance Your Craft

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BIG List of Kitchen Witch Books, Blogs and Resources

kitty fields — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 18:34:53 +0000

Are you looking for new and inspiring kitchen witch books, blogs, and resources? Here we’ve rounded up our favorites to help you get cooking with magick in the kitchen! Kitchen Witch Books & Cookbooks Scott Cunningham: Wicca in the KitchenArin Murphy-Hiscock: The House WitchCerridwen Greenleaf: The Book of Kitchen WitcheryLisa Chamberlain: Wicca Kitchen WitcheryPatricia Telesco: A Kitchen Witch’s CookbookAnna Franklin: The Hearth Witch’s CompendiumRachel Patterson: Grimoire of a Kitchen WitchJoanna Asala: Celtic Folklore CookingKate West: The Real Witch’s KitchenKate Johnson: Witch in the KitchenDenise & Meadow Linn: The Mystic CookbookEllen Dugan: Cottage WitcheryScott Cunningham: The Magical Household A Few of My Favorite Cookbooks (That Every Kitchen Witch Should Have) As a kitchen witch, it’s important to have a plethora of cookbooks that are magical in nature, but also to have practical cookbooks. A few of my favorites are: Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat The Irish Pub Cookbook by Margaret Johnson Great Easy Meals by the Food Network Tasty Every Day: All of the Flavor None of the Fuss by Tasty.co Top Secret Restaurant Recipes by Todd Wilbur Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julie Child In addition, I own a dozen of my grandmother’s and great grandmother’s antique cookbooks of which I draw inspiration from. Don’t forget to put your own recipes and family recipes in a binder to create your own kitchen witch book. I’m in the process of writing a compendium of magical ingredients and also including my favorite recipes. Because honestly, I can’t find all I want in a kitchen witch book so…I figured I’d make my own! Herbal Books for the Kitchen Witch Scott Cunningham: Encyclopedia of Magical HerbsVictoria Zak: 20,000 Secrets of TeaMichael Tierra: The Way of HerbsTammi Hartung: Homegrown HerbsRosemary Gladstar: Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal HerbsCassie Liversidge: Homegrown TeaHarold Roth: The Witching HerbsLisa Chamberlain: Wicca Herbal MagicEllen Evert Hopman: Secret Medicines From Your GardenMaia Toll & Kate O’Hara: The Illustrated HerbiaryScott Cunningham: Incense, Oils, and BrewsArin Murphy-Hiscock: The Green WitchEllen Dugan: Garden WitcheryEllen Dugan: The Garden Witch’s Herbal Listen to our Kitchen Magick Podcast here: On Our Blog: How to Be a Kitchen Witch in 7 Essential StepsKitchen Witch: Magical Spices In Your Kitchen Cabinet5 Essential Culinary Herbs for the Witch’s GardenKitchen Witchery: How to Cook a Magical MealKitchen Witchery: Pumpkin Spice Coffee for ProsperityHerb Magic for Beginners: How to Start Working With HerbsEffective Herbal Tea for Colds Recipe15 MUST-HAVE Herbs for the Witch’s Herb CabinetHow To Create Your Own Kitchen Witch AltarThe Kitchen Witch’s Food List: Magical Properties of FoodA Secret Tea Recipe to Honor Hecate (Members Only)

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Witchy Book & Tea Pairings for Winter

kitty fields — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 14:59:03 +0000

When Winter comes, many of us hunker down and become introverts…at least between all the holiday gatherings and Winter events. As the snow blows and covers the land where you live, sit inside with a good book and a hot cup of tea and enjoy the quiet-time. Here are my favorite witchy book and tea pairings for Winter for the introvert witch. Witchy Book & Tea Pairings for Winter 1. The Winter Witch with Peppermint Tea If you haven’t read any of Paula Brackston’s witchy fiction books, now’s the time. The Winter Witch is a tale of a young woman named Morgana in 19th-century Wales who isn’t like the rest of her hometown. She doesn’t talk, yet she wields supernatural abilities. Morgana’s mother marries her off to a man with a farm across town, and so ensues a story of falling in love and harnessing one’s own personal power. Sip a hot cup of peppermint tea while reading The Winter Witch, and the Winter season will go by in a flash of mint and magic! 2. The Bear and the Nightingale with Russian Tea Another fictional novel, but well worth the Winter read, is The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. Based on the Russian fairy tale Vasalisa the Beautiful, this book is hard to put down. Set in Old World Russia, any witch will enjoy reading about Vasalisa and her lovable family at the rim of a Russian forest. Spirits, demons, and fairy tale creatures abound in this tale of a young woman who is forced to protect her family and way of life. No other tea would fit this book better than Russian Tea. Don’t know how to make Russian tea? Click here. 3. Yule: Rituals, Recipes and Lore with Spiced Winter Tea Yule: Rituals, Recipes, and Lore for the Winter Solstice by Susan Pesznecker will delight every witch with tales of the Old Ways, easy-to-use Winter Solstice rituals, and delicious recipes for the holiday season. Get your highlighter ready, because you’re going to be saving a lot of information from this book. Sip on a cup of hot Spiced Winter Tea while flipping through Yule: Rituals, Recipes, and Lore. Make your own Spiced Winter Tea by brewing black tea and adding a few cloves, a cinnamon stick, and an orange slice. 4. Confessions of a Pagan Nun with Irish Breakfast While not necessarily a “Winter” book, so to speak, Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley reminds me of the Winter. The setting is often in the cold, and the tone is cold, however enlightening. An engaging tale of an Irish woman who dedicates her life to the Church but still clings to her family’s old Pagan ways, you’ll be taken on an emotional ride this Winter. Pair Confessions of a Pagan Nun with nothing other than a cup of Irish Breakfast tea. It’s only right. 5. The Old Magic of Christmas with Apple & Cinnamon Tea The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year by Linda Raedisch will take you on a wild ride through Winters past. Touching on magical creatures long-forgotten, Raedisch introduces us to evil forest beings who only come out in the Winter, a legion of Winter ghosts, and recipes to warm you up along the way. Apple and Cinnamon tea pair perfectly with this witchy book, as you learn to be your very own Snow Queen this holiday season. 6. The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe With Earl Grey If you haven’t read this classic in awhile, give it a read and pair it with a nice hot cup of Earl Grey tea. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis is a perfect read for cold days (seeing as how it’s always Winter but NEVER CHRISTMAS). A little book quote for you. Pairing it with Earl Grey tea only seems natural to me, since the story is based in England. And Earl Grey is a favorite in the Isles.

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The Official List of Green Witch Books, Blogs, and YT Channels

kitty fields — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:24:22 +0000

Looking to expand your knowledge as a green witch? Research, read, and study using our mega GIANT list of green witch books and resources. Find books, blogs, and YT channels on green witchcraft, herbalism, foraging and wildcrafting, trees, fairies, folklore, and more! Green Witch Books & Resources Sections covered in this list: Green Witch and Wicca Books Herbal Books for the Green Witch Tree Magic and Ogham Foraging and Wildcrafting Fairies and Folklore Green Witch Blogs Recommended YT Channels Green Witchcraft & Wicca Books 1. The Green Witch The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock is a new book on the market for the green witch. It is also a loved book in that it provides easy to use recipes and information on herbs, essential oils, and more! 2. Green Witchcraft 1, 2, 3 Green Witchcraft 1, 2, and 3 by Ann Moura is a favorite among Wiccans and Green witches alike. If you learn more towards Wicca, you’ll love Ann Moura’s books. 3. Grimoire for the Green Witch Another of Ann Moura’s green books, Grimoire for the Green Witch provides a full Book of Shadows for readers to use and adapt for their own green traditions. 4. A Green Witch’s Cupboard Deborah Martin is a Master Herbalist and teaches us about sixty-nine different herbs in A Green Witch’s Cupboard – herbs that can be used in cooking, medicine, and magic. 5. Craft of the Wild Witch Craft of the Wild Witch by Poppy Palin is an essential for the green witch. A green witch is indeed a wild witch, utilizing the energies of the forest, garden, and meadows. Talking to the trees and fairies. Seeing herbs as magical helpers. Herbal Books for the Green Witch 1. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs I haven’t used any other herbal book more than this one. Scott Cunningham is a well-known Wiccan author and this book will demonstrate why. An indelible reference for the green witch to always have on-hand. 2. 20,000 Secrets of Tea Another of my must-have herbal reference books, 20,000 Secrets of Tea makes it easy to concoct magical teas for medicine and everyday use. I can’t tell you how many times I referred to this book by Victoria Zak. 3. Illustrated Herbiary This new herbal guide by Maia Toll and Kate O’Hara will have you gawking at the beautiful artwork. 36 bewitching botanicals are detailed within. 4. The Witching Herbs I’ve heard nothing but good things about The Witching Herbs by Harold Roth. Not only does he discuss the magic of each herb, but also goes into detail about their lore and history. A must-have on the green witch bookshelf. 5. The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews Another of Cunningham’s books – The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews gives easy-to-use incense recipes, oil mixtures, and brews for various magical intentions as well as to honor different deities. 6. Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health The green witch should know how to use herbs for magic but also for healing. Rosemary Gladstar’s books are a wonderful place to start learning the healing effects of herbs. Tree Magic and Ogham 1. The Magic of Trees The Magic of Trees by Tess Whitehurst will teach you about the magical properties of trees and how to utilize tree magic in your practice. Often green witches attach to herbs but forget the power of the trees! 2. Whispers from the Woods One of the first books I picked up on tree magic by Sandra Kynes is a must-have for the green witch. 3. Celtic Tree Magic Danu Forest guides us into the magical forest of the Druids and teaches us about the Ogham sacred tree alphabet in Celtic Tree Magic. Foraging and Wildcrafting 1. The Forager’s Harvest The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer is a book that should be on every green witch’s bookshelf. If you’re a green witch, you’re a natural forager. Learn how to properly identify, harvest, and prepare edible wild plants with this guide. 2. Foraging and Feasting Foraging and Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook by Dina Falconi gives recipes and details on how to harvest edible wild foods just like our ancestors once did! 3. Backyard Foraging With great reviews on Amazon, Ellen Zachos’ guide to 65 backyard plants you didn’t know you could eat is the perfect book for the green witch looking to learn more about edible plants in his or her own backyard! 4. Edible Wild Plants Edible Wild Plants by Thomas Elias and Peter Dykeman has sold over one hundred thousand copies to foragers and herbalists worldwide. It details over 200 wild foods and the photographs are stunning! Fairies and Folklore 1. The Forest in Folklore and Mythology A green witch has a connection with the forest. Dive into the folklore and mythology of the forest to learn more. 2. A Witch’s Guide to Faery Folk One of the first books I picked up on the fairies and one that I still own to this day. A must-have guide to working with the fairies and spirits of the forest by Edain McCoy. 3. Meeting the Other Crowd A compendium of stories about Irish fairies, Meeting the Other Crowd by Eddie Lenehan is intriguing and hard to put down! 4. The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans-Wentz is a timeless fairy book from the early twentieth century that every green witch should read. It gives an idea as to how the belief in fairies was widespread over the continent of Europe. Even my kids love hearing the fairy stories in this book! 5. Wildflower Folklore Want to learn more about wildflowers and their energies? Read Wildflower Folklore by Laura C. Martin. Green Witch Blogs 1. Sarah Anne Lawless One of the first witchcraft blogs I ever found and am still attached to is Sarah Anne Lawless’ blog now called Bane Folk. Sarah is an animist, folk witch, forager, and herbalist. Talk about an essential blog […]

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