#BookReview: @LlewellynBooks Complete Book of Meditation by @STubali

Synopsis: Free Your Awareness and Awaken Your Energies with 35 Worldwide Meditation Techniques Enjoy a healthier and happier life with reduced stress, decreased pain, improved sleep, lengthened attention span, and fewer age-related memory problems. The key to these and other benefits? Meditation. Appropriate for practitioners of all skill levels, this new addition to Llewellyn's Complete Book Series features thirty-five fundamental meditation techniques from traditions around the globe, including one unique method of author Shai Tubali's own creation. These • Zazen (Classical Zen Meditation) • Qigong Standing Meditation • Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Body Scan • Taoist Inner Smile • Osho’s Mystic Rose • Japanese Forest Bathing • Sufi Whirling • Gurdjieff ’s “I Am” Meditation • Christian Prayer of the Heart • Islamic Dhikr • Hindu Aum Meditation • Sikh Kirtan Kriya • Jewish Hitbodedut • Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry • Tantric Hindu Kriya Yoga • Tibetan Buddhist Dzogchen Shai presents each technique with its historical background, cultural context, potential benefits, and clear instructions for practicing it at home in a non-appropriative way. You will explore the fifteen purposes of meditation and the role of chakras. You will also learn how to align your mind and body, open your heart to love and compassion, use the hidden powers of sound, and more. This comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide introduces the magic of meditation in a way that is experiential, practical, and deeply researched. Every page encourages you to take your journey into the world of meditation further than ever before.

#BookReview: Teaching Witchcraft: A Guide for Students & Teachers of Wicca by Miles Batty , Jamie Hendrickx (Foreword) @LlewellynBooks

Synopsis: A Lost Underground Classic for Seekers and Instructors of the Craft

Teaching Witchcraft is written for today's practitioners, both in coven groups and solitary study. Featuring more than thirty-five lessons that reflect current cultural perspectives and practices in the Wiccan community, this resource includes contemporary lesson guides and exam questions, as well as an emphasis on inclusivity.

Miles Batty presents an extensive variety of topics, including spellcasting, ritual construction and procedures, the Wheel of the Year, the principles of Wiccan belief, and the four cornerstones of magick. You'll start with the fundamentals and progress through the Craft's many facets, from its history and tools to divination and etiquette. This step-by-step-guide also covers the faces of the goddess, sexuality in Witchcraft, correspondences, and magickal ethics. With lessons and study questions for every level of student, this is the essential resource for learning and teaching Witchcraft.

#BookReview: Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales by Mhara Starling

Synopsis: The history of magic and witchcraft in Wales will inspire any modern-day witch. Written by a Welsh practitioner, this book shares the magical traditions of the land of the red dragon, exploring deities, fairies, folklore, charms, plants, and magic with dozens of exercises for hands-on practice.

Explore the history and terminology of Welsh magic and methods for honoring the land. Learn to connect with Cerridwen, Rhiannon, and other deities as well as fairies and mystical creatures. Discover how you can incorporate traditional Welsh folk magic into your modern witchcraft practice, with exercises for honoring those who came before, connecting with the spirit of your home, protecting against adversity and malignant spirits, changing the weather, and much more.

#BookReview: Witchful Thinking: The Wise Woman's Handbook for Creating a Charmed Life by Zoë Howe

Synopsis: From stirring your tea to smashing the patriarchy, Witchful Thinking helps you create a charmed life full of magic and inspiration. Featuring fun and fresh techniques, spiritual advice, and enough empowerment to rock each day, this book reveals your inner wise woman and the wonder all around you.

Join Zoe Howe on a journey into witchcraft, feminism, and vibrant health. Designed for women of all identities, this book gives you the confidence to cast your own spells, own your body type, and start your personal revolution. Explore the foundational techniques and topics of magic, from pentagram power and lunar lore to chakras and divination. Enjoy witchy tips from Zoe and Q and A sections with various contributors. A little witchful thinking is all you need to transform your life.

#BookReview: New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

Synopsis: Explore Nearly 500 Samples of Folk Magic, Stories, Artifacts, Rituals, and Beliefs

One of the most comprehensive collections of witchcraft and folk magic ever written, New World Witchery shows you how to integrate folk traditions into your life and deepen your understanding of magic. Folklore expert Cory Thomas Hutcheson guides you to the crossroads of folk magic, where you'll learn about different practices and try them for yourself.

This treasure trove of witchery features an enormous collection of stories, artifacts, rituals, and traditions. Explore chapters on magical heritage, divination, familiars, magical protection, and spirit communication. Discover the secrets of flying, gathering and creating magical supplies, living by the moon, working contemporary folk magic, and more. This book also provides brief profiles of significant folk magicians, healers, and seers, so you can both meet the practitioners and experience their craft. With New World Witchery, you'll create a unique roadmap to the folk magic all around you.

#BookReview: Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T Susan Chang, M.M. Meleen

Synopsis: Unlock the Symbols, Meanings & Magic of the Cards

Discover the esoteric roots underlying the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and contemporary decks that share their symbols. This illustrated, card-by-card analysis reveals detailed insights drawn from the multi-layered traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the magical order that most strongly influenced modern tarot, helping you give better readings informed by the history of spiritual practice.

For each card, you will discover how astrology, mythology, alchemy, the elements, and Qabalah contribute to the card's overall meaning. Authors T. Susan Chang and M. M. Meleen, co-hosts of the popular Fortune's Wheelhouse podcast, decipher the symbols and stories of tarot. Their carefully researched synthesis of esoteric ideas is designed to foster a deeper connection with the wisdom of the cards.

#BookReview: Elves, Witches & Gods: Spinning Old Heathen Magic in the Modern Day by Cat Heath, Patricia M Lafayllve

Synopsis: Weave the Threads of Ancient Heathen Magic into Your Life

Journey into the fascinating depths of Heathenry with this tremendous source of history, inspiration, and practical information. Based on decades of research and experimentation, Elves, Witches & Gods provides explanations and hands-on techniques for galdr, seidr, fiber magic, herb craft, journeying, going under the cloak, and connecting with deities and elves.

Working with authentic source material, Cat Heath has carefully pieced together and recreated Heathen magic techniques, and she shares the theories, skills, and tools you need to begin or deepen your own practice. This book introduces you to deities such as the Spinning Goddess, the Spear God, Odin, and Ingvi-Freyr. You will discover recipes, spells, and prayers, as well as learn how to work with specific oils and charms. Whether you are interested in using magic to influence your fate or you want to take a deep dive into the craft of the helrune and the v�lva, this book's guidance will help you take the next steps on the Heathen path.

Includes a foreword by Patricia M. LaFayllve, author of A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru

#BookReview: Wisdom of the Natural World by Granddaughter Crow

Synopsis: Connect to the Earth and Embrace Its Teachings

From animals and plants to landscapes and seasons, the natural world is a phenomenal teacher. It guides and supports you in improving your relationships, finances, health, and much more. Packed with practical exercises, meditations, and new perspectives, Wisdom of the Natural World empowers you to find balance in life and realize your importance to the planet.

Join Granddaughter Crow on an illuminating journey to become your most authentic self. Explore how the seasons and weather cycles affect your four bodies--physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Discover how to create your own medicine wheel and work with your shadow side. This enlightening book helps you communicate with nature and apply its concepts to your day-to-day life, giving you a deep sense of purpose and understanding. Wisdom of the Natural World is your key to finding connection and feeling like you belong.

Foreword by Michael Smith, PhD, author of The Complete Empath Toolkit 

#BookReview: Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez

Synopsis: Develop Relationships with the Fae for a Lifelong Journey of Magick

Meet dozens of faeries that have adapted to the modern world and can be found in the most unexpected places. Urban Faery Magick introduces you to these mystical beings, providing tips and techniques for interacting with them as you travel your own spiritual path. Author Tara Sanchez explores dozens of case studies and shares her own personal stories of fae encounters, uniquely associating each faery with one of the elements from Eastern or Western traditions. You will learn about the Zaragoza goblin, Jon the Rust Spirit, Jenny Green-teeth, the Santiago Park Pixie, and many more. This book also includes dozens of hands-on exercises, including traditional Celtic practices, chants, invocations, breath work, dowsing, scrying, and interpreting signs as you discover the important lessons the fae can teach us.

Faeries are no strangers to the cities of the world. They walk the streets and live their lives in the forlorn alleys, waterways, nooks, and crannies that are often overlooked. Urban Faery Magick shows you how to connect with these misunderstood creatures and experience their energy.

#BookReview: The Magic of Connection by Michelle Welch

Synopsis: Learn how empathic abilities can help you heal your inner wounds while staying connected to your community. Author Michelle Welch shows you how to work with the energies that connect all people, and instead of cutting energetic cords, you will learn to transmute challenging energies in ways that support your personal spiritual journey.

With hands-on instructions for using meditations, mantras, crystals, herbs, and oils, The Magic of Connection teaches you how to embrace spiritual connection and live a more empowered life. You will also discover techniques for working with ascended masters, archangels, tarot cards, and spells. Living a spiritually attuned life can come with challenges. This book shows how to transform harsh energies so you can become a grounded source of love and light.

#BookReview: Meditation with Intention by Anusha Wijeyakumar @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: With just five minutes of meditation a day, you can achieve a more focused, balanced, and peaceful life. Join wellness consultant Anusha Wijeyakumar as she shares the transformative meditation program that she developed for California's world-famous Hoag Hospital. You will discover the vital intentions and five-minute meditations designed for heart opening, chakra balancing, trusting your inner truth, embodying courage and strength, and more. These meditations and pranayama-breathwork exercises will help you create more joy and peace in your life while learning to control negative internal chatter.

Raised in the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) on her way to becoming a clinician and teacher, Anusha expertly helps you integrate ancient Eastern wisdom into your modern Western lifestyle for a deeper sense of purpose, self-acceptance, and self-love.

#BookReview: Ozark Folk Magic: Plants, Prayers & Healing by Brandon Weston @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: Bring ancient methods of healing and magic into the modern world with this impressive book on Ozark folk magic. Providing lore, herbs, magical alignments, verbal charms, and more, folk healer Brandon Weston sheds light on the region's secretive culture and shows you how to heal both yourself and others.

Ozark Folk Magic invites you to experience the hillfolk's traditional magic through the eyes of an authentic practitioner. Discover how to optimize your healing work and spells according to the moon cycles, zodiac signs, and numerology. Explore medicinal uses for native Ozark plants and instructions for healing magical illnesses. Combining personal stories and practical advice, this grounded book makes it easy to incorporate Ozark folk magic into your practice.

#BookReview: The Hearth Witch's Year by Anna Franklin @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: Filled with spells, recipes, and crafts, this book helps you discover the magical rhythms of the natural world. Join Anna Franklin, bestselling author of The Hearth Witch's Compendium, as she shares time-honored recipes and step-by-step instructions for bringing enchantment and joy into your life. You will discover dozens of incantations and spells to help you celebrate the cycles of the seasons, honor the gods and spirits, and release negative energy and anxiety.

The world is filled with magic, if we can just slow down and learn how to channel it. The Hearth Witch's Year provides hands-on tips for sabbats, solstices, saints' days, and more than 100 other auspicious dates so you can connect with the earth's natural energies and manifest your deepest desires.

#BookReview: Priestess of the Morrigan by Stephanie Woodfield @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: Become a priestess of the Morrigan and build a personalized devotional practice with this profound book on deepening your connection to her. Through stories, prayers, and rituals for groups and solitaries, Priestess of the Morrigan shows you how to serve the Great Queen and enhance your spiritual journey.

Explore the true nature of the Morrigan, discover what it means to channel her voice, and learn about her role in prophecies and curse work. Create your own unique tradition with this book's ritual-building advice and guidelines for developing a yearly cycle of celebrations. Stephanie Woodfield, a devotee to the Great Queen for over twenty years, uses her personal triumphs and challenges as beacons for your path to becoming a priestess of the Morrigan. 

#BookReview: Year of the Magickal Dragon by Virginia Chandler @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: Connect to dragon spirits and walk with them through the wheel of the year using this enlightening and powerful guide. Providing seasonal meditations and rituals, Year of the Magickal Dragon shows you how to build a relationship with each sabbat's dragon spirit and how that relationship improves your magickal practice.

Virginia Chandler introduces you to eight legendary dragon spirits that are integral to the seasonal year, from the Ancestor Dragon of Samhain to the Fertility Dragon of Beltane. Discover oil and incense recipes, spells, journaling prompts, altar work, stories and historical information about the dragons, and more. Honoring and developing a bond with these dragons will improve not only your seasonal practice, but it will also empower all areas of your life as these dragons walk beside you every day of the year.

#BookReview: Experience the Mystery of Tarot by Katalin Jett Koda @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: Take Your Destiny Into Your Own Hands

Combine Tarot with Simple Ceremonies to Change Your Life 

Experience the Mystery of Tarot explores a fresh perspective on the cards and shares meditations, ceremonies, and exercises for using tarot to make positive changes. For each card, you will discover an in-depth exploration of card meanings, as well as essential qualities, activity suggestions, and a hands-on exercise or ceremony.

Learning to make sense of your experience through myth and ritual enables a better grasp on what's coming up in the future so you can resolve difficult situations and improve your connections with loved ones. Within these pages, you will also discover layout suggestions and dozens of ideas for gaining insights into relationships, finances, work, health issues, spiritual questions, and so much more. This unique, embodied approach to tarot supports beginners and experienced readers alike in the quest to transform our lives and embrace the joy and love that await us. 

#BookReview: Essential Tarot Writings: A Collection of Source Texts in Western Occultism by Donald Tyson @LlewellynBooks

Synopsis: Presenting invaluable essays written by prominent occultists from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, this profound book explores the fascinating evolution of tarot as a magical tool. Occult scholar Donald Tyson has edited and annotated these important works so that you can understand each occultist's message in the context of his peers and period.

Essential Tarot Writings reveals where many of our fundamental assumptions about the tarot came from, including card meanings, how it's used in ceremonial magic, Hebrew and Kabbalistic correspondences, and more. All of these essays are interconnected by the influences these great thinkers had on each other and the understanding of tarot that permeated each century. From Antoine Court de G�belin and Comte de Millet to P.D. Ouspensky and S.L. MacGregor Mathers, these titans of esoteric tarot are brought together in one must-have collection.

#BookReview: Death Rights and Rites: A Practical Guide to a Meaningful Death by Judith Fenley, Oberon Zell @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: Death Rights & Rites presents practical information for approaching death and dying with a sense of personal and sacred meaning. You will learn how to navigate the practical, legal, and spiritual issues related to home-based dying, home funerals, and alternative burial methods. This book assists those who want to approach dying with a deeper sense of purpose and advocates for those who want to care for loved ones as they pass in a way that supports the best medical care and the emotional needs of the community.

It is possible to manifest your deepest spiritual values before, during, and after death. Within these pages, you will discover alternative death ways that are sustainable, artful, sacred, and supportive. 

#BookReview: Common Magick: Origins & Practices of British Folk Magick by A C Fisher Aldag @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: This fascinating book provides a window into the folk magick world of the British Isles. Join author A.C. Fisher-Aldag as she explores the basics of magick and shares her deep knowledge of the magical properties of crystals, stones, herbs, and other magical tools. You will discover what it's like to work with nature spirits, fairies, deities, and energy beings and explore the power of simple rituals, divination, and even folkplays and magickal dances.

Folk magick can be practiced by anybody with common household objects. Whether you want to use magick out of curiosity or to enhance your own spiritual practice, this book is for anyone interested in learning about authentic magical folkloric traditions. With spells and rituals for health, love, home, happiness, protection, luck, money, and more, Common Magick is a perfect resource for creating a more enchanted life.

#BookReview: Magickal Mediumship: Partnering with the Ancestors for Healing and Spiritual Development by Danielle Dionne @LlewellynBooks @Netgalley

Synopsis: This invaluable resource weaves together mediumship, magick, Spiritualism, and ancestral reverence to forge a strong foundation for spiritual development and connection with your deceased loved ones. Danielle Dionne provides hands-on exercises and accessible techniques for improving your practice and creating real change in your life.

Discover the different groups of ancestors, build a practice that honors them, and learn how to work with them for divination and healing. Explore ritual suggestions, recipes for offerings, and rites for crossing over. Meet spirit guides and deities of the dead. You'll also be encouraged to consider your own mortality and what the afterlife will bring. Respectful and captivating, this book presents a unique approach to magick and mediumship.