Living Runes: Theory and Practice of Norse Divination

Living Runes: Theory and Practice of Norse Divination by Galina Krasskova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All in all, I really enjoyed Krasskova’s book. I read “The Big Book of Runes and Rune Magic” by Edred Thorsson not that long ago so the material was something that I was familiar with, though I enjoyed Krasskova’s explanations. I guess if I were to put my finger on what I enjoyed the most, I’d have to say the poetry.
Her poem for the rune “Gar” ( page 153 ) was powerful and really moved me. I give “Living Runes” a “thumbs up” and I feel that her book serves as an excellent companion to Thorsson’s “The Big Book of Runes and Rune Magic”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


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Review: Top Secret Alien Abduction Files: What the Government Doesn’t Want You to Know

Top Secret Alien Abduction Files: What the Government Doesn’t Want You to Know by Nick Redfern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, I admit it, I love Redfern’s work. There,now you know my bias, I feel much better. Seriously, I do enjoy his work. Top Secret Alien Abduction Files has that Kolchak The Night Stalker vibe. Even the font used clacks in my mind like an old typewriter.
It’s 22 chapters are broken up into nice-sized chunks for easy reading and it has a plump Bibliography to help you with your own research. It’s a perfect read before the new MIB movie…
I enjoyed every minute of it and strongly recommend this one for your home paranormal library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Disinformation Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Review: Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition

I liked “Water Witchcraft”, I went threw it rather quickly (in an afternoon). It’s nicely written and easy to read. It’s Celtic vibe really appealed to me. I think that this is a book to consider adding to your esoteric home library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

In my mailbox: A Book of Pagan Prayer

It’s a dark and chilly day in little part of Florida. A storm rattled through last night but the sky hasn’t cleared up. Today is just the kind of weather for a cup of hot tea and an interesting book.

In my mailbox

Nothing makes me happier than to receive a new book from Weiser Books. The good folks at Weiser are, simply put, awesome.

This time Weiser sent me a free review copy of “A Book of Pagan Prayer.”

I remember this book and look forward to rereading it.

Product description: Steeped in tradition–“Those of us who call ourselves Pagan owe a debt to all those who came before us”–and based on more than a quarter century of research and practice, A Book of Pagan Prayerteaches us to pray in the ways of our ancestors for very modern times and concerns.

Changes to this revised edition include rearranged chapters and prayers and the addition of two new chapters, all of which make the book easier to use. The chapters are now arranged in an order that follows a ritual, and all the litanies have been moved to their appropriate chapters. Two new chapters–“General Requests and Offerings” and “Travel, Protection, Imprecatory”–combine two types of prayers out of the general “Petitions” into one. Prayers have been labeled with the deities to which they are addressed and arranged in logical order within each chapter. Prayers to new deities have also been added. In addition, a major problem with the first edition has been corrected: prayers for Lughnasadh/Lammas and Midsummer, two of the eight great neopagan holidays, have been added.

A unique collection of nearly 500 prayers written to fulfill the needs of contemporary pagans from a variety of traditions, A Book of Pagan Prayer is a book to turn to again and again.

Son of Chicken Qabalah

Thank you Weiser Books for the free advanced review copy of “Son of Chicken Qabalah: Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford’s (Mostly Painless) Practical Qabalah Course” by Lon Milo DuQuette. Expect to see this book in your favorite bookstore November 1st.

This simultaneously funny and serious book provides the easiest, fastest way for readers to painlessly attune themselves to the mysteries of the Hebrew alphabet and immerse themselves in the fundamentals of practical Qabalah. It is a road map from the Godhead to your head—a clear and lucid guide to an extremely complex, mystical topic. By performing the exercises and rituals in the book, the reader can complete the self-initiatory process comprising the three main degrees of Rabbi Lamed Ben Clifford’s Practical Qabalah course.

Review: Storytelling Alchemy

Storytelling Alchemy: Write Your Own Happy Ending by Renee Damoiselle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All in all, I thought it was an excellent book. I liked the writing style of the author and more importantly I came away liking the author. That being said, at first, I was uncomfortable with her and her definition of alchemy “a magickal term for transforming lead into gold” page 9. I thought that her definition was too simple and fru fru. I was prepared to dislike the book and found myself quibbling about everything she said. I was letting her words and my ego get in the way of what she was trying to say. Eventually, I decided to give the book a fair chance and I came away really liking it.
I guess, at some point, I felt that I heard her voice.
If you give “Storytelling Alchemy” a chance, I think you’ll turn your lead into gold.
*Disclaimer* I want to thank Weiser Books for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.

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Storytelling Alchemy

I have been hiding in a cool, dark, air conditioned room waiting for the last hot thunderstorm-laden days of Summer to ebb.  While my little corner of humid Florida is still feeling the effects of the oppressive heat, I can still enjoy a quiet evening of tea and a good book. The good folks at Weiser Books have sent an interesting title by Renee Damoiselle (link).

Storytelling Alchemy
Write Your Own Happy Ending
Renée Damoiselle
ISBN: 9781578636389
Book (Paperback)

We all have stories we tell ourselves, personal narratives that define who we are. These stories take root in our subconscious and limit us, like a shadow holding us back from our full potential. But words and storytelling also have the power to free ourselves from these shadows and to profoundly transform our lives.

Storytelling Alchemy provides tools and exercises designed to help you change your relationship to your personal stories in a way that is empowering and transformative. Included here are:

• • Journaling and creative writing exercises
  • Prompts for reflection and self-examination
  • Tips on dream analysis
  • Simple spells and enchantments for insight, transformation, and lasting change

 

Renée Damoiselle hosts the Witchin’ the World Meetup in Phoenix, open to all who are interested in ritual, metaphysics, paganism, magick, and diverse spiritual practices. Events include open discussions, ritual circles, and empowering workshops. Renée also hosts personal development and spiritual retreats, such as Goddess Divine and the Storytelling Alchemy Retreat held in beautiful destinations such as Sedona, AZ and the New England countryside.

http://ReneeDamoiselle.com

I want to take a moment to thank Weiser Books for this free review copy. It’s always a joy to go to the mailbox and find something special.

Book Review: Varla Ventura’s Paranormal Parlor

My thoughts of Varla Ventura’s Paranormal Parlor: Ghosts, Seances, and Tales of True Hauntings.

From shimmering specters to mysterious tricks, Varla Ventura’s Paranormal Parlor includes original supernatural tales, classic ghost stories, legends, hauntings, séances, superstitions, and death customs. This book showcases a chilling collection of startling ghost stories as told to the author as well as legendary ghosts and haunted locations and an overview of the paranormal parlor games that rose to popularity in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It also includes hidden history such as the story of Mark Twain’s ghost, and the quiet horror writings of the architect who started the Gothic Revival movement (Ralph Adams Cram).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This weeks book haul from Weiser Books

This weeks book haul:

Varla Ventura’s Paranormal Parlor: Ghosts, Seanes, and Tales of True Hauntings
https://amzn.to/2KfyKJo

From shimmering specters to mysterious tricks, Varla Ventura’s Paranormal Parlor includes original supernatural tales, classic ghost stories, legends, hauntings, séances, superstitions, and death customs.

This book showcases a chilling collection of startling ghost stories as told to the author as well as legendary ghosts and haunted locations and an overview of the paranormal parlor games that rose to popularity in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It also includes hidden history such as the story of Mark Twain’s ghost, and the quiet horror writings of the architect who started the Gothic Revival movement (Ralph Adams Cram).

Feng Shui Plain & Simple: The Only Book You’ll Ever Need (Plain & Simple Series)

https://amzn.to/2rBmGuh

This simple guide to the art of feng shui provides easy-to-use tips and techniques for improving the energy in your life. You will learn to harmonize and lay out spaces in your home to enhance your personal energy, improve your overall wellbeing, and bring good fortune and balance into your life.

This plain and simple guide discusses how to:

• Declutter to clear the energy in your home
• Use the Chinese bagua (number square) to map out rooms to enhance energy
• Employ the five elements to harmonize the energy of your home
• Use feng shui for the exterior of your home and outside landscaping

This wonderful primer will be hailed by anyone interested in interior design, Chinese legend and lore, and the creation of healing and harmonious living spaces.

From Kuan Yin to Chairman Mao: The Essential Guide to Chinese Deities

https://amzn.to/2KQ8vdz

China is an immense land with a history spanning thousands of years, and its needs and problems are perhaps too many for a single deity to watch over. This book begins to explore the veritable army of gods, immortals, and deities to whom the Chinese have turned for help, support, and intervention—not just in the annals of history but also in the bustling modern world.

From Kuan Yin to Chairman Mao offers fascinating insight into the complex interweaving of China’s main religions and folklore and the way the gods themselves have evolved to meet changing challenges, finding their way from scriptures and statues to vouchers and video games. Author Xueting Christine Ni recounts the stories of 60 Chinese gods and goddesses, selected from across the spectrum of China’s mythical beings, deified heroes, gods, goddesses, and immortals. They derive from Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and folklore, as well as revered sages and protective deities from other traditions. Get to know Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy; Zhong Ku, the demon slayer; Tian Hou, the goddess of the sea; the beloved Monkey King, and a host of other Chinese deities, both ancient and modern.

In addition to exploring the origins and rituals of this eclectic pantheon, this book also looks at how, in a country that has undergone a myriad of changes and upheavals, its gods and goddesses have never been more than a whisper away.

I want to thank Weiser Books and Hampton Roads for these free reviews copies.

In my mailbox: The Lunar Nomad Oracle

Weiser Books was kind enough to send Shaheen Miro‘s “The Lunar Nomad Oracle”. I have been working with it all morning and I plan to do a video review of it in the next few weeks.

I’m about half-way through the guide book and I’m stunned by the beautiful artwork of the included deck of cards.

Expect to see this set of cards at your favorite bookstore March 1st.

The Lunar Nomad Oracle is a set of keys for unlocking and understanding your intuitive side, your “lunar self.” As a nomad on the path of the lunar self, you will awaken your sense of wonder and discover your creative desires to facilitate introspection, awareness, and lasting change.

The Lunar Nomad Oracle is inspired by the traditional Lenormand system, but unlike the Lenormand, this deck comprises 43 cards and additional significator cards that are multiracial and multiethnic. The Lunar Nomad Oracle cards are rich with layers, colors, and imagery, all designed to speak to the intuitive self. The book and deck allow users to explore their inner depths, looking for clues and prompts to activate their lunar side–their creativity, intuition, and inner wisdom. The symbolism of the cards helps the user formulate a story or reading. The process will be familiar to followers of tarot, but because The Lunar Nomad Oracle does not have suits or a linear structure, readers have the freedom and fluidity to really explore the deck and add their own insights and interpretations.