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.

View all my reviews

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.

In my mailbox

I heard this odd sounding motor chugging up the road and, to my amazement, it was the mailman — err person.  I guess the cold weather was effecting her mail-jeep. It’s truly funny  (eerie)  how quite my neighborhood is at the moment.

At any rate, only two days into 2018 and I have received 3 books to review. My goal is to read and review 100 books this year. Let’s see if I can make it. I’m pretty sure that I can do it assuming that I do not run out of cocoa and tea.

Hampton Roads Publishing was kind enough to send me: Astrology for Success by Cass and Janie Jackson, Reflexology Plain & Simple by Sonia Jones, and Reiki Plain & Simple by Philip Jones.
Astrology for Success: Make the Most of Your Sun Sign Potential by Cass Jackson,‎ Janie Jackson
http://amzn.to/2CJP0zW
Some people see opportunities and go after them, while others let them slip away. How can you make the most out of your life and get what you want? Astrology for Success is a beginner’s guide to sun sign astrology, with an emphasis on what your sign can tell you about your potential for achieving success. This book will help you identify goals and give you a road map for achieving them. The chapters cover:

• Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac
• Positive and negative traits
• Career paths
• Relationship issues and health concerns

Even if you know nothing about astrology, this book will help you identify the negative traits that may be holding you back and show you how to make use of the positive traits that will propel you to reach your maximum potential.

Reiki Plain & Simple by Philip Jones
http://amzn.to/2CfhoIW
Since originating in Japan in 1922, Reiki has been adapted to cultural traditions across the world. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing.

Reiki is used for healing oneself and others and for spiritual development. It works by combining two things: initiations that awaken and open your energy channels and techniques for using your hands, eyes, and intention to direct this energy flow where needed. Anyone who wishes to do this work must prepare by following particular methods and steps, all wonderfully explained in this introductory guide.

Discover why Reiki is so unique and learn about its origins, five precepts, attunements, basic hand positions, and special treatments created by Reiki’s founder, Mikao Usui. All the spiritual practices here have been specifically chosen to guide readers on a path of love, light, healing, and self-knowledge.

Reflexology Plain & Simple by Sonia Jones
http://amzn.to/2lIHwVG
Reflexology is an ancient healing system that helps relieve existing health conditions and detect future ailments. Reflexology Plain & Simple introduces the history and basics of this form, from beginner’s techniques to more specialized treatments and the use of aromatic oils. Discover which areas of the feet and hands correspond to the body’s tissues, glands, and organs; how much pressure to apply and when not to proceed at all; and how to get started indulging friends, family, and even yourself or move on to your own practice. Detailed instructions guide you through each step of the process and helpful hints throughout provide additional insight.

I want to thank the good folks at Hampton Roads Publishing for these free review copies.  I just love getting books — my mail— err person doesn’t — but I do. Thank you.

Santa Muerte Book Trailer

source: Weiser

Death welcomes everyone. This is the foundation for the veneration of Santa Muerte, or “Holy Death.” Considered to be the female personification of death, she is associated with protection and safe passage to the afterlife. She is also the patron saint of people who live on the fringes of society and often face violence and death. In recent years her constituency has expanded to include the LGBT community and people who are marginalized or whose jobs put them at significant risk of death such as military and police personnel. Santa Muerte is hailed as their potent and powerful protector, capable of delivering them from harm and even granting miracles.

Santa Muerte is a complete ritual guide to working with this famous—and infamous!—Mexican folk saint. It takes us beyond the sensational headlines to reveal the truth about why Santa Muerte is so beloved by so many. Author Tracey Rollin presents simple, straightforward methods for working with Holy Death that may be used alone or easily incorporated into your own magical practice.

My booktube review of The Witches’ Almanac issue 37

My booktube review of the Witches’ Almanac issue 37

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books and The Witches’ Almanac. 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.”

My review of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags by Elhoim Leafar

My review of The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags by Elhoim Leafar.

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.”

Charm bags, also known as mojo bags and gris-gris bags, may be the most popular style of amulet or talisman in the world today. Around the globe, they are crafted by people from many cultures and spiritual traditions and are created for many purposes. Until now there has been no definitive guide to the art of creating these magical power objects. The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags remedies this situation.

In my mailbox … or why my mailman hates me

Today, my poor mailman walked to my front door ( in the heat and humidity of Florida ) and dropped off 4 books. You just know he hates me…

I can almost hear his grumbling even now. At any rate, Weiser was very good to me. The Weiser folks sent me a copy of a booklet celebrating their 60 years of publishing. It’s packed with quotes from many of the authors published by Weiser.

The books are “The Weiser Book of Occult Detectives” by Judika Illes, “The Witches Almanac” issue 37, and “The Magical Art of Crafting Charm Bags” by Leafar. As you know, the best time for reading a Weiser Book is during the Fall but these books will not  last that long — bwahahahahaa.