Author: runa

What The Witch Is Reading – January 2025

Posted on by runa

This section of my blog is dedicated to spreading the love of reading and books and the people who make them happen. I would not be the Witch I am today without books. I owe an obscene amount of gratitude to all the makers of books out there. This is my way of giving back. I hope that something I pick up and review will guide you to acquire the next tome on your To Be Read stack. 

January flew by and I’ve been spending extra time reading, which I adore. Next to the fire with my puppers in my lap and a cup of coffee nearby. It’s the best. My own book launch went off spectacularly and I am deep in drafting book two, so the bookish witch life continues.

Recently Finished:

Modern Magic: Stories, Rituals, and Spells For Contemporary Witches by Michelle Tea. The magic in this book is certainly the storytelling prowess of its author. Another title could have been ‘Craft for Real Life,’ as Tea weaves the necessity of the magic throughout a life peppered with unconventional living arrangements, relationships, and recovery. Everything from working with Saints, Mystical Snacktivism, House magic, and more. My favorite part has to be Laurie’s Egg of Light under the chapter called ‘Witch Panic.’ I was screaming in delight with recognition of my own kind of Egg of Light spells I cast for protection on kindred. Laurie wherever you are, I see you, Witch. Also, I love the approachableness of how Tea writes of her magical practice. It’s fluid and flowing and weaved in her life from dreams to charms. From breathwork to hexing, whether you’re a Witchling or a Crone, you’re going to dig this book.

An Apostate’s Guide to Witchcraft: Finding Freedom Through Magic by Moss Matthey. There’s a soothing flow and voice in this book. Matthey’s ‘considerate, sensitive, and nurturing,’ nature as detailed by foreword writer Mhara Starling is evident throughout the book. The escape from a cult healing that happens through Witchcraft is so validating for those of us who had our own religious trauma to heal from. The book clearly represents all the lessons that Matthey pulls not just from his cult escape, but also his Welsh and German ancestry. The section of the book on identity and diversity under the chapter of The Queerness of Witchcraft especially resonated with me. But the amount of quotes I pulled out to remember for later was pretty high in this book. His section on progressive revelation and Doubt is Divine under chapter 10 has me considering many new things as well as a new list of books to acquire from said chapter. The amount of progressive revelation from this seemingly new Witch shows that Matthey just may be an older soul than we know. A seeker like many of us, Matthey’s book is one to help you shed anything that’s not serving you and find your way to your own journey of freedom through the Craft. 

The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism by Ryan Smith. I love books with thick bibliographies and clear indexes, especially on subject matters that I may refer back to, like Nordic spirituality. Ryan Smith’s book is not only deeply knowledgeable in this path, but also its evident – if you study it – adaptable traditions that build community and resist fascism. This book is dense in all the subjects found under Norse mythology and the spiritual paths it has created. Smith’s radical look at this brings hope in a world seemingly bent on destroying healthy spirituality and its communities. If you’re called by the likes of Freyja or Thor, this book gives you a nice basis in understanding how to build relationships with these deities and develop practices (and songs) within a modern life. His section on Runes is making me seek out some other resources as well. As a long-time Rune caster there’s information in the book on the Elder Futhark that is counter to some of what I understood. I’m excited to find where the disconnect between what I understood and what he writes in the book may be bridged. I finished this book feeling like I had some new missions in my own spiritual practice, so good on ya, Smith. 

The Book of Delights by Ross Gay. This book was gifted to me near my birthday in November by the admirable Theresa Reed. It has been quite the solar-return blessing. This book brings us soothing prose, even I might add practical hopefulness in the light of so much violence and terror in the world. Gay is an award-winning poet and clearly a Knight for finding enchantment in our lives. Pleasure and happiness are the balance to the pain and sadness of modern life. Bite-sized essays are great to read when the world is too heavy. Grab your cat, cup, and get this book in your lap for a quick pick-me-up, or a long session of reading for bliss. My favorite – which will be unsurprising to anyone who knows me – surrounds an interaction with a praying mantis. It is essay number 7, which gets my numerology nerd excited. Birds and crows figure prominently, too, so Gay gets another stamp of approval from me. Seriously, the weaving of language to convey healing balm for the reader for the wounds and weariness of the world.

The Old Farmer’s 2025 Almanac. Every year this periodical finds its way to me. This year it was a Yule gift from my eldest daughter and her family, including my dear Grand Witchling. As a ‘farmer’ of sorts my whole life, the Sun, Moon, Stars, and Planets included in this book are always appreciated, but as I grow older, the coverage of farming trends and the people behind it are a bigger pull. This year’s volume has me planning a trip to the home-stomping grounds of Canadian kindred and the cheese makers in British Columbia. Such synchronicity – which often happens when you’re paying attention to the land and cosmic weather, which the TOFA has done for 233 years. I’d really love to see less advertising in it, or keep the advertising to the back, since sometimes the latest and greatest in land care can be found there. But this year’s publication seems to be especially fraught with commercialization. But the inspiration found inside of it is still gold. 

Up Next:

Blackthorn’s Protection Magic: A Witch’s Guide to Mental & Physical Self Defense by Amy Blackthorn. Many a book on my TBR pile comes from recommendations from a community I belong to and adore. Laura Tempest Zakroff has a patreon that I participate in as much as I can (I wish I could attend all the time!). If you want your TBR pile to grow, come hang out with this well-read crowd, too. I just dipped into this one the night before penning this post, so only initial reactions from me on this. But Blackthorn really wants the reader to understand where they stand in the world of magic before proceeding and that kind of expectation is something I deeply support. Looking forward to more. 

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. From the author of Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss comes another title that seems destined for more in my own life, as getting more serviceberries here at Villa Westwyk is a goal. 

Kimmerer is known as a great teacher and I’m ready to learn all about natural wealth distributions and the idea that all flourishing is mutual. In a world where the rich cannot be satisfied, this book already feels like the start of realigning ‘enough’ in our lives. 

As you can see, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk about books! Comment below. If you have a book you think I should read, let me know that, too!

What The Witch Is Reading: 2024 Year In Review

Posted on by runa

I’m working through a tall stack of books on my nightstand this month, and will post a hearty monthly What The Witch Is Reading entry on those books soon. Today you get an overview of all the books I read last year and what I thought of them, and share my top favorites for the year. 

Laying my posts out all at once made me recognize that I was still very much in book-writing/editing/launching mode for Magic In Your Cup, and my consistency of reading was slowed and composing my posts even slower. My goal for this year is to consistently post each month and finish at least one whole book, since I’m starting the writing process all over again for my ::crosses fingers:: book two. I hope you’ll join me in this venture. If you don’t want to miss the Bookish Witch news, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. 

My Top Reads of 2024

The Book That Stayed With Me The Most: Early in the year I read a book that has led me down some new pathways in my spirituality and connected me to ancestors I hadn’t realized. That book was Longing For Darkness: Tara and the Black Madonna by China Galland. As I noted in my post in February, the Black Madonna appeared to me in a dream a few years back. The book is making me think now, post 2024 election here in the USA, about the nonviolence in specifically Galland’s story, the Solidarity movement in Poland that she stumbled upon within her search for the Divine Mother and her own spiritual journey. Thanks to this book, I’m learning more about the little folk practices my Polish and other Slavic ancestors did that were adopted by the descendants that focused on assimilating as opposed to continuing their spiritual and/or magical practices. Longing For Darkness is the kind of book that continues to leave bits of its stories inside you as you walk your own journey in life. If you haven’t read this particular book, perhaps consider putting it on your list for 2025. 

The Book That Let Me Lean In: In the middle of the summer I was ripping through the book Alive With Spirits: The Path and Practice of Animistic Witchcraft by Althaea Sebastiani. This book’s guide to helping you deepen your own relationship with the Land, Departed Dead, and all manner of spiritual and physical relationships a Witch may have. Even if you’re a long-time Practitioner like myself, this book has such a great map to help you reinforce your own Practice, or even teach you a new thing or two. I loved all the reinforcement of what I knew to be a healthy practice and viewpoint on the Craft, that as a solitary practitioner isn’t always available. For that, I’m very grateful to the author and their book. If you do the work presented in the book, you’re absolutely going to rise up more powerfully in how you do your Practice. Don’t take my word for it, go read the book and do the work. 

The Book That Charged Up My Spellcraft: Of Blood and Bones: Working With Shadow Magick of the Dark Moon by Kate Freuler was a book I had listened to when it was first released and then again during my research for Magic In Your Cup. But I picked up the hard copy and read it through again, pausing to do some of the workings inside of it as I reviewed. As I mentioned in my post on this one (October 24), as a Witch that picks up snake skin, wasp nests, acorns, and animal bones to use in my spellcraft, this book felt like a sister grimoire that will remain on my shelf for many years to come. 

The Book That Showed Me A Different World: As a dreamworker myself, I am always gobbling up any books on dreams – magical or otherwise. But Elhoim Leafar’s book Dream Witchery: Folk Magic, Recipes & Spells From South America For Witches & Brujas showed me many new magical practices and beliefs around dreams that still intrigues me every time I see his name or pass the book on my shelf. The worldview here is so unique and ever fascinating. Even though my dream practice looks different, it was definitely refined after reading this one. Case in point, Leafar’s reiterating protection magic while doing so many of the workings in the book is a great reminder even for us Crones that any practice’s foundations need to be fortified regularly. I’m ever grateful for that message within the book. 

Below is a link to each one with a short vignette on what books/authors are covered in each post if you’re new around here and missed them the first time around. 

What The Witch Is Reading: February 2024

What The Witch Is Reading: May 2024

What The Witch Is Reading: July 2024

What The Witch Is Reading: September 2024

What The Witch Is Reading: October 2024

What The Witch Is Reading: November 2024

As you can see, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk about books! Comment below. If you have a book you think I should read, let me know that, too!

Blessed Frau Holle Day!

Posted on by runa

What January 6th Means For The Creative Crone

For many a years my family leaned into our Mediterranean heritage and celebrated La Befana and gathered round the table with some good Lasagna on Jan. 6. This date is the 12th day of Yule. But in recent years, we’ve been leaning into our Germanic kindred traditions of Frau Holle day. As I talk with my fellow Witches during this time of year, I recognize not many Western Practitioners may know much about who this figure is. I thought I’d share a little bit about that and give you all a little Kitchen Witchery to perhaps play with yourself.

Frau Holle, much like her Italian counterpart, La Befana, is a holiday Witch. In some communities throughout the Alps range, you will see her accompanying the more demonic creatures during Krampusnacht . Her origin stems from the winter goddess Mother Perchta (sometimes written Berchta). She’s also known by the names Hulda or Holle. This last one is how I was introduced to her. All the cleaning that leads up to winter celebrations (e.g. Xmas) is necessary otherwise Frau Holle will think you lazy and not bless you with her light. Lore has it that she sneaks into your home at night like a grizzled Dolores Umbridge checking your baseboards for dust and such. If you don’t pass the white glove test, well…let’s just say the coal in your stockings might just be set afire.

She was around long before Xtianity came to Northern Europe. She’s associated with nature and fertility and as she is connected with cycles of death and rebirth, she is celebrated in winter. Those in charge of hearth and home, especially where women were concerned, had the closest relationship with her. She is said to be the goddess who looks after children who have passed on. In some lore, she is the one that prompts you to create a cozy nest during the coldest time of the year. The word Hygge and Hulda sound very close when you say them as a native Northern European might.

She is venerated during Twelfth night, as well as again in the beginning of Spring (Wonnenacht/Walpurgisnacht). She’s petitioned to help us get through the winter, and then thanked profusely once we’re on the other side of it. She is at the center of the lore around Women’s Christmas, as part of celebrating her, women gifted their sisters, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and friends little small gifts on this day. Some of you may know it from the more Irish tradition of Little Christmas, where the men take on the household duties for the day and the ladies take over the pub (my kind of celebration!).

The Grimm brothers turned this goddess into Mother Hulda in one of their fairy tales. In their story she’s a magical being who tests two stepsisters, rewarding the kind and hardworking one with gold and prosperity while punishing the lazy and cruel one.They did include some of the mythological associations long connected with Frau Holle like shaking out the featherbed, which symbolizes snowfall and her ability to control the winter weather. They also included jumping into the well and golden apples and spinning. They represent the descent into the underworld, as well as industriousness and domestic skills.

I like Frau Holle Day, because it’s like a small pick-me-up after the come down of Winter Solstice and New Year’s celebrations. In the years when things have been hectic there’s still time to celebrate. It can allow you to celebrate with anyone you haven’t been able to catch up with during the Solstice proper. Also, any place that I can connect with Divine Feminine, I’m there. This patriarchal world can be weary. The 2024 Holidaze, for yours truly, have been peppered heavily with workload and illness for me. As Frau Holle day arrives, I’m finally feeling better.

Since I live so close to the ocean, my freezer is filled with good Pacific seafood directly procured right from the fishing families of my community. I’ll be making a version of Cioppino. Yes, yes, we’re back to that American-Italian influence from my old neighborhood and my other Mediterranean ancestors, as well as the Slavic lands line the Adriatic Sea. Of course our Nordic ancestors had the food of the North Sea. Therefore, this type of dish connects and honors them as well. Cioppino, which basically means “chip in, chip in!” is some Kitchen Witchery that is near and dear to my heart. I’m all about using up what you have and creating goodness from it, especially if you can add Magic, too. Frau Holle Day Sea Stew will use up many of the things in my freezer and larder.

Frau Holle Day Sea Stew as written here will focus on the water’s bounty near me – Salmon, Halibut, Black Cod, Dungeness Crab, Spot Prawns, butter clams, and the like. Feel free to add the things to this stew that are closest to you. When I lived in Louisiana, my version of this working included crawfish and catfish (oh, how I miss catfish!), because it was available. If you’re on the east coast you likely have blue crab or cod available. If you’re somewhere in the middle, our rivers and lakes give us lots to make up a Frau Holle Day Sea Stew. If you’re reading this from far away from North America, again, I’m sure you have seafood that is germane to your area that could be used. Local food is the yummiest and freshest, as well as holding its own most powerful energies, and thereby its magical properties. My counsel is to go for that. Find a local fishmonger and let them teach you and help you. They likely have a good source of fish stock which is key to this working.

Do also visit your local bakery and get some good crusty bread to go with this. You can get fancy and serve it in bread bowls. If you bake bread regularly, make a fresh loaf just for this. This recipe will serve about four people. Feel free to divide or multiple the ingredients to make more or less.

This observation is about entering into the deepest part of winter with a focus on enjoying even these harsh times. I also like to look at it as a reminder that a little bit of this and a little bit of that can make a whole meal – this isn’t just about food. Ask yourself in your own life what a little bit of (fill in the blank) and a little bit of (fill in the blank) could enhance your life? Where can you chip in a little extra to your life? What bit of talent, what bit of education, what bit of gumption can you add to the stew of your life and create something new and beautiful? Those are the thoughts to enter into while making this festive meal.

I set up a small altar to Frau Holle in the house – often on the dining room table or the kitchen windowsill – as I’m called. This often includes lighted candle(s) and incense. The candle color echoes the season for me, something white, or blue, or that wonderful PNW gray. As for the incense, it brings a lift. I opt for something that reminds me of sunnier days like lavender or tangerine, or as I’m called. Cedar is a well loved scent in this house, as is sandalwood, so over the years this Jan. 6th celebration has included those. Listen to your gut for which to choose. Understand the correspondences of each incense, and maybe what you may need as you begin 2025.

I may have a short meditation, focused on the energy that Frau Holle represents. Where can I bring in more feminine energy into my life? Where can I create a world where children thrive? Where can I make my hearth and home a sanctuary? Where can I make winter that much lighter, safer, and warmer? I allow the thoughts and any divine downloads to percolate and mull. You can journal if you want, but I tend to focus just on the energy in that moment and let that energy fill my kitchen as I get ready to create this lovely meal.

If you’re interested in the Kitchen Witchery to go with this date, please visit this link on my Patreon. You’ll note that my patrons received this Working last year. They get all my content way ahead of time. So if you love it, consider joining my Digital Covenstead. Come join the circle!

Magic In Your Life Retreat!

Posted on by runa

Register & Book today.

Greetings magical ones! The plans for this making magic in the mundane retreat are rolling forward. This is a weekend full to the brim with magical learning and experiences. Our intention is to immerse you in magic, the same way we want you to immerse your whole life in it. Our number one priority is that you enjoy the weekend. Please feel free to participate in all of the weekend’s activities or choose only the ones that interest you. You get started by registering here.

THIS IS A SMALL, INTIMATE, AND FULLY IMMERSIVE WEEKEND!

This is not your average getaway. Magic In Your Life Retreat is a one-of-a-kind retreat blending magic, connection, and transformation in a way you wont’ find anywhere else. This is your sign to act now. Follow your calling and be part of the magical experience. We’ll be planting new seeds to let magic blossom in your life. You’ll spend a mystical weekend immersed in exploring new and creative ways to easily add meaningful intention and new ways to include magic in your everyday activities. You’ll leave empowered with innovated methods to conjure radical and transformative self-care, expression, and love.

WANT A WEEKEND AWAY? WANT TO FIND SOME CLARITY, PEACE, AND MAGIC?

Magic In Your Life Retreat is designed for those ready to embrace a more intentional and magical way of living. By keeping the event exclusive, we ensure that each participant receives the attention and space they need to fully immerse in the experience. This is the weekend adventure you’ve been waiting for. You’ll discover how to weave intentionality, mindfulness, and spiritual practices into everyday life. The whole weekend focus is to foster a deeper connection with yourself, community, and the world through artful additions to mundane, making every moment more magical and fulfilling.

WITCHLING TO CRONE WILL LEARN SOMETHING NEW!

Whether you are new to magical practices or a seasoned craftsperson, if you want to learn to expand your use of magic and intention in more moments of your life, this retreat is perfect for you. The entire weekend has been designed for people who are looking to become more grounded in the cycles and rhythms of nature in every waking moment of life, and who are looking for like-minded people to share that journey with. So register today and secure your spot!

BIG NEWS: Magic In Your Life Retreat!

Posted on by runa

March 21-23, 2025 – Starlight Meadows – Bothell, Wash.

I’m super excited to announce that I’m co-hosting a magical weekend retreat in 2025! All focused to start your spring off magically and double-down on the Magic In Your Life. Check the slides out below and registration link for Magic In Your Life may be found HERE. My patrons at the Front-Porch Sitting level and up receive extra goodies and discounts.

What The Witch Is Reading – November 24

Posted on by runa
This section of my blog is dedicated to spreading the love of reading and books and the people who make them happen. I would not be the Witch I am today without books. I owe an obscene amount of gratitude to all the makers of books out there. This is my way of giving back. I hope that something I pick up and review will guide you to acquire the next tome on your To Be Read stack. 

As I pen this there is a scant 20 days until the world gets Magic In Your Cup. Reading time has been at a premium as I rally the energy within the deepest dark of winter – truly it may not be as cold as February, but until the Winter Solstice, we get less and less of the sun that fuels many a person’s fire, your Crone included. The last of Autumn’s outdoor chores are as done as done can be. Plus with the Land’s gift of a banger pumpkin harvest, I’m roasting pumpkins everyday. This is all to say that reading has been slow, if not steady. 

Recently Finished:  

Of Blood and Bones: Working With Shadow Magick and the Dark Moon by Kate Freuler: As I expressed last month, finding another in the Craft who picks up snake skin, wasp nests, acorns, and bones to do magic, this was a natural keep to remain on my regularly referenced witchy bookshelf. The entire volume speaks to my soul. I appreciate Freuler’s very careful relaying of this type of magic and the offering to those who are not inclined to work with bones and blood still can do this dark moon-focused magic. Just reading it may expose more shadow magic that you realized you needed to do or even some that perhaps you’ll want to avoid. I was particularly fond of Part IV: Looking death and rebirth in the face. Even if you’re not a Scorpio sun, this section will speak to many intermediate and veteran Witches.

 Sacred Tears: A Witch’s Guide to Grief by Courtney Weber – The opening pages of this book made me realize I need to take this one slow. And Weber says that. Her stories of loss will likely bring up a lot for any reader. Like Christopher Penzack says in the foreword, the author’s writing is raw and honest.  I deeply appreciated how Weber handled some of what many may consider the more challenging of grief: ambiguous loss. This is grief borne from things like being estranged from your family of origin, the losses that come with familial addiction, and how eventually you will find the gifts in that grief, too. Yes, I typed that correctly – the GIFTS of grief. Not the cliche silver lining, which Weber counsels readers away from, but how you transform through all the non-linear stages potentially experienced after any crisis that produces bereavement. The book is heavy with so many practical and spiritual methods of coping with the feelings that come with loss and tragedy in our lives that Weber’s work also feels like a manual a Witch might refer back to time and again. 

Breathe, Write, Breathe. 18 Energizing Practices to Spark your Writing and Free your Voice by Lilsa Tener – If you’re not shy about using QR codes, this book packs even more of a writing exercise punch. There is no use crying writer’s block if this book is on your shelf. There’s even a section on breath and dreaming that deeply spoke to this Witch. Again, this is not a book I’d recommend to read in a straight go, but one you ‘exercise’ with regularly. Will appeal to every writing Witch and woo-adjacent creative. 

Relishing Longer:

Modern Magic: Stories, Rituals, and Spells For Contemporary Witches by Michelle Tea.  I’m about halfway in this one and glad to see that Tea isn’t on the bandwagon of dislike of the moniker ‘kitchen witchery.’ And I’ll happily dive into this new ‘mystical snacktivism’ she’s on about. More to report in the next entry. This book is described as the sibling to Tea’s Modern Tarot with a focus on creating stronger magic incorporating queer, feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional values. Tea’s known for her literary accomplishments, so I’m looking forward to this. Okay, who am I joking, I look forward to opening every book. But this does check a lot of boxes for me. 

Up Next:

An Apostate’s Guide to Witchcraft: Finding Freedom Through Magic by Moss Matthey

I participated in a talk recently by Mr. Matthey which lit up my Germanic ancestor line standing behind me. His knowledge about all their magic created an excited hum in the studio as I listened to him. His history of both Welsh and German traditions is aligned in the paths my ancestral culture walked. His history also includes some Xtian religious trauma. That, too, mirrors parts of my own life, so his perspective may prove to be invaluable. The foreword by Mhara Starling provides validation in my understanding of the Moss’s knowledge and demeanor as “considerate, sensitive, and nurturing.” This makes me even more excited to dive in just as the nights get longer and longer. 

The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism by Ryan Smith

The Heathen gods are part of my ancestry. Finding a book on the modern interpretations that isn’t based in racism is hard to come by; but the author of this tome is one of the founders of Heathen United Against Racism. So I’m excited to carve out time to read this one. Have you read it? What are your thoughts? 

As you can see, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk about books! Comment below. If you have a book you think I should read, let me know that, too!

What the Witch Is Reading: October 2024

Posted on by runa
This section of my blog is dedicated to spreading the love of reading and books and the people who make them happen. I would not be the Witch I am today without books. I owe an obscene amount of gratitude to all the makers of books out there. This is my way of giving back. I hope that something I pick up and review will guide you to acquire the next tome on your To Be Read stack. 

More Time For Books…

We’re in the Big Dark here in Western Washington. This means there’s not a lot of light, lots of rain, and the sun only makes brief appearances. The good part of that is extra reading and writing time. And I did finish a few extra books this go-round. I suspect that November, when it’s colder and darker, will also induce some extra reading sessions. It’s the best part about winter in my book. 😉

Recently Finished:  

Glamstrology by Michael Herkes

I tore through this one. It arrived just a little over a week ago and I was up late reading through all the beautiful pages. Herkes’ writing is like having your best pal show you all the great things about yourself you didn’t know you possessed. Express yourself using a little magic and a lot of tips from The Glam Witch – the moniker that Herkes is known for. The book is full of color and illustrations and color coding, because you know we Witches love a good ‘reference’ book.  Diving into this book you may just find a new magical style, or you’ll be reassured – as I was – that your style default is exactly aligned. You’ll never look at your rising, Venus, or Neptune placements the same way again. Not a big astrology nerd? No worries, Glamstrology includes easy references on everything zodiac from the signs, planets, houses, the elements, and so much more. There’s a ton of not only fashion sense and beauty routine advice, but a new path of magic to explore. Glamstrology will have you looking at your own path to glamor magic in a whole new way. 

Self Source-ery  by Lisa Lister

The subtitle of this book is: Come to Your Senses, Trust Your Instincts, Remember Your Magic. And Lisa Lister, bestselling author of Witch, takes you through another wild ride of path forging that Lister is known for. You’ll delve into all our bodies, our intuition, and energy. She has her own vocabulary that will be very familiar to those who read her other books  But even if you haven’t read those, you’ll easily embrace her storytelling skill and deep vulnerability.  Lister draws her practice from not only lived experience, but also her studies of art, somatic practices, ceremonialism, and a medicine keeper.  She’s a fellow Scorpio and will talk about all the taboo stuff. This book was another that I devoured quickly and is giving me lots more inspiration in my mission to live more in tune with the rhythms of nature. 

Inspiring Creativity Through Magick by Astrea Taylor

This was a Relish Longer entry from last month.  However, I am not sure you can ever be ‘finished’ with this one. In fact, I think this might be a book I reach for on the regular to fall back in love with my creativity. The subtitle for this one: How To Ritualize Your Art & Attract The Creative Spirit. Regardless of what your art is – and Taylor nudges the reader repeatedly to not diminish what those can be – you will find inspiration on each page. This book is so chock full of goodness about how to create a practice for your creative pursuits. The Magick of Revision section right now is coming in clutch, as is the Performance/Release blessing ritual. If you create, this will be a very useful book. It ends up on my desk more than the shelf. 

Relishing Longer:

Sacred Tears: A Witch’s Guide to Grief by Courtney Weber – The opening pages of this book made me realize I need to take this one slow. And Weber says that. Her stories of loss will likely bring up a lot for any reader. Like Christopher Penzack says in the foreword, the author’s writing is raw and honest. 

Breathe, Write, Breathe. 18 Energizing Practices to Spark your Writing and Free your Voice by Lilsa Tener – Real talk. I’ve not had a whole lot of time to get into this, so… There’s lots of exercises which with my book tour coming up, I haven’t had the time to focus on. I’m hoping that the deep winter slow-down is going to give me time to play with this more. 

Up Next:

Of Blood and Bones: Working With Shadow Magick and the Dark Moon by Kate Freuler: As a witch that picks up snake skin, wasp nests, acorns, and bones to do her magic, Freuler speaks to my soul. Yes, I’ve already tip-toed into this one a bit, but had to put it down because I was working through exercises and workings from Taylor’s book above. But, I can’t wait to get back to it. Freuler’s no-nonsense yet inclusive writing is refreshing. Also, I’m chuffed to find a book of another’s practice in working with the dark moon regularly. 

Modern Magic: Stories, Rituals, and Spells For Contemporary Witches by Michelle Tea. This book is described as the sibling to Tea’s Modern Tarot with a focus on creating stronger magic incorporating queer, feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional values. Tea’s known for her literary accomplishments, so I’m looking forward to this. Okay, who am I joking, I look forward to opening every book. But this does check a lot of boxes for me. 

As you can see, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk about books! Comment below. If you have a book you think I should read, let me know that, too!

What The Witch Is Reading: September 2024

Posted on by runa
This section of my blog is dedicated to spreading the love of reading and books and the people who make them happen. I would not be the Witch I am today without books. I owe an obscene amount of gratitude to all the makers of books out there. This is my way of giving back. I hope that something I pick up and review will guide you to acquire the next tome on your To Be Read stack. 

Back from Summer Vacation…

Time is zooming by! Here at Villa Westwyk, September arrived loud and proud, leaning hard into those pumpkin-spice vibes. She’s showing her burnt umber, golds, oranges, and deep soil browns already. Her cat walk here at Villa Westwyk is certainly bringing a twist on a classic autumnal debut. The daylight hours are so short now. Yet, I’m ready for not having to be out at the barn at 0530 hrs. But it does mean that I’m getting less time to get things done on either side of the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. timeframe. Outdoors is the loser, because this Witch is not giving up her reading time. 

The books keeping me in the library a bit longer these darker days have some insanely lucious bibliographies (more books, yo!) and if you’re all about going further into the rabbit holes these books open up for you, you’re going to be filled with glee with this round of What the Witch Is Reading.

Recently Finished:

Thoughts That Cloud The Mind by Kelsi Henn Horner

At least once a season, I pick up a poetry book and dive in. Poetry is an important art form for humanity and I am lacking in reasons why not to support it. How many people have learned about their own feelings through poetry? Poetry teaches us empathy, it comforts, it makes people think about how they understand the world, and whether or not they even understand themselves. Tarot helps with that, too. So give me a book that is 300 Haikus dedicated to a daily Tarot card and I’m holding a tome of import. In Thoughts That Cloud The Mind, each entry is suddenly shaking you awake to your own purpose in this rock hurtling through space and time. This book of poems was clearly built on surging emotions – the best kind of poetry. The fact that I’m also trying to decode which poem is to which Tarot card, well that’s just a bonus. 

Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices by Ben Stimpson

Stimpson spoke to the history geek in me as well as the storyteller in this book. He employs both easily to take the reader through the highs and lows of an ancestral veneration practice, as well as the whys and why nots. The author has his own Venn diagram of intersecting influences on such a practice and it provides a very wide view within the text, as well as drilling down into the finer details of creating your own practice. Stimpson’s prose in the book has this feel of the encouraging and knowledgeable, mindful uncle who is just the smartest and you are in awe of how cool his life is. My own practice is still in its first decade so this exploration with Stimpson was encouraging and created a deep need for further reflection on at least two areas of my practice that I may want to level up. Hopefully more folx read this book and become powerful waiting ancestors. 

Heal The Witch Wound: Reclaim Your Magic & Step Into Your Power by Celeste Larsen

When you’re bibliophile last left you we had just finished reading Part I of this book. Part II and III apply the realizations of Part I into your present life and then towards your future. Once again, the author, Celeste Larsen, defines and illuminates symptoms of the witch wound and how it shows up in modern life and then what to do about it. Larsen brings in her own stories which seemingly highlight so many ways in which this wound may have manifested in the readers’ life. The details in the rituals in part III provide a deep well of healing for the reader exploring this Witch wound. This book took longer for me to read, as many in the esoteric genre do, because it’s very thought-provoking. You have to stop and make notes and jot down things you remember and want to ‘treat.’ This is a book I’ll likely return to at some point dive in even deeper. A future ‘Relishing Longer’ tome, perhaps? 

Relishing Longer:

Inspiring Creativity Through Magick: How to Ritualize Your Art & Attract the Creative Spirit by Astrea Taylor

I first read this book when it came out in the Summer of 2023; but, I was in the throes of editing a freelance job and revising Magic In Your Cup, so I finished it with the intention of coming back to it. And I’m so glad I did. I’m especially digging the tips and tactics on handling criticism. Every Witch I know is creative. Unlocking that creativity and nurturing it is the focus of this book and the tips on creating a process that invites in the spiritual aspects of Witchcraft– the Elements, Spirit, and the power within. I’m re-working through the practical exercises to more deeply feed and consistently recharge my creative pursuits, as well as my Craft.

Up Next:

Sacred Tears: A Witch’s Guide to Grief by Courtney Weber

There have been moments throughout my years as a Witch, where grief has interrupted my magical practice. Our society doesn’t deal with grief very well at all. And everyone has a different expression of that feeling, state, being. Looking forward to reading this one, especially since Christopher Penczak wrote the foreword and praises the book as raw, honest, and deep. 

Breathe. Write. Breathe. 18 Energizing Practices to Spark your Writing and Free Your Voice by Lisa Tener

This book was gifted to me and I love getting books on the writing craft. I have a lot of writing projects coming up, so any energizing spark is greatly appreciated. Tener served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School’s CME publishing course for more than 12 years, among other writing-centered achievements. Let’s see if we can’t do some throat-centered work with this book. 

As you can see, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk books! Comment below. If you have a book you think I should read, let me know that, too!

What The Witch Is Reading: July 2024

Posted on by runa
This section of my blog is dedicated to spreading the love of reading and books and the people who make them happen. I would not be the Witch I am today without books. I owe an obscene amount of gratitude to all the makers of books out there. This is my way of giving back. I hope that something I pick up and review will guide you to acquire the next tome on your To Be Read stack. 

How is it almost August? I hope you’ve been busy with your nose in a book for at least part of this summer. June flew by and I was reading, reading, but having trouble keeping up to post this in June. So, this entry is a bit more than usual. But there were some very good books included, all of them pretty mind opening.. 

Recently Finished:

Dream Witchery: Folk Magic, Recipes & Spells From South America For Witches & Brujas by Elhoim Leafar. 

As a dreamworker myself I was excited to get my hands on this book. Leafar’s experience as an urban spiritual worker and the influence of his Craft from Venezuelan Brujos had me intrigued from the beginning of the text. The fact that he brought in other practitioners to lend more stories and perspectives to the book speaks to Leafar’s multiple esoteric backgrounds. Because of his upbringing and now living in the United States, he has a unique perspective on how mutable and cultural dreams and dreamwork can be. I found his voice refreshing. The way he weaves narrative into the dreamwork is inviting for the reader and leads you down a dream world path with ease. His stories about the symbolism in a dream for an American versus someone of Caribbean culture highlight why the remainder of the book’s pages show you how to create your dream practice and learn from the varied and powerful one that Leafar has. Included in the book are dozens upon dozens of spellcraft, rituals, recipes, and more all about dreams, the dreamer, and the dream world. Dream Witchery is a great reference book for aspiring dreamworkers, but at its foundation, there are years and generations full of dreamworkers held in its pages.

Alive with Spirits: The Path and Practice of Animistic Witchcraft by Althaea Sebastiani

Remember how I missed June’s edition of What The Witch Is Reading? That’s because not only was I busting butt healing the land, but I was reading this book, twice – back to back. And now I’m listening to it while pulling weeds in the garden, which I think the author might appreciate. For many becoming a Witch means stumbling through and learning bit by bit to create our Craft practice. However you’ve come to the Craft or even Animism, Sebastiani takes your hand in Alive With Spirits and shows you a customizable plan to walk deeper into a world filled with spirits and a deeper relationship with the Land. She details throughout the book that right relationships with the Land and Spirits help us be in right relationship with ourselves and other living people. Sebastani’s experience living this way comes through clearly in the book and grounds the reader – whether they be novice or elder – in five traits and seven skills of Witchcraft. As I mentioned, I have read it twice already and am listening to it a third time. This will be a book I recommend to any practitioner, especially because it’s clear that Sebastiani wants you to do the work and gives the reader exercises in each chapter to hone and expand their Craft and Practice, especially where relationships with Spirits are concerned. 

Relishing Longer:

Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral Feminine by Lara Veleda Vesta

Alive With Spirits likely would have been here last month under ‘relishing longer’ if I’d gotten to June’s edition since I re-read this. I’m not re-reading Wild Soul Runes, but rather ‘doing.’ The book features a week-by-week plan to deepen your relationship with the Runes. With 24 Runes, it will take me a bit to do this, but the Runes and I go way back, so I think this will be like a second honeymoon. 😉 As I mentioned in my May post, the inclusivity of this book is refreshing given that sometimes some close-minded individuals can attach themselves to these sacred divining tools. I especially enjoyed the feminine point of view and lens throughout the book. I’m going to work through all the exercises bit by bit and dive even deeper into my relationship with the Runes. 

Up Next:

Heal the Witch Wound: Reclaim Your magic and Step Into your Power by Celeste Larsen

I am about ⅔ way through this read and I just started a few days ago. Larsen however is uncovering things for me that I experienced but was unsure of its source. Be prepared to want to go down rabbit holes with your Witch Wound with this one. The history section can be rage-making if you haven’t heard some of the stories before – if you have heard them, you’ll be reminded there’s a lot of generational trauma we’re all healing – a Witch Wound just might be it for you, too. I’ll begin Part II next and that’s where Larsen contends the healing begins. Excited to read further. 

Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices by Ben Stimpson. 

This book has been patiently waiting in my TBR pile for me to crack it open. I adore its title because I often hear my ancestors whispering. This book came highly recommended to me by several people, so I’m curious to see how Stimpson approaches all there is with this wide subject matter. 

As you can see, I read a little of everything. I’m always curious about what others are reading. What book are you working through right now? Let’s talk books! Comment below. If you have a book you think I should read, let me know that, too!