Helping to Rebuild My Witchy Library is this Pagan Poetry Book: The Oath – A Heathen Poet’s Journey.
Not every book in your Witchy Library has to be some reference on spells and rituals or divination how-tos. Sometimes you need something that feeds your mind and spirit all at the same time. Emerging Poet, Jason Ralls, inaugural release of The Oath – A Heathen Poet’s Journey does just that. Through poetry he expresses a spiritual journey that wanders from curiosity into the depths of love and loyalty. Although its subject matter explores the author’s relationship with the Norse gods, the journey of belief holds inspiration for all Pagan hearts.
It’s not a large tome, but features three acts detailed by nine poems, from following Idunn, to Ran, to Hel, to Balder, and Tyr, to Freyja, and to the Mad King himself, Odin. You can feel the writer’s movement from not really knowing the gods, to professing his creed of belief and service. I found reading it outside was deeply inspiring as well as healing. It’s slim profile fits in a day pack for hiking and re-reading when you pause to take in the view and rest before returning back to the modern world. These poems seem to connect the ancestral world and its inhabitants to the now.
On the back cover of the book, the author warns that the book is more than poetry and that between the words is a liminal space to be aware of when diving into the text. I agree there is a spirit and presence in this book that spoke to me and gave me pause to find my own journey to the deities that are calling to me.
If you’re looking for a inspirational book for your Pagan heart, I highly recommend this one.
~Runa
This book is a perfect companion for a day spent in the forest.
The next New Moon is April 11th in Aries, during Aries. It’s a powerful time for setting intentions and laying the groundwork for manifesting your dreams. The Magical Flea Market has put together a New Moon Manifestation Ritual Kit featuring Seeds of Abundance Spell for you.
Everything you need for the Aries New Moon from the Magical Flea Market
Be ready for that upcoming powerful New Moon with this carefully curated Manifestation Ritual Kit featuring Seeds of Abundance Spell. Don’t worry about finding this or that for your next New Moon — your Magical Flea Market has gathered it all right here, including detailed instructions and all the tools, plus a dose of old-crone magic, to help you plant seeds of prosperity in your life. The kit includes anointed candle, crystal, a small homemade notebook and pencil, a tub tea “bomb,” a seed bomb of abundance, and ritual cakes (vegan/gluten free) and positive energy drink, detailed instructions on how to do the ritual and its spells, all enclosed in a vintage tin that doubles as a burn box during the ritual.
You are a magical being, it’s time to start focusing that energy on being your best and bringing the highest good into your life. This New Moon Kit can get you started on your path. Great for the baby witch or busy maiden/mother Witch!
Because these kits are hand-curated, there are slight differences in each one, but just as magical as the next.
Your Weekly Pick-A-Rune from Runa Troy. Pick one that speaks to you. #1 is Desert Rose; #2 is Fossil Amber, #3 is Snowflake Obsidian. Which did you choose? Comment below.
At this point you should know the drill. Pick the one that makes you keep looking at it. Is that the first, second, or third? Comment below with your choice. This week we’re using the Tiger’s Eye rune set and featuring some very healing stones alongside.
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Here is your weekly Pick A Rune Reveal. #1 Desert Rose with Raidho; #2 Fossil Amber is Sowilo; and #3 Snowflake Obsidian is Gebo. See below for readings.
Raidho is the Rune of movement and travel, also known as the Chariot or Wagon Rune. Desert Rose is a great crystal to help improve self-confidence.
If you picked number one, the message today is about recognizing that your journey on your current path is about evolution. It’s time to check and make sure that you are evolving, becoming your truest self and living your best life. If this is not the case, it’s time to switch directions.
Sowilo is the rune of the Sun; Fossil Amber is not a crystal at all, but a tree resin that solidified and became fossilized. It has strong connections with the earth and is a grounding stone for higher energies.
If you chose number two, the message this week is to know that wholeness is on the horizon for you. Be sure to honor your partnerships so you may garner even more success.
#3 is Gebo, the Rune of Gifts. Snowflake Obsidian is a great crystal to carry if you are having issues with your skin or eyes. It is said to improve circulation with its energy.
If you picked number three for our Pick-A-Rune this week, then the message is to examine where you protect and serve the Earth. How are you doing your part for a stable, safe, and sustainable home? When you work with Mama Nature, not only do you reap the benefits, so do those around you.
Thanks again for allowing me to divine for you again this week. If you appreciate the work I do, please let me know in the comments below.
I often get inquiries from what the internet has termed “baby witches.” As time goes on, I’m less enamored with that term, but people instantly know what you’re talking about. However, I am likely to use Novice Practitioner, or Emerging Witch or some such instead. Regardless of the term used, those beginning on their magical path ask me about how to learn. Without hesitation, I tell them to begin to grow their Witch Library. Read everything you can get your hands on. Use what speaks to you; discard what you don’t vibe with naturally; and embody the things you love.
When I was first starting on my path, circa 1979ish, hunting down books on living a magical life were harder to find than they are now in this time of “new age” shelves at commercial book stores. Calling yourself a Witch in public was not as accepted as it is today or even necessarily safe. For many of us, we still work under a glamour of “normalcy.” Finding books became a bit easier with the strengthening of Weiser Books, Llewellyn, or even the now defunct Walking Stick Press, and of course that behemoth Amazon, and the surge of independent publishing. My Kindle was my mobile Witch library whilst living the traveling life and holds dozens of Witchy texts likeWitch: Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologeticby Lisa Lister,Intuitive Witchcraftby Astrea Taylor, and Waking the Witchby Pam Grossman. But back when I was a Wtichlet, I had to hunt libraries, and used book stores, couching it in terms of Neo Spiritualism or Occult Curiosity. One particular Saturday, all dressed in black with matching gothy eyeliner and obnoxious pentagram earrings, the clerk in a long-gone secondhand book seller in the heart of Detroit pointed me to the very back room without a word. I still giggle about that.
Reading with the familiars (Granny Shadow & Ms. Snickle Fritz), one of my favorite pastimes and how I grow my craft.
One of the first books I read on magic was Witch Amongst Us by Lois Bourne, who entertained letters from a young girl living in the East side of Detroit. This led me to The Spiral Dance by Starhawk, whose continuing bibliography populates my bookshelves, both physically and digitally. Next I found myself reading Positive Magic by Marion Weinstein, which I often re-read when things looked dark. Yes, I re-read it in 2020. The point is I systematically found myself reading everything I could get my hands on — books on crystals and spells and on and on.
When I lived in Europe (1993-1996), I was able to get many more volumes on everything from palmistry to tea-leaf reading. I spent time in the woods or on mountaintops with established covens and learned more from them. It was then that I learned about dream interpretation and Runes and deepened my connection to those things as well as herbalism and alchemy. And although I encountered people along my journey that shared and gifted me some of their knowledge the bulk of it has been by self-education through reading and practicing.
You can explore everything and really dive deep into the callings that speak to you best via books, whether it be Moon Magic, Solar Holy Days, or Divination, and more. It’s out there to explore. My tactic was to acquire everything I could and read everything I could. In doing so, I recognized that things like Wicca didn’t appeal to me, and that being in a coven or circle wasn’t always good for my energy. I felt more empowered and aligned with the cosmic energies by doing my craft as a solitary.
My Library before The Great Purge of 2017.
I am currently in the midst of rebuilding my Witch library, having gifted many of my books in the great purge of 2017, including the first volumes that nudged me along my path, as we readied for a life of nomadic existence. Thankfully, I had my book of shadows throughout the years and those records let me know where I need to refresh my Witchcraft texts. As I rebuild this library, I plan to post reviews of books I read that would appeal to both early and experienced Mystics, Witches, Healers, Lightworkers, Energy Workers, or any of the other names that Witches call themselves. I hope to do the first review here next week. So look for a continuation of this Witches Library discussion to come.
Slowly but surely rebuilding my Witch Library. As I do, I’ll review the books here.
If you are just beginning on your magical path, may I suggest you meditate and ask Source to guide you to what book(s) would serve you best and allow you to be your truest self and live your best life. You could also just go into a book store and head over to their spirituality shelf and find something that makes you pick it up.
Like many Witches having a library, a garden, and some familiars makes life super magical. And they all seem to go hand in hand, like a Triple Goddess Venn Diagram. What books did you start with on your path? What books are you looking for? Where is your favorite place to read? Do this Writing Witch a solid and tell me what book has informed your path and clarified things for you. If you, like me, had to sell all your books, which ones would you keep? If you’re re-building a library, like me, which ones are must haves? Let’s talk books, Witches.
Your Saturday mail haul includes new Witchy Alpaca Wool socks and another tome for the Witch Library.
I started posting a “You Might Be A Witch If” post on Instagram a few weeks ago, but decided to record it here on the website as well. Hoping this cross posting widget works well. But come back here each Monday for more “You Might Be a Witch If” fun!
Had to move the weekly focus to Thursdays because the weekends mean I’m off working the land of Villa Westwyk and it just wasn’t happening. So, adjustment made and I think you’ll find that this will increase the savings you find with the new “Item of the Week.” Right now in my Magical Flea Market, every time you purchase something you are going to earn a coupon towards your next purchase, beginning with this item right here:
Vintage Monkeypod Goddess Figurine is our Spotlight Item this week.
This figurine is about 54 years old, brought back from Hawaii circa 1966. It measures 9.5 inches tall and has the original label on it but also one or two wrinkles, as anything that is that old may have. However, she’s recently gone through a cleansing and renewal and you can hardly see where these wrinkles are — for Monkeypod, nut oil is like botox. 🙂 Its age and loving use is reflected in its price. She is made of Acacia wood aka Monkey Pod. She was cleansed and charged under the new moon in Aquarius 2021. Bring a little tropics into your altar, lounge, or den with this piece and earn her everlasting loyalty with your love.
She was priced at $36 plus shipping; now just $30 with free shipping. She wants a new home and comes with so much positive energy. Plus, you will receive that coupon towards your next Magical Flea Market purchase, which includes my Dream Interpretation and Rune Casting offerings.
There’s only one of these in my shop, so if you’re interested, I suggest you head over to the Magical Flea Market on Etsy today!
This week’s PIck-A-Rune features Bison Teeth Runes and Iolite, Labradorite, and Charoite.
Look at the picture above. Now look away. When you look back, what calls to you? That’s your number. Note it here in the comments, or if you have already done this on my Instagram, then look below for the reveal. We’re in Aries season now, and the primal fire is hot.
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1) Iolite is Ingwaz; 2) Labradorite is Wunjo; 3) Charoite is Jera.
#1 – Iolite & Ingwaz.
#1 – Iolite & Ingwaz: The full moon is coming and you need to tie up loose ends. With those chores done you can release that anxiety that has been hanging around and truly rest. Take a day off from everything as soon as you can. Venture deep into nature. Dig your toes in the sand, your hands in the soil; or your back against a tree. Let the sun shine on you for a good moment. This is a time to use your third-eye chakra. Then look to see how you can help heal our dear Mother Earth, even in a small way.
#2 Labradorite with Wunjo.
#2- Labradorite with Wunjo. If you’re feeling in a rut, you need to look for wonderment again. Avoid intoxicants for a bit of time and listen to your mind, body, and spirit. There is a new detour on your path that will return pleasure and harmony to you. Use the passion and fire of Aries season to get it on!
Charoite and Jera.
#3 – Charoite and Jera have a message for you: Renew your commitment to getting that project done. It will be not only a gift to yourself but to all those around you. However, more joy will be yours if you’re humble about the accomplishment of it. You will succeed in your goal; just don’t let it go to your head.
Thanks again for accepting this casting. If you appreciate this weekly messages, let me know in the comments. Don’t forget I do full readings as found in my Magical Flea Market. You can find my offerings here: Book A Rune Casting With Runa. If you don’t have an Etsy account, you can always message me and we can book a reading privately.
Now go out and be the magic of this world by being your truest self and living your best life.
This piece was handmade in Hawaii by Erma O’Brien.
For women’s history month, I’ve been trying hard to get this post done. Instead, I’ve been busy treasure hunting for things in the Magical Flea Market. I scour yard sales and thrift stores and love me a good estate sale. I am always on the hunt for anything my fellow Witches would find useful or lovely for their own homes, altars, and sacred spaces. I especially love to come across things that are handmade and contain decidedly positive and/or elemental energy like the piece shown above. It was handmade, and carefully curated, and clearly holds some water energy. It’s vintage for sure, given the technique and the hardware to hang it. This one is likely from the 60s.
Love to find treasures like this and pass the magic along.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find other information about dear Erma’s work; but I do know she is still living in Maui and has achieved uber Crone status. I wonder if she knows her piece of art is up here in Washington State?
Regardless, I share this because this is a prime example of the things I try to put up in the Magical Flea Market. All items are cleansed and charged magically so that they arrive at your door step ready to imbue joy and good energy for your workings or just your pleasure. When something is handmade, featuring an elemental item (shells in this case) I’m immediately drawn to it, imagining the artist creating it. If I find, like this one, that it’s made by a woman, it ups my interest as well.
The history of women getting together and crafting both useful and just for the love of art items is long and many of our Pagan siSTARs through the years sat sewing, weaving, molding, and in Erma’s case here, designing, something that would grace walls, counters, altars, and the like for years to come. Before the internet or any modern communication technology, these circles of crafting women, were where lessons were learned, information was shared, and feminine bonds were created. It’s also, often, where movements for equality and progress were born. There’s a reason why the Patriarchy is so afraid of any kind of circle, whether it be a Witch’s ritual one, or just a knitting one.
Giacomo Ceruti, Women Working on Pillow Lace (1720s) (via Wikipedia)
This post is also a reminder that each week — most recently each Thursday — I post an “item of the week” from the Magical Flea Market. It sometimes comes with a discount if you purchase a featured item. So check back either here or in the Etsy shop to find that something with that special vibe that you just can’t live without and which some artist lovingly made. Unfortunately, our dear seahorse shown here has already been claimed. But there’s lots more to see over at the Magical Flea Market, so don’t despair, there’s something there for you.
In the meantime, I encourage you to explore where crafting circles exist in your ancestry and your community. There’s a good chance you have your own Erma in your family tree or in your own neck of the woods.
