Tag: Writing Witch

Creating Connection & The Magic of Hearth Craft

Posted on by runa

Over the past few months, I’ve been showing up on Bluesky with what I’ve categorized as “Creative Crone Dispatch.” They are little tidbits of Craft knowledge, curated into regular threads born from my skills & experience of  more than four decades of being a Woman In Total Control Of Herself. I started to really dig them and they made me recognize I have more to say.

A writer having more to say?

At my deepest heart, I’m a nerd. I’m also a Scorpio Stellium, so I like to get deep. I like to discuss the depths of a subject and learn as much as I can.  And if we can sneak off into that corner booth at the pub underground and talk over it with our fav beverage deep into the night, I’m in heaven. 

Social media can be a bit of the opposite, a hellscape, so controlling the content we want to explore, and keeping the coolest of folx closest, the Creative Crone Dispatch was born. Normally, I know exactly what I want to focus on – but today I decided to ask the near 1k people following me, what they wanted to chat about.

The answer came quickly via @4islesandco.bsky.social . However, my response wound up being too many threads and this blog post was born. So, my dear one, here is my very quick, hopefully easily digestible, thoughts on your query.

Let’s start with what Hearth Craft is – it is the magic of tending our center. It can look like sweeping the floor with intention. It’s stirring the pot as prayer. It’s is lighting a candle and fucking meaning it. Before temples, before skyscrapers of capitalism, there was the hearth. And around it – women. Hearth work is civilization’s first altar. 

When someone mentions Hearth Craft, it is often in the same sentence with Hestia, the keeper of the flame. She did not wage war. She did not chase lovers. She did not leave. She stayed. Her power was continuity. Her magic was steadiness. Her gift was the flame that never went out. 

If it’s not Hestia, then it’s the goddess Brigid. She represents not only poetry, but the forge. She is also the ‘banked’ fire in the kitchen. She lives in bread rising under cloth. In clean thresholds. In the quiet pride of a well-kept space. Hearth Craft is not perfection, but devotion made visible. 

In Nordic tradition, Frigg is associated with the home, weaving fate at the spindle. She knows the threads before they tighten. She sees what is coming, and keeps her counsel. Queen of Asgard, yes; but, also keeper of keys. Guardian of the household’s inner sanctum. In the ol’ Norse world, women carried the keys at their belts, the symbols of authority over stores, wealth, and running of the home. This was not small power. It was sovereignty in wool and iron. Frigg’s magic is not loud. It is strategic, patient, and protective. Hearth Craft, in her lineage, is the weaving of peace – sacred harmony – within walls that can withstand the storm. 

Not every hearth keeper had a myth. Most were unnamed. Grandmothers who salted soup by instinct. Caregivers who rose before dawn. A partner’s hands cracked from winter wood. Hearth Craft honors them, too.Their magic was consistency. Their altar kin-keeping. Their spell was love. When they cooked, they crafted communion. When they tended home, they tended spirit. This is not “just domestic.” This is sacred architecture. 

They would sit at the hearth, a portal available to most of humanity, as the hearth is a threshold between worlds. The fire of the hearth transforms. Food becomes body. House becomes home. 

In a world obsessed with spectacle, Hearth Craft makes us consider if the magical act of ‘tending’ isn’t one of the holiest, powerful. To tend the hearth is to hold fate gently in your hands. 

And I leave you with this final piece of my regular Creative Crone dispatch – a bit of ‘hearth craft’ to get you started: This week, choose one hearth ritual. Light a candle before cooking. Bless your doorway. Sweep with intention. Bake bread as an offering. Ask yourself, what am I building here? And then follow the answer. The flame is waiting.

Although not entirely all Hearth Craft, my book, Magic In Your Cup talks about intention, tending, and the sacredness of what we put into our bodies and how to make it more magical. Find it wherever books are sold, or get one personalized just for you at the Creative Crone Shop.

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!

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: May 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. 

March was insanely busy for work (huzzah for editing jobs!) and April’s Mercury Retrograde – on the heels of another eclipse – felt like I was re-reading the same page every day. Although, I wasn’t. I am moving through a couple of different texts and audiobooks right now. But I didn’t have any of them finished until now. Hopefully, my goal to post one of these once a month will groove forward with no problems from this point on in my ‘What the Witch Is Reading’ posts. 

This brings me to the point of posting today – even if you read slowly, you’re still reading. Even if you’re listening to a book – you’re still reading. You’re allowing yourself to be lost in a story, to explore a world – even just in your mind – you are still doing it. Through books – no matter their format – we gain access to a vast repository of knowledge, ideas, and perspectives that expand our understanding – of the world, ourselves, and each other. More importantly, it exposes us to diverse cultures, experiences, and viewpoints. Reading nurtures empathy because we begin to understand others better. Although so many of us use it as a leisure activity – reading is a fundamental skill for success in all areas of life. 

Embrace reading in all its forms and enrich your life in countless ways.

Perhaps you’d like to take a chance on one of these books. 

Recently Finished:

Longing For Darkness: Tara and the Black Madonna by China Galland

As I mentioned in February’s post, the Black Madonna appeared to me in a dream a few years back. She still visits me often in that space. Other than some statutory and art frequented within many of my ancestral homes and some of my travels, I did not know much about this particular symbol of the Divine Mother. What I did learn is why perhaps the dream appeared to me – my Polish ancestors coming in to connect me with this energy. Since Galland was there during the rise of Solidarity, it gave me a peek into a historic thing that happened that I only saw as a young adult from way over in the United States.

As Galland points out in the story, Solidarity completely ignored the usual revolutionary process with its choice of nonviolence. Within her journey, the author also accounts for how a woman seeking the Divine Mother has even more battles to overcome. I was surprised by some of the blockers to women, especially those seeking to be leaders in Zen Buddhism. Galland’s deep spiritual search has the reader feeling the ache she has to find Tara. Anyone seeking the path to any feminine deity will find inspiration in Galland’s vulnerability within the prose. Additionally, she gives the reader an amazing peek into many different cultures and their journeys to the goddess. Thanks to this book, which I adored and will likely re-read at some point, I’m considering a pilgrimage to ancestral lands that held the spirit of the goddess close. 

Reading Now:

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

This book was a gift from a friend who knows my frustration with accessing spiritual literature about the tools I use in my Craft, particularly Runes, that are not colored by racism and bigotry. I don’t know why the Nazis love my lineage’s heathenry, but they do. I always laugh when I see that because do they even know Odin? Talk about Patron of Drag Queens. I’ve worked through about more than half of the book and there is a more witchy and inclusive viewpoint, even going so far as to note respectful practice on colonized land. She’s provided poetry, exercises, and multiple translations regarding the background of the Runes and the language around them. More to come after I finish.

Up Next:

Dream Witchery: Folk Magic, Recipes & Spells from South America for Witches & Brujas by Elhoim Leafar 

As a dreamworker myself I’m very excited to dive into this book. Truth be told I’m already working a bit through it and I’m fascinated by Leafar’s childhood in South America surrounded by magical practitioners. Already some beliefs and rituals are super interesting and make me feel like I’m on a solo expedition to uncover hidden magic. Can’t wait to dive in deeper. 

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!

What The Witch Is Reading: February 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. 

Recently Finished:

Magic Julep By Gina LaManna

This is a Magic & Mixology series that I’ve been whipping through while I wrote Magic In Your Cup: A Witch’s Guide to Sippable Spellcraft (coming soon from Llewellyn Worldwide). When writing fiction, I can only read non-fiction. When writing non-fiction, I can only read fiction. Magic Julep is book seven in the series, and I’ll likely start Mermaid Mimosa soon (but I’m currently in the middle of editing a fiction book for the day job,  and I just can’t have LaManna’s voice in my head while doing so. However, I have been loving the cozy and escapist vibe to this. This is it when you need something to take you away to a magical isle in the middle of Lake Superior. I particularly love this one because there are some real relationship challenges…but nothing a little magic can’t handle. If you’ve read this series, let me know your thoughts. Beach-read vibes for sure, and I recommend starting with Book One in the series Hex on the Beach. Regardless, while finishing my non-fiction magical mixology book, this has been an excellent decompression story for me. And some of the characters are cool, like vampire cousin Poppy and shape-shifting cousin Zinnia. We all need a little time away, and this PG-13 romp is perfect. 

Reading Now:

Longing For Darkness: Tara and the Black Madonna by China Galland

The Black Madonna appeared to me in a dream a few years back. She still visits me often in that space. Other than some statutory and art frequented within many of my ancestral homes and some of my travels, I did not know much about this particular symbol of the Divine Mother. I am about halfway through the book and am anxious for the author to get to the Black Madonna. However, as I take this spiritual journey with the author, I’m learning a lot about Zen Buddism and other comparative religions. More to come after I finish.  

Up Next:

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

This book was a gift from a friend who knows my frustration with accessing spiritual literature about the tools I use in my Craft, particularly Runes, that are not colored by racism and bigotry. I don’t know why the Nazis love my lineage’s heathenry, but they do. I always laugh when I see that because do they even know Odin? Talk about Patron of Drag Queens. I’m hoping Ms. Vesta provides a more witchy and inclusive viewpoint. Come back soon to read the review of this one. 

As you can say, 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!

The Witch Is In: Scorpio Season Update

Posted on by runa

Happy Scorpio season, Witches. I’m partial to it, of course, since my Sun is Scorpio. But, I’ve never been so ready for a zodiac season, I feel. In fact, I’m taking off from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7th because life has been heavy. Heck, Scorpio season has been here for a couple of days now and I’m just getting to this update. 

But, I’m in massive recovery mode – creatively, emotionally, mentally, and physically. The manuscript was turned in to Llewellyn on Oct. 1. Whew. This was on the heels of the Sept. 16, release of Magicae Optimum. And throughout all of that I’ve been on heavy eldercare duty, which looks like it’s going to be a thing for another couple of weeks, at least. Meanwhile, I’m putting the food forest/gardens to bed for winter and readying the covenstead for the introspection and intimacy of the winter season. In light of all that, I’m ready for the slow down of Autumn, the inward reflection that Scorpio season provides. 

In the meantime, I’m putting my shop on pause. I’ll likely not be on social media much, and I’m probably NOT going to be writing during my break week. Mama needs a break to dream, do some extra self-care, and figure out some plans for Yule and beyond. If there’s something you’d love to see from me, please let me know. what Yule will look like. Do note that my Patrons will receive regular content and readings, so if you’re there, I’ll see you there. 

I hope your Scorpio season is all you need it to be. If you have a Scorpio in your life, give them an extra hug. 

Divine to Divine,

Runa