Jacki has been studying ancient magical traditions and interpreting them for use in today’s modern world since 1992.  She is internationally known both for her award winning books and the Coventry Creations line of intentional candles, oils, and sprays.  Jacki’s earthy, practical approach to magic takes out the spooky and adds in a flavor of lighthearted humor.  Her studies in theology, tarot, herbalism, astrology, world religions, and psychology inspired her to write Coventry Magic and co-author DIY Akashic Wisdom with Patty.    Jacki is also co-host to “Keep it Magic Radio,” with Storm Cestavani, this bi-monthly podcast is hit with 10,000 + active listeners every show. 

Patty, is the co-owner of the Candle Wick Shoppe and Coventry Creations with her sister. Patty is a Reiki Master and Director of the Dharma Room Reiki Clinic which opened in September 2010.  It has always a dream of hers to give back to the community, one person at a time, in a way that would be personally rewarding and life changing.  Patty teaches reiki classes, founded the Reiki Healing Center, hosts a reiki share and clinic, and offers private appointments for advanced reiki healing.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

When I opened the box it has this lovely (and high quality, I might add) printed booklet right on top. No bent edges or crinkled pages. Classy all the way.  Oh, and when I opened the box, the smell was amazing. Those candles inside really lit up the joint!  (pun intended)

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Inside my box as I dug though the lovely black packing material I found a tall Money Draw Candle, a wonderful collection of votives and some whimsical Witch's Union items.  A coffee cup, a book and these fantastic little patches. I felt like I should bust out my jean jacket and begin sewing these on immediately. As bar of this pack I also had two packs of matches. I tested them out and the sticks on these are fantastic.  No more breaking at inopportune moments if you know what I mean.  LOL

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

 Here's a look at those patches.  You can pick up some individually and of course the awesome Witch's Union Kit has them included as well as the Coffee Cup, Matches and Book!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

 Another look at my goodies with a shot of the Votives. These scents were just amazing. The burn time is great and I really liked the fact they were individually wrapped.  There's my coffee cup!  "Powering Up"   LOL Just love it!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

 Here's a shot of the Spell Caster Club Cards.  They were printed really well with a glossy finish. I loved the way they came together and I can see someone using these over and over again.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Witches Union Kit - Convetrycreations.com

Today I'm kicking off a book giveaway with a review of both books.  Thanks to the wonderful people at Simon & Schuster we have two wonderful books by Skye Alexander to review and giveaway.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

About the Author

You can find books by Skye on her website and on her Amazon Author page.

The Reviews

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Screenshot from LaPulia Book of Shadows Website

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ~Helen Keller

As many of my avid followers know, I don't do love spells. To me love spells are just not worth the trouble they create. That being said I went into this book with the idea that I was learning love magic for the first time. The author takes the time to explain what magic is and how important our intention is. She says that a spell is not a religious act, though some choose to work through a God or Goddess. They are a natural, intentional and time honored method for directing the course of your life. To me that explains magic completely.  I think this was a really great thing to put in the mind of young crafters. She also covers the basics of days of the week, elements, creating an altar, casting a circle and all the "Everything You Need to Know to be a Witch"  categories.  I found this to be an excellent addition.  Unlike the other books that I have read that simply toss out an ingredient list and don't address the actual ethical principles behind love magic.

Altar Photo - Renee Sosanna Olson

The next few chapters delve into working with candles, colors and crystals. There is a two page crystal and gemstone table on page 50 that aids in selecting the correct crystal for the right job. Pearl to strengthen self esteem, jade to enhance beauty and coral to attract love. Cleansing the stones and care is included as well. Which many books tend to leave out.

Crystal Magic - Renee Sosanna Olson

The section to follow includes a plant and talisman magic. Working with herbs and runes are the hallmarks of heathen witchcraft.  I have a friend who spends a great deal of time working in these elements.  I thought of her immediately when I stumbled across the "Attract Love with a Rule Talisman" spell on page 88.  This spell tells us to use the Old Norse rune Gebo (symbolized as an X) to make our talisman.

This is a Gebo Talisman created by Loren for her Primitive Witchery shop.  You can find this and many other Old Norse design items for sale in her shop on the web and on Facebook.

Art & Design by Loren Morris

The X we see used today when we sign letters "hugs and kisses" using the X to represent kisses "xoxo".


The author wraps up this book with a chapter called "What's the Next Step?".  This section summarizes what I believe is missing from magic today in three very clear steps.  One, Learn about different schools of thought.  No one is the be all end all on any particular subject.  We need to take the time to learn about other cultures so that we can grow.  Second, Work with other people.  To me this is hand in hand with number one.  We need to be able to meet and grow. We cannot grow alone.  Be it in an online community or in a coven reach out to those around you and see if there is something more you can add to your plate to enhance your life experiences. Finally, three - craft your own spells.  This is so very important. While anyone can recite a spell from memory it takes cunning and craft to create your spell using your words. Your emotions and your intentions. Take the time to become familiar enough with your magic that you are able to write your own spells.  This will be a skill that you will use for your entire magical career.

Over all, this was a very well written book. There are elements for the novice and the expert. There is indeed, something here for everyone. Even the avid "no love magic" caster can jump into Chapter 8 under the Editable Spells page and whip up something good for the cauldron. I recommend the smoothies. Just substitute that yogurt for coconut milk yogurt and you're good to go for a vegan surprise for your sweetheart!

The Giveaway

A little over 7 months ago a hurricane came thought and flooded a large portion of Eastern North Carolina.  My little corner of the world was included in the area.  We were luckier than most in that we only lost our vardo and our ability to vend for the next year.  Heartbreaking as it is so many people were in a much more harsh situation than we were/are in.  The water in the river is still very high and at this point we still have water on our property.  But at least we can stay on our property. Some cannot even return to their homes.

When our business sailed down the river, hubby and I discussed the best way to move forward and we thought about changing direction in our business and trying to become more mainstream vs. our direct Pagan/Witchy direction.  We revamped the website and I started marketing.  We have found that no matter how hard I try, I tend to sprinkle magic in here and there. Examples include - Hubby wants to make bath salts, I go off on a tangent about how wonderful that is and how we should do ritual bath soaks with ones for Samhain, Yule .... you get the picture.

Photo Credit - BaubleSmith

Next he wants to make resin bracelets.  My eyes glaze over as I start recommending pentacles and ravens and you see where I'm going.

Photo Credit - BaubleSmith

As we tried to make our more mainstream, the magic found its way in. As we rebuild from this devastation and it could be up to 3 years before the buyouts are completed by the state, We sit here trying to understand where we're going and what we're going to be doing while we wait for the uncertainty that is dealing with governmental agencies. All we can do is keep the magic flowing and direct our energies towards making life at this place better while we are here.

I'm beginning to pick up my clay again.  I may have some new items showing up in the shop soon. I've created some goddess pieces that I can't wait to share with you.  I have also added some candles back to the shop. These were always wonderful additions and I know that they will continue to help bring light to those who need it.

Photo Credit - BaubleSmith

So today, I'm waiting.  I'm watching. I'm spelling. Directing the forces of nature and the powers of the elements to guide this process to an end. I hear three years but, I long for 3 weeks.

So mote it be.

We have heard the old saying, "A Witch that cannot hex cannot heal."  I am a firm believer in that. Healing to me is a form of proactive protection.  We need to be able to set up wards and mirror negative energies back out to those attacking us.  This week I'm going to reference The Big Book of Practical Spells - Everyday Magic that Works by Judika Illes. I highly recommend picking up her book and supporting all of our witchy authors!

Judika has a section of this book dedicated to protection spells. From creating a magical garden of protection with dill, clover, gardenia, juniper and rose to bodyguard dream pillows you can find a good spell in this book to cover just about any situation.

The Scandinavian House Protection Amulet is one of my favorites.  Judika instructs the reader to form a cross with birch twigs, bind them with red thread and add crystals or roots to intensify the protection aspects.  Something simple and easy. - page 157

There are times however when you need to pull a bit deeper into your mojo to get those shields up.  If you have an attack from another witch or when that protection need to be from those in your own family. Along with mirroring spells and protection salts I often will use acorn magic to help keep those who should be close at a distance.  I'll share with you this week my basic protection from family spell.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Supplies
4 tea lights for the 4 directions
1 main pillar/taper candle (white) I keep this in the center of the 4 tea lights)
1 taper candle (red)
1 small jar or vessel that can be buried in the yard
Acorns with the top intact (you'll need one for each person who is attacking you)
Marker
1 raw chicken egg
1 bundle of sage
1 incense stick (Myrrh, Angelica, Cedar, Dragon's Blood, Clove, Juniper, Lotus, Sandlewood)

Instructions
Use the sage to cleans the area you plan to work in.
Light the four candles from top, clockwise and recognize the directions/elements and welcome them.
If you call the quarters or request the presence of deities this is a good time to get that mojo working.
Light the center candle and focus your mind on that flame.  Welcome the magic into your body.

Take the marker and put the initials on the acorn of the person from whom you need protection. Repeat for each person on separate acorns.

Light the incense stick from the center candle and use the flame to light the red taper. Focus your energy on bringing the power of the elements, the magic of the directions and the strength of the deity/magic you called in the opening circle into this red candle.  This candle is now charged.  It is your power source.

Carefully hold the candle in one hand and then drop a single drop of red wax over the initials on each of the acorns. See yourself silencing the harm that is coming from each acorn.  Watch the wax encase the negativity being sent to you.  Focus your mind on stopping the hatred coming from its source.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

As each wax dot dries drop the acorn into the vessel you have chosen to rid yourself of this energy.

Take the egg and place it inside the vessel with the acorns and close it tight.

Close your circle as you normally would. - For me I simply reverse the process, extinguishing each candle in a counter clockwise manner and thank the elements for their presence.

The sealed jar should be taken outside and buried in a safe place and left alone.  If you can't bury the jar immediately, place it in the freezer until you can.


And that's it.  That's the best way to take care of yourself from family who is trying to harm you. I use acorns as they represent family ties and connections. The wax acts as a binding element to stop the harm from coming in and sealing it in the ground buries that connection.

Again I always believe that the best spells come from within so be willing to look up ingredients and find the right candle colors or herbs that will fit your specific situation the best.

Hope this is helpful to someone out there.  I had the feeling someone is getting some harm from their family.  Hang in there.  Protect yourself.

These are photos of my Altar.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

These are my open top tea-light holders

Photo & Pottery by:  Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo & Pottery by:  Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo & Pottery by:  Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo & Pottery by:  Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo & Pottery by:  Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo & Pottery by:  Renee Sosanna Olson