Showing posts with label astrology. Show all posts

Astrology Embroidery - A Review

 This is a review of Astrology Embroidery by Maya Hanisch. 


Very different from my standard reviews, today I have a book on a craft. This book has been created to teach the magic of embroidery using the signs of the zodiac as inspiration. First I'll review the physical book.  The books is a large soft cover book with easy to read fonts and great graphics. I wouldn't expect anything different with the author being an illustrator. There is no index but this book really doesn't need one.

The artist/author takes the time to help the reader learning the individual stitches that are used in the book. The layout of the book begins with the teaching section with each stitch outlined and then goes into showing how they are used with a set of pages for each sign.



The book doesn't stop there! There is a section for smaller creations that I simply adored!  The cat and the knowing hands were my absolute favorites!  I plan on putting these on one of my jean jackets!



The back of the book even has templates that can be used with tracing paper or a photocopier to make the job easier!  




   







Over all, simple book with brilliant designs and a great introduction for witchy folks into the journey of embroidery. I could see using the knowing hands on a gris gris bag and chanting your incantations with each stitch!

If you try this out, let me know! I'd love to see your creations!

Namaste

Sosanna


The Astrological Guide to Self-Care - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Astrological Guide to Self-Care by Constance Stellas

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness.  I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath.  I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole.  I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 438,000 views.


As you know I'll be switching over to reviewing only e-copies of books shortly.  I will miss handling the books but the amount of trash that I had piling up for all the shipping was just overwhelming.  I will be doing a giveaway for the remaining physical books that actually arrive as well as asking my publishers to provide giveaway copies shipped directly to my winner's homes going forward for all giveaways.


Looking at the physical book, this is a really big book. The cover is brilliantly colored and has a assorted illustrations of the zodiac on the front and back.  This book isn't a take along book. Due to it's size I would lean more toward a library or coffee table setting for this piece.  The type face is fantastic. Sticking with the size of the book the publisher has presented the copy with clear to read fonts in a bold color that is extremely easy on the eyes.  The pages are smooth to the touch and dedicated to words are there are no illustrations inside at all.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The book begins with self care.  I'm seeing this topic being covered more frequently in my reviews. I think the industry has finally learned that we cannot pour from an empty cup and granted us some space to take care of ourselves in our busy magical lives.  This author has dedicated the first three chapters of this book to this exercise. I applaud this change and really appreciated the suggestions within. Chapters four through six, Part II,  take us on a journey of caring for ourselves with the elements. Earth, Air, Fire and Water are given the same treatment with an overview of the basic mythology, the astrological symbols and the signs and seasons associated. Each section then gives us ideas on how to apply self care to ourselves based on that particular element.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


As we get into Part III we start looking at the signs themselves. Each chapter from here to the end of the book is dedicated to each specific sign. In reviewing mine I found some really great information.  I also found it odd that there were so many references to eating fish.  I'm a fish! Why would I eat one?  LOL  I did find a lot of these things I already do.  My bed is full of pillows and my home is indeed a retreat.

Overall a fun book to read, it is a great conversation starter and I can see how it would be enjoyed by many.




Instant Wall Art - Astrological Designs

Today I'm reviewing Instant Wall Art - Astrological Designs by Constance Stellas with illustrations by Andrea Lauren and Priscilla Yuen.


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Instant Wall Art - Astrological Designs


Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness.  I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath.  I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole.  I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 438,000 views.


This consists of a brief introduction to the signs with an overview of each and then with perforated pages that can be torn out, framed and hanged as wall art. Each of the pages has a glossy finish and there are three styles to choose from within the book.  The overview provided is written in an easy to read format and I believe is simple and easy to follow.

Overall an interesting take on creating a book out of artist contributions for the purpose of tearing out and hanging on a wall.

Here are some of the designs included.



Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Over all a great new way to get some astrological wall art for all the members of the family in one book. Cute idea.

Your Astrological Cookbook - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Your Astrological Cookbook, The Perfect Recipe for Every Sign by Catherine Urban.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source Your Astrological Cookbook



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness.  I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath.  I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole.  I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 438,000 views.


As always I'll start out with a review of the physical book.  This is a beautiful book. The cover is vibrant and has two lovely photos with a place setting with outlines the houses of the zodiac.  It's a hefty book and is large. I would think too large to put in a bag for a quick read on the go.  There is a lengthy index index in the back with references to pages for specific dishes, astrological signs and ingredients.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source Your Astrological Cookbook

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source Your Astrological Cookbook


As someone who is strictly whole food plant based I grabbed this book with hungry hands and a skeptical mind.  It is rare now to find dishes that don't include some form of animal product, sugar or oil.  The majority of recipes out there are overly processed and lack any attention to a real healthy meal. I have to say, even though this book does contain books with animal flesh, I was able to find some that fit into my lifestyle.   Of course I bounced directly to the back of the book looking for the recipes for Pisces!  I was not disappointed.

Pisces is described as the intuitive chef.  The author has this to say:

Mystical Pisces are represented by two celestial fish. Pisceans are truly enigmatic, compassionate souls with vivid imaginations and a fantastically unique sense of humor.  Pisceans live in their own private world as the undercover start of their own life novel.  Fluent in nonverbal communication these intuitive water signs soulfully connect with the messages emoted through music, art poetry and film.  Mutable Pisces can adapt to any environment, though they are also psychic sponges who need to regularly retreat from the world.  Every celestial fish has at least one ritualistic escape hatch they swim to - be popcorn and move, their yoga mat or the local dive bar.

Wow!  Great intro.  I'm hooked (pun intended)

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source Your Astrological Cookbook

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source Your Astrological Cookbook


As if she read my mind the first dish was Chili Masala Tofu Scramble.  While not considered a whole food, tofu is minimally processed and it is something that I eat from time to time.  Looking through the recipe I only had to remove the olive oil and it was something I could eat.  Cool 1 for 1!

Each chapter of the book is dedicated to one sign of the zodiac.  Continuing through my chapter I found several dishes that I could either eat directly or pull out an ingredient here or there to make it compliant.  The Ginger Peach Smoothie for example was easy to fix up with a simple plant based yogurt replacement. The Buddah Bowl was great minus the avocado oil, but the Premiere Popcorn nearly gave me a stroke just reading the ingredients. While not my taste, I can say that I cannot imagine eating popcorn with an entire pound of bacon; someone out there is sure to say it is exactly what they're looking for.


The photos in this book were amazing. I loved the color and simple settings used to demonstrate each dish. I was disappointed that each recipe did not include a photo.  As someone who does a lot of recipes search for my site Real Rations, I can tell you that photos sell the dish. You have to have one to demonstrate the final product and I really think this book could have used that.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source Your Astrological Cookbook


Overall a great book with a lots of recipes for all sorts of tastes.  Something for everyone including some dishes for the vegans out there, which is hard to come by.  I was very pleased to see all sorts of tastes represented.



The Astrology Dictionary - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Astrology Dictionary Cosmic Knowledge from A to Z by Donna Woodwell.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness.  I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath.  I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole.  I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 438,000 views.


As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This was a small book.  So much so that you could easily lose it in a backpack or large purse. It is rough to the touch but has a very attractive cover. The text is large despite the small stature and the book does not contain an index.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary


This book is exactly as it is described.  It is an A-Z book of definitions related to astrology. It does take the definitions a step farther than one would expect and includes a bit of poetic license in its descriptions.

Moon, noun
Mistress of the night, the Moon's gravity stabilizes our climate and allows life to evolve and thrive. So the Moon symbolizes thing that nurture and protect.  Since she sheds on light of her own, the Moon's association with gathering and receiving. Memory and nostalgia are the functions of the moon...

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Astrology Dictionary

The author goes on to tell us about the house associated with the moon as well as her colors and metal associations.

She says the following regarding Pisces:

Pisces, noun
Pisces is best when allowed to drift, to float without judgement in everlasting bliss.  Then, this Jupiter ruled sign can commune with the cosmos.  Pisces strive to be in the world, yet not of the world.  The constellation associated with this mutable water sign is the Fish, two fish that are tied together. Pisces may need to work to stay present, to reach for the stars without getting tangled up by their own feet.

As someone who has taken a tumble several times over the last few weeks I an say this is pretty much spot on.  (laughs)


Overall a cute book with some very skillfully written albeit non-scientific definitions of astrology terms.  A great book to have if you want a bit of light reading that can be whimsical and still contain a bit of magic.



Friendship Signs - Your Perfect Match(es) Are in the Stars - A Review

Today I'm reviewing  Friendship Signs - Your Perfect Match(es) are in the Starts by Brianne Hogan.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page

Release date - May 14, 2019

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.


I'm going to start with a review of the physical book.  Overall this is a nice sized book.  I like that I could easily toss this into a purse or backpack. I received a hard cover to review.  It did not have a dust jacket but the cover is vibrant and had a formed spine and raised lettering for the title.  The book is printed with blue ink and the pages are smooth to the touch.  Over all a great book to hold in your hands.  The book includes a friendship compatibility test at the beginning and and offers a decent sized index in the back.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Each sign is listed in the book with a sign by sign comparison. I noticed quickly how the author switched pronouns based on which sign they were discussing.  Pisces and Virgo was female for example and Leo and Libra are male.  While this is a small thing, I quickly went to the release date on the book and saw that it was this year.  I would love to see authors start using gender-less pronouns when possible.  Because we know that signs apply across the board to all people, using they and them would be perfectly acceptable in this book.  That being said over all it is a really well written book.

Each chapter is divided by the signs with a brief description of each sign.  Virgo as the perfectionist and the doer and Pisces as the dreamer and the healer, for example.  The author describes each signs quirks and preferences before offering a compatibility chart that outlines how each sign directly interacts.  I found the piece on Aquarius and Pisces to be quite accurate.

Pisces and AquariusEach sign's inherent uniqueness and love for deep spiritual discussions will help cement the friends ship between Pisces and Aquarius.  The both admin and accept the others' eccentricities and the joy working together on charity projects.


In comparing the descriptions for Pisces and Virgo vs. the one for Virgo and Pisces the author could have just copied them over however there is a subtle difference for each sign.  The descriptions are on point, in my opinion and offer a unique insight into not only revealing what you already knew about your best friend, but also a look at opening doors and becoming more compatible with our celestial counterparts.



Overall this is a great book for the beginner and the seasoned HUMAN, yes, I said human here as we already know that non-magical people are the biggest consumers of this type of content.  Its an easy read and a great way to spend the afternoon with a friend, comparing and contrasting what the stars have to say about our BFFs.







Astrology for Happiness and Success - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Astrology for Happiness and Success by Mecca Woods.


Image Credit - Book Cover


Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 13 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.


As usual I'm going to start with a review of the physical book. This piece came to me from Simon & Schuster and is on the small side for books that I have reviewed.  It is soft cover and the cover is just a thick paper. I think that it could have been made a bit better and a harder cover would help to retain the integrity of the book body. This book has no index but the chapters are marked in blue so you can slightly bend the page edges to navigate to the chapters.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Content - Astrology for Happiness & Success


The other offers us a small introductions before just diving right into the meat of the book.  The sections are divided by a blue boarder that allows you to flip somewhat seamlessly through the book contents. Each chapter has sections related to specific traits, aspects and correspondences to the astrological sign being featured.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Content - Astrology for Happiness & Success


Each chapter starts with a basic overview of the sign that gives the authors interpretations of what each signs strengths are. These sections are written quite well. The section for my sign, Pisces, is called The Mermaid and the Magician. There is even reference to the ability to see and feel the pain of others.  My life story.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Content - Astrology for Happiness & Success

The following sections talk about the approach each sign has to love as well as their color and scent correspondences. My colors were blue and lavender.  Spot on. Scents like jasmine, lilac, sweet pea and vanilla are central to my sign. The book goes on with the signs attributes when dealing with heartbreak and familial relationships. The following passage stood out for me:

The key to successful relationships with your family is in honoring your need for emotional support while also recognizing that, although you're deeply in touch with your feelings, you have to be able to speak up to family members and say exactly how you feel instead of trying to avoid conflict.

This is so me.  I sit back and let others run the show to my own detriment because they are family and my desire to preserve the peace. The section on the approach to wellness is short but dead on.  Here's a clip:

As a water sign, you are prone to losing your steam and getting emotionally burnt out.  Since the element of water is more responsive or reactive than active in astrology, you have to make sure you have ways to keep yourself motivated and focused so you don't grown stagnant. 

My entire life I have been attracted to the phrase "Green and Growing".  To me this last passage reinforces that mindset and I certainly won't be looking to change that anytime soon.


There are several more sections in each chapter that guide the reader through learning how to allow self care with topics such as - Fine yourself a Muse and Mind Your Energy. I was a bit skeptical when I first picked up this book but the author provides real context and direction instead of simple generic traits normally associated with astrology. One of my favorite books in quite a while. I highly recommend picking up a copy.



Celebrating Samhain - A Giveaway

One of the most exciting times of the year for me is Samhain. I love the crisp air and the falling leaves. I love finding time to connect with the Ancestors.  Over the years I have compiled quite a list of Samhain posts.  Here's a link to all of my blog posts related to Samhain.

This year I decided to cut back and bit and take a moment to invite one of my readers to benefit from my bookshelf. Over the next week, I'll be accepting entries to win the books listed below.  These books are ones that I have reviewed and will ship to the winner at no charge.

Entries begin at blog publication, which is 10/19/18 at 12:00 AM
Entries close on 10/25/18 at 12:00 AM

There are several opportunities to qualify for extra entries, including sharing, commenting on the blog and a bonus entry to get more points by tweeting about the giveaway each day.

I will draw a name on 10/26/18 and contact the winner via the email they provided at registration. They will have 24 hours to contact me.  If they do not contact me, I will redraw a new winner and notify them.


This giveaway includes the following books.

In Focus Crystals
In Focus Astrology
In Focus Palmistry
In Focus Meditation
The Ultimate Guide to Chakras
Moon Magic
The Ultimate Guide to Divination

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Free shipping to lower 48 only, US Only, Void where prohibited. Facebook, Rafflecopter, Twitter and Blogger are in no way affiliated with this offer.

Please note this are advanced copies of these books in some cases provided by the media publishing company for reviews.

Star Power - A Simple Guide to Astrology for the Modern Mystic

Today I'm reviewing Star Power: A Simple Guide to Astrology for the Modern Mystic by Vanessa Montgomery.






Author Web Page
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page

Disclaimer: I am going to preface this review with the following statement.  I do not practice Wicca. I am not a priestess nor do I claim any religious affiliation.  I identify as an atheist witch and my review of any pagan/witchcraft books is presented from this point of view.


As always I'll start with the physical attributes of the book.  This book is solid. It is not as tall as some of the books I have reviewed but it is substantial. The front and back cover offer tables with the planets, signs and elements. There is no index in this book but there is a page of suggested reading. The images in the book are limited to clip art and some basic line drawings. If you're looking for a book that will tell your sign what to do with an investment I would recommend you select a different book.  If you're looking for instruction on how to fully understand a star chart, this is your book.

This book starts with a brief history of astrology.  And when I say brief, I mean brief. Only one - two pages are dedicated to this.  The book also includes a section on the language of astrology. This section is very useful. Time after time I see books that are this directed towards a specific topic, that they forget that someone may be picking up this book for the first time. While I appreciate the advanced studies in many of the pieces I have reviewed to this point, I feel a special connection to those authors who take the time to bring their reader up to speed. Be it with an introduction, a preface or including this type of glossary as a chapter as part of the book.  As someone who excelled in vocabulary, I believe that understanding the exact definition of the word the author is using helps me insure that I am on the same page and able to learn as much as I can from the text.  


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Star Power



I enjoyed the section on unlocking your birth chart (page 12) this section goes into detail about what they are, and how to use them. It contains great images of star charts and offers detailed instructions on learning to read them. The first step however is obtaining your star chart. I have found several websites that offer free star charts and there is a plethora of software out there that you can buy to help you create your own. 


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Star Power
Each section of this book builds on the previous, there are no quick references here. I have found that this is something you just need to sit down and read to be able to fully understand your own chart. 

Overall I found this book extremely informative and full of the complete details you need to decipher a star chart. I think that this book will benefit the learned reader but does offer some interest for the beginner. The author guides us through the art of learning to read our own charts and will perhaps open up a interest in reading for others. An excellent guide and I highly recommend.












In Focus - Astrology - Your Personal Guide - A Review

Today I'm reviewing another book from the In Focus series from WellFleet Press called Astrology Your Personal Guide by Sasha Fenton 


Photo Credit - Cover

WellFleet Facebook Page
Sasha Fenton Web Page
Book - Publisher Page
Author -  Good Reads - Page
Book - Good Reads  - Page
My - Good Reads - Page
Release Date - July 31, 2018

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an atheist witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need for a deity. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 12 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.

Each book I have in this series has the same high quality hard cover and is filled with great images. As a bonus each one has a pocked in the back that contains either a set of cards or a full color poster related to the topic of the book.  This one in particular has a huge single sided color poster with  the sun signs in a list and several tables related to the qualities, genders and elements.


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - In Focus Astrology


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - In Focus Astrology

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - In Focus Astrology


We have all opened a newspaper or website to read out horoscope of the day. This book takes that simple prediction and breaks it down by elements, and puts it all together.  Each sign is broken down in to common attributes, gender, symbols and ruling planet.  But taken a step further the author includes astrological houses, moon signs as well was rising and falling signs. I particularity like the way the author used famous people in the natal and event charts in the book.  You'll find familiar names like Tom Hanks, Jimmi Hendrix, Joan Collins and JFK to name a few.


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - In Focus Astrology

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - In Focus Astrology


This is a great reference book as well.  It is packed with tables, charts and other reference materials that would make it a great on the go book for any reader or medium to keep handy.   All and all, I believe this is a well written, easy to understand and excellent resource for those beginning their journey or looking to have a quick go to reference book in their possession.