His poem gives a glimpse about what he means by we inter-are.

You are me, and I am you.
Isn’t it obvious that we “inter-are”?
You cultivate the flower in yourself,
so that I will be beautiful.
I transform the garbage in myself,
so that you will not have to suffer.
I support you;
you support me.
I am in this world to offer you peace;
you are in this world to bring me joy.  ~ by Thich Nhat Hanh (Link)

Today I'm reviewing Wellness Witch  by Nikki Van De Car.  This post includes not only my review of the book but also a giveaway.  Be sure to enter the drawing for a copy of this amazing book.  I'll be selecting 3 winners, who will receive a copy directly from the publisher!  But first, let's talk about the book.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Cover

Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
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My Good Reads Profile
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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 over 412,000 views.

As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This book was colorful and presented with lovely illustrations by Anisa Makhoul.  Its a good sized book to toss in a backpack or gym bag and includes a hefty three page index front and back. The pages are not textured as some books do and the font is easy on the eyes.

I have reviewed several books by this author and you can find a few of them listed here. 

This book is divided into sections called The Internal, The External and The Home. Each section has individual chapters for Healing, Soothing and Empowering that particular area. For example, the soothing chapters for each section include entries for healing bath rituals, charms for restful sleep and a recipe for lavender chamomile cupcakes. The author takes us on a journey of self healing by explaining that often the most powerful form of witchcraft is that which we do for ourselves. Self care is something that many overlook in the magical realm.  Recently I attended a panel discussion on separating yourself from your magical communities as a part of self preservation, or healing if you will.  Each of the speakers had their own personal situations that led to a separation and a time period specific to each when they could return to the groups they left and one even was still apart from it. Self care is imperative to a healthy life.  Work/Live balance is key.   Even if that work is magical work.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Wellness Witch

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Wellness Witch

The introduction of this covers our basic magical garden and our magical cupboard. Plants, crystals as well as essential oils are covered at a very high level with only 12 herbs, 7 crystals and 8 essential oils being included for their healing and soothing qualities. As one would expect lavender oil, amethyst crystal and rosemary hold a prominent role in healing and soothing the body and mind.

As we move into the Internal section of the book, the author takes us through the healing, soothing and empowering exercises. From growing Kombucha to creating a psychic power tincture the others provides a step by step guide to creating a sense of balance in those internal areas of our lives. My personal favorite begins on page 46 and covers the instructions on a divination tea recipe and a guide on Tasseography or Tea Leaf Reading.  I have not attempted this form of divination and frankly have never seen it covered in a Witch 101 style book, so this was a new experience for me.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Wellness Witch

The External section offers suggestions to tap into the strength required to deal with those things outside our own bodies. Massage oils, massage instruction and even a fire ritual.  My favorite part of this section is the "Finding Your Voice Lip Balm". Just from the title, without a spell included I could see myself stirring the ingredients together, sealing my intention in the mixture. Then when applying before I leave my home for a meeting or before engaging in any speaking engagement, reinforcing my intention to strengthen my voice.  Carry my message to the masses. By far, in my opinion one of the best pieces of this book.

The final section is dedicate to the home.  It offers an array of wellness practices to help transform the home into a sacred place. A place that the author promises will protect, recharge and purify you.  I recognized many of these practices from my own home.  They mention on page 100 about adding bells for your door, which as many witches have practiced across the decades, offers tones and vibrations to invite near energy into the space.  Making your own with clay, as the author suggests is a great way to bring your own energy directly into the bell or maybe take a bell from a second hand store and paint, write or draw sigils to set your intention. 

Wind chimes on page 110, the author tells us is a way to cleanse the energy. I have several sets around my home as well as out in the property to hear the spirit of air as it moves through my space.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Finally, incense!  What would a witch be without this powerful and moving ingredient.  I have several types of incense for different occasions. I personally love Nag Champa and Quan Am for daily use and a beautiful cone called Song of India for ritual.  The author however, provides a recipe for a different type of incense.  This is a way to invite visions or prophecy. Basically you take the herbs and sprinkle them over an open flame after taking the necessary preparations and welcome any visions that come about.  The author provides a list of herbs that are safe, and please remember not to use anything poisonous.  When in doubt, leave it out!


Overall, this is a great book on getting started into self care. So many witches (and mundanes for that matter) fail to take care of themselves before trying to help others.  You cannot pour from an empty vessel so be sure to take the time you need to heal yourself.  I found this book to be full of great tips that I had not heard of, as well as some affirmations of some of the changes I have implemented over the last few years to protect myself, my space and my magic from the ill effects of negativity and energy drains. I absolutely recommend this book for the beginner and the seasoned witch alike.



Drum Roll Please!  The wonderful publishers of this book have offered to award a copy of this wonderful book to three of my fans!  Please use the Rafflecopter link below to enter to win.  I will draw the winners this Friday.  You'll have 24 hours to respond with your mailing address to receive your copy.  Please be sure to add Confessions of a Modern Witch to your trusted senders so you don't miss that email!

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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.