This weekend I'm focused on our torso. The chakra's we are working are directly are the sacral, solar plexus, heart and throat.  I played this healing session for Eli who has a lower lumbar fusion and some disc damage in his neck.

This tend to be a problem area for stress. 

Feedback and comments welcome.

This card comes with the message, "You cannot be truthful with another person unless you are first truthful and honest with yourself. The truth is not afraid of questions."

As though she is on the battlefield this Wild Goddess, stands at the ready for anything that comes her way. Shield up, spear drawn and now she waits for the fight. She has the power to conquer all that comes in her way. She is the interrogator. Lies and secrets are not welcome in her realm.

When we see this card in our reading it is a reminder that we should be open to hearing the truth. The truth is constant and we should always welcome it in any conversation. We should listen for it and we should speak it. The truth should be delivered with honesty. Truth is not brutal. The purpose of the truth is not to bring someone down, but instead to build them up. The truth is what we should all strive for.

What is happening in your life right now that seems to be hidden in the shadows? Are there discussions happening that are in secret? Is there information missing that makes the picture incomplete? Are you being deceived? The truth just is. And while we must always speak the truth so also must we be willing to hear the truth. Take a step back and listen to what others are saying to you. Sometimes we turn away from things we don't want to hear. Stop. Listen. You need to hear this.

This card comes with the message, " Make sure that what is being said is what is being heard. The same words and messages can often mean different things to different people."

Life goes on behind her as she sits recording the messages delivered. Her winged helmet represents our logical mind. Her heart decorated with a visual representation of how much emotion impacts how we interpret information. Messages are filtered through all sorts of things before arriving at their destination and sometimes they are not as they originated.

When we see this card in our pull we are reminded that messages can changed based on who is hearing them and even the time they arrive. Even if the exact words are spoken, a simple inflection in the voice can change that message. It is always a good idea to be sure that your words are arriving as they were intended. Havoc can be avoided, feelings saved and successful spell work acquired simply by checking yourself and your delivery of the words that leave your mouth.

What is going on in your life today that could have been avoided or accomplished if the words spoken had arrived in a different way? How about your love life? Are the words you're saying truly reflective of how you feel about those around you? Are you speaking the truth? Channel the power of the Messenger and speak with the clarity of the logical mind and with the full love of the sacred heart. Someone is waiting for that message. It may even be you.

What are these cards telling you about your current situation? What about your future? Now is the time to readjust your sails and get out into the open ocean. Sail the world! You can do it!

Looking for more insight for the remainder of 2022? What does 2023 hold in store for you? I have spots available for monthly clients as well as ad hoc readings. Check out my offerings on this page and begin your journey into the next months with a clear insight on your path to a happy successful life.

Wishing you much success and happiness for the remainder of 2022.

Blessings

Sosanna

Today I'm reviewing The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs - Your Complete Guide to the Hidden Powers of Herbs by Judy Ann Nock.

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.

I'll start out with a review of the physical book.  The cover is nice and smooth with a black background and some lovely illustrated herbs shown.  The size of the book is nice for fitting into a bag or a backpack to take on the go.  The pages however, have that same uneven edging that some publishers choose to use to make the book look aged. It is so annoying to me personally.  I dislike this style of binding and wish that they would stick to standard pages. The book boasts of a pretty impressive index which I really enjoy in a book, especially one that could be used as reference going forward.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

The author  begins with an overview of magickal herbs and provides a brief history of herbal-ism, including references to John Gerard and Nicholas Culpeper. She gives us a look at herbs from a planetary perspective with a table provided on herbs associated with our solar system. There's even a table on the secret witch names for some herbs. The author covers basic preparation methods such as tonics, sachets, oils, teas and powders. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Chapter two takes us into cultivation and even references sustainability. I really enjoyed the part of this section called clearing and consecrating your site. This section contains some really well written information and includes a spell to set your intentions.

What good would an herb book be without a little bit of Kitchen Witchery! The author provides just that in chapter 3 with a table related to the magical kitchen and even a spot for adding magic into your recipes. While not provide a spell directly, the information given shows how using gestures while stirring for example, is a great way to add a dash of magic along with that flavor to your dish.
We get a wonderful consecration spell for our cupboard that goes as follows:

Blessed be the hand

Blessed be the heat

Blessed be the sustenance

The nourishment we eat

Blessed be the gathering

Blessed be the flame

Blessed be the creation

Assembled in Her name.

The book goes on to give us a lesson on elixirs and potions with recipes and tables to help us create suitable combinations for feasting and merriment and even has a chapter dedicated to self care. Self care is often missing from the majority of the books I review and I'm glad to see this author chose to give a space for that here.  This along with the herbal first aid kit on page 71 make this book an invaluable resource.

Part II of this book is simply a list of 100 Magickal Herbs.  There are a few illustrations included, but detailed information on each of the selected herbs. Part III takes us directly into how to use these herbs.  From herbal remedies to spells it contains the step by step instructions for things such as, basic hair rinses, how to amplify dark hair, lip scrubs and skin washes.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Overall this book was a very good read. The text is well written and provided something I could walk away and practice right away. It takes the time to show you how to not only use but also create you own herbal supply and what to do with it once it is ready to harvest.  One of the better herb books I have read recently.

Today I'm reviewing Daily Oracle - Seek Answers from Your Higher Self by Jerico Mandybur.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image 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.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Book

My review copy was a small smooth covered book with stars and planets across the front and back.  It is a pretty thick book, which makes it a bit difficult to carry in a handbag but would be excellent in a backpack or tote bag.  There are no real illustrations inside with only the all seeing eye image on the left side of each of the pages.  The pages are in black and white only lacking any color at all, however I found that I enjoyed the jumps from black to white that the pages delivered.

This book is like similar oracle books on the market.  The author takes a moment on the back cover and the front of the book to explain to the reader how to use the oracle book.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Book

We're asked to set our intentions, much like one would do for a tarot reading and then select our page using our intuition. The pages provide messages like - Conviction is a light that can never be blown out  and Don't gild the lily.  I worked with this for a few days and found it insightful and pleasant. My favorite I think was "There insecurities are not your reality".  Good stuff.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Book

Overall this is a great book to give as a gift to a grad student, maybe a housewarming gift or something for the new witchling.   I believe that anyone who is motivated by those "thoughts of the day" or positive affirmations would enjoy this book. It reminds me of the Magic 8 Ball in book form!

Today I'm reviewing Your Goddess Year: A Week-By-Week Guide to Invoking the Divine Feminine by Skye Alexander.

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.

My review copy as a medium sized soft cover book that would easily travel in a larger handbag or backpack.  This book has an extensive index! I really love a good index. What good is a book if you can't fine what you're looking for. This one does not disappoint. I jumped in looking up a couple of my favorite deities and found them quickly.  Never underestimate the power of a good index.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

This book is divided up by the months of the year.  Each month has an assortment of deities within.  January contains Sophia, Skadi, Xi Wangmu, Athena and Brigid for example.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are some of the more common deities such as Kalli and Diana but other deities like Maeve, Tiamat and the Spider Woman were also represented.  The author did a really great job going across several cultures to pull together an assortment of Goddess figures that can appeal to a wide audience.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

I quickly jumped to my month to see what Skye Alexander had in store for those born in February. February (each month for that matter) begin with an brief introduction into the month. In my case a poem from Oscar Fay Adams was on the top of the chapter page with some beautiful birch trees in the background.  We begin with Saraswati. The author provides insight on when we should invite her and provides a Herstory of the deity.  She tells us about the symbols and corresponds as well as reasons to work with her.  There is a section on how to invite her as well.  For February we have four Goddesses presented each with the same outline as above.  Joining Saraswati is Lilith, Nut and Aurora.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

I couldn't review this book without seeking out Hecate. I found her quickly in this book thanks to that handy dandy index in the back.  Hecate was found in October!  Where else? She was joined by Frigg, Ma'at, Hera and Aphrodite.  The author recommends we work with Hecate from October 30 - Nov 5.  She gives us a brief history of Hecate and but refers to her as an elder Goddess. Despite all the drawings and writings of Hecate, people still like to refer to her as a crone. Hecate has never been anything presented other than a maiden.  I would like to see this reflect more in this newly written books.  I did like the way the author said to leave veggies as an offering.  This appeals to the vegan in me, however we know historically that offerings to deities were less compassionate.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Overall I felt this is a great book for a house warming party or maybe for a graduation gift. It is certainly female positive in its language.  I think this would be a great addition to any library focusing on female empowerment or a great way to bring the feminine divine anything any traditional magical library.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

I've become a fluffy bunny.  I look back at all the posts I used to make about my angry Goddess Hecate Brimo and how she was going to be a destroyer of all those who had wronged me. I

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson (artist Georgi Mishev)

I saw her riding in with her mighty torches, dagger in hand ready to bring forth justice for me. To in a sense destroy all those who were not aligned with my way of thinking. I saw this metaphorically. I followed Hecate as a light bringer. One who has the keys to ancient knowledge that I needed in order to go forward in my life. I was angry, so Brimo was who I identified with.

Today I'm feeling much more centered in my life. I don't practice as much as I used to, spells and rituals but I do meditate.  I feel that even if I'm not chanting her name I am still calling upon some of the other representations that she is know for. I love this list here.


Some new titles I'm thinking of identifying with:

Alkimos: Strong/Stout/Brave/Powerful

Ameibousa/Amibousa: One that Transforms

Angelos/Angele: Messenger

Aregos: Helper

Erototokeia: Producing Love/Bearer of Love

Eukoline: Good-Tempered

There are so many  more facets to this life we have in front of us. Learning to become more and not hold on to those things that cause suffering is something that we all need to learn. On the hunt for a fight, looking for someone to defend is just furthering suffering. Instead I choose to offer compassion. I choose to offer understanding and be there for those who need it. I choose to send out, light and love.  There I said it.  Light and love.  For all those years, I was quick to say, I'm not all light and love.  Well I know why. I was so full of suffering that I couldn't see the way to give that light and love to others, because I hadn't given it to myself.

Today I choose to love myself. Today I choose to be a fluffy bunny.

Today I'm reviewing Tarot for Self-Care: How to Use Tarot to Manifest Your Best Self by Minerva Siegel.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

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 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 429,000 views.



As always I'll begin with a review of the physical book.  This is a hefty book.  I was sent a hardcover to review. The pages are easy to read and have clear plain illustrations.  It has a strong index and takes a different approach to most "How To" tarot books.  The book is divided into three sections, the introductions, self-care and the cards and how to optimize self-care.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

The author starts us off with a basic introduction into self-care, leading off with a paragraph dedicated to debunking the buzzwordiness of self-care. She provides a list of the types of self-care currently out there, including mental, physical and spiritual. As we move through the section she continues to provide insight on the methods for creating a magical mood for divination as well as a crash course on reading the cards.  From self cleansing shuffling techniques the author provides a great list of the dos and don'ts for manifesting a strong positive energy for the reader and provides several options for leveling up your tarot experience.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

As we move into part two the author breaks down each of the cards for us in great details. She provides a basic interpretation of each card and a list of specific self-care card activities for each. The author also includes (which is often a pain point for new readers) the reversed information as well.

One of my favorite cards is the Star Card.  She tells us the Star card speaks of hope and deep rejuvenation.  She explains that this card reminds us to hold tightly to our ideals and find comfort in them.  She tells us the card is reminding us to have faith that brighter days are head.  She then provides the following self-care activities:

Mind: De-stress by avoiding busy, bustling environments that can overwhelm your senses.  Instead of going to a loud, wild concert, visit an art museum.
Body: The Star calls for rest. Have a movie marathon at home, and give yourself permission to relax.  Pop a bowl of popcorn, invite friends if you'd like an put on a favorite film series.
Spirit: Invite loving, happy feelings into your life with rose quartz. Meditate with this crystal or carry it in your pocket.

The book is filled from cover to cover with this exact set up for each of the Major and Minor Arcana.  From the Fool to the King of Pentacles, each card is represented with the same outline. After 200 pages dedicated to this, the author then moves into part three.  This section helps us look to optimize our self-care practices.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

With sections related to meditation, crystal work and working with the shadow self, the author provides the reader with a way to delve into their own psyche and find within themselves the path to a higher existence through positive affirmations, meditations and dedicated self-care.  She provides a section dedicated the card relationship to the zodiac and had this to say about yours truly.

Pisces (February 19-March 20):  The Moon
The Moon tarot card is all about diving deep below the surface to get to the soft, tender heart of things, making it the perfect match for the emotional nature of the Pisces.  Pisces dislikes superficiality and thrives in uncharted waters. Reserved, The Moon represents the Piscean tendency to get caught up in worrisome what ifs and become anxious.

She goes on to talk about the self-care for the Pisces:

The loving Piscean heart is beautiful and something to be treasured, but you often get swept up in emotions and ideas. Other people's baggage, moods, and grief can affect you on a deep level. Setting emotional boundaries will help protect your heart.  Book a rejuvenating Reiki session to balance your energy. You'll feel more centered and in control.

Overall I found this book to be well worth the time to sit down and take a few days to fully review each card.  I took it from the single card daily pull but I can see how using the section on spreads could indeed help one use the tarot as a full fledged life coach.  Each card offering to the reader a way to pull themselves up by the proverbial boot straps, if you will and take each new day as walk to bigger and better things!

Today I'm reviewing Titania's Fortune Cards by Titania Hardie.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

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 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 429,000 views.



As always I'll start with a general review of the physical book.  The card pack I was sent had a few issues.  First, the book was directly attached to the box for the deck. This makes it hard to read in my opinion.  I would have to rip it off the glued box in order to read it as a book.  Folding the box in 1/2 to read the book is nearly impossible as the spine is extremely wide and does not fit in the hands well. Secondly the deck fits into a slot cut in the left side of the box cover.  When you open the box the deck is sitting on top of the book, instead of being nestled safely in the cover.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

 Two things in my opinion that hurt the overall presentation of this deck.Though a small deck in comparison to other decks I have reviewed, this deck only has the image on the card which means the reader will need to commit their meaning (as outlined in the book) to memory.  There are no written words on the card to trigger the memorization so as opposed to many decks that offer an idea based on the scene in the card; here you'll need to read the book a few times to be able to successfully read the cards.  A note should be made here the type face in this book is extremely small.  Most of the cards definitions take up 1/2 a page so I'm confused as to why the decision to make the font so small was made.  If I were to release an updated version, I would increase the font size to ease in legibility.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

The book begins with an explanation of Madam LeNormand's famed cartomancer of the 19th century. The author provides us with the impact it had on their lives and then jumps directly into the card layouts. The Cross, 7 & 9 and even a 19 card layout are provided along with examples of how to read them.

There is a quick overview section that provides a thumbnail view of each of the card's face and a brief sentence on each.  Each offers the "see also" that directs the reader to the full description of each card.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Each full description card page includes information on how to interpret the card based on how it falls in the spread as well as its meaning. The Cross card for example is said to be the card of destiny. It goes on to say that you are looked after and your road is in the hands of the gods.  If it falls by the heart, you're destined for love; if by the garden destine for a job.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Over all an interesting deck with meanings that are only revealed in the study of the book. The images are muted but legible and offer the reader the opportunity to learn what the pairings are telling them.  Not my favorite deck but not the worse I have seen by far.

I found several YouTube videos dedicated to this deck.  Here's a couple to choose from.

Today I'm reviewing Revolutionary Witchcraft A Guide to Magical Activism by Sarah Lyons.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

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 - November 5, 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 over 429,000 views.


When they say great things come in small packages, they were referring to this book.  While the size of the book is small, the content within is larger than life.  The cover is a mixture of a hard/soft cover and the short stature makes it easy to toss into a purse or backpack for reading on the go. The author has provided not only a healthy index but also a hefty appendix that goes on in great detail on spell books, rituals and even a new way to look at the wheel of the year. The illustrations are fantastic and show a representation of witches of color in an inclusive way. This reaches directly into the heart of the current life we're seeing in magical workings for social justice.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

The books begins with an introduction to activism and the place that a witch holds in that fight. The author defines magic, politics, witchcraft and the history related to how magic was used in our ancient past. As she continues through the chapters, the author provides direction for connecting with the ancestors as well as instruction on shaking off this mundane and delving deeply into the craft for the betterment of all beings.  I would note there is at least one mention of the Bible in one of the chapters and it seems to lean to the side that witches are predominately female. While I understand that for most of the world the word witch equates to someone who is female, I would loved to have seen the author set aside that particular notion and allow a non gendered view or allowing space for those who may identify as male, masculine or any other gender variant to be included in the discussion.  That being said, I would like to acknowledge how the author said that they felt that witchcraft was a verb and not a noun.  To me, witch is a title. It isn't a title like Mr. or Mrs. but more like Doctor.  Note, it isn't specifically said in this book that only witches can be female, it is just what I perceived to be implied by the context of the book.  This was my opinion and your mileage may vary. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

This is one of the first modern witch books I have read that directly calls out to sitting public officials. In the section on Revolutionary History, the author specifically points to the 2016 election as being the catalyst for political witchcraft. To me this has two possible implications.  One, it flies into the face of "be silent".  If I want to work my magic, I want to do so in secret. I want to make sure they have no idea that I'm coming.  There is also an old tale about saying a person's name gives them power. Case in point, many today some 3 years after taking office, still refuse to use the word President as it related to Donald Trump. I'm assuming the opinion is, not saying it removes its validity. We would need to examine his actions and the impact they have had on society as a whole in order to see if that is actually the case. But I digress...

As we move through the book, the author takes us through initiation, journeying, dreaming and soul flight. Reminding us that as witches we are stewards of the land. The section on Standing Rock, I found particularly moving. Many books have lofty goals when it comes to recommending what witches can and cannot do.  This book actually provides real world examples of how to get involved in local politics, creating an organization and working with allies of all activity styles. From creating sigils and working with crystals to joining protests and working on access to voting this book provides ways to actually get involved with your community to create positive change.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Image Source - Revolutionary Witchcraft

Finally, I wanted to call out one part of the appendix that I found pretty amazing and have added to my magical practice.  As a witch (a River Witch) I spend a great deal of time directly in the path of the water. My home sets on native land stolen by colonizers, and homes and families destroyed, a great people were pushed away and nearly destroyed. Today, they are still being attacked at the highest levels of our government.  On page 141 the author provides a statement to the land, acknowledging the rightful ownership of the first peoples to inhabit this nation and face subsequent attack by those coming in and destroying their world. The statement is as follows:

We honor and acknowledge the land we stand on. This is occupied territory that was once called (NAME) and is the home to (Tribe/Nation). We acknowledge that this land was stole by settlers, and that the mistreatment of its first people continues to this day. While we live in a world that settlers created, we promise to work on building a better world with the help and leadership of the land's original inhabitants. We honor this land and thank you for the many gifts you give us each day. Thank you for allowing us to fight on, with and for you.

Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Location - Seven Springs, NC

My personal statement:

I honor and acknowledge the Catabwa and Tuscarora  people who lived here on this land I now occupy. I want to thank them for allowing me to be here and to continue to grace my visions and my ritual with their energy.  I acknowledge that my direct ancestors stole this land and claimed it as their own and are now know as the founders of this place called Seven Springs. I live today in a world created by that carnage and can only hope that my promise to work towards a better world will allow the land here to begin to heal from this heart break.

Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Location - The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park

Overall, this is a pretty powerful piece of work.  It was written in a very straight forward easy to read language. It is modern and yet still holds on to those basics that most witches will be able to see right away. I was skeptical at first, but I must say I was/am pleasantly surprised by the depth of the book and appreciated the author's guidance on inclusive speech, healing speech and open honest dialog about how our nation needs to heal from colonization.