Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

The Hidden Meaning of Birds - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Hidden meaning of Birds: a spiritual field Guide by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Cover



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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 nearly 400,000 views.


I was a little surprised that this was a soft cover book.  I started flipping through and quickly realized how fantastic this book would be rolled up and stuck in a back pocket or tossed in a back pack for a quick trip to the park.  There is a short index in the back and a small list of resources.  The cover is beautifully colored and was a delight to actually hold.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Hidden Meaning of Birds

The author was quick to provide us with a "how to use this book" section at the onset. I like the fact she referenced to very reliable sources for bird identification and stated emphatically this was not a complete resource for birds in general.  Too often authors like to use titles like "the complete book of..." or "the complete reference..." only to leave out very valid voices on the topic.  This was nice to see.  The author further explains that the myths and folklore associated are not the ONLY interpretations. Again, well done to the author.  I loved the suggestion for the reader to keep a journal. In all sorts of magic the best thing to do is WRITE IT DOWN. You'll be happy you did that later.  How much mugwort did I use?  Was then done on the Full Moon?  Where is that totem??   Trust an old witch when I say, write it down.  :)

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Hidden Meaning of Birds


I loved the chapter on working with the Birds spiritually.  This section offer insight into what you're seeing what you're seeing and what guides or totems may await you crediting our tribal kin from all countries with these types of traditional magical practices.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Hidden Meaning of Birds

Now, on to the birds.  The second half of the book takes individual birds and gives us a photo, the genus, popular variants, where the birds live, what their environment is like and the physical description.  The author further provides facts, myths, omens and associations for each of the birds listed in the book.  One of my favorite sections was the one for the Ibis. I adore the long neck birds and the grace and elegance. The omens associated are knowledge and writing. Perhaps because I've been putting off these book reviews for a bit and the Ibis wants me to get cracking!  LOL

The book goes on for over 200 pages of birds and their assorted correspondences. I am in love.  I have already decided to take this book with me next time I head out to the Bird Park and try to connect with some of these amazing creatures.

Overall this is a really good book. I had not thought of working with birds in this manner before but I certainly intend on trying now. I highly recommend this book for new witches and crones alike.








A Witch's View - Fine Art America

Earlier this year I made the leap to put my photography out on a public site.  I had several requests to put my photography in coffee table books and digital frames so that they could enjoy my work.

I decided to post a few of my photos here and you can head over and check them out in my shop on FAA.

Knobs by Renee Sosanna Olson
Down to Earth by Renee Sosanna Olson
Sleepy Creek by Renee Sosanna Olson

Overgrown By Renee Sosanna Olson

Flowers from July - A Witch's View

I'm a bit late sharing these but as I was cleaning out my Drop box I found these photos from July.  I love flowers.  I hope you enjoy.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

A Witch's View - Flowers II

Took another trip to Lowe's and wanted to share some of my flowers with you.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

A Witch's View - February

This week I want to share some photos from around the yard.  These were taken in February.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

A Witch's View - January

Some shots from January.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Witchy Wednesday - Practice Self Care

Good Morning!  Happy Wednesday.  This week I want to talk about a ritual that many of us (not just witches) forget about.  We spend our days creating, working, caring for others and we often neglect our own self care.  We don't see it as an important part of witchcraft, which actually just fascinates me. Our bodies, our minds and our energy are the main components of a spell. Anyone can buy a candle.  Anyone can toss together some herbs, but your clients come to you. They have access to the same herbal shops that you do.  They have access to the same candle suppliers.  But still your inbox is at capacity with requests for your touch.  Your hand.  Your magic.

Created by Renee Sosanna Olson


Why do they come to you? Many times I am told I am abrasive.  I am militant in my support of LGBTQI. I am hated for telling the truth.  I am ridiculed for not toeing the line, yet my readings are always requested and my protection amulets, healing and defensive pieces fly off the shelves. Why is that?  Why am I not laid up with maladies and suffering from shortages of money or supplies?

I can tell you why.

I believe that each of us has a duty to create a space that allows ourselves to flourish. We need to be the force that creates this magic. We can only do this by caring for ourselves as we care for others. Now, that doesn't mean if you don't get two shits about yourself and you treat others the same that you're going to be successful.  That isn't how it works. I believe that when you take care of yourself, which I will define later, you open your body and mind up as a conduit for positive energy. Success finds you.  And to care for yourself means not only taking time to reset, but also to recharge your spirit. Take a walk in the woods, go sit the by the river. Read a book. Any action that takes you to a place of happiness.  That is what we want to replicate in the world.

Created by Renee Sosanna Olson


I believe that I always have the money I need when I need it because I give of it so freely when I have extra. I believe that magic finds me because I give magic to others when I can.  I go the extra step to support friends who are suffering or offer a hand when someone is in need.  The universe sees that and sends those same things back to me when I need it.

When people wag their jaws and gossip about me, it only enhances my success. When they continue to attack me, I flourish. If you find yourself saying things like:

"Why does this always happen to me?"
"Why don't have I have any good luck?"
"Just my luck, failed again!"



Take a moment to do a real inventory of what you're sending out into the world. What energy are you putting out there? How is that energy coming home?  Now I know what you're thinking, The Rule of Three, well, yeah maybe, kinda... OK not really.  Yes, I do believe that what you send out comes home. I do believe that if you meddle with others there is the chance that a big whopping rude awakening could be in store for you.  But I also believe that sometimes, shit happens and how you respond to that shit is determine what else shows its ugly head.

Created by Renee Sosanna Olson

So what do you do?  What is self care and how do you do it?  Well, as I mentioned earlier, you can take a walk.  Go for a run.  Have a bath.  Do any of the things that help you feel more connected to yourself.  You have the power within you to create a recharging station where ever you are. Take that time and get yourself back up to 100% before taking on any additional projects or work.

You'll be better for others and for yourself in the long run.