Showing posts with label self-care. Show all posts

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
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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.




10 Minute Magic Spells to Harness Your Inner Power - A Review

Today I'm reviewing 10 Minute Magic Spells - Simple Spells & Self-Care Practices to Harness Your Inner Power by Skye Alexander.

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 9, 2019
ISBN: 9781592338818


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.

Starting with a review of the physical book, I will say this is a well bound book. I received a hard copy to review without a dust jacket.  The images are more like clip art in the book vs. illustrations and have a lean towards the color gold.  I like the simplicity and the directness of the images and appreciate the color scheme.  It includes a short but directed index as well as a list of resources at the end which in my opinion are key to any decent reference book.
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Src - 10 Minute Magic Spells
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Src - 10 Minute Magic Spells





This book is broken up into sections on not only the tools of the trade but also on specific spells for love, luck and happiness as well as health and well-being.  One of my favorite topics being health and well-being.  The first few chapters, on the surface appear to be quite elementary but I can say that once getting into them, I found them to be be quite deliberate and full of amazing information.  It is rare today to find a book that will try to not only share a spell or two but also provide a look inside the mind of the mystic and show just how magic is created.  Then the cursed references to "dark magic" begin.  Ah well, it can't be all the things, now can it?

I really enjoyed the sections on Mind Over Matter and found the tables provided within quite useful. Even the part on magical ethics was written well and provided a very basic understanding of the ole what goes around comes around take on life.   Part one of the book continues with information on casting circles, working with deities and the like.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Src - 10 Minute Magic Spells



Section two gets into the main part of the book, the magic spells! From using Tarot cards for love to or a talisman for success, this book offers the reader a nice list of spells to choose from.  Personally I like to add my own bit to making magic, but there is nothing wrong with using the words of another witch to get the job done. One way or another, your intention is what finishes that spell work.

Overall a really great book for a beginner and I feel the seasoned witch may like to have this on hand to pass down when the time comes. 


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Src - 10 Minute Magic Spells