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
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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.

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

Today I'm reviewing The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need by Skye Alexander and Mary Shannon

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Cover

Author Links - Skye Alexander
Author Links - Mary Shannon
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link - Skye Alexander
Amazon Author Link - Mary Shannon
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link - Skye Alexander
Good Reads Author Link - Mary Shannon
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 412,000 views.


As always I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This book came to me as a soft cover a little larger than standard size.  This makes it a little clunky for reading on the go.  The cover is textured and brilliantly illustrated with the Tarot suits on the front cover.  The pages inside are very smooth without any texture and it supports a decent size index for the subject matter.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Cover

My one complaint about soft cover books is the way they always tend to bend open after only a couple of uses. I much prefer hard cover books due to this.  On the reverse however, (pun intended) the book lays beautifully on a table or other flat surface.  This makes it a breeze when laying out your own tarot cards or using the book as a reference while practicing your reading skills.

This is one of many books I have reviewed for this author.  You can find more here.

This author takes us through learning the Tarot in seven chapters.  She gives us the basic history of the Tarot and what is contained within.  Each section is illustrated and in chapter three we are giving instructions on connecting to the unknown and how to develop and trust your intuition.  Something so many of us could really use a refresher on, be tarot or life in general.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

As with most, she jumps into interpreting the major and minor arcana, then breaks down the suits for us in an easy to understand format. Because this book isn't for a specific deck, the author references the names and imagery on the cards to help the reader follow along.  Some authors will tend to over complicate this section by making them too wordy or use a $100 word when a .50 word will do.  This author lays out the information in an easy to read format which I believe will benefit the novice and versed reader alike. She then dives into tarot spreads and how to use the read those spreads in chapter six.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book

Finally she wraps up with using Tarot in your everyday life. Using it for your own spiritual guidance or creating your own deck and spreads.

Over all from start to finish a fantastic look at  the Tarot from all levels.  Giving you everything you need to get starting in working with one of the most popular divination tools on the market today.

Today I'm reviewing the book Find Your Goddess by Skye Alexander. Published by Simon & Schuster.

Photo Credit - Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster Link
Book Preview Link 
Simon & Schuster Author Page for Sky Alexander
Amazon (I do not get money from this link)
Good Reads Book Page
Good Reads Author Page
Good Reads  My Page


I want to start by prefacing this review as I do all my reviews.  I do not follow Wicca.  I am an atheist witch and follow the more scientific side of magic.  I look at chemical reactions, elemental reasons and avoid attributing to the magical what can explained by the mundane.  That being said I review each book based on the subject matter, the quality of the binding and the author's presentation of the material.  I hope you enjoy.

I'll start out with the physical attributes of the books.  When I hold a book, it has to feel good. I hate those slicky covers or the ones that feel like suede.  This book is great.  The size is nice, slightly shorter than most books but I find it more comfortable to hold when reading. The pages are slightly thicker than most pages as well which gives the book the feel of a deck of tarot cards. There are 75 Goddesses in this book and each one has a full color artist quality image of each.  I was really impressed with this.  I won't go through each of Goddesses listed and the photos attached are the photos from the publishers' page but I will say you will not be disappointed with these images.

Of course due to my relation with the Covenant of Hekate, my first desire was to find her in the book. I was pleased to see some actual historic reference to her and not surprised to see the author jump back into the old crone references just as quickly. I agree with her underworld associations and with the darker and even dead/death aspects, however just because one guy called her Crone doesn't set that in stone. As with most that follow the path of Wicca, this author did put her in that place and I was disappointed tot see that.  (see references at the end of this review)

That aside I feel that this is a great book for an introduction to female deities across pantheons. Tiamat, Spider Woman and Hel all grace the pages of this book. I was pleased to see representations from around the globe to include not only the expected Greek/Roman deities but also Goddesses representing Africa, Egypt and even the Aztec culture. Freya, Sedna and Selene also make an appearance.  My own ancestor line make an appearance with references to Celtic Goddesses, the Morrigan, Danu and Brigid. 

Overall this is a really good beginner reference book for introducing the feminine deities and would recommend it as a way to get started.

Photos from the Publisher:

Photo Credit - Simon & Schuster

Photo Credit - Simon & Schuster

Add caption

Reference for Hecate not being a Crone
H is for Hecate - 2013
T is for Triple Goddess - 2013
Is Hekate a Crone - 2016

Our Giveaway Winners are:



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Thanks to  Simon & Schuster we have two wonderful books by Skye Alexander to review and giveaway.  Thanks to everyone who entered and please be on the look out for future book reviews and giveaway.  If you would like to pick up one of Skye's Books you can head over to her page or to Amazon to grab your copy.

Happy Monday!
Sosanna

Today I'm kicking off a book giveaway with a review of both books.  Thanks to the wonderful people at Simon & Schuster we have two wonderful books by Skye Alexander to review and giveaway.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

About the Author

You can find books by Skye on her website and on her Amazon Author page.

The Reviews

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Screenshot from LaPulia Book of Shadows Website

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.  Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ~Helen Keller

As many of my avid followers know, I don't do love spells. To me love spells are just not worth the trouble they create. That being said I went into this book with the idea that I was learning love magic for the first time. The author takes the time to explain what magic is and how important our intention is. She says that a spell is not a religious act, though some choose to work through a God or Goddess. They are a natural, intentional and time honored method for directing the course of your life. To me that explains magic completely.  I think this was a really great thing to put in the mind of young crafters. She also covers the basics of days of the week, elements, creating an altar, casting a circle and all the "Everything You Need to Know to be a Witch"  categories.  I found this to be an excellent addition.  Unlike the other books that I have read that simply toss out an ingredient list and don't address the actual ethical principles behind love magic.

Altar Photo - Renee Sosanna Olson

The next few chapters delve into working with candles, colors and crystals. There is a two page crystal and gemstone table on page 50 that aids in selecting the correct crystal for the right job. Pearl to strengthen self esteem, jade to enhance beauty and coral to attract love. Cleansing the stones and care is included as well. Which many books tend to leave out.

Crystal Magic - Renee Sosanna Olson

The section to follow includes a plant and talisman magic. Working with herbs and runes are the hallmarks of heathen witchcraft.  I have a friend who spends a great deal of time working in these elements.  I thought of her immediately when I stumbled across the "Attract Love with a Rule Talisman" spell on page 88.  This spell tells us to use the Old Norse rune Gebo (symbolized as an X) to make our talisman.

This is a Gebo Talisman created by Loren for her Primitive Witchery shop.  You can find this and many other Old Norse design items for sale in her shop on the web and on Facebook.

Art & Design by Loren Morris

The X we see used today when we sign letters "hugs and kisses" using the X to represent kisses "xoxo".


The author wraps up this book with a chapter called "What's the Next Step?".  This section summarizes what I believe is missing from magic today in three very clear steps.  One, Learn about different schools of thought.  No one is the be all end all on any particular subject.  We need to take the time to learn about other cultures so that we can grow.  Second, Work with other people.  To me this is hand in hand with number one.  We need to be able to meet and grow. We cannot grow alone.  Be it in an online community or in a coven reach out to those around you and see if there is something more you can add to your plate to enhance your life experiences. Finally, three - craft your own spells.  This is so very important. While anyone can recite a spell from memory it takes cunning and craft to create your spell using your words. Your emotions and your intentions. Take the time to become familiar enough with your magic that you are able to write your own spells.  This will be a skill that you will use for your entire magical career.

Over all, this was a very well written book. There are elements for the novice and the expert. There is indeed, something here for everyone. Even the avid "no love magic" caster can jump into Chapter 8 under the Editable Spells page and whip up something good for the cauldron. I recommend the smoothies. Just substitute that yogurt for coconut milk yogurt and you're good to go for a vegan surprise for your sweetheart!

The Giveaway