Showing posts with label zodiac. 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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My Good Reads Profile
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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.




Instant Wall Art - Astrological Designs

Today I'm reviewing Instant Wall Art - Astrological Designs by Constance Stellas with illustrations by Andrea Lauren and Priscilla Yuen.


Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Instant Wall Art - Astrological Designs


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.


This consists of a brief introduction to the signs with an overview of each and then with perforated pages that can be torn out, framed and hanged as wall art. Each of the pages has a glossy finish and there are three styles to choose from within the book.  The overview provided is written in an easy to read format and I believe is simple and easy to follow.

Overall an interesting take on creating a book out of artist contributions for the purpose of tearing out and hanging on a wall.

Here are some of the designs included.



Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Source Instant Wall Art

Over all a great new way to get some astrological wall art for all the members of the family in one book. Cute idea.

The Astrology of Love & Sex - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Astrology of Love & Sex, a Modern Compatibility Guide by Annabel Gat.  Illustrations by Jess Rotter.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover


Author Links - Link
Illustrator Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page
Release Date July 30, 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 412,000 views.

I'm going to start off with a review of the physical book.  In this day and age of e-Books I find that most publishers are skimping on the physical aesthetics of a print book.  Most are poorly bound or the pages lack luster.  The cover lacks definition and/or color and the art is pitiful.  That is NOT the case with this book.  This book is stunning.  The cover, although only two colors, is delightful. The front is decorated with the illustrative work of Jess Rotter.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Pages

I snapped a few photos of these images and man, they are fantastic.  As an out Lesbian married to a Trans-man I can tell you we do not see enough diversity in some of these books on love and relationships that cross my desk.  This one, however, is the exception.  I love the way this artist interpreted the signs and represented love across the board in such a way that, in my humble opinion, anyone can connect with.  This book is heavy too. A solid book with shiny gilded page ends that make for a wonderful feel.  If you are a person who loves to feel a strong book in your hands, this book is for you!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Aries



On to the contents!

The author takes us on a journey through each of the signs telling us the ins and outs (pun intended) to hooking up with each.  Taking my own sign, the author tell yous about the Piscean at their best and worst.  First impressions, flirting and the how each sign can connect with this mystical fish.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Taurus


I did a quick check of course, comparing the signs of previous lovers and found that the author seems to be able to connect directly to the positive and negative aspects of each sign. Showing exactly how the ebb and flow of love and sex are intertwined.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Pisces
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Pisces

Cross referencing the signs (Pisces and Virgo then Virgo and Pisces) shows the skill that the author avoids the easy copy and paste here and gives the dirt on working with each sign, from that sign's prospective. My partner and I have been together 17 years and this book was dead right on our relationship.  For example the author writes:


On the surface, Virgo may not seem as mystical as Pisces, the psychedelic fish, but this is vary from from the truth: Virgos are deep thinkers, profoundly concerned with finding inner truth, which is something these two very much have in common.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Virgo
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Virgo



That is very much true in this relationship.  I loved every aspect of this book.  The artwork, the way the author weaves together the lives and loves of the signs.  They even include a poly relationship. So amazing to see. 

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cancer


I highly recommend this book for anyone who longs to see diversity displayed in all its rainbow glory on the pages of a horoscope book.  No more pretending to see people who look like us.  This book takes on a magical journey, and we want to go back again and again!





Love Signs - Your Perfect Match is in the Stars - A Review

Today I'm reviewing  Love Signs - Your Perfect Match is in the Starts by Elaine Dawn.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book 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 nearly 400,000 views.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


I'll begin with a review of the physical book.  This book is a great size to toss into a bag or a backpack for a quick meet up with friends at a coffee shop.  The cover is vibrant and though my copy didn't have a dust jacket, I found the hand feel to be pretty good.  It isn't too heavy or cumbersome and the raised lettering on the title give it an expensive feel. The author provides us with a good index as one would expect in this type of book.  We are also gifted with a compatibility test at the onset getting you right into the mood to compare and contrast the ins and outs of love in the zodiac.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Each chapter is dedicated to a single sign of the zodiac.  Each provides a detailed overview of the current sign including some wonderful attributes and of course those little nuances of the signs that make them a bit of a challenge to deal with.  The main portion of each chapter is dedicated to describing the relationship with each sign.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


In comparing a couple of my old relationships and I can say that the author is spot on with the comparisons.  I have never found a Virgo that I didn't have some sort of connection to and my current love is no exception. This book described our last date to perfection as though the author were observing from across the room.

Overall a really great book to have a cup of coffee with a companion or just something to share with friends.  I highly recommend.



Friendship Signs - Your Perfect Match(es) Are in the Stars - A Review

Today I'm reviewing  Friendship Signs - Your Perfect Match(es) are in the Starts by Brianne Hogan.


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 14, 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 nearly 400,000 views.


I'm going to start with a review of the physical book.  Overall this is a nice sized book.  I like that I could easily toss this into a purse or backpack. I received a hard cover to review.  It did not have a dust jacket but the cover is vibrant and had a formed spine and raised lettering for the title.  The book is printed with blue ink and the pages are smooth to the touch.  Over all a great book to hold in your hands.  The book includes a friendship compatibility test at the beginning and and offers a decent sized index in the back.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Each sign is listed in the book with a sign by sign comparison. I noticed quickly how the author switched pronouns based on which sign they were discussing.  Pisces and Virgo was female for example and Leo and Libra are male.  While this is a small thing, I quickly went to the release date on the book and saw that it was this year.  I would love to see authors start using gender-less pronouns when possible.  Because we know that signs apply across the board to all people, using they and them would be perfectly acceptable in this book.  That being said over all it is a really well written book.

Each chapter is divided by the signs with a brief description of each sign.  Virgo as the perfectionist and the doer and Pisces as the dreamer and the healer, for example.  The author describes each signs quirks and preferences before offering a compatibility chart that outlines how each sign directly interacts.  I found the piece on Aquarius and Pisces to be quite accurate.

Pisces and AquariusEach sign's inherent uniqueness and love for deep spiritual discussions will help cement the friends ship between Pisces and Aquarius.  The both admin and accept the others' eccentricities and the joy working together on charity projects.


In comparing the descriptions for Pisces and Virgo vs. the one for Virgo and Pisces the author could have just copied them over however there is a subtle difference for each sign.  The descriptions are on point, in my opinion and offer a unique insight into not only revealing what you already knew about your best friend, but also a look at opening doors and becoming more compatible with our celestial counterparts.



Overall this is a great book for the beginner and the seasoned HUMAN, yes, I said human here as we already know that non-magical people are the biggest consumers of this type of content.  Its an easy read and a great way to spend the afternoon with a friend, comparing and contrasting what the stars have to say about our BFFs.







Sex Signs - Your Perfect Match is in the Stars - A Review

Today I'm reviewing  Sex Signs - Your Perfect Match is in  the Stars by Constance Stellas.




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 with my other book reviews, I'm going to start with a review of the physical book.  This book is a great size. You can easily toss it in a purse or backpack to take along with you for a quick read while traveling.  There is also an full index that is missing in so many other books on similar topics.  My review copy is hard cover and has a good sized font face to ease these eyes for reading.

Below is a photo of my hand with the book for scale.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Sex Signs 


As we thumb through this book the author provides a nice introduction on the chemistry around the zodiac.  They also include a compatibility quiz at the beginning of the book.  While keeping this review in a G rating I can say that the question in the quiz are a bit racy.  It is recommended that this book be purchased by adults.

The subsequent chapters then take the reader on a journey through each sign of the zodiac.  Telling us the ins and outs (pun intended) for loving them.  This line really got me:

"Pisces is turned on by a strong lead.  Pisces respond to partners who know want". 


Now I'm assuming this is a typographic error and the author mean - "know what they want".  At least that's how I took it.  (note to my grammar police - there are a few type o's in this book)

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Sex Signs 


I was a bit surprised at the number of references to feet in my chapter. While not totally against any type of massages, my feet are strictly off limits. As I read through the chapters I noticed a few references to feet and wonder if the author was trying to work out something themselves.  LOL  But seriously - over all this is a cute book and has some interesting information and would be fun to perhaps use as a "foreplay" style night with the partner.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Sex Signs 


While not a must have for your witchy library, it is certainly a cute gift that I could see someone giving as a pre-wedding gift or maybe as part of a night of romance at home.

Over all - I enjoyed the book and taken for what it is, I would recommend it.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Sex Signs