This week we're looking at part two of Practical Magic (Kindle) by Nikki Van De Car. Instead of a traditional review I thought I would take the next few weeks to go into each of the chapters with you at my first read as opposed to reading the entire book and then giving a review.  You can find several of her publications at Running Press.

Photo Credit - Book Cover

Part two of the book is called Magic for the Weekend Wiccan. Again the author takes us to a lighthearted look at magic and paganism. Here I could see where some more dedicated practitioners might be offended by this approach. Good information is often loss because no one looks past the title. I encourage my readers to bypass the possible uneasiness of the section header and check out the actual meat of the book.  While not necessary for an advanced witch I can see how this may be used as an introduction into the magical world. Remember not every Witch practices Wicca.





The weekend chapters offer a brief (limited) view of herbs. We all know there are entire books dedicated to herbs so to expect this book to be a main resource would be misleading. There is a part on making tinctures, oils and poultices however I would again use this as only an introduction.

Our next section is on plant based magic.  There are two pages of listed plants and in does point out that you should avoid belladonna. This is an extremely good idea. As this is a beginner book I would be surprised to see any other reference to it here.  Frankly too many people do not take the warnings of herbalist seriously and end up getting sick.  Herbs are nothing to muck around with and shouldn't be something that a beginner starts with. Interest in herbalism is a process. I recommend beginning with YouTube and find some great teachers to follow.







Next the author reviews the Wheel of the Year.  These are are the holidays that are celebrated by many of the Pagan people.  Not everyone celebrates these holidays but most have some sort of festival/ritual honoring the lunar and solar cycles.  The author provides a brief history of each of the days including ways to celebrate and other correspondences such as the herb, color and stones for each.




The final part of this chapter talks directly about magic. The section header is called White Magic.  My brain was like ... Hey, what?? No!  Just stop, there's no such thing as white mag......

Then the author nipped that in the bud in the very first sentence.  I was glad to see that. She boldly stated the fact, Magic is magic.  It has no color. YES!  Thank you,  Nikki!

She goes on to break down, albeit briefly, the types of spells out there and even provides a simple spell for beginners to follow. I was pleased to see how she handled this section. It could have truly been a train wreck.



Next week I'll review Section 3 on Causal Clairvoyance and then wrap up this review.  Remember you can grab your copy by clicking the links above and I will be compiling a giveaway from all the comments on this blog series and  I'll do a giveaway with this book, the matching kit and another book called Feng Crochet all by the same author.



Disclaimer:  I do not practice Wicca.  I am not an expert on any of the traditions of Wicca. I am giving this information as a review of a book written by Nikki Van De Car. Feel free to message the page with questions, however do remember that I am a witch. Without a deity and without an specific tradition.

I thought I would kick off this Witchy Wednesday with a look at Practical Magic (Kindle) by Nikki Van De Car. Instead of a traditional review I thought I would take the next few weeks to go into each of the chapters with you at my first read as opposed to reading the entire book and then giving a review.  This will give me the chance to take questions or even discuss the sections with you guys as I read them.  Since I'm doing it this way take a moment to post some comment or continue to use the "message me" form to add to the discussion.

Cover Art - Practical Magic (Running Press)

So the introduction to this book appears to be directed towards those who are not magical in nature. For example there is a sentence that actually says, "This book is directed to those who finds their daily horoscope weirdly accurate...." I think that appealing to that market is actually a great idea. More people need to get in touch with their spiritual level. I think that the less time I spend in front of a TV or computer the more connected I am with the natural world. Of course we all know that is where the magical world resides.

Image from Sage Goddess

Part one of the book is called Healing for Hedge Witches and begins with Chakras.  It goes into the history of chakras and then breaks down the seven main ones that we focus on giving the name, color, sounds and essential oils associated with each.  It suggests that meditation is the key to having harmonious balanced chakras. Personally I'm not a huge meditation person. I find that my mind rarely slows down enough to concentrate on any specific thing for a long period of time.  For example right now my desk has two computers, music this book, this blog and my tablet all open at the same time. I jump back and forth between them all. When I sit without anything stimulating my brain it jumps around so much that I cannot focus. Hubby says I've over stimulated my brain so now it cannot be at peace with itself. I don't disagree with that.  (Lol)

I like the section on balancing the individual chakras using the associate oils and crystals mentioned in the book.  For example the author recommends going barefoot to feel the earth or look for the color red specifically in food when balancing Muladhara, the root chakra.  A balanced root chakra can make you feel fearless and safe. Recommending cedar, clove and myrrh as oils to aid in balancing.

If videos are your thing, here are a couple videos I found related to balancing the root chakra. (Note: these are not mentioned in the book)







I found it interesting that the Sahasrara (the crown) chakra being blocked can add to nightmares, insomnia and migraines. I have many friends who have migraines.  It would be interested to see if doing work around their crown chakra helped with that.  According to the author working with the color purple and frankincense essential oil can aid in balancing that chakra but the best way to work with this chakra is through meditation.

Here are a couple of videos on balancing the crown chakra.

Book Cover - Feng Crochet

This week we're looking at part three of Practical Magic (Kindle) by Nikki Van De Car. Instead of a traditional review I thought I would take the next few weeks to go into each of the chapters with you at my first read as opposed to reading the entire book and then giving a review.  You can find several of her publications at Running Press.

Photo Credit - Book Cover

Part Three of this book is titled Casual Clairvoyance.  This section gives a high level overview of a few methods of divination. It reviews the Tarot, Palmistry, Astrology and Dream Interpretation.  Keep in mind this is a beginner's book so the sections on each are short and provide a basic understanding of the art.

The Tarot section for example provides and overview of the suites, the major arcana and then two spreads.  A basic three card (past, present and future) and what the author calls a Guidance Spread. I did a quick search on the net and couldn't find a reference to the Guidance Spread.  Basically it is a nine card spread that is outlined in the book. While not the most in-depth reading spread I have seen, I think it is a great start for a beginner.  If you're interested in this spread, you'll need to buy her book.

This is a brief video of a three card spread.




I am by no means an expert on the Tarot and I recommend that you reach out to a Tarot professional in your area or check out my sister Kallan's page for more information on Tarot and Totem readings.

Here are a couple videos on some of the other divination methods she discusses.


Dream Inpterpretation



Palmstry



Astrology



As I mention in previous posts, now is your chance to enter to win the Practical Magic Prize pack, which includes the book I reviewed for this series, along with the matching mini spell kit and a copy of Feng Crochet.

Be sure to come back and Tweet the giveaway each day for more entries into the hat.
Facebook, Blogger and Rafflecopter are in no way associated with this contest.  Please click the link to login or enter with your email address below.  I will announce the winner after they have been notified!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Cover Art credited to the author

Disclaimer:  I do not practice Wicca.  I am not an expert on any of the traditions of Wicca. I am giving this information as a review of a book written by Nikki Van De Car. Feel free to message the page with questions, however do remember that I am a witch. Without a deity and without an specific tradition.

This week we're looking at the second part of part one of Practical Magic (Kindle) by Nikki Van De Car. Instead of a traditional review I thought I would take the next few weeks to go into each of the chapters with you at my first read as opposed to reading the entire book and then giving a review.  You can find several of her publications at Running Press.

Photo Credit - Book Cover

The author continues part one by talking to us about Crystals and Auras. Being a wire weaver I spend a great deal of time working with different types of crystals. This book offers a list of some of the more common crystals, their chakra association as well as their most common uses. An example would be Amethyst for calm and Citrine for success and money.  Though not mentioned in this book, one of my favorite stones is a Labradorite.  Labs are considered to be a stone of transformation and magic. (source) It helps in reducing stress and anxiety as well as intuition and psychic development. 

Today I'm reviewing Wellness Witch  by Nikki Van De Car.  This post includes not only my review of the book but also a giveaway.  Be sure to enter the drawing for a copy of this amazing book.  I'll be selecting 3 winners, who will receive a copy directly from the publisher!  But first, let's talk about the book.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo 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 over 412,000 views.

As usual I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This book was colorful and presented with lovely illustrations by Anisa Makhoul.  Its a good sized book to toss in a backpack or gym bag and includes a hefty three page index front and back. The pages are not textured as some books do and the font is easy on the eyes.

I have reviewed several books by this author and you can find a few of them listed here. 

This book is divided into sections called The Internal, The External and The Home. Each section has individual chapters for Healing, Soothing and Empowering that particular area. For example, the soothing chapters for each section include entries for healing bath rituals, charms for restful sleep and a recipe for lavender chamomile cupcakes. The author takes us on a journey of self healing by explaining that often the most powerful form of witchcraft is that which we do for ourselves. Self care is something that many overlook in the magical realm.  Recently I attended a panel discussion on separating yourself from your magical communities as a part of self preservation, or healing if you will.  Each of the speakers had their own personal situations that led to a separation and a time period specific to each when they could return to the groups they left and one even was still apart from it. Self care is imperative to a healthy life.  Work/Live balance is key.   Even if that work is magical work.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Wellness Witch

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Wellness Witch

The introduction of this covers our basic magical garden and our magical cupboard. Plants, crystals as well as essential oils are covered at a very high level with only 12 herbs, 7 crystals and 8 essential oils being included for their healing and soothing qualities. As one would expect lavender oil, amethyst crystal and rosemary hold a prominent role in healing and soothing the body and mind.

As we move into the Internal section of the book, the author takes us through the healing, soothing and empowering exercises. From growing Kombucha to creating a psychic power tincture the others provides a step by step guide to creating a sense of balance in those internal areas of our lives. My personal favorite begins on page 46 and covers the instructions on a divination tea recipe and a guide on Tasseography or Tea Leaf Reading.  I have not attempted this form of divination and frankly have never seen it covered in a Witch 101 style book, so this was a new experience for me.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Wellness Witch

The External section offers suggestions to tap into the strength required to deal with those things outside our own bodies. Massage oils, massage instruction and even a fire ritual.  My favorite part of this section is the "Finding Your Voice Lip Balm". Just from the title, without a spell included I could see myself stirring the ingredients together, sealing my intention in the mixture. Then when applying before I leave my home for a meeting or before engaging in any speaking engagement, reinforcing my intention to strengthen my voice.  Carry my message to the masses. By far, in my opinion one of the best pieces of this book.

The final section is dedicate to the home.  It offers an array of wellness practices to help transform the home into a sacred place. A place that the author promises will protect, recharge and purify you.  I recognized many of these practices from my own home.  They mention on page 100 about adding bells for your door, which as many witches have practiced across the decades, offers tones and vibrations to invite near energy into the space.  Making your own with clay, as the author suggests is a great way to bring your own energy directly into the bell or maybe take a bell from a second hand store and paint, write or draw sigils to set your intention. 

Wind chimes on page 110, the author tells us is a way to cleanse the energy. I have several sets around my home as well as out in the property to hear the spirit of air as it moves through my space.

Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson

Finally, incense!  What would a witch be without this powerful and moving ingredient.  I have several types of incense for different occasions. I personally love Nag Champa and Quan Am for daily use and a beautiful cone called Song of India for ritual.  The author however, provides a recipe for a different type of incense.  This is a way to invite visions or prophecy. Basically you take the herbs and sprinkle them over an open flame after taking the necessary preparations and welcome any visions that come about.  The author provides a list of herbs that are safe, and please remember not to use anything poisonous.  When in doubt, leave it out!


Overall, this is a great book on getting started into self care. So many witches (and mundanes for that matter) fail to take care of themselves before trying to help others.  You cannot pour from an empty vessel so be sure to take the time you need to heal yourself.  I found this book to be full of great tips that I had not heard of, as well as some affirmations of some of the changes I have implemented over the last few years to protect myself, my space and my magic from the ill effects of negativity and energy drains. I absolutely recommend this book for the beginner and the seasoned witch alike.



Drum Roll Please!  The wonderful publishers of this book have offered to award a copy of this wonderful book to three of my fans!  Please use the Rafflecopter link below to enter to win.  I will draw the winners this Friday.  You'll have 24 hours to respond with your mailing address to receive your copy.  Please be sure to add Confessions of a Modern Witch to your trusted senders so you don't miss that email!

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