Review of Heathenry and the Sea by Dan Coultas

Living right in the centre of England, I must confess that my relationship with the sea has not been a close one. I enjoy visiting it when I can but have never spent any length of time connecting with it. I have explored modern Heathenry over the last few years though and so I was intrigued when this book appeared as to whether could help me find that connection.

I have to say I was not disappointed. Dan has a connection with the sea that I will never have but still his exploration of water and how it fits into Heathen beliefs and practices of past and present was both in depth and one I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

He closely examines the deities and beings that have relevance and gives not only sources to back up his work but also further reading so that the reader can explore more should they wish to. Heathenry and the Sea is an incredibly insightful piece of work that I have no doubt I will return to again and again.

Review of Witchcraft Therapy; Your Guide to Banishing Bulls**t and Invoking your Inner Power by Mandi Em

Mandi Em’s writing style is unique and delightfully honest making this a joy to read. We could all use at least a little help with our mental health now and then and this book is a superb example of how to use witchcraft simply and easily to help yourself. All the way through she is a vocal advocate for seeking the proper help, medication and support when needed which is both refreshing and brilliant.

I love her no-nonsense and sweary style of writing which makes it feel like we’re friends having a conversation over a glass of wine in the garden. The rituals and techniques she recommends for each section are simple, powerful and fantastic for beginners all the way up to seasoned witches.

A definite recommend from me!

Review of Living Witchcraft by Moira Hodgkinson

Living Witchcraft is a great book for anyone looking for an insight into how a real witch lives everyday life. This is a very personal journey into a year in Moira’s life and I love how open and honest she is about her practice of magic and how it fits into her life whether its family, work or other escapades. It gives the reader a genuine insight into what it means to be a craft practitioner alongside all the other things that lives are made up of.

Split into a chapter per month of the year, I especially love all the tips, recipes and personal anecdotes that not only encourage someone new to the craft to learn but also to have a little fun and try things out for themselves to see what they like or don’t like. An excellent book for those new to the craft or are looking for some inspiration and ideas on practical magic.

Review of Yin Magic: How to be Still by Sarah Robinson

I was gifted this book by a friend who thought it would be perfect for me, and she wasn’t wrong. I’m someone who struggles to be still sometimes, has a lot on her plate (who doesn’t these days!) and needs reminding to slow down and stop some days. It did not disappoint.

I love the way Sarah entwined yoga and witchcraft together with theory and practical advice to help wellbeing in lots of different ways from better sleep to stopping burnout. This book is soft and gentle in its approach but don’t be fooled, it’s also powerful and important to anyone who struggles to be still and rest when they should.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is constantly busy and struggles to relax.

Review of “Pagan Bushcraft” by S.P.H. Young

Sean is an engaging and informative author who never fails to entertain and this small but incredibly interesting book from him is no different to anything else he’s written.

His work here invites you to get outside and really engage with nature through Pagan practices. With chapters from cutting tools in ritual and religion to traditional folk customs, this superb little book manages to bring forward appreciation and connection with not only the nature around us but also with our own nature and the very human need to create.

I really enjoyed the little projects that are at the end of each chapter. All really easy for anyone to have a go at with lots of guidance and information on how to successfully achieve them. I’m hard pushed to pick my favourite because they were all great fun and useful to my own practice.

I also liked the tips on the safe use of blades and knives throughout the book when you’re completing the projects as well as the appendix on knife skills which goes into much more detail.

All in all, a super useful and enjoyable book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to make crafting with natural materials a part of their Pagan practice.

Bright blessings,

Sarah x

Review of “In Search of the New Forest Coven” by Philip Heselton

I was excited to read Philip’s newest book after reading his biography of Doreen Valiente a few years ago. His style of writing really pulls you into the story he’s telling because it brings the people and places he describes to life as well as it feeling relaxed and personal, just like a conversation. I can tell you I was not disappointed when I read this!

The lives of each person, the places they lived and the connections they shared have been researched meticulously. His descriptions brought them to life for me right there on the pages in front of me and I excitedly followed the hunt for the group of people who were responsible for bringing Gerald Gardner into the world of witchcraft and in turn creating the path of Wicca.

I thoroughly recommend giving this book a read, especially if you are interested in the rich tapestry of history that leads us to what Wicca is today.

Bright blessings,

Sarah x