The Healing Power of Trees

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Healing Power of Trees - Spiritual Journeys Through the  Celtic Tree Calendar by Sharlyn Hidalgo. Published by Llewellyn Worldwide. RRP US $17.95 : Can $20.95 

We are in a time of recognising the importance of trees in our world. So many entire forests and species are under threat. This book is a joy to read and there is much here to learn from. Tree lore is an ancient wisdom and the author writes about her own personal story, then invites us to walk with her in this enriching journey using the seasonal calendar to cultivate a relationship with trees. The Major Celtic trees are detailed, we are given guided meditations, astrology and runes information, 23 ogham letters, and tree honouring ceremonies. You will develop greater understanding of many common trees and how you can work with them to build a personal relationship with them.

Witchful Thinking

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Witchful Thinking - The Wise Woman’s Handbook for Creating a Charmed Life, by Zoe Howe. Quality paperback, all text, no images, 278 pages Published by Llewellyn Books. US $18.99 UK £14

Zoe Howe is known as the ‘Rock’n Roll Witch of the Soho Radio station! This is a compilation of her family traditions and her collection of solitary witch advice. It incorporates folklore, discovery and play, and the old ways of the nature knower, and several major archetypes are provided. Important rules of the ethical witch are included, and examples are provided from other well known witches who give extra guidance. 

Spells, rituals and protections, and information on how to build an altar, cast a circle, work with moon and planetary energies, seasonal activities and personal empowerment, healing and divination methods, plants, chakras, and crystals, expressing your authenticity, and heaps more meat! It’s good value for money. For the solitary and developing witch, I am recommending Witchful Thinking! We all need a charmed life! 

The Mysteries of Merlin

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Mysteries of Merlin - Ceremonial Magic for the Druid Path by John Michael Greer. Published by Llewellyn Books. RRP: US $18.99 : UK £15.99 

This is a book of ceremonial magic that will take you through the steps of self-initiation based on Druidry and pagan deities. It’s foundation is three degrees that are taken throughout the year, the Ovate, the Bardic and the Druid. Merlin is used as a deity symbol for spiritual growth, and his legend is provided within the text. Magical influences from the Golden Dawn and modern witchcraft are included, with detailed instructions, building an altar, rituals, meditations, exercises, summoning and banishing with the pentagram, and the use of the tree of life is the basis of spiritual teaching. 

The Sacred Circle Tarot Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Sacred Circle Tarot Deck - A Celtic Pagan Journey by Anna Franklin, illustrated by Paul Mason. Pack of 78 cards and information book. Published by Llewellyn Books. US $25.99 

Sample reading from the book: The Druid - “This card indicates that new opportunities will arise for you, and you will have the chance to put your ideas into practice. This will give you a chance to demonstrate your expertise and give your confidence a huge boost. This card may hold the opportunity to learn new skills from a helpful teacher, particularly in the area of science or medicine. This is also a promising card for those with ambitions in the area of the performing arts, as it indicates new inspiration and exceptional talent. Reversed. There is an imbalance of some kind, whether it is one of approach, attitude, or lifestyle. Your attitudes are rather rigid and set. Anything new is frightening, and you feel safer sticking to established forms.”

This is a Pagan deck which focusses on Britain and Ireland, the sacred sites, symbols, landscapes, colours and seasons. Many of the cards have name changes from traditional titles, such as The Green Man for The Fool, The Lady for The Empress, The Lord for The Emperor, The Druid for The Hierophant, and so on. Each of the new titles are explained. The suits are Swords, Wands, Cups, and Discs. The Court Cards are Page, Knight, Queen and King. Upright and reversed meanings are provided. Two spreads are suggested, The Circle Spread of 9 cards and The Planetary Spread of 7 cards.

Invoke the Goddess

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Invoke the Goddess - Connecting to the Hindu, Greek & Egyptian Deities by Kala Trobe. Published by Llewellyn Books. RRP US $17.99 

15 powerful ancient goddesses are featured in this exceptional book. There are methods to you connect with them, using exercises, guided visualisations, rituals, chants and mantras. Kali, Lakshmi, Radha, Sekhmet, Artemis, Persephone, Hecate, Iris, Ma’at, Hathor, Durga, Nephthys, Artemis, Persephone, Hecate, Iris, Aphrodite, Saraswati, and Isis, are described in detail and are chosen to provide special  blessings, insights and inspirations. All information is provided, and no experience is necessary to get the best from this book. 

Colours, chakras, goddess specialities and functions, are described, and there is a glossary of terms. I felt I made contact with several goddesses and enjoyed the messages I received from them and I felt their presence close to me from using this workbook. 

A Lantern in the Dark

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: A Lantern in the Dark - Navigate Life’s Crossroads with Story, Ritual & Sacred Astrology, by Danielle Blackwood, in kindle and paperback 234 pages of text, no images, £14 Published by Llewellyn Books. 

“With unflinching wisdom and compassion, Blackwood guides us towards the holy grail of a meaningful, examined life.” Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky

What happens when we find ourselves at a crossroads in life? This crossroads is a threshold, and you can use astrology to assist your understanding and progress. Myths and folklore can also provide guidance. This book helps you and others to make peace with the past, navigate now and move on to your life purpose. This book will also help you to transform your crossroads into something sacred. The author is an astrologer and educator of 30 years duration. She provides meditations, stories, affirmations, and rituals. Every major astrological transit is covered, Saturn returns, Uranus opposition, etc. There are self-care tools, journalling, crystals and herbs, all for beginners. Beware of the self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Nine Ways to Charm A Dryad

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Nine Ways to Charm a Dryad - A Magical Adventure to Connect to the Spirit of Trees by Penny Billington, 296 pages, Quality paperback £13.99 Published by Llewellyn Books.

Written by Penny Billington, Editor of the Bards, Ovates & Druids magazine, Touchstone. The author is well qualified to write this valuable workbook on connecting to trees through meditations, exercises, atunements, and creative projects. Each year, we are learning more about the intelligent life of trees, their importance to our planet and our health. With vast acres of trees under threat around the world, the knowledge in this book will help them - and us - survive and thrive. I am recommending Nine Ways to Charm a Dryad for young people to learn about the magic and beauty of trees and improve their appreciation of nature and the landscape. This is a good outdoors pursuit that everyone can take part in. The book is excellent value for money and has some lovely drawings within the text. I am also recommending it for anyone who is needing to heal from physical or psychological illness and improve their health. 

 

Sun Signs, Houses & Healing

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Sun Signs, Houses & Healing - Build Resilience & Transform Your Life through Astrology by Carmen Turner-Schott, Published by Llewellyn Books in paperback US $16.99 : CAN $23.99 : U.K. £13.99 

The author is an astrologer, a practicing clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She works in the speciality of sexual assault prevention and with victims of trauma. 

This book is principally for beginners. There are three main lessons that are focused on: Building resilience, finding healing and transforming life and well-being.  How to use your birth chart, the Zodiac signs, the planets, the houses are all explained.