Pagan Culture - Magical Arts

astroWitch: Sun Signs 101


©2012 Holly Golightly

 

Sun Signs 101
by Tasha Halpert 

One way to discover more about yourself and your friends is to read Sun Sign astrology books.

However, while they will give you some idea of what your sun sign is about, they are often pretty general. Your astrological portrait is a combination of ten planets, not just the sign the Sun was in the day you were born. When you either buy or download a free chart with interpretations, you will learn more. However, these interpretations are limited, and often prejudiced by the astrologer’s opinions. Better still, you can learn to figure out charts for yourself. You can buy them from online services (do a search for “astrological charts”) or you can get a free chart from www.astro.com.

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Poetry of the Runes

Poetry of the Runes
A Personal Collection
by Henry Lauer 

Inspired by the example of the original rune poems, I have composed some of my own.

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Crystal Balls for Beginners

Crystal Balls for Beginners
by Patrinella Coope 

W

e've all seen the image of the Gypsy, coin-fringed scarf tied over her hair, huddled portentously over her crystal ball. The crystal ball is one methods of divination classified as scrying, which means gazing into an object in order to see visions. This ancient method of divination can utilize any number of objects: natural pools, polished mirrors, bowls or glasses of clear water, polished stones, bowls of black ink, to name just a few. But the most famous all is undoubtedly the crystal ball.

Although clear crystal balls are the most common, other colors have been used with great effect. Balls of rose quartz or amethyst were once popular, and I know of someone who loves to use a ball of black glass. A ball is, by definition, round, but ovoid “balls” also exist, and if one prefers to hold the ball rather than have it on a stand, an egg shape fits very comfortably into the palms of the reader's hands.

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How to Enchant a Man: Spells to Bewitch, Bedazzle and Beguile

How to Enchant a Man:  
Spells to Bewitch, Bedazzle
and Beguile  

by Ellen Dugan
Llewellyn, 2008
(See below for ratings)

 

Editor’s Note: We got both of these reviews more or less simultaneously. We’ll let you decide whether this book is a bomb — or a blast.

All women must be in love, asserts Ms. Dugan on the first page of Enchant. “Think about it… every woman is either in love, working to keep the flames burning, looking for love, denying that she needs love, recovering from a relationship… or bemoaning the lack of a good man in her life.” My partner Dami read this passage aloud to her 17-year-old daughter, to which both responded: “blink blink blink, No.” Dugan might claim they’re in denial.

Read more: How to Enchant a Man: Spells to Bewitch, Bedazzle and Beguile

Magick on the Edge: An Anthology of Experimental Occultism

Magick on the Edge: 
An Anthology of
Experimental Occultism  

Edited by Taylor Ellwood
Immanion Press, UK, 2007

 

Noted occult author and editor Taylor Ellwood’s latest project is a compilation of cutting edge magickal practice and theory, written by some of today’s most provocative Pagan voices. Magick on the Edge: An Anthology of Experimental Occultism delivers exactly what its title advertises — perspectives on magick that are fresh, creative, audacious, at times a bit scary — all pushing the envelope on more traditional forms of magickal practice.

Read more: Magick on the Edge: An Anthology of Experimental Occultism

Kink Magic: Sex Magic Beyond Vanilla

Kink Magic:
Sex Magic Beyond Vanilla  
by Taylor Ellwood & Lupa
Immanion Press, 2007

 

Taylor Ellwood and Lupa have attracted attention for their smart, sophisticated writing in books like Lupa’s Field Guide to Otherkin and Ellwood’s Pop Culture Magick. Here they combine forces for Kink Magic: Sex Magic Beyond Vanilla, a frank, mature, cutting-edge discussion of sexuality, magic, and their various intersections which should prove useful and entertaining whatever your pleasure or perversion.

Read more: Kink Magic: Sex Magic Beyond Vanilla

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