NATURAL MAGICK : Inside The Well-Stocked Witch's Cupboard
Written: Jun 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: extensive source for Natural Magick; easy to understand and practice; simple items needed
Cons: lacking inside illustrations
The Bottom Line: is that Natural Magick is an excellent source of information for anyone interested in using tools provided by the earth to gain insight.
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| phineaskc's Full Review: Natural Magic Books |
When invited to participate in the Summer Solstice write-off hosted by Wovengold, I wanted to select something that was connected directly with my celebration of the Solstice. I was delighted to find that this book was listed in the database for review because it is an excellent resource for the solitary practitioner or anyone interested in alternative healing.
Summer Solstice is typically observed each year on June 21st and regardless of your religious beliefs it is a time of joy and celebration. In celebration of this years solstice, I offer you my review of this book in hopes that it will inspire you to have your own celebration, no matter how you choose to do so.
The book, Natural Magick: Inside The Well-Stocked Witch's Cupboard was written by Sally Dubats and published in 1999 by Kensington Books. There are 259 pages full of information that is beneficial to both practioners of the craft and also to herbalists.
The inside pages are divided by chapters including:
Natural Magick: In this chapter the author offers a definition of magick. It is intended to show you ways that various gifts from the Earth combined with your natural talents dance together. Herbs, crystals, astrology, sacred tools, intuition, visualization, divination - together these create Natural Magick.
Ritual Tools: In this chapter the author discusses the various ritual tools, care of these tools, and setting up an alter. This chapter is particularly interesting and helpful to new Wiccans because it discussions the definition and various types of tools available as well as manners. Manners? Yes. This chapter discusses the importance of respecting the tools of others because a witch's tools and jewelry are considered very personal and special items, charged with the energy from the individual. Learning how to respect tools is of utmost importance.
Magick and Candles: This chapter delves into various candle rituals and deciding what type of magick you will perform. One of the more interesting parts of this chapter is the discussion of colors and what each one represents as well as the appropriate times in the moon phase to perfom certain rituals.
Divination: This chapter defines devination and how to tap into your own capabilities. Divination has been accepted in all manners of religions for centuries, even the Old Testament is filled with references to divining practices. This section of the book will delve into devination and how it relates to your talents including discussion on tarot, scrying, runes, and other practices.
Visualization and Ritual: Magick and ritual depend upon effective visualization. It is the art of relaxing your mind enough to see situations, items, or events, as you would like them to be. For example, seeing a sick friend in a healthier situation. Visualization is understanding how a situation would be best resolved with effective results, and seeing those results in your mind. This chapter is particular interesting because it discusses various relaxation techniques, rituals, and the discovery of self. It really places a great deal of emphasis on getting to know yourself and digging deep inside your mind and spirit.
Herbs: This chapter is beneficial to those that are Wiccan or those that just have an interest in herbs. This chapter discusses the various herbs, incense, oils, sachets, and uses for these items. It also has a guide, which discusses the role that each plant or herb plays in the mind, body, and spirit. For example, the carnation is used to promote health and healing in the body. It is also used to promote artistic talent, communication, confidence, creativity, and success of mind. In spirit, the carnation is used for love, peace, protection, and thanks. The guide covers everything from acorns to Yarrow.
Stones and Crystals: Stones have been used since the beginning of time. The Bible discussed Aaron's robes and breastplate and how it was covered with precious stones and said to have given Aaron special powers or gifts. So stones have been used since Biblical times to decorate various ritual items like wands and chalices. This chapter discusses the use of stones and crystals to help us with the energy we possess in our bodies and through messages to help us better understand ourselves or situations around us. These stones and crystals possess different properties, with each having a specific personality. This chapter will introduce the reader to healing with stones, charms, mineral elixirs, caring for the stones, and related topics. Also included is a guide for various forms of stones and crystals with their descriptions and their mental and/or spiritual meaning. This guide is very extensive and covers everything from agate to Zircon.
Guide To Spells: The final chapter of the book offers 52 common reasons for performing magick. Included in this chapter is information on when to perform a spell, what herbs to use, which stones to use, and what color to use if that is relevant. Some of the reasons listed would be for governing anger, mental focus, communication, etc. with each one offering detailed information.
For those not familiar with Natural Magick, they might expect there to be some hoodoo voodoo sayings to go along with these spells but that is not what this magick is about. This chapter is especially helpful to those wanting to learn more about rituals and how they relate to your inner self. Discover the influence of planets, days of the week, various elements, zodiac signs, and direction.
Overall Thoughts
Natural Magick introduces readers to a sacred craft that utilizes the earth's natural materials as instruments for divination, healing, and spirit.
This book is a true one-source guide for beginners and advanced Wiccans to discover personal empowerment techniques, meditation, and the benefits of using earth materials. You do not have to be a Wiccan to enjoy the information that this book offers. The different guides available for plants, herbs, stones, and crystals is an interesting read regardless of your belief system.
For information on the solstice and various religious celebrations of summer:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/summer_solstice.htm
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This review is part of the Summer Solstice Write-Off hosted by wovengold to celebrate the long days of summer. Please take a few minutes to check out the summer scribblings of amycamus, art_ana, BeeCharmer, bmcnichol, caspian, eplovejoy, flak-attak, Girl_Goddess, jo.com, jro26, marytara, naphtalia, Pearman, phineaskc, Social14, wardukeky, windfish and wovengold.
Go to http://wovengold.tripod.com/solstice for links to their write-off submissions.
Recommended:
Yes
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phineaskc
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Member: Pamela
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
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