Review - The Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
Title: The Uninvited (Uninvited #1) Author: Sophie Jordan Teaser: “They say she’s a killer. One day she will be.”...
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Title: Mermaid MagicAuthor: Serene Conneeley, Lucy CavendishGenre: Non-Fiction Mermaid MythologyNumber of Pages: 368Published: May 13th, 2011 by Blessed Bee
Blurb:From the authors of The Book of Faery Magic comes an enchanting new adventure into the power and beauty of water and the oceanic realm. Brimming with sea magic, inner journeys, fun recipes and rich research, Mermaid Magic will help you develop your own deep connection to the element of water. Work with the ocean and its creatures, learn about tides and lunar phases, divine your future with sea oracles, absorb the healing energies of sacred wells and springs, become an eco warrior, and discover the beauty of mermaid lore and legends - and how to call on the mermaids for love and transformation.Whether you believe mermaids are living beings or a beautiful myth, they have long reflected our greatest hopes and embodied our deepest fears. They have been cast as helpful sea beings, innocents prepared to sacrifice all for a human soul, and sirens intent on luring men into temptation. Today they are stronger, kinder and more powerful than ever - and are inspiring a new wave of ocean guardians to care for our fragile planet and its sacred bodies of water.Within the pages of Mermaid Magic you will: * Invoke mermaids and sea goddesses for health and happiness. * Dive in with dolphins, whales, dugongs and sea turtles. * Slip back in time to the golden age of Lemuria, Atlantis and Ys. * Study the charms, spells and secrets of the sea witches. * Connect with your inner mermaiden and transform your life. * Discover your mermaid archetype and tap in to your watery muse. * Work with the element of water in rituals and meditations. * Unlock the messages of the mermaids from literature and legend. * Visit the planet's most sacred healing wells and springs. * Hear from marine conservationists, dolphin advocates and free-spirited surfers. * Meet real-life mermaids, artists, writers and healers, and much, much more...Including interviews with professional surfer and environmentalist Dave Rastovich, artists Jessica Galbreth and Jasmine Becket-Griffith, real-life mermaid Hannah Mermaid, healer and ocean-lover Doreen Virtue, British druidess and teacher Cassandra Eason, dolphin researcher Dr Olivia De Bergerac, manatee expert Professor Caryn Self-Sullivan, sea turtle rehabilitator Lesley Baird, magical authors Michelle Lovric and Liz Kessler and more, this book is a magical journey into the enchanted oceanic realm as and your own heart and soul.
So pretty! I haven't read this, but it hasalmost 5 stars on goodreads!
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Every so often I will put a random list of my favorite somethings up on my blog. Feel free to request a subject! Today's topic come from a request by Christina (Website - thereadingqueen.com, Twitter - @kychick92 ).I am actually quite picky about my fiction Witch books, so perhaps mine are unexpected.So here are my favorite Witchy Witch Books -Fiction and Non-Fiction:Title: The Betrayal, The Secret, and The Burning (Fear Street Saga 1-3)Author: R. L. Stine.Genre: YA Horror/ParanormalRelease Date of First Book: August 1st 1993 by Simon Pulse(first published 1993) Blurb of First Book: The Secret is Out!
Why do so many horrifying things happen on Fear Street? Nora knows. She knows how the terror began. She knows about the young girl who burned at the stake--and the bloody feud between two families that caused the unspeakable horror that has lasted 300 years! She knows, and she wants to tell. Are you sure you want to hear it?
Wow. This brings me way back. A blast from the past, but this is what started my love for Witchy things. 
Title: Harry Potter Series Author: J.K. Rowling. Genre: YA Fantasy 
Need I say more? Title: The Crucible Author: Arthur Miller Genre: Historical Fiction Release Date: March 25th 2003 by Penguin Classics(first published 1953) Blurb: "I believe that the reader will discover here the essential nature of one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history," Arthur Miller wrote of his classic play about the witch-hunts and trials in seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts. Based on historical people and real events, Miller's drama is a searing portrait of a community engulfed by hysteria. In the rigid theocracy of Salem, rumors that women are practicing witchcraft galvanize the town's most basic fears and suspicions; and when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist that Elizabeth be brought to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor brilliantly illuminate the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence.
Written in 1953, The Crucible is a mirror Miller uses to reflect the anti-communist hysteria inspired by Senator Joseph McCarthy's "witch-hunts" in the United States. Within the text itself, Miller contemplates the parallels, writing, "Political opposition... is given an inhumane overlay, which then justifies the abrogation of all normally applied customs of civilized behavior. A political policy is equated with moral right, and opposition to it with diabolical malevolence."
A tragic tale, but one that needs to be heard. This story not only speaks to the horrors that were committed in the past, but also can relate to certain judgement today. Although the women in this story were falsely accused, Wicca along with other religions, are persecuted if they are not of the norm. They are seen as scary or ridiculous. This book could perhaps open a few eyes.Title: Celtic Myth and MagickAuthor: Edain McCoyGenre: Wicca/Spirituality Reference (Non-Fiction)Release Date: September 8th 2002 by Llewellyn Publications(first published January 1st 1999) Blurb: Tap into the mythic power of the Celtic goddesses, gods, heroes, and heroines to aid your spiritual quests and magickal goals. Human and divine energies complement each other; when joined, they become a potent catalyst for true magick and change. Celtic Myth & Magick describes the energies of over 300 cross-referenced Celtic deities and heroic figures so you can quickly determine which one can best help you in attaining specific goals through magick--such as greater prosperity (Cernunnos), glowing health (Airmid), or a soul partner (Aengus MacOg). This guidebook explains how to use creative Pagan ritual and pathworking to align yourself with the energy of these powerful archetypes. Undertake three magickal quests to the inner plane--where you'll join forces with Cuchulain, Queen Maeve, and Merlin the Magician to bring their energies directly into your life. This inspiring, well-researched book is written especially for solitary Pagans who seek to expand the boundaries of their practice to form working partnerships with the divine. 
Personally, I am really drawn to Celtic Goddesses and Gods. Many of the actual beginnings of Pagan ritual, spirituality, and beliefs date back to the Celts. The depictions of the Goddesses are beautiful and I love learning more about them. This book has a great reference guide to all of the Gods and Goddesses with a great about section for each. The about section includes history, magickal uses, symbolism, holy days, etc. Title: The Lion, The Witch, and the WardrobeAuthor: C.S. LewisGenre: Children's AdventureRelease Date: 2005 by HarperCollins Publishers(first published January 1st 1950) Blurb:When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy took their first steps into the world behind the magic wardrobe, little do they realise what adventures are about to unfold. And as the story of Narnia begins to unfold, so to does a classic tale that has enchanted readers of all ages for over half a century.This stunning version of the classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, illustrated by Christian Burningham, comes with a special recording of the story which features a full production and specially composed music which transports the listener straight to the heart of Narnia. An absolute must for Narnia fans, and an excellent way of introducing the magical story to a new generation of readers.
Although I do know this is written by a religious author for intended purposes, I would never judge that. The story, its characters, the setting... Is all beautiful. I think the reader is just as drawn to the Witch in the beginning as the characters were.Title: Dorothy Must DieAuthor: Danielle PaigeGenre: YA Fantasy RetellingRelease Date: April 1st 2014 by HarperCollinsBlurb:I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado - taking you with it - you have no choice but to go along, you know?
Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little bluebirds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still a yellow brick road - but even that's crumbling.
What happened? Dorothy.
They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.
My name is Amy Gumm - and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission.
I cannot wait for the next in this series! Such an amazing retelling of an already creative world. Taking on a story that this originated from would be such a challenge. The author made the world even more awesome. Plus, I love that the Witches are sort of like exaggerations. Totally different from Wicca/Witches in real life, but I totally love it.Title: Howl's Moving CastleAuthor: Diana Wynne JonesGenre: YA FantasyRelease Date: August 1st 2001 by Greenwillow Books(first published 1986) Blurb:Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.
Such a classic!!!!Title: Wicca- A Guide for the Solitary PractitionerAuthor: Scott CunninghamGenre: Wicca/Spirituality (Non-Fiction)Release Date: September 8th 2002 by Llewellyn Publications(first published 1988) Blurb: Cunningham's classic introduction to Wicca is about how to live life magically, spiritually, and wholly attuned with nature. It is a book of sense and common sense, not only about magick, but about religion and one of the most critical issues of today: how to achieve the much needed and wholesome relationship with our Earth. Cunningham presents Wicca as it is today: a gentle, Earth-oriented religion dedicated to the Goddess and God. "Wicca "also includes Scott Cunningham's own Book of Shadows and updated appendices of periodicals and occult suppliers. 
If you are ever curious about what Wicca exactly is, this is a PERFECT one to start with. Look for all of his other titles too! See my review HERE.Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments)Author: Cassandra ClareGenre: YA Paranormal/FantasyRelease Date: March 27th 2007 by Margaret K. McElderry BooksBlurb:When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
This book isn't about witches per-say, but it has some of my favorite witchy characters. Plus, SWOON. It's an awesome read. Helped me fall in love with YA.Title: The Modern Guide to WitchcraftAuthor: Skye AlexanderGenre: Wicca/Spirituality (Non-Fiction)Release Date: July 31st 2014 by Adams Media(first published July 4th 2014) Blurb: Unlock your powers...
Looking for an enchanting love potion? Want to create your own sacred space and promote good energy? "The Modern Guide to Witchcraft" helps you harness your own inner power so you can shape your destiny.
With the help of spellcraft expert Skye Alexander, you'll tap into your own magic and create incantations, potions, and charms. As she carefully guides you through each step of these witchcraft practices and details ways of personalizing them to your specific situation, you'll gain confidence in your own knowledge and inner force.
Once you learn to harness your natural talents as a witch, you'll discover that a whole new world of possibilities exists.
Second to Scott Cunningham's book, I love this one as well. The blurb makes it sound a bit 'magical' in a fluffy way, but this book goes down to basics in a very simple way. Scott Cunningham's book may possibly go over someone's head if you have never experienced anything on the subject. But yet again, this book has great details, quotes, and spells (which I call Energy Work).I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what other fave's you want to see! -
Every so often I will release one of these posts so my readers can get to know more about me! If you ever have any questions or suggestions, just let me know and I will see if I can share my answer.
As for this time, I’d like to share one of the most important parts of me. My spirituality. When I tell people that I practice Wicca they automatically have this kind of smirk. Like I’m going through a phase like some teenager in high school. Or I believe in Santa. It’s irritating. They either make fun of my spirituality or are scared of it. This doesn’t make me angry, it just makes me sad. The media has distorted and made words like ‘Wicca’, ‘Witch’, ‘Pagan’, ‘Spells’, or ‘Magic’ become something silly, evil, or ridiculous. The truth of where those words came from is quite on the contrary. The beliefs that Wicca, Witches, or Pagans follow come from practices held long ago – even before Christianity. To put it simply Wicca and Witchcraft is nature-focused and believe in the energies around us.
So, I’d like to share some myths about Wicca with you. Perhaps this will help you not think I’m silly or scary. I hope that these spark some ideas with writers out there as well! I’d love to see some realistic portrayals of in books of Wicca today. You don’t have to believe in it to think it’s interesting J Have fun reading and as always – much love to you all!
1. Wicca has no morals or rules. This is totally, 100% false. Wiccans follow the ‘Threefold Law’ or, the Rules of Three. This states that whatever energy one puts out into the world it will be returned to them three times. That means if you do shady shit, you’ll get shady shit right back. It is frowned upon to ‘hex’ or ‘curse’ people because of this. Also, part of the 13 principles of Wiccan Belief, which I will show you another time, is that Wiccans wish to live in harmony with the earth and everything that encompasses. Sure, some Wiccans live outside these rules, but then again, so do people of other religions.
2. All Wiccans are Witches. Nope. Not all who follow Wicca practice Witchcraft. This is because Wicca is not centered on witchcraft, but instead is an earth based religion. A Wiccan can practice Witchcraft though, but please remember this is not supernatural hocus pocus.
3. Wicca is a fashion statement. Ugh. This one bothers me the most. So many think, especially younger people experimenting with Wicca or Witchcraft because it ‘seems cool’ assume that it means you have to dress in all black or in ‘goth’ style. In fact, when I was looking up witchy hashtags on website online, tons of words like ‘goth’ appeared. If that style is your thing, fine. Witches/Wiccans don’t have to be hippies either. Those who practice don’t have to dress any certain way. In fact, I dress pretty normal with a bit of individuality.
4. Wiccans/Witches worship Satan. This is another one that just makes me shake my head. Again, Wicca and Witchcraft is centered on nature and the earth. Gods and goddesses that Wiccans follow are representations of energies in nature – love, freedom, womanhood, fertility, sex, water. In fact, Wiccans don’t even BELIEVE in Satan.
5. If you want to practice Wicca or Witchcraft you HAVE to join a coven. I won’t lie to you, there are Wiccans/Witches out there who believe that you do have to be initiated into a coven first, but that is similar to ideals that other religions hold as well. The majority of Wiccans follow the idea that you can practice in ‘solitary’ or alone with no need to join a coven or be initiated. You ‘initiate’ yourself in any way you want to and you build whatever spirituality feels right for you. They do advise you to read up and learn as much as you can first, as Wicca/Witchcraft should NOT be a fad.
6. You need to spend lots of money to practice Wicca. Sure, you can hop on etsy and buy tons of herbs, potions, candles, and such, but you don’t have to. And no, Wiccans/Witches don’t buy these types of things because we think we are Harry Potter. Each tool, such as an herb or candle, symbolizes or represents something. These serve as something to help us focus our intent and energy on what we are wishing to accomplish. Much like music with meditation. You don’t need anything you don’t want to use, and can find things that represent these ideas for you.
7. Wiccans cast spells. Magic or Magic(k) is performed by Wiccans who also practice Witchcraft. Many call them spells, but I also call them meditations or blessings because of the stupid Hollywood connotation of the word spells. That is also why many Wiccans/Witches spell Magic with a ‘k’ – to separate the word from society’s definition of it. For Wiccans/Witches, spells and magick are natural. It is the manipulation of energy inside and around you. It is not paranormal, supernatural, hocus pocus, or Harry Potter. Think of it this way – you commonly hear people say “That person just has negative energy”. People put off energy to those around them, so why could this not be manipulated and changed through focus and intent? By focusing yourself and changing the energy within yourself, you can change the world around you. Other religions ‘cast spells’ often, but don’t see the comparison. Prayer, in a way, is also a spell. After all, Wiccans/Witches are just trying to use the energies in nature.
8. Wicca is a cult. No. It’s not. Wiccans don’t practice human sacrifices, force or try to persuade people to join up and be converted, have sex orgies, or even have a ‘leader’. In fact, part of the 13 Principles of Wicca includes the following:
“We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.”
9. The pentagram/pentacle is proof that Wiccans worship Satan or demons. This makes me laugh. A simple google search could show you that idea is just plain silly. The symbol of a pentagram/pentacle is so distorted by the media that people automatically believe that is what it means. It actually symbolizes elements in nature – earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. Each point on the star standing for one. That’s it. It’s not a sign of evil. People have changed the view of this much like they have of Witches in the media. Sure, I enjoy the media’s ‘witch’ and even don’t make a fuss when shows use the pentagram for their own purposes, but it is fiction. People need to realize the difference.
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