Wishing a warm welcome to all of the forum book-lovers!
Thank you again to everyone who joined in for last monthās reading session (Reading Session XX)
For those who havenāt yet shared their thoughts about their book (or anyone who enjoys reading book reviews!) you still have time to do so in Spells8 Book Club XX- Readerās Reviews .
As of today, the twenty-first book club reading session has now begun !
On Your Mark, Get Set, READ!
Begin by announcing your book
The first post below is an editable wiki post- add your book title and name to the list! (instructions below)
Know that you have [[ 4 weeks ]] in this reading session
While it is great if you can finish your book during this time, it is okay if you break it into chapters or sections- do as much as you can and know that doing your best is always good enough!
As youāre reading, feel free to share your thoughts!
You are very welcome to share any thoughts or tidbits while you read in the comments below or in a new post in the forums. Just save the best parts for the final discussion at the end of the reading period!
Join the final discussion
After four weeks, a discussion post will open encouraging all readers to share a review of their book and any personal thoughts they have about it. A mini-review is perfectly fine, and there will be a suggested format for anyone who would like to write a longer review.
While everyone is free to choose their own book, you may consider reading along with someone else ! It is fun to share thoughts and insights about different books and even more exciting to do in-depth about a book with fellow readers
If the book you plan to read is already on the list below, add your name to the list of others reading that book! For books with multiple readers, a separate discussion just for you will open for you to swap thoughts and share insights.
Please keep in mind that everyone will reconvene for the final discussion, regardless of which book you read
If you are reading a book along with someone else, please make a note in the comments so I can create a special discussion thread for you!
The Faithless by C.L. Clark (Fantasy) @gardenstone
The Spirited - Connect to the guides all around you by Rebecca Rosen @jan_TheGreenWitch
Wild Magic: Celtic Folk Traditions for the Solitary Practitioner by: Danu Forest @Susurrus (continuation from last book clubā¦ lots of changes lately, so less time to enjoy reading )
If youāve read the instructions but are still having a tough time- no stress at all! For anyone who prefers, I am happy to add you in. Just write your book title and author in a normal post and I will take care of it
I also could not locate the edit functions on this post. So hereās my book.
It was brought to my attention by my daughter in Sacramento that I donāt read for fun anymore, that I only read for learning. So she introduced me to this bookā¦and itās AWESOME so far!
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
(@) august_wandering
I remember that @Francisco recommended this book to me over a year ago when I made the decision to become a practitioner of dragon magick. I finally bought the book and I am reading it now!
Iām reading the chapter on the First Ring, which is the easiest to step into. So far, the chapter is discussing things that I already know about magick, such as the types of spells and suggestions on when you should and shouldnāt use them. The dragon code of ethics is similarly to the Wiccan Rede: if you harm none, do what you will.
Side note: Tripping spells? Sounds like another name for Return to Sender spell.
Right now, Iām reading about the different types of dragons. There are dark dragons (like Veaug) and chaos dragons (like Luqueas).
I wonder if Iām already in the Second Ring, but Iāll have to continue reading to properly gauge where I actually am. It takes time to move into the next Ring and readers shouldnāt expect that they will make progress in less than six months.
One thing I love is Conway stressing the importance of humility. When it comes to magick, ānever claim that you are a master, because someone can always come by and prove you wrong.ā
@MeganB to the rescue! Apologies to those who couldnāt enter their books before- looks like I made the wiki post but then didnāt actually turn it into a wiki, wah wah wah Thanks to Megan for making it work!
Ohhhh animal spirit guides! I am intrigued- hope you enjoy the book and canāt wait to hear what you think of it, Amethyst!
Go, Amaris, go- look at you doubling up your readings! Iāve heard good things about Starhawk (and thereās actually a discussion for that book still open- just beware of any spoilers!) and Encountering the Dark Goddess sounds like something right up your alley.
I hope you enjoy the books- blessed reading!
If the inside of the book is anywhere near as cool as the cover then itās sure to be a great read- I love the artwork! It sounds like a great recommendation from your daughter
I hope you continue to enjoy it, August, and Iām really looking forward to hearing your review!
Wise words!
It sounds like the book is something that even a beginner could pick up and feel welcome- do you think the first chapter covers general areas of magick, or is it mostly focused on dragon magick right from the get-go? Either way, it sounds like it is becoming a great read for you, Kasandra! I hope you continue to enjoy it
Ohhhhhh interesting
C.L Clark sounded really familiar, but I looked up her author profile on Goodreads and Iām pretty sure I havenāt read any of her worksā¦ yet. My guess is that Iāve seen them around- I canāt wait to hear what you think of The Unbroken, Garden! Definitely let us know if you think itās worth a read!
Oh, I probably confused things. I have read *The Unbroken *and LOVED it! Now Iām reading an advance copy of the sequel, which doesnāt have a cover yet that I can share.
Chapter 1 is the longest chapter in the book it seems. So far, it has discussed dark dragons and chaos dragons, the dragon code of ethics (which is similar to the Wiccan Rede), basic rules on casting spells and types of spells.
Right now, Iām reading about the Other World and there is A LOT to remember. I have a map drawn of the various levels as well as a description of the various places. Iām interested in the Web Weavers, a clan of female dragon seers. Kaudra is the leader of the seers and she decides when you are ready to move on to a higher spiritual level. Iām eager to connect with her since divination is a major part of my Craft!
There is a spell to find her dragon guardian, which I believe I have already found, and a spell to find your dragon teacher. I plan to cast that when the next lunar cycle begins.
@Gardenstone Ah, apologies for the misunderstanding! That is so cool that youāve got an advance copy and can jump into the sequel If you enjoyed The Unbroken, I hope the next volume is just as great of a read for you!
@Kasandra Goodness, it sounds absolutely loaded with information- and definitely a lot focused on dragon magick! Iām so glad youāre enjoying it and also finding good resources too. It sounds like this book is a really great match for you and your practice- wishing you all the best with casting the spell to find your dragon teacher!
Hecate, I could never suspect I would work with her, but she came into my life, thanks to this coven and the challenges. The fierce witch I saw with the element fire, turned into a crone, and later into the godess Hecate, still in crone version.
While I was searching through the podcasts on Spotify I came across Cindy Brannen. And Immediately I felt a connection. I thought she was very wise, and she gave me the information I needed to hear. I watched a video on YouTube from her.
I found out she wrote a book. Two books, but I will start with this one. Alas only in English, which asks for more concentration from my side.
But that s even more a reason to discuss it here.
The book is a kind of course, to connect with her. With questions in every chapter, prayers, practices. I just started it. The first chapter is about dedicating yourself to her, to this course, writing your intentions, making an altar. So this is where I will start.
Itās always interesting to me that so many work with Hecate & Iām over here likeā¦ nope, I know nothing unless itās related to Brigid, the Morrigan, & then some of the other Celtic Gods & Goddesses, & then a little bit about the Tuatha De Danaanā¦ Iām always curious though what others have found out or learned about Hecate where she is so popular though.
I have seen this book a few times come up in suggested reading, so I would love to see your review once you have finished @martje
I guess it ās the feeling I get from her. You know I have worked with Brigid. She is bright, loving, and also strong. But in a very different way. Hecate is more neutral to me as in being good or bad. I am going to face the shadows of my life and this energy is just more suitable I guess
@martjeā¦ if thatās what feels right & goodā¦ go for it! Do what you feel is going to help you the most.
Itās interesting to me how much I know about Hecate but at the same time how little because I donāt work with the Greek Pantheon, Iām drawn & meet with the Celtic pantheon, but I am a very Celtic Pagan/Witchā¦ I mean thereās some things that donāt necessarily fall in there, but everyone is different in their practice. Not everyone is going to have the same deities.
I will say that is how I feel about Brigid & that is how I feel about the Morrigan. She is also a Dark Goddess of the Otherworld among other things. But my needs are most likely different than yours. So I can see why the Morrigan makes her presence known to me based on personal experiences & experiences with her.
Iām happy that you are learning so much & it is all just clicking with Hecate for you! There is an Etsy shop called Hecateās Boutique & there are some gorgeous handmade items. Bookmarks, beads, bracelets. Iāll go hunt down the link & send add it for you to check out.
Thank you Siofra I think when you are guided towards deities from the inside it ās always the best way to go, and you are right, everyone is different. And not so different at the same time I would like to see the things you are talking about.
@Martje How exciting that Hecate has reached out to you, Martje- Iām so happy for you! This sounds like a great book with lots of information on how you can deepend your bond and connect with Her. Also your English is perfect, my friend, so no worries there- youāve got this! I hope you enjoy the book and Iām looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it! Blessed reading!