I utilized them myself… & now I’m on shopping lockdown 
However, all of our shopping for the kids is done! My husband said he just has 2 things he would like to get for me, but they are from stores or can be done with the help of my son. I feel like we did good this year!
I’ll be seeking out a couple of books though… can’t not have books! My library likes new friends 
@BryWisteria oh yes Chamberlain’s are really good. And Cunningham just has. Way to lay it all out for u in layman’s terms. Both definitely wonderful authors especially for beginners
@Wysteria_Norn i know u didnt ask me, but here is my review.
I think Cumminghams Herb Encyclopedia is an excellent book for beginners. However it doesnt have all of the info that i wanted. I still use it as a reference only when the info isnt available in my “herb bible”, and before i look it up online.
Hahaha that sounds like a great use of Cybe Monday Magick! 
I hope you were able to find some great book deals, Wysteria!
I love this 
Agreed! 
I just want to share some books i have read over the last 2 weeks where however they are not craft related, they are an excellent read. I originally brought the whole series knowing on instinct it would be good since i am into fictional fantasy when i am not reading books on the craft, a hobby which has taken up most of my time lately. This book series has taken my breath away at how closely i relate to it and atm while reading the third book, i have had just had a self-realisation at how similar my situation is in comparison to the book and the main character. I will not go into too much detail as i would say this book has some sensitive content and involves some violence and lets say more harmful topics, however, not to be confused that the book it solely based on these factors but a heads up to our more sensitive readers is in order. I understand how although the main character Auren who is a gold girl with literal gold skin lives in a castle and has everything cannot get past the fact she lives in a cage. It just hit me today and the book has made me question a lot about how i see my situation. I don’t want anyone to feel downed by my review but actually some mini-celebration is in order as i feel i have opened my eyes for the first time and seen my situation in it’s true light thanks to the books.
I too am spoilt to a degree but it does not come without giving up my freedom on everything from small desires to bigger ones so much so that i am left wondering is having everything really worth giving up every ounce of freedom?
Anyways i would like to know if anyone else has read The Plated Prisoner Series By Raven Kennedy.
I can say one true thing right now is that although my freedom is compromised, i am so grateful to be able to read and have had the education i have had, as there is many people out there at the moment who cannot even read and it is not their fault. I am glad i can at least have this freedom however small it may seem, as it gives me an opportunity to escape my own life even if it is just for a few moments a day. Thank the gods and goddesses and most of all i thank my mum and my country for giving me this opportunity.
I RATE THIS BOOK 20/10! If anyone wants to almost transparently read what i am talking about as i speak of an emotional rollercoaster this is a great series to get lost in 
(I hope you don’t mind that rehomed your book recommendations out of the Book Club FAQ page to here in the current book discussion- this way, hopefully more folks will see it! Thanks for sharing it 
)
That’s an impressive rating- it sounds like The Plated Prisoner Series was a really great read for you, @TheMuslimWitch 
I’m happy you found a book series you connected with- books and stories are really powerful things. I know I have a few books that pulled me out of dark times (or, at the very least, provided a bit of escape to weather some storms). Learning materials are great, of course, but I truly believe we need fantasy too 
Thanks again for sharing your recommendation- blessed be!
By Mat Auryn
Synopsis: Although this book can be considered a sequel to “Psychic Witch,” it works brilliantly as a stand-alone. Mr. Auryn writes about witchcraft with a reverence for the craft that is undeniable, and yet in an easy-going manner that equally allows for many traditions. His knowledge is impressive and he masters the subtleties of defining and explaining in detail without a hint of lecturing. His books are sought after because, simply, he’s a good writer - ‘his prose flows’.
Pertinence to Craft: In the vein of Waite, Cunningham and Buckland, this book, in my opinion, is a ‘must-read’ for all truly interested in crafting witchcraft. There are others as well, and Mr. Auryn’s work in amongst the best company.
Rating: 10/10
Worthy of Mention: Auryn provides the history of his topics, along with countless worthy spells. There were more than a few points that resonated with me. In particular, his impressions on spell direction and tarot suit meanings, amongst others. Where his practice may differ from others, as is extremely common in the craft, he provides open-minded interpretations that may help many as not all practices work equally for everyone.
Thank you
I didn’t realize his new book was out yet! 
runs to put it on a wishlist
I’m just about finished with mine, and then I’ll put my review up. LOL! I got distracted this month by broken modems and shiny things.
I just signed up. And I’m about halfway done with my precious new book!
Book Title and Author: Llewellyn’s Little Book of Yule by Jason Mankey.
Status: Finished.
My overall rating of this book: 10/10 would read it again!
How does this book relate to my magical practice?: This book is good for people wanting to celebrate Yule.
My personal thoughts and opinions: This is a lovely little book full of information on the meanings behind the traditions of Yule, Saturnalia, and Christmas, and characters like Santa Claus, Krampus, and Belfana. Also, little spells to enhance your holidays right up until New Year’s!
An interesting quote from the book: “More than just a synonym for Christmas, Yule has reclaimed its place at the holiday table as a distinct and valuable religious and spiritual tradition. It’s celebrated by Pagans, Wiccans, and Heathens, and for many secularists and atheists, the Winter Solstice has become a viable alternative to Christmas.”
All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes!
Book Title and Author: Wicca: A guide for the Solitary Practitioner By Scott Cunningham
Status? : Still Reading
My overall rating of the book : Not sure yet just started
How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: It puts in words about my craft which i cannot seem to pin point but reflect myself and my craft exactly
My personal thoughts/opinions:
I love this book so far and have not given a rating as i want to make sure i love it before i do. So far i am loving the way the writer is able to express such meaningful words which i although am able to this of can never put in in words or on paper. This book has been sitting on my shelf since forever and i a day ago it just called out to me out of all my new unread books and thought why not, doesn’t matter how much i think i know i will always learn something new.
An interesting quote from the book: "When a Wicca is outdoors, she or he is actually surrounded by sanctity, much like as is a Christian entering a church or cathedral. "
All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes / No
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Book Title and Author: Wild Witchcraft By Rebecca Beyer
Status? : Unfinished decided to stop reading
My overall rating of the book : 4/10
How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: It relates to my practice as i too incorporate herbs and plants in my practice
My personal thoughts/opinions: I originally was in love with this book and thought “wow this is new and exciting”, however i was soon disappointed as after reading for sometime all i was reading was a herb guideline which didn’t state directly when i picked it out. After flicking through the following pages, i notice at least 80% of the book was about herbs and their correspondences. Don’t get me wrong this is crucial to my craft but i was hoping to learn ways of foraging etc, rather than actually names of herbs which i already own a herb directory for this purpose
All in all, would I recommend this book?: No personally unless a directory is what you are looking for.
Status? : Finished
My overall rating of the book : 6/10
How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: I’ve got a thing going (and have for awhile) with Scotland. I haven’t quite pieced it all together yet, but I am so drawn to this country I’ve never been to and their culture. I don’t even have any Scottish ancestry, but the pull is very much there! I found this book when it just popped up on an audible ad and thought… .well, why not! It’s a work of fiction, but I thought maybe it would be fun!
My personal thoughts/opinions: It was fun, sort of. The writing, in my opinion, is a bit juvenile and sometimes felt forced. As a reader, I really lean towards sophisticated narration and writers, and this was not that. However, the story was fun. It is a series, but I don’t really feel drawn to read the rest.
All in all, would I recommend this book?: Sure, if you just want something light to occupy a cold rainy day! You might enjoy it!
Status: Finished
Overall Rating: 8/10
Thoughts and Opinions: When I found the first Scottish Witchcraft book, I found this one too! Maybe the draw of the first title was supposed to help me find this title. This is a non fiction account of some of the very real Scottish witches, their charges, their court appearances, and their sentences. It’s pretty intense, but I felt very called to read it. I started it around Samhain and went through it slowly, really thinking about and trying to honor each of these people (mostly women, but some accounts of men). This year I have felt very called to honor the witches who have come before me and paved the way for me to practice my own craft.
Would I recommend it to the coven: Yes. though it is dark and shadowy and might take a lot of energy.
Status: Finished. This was a seasonal reread for me!
Overall rating: 9/10
Thoughts and Opinions: I love how so many traditions weave together to create winter magick! This book goes through many of the northern european winter celebrations and explains for bits and pieces work into what we know as Christmas. There are Christmas ghosts, witches like La Befana, elves, trolls, goddesses and winter queens… they all play a part! The book also has recipes and crafts that tie in with the stories.
My favorite part is when it talks about bells. When people went walking through the woods, they would often take bells to ring to keep dangerous animals (and spirits away). This morphed into sleigh bells on Santa’s sleigh.
Would I recommend? 100%. It is a really fun read. I have the audio book and the narrator is lovely (it might be the author, I have too look!). Her research is solid and it is so much fun!
This sounds like a wonderful read- I’m so happy you enjoyed it so much, Wysteria! It’s always appreciated when the author covers a variety of interesting topics and shares information in an open-minded way that resonates with many different types of readers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on Mastering Magick!
Broken modems and shiny things are indeed very distracting!
Woohooo! I’ve just added you in here as well You’re on a roll, Christina- I hope you’re enjoying Manifesting with Crystals! 
10/10- hooray! 
It sounds like a really solid guide to Yule and the various influences and traditions around the holidays. I think it’s really fun that they explored the various characters too- I see a lot of names this time of year, and it’d be helpful to have them all in one handy place!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts- I’m so glad you enjoyed the Little Book of Yule! 
Cunningham is a legend and this book in particular is a classic- I think you’re in for a good read! I hope you continue to enjoy it and keep picking up fun and helpful new bits of information. Beautiful quote too!
Happy reading!
Sorry to hear that Wild Witchcraft wasn’t what you were hoping for- I suppose for every book out there that we click with, there will be another one that doesn’t quite fit the bill. Good for you for giving it a try! And thank you for sharing your thoughts on it- it’s very helpful for anyone considering giving it a read
I’m glad there was something enjoyable in the book for you, Ailey! Sorry it wasn’t quite what you were hoping for. Fingers crossed that going forward you’ll be able to find other authors who can help you connect with your studies of Scotland 
…Like this one! Hahaha I’m glad that The Witches of Scotland was closer to what you had in mind- it honestly sounds like a fascinating book. I often get a little scared about non-fiction witch books as they tend to be… well, just like you said- very intense and dark.
It sounds like a great way to honor the witches who came before though- I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
Hooray for books we love so much that we read them over and over again! If ever there was a way to tell that a book was worth a read, it’s in how many times it’s been enjoyed. This one sounds like a lot of fun, and all the better if it sparks some seasonal crafting and creativity too!
Thank you so much for all three of your wonderful reviews, Ailey- I really enjoy reading them!
There were a lot of cute little charms to do for the holidays, some of which I’m going to do next year!
I may need to order this one soon so I will have it on hand for next year!
I’m still reading my book, so Ill just do my review for the next book club entry.
@Amethyst That’s so cute- and I know you love your chants and charms! Sounds like something fun to look forward to for the next holiday season!
@christina4 No worries at all- I’ll look forward to your entry then! Happy reading, Christina!