July 2023 MBR The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Celtic Mysticism
Tracie Long
Wellfleet Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9781577153467, $16.99, HC, 168pp

https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Mysticism-Personal-Tradition-Traditions/dp/1577153464

Synopsis: With the publication of "Celtic Mysticism: Your Personal Guide to Celtic and Druid Tradition" by Tracie Long it is now possible for metaphysical studies students and practitioners to reclaim Celtic ancestral traditions and older ways of connecting with the earth and spirituality by going straight to the heart of mystical traditions.

"Celtic Mysticism" explores the folk magic that has thrived in the British Isles for thousands of years. With this guidebook for both newcomers to magical practice and for those searching for a concise reference to a long history, you will discover how to honor your connection to nature and the rhythms of the seasons in the Celtic way. Exploring the history behind Celtic practices, rituals, and spells and then engaging with them firsthand, forming a deeper bond with Mother Earth.

Illuminated by beautiful illustrations, fascinating and informative guide presents: The lore and history of the Celts; Rites and spells based in green magic and natural cycles; Meditations and rituals to bring the ancient wisdom into modern life; Key concepts, figures, and legends of Celtic tradition.

Critique: "Celtic Mysticism" provides a thoroughly 'user friendly, engaging, accessible, and hands-on introduction to the deep magic and spirituality of the Celts. A definitive guide to mystical and spiritual Celtic traditions and magical practices drawn from around the world and understood from a modern perspective, "Celtic Mysticism" will be of particular value to readers with an interest in the origins of mystical practices, including explanations of key concepts, figures, and legends in these traditions -- as well as reliable and effective instruction on how to connect directly with these practices through rituals, spells, and more. While highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Druidism, Celtic Religion, and Metaphysical Studies collections, it should be noted for students and practitioners that "Celtic Mysticism" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Tracie Long began to see and hear spirits when she was about six years old and finally embraced her gift in her early thirties. She has worked in the body, mind, spirit industry for almost thirty years now. She specializes in tarot, angels, spiritual development, meditation, shamanic healing and coaching, and moon cycles. She has worked with sensitive children and run a few paranormal investigations, but today she most often helps spirits who are stuck or causing problems for families. A former chairwoman of the British Astrological and Psychic Society, she earned her BTEC in business management and a teaching degree and tutors alongside the Spiritual Workers Association.

Self-Love Potions
Cosmic Valeria, author
Marie-Noel Dumont, illustrator
Leaping Hare Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9780711281059, $20.00, HC, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Love-Potions-Herbal-recipes-rituals/dp/071128105X

Synopsis: Self-Love Potions are herbal recipes and accompanying rituals to help you make the most of your 'me' time. Simply packed with ideas from talented moon witch Valeria Kapusta (@cosmicvaleria) to help you mindfully explore your craft, "Self-Love Potions: Herbal recipes & rituals to make you fall in love with YOU" is a compendium of DIY recipes ranging from teas, tinctures, oils and tonics, to bath mixes and fragrances

Featured recipes include: Heart-soothing lilac-infused honey to ease heartbreak; Energy cleansing empath bath; Thyme infusions for courage and self-confidence; Dandelion bath salt for inner joy; Floral hair rinse to remove creative blocks; Violet infused sugar to sweeten gloomy days.

With "Self-Love Potions" even the most novice of Wiccan and metaphysical studies student can develop their self-love practice, enhance their wellbeing, and connect with themselves and nature with this guidance of this gorgeous, herbal handbook.

Critique: "Self-Love Potions: Herbal recipes & rituals to make you fall in love with YOU" by Wiccan author is a simply beautiful volume filled with the stunning illustrations of Marie-Noel Dumont. A thoroughly 'user friendly' compendium of rituals and potions to help you boost wellbeing and fall in love with yourself through the power of magick, "Self-Love Potions" is a desirable and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Wiccan and Metaphysical Studies collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Self-Love Potions" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.49).

Editorial Note #1: Valeria Kapusta (https://www.instagram.com/cosmicvaleria) aka @cosmicvaleria, is a witch and herbalist whose work brings magic and self-care together. She has also created Moon Witch Tarot, Moon Witch Oracle, and Moon Witch Coloring Book.

Editorial Note #2: Marie-Noel Dumont is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Rome. (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marie-noel-dumont-a2bb71a)

Open for Interpretation: A Doctor's Journey into Astrology
Alicia Blando
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647424701, $17.95, PB, 232pp

https://www.amazon.com/Open-Interpretation-Doctors-Journey-Astrology/dp/1647424704

Synopsis: As a young doctor working in the middle of the HIV epidemic in the early '90s, Alicia Blando felt unsure of the effectiveness of the medical profession. To gain insight into her life's path, she sought advice in some unconventional places, and lands on astrology as her way forward. Astrology, based in astronomy, has specific rules; it can't be easily manipulated. The scientist in her can't help but respond to this idea.

At a pivotal group demonstration, Alicia found a mentor, Iris, who introduces her to the study of astrology. By learning to read the horoscope, Alicia gained insight into her potential and manifests her ambition to travel and explore healing techniques from indigenous cultures. Eventually, her search for new teachers and past knowledge takes her from Manhattan to the Peruvian Amazon, Belize, and Bolivia, where she discovered ancient ways of healing among people who consider the sky to be a continuation of nature on earth. She connects with the tenets of astrology as the language that describes man's connection to the sky environment. Alicia learned that the horoscopic map gives information that can assist in making better choices in life. That it has the potential to analyze a person's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and health concerns.

Alicia's journey off the beaten path ultimately would lead her to true self-exploration and connection with the world around her, as well as a desire to share her knowledge. With the publication of "Open for Interpretation: A Doctor's Journey into Astrology ", she shares her story of finally finding the map she's been seeking -- and explains how we can all use that map to access our true selves and untapped potential.

Critique: Fascinating, informative, and of special interest to readers engaged in the study of astrology and alternative medicine, "Open for Interpretation: A Doctor's Journey into Astrology" is a definitely recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and academic library Astrology collections and supplemental Alternative Medicine curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Open for Interpretation: A Doctor's Journey into Astrology" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Alicia Blando (https://aliciablando.com) trained and practiced in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. While working as a physician, she became interested in how indigenous healers diagnosed and treated their patients without the technology present in modern medicine. This curiosity was supported by what she learned about herself through the study of astrology. As a Western physician who has followed the tenets of astrology in her life, she believes that the practice of astrology can function as an adjunct method to study many aspects of life, including the tendencies for certain disease processes. Alicia currently works as a medical consultant.

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