August 2023 MBR The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Pagan Portals: The Norns: Weavers of Fate and Magick
Irisanya Moon
https://www.irisanyamoon.com
Moon Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781789049107, $12.95, PB, 112pp

https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Norns-Weavers-Magick/dp/1789049105

Synopsis: The Norns are the deities in Norse mythology who are responsible for shaping the course of human destinies.

With the publication of "The Norns: Weavers of Fate and Magick", Irisanya Moon introduces the ones who weave, measure, and cut at the base of the World Tree. With Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld, we travel across time and meet ourselves as part of fate. In this meeting, we will join the Norns, weavers of destiny, and encounter the wyrd.

Critique: An invaluable and succinctly informative introduction to Norse mythology, "Pagan Portals: The Norns: Weavers of Fate and Magick" is a brilliant and informative read from cover to cover. A welcome addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies and Norse Mythology collections, it should be noted for that "Pagan Portals: The Norns: Weavers of Fate and Magick" is also available from Moon Books in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.49).

Editorial Note: Irisanya Moon (https://www.irisanyamoon.com) is an author, witch, international teacher, poet, and Reclaiming initiate who has practiced magick for 20+ years. She has written several books: Pagan Portals (Reclaiming Witchcraft - 2020, Aphrodite - 2020, Iris - 2021, Norns - 2023); Earth Spirit (Honoring the Wild - 2023, Gaia - 2023); and Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Health & Well-being - 2020. Plus, she has written essays, articles, poems, and blogs for Witches & Pagans, Pagan Dawn Coreopsis Journal, Moon Books, Revelore Press, Llewellyn, Epona Muse Publishing, and others.

Pagan Portals: Planetary Magic
Rebecca Beattie
https://www.rebeccabeattie.co.uk
Moon Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803411767, $12.95, PB, 152pp

https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Planetary-friendly-introduction/dp/1803411767

Synopsis: At the core of modern pagan witchcraft is a knowledge system concerning traditions of nature, connection, and embodiment to the astrological planets. Throughout magical history, practitioners of magic have looked to the planets for inspiration and magical help.

From the earliest beginnings of written magical texts (known as the Grimoires) magical systems were based on the seven planetary powers that were visible in the night sky. The Grimoires were then studied by practitioners of folk-magic (called the Cunning Folk) and by influential groups from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, as well as practitioners of Modern witchcraft.

Pagan Portals: Planetary Magic is an accessible and practical introduction to pre-modern planetary magic. It details with each of the planets, what its magical qualities are, and how to work practical magic with each.

Critique: Featuring numerous b/w illustrations, and offering a 'user friendly' introduction to creating modern magic with the seven planetary energies, "Pagan Portals: Planetary Magic" by Rebecca Beattie is an extraordinary and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies, Paganism, Astrology, and Magick collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Pagan Portals: Planetary Magic" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.49).

Editorial Note: Rebecca Beattie (www.rebeccabeattie.co.uk) has a PhD in Creative Writing and has previously written two novels, a book of short stories, and her first Moon Books title Pagan Portals: Nature Mystics. Rebecca has been a regular teacher at Treadwell's Books in Bloomsbury for many years.

A New Science of the Afterlife
Daniel Drasin
Park Street Press
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781644116814, $16.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/New-Science-Afterlife-Space-Consciousness/dp/1644116812

Synopsis: Sharing his more than thirty years of research into the afterlife and paranormal phenomena, with the publication of "A New Science of the Afterlife: Space, Time, and the Consciousness Code", Daniel Drasin shows that the continuity of human consciousness beyond the physical body and after death constitutes a legitimate area of scientific inquiry and that it can be objectively demonstrated.

Drasin begins by revealing how our belief in materialism (through its effects on our social norms, taboos, and even language) has deeply constrained our civilization's understanding of the nature of space, time, life, death, and consciousness. However, as Drasin explains, our deeply ingrained cultural habits tied to materialism have begun to change.

Drasin explores 15 promising post-materialist scientific investigations currently underway, focusing in depth on three examples that offer the most objectively irrefutable evidence for the survival of consciousness, including electronic audio and visual communications from the other side, the groundbreaking five-year Scole Experiment in physical mediumship, and the profoundly evidential reincarnation case of James Leininger.

Looking at how language frames our perceptions about life and death, Drazin also presents thought experiments and simple exercises to help us see through materialist ideology and perceive a broader landscape of reality. He provides a succinct account of the experience of transition to the "next life" and explores what the afterlife is made of, where it's located, how it works, and what it's for.

Finally, Drasin shows how, by thinking and speaking about death and the survival of consciousness in new ways, we can facilitate a clearer, more relaxed, comfortable, and rational conversation about what awaits us all sooner or later on the other side of life.

Critique: An original and seminal study that will have immense interest to readers focusing on New Age Channeling, Reincarnation, and the 'Sociology of Death', "A New Science of the Afterlife: Space, Time, and the Consciousness Code" is an extraordinary, ground-breaking, inherently fascinating, and genuinely thought-provoking read. While an unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that "A New Science of the Afterlife" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Daniel Drasin (https://www.dandrasin.com) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and has been a photographer and media producer for more than six decades. Since the early 1990s, as featured in his documentary Calling Earth, Drasin has been actively investigating the field of afterlife communication through traditional mental and physical mediumship as well as modern electronics.

On Her Silver Rays
Frances Billinghurst
Moon Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803411491, $23.95, PB, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Her-Silver-Rays-Guide-Magic/dp/180341149X

Synopsis: The moon and Wiccan witchcraft go hand in hand. Lady Lunar has long been both a guide and a companion, a sign by which we mark time, all the while she gently aids us in our explorations into the self and magical workings. She is a reflection of not only the sun's light but also the endless cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. The ebbing and flowing energy of the moon influences our thoughts and emotions.

Many people believe that this energy can also bring change and enhance our own lives, through knowing when and how to use it. "On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magick" by Wiccan author Frances Billinghurst is a collection of science, myth, poetry, and ritual. It will guide you through working with the different phases of the moon in order to gain a better sense of wellbeing.

You will discover how best to harness the lunar energies for healing and emotional strength, as well as physical and mental wellness. Deepen your connection with Lady Lunar through making your own 'moon water', prayer beads, incense and anointing oils. Through the keeping of a lunar diary, you will learn how to effectively manifest and release with the endless changing energies of the moon.

With "On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magick" you will learn how to create your own unique moon names regardless of where you live. When you are ready to take your moon magick deeper, this instructive guide will take you through the differing astrological signs, cosmic events, including Blue and Black Moons, as well as working with both solar and lunar eclipses, and even how to make your own Kamea of the Moon.

More than just another book about working with the moon, "On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magick" is an informative guide to developing a deep ultimate connection with our night time companion.

Critique: "On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magick" is a metaphysical volume of folklore, poetry, science, myth, and rituals. It is written in a way that makes it accessible for readers of all levels. Providing information from philosophers, ancient astronomers, and modern scientists, 'On Her Silver Rays' is an invaluable reference book covering a diverse range of fields such as astronomy, astrology, mythology, healing, and divination. Additional, "On Her Silver Rays" has a comprehensive list (and description) of the lunar gods and goddesses, explaining the importance of this heavenly body to the esoteric practices of modern pagans and witches. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99), "On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magick" is recommended as an essential, core addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Wiccan and Metaphysical Studies collections and studies lists.

Editorial Note: Frances Billinghurst (https://francesbillinghurst.blogspot.com) set herself the task of writing a book to honour the moon, and she should be proud of what she has achieved.

Phoenixes & Angels
Carmen Turner-Schott, MSW, LISW
https://carmenturnerschott.com
O-Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803410807, $23.95, PB, 290pp

https://www.amazon.com/Phoenixes-Angels-Mastering-Twelfth-Astrological/dp/1803410809

Synopsis: With the publication of "Phoenixes and Angels: Mastering the Eighth and Twelfth Astrological Houses", author and astrologer Carmen Turner-Schott gives practical advice and tips on how to implement self-care strategies to overcome challenges and help the reader gain greater self-awareness.

"Phoenixes and Angels" will benefit astrology students, seasoned astrologers, beginners in the craft, and those who want to learn how to counsel individuals with eighth and twelfth house planets.

The eighth house is the most powerful house in astrology. It rules death, regeneration, rebirth, healing, transformation, sexuality, behind-the-scenes energy, power, and secrets. All the energy of Scorpio and Pluto brings a heightened awareness of the deep things in life from which most people hide. Eighth house people share similar life experiences. "Phoenixes and Angels" highlights actual stories from eighth house people, which can help those interested in learning more about themselves and helping others.

The twelfth house is the most spiritual and mystical house in astrology. It rules cosmic consciousness, oneness with God, compassion, service to others, psychic abilities, imagination, sleep, dreaming, addiction, secrets, and much more. All the energy of Neptune and Pisces brings a heightened awareness of the spiritual world and the divine. Twelfth house people share similar life experiences. "Phoenixes and Angels" highlights actual stories from twelfth house people, too, which can help those interested in learning more about themselves and helping others.

Critique: A valued and informative contribution to personal, professional, community, and academic library Astrology/Metaphysics collections, "Phoenixes and Angels: Mastering the Eighth and Twelfth Astrological Houses" is a seminal and unreservedly recommended acquisition selection.

Editorial Note: Carmen Turner-Schott (https://carmenturnerschott.com) is a practicing licensed clinical social worker, astrologer, writer, and teacher with a national and international clientele. She has worked with victims of trauma for over 25 years. Since 2010 she has managed several Facebook Astrology groups which have over 50K members from all over the world.

Maximize Your Healing Power
Sharon E. Martin, M.D., PhD
Findhorn Press
www.findhornpress.com
c/o Inner Traditions
www.innertraditions.com
9781644116609, $18.99

https://www.amazon.com/Maximize-Your-Healing-Power-Techniques/dp/164411660X

Maximize Your Healing Power: Shamanic Healing Techniques to Overcome Your Health Challenges blends allopathic medicine with shamanic and energy medicine techniques, and will appeal to libraries and readers interested in new age and alternative medicine and spirituality blends.

Scientific and spiritual insights merge in a playing field that proposes new applications for symbolic medicine wheels, intuitive explorations, amplifications, and rituals -- techniques that will prove especially effective for those already involved in visualization and symbols of awareness and mindful thinking. This audience, especially, will appreciate the focus on energy healing which lends a different flavor to the process, considering ways of connecting consciousness to spirit in an effort to boost inherent healing power and overcome conscious and subconscious barriers to physical healing and mental growth.

This duality creates a powerful interplay of healing potentials from internal and disparate resources that are reinforced by case history and personal examples that will sound familiar to many: "For a long time, one of my best friends would start her conversations with why she didn't want to work anymore -- because she was too old. What she meant was she had progressed far enough in her life to deserve retirement, but what she stated was that she was growing old. After a few years of these kind of statements, and of me grumbling that she should stop saying these things, she developed an autoimmune disease that significantly limited her movement and functionality. She acted as if she was old and felt old.

Shifting your perception of disease and limitation so that it is a condition you are living with, not a defining issue that is core to your identity, will go a long way in helping you to shift your health challenge." The exercises and case history examples which support examples of such shifts and processes will prove invaluable to self-help readers interested in applying shamanic healing techniques to support health regimens and efforts.

Maximize Your Healing Power's step-by-step approach to supporting one's health makes it a practical recommendation for new age and alternative health libraries, as well as spiritual collections looking to solidify connections between psychic, spiritual, and physical conditions.

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