Bach Flowers for Crisis Care: Remedies for Emotional and Psychological Well-being by Mechthild Scheffer.  Healing Arts Press:  ....Rochester.., ..Vermont.....  English Translation Copyright 2009.

Though I have read a few books on the subject of Bach Flower Remedies before, I have never before been impressed and instead walked away feeling more confused than when I had started. 

That is not the case with Bach Flowers for Crisis Care.  I finally felt I could understand not only how to use the Bach Flower Remedies, but feel confident in being able to choose which remedies to use for which problems.

This book not only explains what the Bach Flower Remedies are, it goes through 50 different sample cases to help you find your own specific problem.  These cases are broken down into categories, such as Family and Children, Partnerships and Relationships, Career and Professional Life, Aging, and Other Crises.

After you find your problem and “prescription” you can go to the second part of the book to learn more about how to apply these therapies. 

Finally the third section of the book covers each one of the different Flower Remedies giving information such as what it promotes, the theme associated with it, key symptoms, “recognize the spiritual misunderstanding…”, “…and correct it”, and empowering statements.

This book takes the Bach Flower Remedies and shows you just how easy they can be to use, and how to use them effectively, to help you in the times you need help the most.

Of Patriots and Tyrants CD by Cassandra Syndrome.

www.cassandrasyndrome.com

Review by Tisha

I know this CD made it’s way through several reviewers before it came to me, apparently no one really wanted  to review it, well, because, it’s awful.

I don’t have a problem saying that.   The tear sheet for this cd refers to the “sinister soprano of Irene Jericho”  -- sinister might actually be right.  Far too much falsetto throughout the vast majority of the songs completely ruins this cd.  Well that’s a big part of it anyway.  She warbles like an opera singer (though not a good one) and between that and the falsetto, it’s just plain bad.  There are a few times when we actually get to hear her true voice come through, and we get a brief flash of what possibly could have been, but it’s short lived.

Half of what is sung, you can’t understand, and with no lyrics enclosed with the CD – you are really not left with much.  

The band is loud, not the kind of music you would use in any sort of practice that I can imagine but then again, since I can’t tell half of what she’s singing about, who knows?

Anyhow, this one just doesn’t live up to much of anything.  I say give it a pass.

The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries by Zsuzsanna Emese Budapest.

Weiser Books. 2007.

In this newest semi-updated edition of The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries, we are given an introduction into the world of Dianic Witchcraft.

Z does tell us in the intro that things have been updated a bit by the fact that they do now work with men although the Dianic circles are still for women only.

Now I understand this book and the Susan B. Anthony Coven started back in the 70s during the feminist movement, and yes they are both definitely a part of the history of the neo-pagan movement, but honestly I feel parts of this book serve better as a history lesson than a modern day manual.

Sure this opinion won’t be very popular with some people, especially those of the Dianic tradition, but isn’t it time we get past this imbalance of male versus female? Aren’t we enlightened enough yet to accept males and females as equals?

Yes there is some info in this book – most of which can be found in any Wicca 101 fook, and there is of course information specific to the Dianic tradition that makes it a good source of information on the tradition itself.

My problem isn’t with the book, it really is with the tradition itself.  By putting men on a much lower status than women, this tradition is just as guilty of inequality as those religions that make women subservient to men.

Time Wave 2013: The Future is Now  The Odyssey II DVD by Sacred Mysteries Productions.  A film by Sharron Rose.  88 minutes.

www.sacredmysteries.com

www.timewave2013.com

This video focuses on what could be the possible consequences of the Mayan calendar ending on the Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012. 

Two major theories of change exist, (though these can also be broken down into many sub category theories), but the 2 biggest main categories are one - utter destruction of human kind while the other theory takes the opposite approach and sees the complete enlightenment of human kind.

Throughout this documentary, Sharron Rose travels across the ..US.. and into ....Peru.... to speak with different experts regarding their interpretations and predictions on what may (or may not) be the largest galactic event witnessed by mankind.

This documentary is highly interesting and given the different points of view, very thought provoking,  It makes one think a trip to ....Peru.... mid December of 2012 might not be all that bad of an idea.  Besides I hear the weather should be lovely there that time of year.

Seasons of the Witch Weekly 2010

10^th Anniversary Goddess Edition

7^th House Publishing

www.7th-House.com

$19.95

The hard cover and sturdy spiral binding makes this a heavy duty weekly planner that as far as I’m concerned puts the Llewellyn one to shame.

The full color throughout also gives it a real nice look, putting this planner steps above the competition.  As soon as you open it you are greeted with a listing of the dates for the sabbats and esbats included right inside the front cover.

Other features of this planner include month at a glance, weekly planner pages with plenty of room to write in notes or appointments, and a book blessing.

Each day’s information includes the moon phase, current moon name, what type of spells are best performed that day and at what times and what Zodiac house the moon is in.  Secular holidays are also included.

There are some ads included in the beginning of the book but they really do not distract from this beautiful book, and if you don’t like them, you can always tear them out.

Each month starts off with a beautiful picture and information about a different Goddess. The Goddesses covered are Athena, Psyche, Brigid, Aphrodite, Diana, Freya, Isis, Shakti, The Fates, Hecate, Kwan Yin, and Hera.

Poems are also sprinkled throughout that refer to spell casting, and a small bit of info is given on each of the sabbats.

I found this to be a beautiful book that has multiple uses.  It’s heavy duty construction makes it ideal to be really be used on a daily basis as it can take the work load.  I really like this far better than the same old one from Llewellyn every year that really, doesn’t ever seem to contain any new information.  This has real information that you can put to use.  Yes, it’s a little more expensive that Llewellyn’s version, but the price is well worth it.

Drakes Glen Creations

www.chocolatedragon.com

www.paganchocolates.com

Drakes Glen Creations may have just that unique gift you are looking for this Yule season.  For the Pagan that has everything, why not show them you car about them, and their beliefs in one of the most glorious substances known to mankind – chocolate.

All orders are custom made when you’re order is placed, so you are guaranteed some of the freshest chocolates you have ever experienced.

From chocolate bars that say “Merry Yule” to solid chocolate dragons or castle chocolate suckers, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Some of the pagan themed chocolates available include:

ritual tools

Elder Futhark runes

Pentacles

Triquetras

Triple Moon

“Wicca”

Norse Collection

African Collection

Egyptian Collection

Spiral Goddess

Green Man

Thors Hammer

 and more!

More “traditional” items are available such as truffles, toffees and fudges, but they also have interesting and different gourmet flavor bars such as:

Cranberry – Almond Jubilee

Mocha Extreme

Chocolate Mint Medley

Milk Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

High Sierra – White Chocolate

Peanut Butter Crunch

Spotted Cow

Camo

Tropical Fruit

Oasis

Royal Raspberry – Chipotle

Nuno Hazelnut

72% Cacao Extra Dark

Esoterica

Extra Dark Peanut Butter

Extra Dark Spicy (ginger)

These rich handmade chocolates are incredible not only to eat, but to look at as well!  You have to go to this website and just look at how cool these look and then imagine how great they taste as well. My personal favorite were the toffees, incredibly fresh tasting and sooooo rich and yummy --- no way you can get away just eating one piece.  But the novelty pieces are just so awesome and completely different than what you generally find in a candy store, you can’t just pass those by either.  Get your orders in quick to receive your goodies and get some great gifts for Yule!

The Druid Magic Handbook: Ritual Magic Rooted in the Living Earth by John Michael Greer. Weiser Books. 2008

John Michael Greer gets down to the nitty gritty earthiness of druid practices in this what to and how to book on Druid magic.  He doesn’t claim first hand, ancestral, or other rather impossible to verify knowledge. In fact he does tell the readers – yeah that’s right, we don’t know for sure, but ya know, for me anyway, this feels right – and based on the few facts we do know, Greer builds a magical practice that has at least some basis in fact instead of pure fantasy like so many magic books appearing on the market these days.

Designed to help the practitioner bring a meaningful spirituality into their everyday life, Greer draws on a Welsh druid tradition but also acknowledges and encourages those of different traditions to alter these rites and rituals to fit their own standards and beliefs.

This is definitely one of the better higher level Druidry books available on the market today.

Spirit Speak: Knowing and Understanding Spirit Guides, Ancestors, Ghosts, Angels, and the Divine.

Dominguez Jr, Ivo.

New Page Books: ..Franklin.. ..Lakes.., ....New Jersey.....  2008.

By D. Tigermoon

This book is a nice manageable size but packs a huge amount of information between the covers.   The table of contents below shows the chapter titles that the author fills out each with detail and a wonderful variety of examples to illustrate points.  His diagrams and figures are well done and clearly explained, with out so much detail as to make them cluttered.  There are also a good sprinkling of cautions and warnings but realistic ones, not over or understated. 

This is a good reference and learning tool for anyone even remotely interested in the topic.  I quite enjoyed reading it.

Contents:

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Journey of No Steps

Chapter 2: Preparations and Interventions for Higher Order Workings

Chapter 3: Mediumship, Channeling, and Mediation

Chapter 4: Impediments to Clear Spirit Contact

Chapter 5: Ghosts and Ancestors

Chapter 6: Divine Embodiment

Chapter 7: Spiritual Lineage, Egregores, and Sponsors

Chapter 8: Angels, Messengers, and Guides

Chapter 9: The Deities of Animals

Chapter 10: The Great Ones

Chapter 11: Closing Thoughts

Appendix A: The ....Square.. of ..Abeyance....

Appendix B: The Ontogeny Sigil

Appendix C: The Tattva Symbols

Appendix D: The Dream of a Tree Pathworking

Notes

Index

The Karma Sutra: Sex, Love and Relationship Zen.

Wu, Shelly.

New Page Books: ..Franklin.. ..Lakes.., ....New Jersey.....  2008.

By D. Tigermoon

This book has some humor, some serious advice and a lot of good information.  The author presents the information in a fun, easy to read format that is well laid out and makes the serious stuff easy to understand while you are laughing.  It is definitely written for the woman looking for “happily ever after” but has a lot of good information for those of us who are not that woman.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction

Author Note

Part I  Dharma: Spirit, Virtue, and Ethics

Chapter 1: Karma and Your Love Life

Chapter 2: Could Your Past Be Ruling Your Present?

Chapter 3: Soul Partnerships

Chapter 4: Are All Relationships Karmic?

Chapter 5: Love, Karmic Style: The Preliminaries

Chapter 6: Identifying Spiritual Companions: Soul Mates and Twin Souls

Chapter 7: The Anatomy of Bad Relationship Karma

Chapter 8: How Sex Affects Your Karma: Fears, Blocks, and One-Night Stands

Chapter 9: The Biochemistry of Love: Dopamine, Prolactin and Oxytocin

Chapter 10: Sheherazade and the 1001 Nights

Chapter 11: Purposeful Loving: Creating Lasting Love Connections

Chapter 12: Forgiveness: Legacies, Skeletons, and Getting Over It

Chapter 13: Affirmations That Work: Meditation, Guided Imagery, and Accessing

     Your Subconscious

Part II Artha: Happiness, Success, and Prosperity

Chapter 14:  Just for Fun: Rate Your Man

Chapter 15: Cleaning Out Your Romantic Wardrobe

Chapter 16: The 8 Male Archetypes: Explore His Sexual Style

Chapter 17: Do’s and Don’ts of Dating: Some Words of Wisdom

Chapter 18: Bad Boys: Players, Perverts, and Master Sinisters

Part III  ..Kama..: Erotic and Sexual Pleasures

Chapter 19: Seduction, Atmosphere, and Romance

Chapter 20: ..Kama.. Sutra Positions for Enchanted Lovers

Chapter 21: Final Thoughts: Advice From the Sisterhood

Bibliogrphy

Additional ....Reading....

Index

About the Author

Introduction to Pendulums Class

This is going to be a great class and I'm sure we will also have a lot of fun!  If you want to learn how to better use a pendulum, start a divination practice, communicate with spirits, or just learn how to use a pendulum to do fortune readings at your annual Halloween party, then this class is for you!

I can take payment either in cash at the time of the class, you can mail a check or money order early if you like, or I can also take payment through Paypal.  I do have 10 people currently signed up - so we are getting close to the limit!

Light refreshments will be provided.  This is also a great opportunity to network and socialize!

Also I have my favorite candle maker who will be bringing some candles we are designing specifically for divination use, along with some of her popular fall scents.

In this class you will learn:
Different types of pendulums
Blessing and cleansing your pendulum
Relaxation before use
State of ....Mind....
Creating an atmosphere for your practice
Pendulum training

We will do a lot of hands on learning!

What to bring:
pillow, journal or notebook, writing utensil, pendulum
(decorative pendulums will also be available for purchase for $10 each)

Date:  October 17th, 2009
Time:  1:00
Class fee:  $10.00
Class size limited to 15
Location: The Gathering Grove Homestead, Ringwood IL
Instructor: Pagan Author Kerri Connor

Samhain with The Gathering Grove

Please join us Saturday, October 24^th, 2009 for our annual Samhain ritual and gathering to be held at The Gathering Grove homestead in ....Ringwood.. ..IL.....

Social hour begins at 5:00 followed by Ritual, Feasting and Fun!

Please bring a dish to pass.

For more information please email kerri.connor@mchsi.com or visit our Yahoo group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Gathering_Grove/

Newest Book - Goodbye Grandmother – Out Now!

Goodbye Grandmother!

By Kerri Connor

Goodbye Grandmother is the story of eleven year old Hope who is getting ready to attend the Wiccan funeral rite of her beloved Grandmother. Although Hope has attended ritual with her family in the past and her mother is the High Priestess of the grove they practice with, this is the first time Hope has attended a funeral rite and is, needless to say, sad and nervous at the same time.

This story is intended for intermediate children readers as it does contain difficult situations that are harder for younger children to understand. As death is something that affects all of us at one time, or another, this is an important story for children to know there is someone else out there in the world that feels as they do. This is a story that parents should share with a child on it’s first reading, and can then be referred back to as a child goes through the grieving process of losing a loved one. Parts of the story can be read to younger children, with the parents editing out those sections they feel the need to pass on, depending on the age of the child.

  Author: Kerri Connor

  Cover Design: Wyrdwood Publications © 2009

  Length: 4003 word count, 20 pages

  Download: 433 KB

  eISBN: WYRDWOOD-0018

  Genre: Fiction/Children 8-12/Short Story

available at www.wyrdwoodpublications.com

About the Author

Kerri Connor is  the author of The Pocket Spell Creator: Magickal References at Your Fingertips  (New Page Books), The Pocket Guide to Rituals: Magickal References at Your Fingertips  (New Page Books), The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Potions (Alpha Books) and Goodbye Grandmother (Wyrdwood Publications).

Kerri is the High Priestess of The Gathering Grove, and has been practicing her craft for 20 years.

She has been published in several magazines and newsletters including The Blessed Bee, Sage Woman, PanGaia and New Witch.  Currently she runs the website The Pagan Review (www.myspace.com/thepaganreview) on behalf of The Gathering Grove.

A graduate from the ....University.. of ..Wisconsin...., Kerri holds a B.A. in Communications.

Kerri dances under the moon in rural ....Illinois.....  She loves reading, writing, gardening and the Chicago Bears

Crochet Crone

This is an actual real life friend of mine, and her products are really pretty cool!  I myself can’t crochet, do a little knitting, but that’s about it, but Lori has created Pagan and Wiccan themed crochet patterns.  You can purchase the patterns on her site, or hire her to create the piece for you – imagine you’re own Blessed Be afghan to cuddle up with this winter!  And of course the second link is to her blog so you can check that out too!

www.crochetcrone.com

www.crochetcrone.blogspot.com