The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals
and Stones by Margaret Ann Lembo is an extraordinary guidebook to the
stones that decorate our homes, jewelry, and lives. If you want to learn more
about what the gemstones mean, this is an excellent guide to come back to again
and again.
Book
Description
“This ultimate go-to reference features 160 stones you
can use to improve your life on all levels—mentally, physically, emotionally,
and spiritually. Packed with practical information—from each stone's Mohs scale
rating to its divinatory meaning—this unique guide has 190 beautiful full-color
photos of specimens commonly found in metaphysical stores. Each page provides
concise information: stone name, color, chakra, planet, element, zodiac sign,
number, divinatory meaning, and mental, emotional, physical and spiritual uses.
A series of positive affirmations is given for each stone, as well as guidance
on how to use gemstones as oracles for personal development and spiritual
awakening.” – The Essential
Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones
My Thoughts
The
Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones is a truly essential book
for crystals, gemstones, and minerals. If there is one book that you want to
invest in to learn more about crystals, minerals, and stones – this is the book
to buy!
The pictures are all in full color and the two
page guide to each of the 190 specimens contains all of the information you’ll
realistically need to know about each stone. You’ll learn about the color,
chakra, planet, number, element, mohs scale, astrological sign, affirmation,
spiritual use, mental use, emotional use, physical use, divine guidance, and
general information about each stone.
You will also learn about how to choose your
crystals, what the shapes and sizes mean of the stones, how to clean and charge
your crystals, which gemstones work best for each chakra, how to use the stones
in your home, and much more.
I absolutely love this book and have been using it
almost daily since I received it. It is the perfect reference book and I have
honestly learned so much from it. I highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones, Llewellyn, for providing me with a copy of
this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Color Your Life With Crystals by Margaret
Ann Lembo is guidebook for crystals, gemstones, and rocks for the beginner. No
previous knowledge about them is necessary to start your journey, just pick up
this book and start uncovering a whole new way to look at those pretty
gemstones you’ve been collecting!
Book
Description
“If you are captivated
by the beauty of crystals and rocks “Color Your Life with Crystals” is the
right book for you, whatever your age!
Do you feel your eyes
sparkle whenever you look at gemstones? Do they make you feel peaceful, or
maybe even a little magical? This book will be your guide to discovering the
magic of crystals and how they can help you.
Imagine you are a
rainbow of different colors! The colors you are shining are called ‘chakras’
and crystals can help you shine them even brighter.
Find out about yourself,
your crystals, your colors (chakras) and the power of imagination and positive
thinking.
With this book in hand,
go out and create your life, and fill it with light, beauty and color!” – Color
Your Life With Crystals
My Thoughts
Color Your
Life With Crystals is a really wonderful guidebook to gemstones for someone
first starting to explore their relationship with crystals, colors and chakras.
It is written for people of all ages (including children) to enjoy, so it is a
rather simple book aimed more towards kids and teenagers. That doesn’t make it
any less beneficial for an adult first learning about it read though, so don’t
judge it on that alone.
This book is in full color, and the gemstones
featured are all pictured in realistic forms that a beginner could find. None
of the crystals that are featured are too expensive or hard to find, so this is
a huge bonus for this book. Some books feature gemstones that are quite rare
(and equally as expensive), which is often discouraging for those just starting
their gemstone collection. I applaud Margaret Ann Lembo for taking the
direction of her book as she did. It works fabulously, and is very easy to
follow, learn about, and collect the gemstones she features.
If you have always been drawn to gemstones,
crystals, and interesting rocks, but haven’t learned about them on a more
spiritual level, this is the book for you to take that first jump and start! I
highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Color Your Life With Crystals, Findhorn Press, for providing me with
a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Learning Lenormand by Marcus Katz
and Tali Goodwin covers the history of the Lenormand cards, and also teaches
the reader how to use them. The authors cover all aspects of the cards that a
beginner to master reader would need to know.
Book
Description
“The Lenormand deck is a traditional French fortune-telling
deck dating back to about 1850. It uses thirty-six cards, each with a symbolic
image. This is the first comprehensive English workbook that explains its
history, how to choose a deck, and how to use it for both fortune-telling and
personal insight. It features the authors’ signature methods of skill
development and card-reading techniques to answer any question. This is the
first well-researched book that fully explains and teaches the correct and
unique methods of using the cards.” – Learning
Lenormand
My Thoughts
Learning
Lenormand does in fact teach the beginner quite a lot about Lenormand
cards. I would even bet that people who have been using them for years could
learn a thing or two from reading this book. It is well researched, and fun to
read. It is also an excellent reference book when learning how to give
readings.
As someone who hasn’t ever read this style of
cards before, I was fully mesmerized by learning about it, and want to buy a
new deck to try it out ASAP. I’ve used plenty of different style of tarot and
oracle cards, and is just something I am excited to use, hopefully soon.
If you want to learn how to read Lenormand cards,
this is the guidebook you are looking for!
* Thank you to
the publisher of Learning Lenormand, Llewellyn, for providing me with
a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Devil in the Delta by Rich Newman is
a real life ghost hunting case the author experienced that is more terrifying
than even he could have imagined. This paranormal investigator shares with us
what a real case is like when investigating the paranormal – and it may not be
what you originally thought.
Book
Description
“When author Rich Newman first arrives at the battered
doublewide trailer deep in the Mississippi Delta, it’s clear that this is no
ordinary haunting. Called from Memphis to assist a local ghost hunting team,
Newman’s investigation of the Martin house has become his most terrifying and
mysterious case. What starts out as a malicious assault manifesting as deep
rumbling sounds quickly spirals into a story of obsession, possession,
witchcraft, and murder. When the evidence becomes overwhelming, long-buried memories
from Newman’s own past come back to haunt him—memories he’d rather forget.
Collecting physical evidence, researching the violent history of the property,
and sorting through the spiritual implications of demons, Newman’s
investigation of the Martin house is unlike any other.” – Devil in the
Delta
My Thoughts
Devil in the
Delta is a truly great read about the paranormal. As a paranormal
investigator myself, I can confirm that the author knows what he is talking
about, and the book isn’t a whole lot of fluff of a ghost story to sell a book.
This is the real deal, and he tells what being a real ghost hunter is actually
like.
I enjoyed reading this book, and many of the
things that happened to the author in it throughout the case, I was thinking
back on similar cases and clients I dealt with as a paranormal investigator.
Not to give anything away in the book, but trust me when I say it is not like
the paranormal shows on TV. All spirits are not the same, there are many
different types of hauntings, and not all clients want the same type of
resolution to their “problem” with spirits. The key to a good investigator or team
is to know what you are dealing with spirit-wise, and also client-wise. Newman
figured out how to detect both, making him a paranormal investigator I’d be
glad to investigate with anytime.
If you enjoy learning more about the paranormal,
or perhaps you just like a good ghost story, this is a book you’ll enjoy
reading, too. If you are considering becoming a paranormal investigator,
consider this a book you need to read before finding a team to join. I highly
recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Devil in the Delta, Llewellyn, for providing me with
a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Discovering the Medium Within by Anysia
Kiel is the story of how the author dealt with becoming a psychic medium, and
perhaps the journey to becoming one, too. This book covers her personal
stories, and also helps guide you to discover your own medium within.
Book
Description
“Anysia Kiel invites us to witness the wondrous, dramatic,
and truly beautiful moments that have shaped her life as a psychic medium. Her
powerful life story—communicating with deceased family members and friends to
bring comfort, healing, and peace to the living—will inspire you to embark on
your own journey of psychic awakening.
Seeing spirits everywhere—in her
bedroom at night, on buses and streets, and in graveyards—was terrifying for
young Anysia. Then one day her own grandmother in spirit reached out to her,
giving Anysia the strength and courage to begin a journey of self discovery
that forever changed her life. Discover how she learns, with help from her
spirit guides, how to develop and control her profound gift for spirit
communication and energy healing. Her touching story, filled with miraculous
spiritual encounters, concludes with Anysia’s personal techniques for psychic
development to help you reunite with your own loved ones in spirit.” – Discovering the
Medium Within
My Thoughts
This book is filled with the author’s personal
experiences and discovery of her inner medium, but it is also a teaching tool
for people dealing with the same type of paranormal activity. There are also
very helpful chapters on meditation, psychic senses, how to contact your
guides, communicating with passed-on loved ones, and space clearing.
Discovering
the Medium Within is a great read for anyone interested in the paranormal
field. It would also make an excellent gift for someone struggling with spirits
around them, to help guide them on what to do to control the situation. I
definitely recommend this for anyone interested in the subject, and those who
can see, hear, or sense spirits – or want to.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Discovering the Medium Within, Llewellyn, for providing me with
a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Astrology for Writers by Corrine
Kenner is a book for writers that need a little bit of help in the creativity
department from time to time. This book guides you on how to use astrology to
create characters, and essentially entire stories based off of astrology.
Book
Description
“Build your storytelling from the cosmic drama of the stars!
The nighttime sky inspires writers and astrologers alike to spin stories on the
strands of starlight. Discover inspiration for your creative writing inAstrology for Writers, an
essential guide filled with exercises for character creation, techniques for
constructing plotlines and setting, and much more.
Begin
your creative journey with an introduction to the planets, the twelve signs of
the Zodiac, the twelve houses of the horoscope, and other astrology basics.
Learn how to develop unique characters based on mythic archetypes, how to use
astrological imagery and symbolism for your descriptions and dialogue, and how
to put theory into practice with writing prompts and samples.” – Astrology for
Writers
My Thoughts
Astrology
for Writers is a book that teaches about astrology and also gives creative
guidance to writers and artistic visionaries as well. The basics such as the
planets, the signs of the Zodiac, and houses of the horoscope are covered on a
basic knowledge. It is enough information to help with understanding how to use
astrology for writers at least. If you want to learn more about astrology in a
more in-depth manner, there are many other books available for that.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it
taught me more about astrology, and of course how to use it with writing. As a
Leo writer, I found that many of the things mentioned in my chapter about Leos are
quite true. I like to write about hobbies (and other things I enjoy), and I’m
direct and to the point in writing. I also noticed that my families and friends
are generally like their astrological sign as well. I’ll be using this guide
for future stories when doing character creation. It is truly a great reference
for inspiration and creativity for writers. I highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Astrology for Writers, Llewellyn, for providing me with a
copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Intuition for Beginners by Diane
Brandon is aims at making intuition something less mythical, and something more
accessible to everyone. If you think you don’t have any intuition at all, you
may be surprised that you have more than you thought. After all, coincidences
aren’t actually coincidences, are they?
Book
Description
“Whether
your intuition is naturally accessible or hidden,Intuition for Beginnersshows how to enhance your sense of
inner knowing to improve your relationships, solve problems, and make important
decisions. Explore the different kinds of “sixth sense” with professional
intuitive Diane Brandon as she shares how to discover your own intuition and
make it stronger.
Believe it or not, nearly everyone is intuitive!
You can learn to use your intuition as a tool of empowerment at home, at work,
or wherever you face uncertainty or challenges. With dozens of exercises,
guided meditations, and helpful dos and don’ts, Intuition for Beginnerswill have you listening to your inner
voice in no time.” – Intuition for
Beginners
My Thoughts
Intuition
for Beginners is a somewhat basic book that explores intuition. The author
explores the basis of it, and debunks some of the things that skeptics have to
say against it.
I like that the book is varied on how intuition
can be used in your life. You can use it for something simple like picking up
the phone to call someone (or knowing who it is that is calling you, without
using caller ID), or something more complex like in a relationship or making
big decisions in your life.
If you have intuition, if you think you might, or
if you think you have none at all, this is a book that can help you to start
sensing some aspects of intuition better than before you read it. Of course
there are no guarantees, but you will definitely not be any better at it if you
don’t try!
* Thank you
to the publisher of Intuition for Beginners, Llewellyn,
for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed
are my own.
The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot
by Johannes Fiebig and Evelin Burger is a guide to everything a beginner to
master tarot card reader would want to know about the cards. Learn about the
basics first, and then discover more about each of the cards and how to
interpret their meanings in spreads.
Book
Description
“Discover
everything you ever wanted to know about the world's most popular tarot deck.The Ultimate Guide to the Rider
Waite Tarotdetails the ten
most important symbols on each and every card in the deck complete with
hundreds of illustrations for easy use. In addition to an explanation of the
symbols, each card is given a brief interpretation by topic:
• Primary meaning
• Prognosis or tendency
• Spiritual meaning
• Love and relationship meaning
• Daily meaning
• Success and happiness meaning
Writing in a convenient format designed for quick
reference, European tarot authorities Johannes Fiebig and Evelin Bürger also provide
tips, hints, facts, and lore to improve your reading right away. Within these
pages, you will find the top ten most important:
• Ways of using a single card
• Tips and rules for interpretation
• Facts about the tarot
• Interpretations for each suit
• Spread layout techniques” – The Ultimate
Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot
My Thoughts
The Ultimate
Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot is a wonderful guide to the classic Rider
Waite tarot cards. I’ve accumulated many different types of tarot decks and oracle
cards over the years, but this is the ultimate classic that any tarot card
reader worth their crystals knows and uses at least occasionally. This is a
true guidebook for the cards that can teach someone everything they would need
to know about the tarot cards before using, and of course how to use them.
I especially loved learning about the lore behind
the cards, but I do love history and myth. The hints and tips provided were
also quite helpful for people starting out using the Rider Waite tarot cards,
and even though I’ve been using oracle cards for a long time, I learned quite a
lot from reading this book, too. It is a fun read that also teaches those
interested in tarot cards about the subject and how to use it in real practice.
I highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot, Llewellyn, for providing me with
a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Tree of Enchantment by Orion
Foxwood is a book that takes the reader on a soul journey to better understand
the lower, middle, and upper realms. It is not for those merely interested in
it, but for those with a serious awareness about it.
Book
Description
“In Faery Seership the truths we seek can only be found
within ourselves, within nature, and within our relationships to nature. At the
center of the Faery Tradition lies the Tree of Enchantment: the symbol for
these relationships and for the threefold life of humanity. At each level of
the tree, there are attending spirit forces that vary from beings of light to
beings of shadow, from the ancestors of humanity to the architects of form and
nature, from the destiny of our planet to the creation forces of the universe.
The tree's roots grow through the lower world, where all life originates and
the dead travel, its trunk and lower branches reach out across the middle
world, where elemental forces and the four directions guide us, and its highest
branches reach the into the upper world and the Star realm.
Weaving together
folk tradition and extensive academic research, Orion Foxwood has created an
accessible, beautifully written pathway into the Old Religion of Faery
Seership. Based on Appalachian traditions, Wiccan studies, Celtic oral
traditions, and the Craft from Western and Northern Europe,The Tree of Enchantment offers
the student of Faery Tradition both introductory and advanced visionary
practices and authentic tools to learn to navigate the three realms of
humanity. With diligence and an open heart, the reader will learn to cross The
River of Blood, pass through The Gate of Awakening, and over The River of Stars.” – The Tree of
Enchantment
My Thoughts
The Tree of
Enchantment is another marvelous book by Orion Foxwood. This one guides the
reader to understand and then communicate with the three realms. I didn’t
personally do this, but I still find the whole book and process of it highly
fascinating and is something I want to venture into one day.
As I said, this type of work is not something to
be taken lightly, and I personally wouldn’t do these guided visualizations or
exercises without being fully grounded and in complete understanding of what I
was getting myself into. I don’t feel that I am there, so for me, just being
able to read and learn more about it is satisfying for me. If you are where you
think you can do it, then by all means, go for it (and let me know how it
went).
Foxwood’s magical way of writing is weaved
throughout this book, and is truly enjoyable. If this is a subject that
interests you, I highly suggest this book.
* Thank you
to the publisher of The Tree of Enchantment, Weiser Books, for providing me with a
copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Candle and the Crossroads by Orion
Foxwood is a magical book that explains the ways of magic from Appalachian
conjure and Southern root magic. You can learn about spirit sight, candle
magic, use of herbs, roots, stones, blessings, healing, and much more. If you
want to learn more about this type of magic, or practice it yourself, this is a
book you want to read!
Book
Description
“Learn the ways of magic and healing from the living, oral
tradition of Appalachian Conjure inThe Candle and the Crossroads. Orion Foxwood
offers a primer on the real magic and techniques of Southern root magic,
knowledge he learned first-hand growing up in rural Appalachia.
Foxwood explains
magical techniques including:
Spirit Sight
Working by the Signs (the ability to synchronize work
such as farming, fertility of humans and animals, orcharding)
Conjuring
Faith Healing
Settling the Light (candle magic)
Doctoring the Root (the ability to use herbs, roots,
stones, or animal parts—bones, claws, fur, etc. for magic or the clearing,
cleansing, and blessing of the spirit of a person, also known as his or
her root)
Praying or Dreaming True (Blessings of spirit/God to
a person, place, or thing as well as prophetic or predictive dreaming)
Blessing or Cursing
The Candle and the Crossroads shows how to create magic in today’s
world with the old ways and traditions of Appalachia.” – The
Candle and the Crossroads
My Thoughts
The Candle
and the Crossroads is a fantastic introduction style book to the mystical
and passed down traditions of Appalachian conjure and southern root work. Orion
Foxwood writes in an easy to read and follow way, which makes the subject
matter not difficult to follow along with. He writes from the heart, offering
the readers stories, personal accounts, and his wisdom and experience of
practicing in this field for most of his life.
In life there is both good and bad, and such is
the same with magic. Foxwood explains the nature of both, and how there are
benefits and very real dangers of both. Your spirit attracts which type, so
staying in the light so to speak, is the way to go.
You don’t have to try everything or anything in
this book for yourself. If you just enjoy learning more about it, such as
myself, you can simply just learn about it. However, if you want to explore
this realm of magic, this is a very good book to do so. I definitely recommend
it to those curious about it, and those wanting to try it out for themselves.
* Thank you
to the publisher of The Candle and the Crossroads, Weiser Books, for providing me
with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Faery Craft by Emily Carding is a
charming book that looks into the faery realm, and the people who are drawn to
it. It is a guidebook on all things faery. It isn’t too focused on beginner
ideas of the faery, and not too advanced for beginners to be lost on the
subject. It really is a perfect balance for both beginners and advanced faery
explorers to enjoy this book.
Book
Description
“Weave
the Enchanted Realm of Faeries into Your Life
Working with the Faery realm is not about escaping
from reality—it is about engaging with it on every level. Prepare to embark on
a spiritual journey unlike anything you’ve ever known! Faery Craft is a
comprehensive guide to the modern Faery lifestyle and an essential handbook to
human-faerie relations. Brimming with practical and spiritual advice, you’ll
discover how to use Faery magick, create altars, and find a Faery ally. Learn
about proper etiquette, find your unique gifts, use the Faery zodiac, explore
Faery festivals around the globe, and much more.
Enjoy nearly 200 beautiful photographs alongside
original art, poetry, and meditations, as well as interviews with renowned
Faery authors, artists, and musicians. R. J. Stewart, John and CaitlÃn
Matthews, Brian and Wendy Froud, Linda Ravenscroft, S. J. Tucker, and Charles
de Lint are all featured in this glittering introduction to the fae and the
people who love them.” – Faery Craft
My Thoughts
Faery Craft
is the type of book on faeries that I absolutely love. It is loaded with
information, art, exercises for us to try, and personal experiences. Carding
writes with such passion that it really made me as a reader become involved in
the book, and want to try out these exercises too.
The book is divided into brilliantly designed and
outlined chapters including: knowledge, connection, trust, honour, magick, joy,
inspiration, and balance. I enjoyed them all, and found the knowledge chapter
to be especially interesting because the fae may not be who or what you
originally thought after reading this important chapter.
This is a beautifully crafted book about faeries. It
has everything I’d want out of a book about faeries including history, personal
accounts, interviews, poetry, artwork, photos, and so much more. I love this
book, and if you are interested in the faery kingdom, I think you will like it,
too. I highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Faery Craft, Llewellyn,
for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed
are my own.
Impossible Realities by Maureen
Caudill is a more scientific approach to paranormal phenomena. The author comes
from a very scientific background, so even discussing such topics seemed
outlandish to her, until it started happening to her. If you are interested in
learning more about spoon bending, telepathy, reincarnation, remote viewing,
and much more - be sure to read this book!
Book
Description
“Impossible Realitiesis the first book to examine the science behind psychic and
paranormal activity. A former Defense Department expert on artificial
intelligence, Maureen Caudill provides evidence for a wide range of paranormal
phenomena.
Impossible Realitiespresents a wealth of anecdotal and empirical evidence to
prove the existence (and power) of:
psychokinesis (most famously spoon bending)
remote viewing
energy healing
telepathy, animal telepathy
precognition
survival after death
reincarnation
Caudill presents the strongest case yet for bringing paranormal phenomena from
the margins into the realm of the normal and credible. This is a book both for
true believers and skeptics alike.” – Impossible
Realities
My Thoughts
Impossible
Realities is the type of book that can be life changing. If you are unsure
of the paranormal possibilities in our very own reality, this book could shock
you into seeking out the truth for yourself, and finding some truly awesome
things in the process.
The topics in the paranormal realm included are: psychokinesis,
remote viewing, energy healing, telepathy, animal telepathy, precognition,
survival after death, and reincarnation. Each one is discussed to explain what
it is, and also gives anecdotal and empirical evidence of each.
My favorite portion was the one with animal
telepathy. Anyone who has had animals in their life knows that they can
communicate with you. They can tell you things with more than just their barks
or meows. I also enjoyed the spoon bending chapter, I just wish the author had
taught us how to do it, too.
I really like this book. I’ve read many paranormal
books, and this one that offers more a scientific focus on it, which I can
appreciate. Paranormal enthusiasts will be drawn to reading this book because
it offers a different perspective on the topics than many of the other books on
the topic provide readers with. Skeptics that actually read it, may end up
questioning some of their previous “beliefs” about the paranormal field. So no
matter if you are a skeptic or a die-hard believer of the paranormal, I think
if you have an interest in this topic, you’ll enjoy reading this book, too. I
highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Impossible Realities, Hampton
Roads, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions
expressed are my own.
Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop by
Reginald Bakeley is a complete manual on how to identify fairy creatures, track
them down, defend yourself, and banish them from your home. Bakeley explains
how not all fairies are created equal, and even those cute flower fairies aren’t
quite as innocent as you may think.
Book
Description
“Help is on the
way! In the tradition of Lemony Snicket and Roald Dahl, Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop shows how to banish those pesky
dark fairy creatures who are ready to thwart every last pleasure, be it gardening,
country hikes, or even getting a good night’s sleep.
In this charming guide,
“fairy hunter” Reginald Bakeley offers practical instructions to clear your
home and garden of these unsettling inhabitants, and banish them from your
chicken coop and kitchen cupboard forever!
In
Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop readers will discover: Why a bustle in one’s
hedgerow may be cause for alarm. Why a garden fumigator may come in handy on
evenings at the pub. Why a toy merchant, a butcher, and a Freemason are among
your best allies in the fight against the fey.
Goblinproofing
One’s Chicken Coop is the only complete manual on how to identify,
track, defend, and destroy those bothersome brownies, goblins, dwarves,
scheming flower-fairies, and other nasty members of the fairy realm.” – Goblinproofing
One’s Chicken Coop
My Thoughts
Goblinproofing
One’s Chicken Coop is a fun read about serious defense against the fairy
realm with considerable wit and humor. Friends and enemies of the fairy kingdom
will find amusement in this book, and perhaps a trick or two to use in dealing
with fairies.
As a fond lover of the fairy realm, I don’t
exactly like the antics of capturing and getting rid of the fairies, but I do
agree there are some that should not be allowed to run around in one’s home or
chicken coop. I certainly wouldn’t want to eat an egg from a chicken that was
actually a goblin, would you?
Overall, I found this book to be very witty, and
written very well. I liked it, and I think if you also enjoy fairy stories, or
perhaps have a hidden evil fairy in your house you want to get rid of, you’d
like it, too.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Goblinproofing One’s Chicken Coop, Conari Press, for providing me with a
copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mermaids 101 by Doreen Virtue is a book
all about mermaids, dolphins, Atlantis, and the connections they share with us.
If you are a fan of Doreen’s and are interested in this subject, this is a book
you’ll want to check out.
Book
Description
“Mermaids are powerful and graceful inhabitants of the waters
who can teach us about harnessing the unconscious mind's ability to attract,
create, and manifest . . . while having a fun and playful life! In this latest
entry into her best-selling 101 book series (which
include Angels 101, Archangels 101, and Fairies 101), Doreen
Virtue gives you the fascinating history of mermaids and mermen from
Atlantis and beyond.
You'll
read about people's true experiences with mermaids, and learn how you can
unleash more manifestation power by tapping into your inner merperson. You'll
also see images of ancient and modern mermaids, including photos and
descriptions of men and women who wear neoprene mermaid tails and swim in
oceans, pools, and lakes alongside whales, dolphins, and other wildlife. Mermaids
101is a wonderful
reference guide for anyone who is fascinated with this magical underwater
world.” – Mermaids 101
My Thoughts
Mermaids 101
is a book by Doreen Virtue that I have been waiting for years to read. I knew
that she loves mermaids and has featured them as a topic in other books of
hers, such as Earth Angels. I’ve
loved mermaids since I was a kid, and The
Little Mermaid was something I could watch on repeat for days on end. So, this
was a book I was really quite excited to read.
Doreen focuses on mermaids, dolphins, and Atlantis
in this book. She asks the questions of if we all originated as merpeople, explains
the aquatic ape theory, tells of incarnated dolphins amongst us, the difference
of mer-deities, and shares many stories of people who have encountered mermaids
or are a type of incarnated mermaid here on Earth.
The book is in full color, which is really nice
because there are many pictures included in this book of Doreen and her friends
that go “mermaiding” with their swimmable mermaid tails. It is also in
hardcover, which I like more than paperbacks to keep it in good condition for
longer. Mermaids 101 isn’t a large
book, so it can easily be read in one sitting.
As a very big fan of Doreen Virtue, I am quite sad
to say that this book does not live up to my expectations of her as an author.
It isn’t a bad book, but it isn’t the top quality I am used to getting from her
books. It felt more like a story and photo book of her and her friends in their
swimmable mermaid tails. She does offer good information about mermaids, but it
isn’t as in-depth as it could have been. The thing this book is missing most is
the lack of guidelines of how to work with mermaids, which is likely what
people wanted most from this book.
Overall, if you are a Doreen Virtue fan that
really enjoys reading stories of other people’s experiences with mermaids, you’ll
like this book. If you want to read more about mermaids (and not the stories),
the first half of the book, would be the more interesting part to this book for
you. I hope that Doreen writes a more complete book about this subject without
all of the personal experience stories she filled this book up with.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Mermaids 101, Hay House, for providing me with a copy of
this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Modern Magic by Kirsten Riddle is a refreshingly
simple take on magic for modern times. There are no complicated ingredients, spells
you have to memorize, or any of the other things that make it a little bit too “woo-wooy”
for modern people to want to attempt. If you want an easy to read and fun book
about magic in a modern way, this is the book for you!
Book
Description
“Taking
a wholly original approach to self-improvement, the innate magic within each
person is harnessed in this spiritual survival guide that reveals how to
utilize everyday routines and surroundings in becoming a better version of
oneself.
Offering a modern appeal and quirky sense of fun,
newcomers to the practice of magic or those hesitant to commit to a new
lifestyle will find the book to be a relaxed, welcoming aid that will inspire
confidence in the art.
The author also takes on
existing rituals and magic from different eras and nations and adapts them to
the contemporary reader. Enchantment as part of the everyday and the
incorporation of common objects into magic, including modern technology, is
clearly explained. The book provides instructions on how to manifest what is
needed to fulfill desires and needs, and for individuals to fully embrace the
creative and contemporary aspects of themselves.”
– Modern
Magic
My Thoughts
Modern Magic
is written simply and to the point. It is fun to read and nothing about it
takes too long to understand. It is spiritualism and magic in a very condensed
and fast approach that people can relate to. Don’t think that what you’re
getting isn’t just as powerful as long rituals or ancient spells though, it is,
when done with passion and purpose.
I enjoyed reading this approach to magic and
spiritualism, and find it to be very true to what I believe in as well. It can
be used with everyday activities and items, and it doesn’t have to be drawn out
and complicated to get magical results. If you want a modern book of magic,
this is the one for you. I highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Modern Magic, Findhorn
Press, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions
expressed are my own.
The Sims 3:
Supernatural
expansion pack brings more of the paranormal to The Sims 3 game. If you have wanted to play as a fairy, witch,
werewolf, vampire, or zombie, this is an expansion pack you won’t want to miss
out on!
Game Description
“Enter
the mysterious town of Moonlight Falls where strange things happen by the light
of the moon. Create supernatural beings from menacing werewolves and cackling witches,
to mischievous fairies and more intriguing vampires. Then stalk the night, use
your wand to cast spells, claw the furniture and more. You can mix dozens of
elixirs that can turn Sims into zombies or transform them into gold. Share your
enchanted brews with any friends who have The Sims 3! Spooky surprises are in
store for you in the world of The Sims 3 Supernatural!
Play
as supernatural Sims: Create witches, wizards, werewolves, more intriguing
vampires, and fairies, each with their own magical abilities, traits, and
interactions.
Explore
the town of Moonlight Falls: Discover what mysteries and abilities are revealed
by the light of the full moon. Will your Sims freak out or become more
powerful?
Hone
your magical crafts and share the enchantment: Learn to cast spells and find
rare ingredients to brew elixirs, so you can charm or hex your Sims’ lives.
Send your magical elixirs to any of your friends’ games who have The Sims 3.
Your Sims can hone their psychic abilities and build a career as mystic fortune
teller.
Discover
supernatural items: Race around the arena on your broomstick, visit the gypsy
caravan, or preen in front of your magic mirror. Even awaken the classic
character of Bonehilda, the quirky skeletal maid. With tons of new enchanted
objects, what will happen next?
Deck
out your home in gothic style: Add a secret lair with the sliding bookcase door
and fill your home with creepy new furniture.
Zombification:
Mix a special elixir to create shuffling, brain-hungry monsters of your very
own. Chomp on other Sims to spread the love and wreak havoc. Don’t fret, you
can always concoct an elixir to change your Sims back.” – The Sims 3:
Supernatural
My Thoughts
I
had been waiting for a supernatural or paranormal type of expansion to The Sims 3 since it was first released.
I love everything having to do with the paranormal, so when I heard about the
release of this expansion pack, I was beyond excited. After finally being able
to play it, I am pleasantly surprised with everything, and am still having a
lot of fun with it.
Fairies
have been the playable life state I have really wanted to play. When you “Create-A-Sim”
you can pick the type of fairy wings your fairy will have, and everything else
you’d normally be able to choose for your new Sim. They can fly around, grow
plants well, build charisma faster than normal Sims, and can use their magic
for good, or be mischievous and use it for bad.
Witches
and wizards brew potions, duel with other witches, ride around on a broom, and
they too can use their magic for good or bad. Having a family (or school) of
witches in your game makes it more fun than just having a lone witch in the
town, but to each their own.
Werewolves
are an interesting type of Sim to play. They live slightly longer than regular
humans, hunt collectibles, and gain athletic skills faster. They are also
hairy, howl at the moon, and can be moody and start fights often. It isn’t my
favorite addition to the game, but if you are creating a true paranormal town,
you’ll need to throw in a few token werewolves. I only wish they were able to
be as hot as Alcide in True Blood.
Zombies
move slower than other Sims, but try to attack the other Sims in town to eat
their brains and turn them into a zombie, too. They aren’t a favorite of mine
either, but I’m not a big zombie fan.
Vampires
have been in the game since The Sims 3:
Late Night expansion pack, and they are also included with the “Supernatural”
expansion as well. Nothing too big has changed with this supernatural creature,
but it is still extremely fun to play, and an expected add-on for this game to
add too.
The
new town with this expansion is called “Moonlight Falls.” It is a truly
supernatural town that is beautifully designed and one of my favorite towns to
play in now. The new supernatural themed clothing and items are all fun and
enhance this expansion pack even more. I absolutely love this game, and
consider it the best expansion pack that they have released for The Sims 3 so far. I highly recommend
it!
* Thank you
to the publisher of The Sims 3: Supernatural, Electronic Arts, and Gamers
Gate for providing me with a
digital copy of this game and allowing me to review it. All experiences and
opinions expressed are my own.
The Last Frontier by Julia Assante
is a very powerful book that can fully transform your thoughts and beliefs
about the afterlife. She magically weaves scholarly facts with religion and
personal accounts of the afterlife. If you are curious about what happens once
we die, or if you want to try to make contact with someone who has already
passed on, this book could help answer some of your most important questions
about the other side.
Book
Description
“Knowledge of the afterlife can trigger dazzling
transformations in body, mind, and spirit. It unleashes our authentic selves,
radically resets our values, and deepens our sense of life purpose. From it we
discover that the real nature of the universe is the very essence of
benevolence. In this comprehensive work, Julia Assante probes what happens when
we die, approaching with scholarly precision historical and religious accounts,
near-death experiences, and after-death communication. She then presents convincing
evidence of discarnate existence and communication with the dead and offers
practical ways to make contact with departed loved ones to heal and overcome
guilt, fear, and grief.” – The
Last Frontier
My Thoughts
The Last
Frontier is a very well written book exploring the afterlife and our fears
about death. If you have ever lost someone close to you, or been ill to the
point of near-death yourself, the thought about life after death probably
crossed your mind more than once or twice. You may have been scared to die,
curious about what happens next, and maybe even sought out evidence or
literature about the subject. The fact is, nobody knows for certain. We’re all
still alive. However, special people in the world such as Julia Assante are
able to help ease the mind about it with her ability to communicate with the
other side. Another big shocker here: we can all start this communication with
loved ones who have passed. Assante helps explain how to do so in this book,
which I found to be an excellent guide.
I admire Julia Assante’s work in this book, and
her scholarly background (she earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University), as well
as her skills communicating with the dead. She writes with a passion and
knowledge that many in this field often fail to portray. I enjoyed this book
very much and if you are curious about the afterlife, I think that you will
enjoy it too. I highly recommend it.
* Thank you
to the publisher of The Last Frontier, New
World Library, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All
opinions expressed are my own.
Psychic Readings with the Thinkers of Heaven
by John and Martha McGinnis is a book that showcases Martha as a psychic and
uses channeling methods to get the information that is transcribed in it. If
you are not a fan of books such as this, then obviously this isn’t for you. Don’t
even bother reading this review. However, if you are open minded and enjoy
books such as this, then keep reading and check it out.
Book
Description
“Extraordinary psychic medium Martha
McGinnis transcribes detailed, one-hour conversations with spiritual and
historical figures. Persons contacted through this channeling process include
religious leaders (Jesus, Buddha, Moses, Abraham, and Lao Tzu), political
figures (Churchill, Gandhi, and Lincoln), natural scientists (Einstein,
Galileo, and Feynman), social scientists (Jung and Friedman), writers and
artists (Shakespeare, Milton, Pope, and Leonardo da Vinci), philosophers (Plato
and Emerson), and jurists (Holmes and Bacon).
We ask readers to suspend disbelief and consider
the profound implications of this new view of a benevolent universe, which
differs dramatically from views offered by either clergymen or scientific
materialists. These path-breaking psychic readings demonstrate that God is an
All-Forgiving and All-Loving figure, there is no Hell or Purgatory, and
virtually all persons obtain admission to heaven. These readings describe in
rich detail the activities of men and women in heaven, heaven’s view of
progress on earth, and the best means to worship and serve God. The final
interview with the Father-Mother God states this: “I want every man and woman
to hear that they are uniquely beloved. My wish is to glorify each person’s
unique individuality. That is what God wants to do. God wants to reach out and
pull every suffering heart into consciousness of its own beauty and glory, and
to make all people understand how well beloved they are—cherished, treasured. I
want to bring about this understanding and this acceptance.” These channeled
interviews are full of new biographical and historical information, as well as
fascinating insights into science, the creative process, planetary evolution,
political science, and global economics. This volume ends with practical advice
on channeling techniques useful for others.” – Psychic Readings with the Thinkers of Heaven
My Thoughts
Psychic
Readings with the Thinkers of Heaven is an interesting look at life after
death, heaven, and much more. You get out of this book what you are meant to.
Not everything written in it will resonate with everyone. However, the things
that you do hold true to your beliefs, and the things that the book allows you
to process and open your own mind up to can be beneficial for you.
* Thank you
to the author of Psychic Readings with the Thinkers of Heaven for providing me
with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Inside the Other Side by Concetta
Bertoldi is an excellent resource guide for beginners to learn about the “other
side.” Bertoldi is a celebrity psychic medium, and in this book she shares what
she knows about a variety of subjects on the other side. If you’ve ever been
curious to what is going on over there, this is a book you must read.
Book
Description
“Psychic medium Concetta Bertoldi knows how it is: Heaven is
perfection. Life on Earth is the tough part.
It's here we need to
meet challenges, learn lessons, and grow spiritually even as we cope with our
sense of "aloneness" and "not enough-ness" or the loss of a
loved one. Through all of this our guardian angels, those who have crossed to
the Other Side—or "the dead guys," as Concetta calls them—offer us
loving, behind-the-scenes assistance.
InInside the Other Side, Concetta
explains the importance of the agreements we make with God before being born
into a new physical life. She gives advice on dealing with life's difficult
issues: from relationships to a lack of abundance, from illness and aging to
coping with loss. Concetta's wise, witty, and uplifting assistance will help
you get more in touch with the Other Side so that you can call on your own
angels whenever they are needed the most.”
– Inside
the Other Side
My Thoughts
Inside the
Other Side is written in a very easy to read way. Concetta Bertoldi is
caring, and reading this book makes you feel like you know her, or are a
longtime client of hers. In this volume she shares the basics of such things
as: soul contracts, life lessons, mission entities, mystical travelers, angels,
energy, negativity, and much more.
My favorite part in this text is the chapter on “How
to Be an Angel on Earth.” She explains that everyone has the capability to be
an angel right here on Earth. We all have the qualities and abilities to change
even one person’s life for the better, and we need to do it.
Although this is a very good beginner book to the
“other side” it doesn’t quite give enough in-depth information for
non-beginners. All of the information is covered in a very limited basis, just
scratching the surface. It is perfect for the beginner, but again, not much
different than other books on the subject. If you’ve read similar books, it
isn’t likely you’ll learn too much new in this one.
* Thank you
to the publisher of Inside the Other Side, William
Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions
expressed are my own.
Mind Reader: Unlocking the Power of Your
Mind to Get What You Want by mentalist Lior Suchard is an interesting
book about the author’s life, and how he uses some of his mind reading
abilities for his performances. Do you want to know some of the secrets of
mentalists, or perhaps try them out for yourself? If so, be sure to read this
book!
Book
Description
“Do you believe it's possible for someone to read your mind?
Lior Suchard can. He can
read your innermost thoughts, and knows what you are going to say before you
say it—before you evenknowyou're going to say it!
As a six-year-old boy in
Haifa, Israel, Lior first realized he had an extraordinary mental power. Now he
is known throughout the world as a dazzling entertainer and peerless mentalist,
astounding audiences everywhere with his singular talent for mind reading,
thought influencing, and telekinesis. InMind
Reader, Lior takes us on an incredible journey through the wonders of the
human mind, sharing his remarkable personal story while offering invaluable
advice. Lior's secrets and lessons, illustrated throughout with interactive
elements and brainteasers, will enable readers to achieve phenomenal success by
unlocking their untapped mental powers and freely embracing their inner
mentalist.” – Mind
Reader
My Thoughts
Mind Reader
is written in a fun and engaging manner that pulls the reader in and makes them
feel as if they are in the audience of one of the author’s performances. Lior
shares his path to becoming a mentalist stage performer, and even though it isn’t
a common profession, it does make for some interesting reading.
Lior doesn’t share that many secrets of his trade,
but does give a few good examples of things you can do to try mind reading out
for yourself. The most useful is probably the way he suggests reading body
language and other non-verbal expressions. Creating positive energy is also
another good area to focus on because this is something that everyone can
definitely use more of in their life.
I would have preferred there to have been more
examples or exercises for the reader to try mind reading for themself. Most of
the book is focused on the author’s life and the stage performance he is
recounting for us to read about. While fun, it doesn’t honestly “unlock the
power of your mind to get what you want.”
* Thank you
to the publisher of Mind Reader, William
Morrow, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions
expressed are my own.
The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals
and Stones by Margaret Ann Lembo is an extraordinary guidebook to the
stones that decorate our homes, jewelry, and lives. If you want to learn more
about what the gemstones mean, this is an excellent guide to come back to again
and again.
