4 New Releases From Llewellyn Reviews
Ancestral Whispers by Ben Stimpson, Little Book of Witchcraft by Deborah Blake, Inspiring Creativity Through Magick by Astrea Taylor, & Magic of the Otherworld by Morpheus Ravenna
I am so excited to reveiw four new releases for you from Llewellyn Worldwide. This is quite a broad landscape of topics, so buckle up, my little buttercup, and let’s smell the. new book smells together.
Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices by Ben Stimpson (September 2023)
In my line of work as a profession Witch with leanings toward Folk Magic of the American South, the topic of ancestor veneration comes up often in conversation. The most common thing I am asked is, “How?” because in the United State, this is becoming a lost art.
Ben Stimpson presents a cross-cultural, multi-tradition exploration of all aspects of ancestor veneration as a living and growing pratice. The book is academic enough to be reliable, but personal enough to be relatable. Covering everything from pre-life to afterlife and everthing in between, the author dives into all aspects of ancestral communion and devotion.
Moving the conversation of ancestral rituals into the twenty-first century, the author explores at length the many forms of non-bloodline ancestors, including ancestors by affinity, adopted ancestors, pets, and other non-traditional ancestral connections.
The journal prompts included are especially thought-provoking and engaging, as are the many discussions of the different ways to create sacred space in which to receive and honor the ancestors.
My personal favorite chapter was on pilgrimage, a rarely considered but vital aspect of learning about and understanding our ancestors.
This is a much needed, valuable book for anyone reaching backward to explore what makes them who they are.
Llewellyn’s Little Book of Witchcraft by Deborah Blake (September 2023)
The Llewellyn “Little Book” series never fails to impress me by concentrating an absolutely unbelievable amount of information into a tight package. Do not let the title fool you. This book is jam packed with information on all aspects of Wicca.
Admittedly, therein lies one of my most sensitive pet peeves. I enjoy Deborah Blake’s writing very much, but in this, she falls into the same trap frequented by pioneer authors of the 1970s. The title says “Witchcraft” but this is a book about “Wicca.” I love Wicca, however, the use of the two words interchangably has long been an issue for me. Wicca is such a tiny part of what makes up Witchcraft now and throughout history and yet it is the loudest and most prominent part, commandeering the entire conversation as if all Witches call quarters, cast circles, and honor the sabbats.
Blake does give a blink-and-you-miss it nod to Heredetary Witches and Traditional Witches in her list of the different kinds of Witchcraft, but otherwise, the book is about Wicca.
That being said…
This is an absolutely amazing book about Wicca, covering in a nutshell nearly every aspect of practice. This book is perfect for a newcomer to Wicca who wants to know what they need to know. There is a spell for nearly every circumstance imaginable, detailed instruction on ritual practice, and excellent craft suggestions.
If you know a fledgling Wiccan, this book is the perfect gift to safely teach them the basics of Wiccan ritual and practice.
Inspiring Creativity Through Magick by Astrea Taylor (July 2023)
If you are an artist, a writers, or a creator, you need this book. The author does a fine job of teaching the reader how to make magick itself their muse.
The practical exercises, such as the journaling prompts and brainstorm diagramming warm the cockels of my little Virgo Witch heart. The rituals are well-considered and meaningful to the task of awakening the spark of creativity in the reader.
There is a chapter for each of the elements, written from the perspective of incorporating the individual elements into creative force to channel into the inspirational process.
Especially vital is the often overlooked information included in this book on recovery after creation and the importance of reclaiming personal energy from the creative process.
This is an exciting and innovative book that is vital for any person wishing to magically invigorate their creativity.
Magic of the Otherworld by Morpheus Ravenna (July 2023)
When this author decides to throw down, a throw down is going to happen. With unflinching tenacity, Morpheus Revenna weaves through the complicated and nuanced conversation about the path of blended Celtic magic and sorcery.
Bringing together concepts of deity, elemental and Celtic cultural root theologies, the author deep dives into the exploration of the Celtic concept of the Otherworld. This is not a book to enter lightly, but instead a comprehensive study where one chapter builds on the ones before it like a carefully constructed cathedral.
The author moves easily from the topic of poetry and transwork into cursing, necromancy, and war magic. The section on ancestor veneration is especially well done.
This book is a must read for any serious practitioner of Celtic magic and sorcery.
Thanks, Katrina, very interesting information. I did not know any of this!