Book Review: Becoming Baba Yaga by Kris Spisak

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's been a while since I read an occult book! Lately, I have been focusing on reading fiction as a way to help dissociate from reality. Don't get me wrong, I am still doing the work, but we all need a break and to take time for self-care. Reading is one of the ways I do that. Despite focusing mostly on fiction lately, I finally got around to reading Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods by Kris Spisak. I was obviously meant to wait to read this book until after the election, as Baba Yaga has many lessons to teach us during such trying times.

Unlike many other occult books I have reviewed here on Flying the Hedge, this book is purely a breakdown of folklore. There are no discussions of practical application, just pure folklore analysis and history. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I am a sucker for folklore. The stories we tell and pass down ring with truth and give us amazing insight into how our ancestors lived, survived, and taught lessons. Baba Yaga is one such figure and boy oh boy does she have some lessons to teach us, despite the lack of practical application, if only one knows where to look.

Spisak does not hold your hand in this book, leaving the reader to do the majority of the work. Sure she breaks down some of the lessons we can garner from the stories about Baba Yaga, but you are required to figure out how to use the knowledge and lessons contained in the stories and analysis. Media literacy is a skill that must be honed through trial and error, and what better place to start than with a teacher such as Baba Yaga?

Each chapter opens with a story, many of which Spisak added to without taking away from the lesson within. These stories are an amalgamation of hundreds of stories passed down through the generations, which have transformed with the people telling them. Following the short stories, Spisak breaks down some of the meaning and history behind the tales, sometimes going so far as to discuss language throughout the centuries. I am such a sucker for language. That analysis of each tale is fascinating and paints Baba Yaga in a completely new light, giving more depth and meaning to her stories than what modern media has. I found myself unable to put the book down once I got started, having to remind myself that it was time to sleep as I had work in the morning.

As I mentioned, this book does not offer practical application, but I don't feel it needs to. The purpose is to ground Baba Yaga in our reality and learn from the lessons she has to share with us. She teaches us to be loud when others are silent; to be cunning and self-sufficient; to be a great power capable of great transformations. She also reminds us that to be such things as a woman will transform us into a "witch" as nothing hates a loud, outspoken, sexual woman more than the patriarchy. In times of great change and turmoil, Baba Yaga reminds us to go against the grain, even if it's difficult to do so. According to  Timothy Snyder in his book On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, one of the greatest ways we can fight back against tyranny and authoritarianism is to not get comfortable and to not go quietly into the night. What better way to do so than to turn into Baba Yaga ourselves?

I highly recommend reading Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods by Kris Spisak and even pairing it with Baba Yaga's Book of Witchcraft: Slavic Magic from the Witch of the Woods by Madame Pamita which touches on many of the same stories with practical application built in. Between the two of these, you are well on your way to becoming Baba Yaga herself.

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Borage

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Courage, Joy, Happiness, Protection

Magical Uses and History: Often referred to as starflower for its bright blue, star-shaped flowers, borage is often viewed as the flower of courage and happiness. Where exactly it gets its name is up for debate, but some suggest it comes from the Celtic borrach meaning "courage" or possibly from the Latin borra meaning "rough-hairy." 

While absent from most classical and modern pharmacognosy, borage does appear in some ancient writings from Greece, particularly Dioscorides and Pliny. Both of these references are rather generic and vague, leaving us to guess as to what plant they were talking about. In both texts, borage is referred to as bouglōsson meaning "ox tongue" and is said to bring cheerfulness when added to wine. Pliny also believed borage to be the Nepenthe referenced in Homer's Odyssey which induced absolute forgetfulness when infused in wine. This was done not out of malice, but to wipe away the fears, stresses, and concerns so happiness and joy could take root. Pliny called this mixture Euphrosynum after Euphrosyne, the Greek goddess of joy. This is corroborated by more contemporary courses which also cite borage as having a euphoric effect. The eleventh-century School of Salerno states that borage "warms the heart and brings good cheer." which is further supported by Burton in his Anatomy of Melancholy, Herard, and Culpepper, who all write borage leaves are useful against melancholy and help bring joy. Culpepper, in particular, suggested taking borage as "candied or jellies flowers" which I believe would make anyone cheerful. Modern research indicates that borage does in fact uplift one's spirits by stimulating adrenaline production, acting as a natural antidepressant. As such, borage can be used in spells, rituals, and recipes to fight depression and anxiety while bringing joy and cheer. Carry fresh blossoms to stimulate happiness, burn as incense to bring joy, add to spells for happiness, or drink as tea for the same purpose.

Apart from bringing cheerfulness, borage has also long been used to induce courage. In Rome, borage flowers were eaten by soldiers before they went into battle, while Crusaders floated the flowers in their stirrup cups and Medieval knights wore scarves embroidered with borage flowers for the same reason. Sometimes the flowers were added to wine or beer to induce courage (liquid courage anyone?). According to an old English adage, ‘Sow Borage, sow courage’. As mentioned earlier, borage may get its name from the Celtic borrach meaning "courage." The Druids considered borage sacred and used it to consecrate weapons before battle to promote courage and strength of will. In Floriography, borage is the symbol of emotional fortitude, while in Victorian flower language, borage is said to mean blunt or rough-mannered. Robert Tyas suggests that a person under the influence of "warming cordial" may well be given the courage that leads to brusque or inappropriate comments. Some sources state borage was brewed as a tea and given to someone you wanted to marry to give them the courage to propose! As such, borage can be added to spells, rituals, and remedies for courage and strength. Wear it in your buttonhole, drink it as tea or mull it in wine, burn it as incense, or add it to spell bags for courage, strength, conviction, and protection. 

When combined with its ability to bring joy, borage is particularly useful in times of great stress, turmoil, or upset. It makes a perfect ally for the darker part of the year and is a favorite among spiritual activists.

Borage can be used in a number of spells including:

   Happiness Spells

   Courage Spells

   Protection Magic

Medicinal Uses: The dried leaves of borage are commonly used as a restorative agent for the adrenal cortex after exposure to steroids or cortisone to reduce stress both internally and externally. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, borage is also used to treat conditions such as pleurisy. Therefore, borage is often used to treat coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The seeds and leaves can also be used to stimulate the flow of milk in nursing mothers. Borage seed oil is naturally high in omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is essential to maintaining skin health and barrier function. As such, it's often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine one cup of boiling water with 2 teaspoons of dried borage. Let the mixture infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 1-4 milliliters up to three times a day.

Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!

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Runic Shield Spell for Energy Protection

I don't know about you, but I am feeling very defeated, sacred, and otherwise just not great. Everything just feels...off. I know I am not alone in this feeling, but seeing and hearing from others who feel the same way as I do has been comforting but also stressful. While I do not consider myself to be an empath (in fact, I have some pretty harsh opinions about the whole idea of being an empath) I do feel a weight on my shoulders when exposed to others who are also struggling. There is a palpable thickness of emotion in the air. Because of this, I know it's the perfect time for some energy shielding and protection. I can't continue to fight the good fight if I am incapable of getting out of bed in the morning. This simple spell is designed to do just that!

What You'll Need

• Black candle
• Hematite
• Algiz (ᛉ) rune
• Match or lighter
  
  

What to Do

Before beginning this spell, it's important to cleanse yourself and the energy you hold as you don't want to lock in any of the negativity you currently hold. How you do this is entirely up to you, but I do have some suggested methods. In Witchcraft for Well-Being, I discuss Earthing as a potential method of cleansing. You could also take a bath or shower, use smoke or sound, or any other preferred method.

Once you are thoroughly cleansed and you have prepared your sacred space, Light the black candle. Hold the hematite in your hands and close your eyes. Feel it warm as you focus on your intention of shielding and protection. Visualize the hematite pulling any remaining negativity from your body. Let the tension in your neck and shoulders relax as you take a deep breath in and out. Once you are completely relaxed place the hematite in front of the black candle.

Next hold the algiz (ᛉ) rune in your hands, as you focus on your intention of forming a strong, impenetrable shield around you. Chant "algiz" (AHL-geez) over and over as you raise the stone above your head and circle it around your body completely. As you do so, visualize a shield forming deflecting negative energies away from you. Repeat this step until you can clearly see or feel the shield in your mind's eye. Visualize it contracting until it rests upon your skin like a film. 

Pass the rune through the flame three times while chanting, "Algiz protect my energy and shield me from negativity. Nothing shall disturb my peace." Allow the black candle to burn out or snuff it out if you are short on time. You can carry the rune for ongoing protection if you wish. Repeat this spell at least once a month.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• Smoky quartz, obsidian, black tourmaline, or other black crystals can be used in place of hematite.
• If you do not have a black candle, white can be substituted. Carve the algiz (ᛉ) rune into the candle prior to use.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or recipe) is just as important as performing it. It helps you understand the process so you can modify the spell or ritual to suit your needs and helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention that by providing these explanations, you can build a better understanding of how spells are written and executed so you can modify and build your own spells (the goal of my Spellcrafting Series). 

This spell begins with a cleansing. Because we are creating an energy shield, we don't want anything to be trapped inside the shield with us that isn't positive. Starting with a clean slate and replacing the energy with positivity ensures the shield keeps the good in and the bad out.

Next, a black candle was lit as black is associated with protection as well as removals and dispelling. The candle, along with hematite, helps pull any residual negativity from you and enhances the protection ability of the spell. Hematite, like the color black, is associated with protection and cleansing. It was warmed in your hand so it could be awoken and filled with your intention.

Finally, the algiz rune was used to help build the energy shield around you as algiz is associated with strength and protection. Like the hematite, it too was warmed in your hands prior to use to infuse it with your intention. It was passed over your body while chanting its name to call forth its power of protection, helping create the energy shield in the process and raise your own vibration. Paired with a visualization, the algiz rune helped invoke the shield you visualized. By chanting and empowering it with your intention, and passing it through the flame, you also created a small protective charm that can be carried on your person for further protection. Fire is associated with change, courage, strength, and life, as well as protection.

As with most spells, this one too shall wane with time. It should be renewed at least once a month, especially on the dark or full moon, or as needed. If you are exposed to excessive amounts of negative emotions or stressful situations, you will need to renew the shield more often. Remember to release the shield and cleanse prior to rebuilding it.

Wish to break this spell? Visualize the shield you created dissolving, shedding, or otherwise dropping off of you. This visualization can be paired with a chant such as "I release the shield for I no longer have use of it."

Remember to record this recipe in your Book of Shadows or use my Spell/Ritual Worksheet for reference later.

***

I know things are scary right now and that you may be feeling hopeless. We may have lost a battle, but we have not lost the war. If we are to continue to care for each other and our communities, we must learn to care for ourselves. Energy shielding is a great way to ensure we can continue fighting, even in the darkest of times. But as Harris said during her concession speech, "Only when it's dark enough can you see the stars." Resistances are built upon hope, I have hope. If you ever need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Email is usually the best option as I am taking a break from social media to protect my own peace. Please do not take that to mean I have stopped doing the work. Mutual aid starts at home, and it's needed now more than ever. We will get through this.

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Vetrnætr/Winter Nights Altar 2024

Winter Nights begins on the first full moon after the Autumn Equinox and lasts three days during which three blots, or sacrifices occurred: Alfablót, Disablót, and Haustblót.

Alfablót and Disablót were believed to be celebrated more privately while Haustblót was a community event. There is some suggestion that Disablót was also celebrated publically, and in some parts of the world, it still is. I, however, have chosen to make this a private celebration. Alfablót and Disablót are both celebrations of our ancestors, local spirits, and deities, each focusing on a different group. Alfablót celebrates our male ancestors, spirits, and Álfar, while Disablót celebrates our female ancestors, spirits, and Dísir. Haustblót, on the other hand, is more of a thanksgiving to celebrate the abundance of the final harvests, give thanks, and honor the spirits and deities that made such a bountiful harvest possible. One last hurrah before the cold sets in and the earth withers.

The themes and symbols represented by this holy tide are the harvest, abundance, cycles, family, heritage, and sacrifice. This is a time to give thanks, celebrate the fruits of our labors, and request continued protection and abundance. With these themes in mind, I created the base altar featured below. Please know that this is the base, not the complete altar. Each night I added new items and conducted short spells and rituals not featured for privacy reasons. I've included an expanded note about this at the end of the post to give you a better idea of what you won't see pictured and why.

1. Harvest Candle Holder with Green Candle- This harvest candleholder has previously graced my Mabon altar for many, many years, but I now find it fitting for my Winter Nights altar, as this is also a time of thanksgiving and celebration of the harvest. It represents the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent autumn and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns yet again toward winter. Like most years, I placed a green candle in the holder to represent abundance, specifically agricultural abundance as green is associated with plants, luck, and wealth. Green also represents the Earth and the gracious gifts She bestows upon us during the harvest, for without Her nurturing soils, we would not have nutrient-rich foods. Nestled around the candleholder are grapes, which are currently finishing up their growing season. These grapes represent abundance and prosperity, as well as merriment and good tidings, as they would traditionally be turned into wine, especially mulled wine. (Where did I get it: Goodwill & Dollar Tree; Cost: $3)

2. Incense Holder with Cone Incense- Incense has been used across cultures to communicate with the gods and send messages to the Otherworld for centuries. It is one of the best ways to trigger a magical response in your brain and let it know it's time for ritual. Furthermore, incense is commonly used as an offering, a gift to those we wish to commune with. For all these reasons I have incense on my Winter Nights altar. I picked a scent that resonated with me, that felt 'right' for the season. Each night of Vetrnætr I lit new incense to carry my prayers, stories, and thoughts to those I was speaking to. I used it to cleanse and clear the space around my altar and to summon the spirits of those I wished to honor each night. (Where did I get it: Five Below; Cost: $3)

3. Autumn Leaf Candle Holders with White Candles- The leaf candle holders are an ode to the season and the changing leaves that herald autumn. Their orange color represents attraction. In this case, it is used to attract the Sun and keep Him burning bright within the sky for a little while longer so the rest of the crops may ripen. In conjunction with the candles, which represent the Sun who is slowly waning in the sky, they work together as a sympathetic form of magic to give the Sun continued strength. Candles are also traditionally used to light the way so souls may find their way home. I included these extra candles to call forth my ancestors and my spiritual guides so I may thank them and regale them with tales of my life. (Where did I get it: Dollar Tree; Cost: $2.50)

4. Jera, Othala, and Algiz Runes- Since this is a Nordic holiday, no altar would be complete without some runes. Jera is the rune of the harvest, representing reward, fruition, commitment, and fertility. It signifies the cycle of life, from birth to death, and abundance to come. As Winter Nights is a celebration of the final harvest, it only makes sense to pay tribute to the harvest through Jera. Othala, however, is the rune of heritage, inheritance, and home. It represents your family roots, your genetics, and your spiritual heritage. This is incredibly important during Winter Nights, as both Alfablót and Disablót are celebrations of our ancestors and heritage. Finally, Algiz is the stag rune. It represents hunting, as well as honor, nobility, and, maybe most importantly, protection. As the Wheel turns, our ancestors would have relied more heavily on hunting as a source of food and would have called upon their ancestors and gods for protection through the harsh winter months. With this rune, I invoke the same protection upon my home, calling for those within to be protected and never go without, even if times are hard and the weather is harsh. (Where did I get it: Won; Cost: Free)

5. Fox Skull- The fox skull represents my animal guide or otherworldly familiar. She has been a staunch companion and ally for many years, and this skull is used as a spirit home for her during my magical workings and spirit flights. She is honored here during Vetrnætr as one of the feminine spirits I celebrated during Disablót. She took center stage on my altar each night, as she is an important part of my practice. I honestly couldn't do what I do without her. Not pictured are her offerings, which shall remain private. Not only does she act as my guide, but she also aids me in communicating with other spirits. She helps to ferry my ancestors into our realm for communication and is present on this altar for the same task.  (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

6. Offering Bowl- Blót means sacrifice, and that is exactly what is to occur during Winter Nights. Each night I made a sacrifice and offering to say thank you to those who have helped me. What I sacrificed each night was different, dependent upon the spirits I was thanking, but it was made nonetheless. The bowl I used is an earthen bowl gifted to me by my best friend on my birthday last year. What better way to use it than to give thanks? (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$8.50

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. This altar is more expensive than some of my previous altars because I wanted to include some new items I purchased this year. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

It's important to note this is not my full altar for Winter Nights. Each night I added new things, the majority of which are very private. This includes pictures of my ancestors, notes, letters, and personal belongings. It also includes some of my ritual tools and sacrifices and offerings I gave. These are private and between me and the spirits I work with, hence their absence from these pictures. I encourage you to do the same with your altar. Remember, part of witchcraft is "to remain silent." This doesn't mean not sharing your knowledge and craft, but being wise in what and how you share. Not everyone has your best interests in mind.

I hope everyone has a blessed winter and that it is nothing but light in the darkness.

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Magical Properties of Fuchsite

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