Book Review: Once Upon a Place by Holly Bellebuono

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.

Wow! Before I delve into the heart of my review, I would like to thank Llewellyn for allowing me to read and review what is one of the best nonfiction books I have read thus far this year. I must also preface this review with a disclaimer that this is not a traditional occult book, but instead a literary analysis of the meaning of places in legends, myths, folktales, and children's stories. If that doesn't sound like something you are interested in, then this probably isn't necessarily the best book for you, but I would implore you to at least give it a try.

Once Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film by Holly Bellebuono delves into the world of fiction to explore themes and messages that are commonly found in the World Journey or Hero's Journey and how the lessons are conveyed through the use of different locations. The themes are so prevalent that they can be divided into distinct categories: the Cavern, the Deep, the Vessel, the Forest, and the Labyrinth. Furthermore, these tales feature similar character elements: Descent and Resurrection, Chaos and Void, and the Beast and the Guide. She explores a variety of myths from around the world, including not just the ever poignant works of the colonizers, but also tales from indigenous peoples in Africa, South America, and North America, with the expressed goal of showing this is not a Eurocentric phenomenon, but a human one. We are all linked by the stories we tell, and the similarities across cultures reinforce that the human condition is universal.

I absolutely loved her approach and devoured this book in two days. It is not a super-easy read, but Bellebuono is so engaging and thought-provoking, I struggled to put it down. In fact, I was reading snippets in between running dungeons and raids in World of Warcraft, and at one point, my friend told me to wait at the end of the dungeon while he cleared it so I could finish out a chapter. I was that engrossed in the information Bellebuono had to share with the world. Once Upon a Place is very clearly a labor of love.

So why would a witch and an occult publisher be interested in reading and publishing such a work that is clearly meant for the literature analysis world? Because the stories we tell have deep meaning and lessons that all of us can benefit from, especially the witch. As a witch who analyzes old stories to glean magical truth, Bellebuono has given me a lot to think about. Who is the Guide? The Beast? Where is this story taking place, and what does that mean for the protagonist? How is a Forest different from a single tree? A Labrynith different from the Vessel? These locations give a whole new meaning to the stories I have read dozens of times, and as I continue to read more of the Nordic myths, I will be looking out for Bellebuono's classifications.

It's not just in the analysis of ancient myths and legends, however, that Bellenuono's work is helpful. If you are into analyzing your dreams, reading tarot, or hedge riding, this book will be of particular use. Bellebuono ascribes meaning to what a lot of us would otherwise overlook. Thinking of my own hedge riding practice, I also descend into the Otherworld before ascending with enlightenment. I never really understood why until now: thematically, humans have always descended into the unknown before ascending with new knowledge, power, and strength. This is exactly what most hedge riders are doing as well, without even knowing they are doing it! Furthermore, understanding the meaning of places can help you better understand the messages and lessons being taught by your dreams, journey, or divinatory practices. How is finding yourself in a Forest different from finding yourself in a Cavern? Going back and reading through my past hedge riding journeys, I have realized I have been missing valuable information without even realizing it.

I cannot begin to express how helpful and enlightening I found Once Upon a Place. If you are interested in taking your practice to the next level, especially if you are interested in folklore, dream magic, hedge riding, or tarot. My only qualm with Bellebuono's work is the inclusion of Harry Potter, whose inclusion continues to perpetuate an incredibly harmful IP. I wouldn't let its inclusion stop you from picking up this book, though.

Upon a Place: Forests, Caverns & Other Places of Transformation in Myths, Fairy Tales & Film by Holly Bellebuono is available now wherever books are sold. Again, I highly recommend picking up a copy today!

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Butterfly Pea

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Clarity, Fertility, Healing, Love, Lust, Peace, Purity

Magical Uses and History: The butterfly pea, a vibrant blue-flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, has long held cultural, medicinal, and magical significance, particularly in India, Thailand, and Malaysia. The earliest known mention of its uses comes from ancient Ayurvedic texts, where it is referred to as Shankhpushpi or Aparajita. In these texts, butterfly pea is mentioned as enhancing memory, promoting cognitive function, and reducing stress. It was used in similar ways across the continent, making it the perfect addition to spells and rituals related to memory, stress relief, and cognitive function. Drink as a tea to during studying or while working on a difficult assignment. Add the flowers to memory spell bags or jars, burn as an incense, or place near your bed to help you remember your dreams. It can also be used to bring balance and harmony due to its tranquilizing properties. As such, add it to spells and rituals to bring balance and harmony, soothe tempers, and promote overall well-being.

Across the continent in China, butterfly pea is associated with love, lust, and sex, particularly for people with female genitalia, due to the flower's uncanny resemblance to a vulva. It's due to this appearance that Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus assigned butterfly pea to the genus Clitoria, a somewhat controversial name. Needless to say, butterfly pea is often believed to support feminine health and wellbeing and promote fertility. This makes butterfly pea flowers perfect for spells related to feminine health and wellness, fertility, love, lust, and sex. Add to teas with roses and cinnamon to draw love to you, use in ritual baths to increase lust, or add to spell bags and bottles for similar purposes.

Apart from its uses in healing and love spells, butterfly pea is also associated with protection, purity, and clarity. In Hinduism, the butterfly pea is sacred to the goddess Durga and is often used in prayers as a symbol of purity and spiritual clarity. The name Aparajita is derived from the word "Aparjeo," which means undefeated. As such, butterfly pea flowers can be used in spells and rituals for protection and to connect with the divine. Burn as an incense to open your mind to communicate with the divine, add to altars as an offering, or hang in your home for protection.

Butterfly pea's vibrant color is also believed to symbolize good fortune and prosperity. In Hinduism, butterfly pea is offered to the Shivling on Mondays and Saturdays to ensure the family never suffers from a shortage of money, while it's given to Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays to ensure continued wealth and prosperity. In Thailand, drinks and desserts made from butterfly pea are often served to bring the newlyweds good luck and prosperity. Add butterfly pea to spells and rituals to promote wealth, money, and prosperity.

Butterfly pea can be used in a number of spells, including:

   Protection Spells

   Healing Magic

   Prosperity Rituals

   Love Spells

   Sex Magic

   Peace Magic

Medicinal Uses: Butterfly pea is rich in anthocyanins, an antioxidant known to reduce free radicals and protect against cellular damage. It could potentially lower one's risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, slow down the aging process, and support overall immune health. Due to high concentrations of acetylcholine, butterfly pea is often used to improve memory retention and recall, enhance focus, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. It's also used to relieve stress, enhance mood, and promote sleep. Some studies also suggest butterfly pea may help regulate blood sugar levels and, therefore, can be used to help prevent diabetes in high-risk individuals.

Preparation and Dosage: As an infusion, combine 1 teaspoon butterfly pea flowers with 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the infusion to steep for 5 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day. As a tincture, take 1-2 milliliters up to 3 times a day. Butterfly pea can also be used in salves to decrease signs of aging.

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Magical Properties of Mangano Calcite

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Dragon's Blood

Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Exorcism, Healing, Love, Protection, Purification

Magical Uses and History: Despite its name, dragon's blood is a resin commonly harvested from trees such as Daemonorops draco, Dracaena cinnabar, Dracaena draco, and Croton lechleri. Each variety has slightly different chemical and aromatic properties, but all share the characteristic crimson hue and are, therefore, used interchangeably in spiritual practices.

One of the earliest mentions of dragon's blood dates back to the 1st century, where it is noted in Periplus Maris Erythraei as a product of Socotra, a large trading center. Dragon's blood was used as a dye and paint pigment, as well as medicine. Traditionally, dragon's blood was used to cure a variety of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems as well as to treat minor wounds and abrasions across the world. The Greeks and Romans used it to halt bleeding and promote coagulation, and later as an astringent, a practice shared by those across Asia and Central America. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed to promote circulation and stop bleeding while warding off evil spirits. It continued to be used well into the medieval and Renaissance periods, its name and historical uses being the subject of significant debates. 

Around 50-80 AD, Pliny and Dioscorides refer to a cure-all known as cinnabaris or cinnabar. According to Pliny, cinnabar was the product of elephants and dragons fighting to the death and their blood mingling. It wasn't until the late 1400s that anyone sought to question Pliny's description, with multiple naturalists, physicians, and botanists arguing over what cinnabar actually was. Today, modern translations believe cinnabar is a reference to the tree Dracaena cinnabar, the Socotra dragon tree, which produces dragon's blood resin. According to Greek myth, the tree originated from the blood of the dragon Ladon, who was slain by Hercules. Upon the dragon's death, the blood seeped into the ground, resulting in the dragon tree being born. Needless to say, dragon's blood is perfect for spells and rituals involving healing and protection. Sprinkle around your home, burn as incense, or add to protection spell bags to create a protective barrier and promote health and well-being. Dragon's blood can also be added to oils to anoint candles, entryways, or yourself for similar purposes.

Due to its red color and its association with dragons, dragon's blood is also believed to enhance personal power and amplify one's magic. It can easily be added to spells and rituals to boost the energy of the spell as well as the energy of other ingredients within the spell or ritual. Because of its ability to amplify, dragon's blood is the perfect resin to use when consecrating ritual items, invoking spirits, or awakening spell ingredients and tools.

Apart from its use in medicine, dragon's blood was highly sought after as a dye and pigment for paint. It was used to stain furniture and violins, to create paint, and even in photoengraving. As a result, dragon's blood makes a great magical ink to write spells with or to use in your grimoire. It can also be used as a blood substitute due to its rich hue.

Dragon's blood can be used in a number of spells, including:

   Protection Spells

   Healing Magic

   Purification Rituals

Medicinal Uses: Dragon's blood is derived from multiple tree species, but Dracaena cochinchinesis and Daemonorops draco are the most commonly used in medicinal applications, although all varieties have been found to be generally safe. Dragon's blood is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, providing protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Studies have shown promising results in dragon's blood use for treating topical ulcers due to conditions such as herpes, as well as minor wounds and cuts. Internally, dragon's blood is antidiarrheal and is sometimes used to treat diarrhea or dysentery.

Preparation and Dosage: Externally, dragon's blood can be used as an ointment or a diluted tincture to treat ulcers and minor skin abrasions. To dilute, combine 3 to 5 drops of dragon's blood tincture with one ounce of water. Rinse the ulcer or wound up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 1 milliliter with 2 ounces of water or juice up to three times a day. 

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Book Review: Celtic Hedge Witchery by Joey Morris

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.

I am so thankful Weiser reached out asking if I would like to review Celtic Hedge Witchery: A Modern Approach by Joey Morris. I will never turn down a book on hedgecraft as I am always looking for new perspectives. There are so few resources out there for the budding hedge witch as it is, so when one comes along, I know I have to review it.

Celtic Hedge Witchery focuses on Morris's personal gnosis with Celtic influences. Most books on the market on hedge craft focus more on the Celtic side of things, so it's not surprising Morris does as well. However, Morris takes a more academic approach, analyzing the historical literature, similar to what I do here on my own blog. I absolutely loved her approach, but it makes for a denser read than other occult books for sure.

Morris delves into Celtic folklore, including the tale of Taliesin, the Cauldron of Poesy, and more, to establish the foundation of her practice. This includes a hedge witch's connection to the natural world, the three realms of the Otherworld, plant spirits commonly used by hedge witches, and even shapeshifting. Within several chapters are exercises, mostly visualizations, to help you ground, center, and release, connect to the three realms and the cauldrons within you, and even build your sacred grove, which I refer to as my garden. These visualizations are beautiful and will certainly help those of you who need more direction to help you get into hedge riding. 

There are also multiple chapters on connecting and working with plant spirits, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the inclusion of some of my favorite plants to work with as a hedge witch, such as nettle and dandelion. These chapters use the Ogham along with visualizations to build connections as they relate to hedge riding and spirit work. I can't wait to spend more time with these chapters and start incorporating them into my own practice. While I am leaning further away from Celtic-inspired hedge craft and more towards a Norse-inspired practice, the approach and skills outlined in Celtic Hedge Witchery are easily transferable. That's part of what makes most occult books worth reading, even if you do not share the author's practice. The lessons, skills, perspectives, and general practices are easily transferable to any practice, and can open your mind to more creative pursuits.

Morris also covers basic protection, wearing of a mask (loved this chapter), and offers practical hedge riding advice, but I felt there was more theory and less practice in this book. This is an excellent introduction, to be sure, but it needs to be paired with other works and potentially a teacher to help you effectively begin hedge riding. For this reason, I ended up rating the book 4.5 stars instead of 5.

If you like my approach to analyzing historical texts as a way to explain the theory behind the practice, this is definitely the book for you. I am going to go back and reread Celtic Hedge Witchery simply because I enjoyed Morris's approach so much, and I did not feel I was in the correct headspace to completely process all she had to offer on my first read through. This book is definitely one you need to sit with and process to fully grasp the concepts being taught.

Despite wishing there was a little more in Celtic Hedge Witchery, this is probably one of the best foundational hedgecraft texts currently on the market, especially if you already practice a Celtic-inspired Craft. Morris lays out the historical evidence and adapts them to modern life flawlessly. This book is certain to please all of you hedge witches out there and hopefully adds context to your craft.

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