Book Review: Living Folk Magic by Mary-Grace Fahrun

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 deck in exchange for an honest review.

Folk magic is the heart of witchcraft; it is the foundation on which modern witchcraft is built, despite some people's attempts to discredit it or do away with it. It's the heart and soul of cultures around the world and the focus of my entire practice. Mary-Grace Fahrun, the daughter of Italian immigrants, has spent much of her esoteric career trying to preserve these traditions, which she has eloquently compiled in her latest book, Living Folk Magic: Crafting Your Own Magical Life.

Living Folk Magic is a fairly comprehensive beginner's guide, introducing the reader to various folk practices and how to integrate folk magic into their own lives. Fahrun covers a variety of topics from the four pillars of her craft and basic spells to animism and spirit work. This is a great companion read for anyone interested in hedgecraft or other folk magic traditions, but it should act only as an introduction. Unfortunately, there is not much depth to this book. It certainly covers a wide variety of topics, but those topics will need to be followed up with resources that go into more detail than what Fahrun provides. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you are an expert, you will find the information lacking.

Despite its introductory nature, there is plenty of new and useful information, especially (again) for those interested in hedgecraft. She offers a wonderful step-by-step guide to working with and building relationships with spirits of all sorts, from plants and animals to deities and ancestors. This guide also includes a description of various spirit types, offering suggestions, and ritual outlines to help you get started. While magic comes from within, Fahrun also recognizes that spells often require help from our spirit guides, which is the basis for building and maintaining good spiritual relationships. This also goes hand in hand with her four pillars: cleansing, blessing, protection, and defense.

Having spirits that you work with consistently helps magnify the spell work you do and often acts as your first line of defense against outside sources. I loved her perspective on spirit work and getting to know your spirit allies, including how to "test" a spirit to ensure they are really an ally and not something nefarious. It is refreshing to see other witches who share your same perspective and approach, especially in a world where creating a picture-perfect social media presence is seen as the end goal. This often leads some witches to be performative, completely disregarding the basic foundations, and warping witchcraft and spirit work into something it isn't. Witchcraft should not be overly complicated, and anyone insisting you have to do something a specific way is likely trying to sell you something that "only they can provide." Be wary of such people.

Furthermore, Fahrun does an excellent job encouraging the reader to practice and engage in basic foundational practices, offering tips, tricks, and ideas to get you started. I particularly liked Fahrun's approach to visualizations. Not everyone is able to see an image in their mind's eye, and even those who can often struggle to do so regularly. Fahrun suggests that visualizations can take many forms, such as visualization boards, journaling, and art creation. I can't believe I didn't think of this, to be honest.

Fahrun also connects her practice, specifically those four pillars, to mundane actions as well. Cleansing should not just be magical, but physical; you should honor yourself (blessing), take precautions such as handwashing or wearing bright clothing at night (protection), and go to the doctor when you are sick or taking martial arts (defense). So many of us get caught up in the magical side of things that we forget spells require mundane actions, too. How can you cleanse your space if the floors are covered in something sticky?

The book ends with spells from all over the world and resources you can use to learn more. The spells are grouped by need or tradition, and include what parts of the world the spells originate from. I love the inclusion and integration of many folk magic traditions, so there is something for everyone, no matter where you come from or what you believe. This, coupled with resources, makes the final section a beautiful resource for witches just starting out or with an interest in folk magic.

On top of all of this, Living Folk Magic feels like a conversation with a friend. I found myself nodding along, laughing, or even shedding a tear as Fahrun recounted stories and experiences from her own life. I love reading about personal experiences, and there was absolutely no shortage here.

My only complaints about the book were that it covered a wide variety of topics but had little depth, and the chapter on diasporic folk magic felt weird and disjointed. The sections did not flow well, I wasn't sure what to expect next, and there didn't seem to be a clear rhyme or reason for its inclusion. This kind of makes sense when you think about the disconnect diasporic people feel; I doubt this was intentional, but I felt it all the same.

Overall, Living Folk Magic: Crafting Your Own Magical Life by Mary-Grace Fahrun is a great introduction to folk magic, but certainly not a complete guide. If you are an expert, I would suggest picking up something different.

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The Witch’s Slow Month: Rituals for Rest, Not Resolutions

January arrives each year with heavy expectations. Slogans of "New Year, New Me" abound, gyms decrease their membership rates, and stores line their shelves with every gadget and quick fix they can to sell you on the idea that you need to "fix" yourself. In our current society, resolutions are framed as moral obligations, and rest is treated as laziness, as a failure. While I do not have any qualms with setting resolutions and goals at the beginning of the year, winter is not rhythmically the best time to start implementing those changes.

As mentioned in my recent post, What is Yule?, the Nordic people often partook in oath-swearing during Yule festivities. As Yule historically occurred sometime in January, it is not a far-fetched idea to set resolutions during January. However, those oaths took time to achieve, and often people did not start tackling those goals until spring, when the earth reawakens. The remainder of winter was instead spent reflecting and planning for the future, which is exactly what I propose you do too.

Witchcraft is rooted in cycles, whether you follow the neopagan Wheel of the Year or not. Seeds do not sprout because the calendar turns, but instead lie dormant, gathering their strength for when conditions are right. As such, winter is not a prelude to magic; it is magic, just quieter, like the seeds lying dormant under the snow and frost. After the holiday rush, January invites us to relish in the stillness, the deep inhale of the new year. So instead of asking what you need to change, ask yourself: What needs rest, not repair? What is asking to be held instead of changed?

Today, I offer three rituals for the stillness of January that are meant to soothe the nervous system, deepen your intuition, and align you with winter's natural pace. This is accompanied by some journal prompts and shadow work to release yourself from the cult of productivity. These rituals pair well with my recent posts The Silence Between Seasons: How to Embrace Stillness as a Magical Act Through Tea, Meditation, and Journaling, Runes for the Dark Season: Guidance from Isa, Hagalaz, and Nauthiz, and Still Water Mirror Spell for Reflection.

No-Intention Candle Spell: Releasing the Need to Decide

The purpose of this simple candle spell is to rest without directing energy toward a specific purpose. Instead, it is meant to help you relax and release the need to decide on your goals right now, helping to free you from the burden of choice, at least for now.

Ingredients:

White candle

Instructions:

In a quiet, dimly lit space where you will not be disturbed, light your candle without naming any goals or intentions. Sit comfortably, watching the flame flicker. As you do so, take several slow, deep breaths in through your nose, feeling the tension in your body leaving with each exhale out of your mouth. When thoughts arise, acknowledge them without following them, allowing your mind to calm as well as your body. Continue focusing on the flame and breathing deeply until you feel completely relaxed. When you are ready, extinguish the candle and say, "Not everything must be decided today."

Resting Bowl: Calling in Deep Rest

Despite what our society says, rest is a sacred act. This simple spell helps remind you of this and invites stillness and deep relaxation into your space.

Ingredients:

Small bowl

Water, preferably melted snow or ice

Amethyst or other calming crystal or symbol

Instructions:

Place the bowl near your bed or another place you desire to bring rest. Fill partially with water while saying, "I wash away my desire to always be productive." Holding the amethyst or other calming crystal/symbol in your hands, close your eyes and say, "I invite stillness and rest into my home." Breathe your intention into the amethyst by blowing on it. Place the amethyst in the bowl of water. Each night before bed (or as needed), touch the water and say, "Rest if sacred." Refresh the water weekly.

Warming Charm for Gentle Protection

This simple charm turns mundane objects into magical allies that help protect your energy on low-capacity days. Be sure to pick an item that is both warming, comforting, and easily accessible, such as a scarf, sweater, or blanket.

Once you have chosen your object, hold it close to your heart and say, "What little I have is enough." Visualize the object filling with comforting warmth that draws away your stress, fears, and discomforts. Wear or use whenever you rest or when the world feels too demanding.

Journal Prompts and Shadow Work for January

Journaling is a great way to reflect, especially during the quiet months like January. Through reflection, we can target areas that need attention, break old habits, and let go of things that no longer serve us so we may continue to work towards being our best selves. Below are ten journal prompts to help you reflect on stillness, rest, and quiet.

1. What am I tired of pretending I want?
2. What part of me has been asking for rest the longest?
3. What feels alive even in stillness?
4. If I stopped striving, what might finally speak?
5. What am I allowed to delay right now?
6. Who am I when I am not producing?
7. What do I fear will happen if I stop striving?
8. Who taught me that rest must be earned?
9. What parts of me believe slowness is dangerous?
10. If I didn't have to work to survive, what would I do with my life?

While answering these questions, explore your value without accomplishments, magic without visible results, and your identity without momentum. Who are you when everything is stripped bare?

Taking a break is not a waste of time; it is gestation. What rests inevitably gathers strength in the quiet, allowing us to discern and act when the time is right. You do not need a new self; you need a rested one. So this January, I hope you will let go of the desire to rush forward and instead embrace the magic of rest and stillness.

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Magic Spells Oracle by Judika Illes Review

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 deck in exchange for an honest review.

If you do not know Judika Illes's name, I am going to assume you have been living under a rock. She is one of the largest names in the esoteric community, having written multiple encyclopedias, including her most famous, The Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells. Her work has shaped our community for the better part of three decades. Most recently, her impact has been her Magic Spells Oracle deck, which features 36 oracle cards designed to help you connect internally and externally to your practice.

The deck is divided into suits using the four elements. Each element features nine cards, including animals, crystals, and symbols traditionally associated with Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. There are also two bonus cards called "Balancing Cards" that act as "wild cards" and provide additional insight when pulled alongside others. According to the guidebook, these cards bring "the spread into alignment" and "boost, amplify, or connect the other cards selected in a layout."

Upon all 38 cards in the deck is a title, image, and description of the card's meaning, making this a true oracle deck that is easy to read and understand. The guidebook offers further insight into each card, which I suggest reading through after you have attempted to make sense of a spread's meaning. Since this deck is called Magic Spells Oracle, it is best used to help guide your spellwork, but can be used for basic divinatory practices as well.

Apart from their simplistic yet beautiful design, the cards are large and sturdy. They will hold up well over time, but their size will make it more difficult to bend the cards to shuffle if you prefer such shuffling methods.

Overall, this is a great deck if you are new to reading cards, looking to incorporate cards into your spell work, or wishing to combine oracle and tarot together in your practice!

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A Complete Guide to Hagalaz, the Hail Rune

Today, we continue our runic study journey by looking at Hagalaz (HAH-gah-laz), the Hail rune from the second ætt. Hagalaz (ᚺ) is associated with sudden, unavoidable, or disruptive change, but, despite its destructive nature, it is also a symbol of necessary transformation and renewal, much like the Tower in tarot.

As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Hagalaz's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!

Hagalaz's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Hagalaz (ᚺ) is the first rune in the second ætt, which belongs to Hel. This ætt is characterized by ordeal, disruption, and necessity. Where the first ætt establishes order and potential, the second ætt confronts the forces that break, constrain, and test that order. Hagalaz, being the first rune of the ætt, symbolizes the storm, the violent disruptor, that clears the path for the journey ahead. Like many of the runes I have discussed before, Hagalaz appears in all three runic poems, suggesting similar cultural meanings across the continent.

Icelandic Rune Poem                                  Translation:

Hagall er kaldakorn                                     Hagall - Hail

ok krapadrífa                                               cold grain 

ok snáka sótt.                                              and shower of sleet

grando hildingr.                                           and sickness of serpents.       

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem                            Translation:

Hægl bẏþ hƿitust corna;                               Hail is the whitest of grain;

hƿẏrft hit of heofones lẏfte,                          it is whirled from the vault of heaven.

ƿealcaþ hit ƿindes scura;                             and is tossed about by gusts of wind

ƿeorþeþ hit to ƿætere sẏððan.                     and then it melts into water.

Norwegian Rune Poem                               Translation:

Hagall er kaldastr korna;                             Hail is the coldest of grain;

Kristr skóp hæimenn forna.                          Christ created the world of old.

When we place the Icelandic, Anglo-Saxon, and Norwegian rune poems for Hagalaz side by side, a clear pattern emerges. Each poem defines hail not as an abstract symbol, but as a natural phenomenon that is cold, violent, and inevitable. Hagalaz is not moralized, negotiated with, or softened. It simply is.

First, all three poems identify hail as a form of grain. The Icelandic poem calls it “cold grain,” the Anglo-Saxon poem describes it as “the whitest of grain,” and the Norwegian poem names it “the coldest of grain.” This repeated metaphor is crucial. Grain is normally associated with nourishment, abundance, and life, yet hail is grain that cannot feed. It looks like sustenance, but instead destroys crops, breaks roofs, and injures livestock. Through this shared image, Hagalaz teaches that not all that resembles abundance is beneficial, and that nature contains forces that undo human plans without malice or intent.

It is important to note that hail is not just called grain, but "cold grain," a defining trait of hail. Cold halts growth, arrests movement, and preserves by freezing rather than nurturing. The Icelandic poem goes further, linking hail to “sickness of serpents,” a phrase often interpreted as illness, corruption, or the disturbance of chthonic forces. It is also possibly a reference to reptiles' inability to do much during freezing temperatures, as they derive their body heat from their environment. Serpents show up in plenty of the Sagas, where they threaten the very existence of our world. Either way, this connects Hagalaz not only to physical damage, but to systemic breakdown when something in the natural or spiritual order turns hostile or diseased.

Furthermore, each poem emphasizes movement from above to below. In the Anglo-Saxon poem, hail is “whirled from the vault of heaven” and “tossed about by gusts of wind.” The Norwegian poem frames hail as something brought into existence by divine creation itself. This suggests hail originates beyond human control and descends suddenly into the human world, positioning Hagalaz as a rune of external disruption with events sometimes arriving uninvited that cannot be bargained with.

Finally, the Anglo-Saxon poem alone notes that hail melts into water. This detail is subtle but essential. Hail is temporary. It does not remain solid forever. What begins as a destructive impact inevitably transforms, feeding rivers and soil once its violent form has passed. This does not redeem hail, but it contextualizes it. Hagalaz is not endless chaos; it is a phase of forceful transformation that alters the landscape before dissolving into something beneficial and transformative.

Taken together, these shared elements teach us that Hagalaz represents inevitable disruption, the kind that arrives from beyond human will, strips away fragile structures, and reveals what can and cannot endure. It is grain that cannot nourish, cold that halts life, and impact that precedes transformation. Hagalaz does not promise renewal the gentle way Jera does. Instead, it promises truth through fracture and violence. What comes after depends on what survives the storm.

Hagalaz's Cultural Significance

Like all the runes, the simplest and most historically certain fact is that Hagalaz was part of a writing system used by the Norse and other Germanic peoples. Hagalaz was the name of the rune representing the h sound in the Elder Futhark, its literal meaning being "hail." And like other runes, Hagalaz was widely carved into objects, including stones, weapons, and pendants, where some scholars believe it was used to enhance the object's properties, likely to bring strength.

Two of the best examples of this include the Kragehul spear-shaft and X13 in the Vindeleve Hoard. The Kragehul spear shaft was found in Funen, Denmark, in 1877 and is believed to date from the Migration Period (300-700CE). Upon this staff is a runic inscription that says something along the lines of "...hail I dedicate to the spear." Scholars have interpreted this inscription in many different ways, but most agree that it is a dedication to hail. This could have been to enhance the weapon's force, implying an appeal to the raw, destructive power that is associated with hail.

The Kragehul lance shaft. Drawn by Stephens in 1884.

More recently, in 2020, a large number of gold disks called bracteates were uncovered near Jelling, Denmark, among which was bracteate X13. X13 depicts a head with a tiara and long braid upon a horse with a swastika and a runic inscription. This inscription is believed to say "iz Wōd[a]nas weraz" or "He is Wodan/Odin's man," making it the earliest known reference to Odin. Hagalaz is present on the bracteate, but the runic text focuses less on Hagalaz's symbolic meaning and more on aspects of Proto-Norse belief and power. This further supports Hagalaz's use in written language.

Detail of X13 with head, horse, torques, runic inscription, and swastika

Before moving on, however, I would like to address the use of the swastika on this piece. I know it is outside the purview of the Hagalaz rune, but because they appear alongside each other, I believe it is important to briefly discuss its meaning before it was commendeered as a hate symbol by the Nazis. The swastika was originally a symbol of well-being, power, and protection, and was used across multiple cultures for similar purposes. In Norse mythology, it was strongly associated with Thor and his hammer, Mjolnir, again, symbols of strength. Hitler was obsessed with the "Aryan race," which he frequently equated with Nordic people. It is no surprise, therefore, that he twisted Norse mythology and symbols to support his hateful ideology. Now back to our original topic.

A more important question to ask, however, is why the Norse felt the need to name hail as a rune at all. While we cannot be certain, it is likely because hail embodied one of the most feared and unavailable forces shaping their lives: destructive weather. For agrarian societies in Scandinavia and northern Europe, hail could spell catastrophe for entire societies. Norse culture often emphasized endurance, resilience, and honor in facing hardship, so it is no surprise that one of their greatest fears would be named specifically. Needless to say, Hagalaz, like all the runes, was a crucial part of Norse society.

Hagalaz's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.

• Upright Meaning: disruption, upheaval, crisis, catalyst, change, transformation, destruction, awakening, inner chaos, setbacks
• Reversed Meaning: None
• Letter: H
• Element: Water
• Zodiac: Aquarius
• Planet: Jupiter
• Animal: black stork, otter, snake, praying mantis, dolphin
• Colors: light blue, indigo, grey, green, black
• Deities: Ymir, Urd, Hel
• Plants: ash, briony, cypress, yew, hops, henbane, lily of the valley
• Crystals: onyx, lapis lazuli, agate, clear quartz, opal, moonstone
  
  

How to Work with the Hagalaz Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Hagalaz in your workings?

1. Meditate on Hagalaz to understand destruction, disruption, and the forces that break what is no longer sustainable. 
2. Use in spells or rituals to break harmful patterns, cycles, habits, or spiritual stagnation. 
3. Carry or wear the Hagalaz rune to build resilience, endurance, and acceptance during periods of upheaval. 
4. Chant Hagalaz to raise energy for banishing, clearing, or disrupting unwanted influences.
5. Draw Hagalaz on paper and write what must be released beneath it, then tear or burn the paper to enact sacred destruction.
6. Use Hagalaz in protection magic where boundaries are enforced through consequence rather than concealment.
7. Sleep with Hagalaz under your pillow to invite dreams that reveal uncomfortable truths or necessary endings. 
8. Include Hagalaz in rituals during storms, cold weather, or seasonal transitions to align with natural forces. 
9. Draw the Hagalaz rune in chalk, ash, or water at thresholds to mark endings and irreversible change. 
10. Journal with Hagalaz to explore what in your life is unstable, false, or overdue for collapse. 
11. Incorporate Hagalaz into shadow work to confront loss, grief, and transformation without spiritual bypassing. 
12. Place Hagalaz on wards or sigils meant to deter, disrupt, or repel intrusion. 
13. Use in spells and rituals focused on radical truth, reality-breaking insight, and enforced clarity. 
14. Sit with the rune during times of disruption without asking for resolution, practicing endurance instead. 
15. Offer cold water, stone, ice, or time spent in discomfort as devotional acts to deepen your bond with Hagalaz.

Hagalaz's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Hagalaz appears in a rune spread? Hagalaz holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Hagalaz when it's next to or near other runes:

• Next to Nauthiz suggests unavoidable hardship or necessity forcing a sudden break with the current situation.
• Near Isa indicates frozen progress following disruption, stagnation after collapse, or damage that cannot be immediately repaired.
• In proximity to Jera suggests destruction that clears the way for a new cycle, though results may take time to emerge.
• Paired with Perthro points to sudden change caused by chance, fate, or hidden influences coming to light.
• Near Eihwaz indicates endurance and resilience during upheaval, emphasizing survival over control.
• Combined with Algiz suggests protection through firm boundaries rather than avoidance of conflict.
• In proximity to Sowilo suggests clarity, truth, or insight gained only after disruption has passed.
• Near Raido suggests plans, movement, or direction being interrupted or forcibly redirected.
• Paired with Kenaz indicates painful revelations or insight revealed through crisis or loss.

Hagalaz's Relationships with Other Runes

Hagalaz is not a rune that works gently with others. Its presence alters the meaning of nearby runes by introducing disruption, external pressure, and forces beyond personal control. When Hagalaz appears alongside other runes, it often signals that their influence will be tested, interrupted, or reshaped rather than expressed smoothly. When found with Jera or Fehu, it can indicate that plans, rewards, or abundance may be interrupted or delayed. Growth may be fragile, resources may be lost, or progress could be temporarily destroyed by forces beyond your control. Near runes like Raido or Ehwaz, Hagalaz can suggest sudden changes in direction or travel, or that movement and forward momentum are being blocked or redirected.

Despite its association with disruption, Hagalaz is not inherently negative. Instead, it reminds us that upheaval is part of life, and that destruction often precedes necessary transformation. While it may feel uncomfortable or chaotic, Hagalaz encourages reflection and resilience, asking us to adapt to circumstances rather than resist them. Sometimes what is being broken is a structure or habit that would have caused greater harm if left unchecked.

Hagalaz also emphasizes endurance and learning through experience. Even when paired with runes like Kenaz, Sowilo, or Algiz, which represent clarity, illumination, or protection, its influence suggests that insight, success, or safety come only after facing challenges and surviving disruption. Hagalaz teaches that reality cannot always be controlled, but what survives the storm is stronger, wiser, and better prepared for what comes next.

***

Hagalaz is the destructive force that clears the path for the future to unfold. Sure, it comes without warning and often causes great chaos and hurt, but with it comes the nurturing fertility of water, of a clear path forward. Below you will find a printable, cheat sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.

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Magical Properties of Emerald

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