The Sacred Act of Paying Attention

Observing is one of the simplest, and perhaps most profound, ways we can begin to develop a spiritual relationship with the living world. For this reason, observation is the foundation of spirit ecology. Cultures throughout history have engaged in rituals involving quiet observation to either connect with oneself, the natural world, or the Otherworld. Such practices include the Nordic útiseta, Greek incubations, and the Indian Sakshi Bhava, among numerous others. And while all of these practices differ greatly, at their core they are forms of ritual observation.

In modern times, many of us have become disconnected from our ancestral roots and struggle to sit and observe without action for any lengthy period, causing us to miss quite a lot of information in the process. We have fallen into the trap of only noticing that which demands our attention at a specific moment in time: the traffic light, the weather forecast, the phone vibrating in your pocket. Everything else is drowned out. There is a particular kind of magic, however, in noticing something for the very first time, not because the thing itself just appeared, but because we have finally taken the time to notice it. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the landscape begins to reveal itself.

However, even when we intentionally seek connection with nature as part of our spiritual practice, it can be tempting to approach the natural world with an agenda. We go outside looking for signs and messages or searching for magical meanings and tools before we have learned anything about the environment we are in. Modern, Eurocentric, esoteric thought perpetuates the idea that we are above the natural world and therefore can take freely from it. Spirit ecology directly opposes this mindset, reinforcing that we are but a single part of a very complex, interconnected system and encourages practitioners to observe before interpreting.

Observation Before Interpretation

As mentioned above, modern spiritual traditions often teach us to look for meaning in the natural world around us. Seminars, courses, books, forums, and other sources of esoteric knowledge teach us the symbolism of animals, plants, stones, weather patterns, dreams, and celestial bodies. We learn that certain animals are associated with particular deities or spirits, plants have specific correspondences, and that different natural occurrences are omens. There is value in this symbolic language, but learning correspondences, associations, and signs encourages us to skip a critically important step: observation.

For example, I saw a crow this morning while feeding the stray cats in my neighborhood. Modern approaches to witchcraft and spirit work would have me ask, "What does the crow mean?" Spirit ecology, however, encourages us to ask a different question: "What is the crow actually doing?"

For me, the crow was sitting in a dying pine tree across the street, calling to a neighboring crow who was occasionally answering. In other instances, the crows may be circling, flying down to the grass in search of food before flying back into a nearby tree, or sitting quietly. Sometimes I observe the same behavior multiple days in a row, while other times they behave differently. This distinction between observation and interpretation may seem small, but it changes our relationship with the natural world and allows us to better interpret the messages the Otherworld may be sending us.

While observation is not necessarily more spiritual than interpretation, it's important that we know the difference. The crow sitting in the tree, calling three times, is an observation, while the crow is warning me of something is an interpretation. When we become accustomed to interpreting before observing, we can accidentally turn the natural world into a collection of symbols designed to speak exclusively about us. A bird becomes an omen rather than a bird. A tree becomes a magical correspondence rather than a living organism. A fox becomes a messenger rather than an animal going about its own life. And let's be real, the world does not revolve around you; you are merely a participant in a fascinatingly complex system. Observation gives the earth its independence back.

Becoming a Witness & the Practice of the Sit Spot

The more time we spend practicing observation, the more our understanding of spirituality can change. In becoming a witness, rather than an interpreter, we recognize that relationships do not always begin with communication, but sometimes with recognition. This is one reason observation belongs at the heart of spirit ecology. Before we can develop meaningful relationships with plants, animals, waterways, landscapes, ancestors, spirits, or other-than-human beings, we have to become capable of noticing that they exist independently of our attention. We have to become witnesses.

Part of becoming a better observer, and therefore interpreter, is being able to recognize patterns. A singular observation can be interesting, but repeated observation allows for deeper connection to form, and that is where one finds wisdom. This is something scientists have understood for a long time, and why multiple trials and observations are needed before anything can be considered conclusive. It's all well and good to see a drug work for one person, but we can't distribute it to the masses until many people see the same results. This same exercise can and should be applied to our own practice.

If you see a particular bird once, you may remember it. If you see that bird every morning for several weeks, you begin to recognize its habits. You may learn where it tends to perch, what time it arrives, which other birds it associates with, and how its behavior changes with the weather. You develop a familiarity that can better inform your interpretation of the information you are receiving. Is the Otherworld really trying to speak to you, or are you just observing a bird living its best life?

There has been a push lately to engage in local witchcraft, meaning working with the land, spirits, and beings where you live. Consistent observation is necessary for this, as much as it is for spirit ecology. Instead of knowing about trees, you know which trees bloom first, keep their leaves the longest, or produce the best fruit. The turning of the year becomes less about fixed dates and more about the real changes in your area, the signs that a new season has begun. Most observations are not omens, but they are no less valuable as they teach us how our home works. Over time, these patterns become a sort of ecological literacy upon which we can begin forming relationships.

One of the best ways to engage in observation and recognition is repeated exposure through spending time in the same space for days, weeks, and months. This is a concept known as a sit spot, a particular outdoor place that you return to regularly for the sole purpose of observing. In ecology, this is done fairly often during research to record changes in an ecosystem over time, a concept easily applied to spirit ecology.

Begin by picking an outdoor location in your area to observe. It does not need to be wilderness, especially if you do not live or work nearby. Your backyard, garden, neighborhood park, or apartment balcony can act as your sit spot. Try to pick an outdoor location where you feel comfortable working magic in the future, or at least working with the spirits of that place. This is why being closer to your home is better.

Once you have picked a spot, dedicate time to visit and observe. Spend at least 10 minutes (preferably 30 minutes to an hour) just observing. You may be tempted to interpret what you see and experience, but now is not the time. Instead, focus on what is happening around you. Listen to the sounds. Watch for movement of leaves, insects, wildlife, and the clouds. Notice the quality and quantity of light. Also take note of the things you do not see. Do you feel any spirits around? Make sure to turn around in your sit spot to observe the world from multiple perspectives. You can even spend time lying, staring up at the sky through the leaves.

Then come back as often as possible for at least a year. Return at different times of the day and when the weather and seasons shift. Keep returning at different times (including at night if possible), taking note of the changes you see around you. Note what is familiar, such as the individual animals, and what is unfamiliar on each visit. Over time, patterns will begin to emerge as the ecosystem becomes more familiar.

Nature Journaling and Seasonal Tracking

While visiting and observing your sit spot, I encourage you to keep a nature journal to track your observations and the changes you see over time. Journaling helps preserve your familiarity and make patterns more recognizable over time. This also acts as a reference, allowing you to determine if something is a potential sign or message versus a normal occurrence in the ecosystem.

While in your sit spot, write down the date, location, weather, and any observations you make while visiting. Describe the wildlife and their behavior, changes in plant life and appearance, sounds you hear, and even how you feel. Feel free to sketch what you observe as well, but avoid using electronic devices while engaging in this activity if possible. Our phones have a tendency to pull us out of a moment, disconnecting us from our environment. The purpose of this activity is to foster connection with the world around you, not the world inside your device.

A useful approach to journaling is to begin with the following three statements:

• I notice...
• I wonder...
• It reminds me of...

These are very similar questions I have my students answer when introducing science phenomena. They get you thinking about what you are seeing, hearing, or otherwise observing. "I notice..." keeps you grounded in the task of observation, while "It reminds me of..." and "I wonder..." create space for curiosity, symbolism, memory, and personal connection. While journaling, remember to be as descriptive as possible. The more you write, the easier it will be to recognize patterns.

The goal here is not to eliminate interpretation or the receiving of signs or spirit communication. Instead, it's to help ground you in the practice of observation so that later messages can be easily received and utilized. Over the course of a year, your entries will become your ecological record, so when something changes, you will notice. This attention inevitably leads us toward relationship because the more closely we look, the harder it becomes to see the natural world as a collection of isolated things. A flower is connected to the insects that visit it, who are connected to birds and other animals that eat them. The more we observe, the more we begin to see these connections.

Exercise: Learning to Notice

Over the next month, focus on slowing down, observing, and reconnecting with place by engaging in the following activities:

• Sit outside for 10 minutes without your phone.
• Learn the names of three plants and three animals near your home.
• Observe sunrise or sunset for several days.
• Track weather patterns.
• Notice where water flows in your environment.
• Take a slow, intentional walk/hike.
  
  

Follow these activities up with the following journal prompts.

• What does “belonging to a place” mean to you?
• What have I ignored because I move too quickly?
• What rhythms exist around me independent of human schedules?
• What changes when I approach nature as a community instead of scenery?

***

Observation encourages us to move beyond the idea that nature is simply a collection of magical resources waiting to be used, and instead allows us to see the vast interconnected system that is our natural world. Herbs become plants with ecological relationships, animals become members of communities, water becomes a living system, and the land becomes something we inhabit rather than merely something we visit.

In the next post, we will learn about reciprocity and how nature is not a resource to be consumed, so keep an eye out in the next month or so for more.

Spirit Ecology Series

What is Spirit Ecology?

The Sacred Act of Paying Attention

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Book Review: Galdramal by Andre Jooste

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.

As I have begun to explore Norse paganism and Heathenry in more detail, I have found myself struggling to find reliable sources beyond academic texts. Unfortunately, so much misinformation about ancient Nordic practices exists that it is often hard to separate the truth from the lies. The Nazi's really did a number on Norse mythology, and much of their created history and false science continues today. This means that many modern occult books about Heathenry contain inaccurate, misrepresented, or downright racist ideologies, aspects I do not wish to incorporate into my reconstruction. And while I love academic texts, they often ignore or fail to fully explore magic on a practical level, leaving a gaping hole I have been struggling to reconcile. I want history and practical application, and Andre Jooste does just that in Galdramal: A Practical Guide to Rune Magick and Spell Work.

Jooste flawlessly weaves historical records with modern application, not only offering a guide to the runes, but Norse cosmology and esoteric practices to create a rather comprehensive guide for new and old practitioners alike. I don't normally highlight or annotate my books, but boy oh boy did I do so with this one. I also pulled out a journal to take additional notes on topics I wanted to research and explore in more detail. That should be an indication of how I feel about Galdramal. 

Jooste has clearly done his homework, exploring Nordic magical practices and the use of runes in said practices. It should be noted, however, that some of his evidence is speculation and should be taken as such, in particular the use of runes in divination. Most historians agree that the runes were used primarily as a writing system, but were also used in certain magical practices. They may have been sung (galdra), carved and colored on objects (as referenced by Odin in the Eddas), or used to create staves and bindrunes (as found in Icelandic spellbooks and referenced in the Eddas), but we cannot know beyond a doubt how they were employed. Jooste does argue that the runes were used for divination, remarking that they were likely the symbols written on twigs while casting lots, but there is no clear support for this interpretation. That doesn't mean that Jooste is wrong in his speculations, nor his references inaccurate, just that we cannot know beyond a shadow of a doubt how the runes were used.

Despite this, Jooste offers an excellent exploration of the runes in magic, discussing the 6 runic traditions and their meanings, poems, and sounds. He also includes meditations to connect with each rune and encourages the reader to do so while experiencing an altered state of consciousness, exercises and spells that utilize the runes, how to create different types of bindrunes and runic staves, and even how to write runic encantations. The spells, which are featured in the last section of the book, include both modern and reconstructed spells based on archaeological evidence and the Eddas, which is fantastic. Reading through his work has transformed my way of viewing the runes, in particular through the use of the World Tree and the different types of rhyming schemes employed by the Norse for different purposes.

Apart from the runes, which are the central focus of Galdramal, Jooste also includes an introduction to Norse cosmology, exploring the spirits and deities mentioned in the Eddas, esoteric thought and practices such as fylgja (fetch), utiseta (sitting out), and megin/odr (energy flow). I cannot begin to even explain how much this has given me to think about. I wish this were a giant encyclopedia and hope Jooste writes more books in the future. He is officially on my auto-buy list!

My only major complaint is that some sections felt a little AI-ie to me. I am not suggesting any portion of this book was written by or edited by AI, but some sections read similarly to how AI "writes." Sometimes Jooste repeats himself in a slightly different way in consecutive sentences without actually saying anything new or intriguing, similar to AI. It has not escaped me that AI is trained entirely on human works and tries to mimic our style and cadence in its recreations. For this reason, even the best of works can sound like AI. I hope that is the case here. As I said, I am not accusing Jooste of using AI in any part of the writing process, simply voicing my frustration with some sections because I am annoyed with AI's current patterns.

If you are interested in exploring Heatherny, Norse cosmology, and runic magic, I highly recommend picking up Galdramal: A Practical Guide to Rune Magick and Spell Work by Andre Jooste. Jooste is not influenced by Nazi propaganda and takes a practical, history-based approach to reconstruction, which is a breath of fresh air in a world full of misinformation. Galdramal is by no means a completely comprehensive work, but it is certainly laying the foundation for further study.

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Initiates Oracle by Marcella Kroll and Adam Smith 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.

Increased interest in the occult has led to a significant rise in tarot and oracle decks, which means there is sure to be something for everyone. Initiates Oracle by Marcella Kroll and Adam Smith is one such deck that has sprung up recently.

Initiates Oracle is the perfect oracle deck for anyone interested in Egyptian magic and the Egyptian pantheon, but who wants something outside of the traditional Rider-Waite tarot. Inspired by Kroll and Smith's journey to Egypt, where they underwent the initiations of the Sphinx, which consisted of a series of rites to transition to a higher spiritual state.

Using what they witnessed during their initiations, they created the Initiates Oracle using Egyptian symbols, colors, motifs, and archetypes to create a transformative, practical oracle deck. Unlike many other oracle decks I have seen over the years, this one is quite lengthy, consisting of 40 cards along with a 128-page guidebook. Like all guidebooks, Kroll and Smith introduce the deck, explain how to use it, and offer detailed descriptions of the cards' meanings, although you are also welcome to derive your own meanings using the cards' imagery. Unlike other guidebooks, however, there are no spread examples at the end, which I think is fine because this is an oracle deck and not a traditional tarot deck. This means how you read and use the cards and the spreads you create are entirely up to you.

Like many of the decks I have received recently from Red Wheel/Weiser, the Intiates Oracle is printed on a heavy card stock and will hold up to continued use very well. The edges are leafed in a beautiful gold, but it is likely this gold will wear off with use, as it tends to on most decks over time. That is just the nature of using cards!

That artwork is simple, yet powerful, with both sides being beautifully detailed. While the deck focuses mostly on Egyptian symbolism, it is heavily inspired by modern occult practices as well. For example, there is a card for "As Above, So Below," which most witches are familiar with. Others feature the most basic magical symbolism such as the elements, while others still lean heavily into the Egyptian motif, such as "Devotion," which features the Sphinx, and "Guide," which features Anubis. This is honestly a very interesting and unique deck.

If you are interested in using oracle cards in your magical practice and work with the Egyptian mythos, Initiates Oracle may just be the deck for you! You can snag your own set wherever decks are sold.

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Honey of Gratitude Charm

I think witches often forget how powerful gratitude magic actually is. When it comes to blessing magic, most focus on manifestation through the use of deities, ancestors, or other spiritual forces, whether that be the spirit of the ingredients you are working with or the land on which you reside. But the same can be done with gratitude. What you put out into the world often returns to you, whether you are intentionally or unintentionally doing so. This is why it is important to watch what you say and think because the Universe is often listening; not always, of course, but often enough. When you express gratitude and work magic around what you are thankful for, you are letting the Universe know you wish to have more of it in your life. I have also found that it can turn the most negative of thoughts into positive ones, which is powerful magic indeed.

As the sun begins to wane and the first of the major harvests begin, we are reminded to be thankful for the abundance we have been graced with, none of which could be accomplished alone. Every success and moment of resilience has been shaped by those who offered kindness, guidance, encouragement, or simply their presence when we needed it the most. This charm recognizes this success and those who have helped us along the way, inviting more blessings into our lives in the future by creating a usable sweetener.

What You'll Need

• Yellow or white candle (larger candles or a prayer candle work best)
• Lighter/matches
• Small slips of paper
• Writing utensil
• Clear quartz, citrine (or carnelian), and rose quartz
• Small jar of honey

What to Do

This spell is best performed starting on the full or the new moon. Begin by cleansing and consecrating your space using your preferred method. You may also cast a circle, call quarts, and/or invite any spirits, ancestors, or deities you work with or wish to honor during the spell.

Light the candle and breathe in deeply, taking a few moments to settle into the moment. Clear your mind of all other distractions, focusing on your intention to express gratitude and give thanks. Reflect on the past year and ask yourself the following questions:

• Who encouraged you?
• Who listened without judgment?
• Who taught you something valuable?
• Who shared their time, wisdom, or kindness?
• What brought you joy, happiness, or peace?
• What are you proud of accomplishing?

Write these names, joys, and accomplishments on the slips of paper, letting the memories fill your thoughts as you write. When complete, fold each paper toward you three times while saying, "May gratitude return to its source. May kindness continue to grow. May blessings abound in my life and in the lives of those around me."

When all the slips of paper are folded, arrange them in a circle in the center of your altar. Place the clear quartz above, the citrine to the left, and the rose quartz to the right of the circle of paper (as seen below). In the center of the circle, place your jar of honey. Place your hands (or fingers) on the jar and say:

"Honey gathered beneath the summer sun,
Keeper of sweetness and patient work,
Bless these bonds that have nourished my life.
May gratitude flow as freely as kindness given.
May generosity return in abundance.
May my heart remember every blessing,
And may I become a blessing in return."

When finished, snuff out the candle. Every day for a complete lunar cycle, return to your charm. Light the candle, place your hands on the honey jar (or give it a slight shake), and speak aloud one of the things you are grateful for. It can be something new or something you wrote on your slips of paper. After announcing what you are thankful for, say:

"Sweet be the words I speak. 

Sweet be the work I offer. 

Sweet be the friendships I tend. 

As honey nourishes the body, 

May gratitude nourish the soul."

Snuff out the candle, returning each day to charge your spell. 

After a full turn of the lunar cycle, return to your spell and light the candle once more. Lift the jar of honey and say:

"To those who walk beside me, seen and unseen, 

I offer my gratitude. 

May I remember that every gift carries the responsibility of generosity. 

May I honor these blessings through my own actions. 

Hail, and thank you."

Set the jar of honey down, and take each folded slip of paper into your hand, one at a time. Thank each paper before burning them, burying them in your front yard, or placing them in your Book of Shadows as a record of your gratitude.

You have now created charmed honey that can and should be used in the coming weeks to bring sweetness into your life. Stir it into tea, bake it into bread, cakes, or cookies, drizzle over fruit, or add to warm milk. Each time you use the honey, take a moment to silently thank one person, ancestor, or spirit who has helped you become who you are. This honey is best enjoyed with friends and family.

Your charmed honey can also be used during shadow work. Consider enjoying it while exploring the following journaling prompts:

1. Who supported me in ways I may have overlooked? 
2. What kindness changed my year? 
3. How have I received generosity from my community? 
4. In what ways can I become a source of encouragement for others? 
5. What relationships deserve more of my attention and care?

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and always have water or another fire extinguisher nearby.
• If you cannot burn a candle, replace it with a battery-operated one, especially one that flickers. This spell also does not necessarily require a candle, so if push comes to shove, leave it out entirely.
• Do not give honey to children under the age of one. A baby's stomach and gut are not mature enough to stop bacterial spores found in honey, and even heating the honey is not enough to kill botulism spores.
• If you do not eat honey or are allergic, agave syrup is a great substitute.
• 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.
• Herbs such as chamomile, rose, or rosemary can be added to the honey to infuse it with peace, love, and memory or sprinkled around the folded papers and crystals for a similar effect.

Why You Did It

Understanding the whys of a spell (or ritual 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 it helps guide you in writing your own. It's my intention to provide these explanations so that 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).

Unlike many spells I write, this one actually needs to be timed with the appropriate lunar cycle, because it takes an entire lunar cycle to charge the honey. Beginning on either the full moon or new moon is best, as the full moon is associated with manifestation while the new moon is associated with fresh starts. Both are associated with goal setting and blessings, so either will work well for this charm.

Next, a yellow or white candle was lit. This candle acts as a way to help focus your attention and breathing to reach a meditative state to properly reflect and infuse the charm with your intention, while also helping carry your intention to the Universe or any spirits, deities, or ancestors you may be calling upon for help. In many traditions, the flame represents life while the burning wax and wick represent an offering or sacrifice to fuel the spell and thank those that are helping you. Yellow is associated with memory, joy, happiness, and motivation, while white is associated with manifestation and is often used when colored candles are not available because it is a "blank slate." It will take on whatever intention you need. Regardless of the color of the candle, both help boost your intention of charming the honey.

But why honey? Honey, with its beautiful golden hue, is associated with drawing positivity and nurturing the embiber or spell. It is naturally long-lasting, helping to sweeten any situation, making it perfect for magic associated with expressing gratitude with the intention of magnifying the abundance in your life. By sharing it with others, you not only thank them, but also invite blessings into their lives, making this a truly communal charm.

This honey is charged with your gratitude, which is written on the slips of paper (folded three times, for harmony and blessings, toward you to bring blessings into your life) surrounding the honey for a complete lunar cycle. By lighting the candle and "praying" over the honey each day, you are further charging it with your intention, strengthening the overall spell. Your power is further amplified by the clear quartz (amplification), rose quartz (love), and citrine* (happiness). 

*My images feature carnelian, which is associated with strength and vitality. I would have used citrine, but my citrine is so faded from use that it would not have photographed well.

The charm ends with, once again, expressing gratitude to those who have helped bless your life and the honey. These slips of paper are then burned, buried, or kept as a sign of respect and thanks. Burning releases your intention, while burning or keeping the slips of paper near you. Whether you choose to keep them close or burn them, both will help draw blessings to you.

Want to break this spell? Breaking a gratitude spell can have unintended consequences. However, the magic will fade over time or dissipate completely when the honey is used up. If you honored a person during your ritual who is no longer in your good graces, do not mention their name moving forward when using the honey. 

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

***

For many, August 1st represented the first of the major harvest festivals, which are characterized by giving thanks. In two months, I will be celebrating Winter Nights, during which I will express my gratitude to the ancestors, spirits, land, and deities who have blessed my life. I strongly believe that expressing gratitude is one of the most powerful acts you can do, and that harnessing that energy can result in some of the best magic you perform. No matter what holidays you celebrate in the coming months, I hope they are filled with joy, happiness, and abundance.

Further Reading:

The Importance of Gratitude in Witchcraft

Harvesting Gratitude: Harvest Moon Gratitude Ritual

Gratitude Rune Spread Ritual

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Book Review: Making Tarot Magic by Briana Saussy

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 have never been particularly interested in tarot, preferring other means of divination such as runes or pendulums, but Briana Saussy may have changed my mind with her book Making Tarot Magic: Rituals & Remedies to Transform Readings into Actions.

Making Tarot Magic opens with a basic introduction explaining the contents of the book, its formatting, as well as basic principles of magic such as magical tools, timing, colors, etc. She also, surprisingly, includes an entire section dedicated to disposal methods of spell remains, something often left out of introductory texts. If you are new to witchcraft and magic, this section is definitely for you, but even if you are a seasoned practitioner, like myself, I still found new and interesting information as Saussy includes her personal praxis throughout the introduction. I am sure you too will be surprised by what you find.

The heart of Making Tarot Magic, however, is Saussy's discussion of the 8 'conditions' or categories people commonly ask questions about: love, personal success, business success, healing, legal issues, fertility/pregnancy, baneful work, and protection. Each chapter delves into each of these conditions through the lens of tarot, exploring how the cards can help you not only better understand your situation, but also inform the magical actions you take to ensure your desired outcome. Saussy does this by describing how each card within the deck, from the major to the minor arcana, can be interpreted based on the condition being read for, as the meaning slightly changes with each. I love this approach and wish more tarot books understood this. Often we are only given blanket statements and vague interpretations, which can be confusing to new readers, especially as they relate to specific needs and questions. Saussy offers a much more in-depth guide, especially for the major arcana, which also include magical techniques you can employ along with intentions to set to ensure your success or desired outcome. Absolutely love this! 10 out of 10.

These chapters contain more than just card interpretations, though. Throughout, you will also find |further development tasks" to encourage you to work through the text and develop your own meanings and understandings. These tasks do assume some foundational knowledge of spell work, so if you are brand new, you are going to need some additional texts or resources to help you. Each chapter ends with some spells you can employ related to the readings and work you are doing. Spells include such things as using a lodestone to attract love, creating a vessel for peace at work, and even working with a cow tongue to stop gossip. Like myself, Saussy believes in combining magical and mundane means to ensure your desired outcome, something I think new witches often forget. You can't work magic for a new job then do nothing to find a new one. However, some of the spells require harder-to-come-by ingredients which may be inaccessible to many practitioners. Fret not, however, because many of these ingredients she calls to be worked with can be substituted.

Some other important aspects to note about Making Tarot Magic are how inclusive the text is. For example, in Chapter 2 on love, Saussy includes both LGBTQIA2+ and polyamory in love magic, which is wonderful because queer relationships are often left out of most love magics. She also discusses fertility, pregnancy, and birth not just literally but also metaphorically. An artist creating is a form of fertility/pregnancy/birth, which is inclusive of those who have chosen or are incapable of bearing children. Finally, Saussy encourages the reader to determine what security looks like for you as it is related to prosperity. Usually, what abundance comes down to differs for each person because it is based on feeling secure. This is a powerful message that can help inform your magical practice in a deeply profound way, one I think is generally overlooked by other resources, including my own.

Despite the inclusivity, however, there is at least one mention of smudging with sage, which is a closed practice. I was very disappointed to see this, especially considering there were no alternatives mentioned. For those of you not part of the traditions, I suggest finding other cleansing means.

Even with this singular flaw, I highly recommend Making Tarot Magic: Rituals & Remedies to Transform Readings into Actions by Briana Saussy, even if you are not particularly interested in tarot. This very well may be the turning point, and no matter what, there is so much valuable information within its pages that you are sure to walk away with something new.

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