Book Review: Charm Casting by Tina Hardt

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.

Several years ago, I wrote a series on Bone Magic, and within that series, I discussed creating and using your own "bone tarot" or set of bones for casting. While I largely use bones when I cast lots, I have begun to incorporate more and more trinkets into my sets to help clarify and connect with my readings. In all honesty, I have fallen out of using my bone sets and have relied more heavily on runes as of late, but reading Charm Casting: Diving with Trinkets, Trifles, Baubles, and Bits by Tina Hardt has inspired me to pick the practice back up!

Of all the books I have read over the years about divination, Charm Casting ranks among the best. Hardt offers a complete and comprehensive guide to creating, casting, and reading your own charm casts. She answers every possible question a new or experienced caster could have, from selecting your charms and determining their meaning, to creating or finding casting surfaces, to cleansing and charging yourself and your trinkets before use and after use. All of this is given to us with hilarious asides, quips, and stories, which make reading Charm Casting feel like a conversation with a close friend. I will say that while I absolutely enjoyed Hardt's conversational writing style, it is very millennial-coded, which may give younger readers the ick. You all really need to leave us alone already! It's okay to be quirky or silly or cringe; it doesn't invalidate the information or experiences we have to share.

Apart from offering a tremendous amount of incredibly useful information in a compact space, Hardt also includes journaling prompts and Grimoire outlines to help the reader create and organize their own notes regarding the charms used. Her suggestions go far beyond what I have seen others suggest over the years, ensuring you are left with the best possible guide to your own trinkets so that reading them is easy. I am going to have to go back and add some details to my current notes to make up for the gaps in potential understanding. Hardt also offers craft ideas for creating your own reading space or charm circle, spell ideas, and prayers.

Finally, Hardt ends with real-world examples (with pictures!) to help guide the reader through reading and understanding charms once they have been cast. I have said it once, and I will continue to say it: I live for real examples. Since I cannot see her actually casting and walking through her process in person, the next best way to observe is through written and picture examples. I know many of you rely on such examples to build a strong foundation in your own practice, and you will not be disappointed here. Hardt also includes examples throughout the text, so don't be deterred that the two largest examples are featured at the end. Besides, you really have to learn everything before you can fully understand and appreciate fully-described examples.

If you are interested in getting into or expanding your charm casting practice, I highly recommend Charm Casting: Diving with Trinkets, Trifles, Baubles, and Bits by Tine Hardt. I know I will be consulting this book for years to come, and I am thankful for the opportunity to review it for all of you!

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Magical Properties of Red Jasper

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Magical and Medicinal Uses of Coriander

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Healing, Immortality, Love, Lust, Protection

Magical Uses and History: Coriander is a world-famous herb that belongs to the same family as celery and carrots. Generally, coriander refers to the seeds of Coriandrum sativum, while cilantro is the name given to the leaves. For the sake of this article, I am going to discuss the use of both the seeds and the leaves in myth, magic, and folklore.

The earliest evidence of coriander's use appears in archeological findings dated around 6000-5000 BC. Fifteen coriander seeds were found in the Nahal Hemar Cave in Israel, suggesting coriander was a dietary and medicinal staple. By 1500 BC, coriander was mentioned in Sanskrit literature, the Book of Exodus, and the Ebers Papyrus, suggesting the plant never fell out of use. In India, coriander was favored in Ayurveda as a harmonious plant capable of balancing the bodies of all people. It is believed to balance all three doshas, or bio-energetic forces, particularly Pitta, the mind-body energies composed of fire and water. As such, it is revered as a cooling herb and is used to aid and stimulate digestion and reduce burning sensations, skin rashes, and even allergies. Similarly, the Ebers Papyrus lists coriander as a digestive aid, helping to reduce stomach pains, cramps, and flatulence. One such recipe combines coriander with juniper and beer to treat abdominal pain.

Later, Pliny the Elder in Natural History noted coriander's many medicinal uses, including dedicating an entire section to its twenty-one remedies. According to Pliney, coriander was used to treat a wide range of ailments such as snakebites, intestinal parasites, eye diseases, burns, digestive complaints, hiccups, nosebleeds, gout, and diseased testes. By the 13th-century, coriander was also used to quicken childbirth, but too much coriander was believed to cause mental confusion and dim one's vision. Needless to say, these medicinal uses continued well into modern day, expanding and contracting with modern science. As such, coriander seeds are perfect for spells and rituals related to healing. Wear coriander seeds to reduce pain, particularly headaches and joint aches; burn in a sick room to promote wellness and a speedy recovery; add to healing sachets or incense blends; add to ritual healing baths; or brew as a tea for the same purpose. The uses are pretty endless. 

It is likely from its healing nature that coriander is also often associated with protection. Dried seeds can be included in amulets or sachets for personal protection; hung around the home, especially doors, to protect from unwanted guests; diffused to remove negativity from a space; added to spiritual baths; or used to shield practitioners during astral travel.

Apart from healing and protection, coriander is probably most famous for its use in love and lust spells. Pliny specifically mentions coriander as an aphrodisiac, a view echoed by Egyptian, Arabian, and Chinese texts. In Egypt, coriander was referred to as the "spice of happiness," likely for its ability to stimulate sexual desires. It was often used in love potions for such purposes. In 1,001 Arabian Nights, coriander was used to help a merchant cure is impotence, while in Traditional Chinese Medicine, coriander was prized for its warming nature, helping to boost energy and libido. In Ancient Greece and Rome and well into Medieval Europe, coriander was often mixed with wine to create love potions to elicit sexual desire. As such, coriander, both seeds and leaves, can be used in spells, rituals, and recipes to promote love and lust. Leaves and seeds can be added to sachets, food, and wine to promote love and lust; diffuse or wear essential oils to enhance your attraction, or anoint candles for such purposes.

Finally, according to Taoist beliefs, coriander is believed to be an herb of immortality. It was thought that consuming coriander seeds would grant the eater immortality and was often used in food for such purposes, especially in a dish known as yuan cai or "fragrant vegetable." This likely stems from the plant's natural healing abilities. As such, coriander seeds can be used in spells, rituals, and especially edible recipes regarding immortality. The seeds can also be added to spells to ensure they are long-lasting.

Medicinal Uses: Coriander seeds are carminative and therefore are often used to alleviate digestive issues such as gas, bloating, cramps, colic, and indigestion, as well as to ease diarrhea, especially in children. As an oil, coriander can be used to stimulate the production of digestive juices and stimulate appetite. Some studies suggest that coriander seeds may promote relaxation and aid in blood sugar control.

Preparation and Dosage: To make an infusion, combine one cup of boiling water with 1 teaspoon of bruised seeds. Allow the mixture to infuse for five minutes. Drink before meals to reduce gas and other digestive issues. 

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

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A Spell to Blend, Not Vanish, During a Protest

If you are unaware of the current protests taking place in Minnesota and across the United States, I am going to assume you either are living under a rock or you don't care about your community. If it's the latter, I am surprised you have stuck around on my blog this long because we clearly have very different values.

If you are like me and you have been paying attention and care about your community, you are probably among those showing up to protests, writing to your representatives, making phone calls, and otherwise doing what you can to ensure our friends and neighbors are not kidnapped by masked men or slaughtered in the street. It's scary showing up to a protest, especially when you know that our current administration has referred to us as "the enemy within" and has mentioned they are going to start turning on the "home-growns" next.

Apart from mundane actions, there are some magical things you can do as well to ensure you are safe while protesting. This spell is designed specifically to redirect attention away from you at a protest without nullifying or silencing your voice. You want your voice to be heard and to be taken as part of the crowd, but you do not want to become the focal point. This spell, however, is not about hiding wrongdoing, avoiding accountability, or manipulating others. Instead, it is about protecting you when you exercise your right to peacefully assemble by lowering your "energic signature." It helps you fade into the background so attention moves past you naturally, rather than making you invisible.

What You'll Need

• Small, unobstrusive, ordinary object that can be carried discreetly (coin, button, key, etc. You want it to be as mundane as possible.)

What to Do

Begin by cleansing your tools and workspace using your preferred method. If you feel called to do so, cast a circle and invite any spirits, deities, or ancestors you work with to join you. If you follow Norse paganism, deities such as Loki or Odin would be excellent choices to call upon.

When ready, hold your object in both hands. Take 3-5 slow breaths in and out, feeling yourself relaxing and present in the moment. Close your eyes and visualize the object in your hand filling with protective energies and say, "I move with the many, not apart from them. I carry my purpose without becoming a target. Let attention pass over me like water over stones. Let my voice be heard, but my face unknown. So I will it, so shall it be." Blow your intention into your object as you visualize going unnoticed.

Carry it with you in your pocket or bag (somewhere hidden) while attending protests, political gatherings, and other events that call for your voice to be heard without being recognized or targeted. If you feel anxiety or notice attention turning toward you, touch the object, ground yourself, and repeat, "I am one of many. Let attention move past me."

Recharge the object after each protest or event. If the object breaks or cracks, thank it for its assistance and bury it with reverence, leaving an offering as thanks.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• To add additional umph, use crystals such as clear quartz, moonstone, black tourmaline, topaz, and opal to charge your object. Clear quartz helps amplify your intention, while moonstone, topaz, and opal are associated with invisibility. Black tourmaline, along with other black crystals, adds protection from prying eyes.
• 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.
  
  

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).

This is an incredibly simple spell, and for a reason. Its purpose is to protect you from unwanted attention by forcing the eye to move away from you, hence the use of a mundane, unobtrusive, everyday object. Our brains naturally filter out background "noise," including objects we see a thousand times a day. I don't know about you, but I rarely recognize the belt someone is wearing, the keys they carry, the socks they have on, and sometimes even the sunglasses or bag they are carrying if it looks like every other one I see. By picking something people are accustomed to seeing and keeping it hidden (even in plain sight), you direct attention away from you.

The visualization, accompanied by holding the object in your hand and blowing on it, helped charge the object with your intention. You can also use visualization, chanting, and a crystal grid (such as that featured) to help charge your object as well, or charge it as needed after protests.

Want to break this spell? Thank the object for its assistance and protection and say, "I release you from your duty. Thank you for your service."

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

***

As always, this spell should be followed up with mundane actions to keep you safe during protests and other events.

• Dress for anonymity
• Go with a group or at least a buddy
• Wear a mask
• Do not bring weapons, alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs
• Avoid engaging in long face-to-face conversations
• Be alert
• Avoid wearing loose items
• Stay calm and don't let hecklers rile you
• Carry identification at all times
• If you are arrested, clearly state that you will not speak to the police and request an attorney. If you are under 18, ask for your parents to be contacted.

It is your right to peacefully protest. Do not let a fascist government bully you into staying home and remaining silent. Do not comply in advance.

Stay safe out there, witches!

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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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