Book Review: Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez

Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez is an intriguing read for believers and non believers alike. Meet dozens of faeries that have adapted to the modern world and can be found in the most unexpected places. Urban Faery Magick introduces you to these mystical beings, providing tips and techniques for interacting with them as you travel your own spiritual path. Author Tara Sanchez explores dozens of case studies and shares her own personal stories of fae encounters, uniquely associating each faery with one of the elements from Eastern or Western traditions. You will learn about the Zaragoza goblin, Jon the Rust Spirit, Jenny Green-teeth, the Santiago Park Pixie, and many more. This book also includes dozens of hands-on exercises, including traditional Celtic practices, chants, invocations, breath work, dowsing, scrying, and interpreting signs as you discover the important lessons the fae can teach us.

Urban Faery Magick shows readers how to look at the world with the hope of seeing fae, and what to do if it happens. I think this book will appeal to three types of readers. Those who absolutely believe in the fae, that that really want to, and those that are just simply fascinated with the lore and experiences of others even if they do not really believe.  I thought everything was well presented and was presented in a way that was accessible to all readers. The idea of connecting with and working with the fae might be a bit much for some, but the idea of being more aware of the world around you and listening to your instincts about the larger world- and being safe in your choices- is good for all of us to remember. I liked that caution, awareness of our own health as well as others, and how people have impacted everything were highlighted in the book. I thought the case studies and personal experiences of the author were well done, and the inclusion of lore from around the world was nice. While the table of contents was very helpful when I wanted to go back and find a segment I wanted to reread, and the suggested reading list at the end of the book was a nice addition. I would have loved a detailed index and a short glossary or listing of mentioned fae with basic information at the end of the book, rather than just as part of the chapters. 

Urban Faery Magick is the perfect book for those that want to connect to the fae, and other spirits of the world in a meaningful way. For those curious about the practice and lore of doing so it is an engaging read. 

Book Review: The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals by Maia Toll, Katherine O'Hara

The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals is a guide written by Maia Toll, with illustrations by Katherine O'Hara. Rosemary is for remembrance; sage is for wisdom. The symbolism of plants — whether in the ancient Greek doctrine of signatures or the Victorian secret language of flowers — has fascinated us for centuries. Contemporary herbalist Maia Toll adds her distinctive spin to this tradition with profiles of the mysterious personalities of 36 herbs, fruits, and flowers. Combining a passion for plants with imagery reminiscent of tarot, enticing text offers reflections and rituals to tap into each plant’s power for healing, self-reflection, and everyday guidance. Smaller versions of the illustrations are featured on 36 cards to help guide your thoughts and meditations.

The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals is a lovely book for both exploring to expand your knowledge and understanding of herbs, and to narrow in on a certain plant and better understand it. I like that the book explains the path to knowledge that led to the book I also really enjoyed the artwork, beautiful regardless of if it is there to decorate a section's beginning or to illustrate the herb being explained and explored. As someone that grows their own herbs and enjoys explore their uses, understands that most medicine began with the basics of herbal knowledge, and the belief in science and study I found the idea and approach of this book to resonate with me on several levels. For those looking for a new way to center themselves or meditate these rituals could be just what they are looking for. Since I was reading a digital copy I did not have the botanical cards, and so did not got to try the layouts and ideas offered at the end of the book for their use. However, I did like the ideas for rituals and the new ways of looking at some of my favorite herbs, and some that I had never thought too much about. 

This book is exactly what you would expect from the title, and has lovely illustrations alongside the text throughout the entire book. If this is the type of information and ritual that hold interest for you, this book will be a valuable addition to your library.