Non-Fiction/Spirituality Review

Everyday Magic: Spells & Rituals for Modern Living
by Dorothy Morrison
ISBN-10: 1567184693
Review by Heather Froeschl

Is there someone in your community that you can go to for a charm to help you get a job you so desperately want? Is there a corner store that sells spells for your cousin's arthritis pain? Is there a high priestess nearby who can give you a handfasting charm for your sister's wedding? Well there might be, but you may not know it yet. There may be a whole coven of witches in your hometown that you simply haven't been introduced to yet. Why wait?

Dorothy Morrison has written a wonderful book for you. If you want to live a magically modern life, look no further than "Everyday Magic." Dorothy is a Wiccan High Priestess and she has blessed us with her generosity in sharing the information in this book. She begins with the basics of the sun and moon phases and which are best for which type of workings, then explains the days of the week and their powers, what colors work best for certain desires, and emphasizes the power that words have for us. She then goes on to reveal the power of herbs, flowers, trees and stones.

But what of modern conveniences and the ancient ways? Do we have to choose one or the other? In a delightful chapter, Dorothy shares with us how she came to realize that there is no reason NOT to use her coffee maker in making potion teas. Blender, crock pot, potpourri simmer pot? Why not? We are modern people after all. On the serious side of the craft, Dorothy also reminds us of karmic law and of the ripple effects of practicing magic.

What follows then, is the meat of the book, the dessert of the mealàthe grimoire of modern magic for busy folks. Here, Dorothy provides an abundance of charms, chants, rituals, recipes and spells for us to use. Alphabetically listed, there is something here for almost any everyday need. From anger management to seeds of wisdom, from help for an employment search to finding a parking spot, you will find some assisting words here. What is even more appealing is that these spells call for everyday items, herbs and tools.

If you still cannot find a package of horehound to use, check out the herb appendix, which lists substitutions and suggestions for uses. Need to know which stone to use for a calming charm? There is a list of this information too. Do you know which Goddess to ask for romance help? An appendix of Deity Associations rounds out the collection very nicely and is much appreciated!

So is there a witch down the street you can go to for help? Certainly there is, and her name is Dorothy Morrison.

Non-Fiction/Spirituality Review

Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth
by Dorothy Morrison
ISBN-10: 1567184960
Review by Heather Froeschl

As Winter approaches every year, so too does the magic of Yuletide days. Children are filled with anticipation and wonder. All over the world people are celebrating and embracing their beliefs. More often than not, these celebrations involve candlelight in some way, and family gatherings.

What else do the traditions of the world have in common? Where do these traditions come from? Dorothy Morrison explains it all so clearly and with great warmth and respect for diversity, in "Yule - A Celebration..." Here, you will find answers to questions heard in households every December: "Why does Santa use reindeer to pull his sleigh?" or "Where do candy canes come from?" Do you know the origins of the Yule Log? Do you know why the Chanukah Menorah and the Kwanza Kinara hold eight candles?

The Winter Solstice - Yule - has been celebrated for four thousand years! It is a time of renewal and rejoicing, and it is a time to celebrate light overcoming the darkness. There are many historical lessons to be learned here and Ms. Morrison has created a well researched, thorough guide to the significance of the "holidays". Included, is a most wonderful calendar for the month of December in which every day is a festival or celebration around the world, and how you can incorporate these traditions in your life.

Enjoyable are the chapters on trivia, omens and superstitions. Inspiring are the chapters on preparing for the season, gifting, feasting and festing, with recipes and craft ideas. Most inviting are the chapters on creating personal traditions. The world is truly a wonderful mixture of beliefs and customs and no matter where of who you are, this guide to Yule is a treasured gift of celebrations.