Five Book Friday
by Aster H., December 15, 2023 8:38 AM
For many people, the winter months feel like an especially magical time of year for a number of reasons — from family gatherings to icy, snowy weather to just the simple warmth and smell of cinnamon and pine that seems so emanate from every room. For witches, that magical feeling is often doubled. This is partially because the witch's new year is actually October 31, so there is a sense of renewal and starting fresh that can make the chilly winter months feel a little brighter, and also because of the two holidays that come during this time of year, Yule and Imbolc. If you’re looking to celebrate either of these sabbats or just learn interesting folklore about where certain holiday traditions come from, here are some books for you.
by Susan Pesznecker
Yule is celebrated in many ways and often with a collection of practices from a variety of sources. Though much of what people know about the day feels very familiar to Christmas, these two holidays were quite separate before the Christianization of the Germanic people. This Sabbat essential guide serves as a wonderful map through the various histories of many of the traditions associated with the ancient and modern celebrations of the holiday.
by Carl F. Neal
Imbolc is an ancient holiday celebrated halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, though in modern times, some witches move the celebration to more accurately correspond to the seasonal patterns where they live. There are many different traditions that can be a part of Imbolc depending on who you are and whether your practices lean more towards Imbolc, or Candlemas, or St. Brigid’s day; however, this beautiful and compact book goes over history, rituals, and practices that can be helpful and relatable no matter how or why you celebrate.
by Alison Davies
This book does not focus on any particular holiday but instead gives you a month-by-month overview of the wheel of the year. In each month’s chapter, this book not only tells you about special dates and sabbats but also lists gods, herbs, crystals, and animals that are associated with the month and tells you how you can use their energy in your craft. It also tells you about each month's full moon, including any special energies that full moon may bring, and it lists several spells to use throughout the month that are specifically curated so anyone can try them.
by Ellen Evert Hopman
This is a great book for any witch who is looking to use herbs in their practice. The information provided in this book contains so many things you need know if you want to use herbs regularly. Along with a very full list of herbs appropriate for rituals on or around the winter solstice, it also includes warnings on any plants that could be harmful. This book breaks down the different ways you can use each part of the plants, and gives beginning guides to making teas, tinctures, and much more. Perfect for new witches and those looking to reference more winter-specific herbs and plants.
by Lorriane Anderson, Juliet Diaz, and Tijana Lukovic
The Seasons of the Witch Oracle is a beautiful series with a thoughtfully crafted deck for each sabbat that’s imbued with the energy of the holiday it represents, though they can all be used any time. Not only are these decks gorgeous, but they’re also very honest and user friendly. The guidebook each deck comes with gives several example spreads for general use and for holiday ritual, as well as ways to use and expand upon them as you need and desire.
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