Reviews By Katrina Rasbold
In the ever-expanding landscape of spiritual exploration, a curated selection of books can serve as invaluable guides for practitioners both new and seasoned. This article delves into three distinct yet equally compelling titles from the Pagan Portals series by Moon Books, each one offering unique perspectives and practical wisdom.
From celebrating the wellspring of creative inspiration with the ancient Muses, to navigating the solitary path of Heathenry, and exploring the profound magic rooted in the earth itself, these works provide rich insights and thoughtful guidance for those seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of the craft. Join me as I explore the pages of Pagan Portals – The Muses: Calling to Creativity & Inspiration, Pagan Portals – Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner, and Conjuring Dirt: Magick of Footprints, Crossroads & Graveyards.
Pagan Portals – The Muses: Calling to Creativity & Inspiration
By Irisanya Moon
If you’ve ever felt the sting of a creative block or wondered where that sudden bolt from the blue actually comes from, Irisanya Moon’s Pagan Portals – The Muses is the spiritual compass you’ve been looking for.
Far from a dry academic look at Greek mythology, this book is a vibrant, modern invitation to dance with the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Moon breathes fresh life into these ancient archetypes, proving they are just as relevant in a world of digital art and modern prose as they were in the amphitheaters of old. With her unique gift for making the Divine feel accessible, Irisanya Moon is the perfect person to author this book. She doesn’t just tell you who the Muses are; she teaches you how to collaborate with them.
While we often associate Muses with fine arts, Moon explores their influence over history, astronomy, and even the way we structure our daily lives. The book is packed with prompts, rituals, and exercises designed to pull you out of a slump and into a flow state.
A beautiful theme throughout the book is the connection to Mnemosyne (Memory). Moon reminds us that creation is often an act of remembering who we are and what we value.
Pagan Portals – The Muses is a slim but potent volume. It’s perfect for the spiritual creative—the writer, the painter, the kitchen witch, or the entrepreneur—who wants to add a layer of ritual to their craft. Moon’s prose is encouraging and rhythmic, acting as a gentle nudge to stop waiting for inspiration and start inviting it in.
Whether you are a seasoned devotee of the Hellenic pantheon or a curious newcomer, this book will leave you reaching for your pen, your paintbrush, or your dancing shoes.
To purchase, click here: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-muses
Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner
By Thea Prothero
In the vast landscape of modern Paganism, finding a path that feels both historically grounded and personally manageable can be challenging, especially if you aren’t part of a local kindred or blot group. Enter Thea Prothero’s Pagan Portals – Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner, a refreshing and practical guide for those walking the path of the North alone. Prothero strips away the intimidation factor of Old Norse traditions, offering a hand-held introduction to a faith rooted in worth, wyrd, and the wisdom of the ancestors.
What makes this book a standout in the Pagan Portals series is its unwavering focus on the individual experience. Prothero acknowledges that while Heathenry is often a community-based faith, the solitary seeker is no less valid. The book provides a solid overview of the cosmology—the world tree, Yggdrasil, and the Nine Realms—without getting bogged down in overly dense academic jargon
Rather than focusing on the worship of distant deities, this book emphasizes building relationships with the Aesir, the Vanir, and the local spirits of the land (the Landvaettir). Prothero breaks down complex spiritual mechanics into digestible chapters that serve as a toolkit for your daily practice, writing with the warmth of a mentor sharing tea by the hearth. She doesn’t demand that you own a horn of expensive mead or a hand-carved altar. Instead, she encourages you to start where you are, with what you have.
If you’ve felt the pull of the runes, the whisper of the gods of the North, or a deep-seated respect for the Earth and your ancestors, this book is your invitation to step through the portal. It is a concise, inclusive, and deeply empowering roadmap for anyone ready to carve their own path.
To purchase, click here: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-heathenry-solitary-practitioner
Conjuring Dirt: Magick of Footprints, Crossroads & Graveyards.
by Taren S
In the world of magic, we often focus on the rare and the exotic: precious crystals, imported herbs, or expensive tools. Taren S flips the script in Conjuring Dirt, a gritty, grounded, and deeply empowering guide that reminds us that the most potent source of power is right beneath our fingernails.
This book is a masterclass in geomancy and dirt sorcery, stripping away the fluff to reveal a primal, accessible form of magic that anyone can practice, regardless of their budget or background. The author’s approaches the earth not as a static object, but as a living record.
Conjuring Dirt teaches you that every pinch of dust carries the vibration of its origin, serving as an essential field guide for the modern practitioner looking to tap into the spirits of the land. You will learn why dirt from a courthouse, a graveyard, a crossroads, or a bank carries specific, undeniable currents of energy.
Taren S emphasizes the importance of the never taking without giving back, ensuring your practice is respectful and sustainable while also offering practical advice on how to physically collect, dry, and store your samples to maintain their spiritual integrity.
What sets Taren S apart is their no-nonsense, relatable voice. The prose is sharp, witty, and incredibly encouraging. This isn’t a book for those who want to stay perfectly clean; it’s a book for those who want to get their hands in the guts of the universe.
This author successfully bridges the gap between traditional folk magic and contemporary spiritual practice, making Conjuring Dirt a versatile addition to any occult library. Whether you are looking to protect your home, boost your prosperity, or deepen your connection to the local spirits of your city, Taren S provides the literal and figurative grounding you need to succeed.
To purchase, click here: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/conjuring-dirt-magick-footprints-crossroads-graveyards
Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her and access her Patreon with deeper classes and mentorship through www.katrinarasbold.com.
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