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Chaos Magic by Ivy Corvus

Reviewed by Katrina Rasbold

Chaos Magic is often misunderstood and often seen as too complex, too edgy, or simply too “chaotic” for the average practitioner. In this addition to the Pagan Portals series, Ivy Corvus strips away the gatekeeping and confusion to present Chaos Magic for what it truly is: a highly adaptable, results-driven, and liberating spiritual technology. Continue reading Chaos Magic by Ivy Corvus

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The Great Turning: Standing at the Crossroads of Dark and Light

By Katrina Rasbold

 

Welcome, travelers, to the ultimate crossroads in time.

 

The nights have stretched impossibly long, consuming the days in shades of indigo and charcoal. The air bites, the sap has sunk deep into the roots of the trees, and the Earth seems locked in an impenetrable slumber. We have reached the depth of the year.

Here at the Winter Solstice—Yule, Alban Arthan, the Longest Night—we stand at the most profound liminal space on the Wheel of the Year. As the Witch at the Crossroads, I am familiar with these in-between, liminal places where choices are made and realities shift. But this… this is the cosmic pivot point.

Many modern celebrations rush toward the light, eager to drape tinsel over the shadows and dispel the quiet with forced cheer, but the wise know that we cannot truly welcome the dawn if we have not first sat vigil in the dark.

Continue reading The Great Turning: Standing at the Crossroads of Dark and Light

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Loki: Trickster and Transformer by Dagulf Loptson

Reviewed By Katrina Rasbold

Let go, if you will, of the image and canon of the Marvel villain, Loki, and cast your mind back to the Norse legends. Don’t worry. Tom will be waiting for you when you finish.

To accurately clarify the legendary Loki, we also must shuck off any ideas of the Christianized “Devil of the North.” Instead, read this book to meet the real Loki.

In this book, author Dagulf Loptson delivers a groundbreaking guide that shatters the misconceptions surrounding the Norse pantheon’s most controversial figure. This isn’t just a history book or collection of lore. It is an invitation to dance with the fire without caring if you get burned. Continue reading Loki: Trickster and Transformer by Dagulf Loptson

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The Longest Night and the Promise of Light: Why We Need Yule More Than Ever

hand lighting candle

If you look out the window right now, the world probably looks a little sleepy. The trees are bare skeletons against a steel-grey sky, the ground is hard (or slushy, depending on your latitude), and the sun seems to have packed its bags and left the office by 4:00 PM. Continue reading The Longest Night and the Promise of Light: Why We Need Yule More Than Ever

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It’s Witch O’Clock Somewhere

By Katrina Rasbold

Witches have a different relationship with time than most people. We feel the tug of moons and seasons, yes — but also the strange elasticity of hours that stretch and contract depending on the work we’re doing. Time is not a straight line to us but a soft, breathing thing. It bends. It listens. It waits until we’re paying attention.

Magic teaches us that time is never just one thing. Continue reading It’s Witch O’Clock Somewhere

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Where We Stand When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

By Katrina Rasbold

There is a quiet place in the life of a Witch that the outside world rarely witnesses. It isn’t dramatic. It isn’t cinematic. It doesn’t look like a movie scene where the moon hangs low over a forgotten road and bones rattle in the branches.

No, the real crossroads lives in far more ordinary places. Continue reading Where We Stand When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

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10 Favorite Witchy Movies

By Katrina Rasbold

Last week, I posted my “10 Favorite Witchy TV Shows & Mini Series” and I thought I would follow up with a list of my 10 Favorite Witchy Movies. Are they predictable? Absolutely. They are at once predictable and cliche. There are no doubt glaring omissions that will cause readers to say, “But what about…?” and “YOU LEFT OUT…!” This is not a list of ALL Witchy movies or the BEST Witchy movies, but my own favorite Witchy movies. Because it would be like choosing my favorite children, these are listed in no particular order but are the top ten favorites from a wonderful line of magical films I have enjoyed in my life. Continue reading 10 Favorite Witchy Movies

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My Top 10 Witchy TV Shows & Mini Series

By Katrina Rasbold
Recently in the Crossroads Occult Newsletter, I listed my favorite Witchy TV shows and mini-series and I thought I would share them with you here. These are my favorites and I do not expect them to agree with anyone else’s. If you think of some you feel I overlooked or didn’t list, it is likely I didn’t see the show or it was not one of my favorites.

Continue reading My Top 10 Witchy TV Shows & Mini Series

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Samhain: Gateway Between Worlds and Seasons

By Katrina Rasbold

As the last leaves fall and the year’s light wanes, the veil between the worlds thins. Samhain (pronounced SOW-in or SAH-win), one of the four great fire festivals of the Celtic calendar, stands as the final spoke on the Wheel of the Year. It is both an ending and a beginning—a time when the harvest is complete, and the dark half of the year begins. Continue reading Samhain: Gateway Between Worlds and Seasons

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Herb of the Week: Goat’s Rue

By Katrina Rasbold

Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis), a flowering herb with a rich history in traditional medicine and folklore, holds a unique place in both magical and healing practices. Its name derives from its historical use to increase milk production in goats, but its powers extend far beyond this agricultural application. In metaphysical and hoodoo traditions, Goat’s Rue is valued for its protective, abundance-attracting, and transformative energies.

Let’s explore the healing, magical, and metaphysical properties of Goat’s Rue and its applications in hoodoo. Continue reading Herb of the Week: Goat’s Rue

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Herb of the Week: Adam & Eve Root

By Katrina Rasbold

Adam and Eve Root, derived from the orchids Aplectrum hyemale and Orchis mascula, holds a significant place in magical traditions, particularly in hoodoo, folk magic, and metaphysical practices. Revered for its unique duality—symbolizing masculine and feminine energies—this root is celebrated for its ability to enhance love, unity, and balance. Its name comes from the pairing of two roots, one symbolizing Adam (masculine) and the other symbolizing Eve (feminine).

Let’s explore the rich magical, healing, hoodoo, and metaphysical properties of Adam and Eve Root and how it can be incorporated into your spiritual and magical practices. Continue reading Herb of the Week: Adam & Eve Root

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Herb of the Week: Lucky Hand Root

By Katrina Rasbold

Lucky Hand Root, also known as “Salap” or “Hand of Power,” is a revered botanical tool in spiritual and magical traditions, particularly in hoodoo, rootwork, and other folk practices. Named for its resemblance to a hand with outstretched fingers, Lucky Hand Root is associated with luck, success, and protection. Its deep symbolic meaning and versatile energy make it a favorite for practitioners seeking transformation and empowerment.

Let’s delve into the magical, metaphysical, and healing properties of Lucky Hand Root and explore its applications in spiritual practices. Continue reading Herb of the Week: Lucky Hand Root

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Herb of the Week: Lemongrass

By Katrina Rasbold

Lemongrass, a fragrant herb native to tropical regions, has been cherished for centuries for its wide range of applications. Known for its bright, citrusy aroma and robust medicinal properties, lemongrass is a staple in culinary, therapeutic, and spiritual practices. This versatile plant carries powerful metaphysical and magical properties, making it a valuable ally in rituals, healing, and energy work. Let’s explore the many dimensions of lemongrass’s mystical and medicinal qualities.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Lemongrass

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Herb of the Week: Knotweed

By Katrina Rasbold

Knotweed, a resilient and fast-growing plant, often gets overlooked as a common weed. However, it possesses significant magical, metaphysical, and healing properties that have been revered across cultures for centuries. Whether used in rituals, as a symbol, or for its medicinal benefits, knotweed proves to be a versatile and powerful ally in both spiritual and physical realms.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Knotweed

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Herb of the Week: Job’s Tears

By Katrina Rasbold

Job’s Tears, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a plant that produces tear-shaped seeds often used in spiritual, magical, and healing practices. These seeds, which are naturally polished and durable, have been prized for centuries across various cultures for their metaphysical and symbolic significance. Let’s explore the powerful properties of Job’s Tears and how they can be incorporated into your spiritual and healing journey.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Job’s Tears

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Herb of the Week: Jezebel Root

By Katrina Rasbold

Jezebel root, a powerful and enigmatic botanical, has long been associated with mysticism, attraction, and influence. Known for its deep connection to feminine energy and wealth magic, this root holds a revered place in the practices of folk magic, hoodoo, and spellwork. Despite its controversial historical associations, Jezebel root remains a potent tool for those seeking to enhance their spiritual and magical practices.

Let’s dive into the metaphysical, magical, and healing properties of Jezebel root, exploring how it can be used effectively and respectfully. Continue reading Herb of the Week: Jezebel Root

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Stone Magic: Apophyllite

By Katrina Rasbold

Apophyllite, a mesmerizing crystal often characterized by its shimmering translucence and prismatic structure, has long captivated the hearts of spiritual practitioners, crystal healers, and metaphysical enthusiasts. Found primarily in volcanic regions, this silicate mineral holds a reputation for its remarkable properties that bridge the physical and the ethereal realms. Let’s delve deep into the multifaceted world of apophyllite and explore its metaphysical, magical, and healing attributes. Continue reading Stone Magic: Apophyllite

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Herb of the Week: Jasmine

By Katrina Rasbold

Jasmine, often referred to as the “Queen of the Night” due to its intoxicating fragrance that blooms in the evening, is more than just a beautiful flower. Throughout history, jasmine has been cherished for its metaphysical, magical, and healing properties. From its role in ancient rituals to its therapeutic applications in modern aromatherapy, jasmine continues to enchant and heal.
Continue reading Herb of the Week: Jasmine