Melusine Draco

My interest in this book was two-fold: I'm incubating a book in which a character might need much of this information, and of course simple curiosity in this author's take on the subject. It's an utterly practical compilation of recipes and hints that do not require the reader to be a "parish pump witch" or wise woman. All you have to be is someone looking for natural solutions to common problems – looking for common sense and time-worn remedies. There are tidbits pulled from Mrs. Beeton's book right alongside things that could be found in any decent grimoire.

There is a magical bent much to the information – a holly will balance the magical energies of a rowan or apple tree in your garden, for example – but there's nothing airy-fairy about this book; advice like that feels more like feng shui. Even the section on divination feels more solid and straightforward than others I've seen.

I went into this expecting to harvest bits and pieces I could reference if my fantasy-eighteenth-century physician ever comes more to life. I came out of it with actual useful ideas for cleaning, for treating headaches and sore throats, for repelling pests, for celebrating Twelfth Night, and simply for being more aware of the seasons. "If a girl-friend has been having a run of misfortune, give her a bunch of carnations, or Gillyflowers, and this will turn her luck to good." Carnations all around, I think …

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.… (meer)

What a totally fascinating read, from the history of poisonings to the herbs and such used to do so. Plenty of references to take note of, as well as terminology, stepping back centuries. The Alnwick Castle's Poison Garden in England has long been on my bucket list of must see's and this book has just reinforced that desire tenfold. The chapters are laid out splendidly with history, alphabetical herbs of caution, with effects, properties and magical elements noted, how to avoid them and how to utilize them. I had not heard of "bottling" prior to reading this and as far as curses go, that's the ticket! (Not that I would, mind you!) Plenty of book references for later reading. This is a very concise, well-planned and exceptionally informative book I think is a must for any gardener, if just for the symptoms of poisoning, given so many of these plants are most likely sitting pretty in your own yard.… (meer)

*This book was reviewed via Netgalley*

Draco’s Pagan Portals- Pan is a succinct look at the most ancient and venerable of deities. Tracing Pan's mythologic lineage from Arcadia to the present day, Draco shows us the links between Pan and other Horned Gods, such as Cernunnos, and the Christian depictions of the Devil. This book covers Pan’s various demesne, such as god of the deep forest, and god of shepherds and flocks. We learn about the origin of the panflute, Pan’s re-emergence as the god of witches, and his appearances in various forms of media. I am a bit sad Pan's Labyrinth was not mentioned, though. That's an awesome movie and a marvellous rendering of Pan.

I enjoyed the attention paid to historical detail, with the various reference in the back. I plan to add some we do not have to the occult section of our home library. Nice thing about a large family that appreciates books! Every square inch of the available walls pace in the house has towering bookshelves. Various magickal rituals are discussed, from evocations, to purification. They are first discussed from the historical context, then suggestions for modern practitioners are given.

🎻🎻🎻🎻 recommended for any interested in learning more about the most interesting and enduring of deities.… (meer)