Toil & Trouble: The Cards Called – Discovering an Unexpected Interest in Tarot

Posted on July 15, 2025 by ToilandTomes

I didn’t expect to suddenly find myself interested in learning tarot.

But one day, I found a deck, and then I found another, and another. Now I find myself the happy owner of a dozen different decks, that I have discovered an unexpected love for using in my everyday life. They have beautiful illustrations, and something about them all tugged at my curiosity in completely different ways. I didn’t know what I was looking for when I found each deck, but I knew I wanted to listen.

These small impulses cracked open something new. What began as curiosity quickly became a quiet, personal practice, something between reflection and ritual, intention and intuition. I wasn’t just learning to read tarot. I was learning to listen to and, most importantly, challenge myself to examine and reflect within both joy and shadow.

Not About Telling the Future—But Telling the Truth

Tarot isn’t about fortune-telling (at least not for me). It’s not about predicting my romantic partners, or problems at work, or relationship rollercoasters. It’s about presence. It’s about discovery. About asking better questions, harder questions. Taking intentional time to understand the layers of what I am feeling, thinking, fearing, or hoping for.

Each card is like a mirror. Sometimes it reflects something obvious. Other times, it reveals something I didn’t know I was holding. Either way, it invites me to look, really look at my life, my choices, my inner world.

Starting Simple, Staying Curious

I started in tarot after the death of my brother. It was something simple to do daily where I could process the myriad emotions that myself and those around me were experiencing. I kept a journal, I kept notes. I wrote my brother letters about the literal meanings, and what I thought it meant in the grander scheme of changes in my life. I listened. I grieved. I embraced.

There was no pressure to interpret it “right,” just an invitation to reflect. Some days the card felt spot on. Other days, I would be left in confusion. But, I pulled cards, and I wrote letters. Over time, I learned which decks were fluffy and would give me answers that required a lot of emotional reflection, thought, and introspection. I learned which decks were like a punch to the gut and gave me no room for wriggling out of looking deeply at myself and my actions.

But, I’ve learned to notice the patterns. I noticed how often I pulled certain cards when I was struggling. I noticed how my own thoughts and emotions shaped the way I interpreted what I saw. I noticed the areas where I seemed to excel, and the shadow-work I am still working on.

The Magic of Symbols and Stories

Part of what drew me in from the start was imagery. The symbolism. The tiny stories packed into each card. The Lovers. The Tower. The Queen. Death and transformation. These archetypes aren’t just abstract—they’re deeply human. They speak to our cycles of growth, challenge, risk, and renewal. They speak to shared history, shared mythology, shared intellectual discovery.

Learning tarot has felt like learning a new language. Not a language of strict definitions, but one of emotion, intuition, intentionality. But, it requires me to be open. It requires a melding of shadow and light in ways that I previously have never explored.

The beauty of tarot is that it grows with you. It evolves as you do.

A Tool for Reflection, Not Rules

Tarot didn’t give me answers so much as it helped me ask better questions:

  • What am I avoiding?
  • Where am I being called to grow?
  • What energy am I carrying today?
  • What do I need to let go of?

It became a gentle check-in. A way to pause, breathe, and get honest with myself. It doesn’t replace therapy, or journaling, or meditation but it adds something unique to the mix. In fact, I enjoy the act of pulling a card and then keeping a tarot journal at the same time. I routinely use it in my own therapy as a way of self-reflecting and planning. It brings in a bit of wonder. A bit of ritual to my every day.

Final Thoughts: Follow the Tug

If you’ve ever felt drawn to tarot, even just a flicker of interest, I say follow that tug. Being an expert is not necessary. I also do not subscribe to the notion that your first deck must be gifted. I do subscribe to the thought that following your intuition in finding your first deck is an absolute must.

You don’t need to believe in fate. You just need a deck, an open mind, and a willingness to explore your inner landscape.

Because tarot isn’t about the cards knowing you. It’s about you learning to know yourself. And sometimes, that’s the most magical thing of all.

Blessed Be

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Book Dragon: Finding My Way Back – Life After a Reading Slump

Posted on June 17, 2025 by ToilandTomes

For a long time, I thought I’d lost it.

The love, the pull, the quiet thrill of cracking open a book (or turning on the kindle) and falling in. I’d sit with a novel and feel… nothing. My mind would wander and refuse to focus. I’d reread the same paragraph three times. I’d pick up books I should want to read—books I’d been excited about once—but they just sat there, collecting dust on my nightstand.

I was in a reading slump. And if you’ve ever been there, you know how frustrating it can feel—especially if books used to be your refuge, your favorite escape.

The good news, most slumps aren’t forever.

Slumps Happen (And They Don’t Mean You’re Not a “Real” Reader)

Let’s get this out of the way: taking a break from reading doesn’t mean you’ve failed at being a book lover. Life gets noisy. Our attention gets pulled in a hundred directions. Sometimes we’re mentally or emotionally tapped out, and even the most beautiful book can feel like another thing we “should” do.

That doesn’t mean you’ve stopped being a reader. It just means you’re human.

The Book That Opened the Door Again

For me, the turning point wasn’t dramatic. I wasn’t “inspired” to read again. I just… reached for something light. A book that felt like comfort food. Not a literary classic. Not the buzzy bestseller that dominates my social media.

And to my surprise—I found my way back. Not because it was the “best” book I’d ever read, but because it reminded me of something simple: reading can be fun. It can be kicking your feet and giggling cozy. It doesn’t have to be deep or life-changing or educational all the time. Just a story that promised and delivered laughs, ease and comfort. I devoured four books by the same author in a single week. I pre-ordered her next book (which was delivered in April and promptly read in a single evening).

Tips for Easing Back Into Reading

If you’re in a slump and want to find your way out, here’s what helped me:

  • Check in with your old favorites. We all have them. Or at least I assume we all have at least one. Go back to a book you know you love. There’s comfort in familiarity. Your brain loves the familiar.
  • Don’t be afraid to DNF, or put it down and try something else for a while. If a book isn’t working after a few chapters, let it go. No guilt. Alternatively, maybe that book isn’t for you in that moment. I’ve put books away for a month or two and then revisited later on.
  • Romanticize the moment. Brew your favorite tea, grab the comfy, cozy pajamas and your favorite reading spot. Put your phone in another room. Reading is sometimes easier to get into when it feels special.
  • Curiosity FTW. Skip the “should-reads.” Read what calls to you—even if it’s a children’s book, a romance, or a graphic novel. I fell down the rabbit hole of recommendations last year, and DNF’d more books in six months than I had the decade before. It was intense. It was disheartening.
  • For those of you that like them – you could also try short stories or novellas. Sometimes full-length novels feel too big and too involved. The effort when you are in a slump almost doesn’t feel worth it. Shorter works can reignite your attention span.

Remember Why You Loved It in the First Place

Reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of connecting. With stories, with characters, with emotions you didn’t know you needed to work through or recognize. When you find the right book at the right time, it can feel like someone reaching out a hand and saying, Here. I understand.

Let Reading Feel Like Joy Again

There’s no prize for reading the most books, or the hardest ones, or keeping up with every new release. There’s just you and the page—and when you’re ready, the connection returns.

If you’re in a slump, be gentle with yourself. If you’ve recently come out of one, celebrate that spark. Because rediscovering your love of books feels a little like finding your way home.

And the best part? There are so many stories still waiting for you.

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Toil & Trouble: When the Rituals Feel Empty – Navigating Spiritual Struggles

Posted on May 15, 2025 by ToilandTomes

There’s a quiet kind of heaviness that comes when your spiritual rituals start to feel hollow.

You light the candle. You say the thing. You meditate, you sing, you chat, you sit quietly in silence depending on your ritual design. But, practice can feel like a rollercoaster with its incredible highs and disappointing lows. You can feel yourself going through the motions— almost like you are on the sidelines of a play where you’ve forgotten why the scene matters. And it can be disheartening and hard to talk about it.

For those of us who practice any form of spirituality—be it prayer, journaling, meditation, chanting, reading sacred texts, or any kind of ritual—there’s often an unspoken expectation that we should feel “something.” Peace. Connection. Clarity. But sometimes,  you just feel tired. Or distracted. Or doubtful. And you wonder: Is this even working anymore? What am I doing wrong? Why?

I’ve been there more time than I care to count in my life and my spiritual journey.

The Guilt of Not Feeling “Spiritual Enough”

For me, it’s easy to fall into self-judgement. I am great at building up those around me, but I am absolute garbage at being kind to myself. Thoughts of, “Maybe I’m not devoted enough, maybe I’m not trying enough, maybe if I gave MORE, I’d feel connected. If I were more disciplined, I’d feel divine presence. If I really believed, this wouldn’t be so hard.”

I know these thoughts are heavy, and very unfair not just to myself as a person, but also all the journeys I’ve been on so far and continue to move toward. Intellectually, I know that I am being unkind to myself, but I struggle with realizing that I’m in these negative cycles sometimes. I’m sure many people can relate.

Because spirituality isn’t a constant emotional high. Sometimes it’s just about showing up. And, I keep showing up. Through every turn in the rollercoaster – the joyful, the sad, the enraging, the calming. I show up through every single one.

The Myth of Perfect Practice

We imagine the spiritually “advanced” as people who float through their rituals with unwavering grace and joy. But most traditions speak to this very struggle. The dry spells, the dark nights, the internal and external doubts. The silence.

Practice is not performance. Ritual isn’t about achieving a mood—it’s about creating space. Sometimes what comes into that space is joy. Other times, it’s resistance. Or grief. Or nothing at all.

Redefining the Purpose

Maybe the goal is to be with whatever is there. Even the boredom. Even the frustration. I think a lot of spiritual practice is less about the overall or long-term experience, and more about turning up with honesty in all it messy rollercoaster glory.  A lot of times, this can mean bobbing through in maintenance mode rather than energetically. So what does maintenance look like for you?

Tips and Tricks for the Struggle Wagon

Here’s what I’ve found to be helpful when rituals lose their spark:

  • Remember to be gentle with myself.  I’m not failing, I’m human.
  • Change it up.  When something feels stale, its time to try a different approach. Go outside. Walk. Listen to music that nourishes you. Light a candle with no agenda. Breathe.
  • Sometimes the shorter rituals are impactful in the long-term. Maybe it’s your morning cup of tea. Could be the 5 minutes you take intentionally picking your clothes or jewelry for the day. Maybe its tarot pulling every Monday at 6am. A five-minute, heartfelt and honesty action is more powerful than a forced hour-long session.
  • Community. Sharing your struggle with a trusted friend or mentor can be grounding. You’re not alone.
  • Take the time to rest. Rest is healing. Rest is how our bodies are hardwired to recharge. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a break.

The Sacred in the Struggle

Struggling with your spiritual rituals doesn’t mean you’re disconnected from the sacred. It means you’re real. It means you’re in it. A ritual that feels dry today may blossom next week—or next year. Or, and sometimes more importantly, there are lessons in the dryness.

What matters is that you keep listening. Not just upward or outward—but inward.

Blessed Be

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Book Dragon 2024: DNF’d Titles, Ratings, and Future Reading Goals

Posted on July 12, 2024 by ToilandTomes

I am not going to lie, 2024 has not been my year for books so far. To date, I have already DNF’d four. Usually, that is my total for the year.

I am definitely behind schedule on my reading for 2024. It’s been a busy couple of months, and I have just been too tired. I really should add reading into my daily “self care” routine, but first, I have to find a routine that sticks. 🙂 As always, I have lofty goals of posting to this blog more regularly as well, still trying to build that habit too as you can plainly see (lol 🙂 ).

Since I am already losing the race in terms of my reviews, here is a snapshot of all the books I have tried and/or read this year:

Academy of Protectors – 3 stars. This was meh. I mean I get it, but it’s another Mortal Instruments/Vampire Academy style narrative. Honestly, I got the series because I found the premise interesting enough. I’m planning to read the second book, but I’m not 100% sure I will be sticking with the series.

Uprooted – 4 Stars. Fantasy rooted in folklore. The pacing changes throughout the story, which meant that I picked it up and put it down multiple times. I’m glad that I stuck with it though, because it really grabbed my interest by the end. I have the second book Spinning Silver on the TBR shelf.

Wretched & Twisted – 5 stars. Fairytale retelling. Once again, I love these. I devour these books, and I already have Scarred and Crossed on my TBR shelf.

Mysteries of the Sea – 4 stars. Its really short, so a quick read. As mysteries go, nothing was surprising or unknown. The information is out there. But, the collection itself would be a great introduction to someone who is interested in maritime history/mythology.

To Kill a Shadow – 3 stars. I read the first half of this book really quickly. The narrative was attention grabbing and easy to fall into the world. It changed a little on the second half of the book. It felt like it was to add drama, and a little more mystery to the world, but the change in pace was weird for me. I plan to read the second book to see if anything turns around.

Gods of the Wyrd Wood – 3 Stars. Finished it. Slow to start but picks up as the author moves through the story and you get some of the character backgrounds and interconnections. As fantasy novels go, this one took a second for me to really dive into, there was A LOT going on. I had to reread a few pages where world building information was given to understand that narrative setting. I have yet to decide if I will be continuing this series.

The Dream Thief – 1 star. I was very disappointed in the second book for this series. I absolutely LOVED The Smoke Thief . The world building is incredible, but the characters/heroine did not draw me in to this one. I made it about half way through the novel before I gave up and added it to the DNF list for the year.

Forest of Vanity and Valour – 1 star. I had such high hopes for this one. I love a good Robin Hood-esque theme. However, I DNF’d this one. The narrative did not grab my attention and I found the main characters unlikeable to the point where a redemption arc would not have changed my mind. Seriously, I was rooting for the other guys the entire time.

To Carve a Fae Heart – 1 star. So slow to start. I couldn’t get through the book, and this was another one I DNF’d before finishing. The characters were not developed properly whether they were primary or secondary to the story. Nothing about it capture any interest or desire for me.

Made from Magic – 1 star. I DNF’d this book about 60% of the way in. It felt like a Mortal Instruments meets Motherland (tv show), but badly cobbled together with bits of whatever someone could find.

Bound by Prophecy – 1.5/2 stars – I really wouldn’t bother. It was short, but it was a first draft at best. I read this earlier in the year, and I have no desire to dive back into this world at all.

Wolfish Charms – 4 stars. Fairytale retelling. YES PLEASE. This is rapidly becoming a series I very much enjoy, and I’m looking forward to hopping into the next book.

What the River Knows – 3.5 stars. I like the world building and the inclusion of mystery, adventure, mythology. That being said, I’m not sold on the character development. The heroine is incredibly naive, and convinced she is intelligent and knows what she is doing. The background characters however add some depth. At least enough for me to read the second book in the series.

Court of Shadows – 3 starts. Finished it. I liked it enough that I plan to read the second book. I found the book pacing to be somewhat disjointed, and I feel like it could have tried a little harder to build characters/the overall world. I have a lot of questions.

Promised in Fire – 2.5 stars. I finished it, but it definitely read like a first draft. Technically, I have the next book in the series on my TBR list, but I have yet to decide if I will be diving back into this world.

As I mentioned, it’s been a tough year with books so far. Definitely not super impressed with the quality of novels I have been grabbing lately. However, I’ve got a number of books that I am currently working my way through, and the second half of the year seems to be turning things around. We will have to see what the next series of reviews brings to the table!

One of the fun things I did for myself last year was join OwlCrate. It is one of the book-y subscription boxes that comes with all the weirdly amazing trinkets inside, along with a new book to add to the ever-growing pile on my floor of TBR. I find it fairly economical, its less expensive than some other subscriptions on the market and you are charged every 3 months. No sponsorship or selling benefits for me, but if you are interested in checking it out, here is the website: https://www.owlcrate.com/

In addition to expanding the bookshelf, the subscription box kicked off a serious addiction to glasses with bamboo tops. (LOL). I lost count of how many exist in my cabinets now. My dog also thoroughly enjoys tearing up the box after I’ve unpacked everything. So, really, it’s fun for the whole family!

While I have really enjoyed OwlCrate so far, I am been debating on whether to switch to a different subscription box for 2025 to change things up. If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

That’s all readers! Until next time!

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Book Dragon: 2023 In Review

Posted on April 9, 2024 by ToilandTomes

 

I continue to tragically hope that one day I will magically find that I remember to post often, but alas so far that is still a dream. That being said, its time for a book post of some kind so here goes nothing!

Every year I challenge myself to read a certain number of books. For the last couple years, I have set the goal at 40 which I track through Goodreads. Now normally, I read a few more than that, but it seems to be the sweet spot so to speak. I’ve tried bullet journals to track my process, but honestly, I find journaling in general tedious.

Since I am so wonderfully behind on my book review posts, here is picture-tastic update of everything I read last year! No ratings, no comments. Feel free to comment if your curiosity peaks and you are absolutely screaming to know what I thought about any of the below books. 🙂

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Toil & Trouble: 5 things I wish I knew as a Baby Witch.

Posted on March 23, 2023 by ToilandTomes

I have seen other practitioners chime in the last year. Not one to let a perfectly balanced wagon go by, here I am! Let’s fly right in, shall we?

Covens and Groups are not for everyone!

This took me a while to figure out. Covens, drum circles, “relaxed” groups, “organized” groups, churches – whatever you want to call them. The bottom line is that they are not for everyone 100% of the time.

It took me some trial and error to realize that every religion/belief system has it outliers. Every belief has its zealots, its naysayers, its gatekeepers to balance out the leaders, the inspirations, the laughter, the community. Do what is best for you.

As a long-time solitary and eclectic practitioner, it took YEARS for me to practice my own way. I struggled in my faith over and over, and I forced myself to try different groups. While I have made some great connections and friendships from those experiences, I am still a solitary witch. I passionately hate people who drill rules and regulations into my rituals and spell work. I am freeform. I have a strong foundation knowledge that I spent years accumulating so I wouldn’t accidentally bind myself to a deity or spirit that would do me and others harm. I study continuously. If you are uncomfortable in groups, really analyze the reasons why. Maybe they just aren’t for you at this stage of your journey.

Closed Practice vs Open Practice

I really suggest doing your research on this one. There are closed practices, but there are also numerous open practices. Beware of self-expressed gatekeepers who want to make themselves seem greater by belting you in the face with unwanted criticism. Social media is an especially dicey area for this.

DO your research! Really analyze where your knowledge is coming from. Does the person have credentials of some kind? Are they certified or experienced in the knowledge they are sharing? Are they part of the culture and/or community?

I did not have this as a baby broom, and my experiences with “Covens” added to my confusion. I had to learn new ways of practicing and unlearn others. Keep growing, keep searching, and most importantly respect your practice as much as you respect others.

Herbal Magic

My mother has the biggest black thumb. She is great with tomatoes but struggles with pretty much everything else, I am late to herbs and herbal magic. But, I have lofty fantastical dreams of being a Green and Kitchen Witch to the depths of my soul!

In recent years, I’ve discovered I have a knack for growing herbs and garden plants. Very exciting! I love being able to grow a plant and use it in my kitchen. I don’t have a lot of time to truly dedicate to full blown rituals, so I tend to things when I am cooking and cleaning. Using plants from my own garden is one small way to add magic to my home, life and practice every single day.

That being said, your spice cabinet is a GREAT place to start. (Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!). If you are short on financial resources, hit up your local dollar store. YES, they sell spices! I struggle with the desire to be a Green/Kitchen witch without the space to have a fantastic, amazing, fantasy garden or the time to devote to one. Dried herbs, flowers, and other plants remain my go-to items to this day., and I supplement with my few small herb and fruit/veggie pots during the right seasons.

The slippery slope of “Love and Light”

Let’s be honest here. NO ONE is sunshine and rainbows every day of their life. The idea that all you can think, say, and do must be positive is incredibly toxic. Yes, the energies you put out there have an effect on your life and those around you. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel/express the negative as well.

I tried love and light, and every time I had a bad day I felt like I was failing. I felt like I wasn’t enough because I couldn’t manifest the “right light.” Which is where the toxicity comes in. Light has a dark, love has a hate – that’s just part of human nature. I 100% work to bring positivity into my life, but to understand where I need positive influence, I also need to understand how negativity affects me as well.

Research and invest in some shadow work. I LOVE shadow work. Understanding the light and the shadows is worth it to feel whole and balanced. It is also incredibly helpful to learn what makes you tick on each side of the scale. The key here though is to understand that shadows are tough. They aren’t meant for you to understand other people, but to understand your own gray areas, your own darkness and experiences. It is difficult though! Be prepared for some hard moments.

It’s cliché, but prepare yourself for a journey

Twenty years has had a lot of ups, downs, and more wrong turns than I remembered to count. I’ve been stressed out, elated, doubted myself, successful and everything in between.

Your journey is going to be bumpy. There will be times when you will feel like you are zooming ahead, and times when you are going nowhere. I’ve stepped away from my faith many times over the years, just because I felt stagnate. I’ve learned that the moments where I feel stuck, are also the moments where there is something trying to grab my attention. Most recently, it manifested in a desire to learn a little about tarot – which I’ve never been interested in before. The time before that, it was ways to make my cleaning supplies more magically infused.

Small changes are still change. Everything does not need to be giant leaps forward and great revelations of the 21st century. Give yourself leeway as you are learning.

That’s it my fellow broomies!
Until next time! I’ve been able to keep up with my reading this year and am excited for a few witchy reviews!

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Book Dragon: Exploring the Wiccan Realm

Posted on January 18, 2023 by ToilandTomes

Last year was a lot and unfortunately, I was 2 books shy of my goal for 2022. In addition, I can’t even remember if I posted once. One of these days, posting will be second nature. In 2023, here’s hoping I can do better. 🙂 

Hexing the PatriarchyHexing the Patriarchy by Ariel Gore

The first word that comes to mind is “meh,” with a heavy dose of shoulder shrug. It wasn’t horrible. It was a fast read if you have a couple hours and had some interesting exercises. I do not personally hex people, but to each their own.

There were multiple things that tipped my opinion to the neutral scale though. Some of Gore’s childhood anecdotes felt disjointed with the chapter narratives. Connections were difficult to ascertain, and I’m not a fan of reading filler text. However, I feel like that may have been more of an editing issue than the fault of the author. In addition, (not surprising given the title), the extreme prejudice against men was almost too much. Feminism isn’t about giving men the same treatment women have been given throughout history. It’s about striving to be more, not equal to or the same. Inspiring women to hex men they have problems with does not solve issues. It makes women a different problem.

That being said, it was worth a read if you find the premise interesting. I really enjoyed the author collaborations as each brought their voice to the narrative. Gore for her part has a smooth and engaging writing style. The narrative was humorous and entertaining. If you need something quirky and out of the box, it’s a decent way to spend an afternoon in your favorite chair.

Magical HerbalismMagical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham

I am a fan of Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, and I find myself frequently grabbing it from my bookshelf.  For me, Magical Herbalism, is more of a companion book rather than a standalone. It provides the ritual piece behind harvesting and utilizing the herbs in your own practice.  

As Cunningham’s repertoire goes, this was an easy read. In true Cunningham fashion however, he continues to be incredibly specific about ritual requirements and processes. I find him rigid in this aspect, and personally just adapted his rituals to something that felt more authentic to my practice.   

While Cunningham does encourage his readers to use modern medicine as well as herbs, he puts a lot of faith and emphasis on herbs first. Cunningham doesn’t have has many of his usual disclaimers in this book. While he goes into great detail about the folklore of each plant, I think it would be more helpful if he included botanical drawings for wildcrafting and the medicinal qualities. If that is the information you are looking for, I would suggest different reading material. 

The Witching HerbsThe Witching Herbs by Harold Roth

If you are looking to start small, this is a great book to grab. Roth really weaves and explores the magical workings for these 13 herbs: poppy, clary sage, yarrow, rue, hyssop, vervain, mugwort, wormwood, datura, wild tobacco, henbane, belladonna, and mandrake. While I do not use all of these herbs in my own daily practice, the book is great for beginner practitioners and aspiring herbalists. 

I do think it would have been beneficial to include more magical associations and correspondences in the narrative. In addition, some color photos would be useful for beginning practitioners learning to identify the herbs in the wild. Especially given that most of them are not commonly grown in every region. However, it is clear that Roth did his research, mixing the science and metaphysical aspects of each herb. He also provided a bit of myth and history mixed in, which provided more interest into the narrative. 

However, I would strongly recommend using this book in conjunction with other materials/research. It provides a base foundation, but other works on plant correspondence and gardening would be highly beneficial for a new broom. 

Well, there you go readers! I managed the first post for 2023.  I’d love to tell you what is on the review list next, but I’ll need to consult the piles of books I still need to go through. Wishing you a pile of “to be read” books for the coming season!

 

 

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Toil and Trouble: Dreams of a Home Apothecary

Posted on October 9, 2021 by ToilandTomes

Do you find yourself with visions of herbs drying on the rafters? Jars upon jars in all shapes, sizes and colors? Crystals shining in all the windows?

YEAH, me too!

Unfortunately, I live in a city apartment. I war with the desire to fill my space with greenery and art, with the fact that I live with another human being in a one-bedroom unit. Since I love him an lot, I like to be respectful of the fact that it is his space too. He’s also not as excited about our entire space being filled from top to bottom with plants and jars full of everything and anything.

I’ve spent a lot of time reconnecting with my ritual space over the last year. One of the few perks of COVID, the fact that I spent more time at home, and I joined a Wiccan Theology program. Naturally, a lovely byproduct of this work however is that my ritual items have also exponentially increased. I’m up to my ears in herbs, crystals, and incense. Great for rituals, but tough on space!

Originally, I had my crystals lovingly tucked away into various sachets, with herbs in mason jars, all carefully labeled.

A few of my prepared jars – although the number of jars was actually in the 70s

This worked in terms of organization, but was absolutely rubbish when I need to find something. I was constantly shifting jars and candles out of my way to try and find a specific herb or crystal. It meant a lot of time wasted in gathering my ritual items instead of actually practicing. To be frank, it was a hassle and I found myself avoiding the use of items simply because I didn’t want to find it.

Basically, I was miles away from realizing my dream of an apothecary cabinet.

A new vision was definitely needed. I spent hours staring at the space, and moving items around before I decided to just start all over. My obsession with Pinterest came to the rescue once again. Inspiration struck through some of the organizations boards I happen to follow. I refuse to spend hundreds of dollars on specially advertised shelving, and prefer a “DIY” approach to most things in my house.

Instead of jars, I looked for jewelry and thread organizers. The plastic storage containers for beads will run you around $9 at places like Michaels (unless you shop the sales). They are cheaper than a dozen mason jars, and still hold a few ounces of each herb. For example, I have enough room for at least 6oz of dried rosemary or basil, but only about 3 oz of dried roses or chamomile.

Wood organizers will cost you a bit more depending on size and style. But, as a former JoAnn’s employee, I can confirm that the store has sales all the time on jewelry and wooden items! Since I was doing some chakra work when I started this project, I decided to organize my crystals using the wooden box and some colored scrapbook paper.

Information regarding my herbs and crystals is being kept in a wooden recipe box. I included notes on associations, uses and ritual work for each one. My growing collection of candles and incense are in – you got it- another wooden box! All of the boxes lock so that items don’t fall out if they need to be moved around. The other thing I love about them is they are practically screaming to be customized with markers or paint! I am waiting on inspiration to strike before I start painting, but its on the list for the future.

I’m slowly expanding my collection of jars now that I have the space to store them. I’ve taken to scouring secondhand stores for old perfume jars mostly. I find them unique and interesting. When added to rituals, I can add some extra magic by deliberately choosing a jar by shape or color.

All in all, I am thrilled with the current results. I was able to reorganize everything and its much easier to see and move around as needed. AND, it takes up half the space!

Happy organizing readers! Until next time!

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Book Dragon: Female Heroines Unite!

Posted on December 31, 2020 by ToilandTomes

Welcome back fellow bibliophiles!

It has been incredibly nice to devote so much time to reading in the last few weeks. Even if I haven’t had the mental capacity to do much else. It has helped improve my mood as we stare down month nine of social isolation. While I go into the office daily, being able to sit and read has felt like such a luxury.

One a side note, it was wonderful seeing my local library back up and running. Even if it doesn’t look the same, libraries are such a central part of a community, and seeing people checking out books is a little spark of joy in the current climate. As much as I hate that my state will again go into protracted lock down, for that brief moment there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

I’ve been on an heroine kick lately; desperately seeking authors and adventures as I wander in escapist mode. Not all adventures are created equal however.

51CZSawI1sLThrone of Glass by Sarah J Maas

I impatiently waited for this book through my library for months. With the recommendation of numerous friends, I caved and simply bought the series instead. I devoured the first four books of this series in less than a week. To be fair, I had some time off work, and not a whole lot of plans.

I found the primary characters rich and vibrant, but Maas also does not sugarcoat their flaws. Of which, there were a fair few. But, characters without any flaws are boring anyway. Even secondary characters had a surprising amount of depth, or hints of depth, and fit into the general world like puzzle pieces.

Maas did a great job building a world that was fun, mysterious and continually moving forward. The narrative was evenly paced and I didn’t find myself longing to skip paragraphs. (Which is always a plus when you have splurged on a new series, sight unseen). While I would not describe the story arc as surprising, I enjoyed it from one moment to the next. That being said, Maas like many YA authors, naturally fell into the trap of archetypes that have become standard in the last few years. The heroine goes through a mini existential crisis in the second and third books, where she tried to “disappear” into her own melancholy. There was also the inevitable love triangle (or love-square) with its own emotional trials and eye rolls. I am thrilled to report that the oh-so-familiar tropes do not last too long.

Do to the short amount of time that I finished four books, I have decided to take a short break before starting the fifth novel. I eagerly look forward to diving back into the world after the new year though!

220px-The_Rowan_coverThe Rowan by Anne McCaffrey

Full disclosure, this was a reread. I have read the Tower and Hive series multiple times, although its been at least ten years since I picked up this volume last. I am very picky about my Anne McCaffrey. Many of her novels hold little interest for me. I enjoy the Dragonrider’s of Pern series, but can only handing diving into the world in small doses.

The Rowan is the first novel in this series, although there are two prequels in the series now as well. I found a sense of relief in the nostalgia provided in a familiar world. McCaffrey has a distinct writing style, one that is extended throughout many of her novels. Unfortunately, this writing style also includes widely fluctuating narratives that transition between action and description frequently. Luckily, these transitions are very smooth, although periods where the author world-builds and includes descriptions can feel very long. I find her descriptive stages similar to Tolkien.

The prequels Pegasus to Ride and Pegasus in Flight provide a great deal of background information for the reader. If it is your first experience with this world, it is beneficial to start with the prequels but not necessary.

invisible libraryThe Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman

If you have read previous reviews on this blog, you will find yourself familiar with some aspects of the Invisible Library story line. My last foray into this series was the Mortal World. While I continue to enjoy the books, my review was unfortunately not all sunshine and rainbows. With this installment, I felt that Cogman had managed to steer her world-ship back on course.

By now, the toll of previous adventures is beginning to show on some of the more established characters. While still witty and entertaining, the characters have begun to take on the scarred, more pragmatic tones of more experience. As more world details are revealed, I find that I am enjoying delving into the personal histories of different characters as the series continues.  The narrative felt more in tune with the first and second novels. The focus balanced the narrative with a deep dive into the character’s personal histories.  It answered questions but also left a plethora of breadcrumbs to explore in the next novel.

pirate womenPirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas by Laura Sook Duncombe

The attempted introduction of a non-fiction book into my heroine reading list. While I appreciate the sentiment exhibited by Duncombe in writing this book, weeks later all I can remember is “meh”. Resources on female pirates is beyond spotty and there is a tenuous relationship between historians and pirates in general.

Basically, if you have never read research or other works on female pirates, give this book a shot. Duncombe hits on all the big figures, and a few lesser known individuals. But, there are no surprises and personally I wouldn’t consider the book a primary source. Duncombes narrative just sits on the surface of resources that are available on the topic. In addition, her personal bias is clearly indicated throughout her narrative. I found it distracting enough that I gave up on the book a few times in frustration.

Treat the book like Wikipedia. Read the information, make a few notes that jump out at you, and then search for other legitimate sources.

That’s all for this post fellow readers!  Up next for Toil and Tomes: 

The Brotherband Chronicles: Return of the Temujai by John Flanagan

Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Chronicles by James Lovegrove

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Book Dragon: And So Begins Summer…

Posted on September 1, 2020 by ToilandTomes

Hello fellow bibliophiles!

In what seems to be a common occurrence these last few months, events once again sidelined my book reviews. I am happy to note that I have managed to stay ahead of my 2020 reading goal. Slowly and surely approaching 37 out of the 45 book commitment for this year.

Life has decided to reach a calm stage for the moment. So, who am I to squander this opportunity to put my thoughts to blog post?  Read on for the trials and opinions of the summer’s first selection.

Library of the Unwritten

library of the unwrittenThis novel has four stars on Goodreads, and has been positively reviewed by my own friends.  An event which I am still struggling to understand. The bottom line, I couldn’t finish it. I wish I could say I made it half way through, but the truth is I gave up at about the 1/3 mark.

I enjoyed some of the supporting characters, but the heroine was a disaster.  She was unlikable, annoying, and her personality was a complete turn-off for me.  I was rooting for her to disappear within the first few chapters.

It was clear that Hackwith spent a lot of time designing the world and was trying to give this information to the reader.  However, this made the narrative rather distracting. It toggled back and forth between quick events/decisions made by the characters with dense world-building and background information.  This transition continually interrupted the pacing of the story.

I can understand why this might appeal to some readers (and those friends who wrote reviews). For me, the story fits very well into a fantasy world, and reminded me of tv shows like Supernatural. (Which I love!) I truly appreciate the story premise and I think that the narrative had great potential. As the wife of a writer, I enjoyed the details and juxtaposition around storytelling and how narratives are brought to life by their authors. Sadly, right now this novel was not for me.

The Royal Ranger: Red Fox Clan and Duel at Araluen

I am reviewing these books together as the story arc spans both installments of the Royal Ranger series.

Previously, I have been on the fence about this offshoot of the Ranger Apprentice world. I adore the original series, as well as the Brotherband Chronicles. The worlds and characters are well-written and engaging. As I read each new novel, I find that I am constantly invested in the success of their adventures.

For the Royal Ranger, while I continued to enjoy the world, I felt as if there was something missing. I wish I could easily pinpoint what that “something” was, but so far I have had little luck. Knowing me, it could have been something as simple as transitioning to a new series.  That being said, with these two novels, I once again found myself diving directly into the world with familiarity and excitement.  I enjoyed the interplay between the characters and the reintroduction of beloved ones from other books.

I loved that you learn just how much the Ranger Corps has continued to challenge and encourage Maddie’s growth. It is clearly shown in how her character carries herself and interacts with others within the narrative.  It was fun to see Maddie rise into the role of a lead heroine.  By the time I began Duel at Araluen, I was firmly in her corner.

If you have never explored the Ranger Apprentice series, I would highly recommend starting with the first novel Ruins of Gorlan. A lot of world-building is completed within the first series, and sets the reader up to understand the background of recurring characters and scenes.

Honey Badger Chronicles

Honey Badger ChroniclesI have been reading Laurenston’s shifter series for years. For the most part, I have had positive experiences with her work, and I enjoy reading them from an escapist standpoint. They require absolutely no forethought and provide an easy, stress-free read.

Unfortunately, the Honey Badger Chronicles were not my favorite stories.  The characters were just there. Historically, I feel that Laurenston has done a better job of building characters in previous novels, and this narrative fell short.  Each of the three novels felt very rushed. The story was on fast-forward and a lot of detail was missed. I did not find myself laughing out loud as I have done with other books.  While the sisters behaviors were understandable given their history, it was also extremely distracting.  Laurenston really dove into the tropes and archetypes present in the sister’s personalities, which ultimately failed to make them as interesting. The changes in temperament, narrative pace, and dialogue left me with a whiplash effect from one event to another.

I would not discourage Laurenston fans from reading this series. But, for new readers, I would suggest starting with a different book first. These novels lacked details when secondary characters were woven in and out. Background knowledge on world-building and character personalities help a lot when understanding the Honey Badger Chronicles story line.

That’s all for this post fellow readers! Stay tuned for the next reviews where all the female heroines will come out of the woodwork!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

The Rowan by Anne McCaffrey

The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman

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Toil and Trouble: Protection Incense

Posted on June 23, 2020 by ToilandTomes

With everything going on in the world since February, my social media has been inundated with posts seeking protection:

  • Protection from illness
  • Protection against negativity
  • Personal protection of self or family
  • Protection for or to aid others

Personally, I have found myself looking at ways to do all of the above.  One instance with a stressed coworker affected me for days before I had enough.  It sent me running to my cabinet (affectionately called the Wiccubby) for herbs and tools.

Protection can come in many forms. You can wear or carry charms; place sachets around your home, office or car; or manifest a shield spirituality to deflect any negativity aimed your way. (Personally, I picture the Enterprise warding off enemy weapons-fire.) To create a handy list of protection herbs, I really recommend Scott Cunningham’s  Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. I constantly find myself referring to it, even after practicing almost 20 years.  For a quick reference, here are a few protection herbs, I always keep (and most can be found in your kitchen!)

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Herbs: Rosemary, Basil, Bay Leaves, Angelica, Anise Seed, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Oregano, Mint, Lavender, Mugwort, Mandrake, Vervain, Blackberry

In addition, you can mix in the following to charms, sachets incense, and even your own protection oils:

Oils: Frankincense, Sage (both can also be found in herb form)

Woods: Oak, Cedar, Holly

Protection in any form requires a lot of focus and intention. The last thing you want to do is start a ritual for protection, and end up inviting more negativity into your life.  Usually, in my own ritual work, one of the things I always try to do is include herbs associated with any or all of the four elements. This way, I can call upon these energies as well as visualizing a protective shield around myself, my home or my loved ones.

Now onto the spellwork! Here is what you will need:

Your herbs

Bowl / Mortar and Pestle (something to mix the herbs in)

Intention! Intention! Intention!

Incense Burner (for afterward)

Protection Incense

For this recipe, I concentrated on two of the elements: Fire (South) and Water (West) as I wanted to add an extra layer of protection and hearth energy (fire) to a cleansing and calm energy (water). Add in equal parts:

Cinnamon and Clove (fire)

Anise Seed and Orange Peel (water)

*Note orange peel and cinnamon have a lot of uses, but they are great additives for adding an extra oomph to your herbal concoctions. 

Mix or crush your cinnamon, clove and anise together in a bowl. While doing so, envision a cleansing force sweeping through your home.  Add the dried orange peels (or orange essential oil), and imagine that sweeping force solidifying into a protective bubble.  With your athame, wand, or by holding the bowl in your hands, you will want to recite a mantra or ask for the gods assistance to add their energies to bless your incense.  As an example, I used the following during my ritual:

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, Lords of Fire

Bless these herbs of protection and the hearth to burn away the negativity so that only good may enter

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, Lords of Water

Bless these herbs to cleanse this space and assist those who enter to find peace and calm energy.

In the presence of the God and Goddess

To the good of all and to harm none

So mote it be.

You can continuing charging your herbs during the moon, in the light of a candle, or on your altar until they feel ready to burn them. But, keep that shield in place and remember that any time you interact with the herbs you will want to visualize your intent.

Blessed be readers!

I’d love to hear how this recipe worked for you. Leave me a shout out in the comments below! 

 

 

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Book Dragon: Madness within the Pages

Posted on February 25, 2020 by ToilandTomes

Madness is right. Life has been all sorts of topsy turvy for the last year or so (hence falling WAY behind on my blog posts…like 12 months behind). I’ve got to tell you, from the middle of 2019 onwards, I did not have the best luck with reading choices. I lost count of how many books I started, and then refused to finish.  So much so, that I gave up on new material for a few months, and consoled myself in the familiarity of some favorites (mostly The Belgariad and The Mallorean by David Eddings).

Be that as it may, the reviews must go on! So read on my fellow bibliophiles, and let me know what you think in the comments! I’d love to chat!

*Warning: There may be spoilers ahead!*

The Mortal World by Genevieve Cogman

Ahh Cogman, I have been thoroughly impressed with her Library series so far, and was excited to get my copy of The Mortal World – which I preordered by the way.

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Unfortunately, I found this installment to be the weak link in the series. At times, I really wanted to yell “shut up! move on already!” The middle of the book just dragged on, while the main character, Irene, ran around like she was looking for her lost car keys. There were long periods where the only information we were given was whatever popped into Irene’s narration of events. It didn’t always feel true to character for the heroine. In addition, the baddie was forgettable… Seriously, I can’t even remember as I’m writing this review.

That being said, the book still contains the intelligent humor and hijinks that made the first four such entertaining stories. While I wish the characters of Vale and Silver played larger roles in this story given the premise, I did enjoy most of Silver’s character development. The author is very good at hinting that each character has depths that haven’t been explored in the series thus far. In a way, it does make me want to read further installments just to see what happens to them! I also enjoyed the dichotomy between the Dragons and the Fae, as it demonstrated the numerous ways in which the Library attempts to remain neutral, and the difficulty in doing so.

While my negative feelings make this installment less enjoyable for me, I am still eagerly looking forward to the next story Cogman releases.

Mrs. Sherlock Holmes by Brad Ricca

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Mrs. Sherlock Holmes is the story of Grace Huminston: a lawyer, activist, and very first female Special Assistant US Attorney. In an era where women couldn’t even vote, and immigrants were at the mercy of slumlords and indentured servitude, I was intrigued to learn about this woman compared so frequently to Sherlock Holmes.

First and foremost, the timeline was extremely difficult to follow.  I felt that the book jumped back in forth during Grace’s career numerous times and had to reread passages to make sure I understood how the narrative fell into place.

At its core, I found most of the details surrounding the ending more interesting than Grace’s involvement in the larger historical context. I felt that at times, the author was trying to showcase more about his knowledge of the era than presenting a biography of Huminston.

The book suffered from a huge lack of focus, cohesive timeline, and consistent narrative.  While I believe the author made a sincere attempt to write a biography of Huminston, at times the narration style was more fiction than non-fiction.  It was both too austere and too fantastical at the same time. All in all, I’d be interested in reading other biographies of Grace Huminston, but probably wouldn’t recommend this book to a friend.

Warlock Holmes: My Grave Ritual by G.S Denning

91eXPkTUURLAs I’m sure readers know by now, I’m a sucker for Sherlock Holmes everything.  I thoroughly enjoyed the other adventures of Warlock Holmes written by G.S. Denning. The same witticism is present in this volume, and I freely admit to laughing out loud during numerous parts. It is also made clearer in this volume how the relationship between Watson and Holmes continues to grow, even with magical events cropping up. I also continue to enjoy the character developments of secondary characters like Lestrade and Grogson.

The biggest downside to this book was that the narrative  was more disjointed than you would find in the other three of the series.  Unfortunately, at times this meant that it was hard to follow along as perspectives shifted, and there was an ever present “so what happened?” question while I was reading certain chapters.  Despite the fact that the Woman is an background character to most of the narrative, she just wasn’t strong enough to connect the stories.

I do still love the book and continue to recommend it to almost everyone I know (including my coworkers).  I would caution new readers to read the series in order however, as I do not believe this is the strongest installment.

 

That’s all for this post readers! Stay tuned for the next reviews, coming to a blog near you!

Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas by Laura Sook Duncombe

Hexing the Patriarchy by Ariel Gore

The Brotherband Chronicles: Return of the Temujai by John Flanagan

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