WELCOME to the Edge of the Circle Newsletter. This newsletter has come about as an effort to reach out to the Pagan/ Occult community (particularly in Seattle where we are based) to inform the community of what events are happening at our store. Without further ado, welcome, and enjoy.
Regards, Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler, Editrix- golanv1@yahoo.com
WHO WE ARE: Edge of the Circle Books is Seattle's resource for Paganism & the Occult. This newsletter seeks to provide the Seattle community with a place to list events, post articles, and do a bit of networking.
Edge of the Circle Books strives to be your ideal Magical Pagan store.
Open 7 days a week, Noon 'till 8pm.
Call: 206-PAN-1999
Become a Fan, post your event on the discussion page!
Also on Facebook: THE SEATTLE PAGAN, OCCULT AND METAPHYSICAL RESOURCE BOARD has been created in order to facilitate networking throughout the Pacific Northwest.
If you have a Magical Group, Ritual Group, Pagan Church or organization, Druid Grove, please feel free to post your events and classes here.
Meet-ups, talks, book signings, public rituals, etc—all are welcome here.
We'd prefer no advertisements for Professional Readers, Reiki practitioners, etc. However, if you are teaching a class, or giving a workshop or talk, feel free to post your event.
This group is specifically for sharing events of interest to the local community, it is not meant for discussing magical paths and traditions, or asking general questions about magick or paganism. Please remain civil, do disparaging posts about groups or individuals. Off topic posts WILL be moderated...and check out the Edge’s new TUMBLR Page
REMINDER: We buy used Occult Books! Our buyer is in on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays!
CLASSROOM/RITUAL SPACE IS AVAILABLE-- PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS!
No charge if your class or event is free!
LIVING THELEMA:
A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick
by David Shoemaker, Foreword by Lon Milo DuQuette
Publisher : Weiser Books (December 1, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 288 pages
List Price: $21.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
“The most thorough and understandable exposition of the underlying theories and the practical applications of the spiritual disciplines of Thelema currently available. A landmark work.” ―Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Magick of Aleister Crowley
The system of spiritual attainment developed by Aleister Crowley is notoriously challenging in its scope. Living Thelema, adapted from the popular podcast of the same name, brings a welcome approachability to Crowley’s material, without diminishing the depth of the system. The author focuses on the practical and experiential aspects of the path of Thelema, allowing the reader to grasp the true transformative power of the system.
Beginners and advanced practitioners alike will find much useful advice here, as Shoemaker brings his characteristic down-to-earth style to bear on topics such as ritual and meditation practices, sex magick, astral projection, psychotherapy for magicians, the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel, and that pinnacle of attainment known as the crossing of the Abyss.
The author’s background as a practicing psychotherapist allows an entirely unique fusion of esoteric wisdom and cognitive science.
“In this entertaining and (dare I say it?) lively book, David Shoemaker reminds us that Thelema is not just a philosophy or a study but a spiritual practice. From applied ‘how to’ advice to thought-provoking ‘how about’ posers, Dr. Shoemaker offers his personal take―informed by twenty years of walking the talk, along with his incisiveness as a professional therapist―on how to get the most out of the fundamental Thelemic practices of yoga and ritual, both inside and outside of the temple.” ―Richard Kaczynski, author of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley
About the Author:
David Shoemaker is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in Jungian and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. David is the Chancellor and Prolocutor of the Temple of the Silver Star (totss.org), a ceremonial and initiatory order based on the principles of Thelema, Qabalistic psychology, and similar traditions. He is also a long-standing member of Ordo Templi Orientis and A.’.A.’. In addition to his work in magick and psychology, David is a composer and musician.
**
ENTERING HEKATE'S CAVE:
The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness
by Cyndi Brannen
Publisher : Weiser Books (January 1, 2023)
Language : English
Paperback : 256 pages
List Price: $24.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
An in-depth spiritual journey through the truths and traumas of one’s past to a rebirth and renewal of personal wholeness.
To the ancients, the goddess Hekate symbolized the inner journey back to the soul.
Indeed, ancient philosophers identified her as Anima Mundi, the “soul of the world.” As such, she connects many archetypes associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. From her role as protector of roadways to her power as the bringer of death, she offers us keys for healing.
Incorporating her personal experiences with those of her students, Cyndi Brannen weaves a supporting circle around the reader as they start their path towards soulful living, culminating in rebirth.
Blending symbolism, transcendent experiences, dreams, and natural magic with sound psychological theories and practices, Entering Hekate’s Cave guides the reader safely through the journey back to the soul.
“With a powerful but kind voice, Cyndi Brannen has given devotees of Hekate a gorgeous tool for exploring the mysteries of the Goddess to an even greater depth. Wisdom, beauty, and strength—all are found in this excellent book.” —Courtney Weber, author of Hekate: Goddess of Witches
About the Author:
Cyndi Brannen, PhD, teaches and writes from the crossroads of the deeper world and modern life. She merges her career as an applied social psychologist with meditation, ritual, and natural magic, centered around the Goddess Hekate as World Soul.
**
SEVEN GODDESSES OF THE HELLENISTIC WORLD:
Ancient Worship for Modern Times
by Jo Graham
Publisher : Llewellyn Publications (December 8, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 200 pages
List Price: $17.99
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
In this book, Jo Graham introduces you to the history and mythology of seven Hellenistic goddesses and teaches you how to work with each one in your spiritual practice. With the help of these powerful deities, you can improve your luck, resilience, teamwork, transformation, and more.
Through stories, journal prompts, meditations, and rituals, Jo encourages you to explore your personal connection to each goddess. Draw on Athena's wisdom to bring clarity to your endeavors. Embody the power of a ruling queen with a rite to honor Atargatis. And, enjoy all shades of love under Aphrodite's guidance. With this book, you can apply the ancient―but still relevant―lessons of Tyche, Isis, Epona, Cybele, and others for a more inspired devotional experience and empowered life.
About the Author:
Jo Graham has practiced in Pagan and Hermetic traditions for more than thirty years, including leading an eclectic circle for nearly a decade. Dedicated in 1989, she took her mastery in 2004. She has studied the Classical world extensively and today mainly works in traditions based on the Hellenistic Cult of Isis. Though she worked in politics for fifteen years, today Jo divides her time between writing and working as a Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care. She lives in North Carolina with her partner and their daughters.
**
MODERN WITCHCRAFT WITH THE GREEK GODS: History, Insights & Magickal Practice
by Jason Mankey & Astrea Taylor
Publisher : Llewellyn Publications (December 8, 2022)
Paperback : 336 pages
List Price:$24.99
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
~A Witch's 21-Century Guide to Making Magick with the Greek Gods~
The ancient Greek gods surround us even now in our modern world. From Aphrodite to Zeus, this book reveals the origins of more than sixty deities and other mythological figures, including the Olympians, Titans, and Primordial Forces. Explore how they've been worshipped across the centuries and how you can work with them in your own practice.
You'll meet the gods one by one, exploring their history, unique correspondences, and personal insights from contributing authors who work with them magickally. This book also provides rituals and spells to connect with each deity. Draw down the moon with Selene, cast a courage spell with Ares, and reclaim lost parts of yourself with a ritual for Persephone. By inviting these divine beings into your practice, you can cultivate a magickal life that satisfies your soul to its very core.
From Zeus and Hephaestus to Hades and Persephone, this book reveals the origins of nearly thirty Greek gods and goddesses, how they've been worshipped across the centuries, and how you can work with them in your own practice. Jason Mankey and Astrea Taylor introduce you to the gods one by one, presenting:
Their history
Unique correspondences
A ritual or spell for connecting with them
And more…
You'll also enjoy insightful contributions from members of the Witchcraft community who actively work with these deities. Modern Witchcraft with the Greek Gods features other mythological figures as well, such as the Titans and Primordial Forces, and it explores the spell and ritual structures of ancient times. Everything you want to know about Greek gods and how to call upon them today is in this book.
Praise for Modern WItchcraft with the Greek Gods:
"A brilliant and accessible book for the modern witch who wants to explore or deepen their relationship with the theoi, daimones, and heroes of Ancient Greece. The book is extremely well researched, drawing on and referencing historical primary sources, without trying to be a historical reconstruction of times past...The book will prove to you through direct experience that the gods of Greece aren't merely dust-covered archaic statues of stories lost to the mists of time, but rather that they are still as alive, powerful, and thriving as they were in ancient and classical times."—Mat Auryn, bestselling author of Psychic Witch and Mastering Magick
About the Authors:
Jason Mankey is a third-degree Gardnerian High Priest and helps run two Witchcraft covens in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Ari. He is a popular speaker at Pagan and Witchcraft events across North America and Great Britain and has been recognized by his peers as an authority on the Horned God, Wiccan history, and occult influences in rock and roll. Jason is the author of several books, including The Witch’s Book of Spellcraft, The Horned God of the Witches, and Transformative Witchcraft.
Astrea Taylor is an eclectic pagan witch with over two and a half decades of experience in the witching world. She’s the author of Air Magic and Intuitive Witchcraft. She has a bachelor’s degree in science from Antioch College and a master’s degree in environmental sciences from Wright State University, which inform her scientific takes on spirituality. In her spare time, she presents workshops and rituals online and at festivals across the country, and occasionally she blogs as Starlight Witch on Patheos Pagan.
**
EARTH WITCH:
Finding Magic in the Land
by Britton Boyd
Publisher : Hierophant Publishing (Dec. 15, 2022)
Paperback : 192 pages
List Price: $18.99
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
In Earth Witch: Finding Magic in the Land, animist, witch, and herbalist Britton Boyd invites you to seek out the deep and mysterious connections with the earth that lie at the ancestral roots of witchcraft. She describes the path of the earth witch not as a linear journey of upward growth, but rather as a cyclical one that ebbs and flows with the forces of nature that reflect the world around us—a path utterly different from the spiritual materialism that has crept into the witchcraft often found in today’s capitalist culture.
Drawing on her own experience hiking the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2660-mile trek that stretches from Mexico to the Canadian border, Boyd reminds readers that witchcraft has always been based in the energy of the land, and that you can find all you need to practice this magic right beneath your feet.
This book provides those new to witchcraft with foundational practices on which to build an organic spirituality rooted in the natural world, and challenges seasoned witches to renew the ancient relationship with the earth that lies at the heart of their craft. Packed with stories, spells, and rituals, Boyd encourages all of us to live in service to the planet we call home.
About the Author:
Britton Boyd is an animist, witch, writer, tarot reader, potion maker, and herbalist residing in the high desert mountains of Northeastern Oregon. In 2017 she hiked the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2660-mile quest from the border of Mexico to Canada. Her experiences on the trail pushed her body to its limit and made beautifully and agonizingly concrete the wisdom of earth-based, animistic witchcraft.
FYDOR PAVLOV TAROT
by Fydor Pavlov
Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc
List Price: $46.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Captivating artist Fyodor Pavlov pays tribute to the seminal Smith-Waite Tarot Deck® imagery by creating a hand-painted tarot deck in watercolor and ink that is informed by his personal queer and trans experiences. The result is a tarot deck that is familiar and timeless while exploring new and diverse representations of gender, sexuality and culture. Pavlov artfully introduces queer and non-binary identities while staying true to the canonical tarot meanings.
Includes: Two-piece box with gold foil stamping, 78 gilded edge linen finish cards with color-themed suits and 172-page full-color illustrated, hardcover book.
**
MYSTICAL REALM TAROT
by Lisa Porter
Boxed Set:78 Card Tarot Deck with 96 Page Guidebook
Publisher: Rockpool Publishing, November 22, 2022
List Price: $29.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
We are spiritual beings, interacting with the spiritual realm every day. The veil has been torn and Mystical Realm Tarot has been created to be intentionally straight forward in relaying archetypal and symbolic messages to captivate the enquirer, while also displaying a concise narrative.
The beautiful images are hand illustrated by Lisa Porter who has chosen to feature a variety of historical eras, which adds interesting layers of
visual content, without misinterpreting the traditional tarot meaning. Many of the characters in this tarot are more inclusive, so more relatable to a diversity of readers.
**
TAROT OF THE SORCERESS:
A Witch’s Wheel of the Year
(78 Cards and 128-Page Guidebook)
by Berengere Demoncy
Publisher: Rockpool Publishing, Nov. 22, 2022
List Price: $26.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Discover the hidden messages of the tarot and learn more about yourself with the Tarot of the Sorceress.
Inspired by a pagan seasonal spirituality, this striking tarot deck is a based on the Tarot de Marseille and is designed around the Wheel of the Year, the seasons and the festivals that punctuate it. Each card is presented in intricate detail – not just the majors. There is a companion book that provides samples readings and a decryption of each card.
Drawn in beautifully in black and white and printed with metallic highlights, the 78 cards include: 22 Major Arcana representing allegories of the seasons and the 8 Sabbaths, 56 minor arcana based on the 4 elements present in magical rituals: Air (Sword suite) / Fire (Staff suite) / Earth (Coins suite) / Water (Cup suite). The different messages of the cards refer to, and are
organized around, the magical rituals of Wicca; Sabbaths (wheel of the year), the seasons, the phases of the moon, the stars, and implements and the elements (crystals, plants, flowers, shells, constellations, cauldrons, etc.).
Perfect for anyone interested in tarot and the wicca traditions, as well as being a beautiful gift for any tarot user, both beginners and more advanced users.
**
ALFONS MARIA MUCHA
ORACLE CARDS
by Alfons Maria Mucha (Artist),
Lo Scarabeo
36 Card Oracle Deck
Publisher: Lo Scarabeo/Llewellyn Publications (March 8, 2023)
List Price: $21.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Celebrating the art of Alfons Maria Mucha, this delightful deck showcases the flowing lines and delicate botanical motifs often associated with the Art Nouveau movement. Mucha's distinctive style of ornamental art graces each of the thirty-six cards, expressing both beauty and rich symbolism. Explore this deck's layered meanings and discover what deep truths it can reveal.
THE WITCHES' ALMANAC -
Issue 42 Spring 2023 - 2024
EARTH: Origins of Chthonic Powers
Edited by Andrew Theitic
Publisher: The Witches' Almanac, Ltd, Nov.1, 2022)
Paperback Standard Edition: 208 pages
List Price: $15.95
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The Witches’ Almanac is a sophisticated publication appealing to general readers as well as hard-core Wiccans. At one level, it is a pop reference that will fascinate anyone interested in folklore, mythology and culture, but at another, it is the most sophisticated annual guide available today for the mystic enthusiast.
Modeled after the Old Farmers’ Almanac, it includes information related to the annual Moon Calendar (weather forecasts and horoscopes), as well as legends, rituals, herbal secrets, mystic incantations, interviews, and many a curious tale of good and evil. Although it is an annual publication, much of the content is both current and timeless―not specific to the date range of each issue.
The theme of Issue 42 (Spring 2023–Spring 2024) is Earth―Origins of Chthonic Powers. Also included are articles on: Geomancy, The Lunar Nodes, Celestial Magic, and the Fifteen Behenian Stars, The Herbs of the Planets, The Orisha Ogun, and much more.
REMINDER: We buy used Occult Books! Our buyer is in on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays!
We also have classroom/ritual space-- please call for details.
Need Spell advice? Just ask!
We have Seattle's best Psychic Readers, in house, 7 days a week, from 2pm—8pm.
This concludes our Newsletter for this month.
Look for us again FEBRUARY 1st, 2023!
Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler, Editrix, Edge of the Circle Books Newsletter
Credits and Attributions:
Graphics by Erica Lauren Branch-Butler on Canva and Clip Studio Paint Ex.
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