Embracing Willendorf: Rhi and Danni
Glamour Magic: James and Joe
Love Magic: Dre and John
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had some different words planned in order to introduce this next giveaway, but then a week ago the #metoo hashtag bloomed all over social media. It wasn't the way I had ever hoped to connect with other women. It's not the sort of thing I wish I had in common with anyone. For a great number of years I had a difficult time looking in the mirror. I didn't love myself. I didn't believe I deserved love. I wasn't entirely sure that I was worthy of much of anything. I was wrong. I had believed people that I shouldn't have trusted. I bought into a religious system that told me that I was fundamentally flawed. And I rated my value based on the size of my jeans and whether or not I looked like the girls in the magazines I was reading.
I'm happy to say that most days I don't struggle with my worth anymore. My scars still make me flinch from time to time, but they are a part of me - the maps of my life and experiences. I have such a soft-yet-fierce love for myself for making it this far when there were so many times I wasn't sure I could keep going. I learned to trust my own heart. My own desires. And the deep magic of this strange world - magic that I saw proof of, even in my darkest hours.
For me, it is all about where love lives. First, inside me and for me. Then, as it blossoms and flows out to those around me - friends, family, lovers - and then outward still, to my land base and communities and the world at large. These three books I picked for my October giveaways came to mind a few months ago, long before I was reminded this past week how important self-love is. I'm pleased how perfectly they fit, right at this time.
The first book is by a witch close to my heart. A field guide to cultivating health and well-being, told from a sassy, earth-centered perspective, H. Byron Ballard's Embracing Willendorf: A Witch's Way of Loving Your Body to Health & Fitness (published by Skyebridge Publishing) is a wonderful take on loving yourself and working toward being your most vibrant incarnation.
A heartwarming and giggle-worthy memoir, and a good helping of practical advice on living your own robust life, this book is a truly lovely read. You can find more about Byron (and her blog) at My Village Witch.
The second book up for grabs has just what you need to get your glow on and your confidence working for you (even if you aren't sure you have any). Deborah Castellano's Glamour Magic, published by Llewellyn, is a gorgeous take on the often under-looked magical arte of the glamour (both employing this work to achieve/attract what you want, and to bump up your own morale and spirit).
I've been subscribed to Deborah's fabulous blog, Charmed, I'm Sure, for some time now and I'm mad about her writing style and unapologetic honesty. This book serves up her bold ideas with a side of history and pop culture references that will be sure to make you grin and want to get to work!
Our third book is a charming tome brimming with magic. Lilith Dorsey's Love Magic, published by Weiser Books starts off its very first chapter with "Happiness and Self Love Spells," and though it does offer ideas to capture the attention and affection of a potential mate, I am delighted by the chapters that speak to the myriad ways love is expressed. There are fertility rites and spells to bless your marriage, as well as works that center on honoring your relationship with family, friends, animal companions, and the wider world. This is a spellbook for those who generally shy away from love magic!
You can find more of Lilith's writing on her blog, Voodoo Universe at Patheos.
I have two copies of each of these love-filled books to give away. Your comment counts as your entry. If you are of the shy sort (or Blogger comments are not playing nicely) please feel free to enter your name via the "contact me" button up top. If you want a second chance at the goods, you are welcome to share this post on your fave social media haunt or share some love for Deborah, Byron, or Lilith, and circle back to let me know. I'll add your name to the hat a second time. Please have all entries in by 8 pm on Friday, October 27th.
An email address with your entry is super-helpful (especially if your comment doesn't link back to a site or profile that gives me a way to contact you). You can let me know which book floats your boat if you like, and I'll try to match up books with wishes as much as possible. All prizes generally go out within a week of receiving the winner's addresses (if I don't get too far down the October rabbit hole).
PS - for those that aren't podcast fans and didn't catch the reference, "It's All About The Love" is a blatant rip-off/nod/blown-kiss to The Wigglian Way, a Canadian witchy podcast hosted by the wonderful duo, Mojo and Sparrow.
Legal Bits:
* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America, who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law. Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.
* Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada). The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =
* This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.
* This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.
* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.
* This giveaway (or "sweepstakes") is open to all residents of Canada, (exluding Quebec residents) the USA, Great Britain, Europe, South America, who are 18 years of age or older. This giveaway is void where prohitibited by law. Please be aware of the contest/sweepstakes laws in your area.
* Canadian residents will be subject to a skill testing question before being able to claim their prize (this is standard law in Canada). The skill testing question will be in a form similar to: 1 + 2 - 1 =
* This giveaway is not for profit and no purchase is necessary to enter.
* This giveaway is sponsored/administrated solely by this blog/blog author and is not affilitated with or sponsored by Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, or any other entity, nor can they be held liable.
* By leaving a comment intending to enter into the draw for the giveaway (or "sweepstakes") you are knowingly agreeing to these rules/conditions.
I have chosen all the books/cards featured this month myself. I have not been paid to feature a book, nor have I been asked to advertise for anyone. This giveaway is not endorsed or sponsored by anyone other than Rue and Hyssop