Thank you to everyone who entered! (I've also been receiving all the email entries via the contact button as well - not to worry!) The folks who will be getting some holiday mail are:
Ask Baba Yaga - Book #1 - Maria O.
Ask Baba Yaga - Book #2 - MrsDuncanMahogany
Literary Witches Book - dustbunny8
Literary Witches Oracle - eli mari
What Would Frida Do - Cartermaryd
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As we stride deeper into the darkest weeks of the year, it is prudent to be aware of the beings that reside in the shadows. Our own goblins lurk there, of course, though it is in our best interest to get to know them. But there are also those shades and spirits that slink alongside us, their interest in us piqued (for good or for mischief). There are numerous tales of things that live in the dark, or hunt in the bitterest months, and so it is shrewd to take precautions and arm ourselves with safeguards, including a healthy dose of cleverness and discernment. That is, after all, how most fairy tale protagonists get out of their predicaments.
As of today my province has tightened up some of the Covid precautions after our case numbers rose dramatically in the past weeks. We are not wholly quarantined again (for now) but we are not to gather anymore, and we must be masked in all buildings. There is a drawing-in that happens naturally this time of year, and so I've decided to weave these new restrictions into my own cold-weather enchantments. I see being masked as a form of invisibility work. A way to move about swiftly and purposefully, without being noticed or recognized (for the most part). Though I enjoy gathering with others, there is a stream of protection magic to tap into when you are forced to keep those who don't live in your home, away. I see the magic of the darktide as a solid ally to these difficult times. And it's always good to have someone, or something, in your corner.
This next giveaway features sage advice and guidance from literary and artistic women, as well as a good amount of advisement from a witch who rolls through the forest in a chicken-legged hut.
"Voices are ; noise, humanly noise — but what knows best in you is not of human shape or sound but of a stranger, Wilder beast. )Now it turns in your stomach, now it rends yr chest. Tell the voices to shut up & listen for the growl."
Kitaiskaia also dove into the world of historical and contemporary authors and resurfaced with the wonderful insights contained in Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Women Writers, and The Literary Witches Oracle, which is a deck containing the women mentioned in her book as well as cards inked with symbols and sigils created by illustrator Katy Horan.
The book reimagines 30 female authors as true witches: not hook-nosed creatures riding on brooms, but figures of radical creativity, originality, and empowerment. Each witch is celebrated with a surreal vignette by Taisia Kitaiskaia and a full-color portrait by artist Katy Horan. Brief biographies and recommended reading lists round out each entry, and a foreword by author, podcast host, and practicing witch Pam Grossman contextualizes the figure of the witch and her connection to language.
Next, I have a gorgeous tome by Arianna Davis, a brilliant Afro-Latinx author, and an adjunct professor at New York University. What Would Frida Do? A Guide to Living Boldly
What Would Frida Do? explores the feminist icon’s signature style, outspoken politics, and boldness in love and art, even in the face of pain and heartbreak. The book celebrates her larger than life persona as a woman who loved passionately and lived ambitiously, refusing to remain in her husband’s shadow. Each chapter shares intimate stories from her life, revealing how she overcame obstacles by embracing her own ideals.
In this charming read, author Arianna Davis conjures Frida’s brave spirit, encouraging women to persevere, to create fearlessly, and to stand by their own truths.
Think of these books and cards as having your own badass fairy godmother to chat with. I know you'll enjoy reading them in the dark nights to come.
I have one copy of each of these enlightening items to give away. I'll draw five names on November 25th at 9pm Pacific, and then you can wander into the woods outfitted with sharp insight from wild and wise women.
Your comment counts as your entry. Please leave an email address or a linked comment so I can contact you if your name is drawn. If you'd like to share this giveaway on social media, that would be lovely - just pop back and let me know you did and I'll enter your name a second time. If you have a preference as far as which item you'd like to have next to you on a cold winter's night, let me know in your comment. I try as much as possible to match folks with their wishes.
* 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, Instagram, 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.