Mythology for a Magical Life: Stories, Rituals & Reflections to Inspire Your Craft

Tbh by just the title/summer I don't know if this is something I would have chosen for myself. It was a book club book and I am SO grateful that I did get to read this! So informative & interesting about mythology but also not the cliche mythology book. The author put a fresh and very relatable way of understanding mythology and its many possible meanings ect front and center and offered fun and thought provoking journal prompts, rituals and spells and was written in a way that made me excited to learn more and try these rituals. Everything is laid out in easy to read chapters and sections and is truly an interactive learning experience that was FUN and enjoyable to read!!! Highly recommended! Even if you think "naahh it's not for me" it just might be exactly for you!!

I really enjoyed this book. It details how myth is relevant to our lives and how actually reading them ans studying them it can help us to make our lives more happy and fulfilling. The book is written in a conversational tone that made me want to read what I thought were boring old myths . I came to find out they held keys that our ancestors realized had profound meaning. This book is meant to be actually worked with. I have something fun to look forward to as my days progress and I see where I fit in. This book is excellent!!

This is a sweet well thought out book of spiritual path & work teaching with stories & incorporating that into your magical practices. I love mythology & these stories were presented well & incorporated to help people reach deeper into themselves with old stories. I found this to be a thoroughly delightful presentation that would enhance many people's spiritual practices & an enjoyable read for most.

I got this book as a mythology fan because I was interested in the stories that might be contained. However, at the beginning of the book the author explains what magic is, and doesn’t often come out and say witchcraft but that’s what she’s talking about - and witchcraft is very different than being naturally magical.She then calls ritualistic magic (spells, rituals, calling on spirits) the “high magic” and she defines “low magic” as the organic magic that one has within themselves because of their connection with the universe - it doesn’t require tricks and spells because that person is naturally magical or connected to nature.While I do believe the author’s intentions of the book are benevolent and innocent, the information stated as fact reflects and perpetuates common misconceptions that exist on this planet about the much-sought-after, true high-vibrational power people want and the low-vibrational practices they use to try to achieve these means.This gross misinformation needs to be addressed, because there is so much belief centered around witchcraft and its “powers” used by people who have no idea what real magic is or how the universe works and believes they have to call on darkness and spirits before they can achieve “magic”.In the name of preserving divine information I’m going to make these corrections:“Low Magic” is low-vibrational and self-serving, often with the desire to achieve a particular outcome, ie. sending harm to someone or controlling the free will of another, etc. It often involves rituals, sacrifice, and “agreements” with spirits for their participation. It calls on the darkness, and is COMPLETELY ignorant of how the laws of the universe work - as is demonstrated by the very beliefs of their practice. The intention of this energy is to interfere. People who fall in this category also use these practices for vengeance, retaliation, hexes, love magic, etc.“High Magic” is high-vibrational and calls on the light. It’s magic comes from calling on the divine connection one has with the universe - it is innate knowledge and skill. It does not seek to interfere in or control the free will of others and is not self-serving. It doesn’t require spells, rituals, or agreements with spirits, but comes from a very organic place. It involves intention, visualization, compassion, healing, and light energy. It is focused on a positive influence and outcome for the highest good of all. High magic is connected to and understands the laws of the universe and how the universe works.As far as the myths go, the author states that, “there is no ‘right’ version of a myth,” and states that she has made adaptations to some, though these revisions and their placements are not noted in the book.This is not so much a book about mythology as it is a book of practices based on the author’s interpretation of the myths and how they could relate to witchcraft.

I have gratitude and respect for this book. I think I’m one of the target audience readers for it -- someone who stepped away from magical practices, has been interested in getting back into it again, but needing something different than before. I don’t think that’s the only type of person who will benefit from reading it though. Those interested in myths, manifestation, practices of gratitude, etc. will benefit from this read.I’m appreciative of “Mythology for a Magical Life” because it discusses myths that I haven’t heard of before. It’s interesting to read myths from different areas of the world and cultures. I’m also appreciative because the magical practices mentioned are eclectic and accessible.The author notes that the book is geared toward experienced magical practitioners who are seeking to add new energy to their practice. It does help to have a basic knowledge, but I would not call myself “experienced” and I was able to understand all the content.I also love that there is flexibility in the rituals. The author is quick to note that each person has an individual practice and it’s important to stay true to you. It’s nice to know that there isn’t just one way to practice gratitude, do a manifestation ritual, etc.My favorite parts of the book were the chants the author created and the way the sections were organized. The end of each chapter contained the sources mentioned in the chapter, which I really love. Much better than having them all at the end of the book.The only thing I didn’t love was the placement of the chapter on death. It made sense to place it where it was, organizationally speaking, but I would have preferred it closer to the middle of the book. This is solely a nitpicky personal preference though.This is a book I would purchase because it makes a great resource to refer back to, and I appreciate the examples of rituals and chants.