Hello, pornies. I hope you are all okay, safe and healthy. I was reading a book recently about the fae and how to connect with them, but from a different perspective and interesting techniques. I'm talking about Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land, by Chris Allaun. Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy! In case you missed it, I had a first interview with the author about his path as a Witch, and there's a new one coming!
- Print Length: 223 pages.
- Publisher: Moon Books (November 27, 2020)
- Publication Date: November 27, 2020.
- Genres: Celtic, Fae, Folklore, Native American, Norse, Shamanism, Spirituality, Witchcraft.
- Rating: 4 / 5 stars
Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land is about establishing relationships with the spirits of the land. Many books talk about Faeries, but this book not only teaches about the Elves and Faery folk, but also how to have a working relationship with the spirits of plants, animals, and the land itself. Otherworld also teaches how to perform animal magick including shapeshifting for magick, healing, and establishing a deeper connection with animal spirits and discusses ecstatic trance techniques that will help practitioners work with the land spirits in a deep and profound way.
With a combination of Norse and Celtic myths, Chris explains (as much as it can be explained anyway) what the fae folk are, where they are, what they do and why we as Witches should think about working with them. Let's be honest, why connecting with beings so hard to understand and explain? He has a good answer, if you ask me.
I found this mix in the mythologies to be really interesting, even more being a newbie to Norse folklore and legends. You don't need to know anything about it, although I think a bit of basic knowledge wouldn't hurt, but Otherworld makes it easy to understand everything Viking-related. Also, you get a glimpse into Native American spirituality, specifically from the Lakota Tribe, by the hand of a trained and honest teacher. Me likes and me approves.
The techniques Chris Allaun has included are way too different from what I've done so far, but that doesn't take away the charm. I may not agree with a few ideas in the book, but so far I find it inspiring and the right amount of guidance if you want to get started with these practices. As with everything fae-related, just take it easy and always, always protect yourself. I only think there were some sections that deviated a bit from the spiritual practices; they were needed, but the contrast was a bit too much for me.
Other than little details, I think Chris Allaun did a great job with Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land, . It's a new approach to these beings, their energies, and includes different methods to those I've seen so far. I had some doubts when faced with the eclectic mix he used, but the more I read the more I liked it and the more sense it made for me!
About Chris Allaun:
Chris Allaun has been studying witchcraft and magick since 1992. He is one of the founders and ministers of The Fellowship of the Phoenix. He is an initiate of Traditional Witchcraft and the OTO. He is also carries the chanupa, the sacred pipe. He teaches classes on shamanism, witchcraft, necromancy, and energy healing. He lives in Chicago, IL, USA. Website.
Have you read this book? Would you recommend it? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!
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