Carl Abrahamsson took on the momentous task of exploring the life and times of Anton LaVey with his latest book, “Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan: Infernal Wisdom from the Devil’s Den.” The topic of Satanism always stirs the pot, and no more so than when one broaches the subject of its champion showman LaVey. Abrahamsson does not hide his personal connection to LaVey, yet he does an able job of presenting an unfiltered LaVey, even if it is with obvious fondness.
Part one of “Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan” is a wonderfully written biography. It’s a biography, but smattered with first-hand recollections from visits Abrahamsson made to LaVey’s famous Black House in San Francisco. It makes for fun and compelling reading.
Part two features an epic line up of interviews. Some are names you’ll recognize and some you may not. Either way, there are many insights to be gained. Who are some of these people? There’s Xerxes LaVey, Anton LaVey’s son, Peter Gilmour and Peggy Nadramia, the current heads of the Church of Satan, filmmaker Keith Anger, and more. There is Genesis P-Orridge and Anton LaVey in conversation. (If you don’t know Genesis P-Orridge, Google that shit and educate yourselves.) Also included is never before scene excerpts from the infomercial “Hail Satan!”
So, who is “Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan” for? Anyone curious about LaVey and the Church of Satan will learn much from Carl Abrahamsson. I know I did. However, I can’t help but feel like there could have something to be learned from including interviews with some of LaVey’s detractors. That said, this is a fantastic book for anyone wanting insights into LaVey and his Church.
You can learn more here.
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Amy Blackthorn is an overachieving bitch. Yes, I said it. Yes, you can quote me. Before reading her latest book “Blackthorn’s Protection Magic”, I knew her merely as a certified aromatherapist, purveyor of Hoodoo based herbal tea blends, a capable bartender, and obviously a respected author with this being her sixth book published from Weiser. Now I also know she has taught self-defense classes since attaining the rank of black belt in 2002 and has been a certified firearms instructor since 2010. Oh, and she’s also super nice and has an adorable dog. So yes, an overachieving not so bitchy bitch.
Inner Traditions spared no expense in bringing “The Bavarian Illuminati” to English speaking audiences. The text is presented in hard cover, with a built-in ribbon bookmark. This book is informative, but could also be brandished as a weapon if necessary. But enough foreplay, let’s get into it.
Yet the idea of the Illuminati and their efforts to sabotage the Church and subvert the German Freemasons planted seeds that still bear fruit today of a global organization with its tendrils in everything from the government to the stock market. In reading “The Bavarian Illuminati” Le Forestier clearly presents the flaw in this conspiracy in the fact that the Weishaupt’s Illuminati couldn’t keep itself secret for a decade, let alone imagining this bickering hive of egos could keep a secret for hundreds of years.
It is no secret that I love crystals, so yes, I’ll be reviewing another book about crystals. Now obviously I requested a review copy of “The Crystal Fix: Healing Crystals for the Modern Home” by Juliette Thornbury because, duh, crystals. Honestly, I was not prepared by for how truly wonderful this book turned out to be.
If you love crystals, you really should get a copy of “The Crystal Fix” by Juliette Thornbury. You’ll come away with a better understanding of all the ways crystals can be utilized daily.
As most of you know, I’m a lady that loves to eat, and a lady that loves being given an excuse to eat. So here we are, now discussing “Full Bloom: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes for Your Summer Table” by Virpi Mikkonen.
And don’t you worry, there are some STUPIDLY easy recipes nestled in “Full Bloom” and I made one! “3-Ingredient Brownies” is truth in advertising. Bananas, almond butter, and cacao powder go into a blender and then into the oven. Mikkonen suggests serving them with vanilla ice cream, and she is right. The brownies have a good taste to them, but are a bit dry and grainy in texture. I ate mine with plain yogurt and it made of world of difference.
Author and High Priestess Awyn Dawn discovered Paganism while incarcerated, and with her book “Paganism for Prisoners: Connecting to the Magic Within” she seeks to help those who are currently incarcerated start their journey. 
If you’re a more cautious sort and want to know more than that the word “Goddess” is in the title, I can help you out. Now I’m not going to sit here and claim that Kane invented a whole new system of magic, however she does an excellent job explaining the best way to incorporate magical basics into working with goddesses. Where “Goddess Magic” truly excels is in the curated selection of goddesses and Kane’s great ideas to work with them. I can hear you now, “What goddesses are in the book?” I’m glad you asked!
Seriously, if you are into goddesses, like I am, you NEED “Goddess Magic.” If you’re interested in incorporating goddesses into your practice, you NEED “Goddess Magic.” If you think there isn’t a goddess out there for you, you’re wrong, and you NEED “Goddess Magic.” I guess what I’m saying is that you really need “Goddess Magic” by Aurora Kane.
Today we’re talking about “The Thrifty Witch’s Book of Simple Spells: Potions, Charms, and Incantations for the Modern Witch” by Wren Maple. This is certainly not the first book about affordable witchcraft practices. I’m quite the fan of “Witchcraft on a Shoestring” by Deborah Blake. Many view these sorts of books as “beginner.” However, I find there is always something to take away from books like these, and “The Thrifty Witch’s Book of Simple Spells” is no exception.
“The Thrifty Witch’s Book of Simple Spells” by Wren Maple is a fantastic book for beginners or advanced magic practitioners. It inspires readers, or at least inspired THIS reader, to rethink the way you make magic.
5. How did you go about soliciting contributions for “Brigid’s Light”?
About Cairelle Crow:
If you’re followed The Magical Buffet for a while, you know that I don’t really do poetry on here. Everyone has a different idea as to what constitutes “good” poetry and that opinion becomes even more disparate the more modern the poetry is, at least it appears that way to me. So, when I received an email inquiring as to whether I wished to review “The Book of Celtic Verse: A Treasury of Poetry, Dreams & Visions” edited by John Matthews, I nearly automatically hit delete. Fortunately, I took a second look because John Matthews has put together something special, particularly for those who interests lie with Celtic traditions.