History of the Dragon Queens

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book traces the history of Targaryans rule in Westeros. Using such ancient chroniclers as Mushroom, Maister Eustsce and Monke the author weaves a narrative beginning with when the House Targaryans left Valerian and settled in Westeros with a foothold on Dragonstone, an island off Westeros.

Before Aegon the Conqueror United the Seven Kingdoms, they were a warring mass of fighting petty kingdoms. He untitled them all along with his sister brides. Once they all bent the knee, they were allowed to keep their old ways but they had to pay fealty to House Targaryans.

The Targaryans were much different from the rest of the people of Westeros. For one they had the custom of marrying sister to brother.msome thing the Septons of the seven gods did not believe in and found rather sinful. Coming from Valerian they had purple eyes and platinum white hair. The Targaryans were also dragon riders, something else no one could make claim to.

Power struggle were constant. Challenges from Septons and Meisters over religious grownds was constant. They frowned upon incest. The Warriors sons and the Pour soldiers would mount fierce opposition but in the end dragon fire held sway.

Another leader that comes to mind is Maygir the cruel. Known for cruelly crushing any opposition and excessive cruelty towards foes. Under him Kings Landing was built into his royal residence. Jaharris the conciliator used peaceful means and diplomacy to rule his kingdom and co opt the opposition.

Of course during his reign, is when the seeds of civil war were sown. Two branches of the Targaryans go at it. Dragon against Dragon. leadership will change hands and justice will be dealt. Most of the dragons die which sets the stage for the Game of Thrones.

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Primer for thr Budding awitchling

The Door to Witchcraft: A New Witch's Guide to History, Traditions, and Modern-Day Spells by Tonya A. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Definitely one of the best books to get if one is just starting out in witchcraft. In fact I would put it up there with Raymond Buckland and Scott Cunningham. The book was a breath of fresh air for me. It spoke to me. It was simple effective magic without the weight and dogma of religion. The book reminded me of things in my youth that might mark me as a witch.

One of the first things you have to know is that no one can define your witchhood for you. You define it. The book erases many lines and speaks a language of full inclusion. There are many ways to practice your craft...so long as it works for you. Does not matter if you are solitary or a coven member, does not matter you tradition or even if you are eclectic it is all valid.

Most people drawn to witchcraft have a had a different experience growing up. They may have been an outcast and usually are drawn to nature and or the horror gothic stuff. I was drawn to both. Yes I was an outcast well especially in my youth.

The book like any primer will give over view and a brief history and description of the various witchcraft traditions. This book does so along with a description of the 8 sabbath and the lunar festivals. A must have for all witches are the times for different types of magic for example what each day of the week would be good for.

The second part of the book is a formulary of spells and various potions. There are some tea recipes that I am keeping in mind for both dreaming and psychic visions. Another recipe I plan on keeping is one for flying ointment. There are various spells for wealth love and well being.

Own your witchhood . Don’t let anyone load you down with their dogma and hang ups. You are a witch and you write your own bible.

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