"a reader lives a thousand lives before she dies"
There’s one thing in life I find the most magic in, always, and that is soaking up other people’s weaving with words. Language is a powerful tool and even though it cannot always properly describe the spiritual experiences and sensations we have in this life, it IS an amazing creative passage to express our (hidden) thoughts, share knowledge and inspire others with our soul’s messages.
I have found books one of the most accessible as well as the most deep tools there is for the sacred rebellion that is our empowerment journey – blame it on my English degree, but there is nothing quite like diving into another world or learning about something new on a page in the safety of your own home, with a candle and a cup of tea nearby. The way back home to your inner knowing often starts with recognising parts of your own voice in other people’s.
I didn’t do as much reading as I would’ve liked to last year (to be honest, this often happens!), but nonetheless there have been a few titles that have shifted things within me, kept me entertained throughout Summer and/or gave me a sense of confirmation on my path. The list below is my top 5 of spiritually minded books of 2021 – and do let me know in a comment below what your fave reads of the past year were!
Plus… scroll on to read about what’s currently on my ‘to read’ list!
1. A Spell in the Wild - Alice Tarbuck
From the way in which I can just tell this book has been meticulously researched, to the language on accessibility and equity, to the musings on witch history and the magic in the mundane… I feel like Alice wrote this book especially for me!
Following the months of the year and the seasonal changes that come with that, Alice brings you on a enchanting journey through her own rituals as well as European magic throughout the centuries. A beautiful coming home for someone who lives close to the lands that the described traditions originate from.
10/10, will read again this year!
2. Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home by Toko-pa Turner
Because of social media, it may feel like we’re more connected than ever – but true, deep, heartfelt connection to oneself and one’s community often feels like a thing of the past. In this immersive work, Toko-pa brings us on a journey back to where it all began: holding each other in community, finding connection in the land and nurturing oneself in simple but deep ways.
I read this book at the start of 2021 and the title truly inspired me in my choice of my word of the year! To find belonging in your environment and in yourself is the true journey of life, in my opinion, and this book serves as a beautiful reminder of that.
8/10, get ready for pages filled with lots of wisdom! I sometimes had to put it down because there was just so much to take in at once.
3. Your Spiritual Almanac by Joey Hulin
This book came to me as I started writing my own book proposal. I followed an amazing course on it in the month of September which was intense and expansive at the same time – and the Spiritual Almanac was mentioned during one of the workshops. It turned out Joey had followed the same course a year prior and had landed a book deal because of it! I immediately order the Almanac, not just because of its contents but because of what it represented to me and my book dream!
This book will serve as deep inspiration for monthly rituals, guidance and recipes for a spiritually minded year. The suggestions are not tied to a particular year so it makes a great gift to yourself or someone else for any occasion. Especially great for someone who is starting out with spirituality or want to deepen their practice with practical rituals!
8/10, such a great work that I continue to dive into month after month!
4. The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
A work of fiction which I think I finished in record speed! Easy to read but incredibly well written, Rachel invites you into the world of teenage witchcraft, (bisexual) love and coming of age in the most dreamy (but rough) surroundings.
I especially loved how Rachel brought in the four elements, the seasons and witchy symbolism, whilst also making it a contemporary work with inclusive storylines.
If I’m not mistaken she’s bringing out another witchy read this year, and I cannot wait!
8/10, couldn’t put it down! Definitely more towards the young adult genre, keep that in mind!
5. Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening by Martha Beck
You know what, I wasn’t sure about this one when I started it! It’s a work of fiction and describes the spiritual journey of awakening the main character Diana finds herself on. It felt a little cheesy and predictable at first but after a couple of chapters, I got so hooked I just needed to know how it ended.
Not my ultimate favourite in the end, but it does contain some beautiful symbolism and deeper meanings, serving as a beautiful reminder that we’re all inherently spiritual – and that our soul is here to guide us and keep us safe.
7/10, great if you’re wanting a break from non-fiction spiritual stuff but want to keep feeling inspired!
What I'm looking forward to reading in 2022...
You never know what books will find your way across a whole year, but! I do have a few piled up already.
1. Root & Ritual by Becca Piastrelli, who I got the opportunity to interview for my podcast (launching next week!). A beautifully illustrated book about belonging, ritual, recipe and finding your way back home to your wild and grounded Self.
2. Call of the Wild by Kimberly Ann Johnson, which I started in December on the train on my way to see a friend and couldn’t put it down. I want to carve out some conscious time to dive into it again, because the first chapters already surprised me so deeply with how it included so much on the nervous system and holistic healing. If I’m honest, I thought it was ‘just another’ empowerment book, but the first pages already held newer and exciting information for me and that feels promising!
& I have accumulated a few books on minimalism in the past few months, as well as others on creativity, healing the mother wound and more. I’ll keep you posted!
In the mean time, let me know in a comment below what some of your fave reads of 2021 were and what you’re looking forward to tucking into in 2022 (or what you’re currently reading and enjoying!). I’d love to hear from you!
pin for later…
