Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Blogs Worth Reading

What makes a blog enjoyable?  Well, first of all, the author has to demonstrate an ability to write.  Streams of consciousness do not interest me.  Quality over quantity, please.  Your page means nothing to me if you refer to the context as "random."  Another word I hate is "meanderings." Talk about walking into a wall.  You have to value your work!  If you're expressing your interest in a topic as ambiguous as folk magic or Stregheria, you have to remain focused.  Another tier I grade is the author's ability to move beyond theory and discuss practice. Below we have, in no particular order, my favorite blogs with magico-religious themes.

Conjure Gnosis,
This is a superior, professionally written blog on the topics of "folk-magic, spiritism, divination and hoodoo." The author, Balthazar, is a member of the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR) who also happens to be a Lucky Mojo Certified Practitioner.  Well worded reviews (on Tarot decks and a book or two), magical how-to's and personal insight can be found here in abundance.

Serpent Shod
Exercising my quality over quantity rule to perfection, Diaz maintains this blog on the diverse topic of folk magic, or as he calls it, "an exploration of the serpent furrows of arte and tradition."  The latest entry contains features the work of Maria Sabina. 

Stregheria Practica
Though it's been silent in recent years, this Portuguese blog has supplied me with much entertainment and inspiration.  It's the kind of blog you'll want to enjoy with food or a tall glass of tea.  Read it slowly.  You'll want to ponder it and examine your own craft and practice under it's light. 

Ancient Road
The blog site for a California based Hoodoo botanica formerly located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is so much more than a website companion or business tact.  There is real value in these essays.  A great deal of thought is placed on each installment.  It often takes me several days to read a single entry.  It makes me sorry I was never able to visit their store when I first moved here.

Curious Curandera
The professional site for a Texas based Curandera.  Many of you are probably already subscribed to her page.  While I haven't taken her classes, I've found relevance in the instructions and brief essays she's composed over the years. 

Stregoneria's Blog
With three essential essays on the nature of Italian witchcraft, this blog belongs to Marie Antonia, an authority on traditional Stregheria.  Her essay, "The Spirit of Italian Witchcraft" is easily the best entry I've read on the topic.  It does not exist on this page, but it can be found here

Whispers on the Wind
Last but not least we have Rev. Vincent Russo's blog.  This is a blog that will make you feel engaged, to say the least.  If you want to study Stregheria in earnest, take an evening to read through his archives.  The sidebar also contains a number of useful links.