Review: Star Magic: The Wisdom of the Constellations

Long before we had electricity, before the era of gaslamps, even before the time when candles or oil lit the dwellings of our ancestors, humans gazed up at the night sky and saw the stars. They would have seen them more clearly then, without light pollution. The patterns in the heavens not only illustrated the stories our ancient ancestors told, they formed the background of much of their mythology. They represented gods, and humans who had been elevated to immortality through great deeds, and could be called upon for their aid, to help the living. 

Over time, systems of magic grew up that employed the energy of the stars. Their influence could be divined to tell the best time to hunt, or plant crops, or start on a journey or quest. Yet, apart from sometimes using astrology, 21st century magical practitioners often ignore the power of the stars. Sandra Kynes, in Star Magic: The Wisdom of the Constellations for Pagans and Wiccans, shows how we can change that. 

A new and updated edition has just been published by Crossed Crow Books. As Crossed Crow says on its website: "As Witches, we tend to spend a lot of time working with the magic of the earth, and we often forget that there’s an entire universe just overhead—a vast expanse of stars and constellations, each with their own story, each shining forth with an incredibly radiant supply of power. We just need to reach up and seize it—and Sandra Kynes can show us how."

The book explains that star magic differs from astrology because it involves using the power of the stars, planets and constellations that we can actually see in the sky. We are encouraged to go outside and look, with the first chapters giving instructions on how to do that using both traditional charts and apps on our phones. Astrology is kind of the opposite, because that is a form of divination employing the stars that are behind the sun at various times of the year, meaning they aren't visible to us then.

The magic system Sandra describes combines modern pagan witchcraft techniques with ancient practices and draws on the mythology and folklore of the stars and constellations. The book teaches how to enhance astral travel using the power of the stars as well as spells and other magical workings that align with specific stars and constellations. 

I found the book fascinating and learnt a lot from it. As the weather gets warmer I hope to spend evenings outdoors looking up at the stars and maybe calling on their ancient powers to aid me in my own quests. 

Star Magic comes in two editions: a limited edition hardcover and unlimited paperback. You can find copies at booksellers including Amazon or view both editions on  Crossed Crow Books' website

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