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Sun Magic: How to Live in Harmony with the Solar Year
Live in harmony with the solar year and to utilise all the magical powers it provides. Sun Magic is a book filled with the basics of the sun cycle, the representations and correspondences, what magic to work and when. It also looks at the solar year, sun deities, sun spells, meditations, specific sun rituals, sun recipes and more.
144 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2019
15 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Patterson
44 books237 followersRachel is an English witch who has been walking the Pagan pathway for over thirty years.
A working wife and mother who has had over 30 books published (so far), some of them becoming best sellers.
Her passion is to learn, she loves to study and has done so from books, online resources, schools and wonderful mentors over the years and still continues to learn each and every day but has learnt the most from actually getting outside and doing it.
She likes to laugh...and eat cake...
Rachel gives talks to pagan groups and co-runs workshops with the Kitchen Witch Coven.
High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven and an Elder at the online Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchcraft.
A regular columnist with Fate & Fortune magazine, she also contributes articles to several magazines such as Pagan Dawn and Witchcraft & Wicca. You will find her regular ramblings on her own personal blog and YouTube channel.
Rachel is host for the Pagan Portals Podcast, produced by Moon Books Publishing.
Her craft is a combination of old religion witchcraft, Wicca, hedge witchery, kitchen witchery and folk magic.
Her heart is that of an English Kitchen Witch.
Rachel was added to the Watkins '100 spiritually influential List' for 2023.
For more information www.rachelpatterson.co.uk and www.kitchenwitchhearth.net
She lives in Portsmouth, England.
Website: www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
Personal blog https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/blog
You Tube:
her YouTube channel features lots of videos with talks, information and short reference films.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Kitchenw...
Social Media:
Personal Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/racheltansyp...
Author fb page https://www.facebook.com/RachelPatter...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/racheltansy...
Twitter https://twitter.com/TansyFireDragon
Kitchen Witch fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kitch...
A working wife and mother who has had over 30 books published (so far), some of them becoming best sellers.
Her passion is to learn, she loves to study and has done so from books, online resources, schools and wonderful mentors over the years and still continues to learn each and every day but has learnt the most from actually getting outside and doing it.
She likes to laugh...and eat cake...
Rachel gives talks to pagan groups and co-runs workshops with the Kitchen Witch Coven.
High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven and an Elder at the online Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchcraft.
A regular columnist with Fate & Fortune magazine, she also contributes articles to several magazines such as Pagan Dawn and Witchcraft & Wicca. You will find her regular ramblings on her own personal blog and YouTube channel.
Rachel is host for the Pagan Portals Podcast, produced by Moon Books Publishing.
Her craft is a combination of old religion witchcraft, Wicca, hedge witchery, kitchen witchery and folk magic.
Her heart is that of an English Kitchen Witch.
Rachel was added to the Watkins '100 spiritually influential List' for 2023.
For more information www.rachelpatterson.co.uk and www.kitchenwitchhearth.net
She lives in Portsmouth, England.
Website: www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
Personal blog https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/blog
You Tube:
her YouTube channel features lots of videos with talks, information and short reference films.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Kitchenw...
Social Media:
Personal Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/racheltansyp...
Author fb page https://www.facebook.com/RachelPatter...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/racheltansy...
Twitter https://twitter.com/TansyFireDragon
Kitchen Witch fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kitch...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 8, 2019
I admit I live in sunny Australia so I find sun a bit so what, but I was intrigued to read about any magical practices surrounding it. This book tends to often defer to more eastern philosophies and I think it's a bit teensy weensy lazy of the author to ask the reader to go check if a practice the author is presenting is suitable for particular crystals etc. This makes for a short book and will be of interest to those new to anything esoteric. I did find the recipes interesting and plan to incorporate them in my own family solar traditions and celebrations and I thank the author for that. I really want to give this a 4 but there just wasn't enough substance for me.
*ARC kindly supplied by Netgalley
*ARC kindly supplied by Netgalley
December 24, 2020
As difficult as it has been to find books on sun magic, I was increasingly disappointed in this one. I appreciated the correspondence lists and even the meditations, but the author’s distractingly poor grammar (use a comma, I beg you) and crude humor felt like this book was aimed at younger audiences for non-serious purposes. I could have gotten through the grammar, but by the time I read the author refer to a goddess as a “floozy,” I was pretty much done (and I don’t even work with deities).
July 27, 2019
I love Rachel Patterson's book and I loved this one.
It's full of informations, suggestions and advice and I will surely try some of them.
A well written and engaging reference book, very useful.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's full of informations, suggestions and advice and I will surely try some of them.
A well written and engaging reference book, very useful.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 16, 2019
Sun Magic by Rachel Patterson provides a fresh perspective on putting the Sun and solar energies into the same place of interest and mystery that the moon has typically held in practicing the craft. The book reads easily and is parceled out into bite-size pieces. The contents read like a table of correspondences for the sun and each chapter is only a few pages in length.
Ms. Patterson has provided enough information for anyone to begin the practice of solar magick and form the correct alignments to draw the energy into your workings and make maximum use of the sun in all of its expressions.
I particularly liked the brief section on “Solar Water”. This comes after the chapters on the “Solar Eclipse” and “Eclipse Magic”.
“Set out a jar or dish of water during an eclipse and let it soak up the energy.” 2.
Simple, clear and filled with potency of intention; after completion you will have magically solar charge water to use as you will.
Other chapter topics cover “Sun Herbs and Plants”, “Sun Signs”, “Sun Incense Blends”, “Sun Oil Blends”, and more.
The chapter, “Sun Animals” gives an overview of those animals typically associated with solar energy. And, in keeping with the flow of topic to topic, the next chapter provides the reader with a lovely “Meditation to Meet a Solar Animal”. It is a brief meditation that could be done in minimal time or expanded and stretched into a more lengthy space of journeying.
Many are familiar with the practice of drawing down the moon, but few have experienced the equally potent ‘Drawing Down the Sun”. This exercise is done outside in sunlight and makes use of a lovely written poem/chant to be recited as the energy of the sun is invoked into your being. This is a nice exercise to use for healing and strengthening your body(ies) when some additional bolstering is needed.
Sun Magic is a lovely addition to any beginner’s library. It is a handy little reference book that provides the reader with options, information and starting points to incorporate solar energy in their workings and practice.
Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
Ms. Patterson has provided enough information for anyone to begin the practice of solar magick and form the correct alignments to draw the energy into your workings and make maximum use of the sun in all of its expressions.
I particularly liked the brief section on “Solar Water”. This comes after the chapters on the “Solar Eclipse” and “Eclipse Magic”.
“Set out a jar or dish of water during an eclipse and let it soak up the energy.” 2.
Simple, clear and filled with potency of intention; after completion you will have magically solar charge water to use as you will.
Other chapter topics cover “Sun Herbs and Plants”, “Sun Signs”, “Sun Incense Blends”, “Sun Oil Blends”, and more.
The chapter, “Sun Animals” gives an overview of those animals typically associated with solar energy. And, in keeping with the flow of topic to topic, the next chapter provides the reader with a lovely “Meditation to Meet a Solar Animal”. It is a brief meditation that could be done in minimal time or expanded and stretched into a more lengthy space of journeying.
Many are familiar with the practice of drawing down the moon, but few have experienced the equally potent ‘Drawing Down the Sun”. This exercise is done outside in sunlight and makes use of a lovely written poem/chant to be recited as the energy of the sun is invoked into your being. This is a nice exercise to use for healing and strengthening your body(ies) when some additional bolstering is needed.
Sun Magic is a lovely addition to any beginner’s library. It is a handy little reference book that provides the reader with options, information and starting points to incorporate solar energy in their workings and practice.
Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
July 30, 2019
I enjoyed Rachel Patterson's book on Kitchen Magic so much that I had very high hopes for this one. I have to admit I was a little disappointed.
There was some great content, including ideas for rituals, spells, and tools that can assist the practitioner in utilizing this source of fiery magic. This is a great addition to the literature, especially given the emphasis on the moon found in so many books on witchcraft and magic. Unfortunately though, a great deal of the book consisted of lists of correspondences -- even after the author emphasized the need to personal associations as opposed to pre-set ideas from other people. Additionally, the lists often included items that were not immediately obvious in their ties to the sun, and Patterson did not always explain those connections. This made the inclusion of those items a bit perplexing.
However, the suggestions for incense blends and teas were lovely -- strawberry and woodruff sounds delightful, and a great way to invoke the warmth of a sunny summer day, indeed! I also liked the inclusion of crystal grids for bringing the energy of the sun into one's life and home. And of course, as the High Priestess of a Kitchen Witch coven, the book couldn't be complete without a few recipes! The lemon poppyseed cake with lemon curd filling is absolutely going on my Lughnasadh menu later this week!
My ultimate critique of the book is that it simply did not feel well organized. While I love the conversational, relaxed tone that is characteristic of Patterson's writing, this tone coupled with the somewhat scattered jumps from topic to topic made it feel somewhat manic and hard to follow. The content was not poor quality but was not of a depth that made it feel much more valuable than an internet search to me. For someone who wants the information collected and handed to them in easy to understand language, however, this book could be invaluable! Ultimately it is not the book for me, though I could see it being useful and enjoyable for someone newer to the craft.
There was some great content, including ideas for rituals, spells, and tools that can assist the practitioner in utilizing this source of fiery magic. This is a great addition to the literature, especially given the emphasis on the moon found in so many books on witchcraft and magic. Unfortunately though, a great deal of the book consisted of lists of correspondences -- even after the author emphasized the need to personal associations as opposed to pre-set ideas from other people. Additionally, the lists often included items that were not immediately obvious in their ties to the sun, and Patterson did not always explain those connections. This made the inclusion of those items a bit perplexing.
However, the suggestions for incense blends and teas were lovely -- strawberry and woodruff sounds delightful, and a great way to invoke the warmth of a sunny summer day, indeed! I also liked the inclusion of crystal grids for bringing the energy of the sun into one's life and home. And of course, as the High Priestess of a Kitchen Witch coven, the book couldn't be complete without a few recipes! The lemon poppyseed cake with lemon curd filling is absolutely going on my Lughnasadh menu later this week!
My ultimate critique of the book is that it simply did not feel well organized. While I love the conversational, relaxed tone that is characteristic of Patterson's writing, this tone coupled with the somewhat scattered jumps from topic to topic made it feel somewhat manic and hard to follow. The content was not poor quality but was not of a depth that made it feel much more valuable than an internet search to me. For someone who wants the information collected and handed to them in easy to understand language, however, this book could be invaluable! Ultimately it is not the book for me, though I could see it being useful and enjoyable for someone newer to the craft.
August 16, 2019
Pagan Portals Sun Magic by Rachel Patterson
Book Review by Dawn Thomas
144 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing / Moon Books
Release Date: June 28, 2019
Religion & Spirituality, Paganism, Elements
This is part of the Pagan Portal series of books. It has a lot of information regarding the sun and its solar aspects. There are descriptions of the phases of the sun along with its effects on us physically and mentally. There is even a selection on the chakras with a focus on the solar plexus. The author does a thorough job of including the magical properties that can help with magical workings along with crystals, stones, herbs, plants, oils, incense and teas. There are recipes and I am particularly looking forward to making the solar shortbread cookies.
She also discusses the ancient cultures that honored the sun and the structures they built for worship. It includes the importance of how the turning of wheel of the year, the solstices & equinox and astrological sun signs affects us. There are listings of sun deities and solar animals with meditations to connect with them.
There are invocations to the sun and instructions to draw energy down from the sun. There is a sun ritual and many spells. She also includes divination, including The Sun card from the tarot, and other symbols.
This is a great book for anyone interested in working with the sun and its energy. The book is well written and is choked full of information. I love the meditations especially the ones associated with rainbows.
Book Review by Dawn Thomas
144 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing / Moon Books
Release Date: June 28, 2019
Religion & Spirituality, Paganism, Elements
This is part of the Pagan Portal series of books. It has a lot of information regarding the sun and its solar aspects. There are descriptions of the phases of the sun along with its effects on us physically and mentally. There is even a selection on the chakras with a focus on the solar plexus. The author does a thorough job of including the magical properties that can help with magical workings along with crystals, stones, herbs, plants, oils, incense and teas. There are recipes and I am particularly looking forward to making the solar shortbread cookies.
She also discusses the ancient cultures that honored the sun and the structures they built for worship. It includes the importance of how the turning of wheel of the year, the solstices & equinox and astrological sun signs affects us. There are listings of sun deities and solar animals with meditations to connect with them.
There are invocations to the sun and instructions to draw energy down from the sun. There is a sun ritual and many spells. She also includes divination, including The Sun card from the tarot, and other symbols.
This is a great book for anyone interested in working with the sun and its energy. The book is well written and is choked full of information. I love the meditations especially the ones associated with rainbows.
July 30, 2019
This is a useful introduction to using the sun’s power in magic and witchery. The book is short but packed full of information, including a brief overview of the solar cycle, magical properties of the sun and its phases, and important dates in the solar calendar such as equinoxes, solstices, eclipses, and the like.
The author also features a variety of solar deities from different pantheons, and whilst these are very brief summaries of each deity in question it’s refreshing to go beyond the familiar faces of Apollo, Sekhmet, Baldr, and Eos. There are also a number of recipes — incenses, oils, teas, meals — along with which herbs, spices, and foods are ruled by the sun. Crystals and animals also feature, as do myths and superstitions.
In this slim tome there are also meditations and visualisations, rituals, and spells, for anyone who wants to get hands-on with their magical practice. Also featured are crafts, divination, and crystal grids.
While I don’t necessarily agree with all the correspondences listed in this book — not every witch will agree on these things, I’m sure! — this is a lovely read, and the author as a gentle way about her. I would have liked more information rather than just an overview, but I realise this is just an introductory guide. Recommended.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Moon Books, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The author also features a variety of solar deities from different pantheons, and whilst these are very brief summaries of each deity in question it’s refreshing to go beyond the familiar faces of Apollo, Sekhmet, Baldr, and Eos. There are also a number of recipes — incenses, oils, teas, meals — along with which herbs, spices, and foods are ruled by the sun. Crystals and animals also feature, as do myths and superstitions.
In this slim tome there are also meditations and visualisations, rituals, and spells, for anyone who wants to get hands-on with their magical practice. Also featured are crafts, divination, and crystal grids.
While I don’t necessarily agree with all the correspondences listed in this book — not every witch will agree on these things, I’m sure! — this is a lovely read, and the author as a gentle way about her. I would have liked more information rather than just an overview, but I realise this is just an introductory guide. Recommended.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Moon Books, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2019
I was very surprised to have received this book - and fittingly right around the time of the Summer Solstice when the Sun is in full swing.
For a Pagan Portal book (a short, intro title on the topic) I was surprised at how many different topics Patterson was able to get through. We have some lore/myth, recipes, divination, meditations, a whole host of correspondence and a great deal of humor. While some may not like the more laid back approach, I quite liked it. It made the author come across as a friend instead of a professor lecturing us on the Sun and made for a great summer afternoon read.
I will definitely be trying some of the recipes, and the meditations for sure. I think my favorite part was the section on crafting as I love handicrafts and would have loved to see a bit more in that section, but for the size of the book, I really can't complain. We do get quite a bit of information here.
If you're looking for a quick start guide to working with the Sun, then please give this book a read, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
*I received a free copy from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
For a Pagan Portal book (a short, intro title on the topic) I was surprised at how many different topics Patterson was able to get through. We have some lore/myth, recipes, divination, meditations, a whole host of correspondence and a great deal of humor. While some may not like the more laid back approach, I quite liked it. It made the author come across as a friend instead of a professor lecturing us on the Sun and made for a great summer afternoon read.
I will definitely be trying some of the recipes, and the meditations for sure. I think my favorite part was the section on crafting as I love handicrafts and would have loved to see a bit more in that section, but for the size of the book, I really can't complain. We do get quite a bit of information here.
If you're looking for a quick start guide to working with the Sun, then please give this book a read, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
*I received a free copy from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
June 9, 2019
Although useful and with interesting information, it remained in the surface of way too many subjects, such as divination and the perception of Sun across different cultures. Good to get started in the subject but it could have been deeper and more detailed.
June 23, 2019
Very disappointing. The author makes lame jokes and has clearly not researched much - she states some things have no obvious reason where that's not true at all - which makes this look like a shallow and personal diary or scribblings, not like a serious book.
December 4, 2019
Excellent book a completely different look at things than the usual books, refreshing to read about sun magic as this is often glossed over by most writers. A no nonsense down to earth book written beautifully.
June 30, 2019
This is a great book. There is lots of useful information in it, and I'm sure I will reference to it often. I enjoyed the writing style and author's sense of humor as well.
February 13, 2023
Yes…Just…OK…
August 10, 2025
A Great Reference Book!
August 17, 2019
Not a long book, a good introduction for those who want to bring the Sun into their practice or who like the Sun in general. You do get a few ideas that you can do after you read the book (ex. crafts and meditations). It does give an introduction to a few topics like solar water and eclipses.
May 31, 2019
What a fascinating title! I can already tell I'll be coming back to this one often, to look things up or just to reread and enjoy. I had a vague knowledge of some of this information, but the depth of it is wonderful and it's laid out very clearly. Sadly it's been raining the last few days so I can't try anything out, but I certainly plan to!
A great read, perfect for novices right up to experienced energy workers.
Receiving an ARC did not alter my review in any way.
A great read, perfect for novices right up to experienced energy workers.
Receiving an ARC did not alter my review in any way.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews