I look forward to Rachel Lang’s astrology newsletters with her readings for the month ahead so was delighted to hear of her new book: Modern Day Magic: (Hardie Grant Books, 2021).

The book is beautifully designed with illustrations throughout and contains “ 8 Simple Rules” to “realize your power and shape your life.”  Modern Day Magic isn’t about witchcraft as Rachel points out through she does include ideas, rituals and spells from her past experience as a practising witch. It’s a comprehensive book with all sorts of inspiration and possibilities for exploring our own magical power.

“Magic is not about getting something you want,” Rachel points out. “It’s about embodying your prime creative potential.” She describes how the word “magic” dating back to the 5^th century BCE, was used as a derogatory term.

“The Goddess” is included in one of the sections of the book which Rachel describes as the Divine Feminine. We have come to know her by various names. Rachel doesn’t want readers to “limit Her to any one of these images or icons” (such as Diana, Demeter, Quan Yin, Aphrodite, Athena or Hera). “The Divine Feminine, the Goddess, is the presence of the Divine that’s alive and palpable in our world – in nature, humans, and even the stars. She’s the connecting force between energy and matter.”

Each of the chapters has journal prompts and in Chapter 1, readers are prompted to write a letter to the Goddess “stating your intention.”  And, readers are invited to write a letter back to themselves as if she’s writing to you.

As I first read the book, I did write down my intention and didn’t write the letter back which I’m feeling the need of now. In fact, my intention may have shifted in the midst of this season of Samhain about rest and letting go.

There is also a Daily Practice as part of each chapter so that in Chapter 1 it is to gather images of goddesses or “individuals who embody Goddess energy.”

Magic Rule #1 is “Trust Yourself All of Yourself.” In that chapter, is a list of archetypes and I like the idea of choosing from the list that we embody within ourselves. For instance: mother, mystic, priestess, artist, teacher, muse.

A “magical exercise” is to imagine a scene in which “several of the different archetypes you’ve identified with meet to discuss your primary intention.”  In a later chapter, there are some questions related to the four archetypes readers most identify with.

Magic Rule #3 is “Attention is Power.” Rachel says: “If you want to feel better about your finances, give attention to your successes and celebrate the abundance you experience in your life.”

I remember when I was working at a law firm in Toronto in the 1990s and although I had cut back my hours to three and a half days a week, I still wanted to leave the job altogether. I wasn’t sure how all that was going to come about but I kept visualizing doing just that, even imagining a farewell party after nine years of having worked there. As it turns out, my position was going to be phased out and although I could still work at the firm, I wouldn’t be in the position of scheduler that I had helped to create. I asked to be laid off which isn’t always a positive move but in this case receiving  Employment Insurance benefits and creating my own business of offering women’s writing circles turned out very well.

Rachel includes astrological information under Magic Rule #8: “Use Magical Astrology.” I was interested to see that Wednesday or Thursday is associated with wisdom/spiritual growth with the moon sign of Sagittarius or Pisces. Wednesday is the day the Writing Life women’s writing circle meets.  And Wednesday is associated with communication or writing projects with the moon sign of Gemini, Virgo or Aquarius. So that’s perfect as well.

In Chapter 12, “Working with Magic,” Rachel says she and her wife Tisha “love discovering new ways to receive guiding messages using everyday objects.”  I’ve thought that way too and also, objects as metaphors in poems can be a form of divination. Just think of all that Pablo Neruda wrote in his odes to socks, a chair, a bed and a box of tea.

The Daily Practice for the chapter is “Everyday Divination.” You need to know your intention for this. I think of an intention as something to live with each day rather than a goal to be reached in the future. With that in mind, “look around you. Find three objects that grab your attention. For the first one, answer the question, ‘What does this object symbolize about my intention.’ Write down the first impressions that come to you. For the second object, answer the question, ‘What does this object say about an obstacle to my intention? Write down your impressions. Thinking of the third object, ask ‘What do I need to know about the outcome of my intention? Now, write: “Am I aligned to manifest my intention? Look for just one object or person to glean insight from. Write: ‘What does this tell me about how aligned I am to manifest my intention? Write down three things.”

The first object that drew my intention as I looked around my office was a card with a swinging writing angel that says “I love writing. I love the swirl & swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.”  What does this object symbolize about my intention? It’s absolutely right on. My intention was to continue to write and publish my work. It’s the writing that is most important, the process and the discoveries I make.  I appreciate writing for self-expression, the choosing of words and images, the honouring of everyday ordinariness as well as what a poem or piece of writing can teach. Something new has been added to the atmosphere, emanating through the currents.

What does the second object say about an obstacle to my intention?  The second object that drew my attention is a little ostrich called Olivia that I first saw in a magazine. The company is Jelly Cat Bonbon.  Such a great name! This ostrich isn’t real so maybe the obstacle is attempting to be “real” in my writing.  I see that as more of a challenge.  Ostrichs are flightless birds and the obstacle may have something to do with my writing not taking flight.

A framed photo of Sarah’s Mr. Big, a big cat, is the third object with the question: “What do I need to know about the outcome of my intention?” Mr. Big was a beloved companion to Sarah and to her other cats which have also passed on to the spirit realm. Perhaps my writing will continue to be a loving companion and will live on after I’m gone.

“Am I aligned to manifest my intention?”  I looked for one object to glean insight and it was a framed mandala Sarah drew for me that has images of things I am drawn to: the hamsa (hand), rose, mermaid, Venus of Willendorf and Frida Kahlo.  What does this mandala tell me about how aligned I am to manifest my intention?  It confirms that I am aligned through all my interests and passions as well as ongoing learning.

Rachel says: “Now, more than ever, we need a return to magic. It is the force that breaks walls, open hearts, and allows us to be in harmonious relationship with one another and the natural world. Think of what our collective magic can do! Imagine a world dedicated to wonder, curiosity, and connection.”