Book Review: Disco Witches of Fire Island, Brian Fell (2025)

Blair Fell's "Disco Witches of Fire Island" is a truly fun read that takes you right back to the late 1980s on Fire Island. It's a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of magic, perfectly capturing the vibe of that unique time and place.

From the very first page, Fell's writing is sharp and engaging. The characters feel like real people you'd love to hang out with, and their conversations are witty and natural. The story itself is a great blend of magical adventures and everyday drama, moving along at a lively pace that'll keep you hooked.

One of the best parts of "Disco Witches" is how perfectly it captures 1989. If you remember that era, you'll feel a wave of nostalgia. Fell nails the fashion, the music, and all the pop culture details of the late '80s. Reading it is like looking through an old photo album, bringing back memories of a time that felt carefree but was also on the edge of big changes.

Now, if you didn't live through the '80s, you might occasionally scratch your head at some of the specific pop culture mentions. The book is really tied to its time, which is a big part of its charm for those who were there. But even if you don't catch every reference, the main ideas of friendship, finding yourself, and discovering your own magic are easy to connect with.

Overall, "Disco Witches of Fire Island" is a joyful and charming book. Blair Fell has created a story that's special because of its setting but also relatable in its message. It's a great reminder of how important community, self-acceptance, and a little disco magic can be. So, put on your favorite '80s tunes and get ready for a delightful trip to Fire Island!

Carolina Dean
Disco Witch 

Review: The Witching Year, Diana Helmuth (2023)

Diana Helmuth's book, The Witching Year, takes you on her personal adventure into modern witchcraft and searching for spiritual meaning. She tries out different magical practices and groups, all while keeping a sensible and often funny attitude about these less common topics.

One of the best things about The Witching Year is how Helmuth writes. She's relaxed and funny, which makes even tricky spiritual ideas easy to understand and interesting. Her writing feels natural, pulling you into her experiences without being showy. This light and smart approach creates a unique voice that keeps the book fresh and relatable.

However, the book sometimes gets very focused on the author's own thoughts, especially her constant overthinking about her spiritual journey. While it's normal to reflect on a personal path, the frequent, detailed breakdowns of every spiritual choice or idea might slow down the story for some readers. This deep self-reflection, even though it's real, can sometimes feel like a lot and might make the book's pace drag.

Overall, The Witching Year is an honest and often funny story about one woman's search for spiritual understanding today. If you're curious about modern witchcraft or exploring your own spiritual path, you'll probably enjoy this book, even with its deep dives into the author's inner thoughts.

Carolina Dean
Tired Elder 

The Most Anticipated, Least Necessary Month: Straight Pride Is Here!

For a long time, it's felt like the focus has been on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, and some heterosexual people feel their own experiences and culture aren't acknowledged in the same way. There's a sense that straight culture is overlooked, and that can be disheartening. So, I'm suggesting we create a Pride Month specifically for heterosexual individuals. In today's world, being straight can sometimes feel like a distinct experience, and it deserves its own recognition.

Think about online dating. Straight people have to sift through profiles with strange photos, like people posing with fish or even tigers. It takes real courage to navigate all that to find a genuine connection, or at least someone who won't send weird pictures.

And the expectations! Straight people are often expected to be good at things like grilling, assembling IKEA furniture without getting frustrated, and understanding complex sports rules. These aren't just hobbies; they're significant societal pressures. Where's the celebration for the person who successfully put up a shelf or the woman who convinced her partner they needed another decorative pillow?

June is rightly a month for LGBTQ+ Pride. But what about July or August, when summer is in full swing? We could have parades for straight pride! Imagine floats celebrating things like cargo shorts or dad jokes. There could be a "Potluck Power" parade where everyone brings their most classic, simple casseroles.

The music would be classic rock songs about trucks and heartbreak, or even a song about finding the perfect pair of khakis. Speeches would focus on the challenges of picking paint colors that aren't too bold or the quiet struggles of sharing a bathroom cabinet.

It's time we recognize the distinct challenges straight people face. It's not always easy. Sometimes you just want to watch a game without explaining the rules, or eat a meal that isn't fancy or complicated.

So, let's toast the straight community with a casual beer. You've earned it. And who's bringing the seven-layer dip?

In honor of Straight Pride Month, here are 20 watershed moments in heterosexual history. 

• The Wheel (around 3500 BCE): Not just for everyone, the wheel eventually led to minivans—perfect for soccer practice.
• The First Nuclear Family (Pre-history): Early humans pairing up and having kids set the stage for family sitcoms and the growth of suburbs.
• The Discovery of Fire (Pre-history): Essential for cooking, staying warm, and setting the mood for backyard barbecues and romantic heterosexual evenings.
• Farming Begins (around 10,000 BCE): This led to settled communities, owning land, and eventually needing bigger homes with two-car garages.
• The First Diamond Engagement Ring (Ancient Rome): Kicking off a tradition that would cost heterosexual men a lot of money for generations.
• Building Nuclear Bunkers (Cold War Era): Showing how heterosexuals planned for everything, even in-laws staying too long.
• The Remote Control (1950s): This invention changed TV time and sparked the first big power struggle between heterosexual couples over who controls the clicker.
• The "Man Cave" (20th Century): A key part of heterosexual home design, offering a safe space away from decorative pillows and scented candles.
• First Co-ed Bowling League (Early 20th Century): Encouraged friendly competition and the trend of matching couple's shirts.
• The "Honey-Do List" (Mid-20th Century): A genius way to organize chores and create endless jokes.
• The Push Lawnmower (1830): Paved the way for gas-powered mowers and that classic heterosexual weekend activity.
• Suburban Developments (Post WWII): The perfect picture of the heterosexual dream: white picket fences and homeowners association fees.
• The Barbecue Grill (Mid-20th Century): Solidified the man's role as the grill master, serving up charred meats.
• "His and Hers" Towels (Mid-20th Century): A decorative and practical symbol of heterosexual partnership.
• Golf Courses Galore (20th Century): Provided a hobby and a handy excuse for heterosexual men to get away for a few hours.
• TV Sitcoms with Heterosexual Families (Mid-20th Century): Helped set social norms and gave countless examples of relatable family arguments.
• The Minivan (Late 20th Century): The ultimate sign of heterosexual family life, prioritizing practicality over looking cool.
• Homeowners Associations (Mid-20th Century): Ensured everyone followed the rules, kept property values up, and provided a platform for passive-aggressive neighborly disputes.
• The First "Dad Joke" (Lost to time): A timeless funny tradition passed down through generations of heterosexual fathers.
• "Date Night" (20th Century): A groundbreaking idea that let heterosexual couples briefly remember they were more than just parents and bill-payers.

So, as we embark on this groundbreaking journey to establish Heterosexual Pride Month, let's remember the sacrifices made. The brave souls who've had to navigate a world where their romantic comedies are readily available, their weddings are legally recognized, and their existence isn't debated in political arenas. It's truly a testament to their resilience that they've managed to simply be without a dedicated rainbow flag. While some might argue this is a thinly veiled attempt to detract from genuine struggles, we prefer to see it as a bold step towards an even more inclusive future—one where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can complain about not being celebrated enough.

Carolina Dean
Homo

Review: The Inheritor, Marion Zimmer Bradley (1984)

Marion Zimmer Bradley is a really important writer in the fantasy and sci-fi world. Even though her book The Inheritor might not be as famous as her Darkover series, it's a truly excellent read that shows off her amazing writing skills and how well she understands people.

Right from the beginning, Bradley pulls you into a story that feels both familiar and a little bit spooky or mysterious. She writes in a beautiful and clear way, making it easy to picture the scenes and creating characters who are complex and easy to care about.

The events of The Inheritor take place in 1983. The main character is Leslie Barnes, psychologist who moves into a new house in San Francisco with her younger sister, Emily, a talented musician. This house seems like a perfect fit at first. However, almost immediately after they move in, really strange and unsettling things start to happen. It turns out the house has a dark history, connected to previous owners who had met bad ends. Leslie soon realizes she's living in a place with powerful magical energy, and she's suddenly thrown into a battle against dark forces trying to control this power for evil.

Leslie, being a psychologist, is completely out of her depth with these supernatural events. But she gets help from a charming psychic medium named Claire Moffatt and Claire's mentor, a famous psychic investigator named Colin MacLaren. Together, they help Leslie tap into abilities she didn't even know she had, all to protect the house and herself from the evil that lurks there.

A key part of the story also involves Simon Antsey, an acclaimed musician who becomes Emily's mentor. Simon has a dark past, and his influence over the sisters becomes increasingly unsettling. He's connected to the house's mysterious history and is willing to use black magic for his own gain, even if it means doing terrible things. Leslie finds herself in a difficult and even dangerous relationship with him, struggling to see and understand his true nature. 

Bradley really focuses on the emotional side of things. She deeply explores what her characters are feeling—their fears, their hopes, and their often-difficult relationships. You don't just read about what happens; you actually feel it, celebrating their small victories and hurting during their struggles. The story gradually builds tension, leading to an ending that makes you think deeply and stays with you long after you've finished reading.

If you enjoy science fiction that has strong characters and explores big ideas like identity, the power of legacy, and the nature of consciousness, The Inheritor is definitely worth picking up. It's a powerful and moving story that shows Bradley at her best, offering a read that's both smart and emotionally impactful. It's more than just a book; it's an experience I highly recommend.

Carolina Dean 
12th House Books 

New Listing: Astrological Transit Reports!

Ever wonder how the planets affect your daily life? My monthly report helps you understand just that. It's a personalized digital guide that shows how the planets will influence you next month, based on your unique birth details.

Here's what your personalized report includes:

• Planetary Movements: Discover how planets changing zodiac signs will affect the overall themes of your month.
• Life Areas: Find out which parts of your life (like relationships, career, or money) will be most active as planets move
• through your personal astrological chart (i.e. the houses)
• New Beginnings: Learn about new opportunities and areas for growth as New Moons bring fresh energy to specific parts of your chart.
• Turning Points: Get insights into important moments of completion or breakthroughs as Full Moons reach their peak in your chart.

How this report helps you:

• Plan Ahead: Be prepared for upcoming energies and plan your month more effectively.
• Understand Yourself: Get a deeper understanding of your journey and how cosmic forces interact with your life.
• Make Better Choices: Feel more confident in your decisions and in handling challenges and opportunities.

What's NOT included

• Moon's Quick Movements: The Moon moves too fast to be useful for a monthly overview.
• Detailed Planet Interactions: This report focuses on the main energies of planets entering new signs and houses for a clear monthly guide, rather than complex interactions between planets, that is the aspects between the planets in your birth chart and the transiting planets, with the exception of conjunctions.

How to Order

Order your report here ...still not sure? Read the sample report below. 

_______________________________________

Sample Report 

(Without Conjunctions) 

Natal Chart with Transits for June 1st 2025

This report outlines significant astrological transits for Guido Bendetti during June 2025, offering insights into potential themes and energies. Please note that these are general interpretations and a personalized consultation with a natal chart would provide more specific and nuanced analysis. For example. this report does NOT take into account astrological aspects occurring between the planets during the month. 

June 5: Venus in Taurus (6th House)

This transit brings a focus on comfort, stability, and practicality to your daily routines, work environment, and health matters. With Venus in its home sign of Taurus, there's an increased desire for harmony and pleasantness in your immediate surroundings. In the 6th House, this suggests that you may find satisfaction and ease in your work, potentially leading to improved relationships with colleagues or a more enjoyable work-life balance. It's an excellent time to beautify your workspace, focus on self-care, or implement routines that bring you greater well-being. Financial opportunities related to work or health may also arise.

June 8: Mercury in Cancer (8th House)

Your mental focus shifts towards deeper, more introspective, and perhaps more sensitive topics. Mercury in Cancer encourages intuitive thinking and communication that is emotionally driven. In the 8th House, this transit brings your attention to shared resources, intimacy, psychological matters, and potentially taboo subjects. You may find yourself contemplating your emotional security, joint finances, or exploring hidden aspects of your psyche. Conversations during this period could be profound and reveal significant insights. It's a good time for research, delving into mysteries, or discussing financial plans with partners.

June 9: Jupiter in Cancer (8th House)

Following closely on the heels of Mercury, Jupiter's ingress into Cancer amplifies the themes of the 8th House. Jupiter expands and magnifies, so this transit suggests growth, opportunity, and good fortune in areas related to shared resources, inheritance, intimacy, and psychological transformation. There may be opportunities for financial gain through partnerships, investments, or unexpected windfalls. This is a potent time for deep psychological healing, spiritual growth, and an increased understanding of the interconnectedness of life. Be mindful of potential overindulgence in these areas.

June 11: Full Moon in Sagittarius (1st House)

This Full Moon highlights your personal identity, self-expression, and how you project yourself into the world. With the Full Moon in Sagittarius, there's a strong emphasis on truth, freedom, and personal philosophy. In your 1st House, this lunation brings a culmination or illumination regarding your sense of self and your personal journey. You may experience a breakthrough in understanding who you are and what you stand for. It's a time to release old self-concepts that no longer serve you and embrace a more expansive and authentic version of yourself. There may be an urge to travel, learn, or explore new philosophies.

June 17: Mars in Virgo (10th House)

Your ambition, drive, and energy are directed towards your career, public image, and long-term goals. Mars in Virgo brings a methodical, analytical, and perfectionistic approach to your professional endeavors. In the 10th House, this transit suggests that you will be focused on achieving practical results and improving your efficiency in your chosen field. This is an excellent time to take decisive action towards your career aspirations, refine your professional skills, and meticulously plan your next steps. Be mindful of being overly critical of yourself or others in your professional dealings.

June 20: Sun in Cancer (8th House)

The Sun's ingress into Cancer further emphasizes the themes of the 8th House that have been developing throughout the month. Your core identity and vital energy are now focused on shared resources, intimacy, psychological depth, and transformation. This is a time for introspection, understanding your emotional security, and delving into the deeper currents of your life. You may find yourself drawn to exploring the mysteries of life, engaging in profound emotional connections, or managing joint finances. This period encourages you to confront and integrate hidden aspects of yourself.

June 25: New Moon in Cancer (8th House)

This New Moon marks a powerful new beginning in the areas governed by the 8th House. It's an opportune time to set intentions related to shared resources, investments, intimacy, psychological healing, and transformation. With the New Moon in Cancer, these intentions will be rooted in emotional security and a desire for deep connection. Consider what you want to cultivate in terms of joint ventures, financial partnerships, or your psychological well-being. This is a potent time to initiate new therapeutic practices, financial plans, or to deepen intimate bonds.

June 26: Mercury in Leo (9th House)

Your communication style and mental focus become more expressive, confident, and optimistic. Mercury in Leo encourages you to share your ideas with enthusiasm and creativity. In the 9th House, this transit directs your attention towards higher education, foreign travel, philosophy, and spiritual exploration. You may feel a strong desire to learn new things, share your beliefs, or embark on an adventure. This is a favorable time for teaching, writing, publishing, and engaging in intellectual discussions that broaden your horizons. Be mindful of being overly dramatic or self-centered in your communication.

Summary:

June 2025 for Guido Bendetti appears to be a month of significant internal and external transformation, particularly centered around the themes of shared resources, intimacy, and psychological depth, heavily influenced by the 8th House. The beginning of the month brings focus to daily routines and financial stability in the workplace, while the latter half shifts towards expansive opportunities in joint ventures and a powerful urge for personal evolution. The Full Moon highlights personal identity and a desire for truth, while Mars provides the drive for career advancement. The month culminates with a strong focus on new beginnings in deep, transformative areas and a shift towards broader intellectual and philosophical pursuits.

Carolina Dean 
Two Headed Astrology 

An Open Letter to My Critics and My Role in Hoodoo

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 

Matthew 5:11-12

This week, I saw some TikTok videos claiming Harriet Tubman wasn't real. Thankfully, many other creators quickly disproved these claims with evidence. My writing partner, Denise Alvarado, isn't on TikTok, so I texted her about it. I suggested she share her article on Harriet Tubman to promote our Hoodoo Almanac, thinking people would prefer information from an educated researcher over a conspiracy theorist.

I left it to Denise and went to bed. The next morning, I woke up early, around 1:30 AM. Since I had some time before work, I filmed a quick video featuring Denise's article from the Hoodoo Almanac and added relevant hashtags to help publicize the book.

A few hours later, during my first work break, I checked my phone and saw a short, negative comment on my video. I made the mistake of asking the person to explain, hoping to be a peacemaker. Instead, I was criticized for being white and supposedly profiting from "closed practices" meant only for people of African descent.

The debate went nowhere, so for my own peace, I deleted the comments and blocked the account. However, after thinking about it all day, I want to address a few points:

There Are No "Hoodoo Police"

While some people claim to be authorities on Hoodoo and try to dictate who can or cannot practice it, they have no actual authority. They only have opinions.

My Hoodoo Knowledge Comes from Experience, Not Just Books

I'm 52 years old and grew up before Hoodoo was widely written about or easily found online. I learned these practices from people, many of whom were Black. For example, when I was a customer service representative at Winn Dixie in Beaufort, South Carolina (in the Low Country), I often used my psychic abilities to help older women with their dream books to pick winning lottery numbers. In return, these women taught me techniques, spells, and rituals. Some even gave me supplies like candles, mojo bags, and oils.

None of these wise individuals ever told me their knowledge was a secret. They shared with me because they saw I was sincere and would use the information wisely and respectfully. If Hoodoo were a "closed practice," they would not have shared their "secrets" with me.

For public record, I am also a graduate of Lucky Mojo's Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course (Student Number 56G). I was among the first group to sign up for the course in the early 2000s, which enhanced my Hoodoo education but wasn't its sole foundation. And in graduating I earned that G, which is more than I can say for many other people. 

My Work Has Value

Yes, I do "profit" from the Hoodoo Almanac, but I'm not going to get rich from it. The point is, my time and talent are valuable and clearly in demand, or we wouldn't be selling books. I have years of experience in the Hoodoo Tradition—more years than some of my critics have been alive. I refuse to be disrespected for being white and for trying to inform, educate, enlighten, or enrich others' lives with the knowledge entrusted to me.

And yet I also profit in non-material ways as well. I have formed many genuine friendships, and I have heard from countless people over the years who have shared with me how I have touched their lives in a meaningful way. My generosity is evident if you look at my work, the vast amount of free information and wisdom I've shared over the years, and my countless charitable acts.

Moving Forward

I will no longer engage with detractors. Their comments will be deleted, and their accounts blocked at the first sign of disrespect. As I've said, I'm olde and tired of false accusations, racism, people trying to police me, and people trying to tear me down. However, I am not too old or tired to defend my name and those I love and I will use every tool available to me to protect myself.  I only strive to be a source of light and live a peaceful life. 

Carolina Dean
Two Headed Doctor 

Review: Murder, Take Two By Carol J. Perry (2020)

In Carol J. Perry's tenth "Witch City" book, we're back in Salem, Massachusetts, a town full of history and a bit of a spooky vibe. The main character, Lee Barrett, is at the center of it all. She's a former journalism student who's also a young widow, still dealing with her grief. Lee lives in the apartment above her Aunt Ibby's house, who also happens to be a semi-retired librarian. This time, Lee gets pulled into a puzzling mystery when a couple of old students ask for her special help. Their nephew, Cody McGinnis, a respected local professor, has been accused of murder.

What makes this case stand out is how much it's like a crime from the past. The way the professor's alleged victim was killed is strangely similar to a real murder that happened in Salem in 1830, when a sea captain was brutally killed. This link to the past makes the current investigation much more interesting and complicated. Roger and Ray Temple arrive in Salem to support Professor McGinnis. They're sure he's innocent and specifically ask Lee for her help because she's known for solving the town's toughest cases. Many of McGinnis's students also believe he's innocent and have even started a fund to help with his defense, showing how much they like and respect him.

This particular "Witch City" book is a bit different from the others. Usually, Lee's special ability – where she sees important clues in everyday things – shows up pretty early in the story and helps her figure things out. But in this book, the mystery unfolds more like a classic detective story, relying on regular police work and using clues to figure things out. Lee's special visions, which are a big part of the series, don't appear until much later. This shifts the focus to the more traditional ways of solving a crime. A fun and smart part of the story is Lee's careful planning of a real-life game of Clue. This creative idea isn't just a fun side story; it also cleverly mirrors the detective work Lee is doing, making the book more interactive and entertaining.

Even though the main mystery is serious, Perry adds some charming and quirky moments that lighten the mood. The funny antics of Aunt Ibby and her two lively friends, who jokingly call themselves "Charlie's Angels" with Rupert Pennington as their somewhat unwilling "Charlie," provide some great comic relief. Their playful adventures, though a bit silly, balance out the darker parts of the murder investigation, keeping the story from getting too grim. And it's especially nice to see the beginning of a romantic interest between Ray Temple and Aunt Ibby. This sweet, quiet side story nicely shows that romance and connection aren't just for young people, adding a gentle and relatable touch to the whole tale.

Links

Murder, Take Two (Amazon) 

Carolina Dean 
Official Book Reviewer
12th House Books