Review: Evil Intentions, Denise Osborne (2005)

In Evil Intentions, the fourth installment of her clever Feng Shui Mystery series, Denise Osborne proves once again why she is the reigning expert at blending ancient wisdom with modern-day suspense. While many cozy mysteries rely on simple tropes, Osborne elevates the genre by weaving the principles of Feng Shui into the very fabric of her plot, making it as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling.

The Plot: High Stakes in Georgetown

The story centers on Salome Waterhouse, a Japanese-American Feng Shui practitioner whose life is momentarily thrown out of balance when an arsonist targets her Georgetown home. The stakes turn deadly when the body of a professional "organizer" is discovered—a woman whose life was dedicated to order, yet whose death is surrounded by chaos.

Salome, alongside an unlikely but charming team— including her ex-husband (a mystery writer) and a sharp-witted private investigator—is pulled into a dangerous investigation. What begins as a local tragedy soon uncovers a dark underworld involving human trafficking and a formidable nemesis from Salome’s past.

Why This Book Works

• Unique Protagonist: Salome Waterhouse is a refreshing lead. Her "New Age pragmatism" allows her to see clues through the lens of energy flow and spatial harmony, offering a perspective you won't find in your average police procedural.

• The "Eco-System" of Characters: The dynamic between Salome and her ex-husband adds a layer of warmth and humor that balances the darker themes of the mystery.

• Vivid Setting: Osborne captures the sweltering, high-pressure atmosphere of Washington D.C. perfectly, making the city feel like a character in its own right.

• Educational and Engaging: Even if you know nothing about Bagua maps or chi, Osborne weaves these details so seamlessly into the narrative that you'll feel like an expert by the final chapter.

Final Verdict

Evil Intentions is a "must-read" for fans of Nancy Pickard or Louise Penny. It’s a sophisticated, fast-paced mystery that reminds us that when our environment is in clutter, our lives often follow. Osborne’s writing is sharp, her pacing is excellent, and her ability to harmonize a gritty crime story with spiritual insight is truly impressive.

Carolina Dean

Shop Policies: Understanding Returns, Refunds, and Shipping

Greetings to my community of seekers and collectors. To ensure that I can continue providing rare occult texts and personalized spiritual insights, I want to clarify the "fine print" regarding your purchases.

Transparency is vital in our practice and knowing exactly how transactions are handled allows us to focus more on the magic and less on the logistics.

1. Spiritual Services & Digital Goods

Due to the personalized nature of my work and the immediate access provided by digital content, all sales are final for the following:

• Tarot & Astrological Readings: These sessions involve significant time, energy, and customized interpretation. Once booked or delivered, they are non-refundable.

• Digital Downloads: Because these files are delivered instantly upon purchase, I cannot offer refunds or exchanges on any digital guides or manuscripts.

2. Physical Items (Books, Amulets, & Talismans)

I understand that circumstances can change. My policy for physical goods depends entirely on where the item is in the fulfillment process:

• Before Shipping: If you request a cancellation or refund before I have dispatched your order, I will happily process a full refund.

• After Shipping: Once an item has been handed over to the courier, I can no longer offer a refund or accept a return. Please double-check your selection before finalizing your order.

Shipping, Loss, and Damage

Once an item leaves my shop and enters the postal system, it is officially in the hands of the carrier. While I take great care in packaging, please note the following:

• Arrival & Condition: I am not responsible for the arrival time or the condition of the item once it has shipped. Every order includes a tracking number, check this number for updates about your delivery. 

• Lost in Transit: If your package is stuck in transit, please contact your local post office directly.

• Damaged Items: If your item arrives damaged, you are covered! Please contact Etsy Support to initiate a refund through the Etsy Purchase Protection program.

• Missing "Delivered" Packages: If your tracking number marks the item as "Delivered" but you cannot find it, please reach out to your local post office or speak with your mail carrier.

A Note on Shipping Rates

Please be aware that shipping costs are set by the postal office based on current market rates and are not determined by the shop. To give you the most flexibility, I offer various shipping options at checkout, including Standard Shipping for economy and Priority Shipping for those who need their items more quickly. Please review these options and choose the one that best fits your budget and timeline.

Combined Shipping

If you are purchasing multiple items and would like to consolidate your shipping, I am happy to help. Please contact me directly with a list of the items you wish to purchase and your zip code. I will get back to you within 24 hours with a custom pricing quote for combined shipping to help you save on total costs. Please note that quotes are valid for 24 hours. 

Your Feedback & Experience

Your journey with these items is important to me, and I would be honored if you shared your experience by rating and reviewing your purchase. Your feedback helps other seekers find their way to this shop. However, if your experience was anything less than magical, I kindly ask that you contact me directly before leaving a negative review. I value your patronage and would appreciate the opportunity to personally address any issues or concerns to ensure you are satisfied with your experience.

In Closing

My goal is to connect you with the tools and insights you need for your path. These policies are in place to ensure that my shop remains sustainable and that every customer is treated with the same level of fairness. These policies will be updated and or modified as needed. Thank you for your patronage and for respecting the energy and effort that goes into every curated item and reading.

Carolina Dean
12th House Books 

Stirring the Cauldron of Regret: Why My Holiday Tradition Involves Three Witches and a Mid-Life Crisis

I’m a lover of books, but I’m rarely a "repeater." Once I’ve turned the final page, I usually set a story aside to make room for the next one. However, there is one glaring, magical exception to my rule: The Widows of Eastwick by John Updike.

Every year, as the calendar turns toward Thanksgiving and the Christmas lights begin to twinkle, I find myself pulling this specific volume off the shelf. It has become a ritual as essential to my holiday season as pumpkin pie or hanging a wreath.

Back to the Mansion 

For those who haven't met them, the book follows the three iconic witches from The Witches of Eastwick. Now widowed and having drifted apart over the years, Alexandria, Jane, and Suki decide to return to Eastwick for the summer.

But the world has changed. The grand Lenox Mansion where they once caused such a stir has been chopped up into modern condos. As they settle back into the town, they don't just reconnect with each other; they reconnect with their magic. This time, however, their power isn't about chaos—it’s about restitution. They use their craft to right past wrongs: Suki heals an old lover’s hand, and Alexandra helps a woman fulfill her dream of motherhood.

More Yesterdays than Tomorrows

Why do I keep coming back to this story? As I’ve gotten older, I’ve reached that vantage point where I realize I have more yesterdays than tomorrows. Updike captures the specific weight of that realization beautifully.

Identifying with these witches is easy when you’re navigating:

• The physical and emotional reality of aging.

• The quiet spaces left behind by lost loved ones.

• The inevitable shadow of our own mortality.

• The heavy, sometimes dusty, trunk of past regrets.

The Eastwick Audit

This annual read has birthed a tradition I call my personal "Eastwick Audit." I use the witches’ journey as a mirror to look back over my own year. I ask myself: What parts of myself have I lost touch with? What wrongs do I need to make right?

A few years ago, this reflection led me to a difficult realization. I had ended a friendship with a woman because I thought she was being unfairly negative about a mutual friend. I assumed she was just jealous and cut her off entirely.

But as time passed, I saw with my own eyes that every warning she gave me was true. My "magic" that year wasn't supernatural; it was the simple, humbling act of reaching out, apologizing, and making amends.

Conclusion

Ultimately, The Widows of Eastwick reminds me that while we cannot turn back the clock, we are never too old to transform our perspective. We don't need a literal cauldron to stir up a little grace or to heal a relationship that we severed in a moment of poor judgment. As the year draws to a close, I’ve realized that the most powerful magic we possess isn't the ability to change the past, but the courage to face it, learn from it, and walk into our remaining tomorrows with a lighter heart and a clearer conscience.

Carolina Dean 
Old-Fart 

Links 

• The Witches of Eastwick, John Updike 
• The Widow of Eastwick, John Updike 

Iridology: The Eyes Have It!

Some people believe your eye is more than just a "window to the soul"—they think it's also a map of your health. This belief is called Iridology.

The Big Idea

Iridology is an alternative method where practitioners (called iridologists) study the colored part of your eye, the iris. They look closely at the iris's:

• Colors and Spots (Pigmentation)

• Lines and Folds (Structural Markings)

• Texture (Fiber Density)

They use detailed charts that divide the iris into zones, with each zone supposedly linked to a different organ or body part (like your liver or kidneys). By looking at the markings in these zones, they claim they can spot if a body part is strong, weak, inflamed, or toxic, and even suggest potential future health problems.

Iridology is non-invasive, meaning they only look at your eye, often with a magnifying glass or a camera.

Does Science Agree? (The Crucial Part)

The short answer is No.

The mainstream scientific and medical community considers Iridology a pseudoscience (meaning it looks like science but isn't based on evidence).

• It Doesn't Work: Many serious, controlled studies (like double-blind trials) have tried to test Iridology. The result is consistently that iridologists cannot accurately diagnose specific diseases (like cancer or kidney trouble) any better than random chance.

• The Eye Doesn't Change: Scientists who use iris scans for security (like biometrics) know that the iris structure is one of the most stable and unchanging features of the human body throughout your life. If the eye structure stays the same, it can't show a disease that is actively getting better or worse.

• The Danger of Misdiagnosis: The biggest risk is not the practice itself, but what happens afterward. If an iridologist tells you have a serious disease when you don't (false positive), it causes unnecessary stress. More seriously, if they tell you you're healthy when you have a serious condition (false negative), you might delay getting proper medical treatment, which could be dangerous.

The Bottom Line

Iridology is an old and interesting idea popular in some alternative wellness circles. However, it is not a proven diagnostic tool.

If you are worried about your health or have symptoms, you must see a licensed medical doctor or eye doctor for tests and treatments that are proven to work. Alternative assessments like Iridology should never replace professional, evidence-based medical care.

Carolina Dean 
Eye-See-You 

Links:

• The Science and Practice of Iridology, Bernard Jensen (12th House Books) 
  
• Iridology (Wikipedia) 

It's a Wonderful Life (Because It's Mine)

The city was alive with Christmas lights, glowing windows, and laughter spilling onto the streets. But for the boy huddled beneath a torn blanket on a rooftop, the season was nothing but a cruel reminder of what he lacked. His stomach ached, his fingers were numb, and every carol drifting upward from the sidewalks below felt like a taunt.

On Christmas Eve, as he drifted into uneasy sleep, a clatter jolted him awake. He rubbed his eyes and froze. A sleigh—red, gleaming, impossibly real—rested on the rooftop. Reindeer pawed at the tar, their breath steaming in the cold. And there, climbing down into the apartment chimney, was Santa Claus himself.

The boy’s heart pounded. He waited, trembling, until Santa returned. Desperation spilled from him in a rush: “Please… take me with you. I don’t want to live here anymore. I want to come home with you.”

Santa studied him with unreadable eyes, then nodded. “Climb aboard.”

The sleigh lifted into the night sky, carrying the boy northward through clouds and stars. He imagined warmth, food, safety—everything he had been denied. But when they landed at the North Pole, the dream soured.

Santa’s voice was stern now. “You’ll earn your keep.”

The boy was led to the stables. Days blurred into endless labor: hauling hay, scrubbing stalls, feeding restless reindeer. His hands cracked from the cold, his body ached, and his meals were little more than thin soup. The elves ignored him, whispering as they passed. The boy realized he had traded one misery for another, only this time there was no escape. Beyond the compound stretched a frozen wasteland that promised death to anyone who wandered too far.

One night, exhausted and hopeless, he collapsed into sleep on the straw, tears freezing on his cheeks. When he opened his eyes, the rooftop sky stretched above him once more. The sleigh was gone. The reindeer, the stables, the cold soup—all of it had been a dream. He was back in New York, still hungry, still cold, but alive.

For the first time, he felt something different: gratitude. His life was hard, but it was his. He could change it. He could fight for something better. The boy pulled his blanket tighter, watching the city lights flicker like stars. Somewhere deep inside, a spark of determination warmed him more than any fire.

Carolina Dean 

Washing Away the Weird: How to Cleanse Your Thrift Store Talismans!

Hello fellow seekers and collectors! As the owner of a shop dedicated to rare and vintage occult books, I know the thrill of the hunt. There's nothing quite like sifting through a dusty thrift store shelf and finding a metallic seal, a beautiful pewter saint's medal, or a fascinating crystal pendant. These objects often carry a palpable energy—they are, after all, objects intended to hold power and intention.

But before these pre-loved items can become part of your collection or find their new home through my shop, there is a crucial, non-negotiable step: magical cleansing and purification.

Why Cleansing Your Found Objects is Essential

When you acquire an amulet or talisman from a thrift store, antique shop, or estate sale, you are inheriting its entire history. Unlike a newly crafted magical tool, the energy of a vintage piece is layered with the intentions, emotions, and environment of every person who owned or even simply touched it.

• Residual Energy: The original owner might have worn the amulet during a time of great joy, stress, illness, or sadness. This lingering emotional or spiritual imprint is the residual energy that needs to be cleared.

• Neutralizing Intention: If the item was an active talisman, its original magical intention may be obsolete or even contrary to your (or its future owner's) needs. Cleansing effectively resets the object to a neutral state, making it ready to be programmed with a fresh, positive intention.

• Safety and Respect: Cleansing is a vital act of respect for the object and a practice of spiritual self-care. You wouldn't want to bring potentially discordant, heavy, or even harmful energy into your home or shop.

Research First: Identifying the Talisman’s Purpose

Before you even consider cleansing, the first step is to become a researcher and historian. You need to identify what the object is and what it was believed to do. For example, if you find a saint's medal, what saint does it depict? Research the purpose this saint is traditionally prayed to for (e.g., protection, safe travel, healing).

This brings up another issue, is the talisman associated with a specific religion or practice, and do you want to wear the item if you are not a follower of that religion or practice?   For example, the triquetra became very popular in the 1990's due to the television show Charmed about a trio of sister who happen to be witches. Within the context of the show, the triquetra was a symbol of their bond as sisters and witches. However, the triquetra has a long history that predates Charmed, which you may or may not wish to draw into your life by wearing the symbol. 

If the talisman features symbols, research their meaning: What do the sigils, runes, or planetary symbols represent, and how does this translate to the item's alleged powers? Are there any specific spirits, deities, or forces associated with this particular form or symbol? Ultimately, you want to know what the talisman is for or what it is believed to accomplish. This knowledge not only enhances its value but also informs how you interact with it and how you might re-consecrate it later.

Cleansing Considerations: Know Your Materials

Before you begin any cleansing ritual, you must first become a diligent investigator. The materials of your talisman dictate the safe cleansing methods you can use. A powerful cleansing method for one material could be disastrous for another! When considering the cleansing of various materials, it is crucial to understand their specific vulnerabilities. 

• Pewter and other metals, such as medals or old keychains, should first be checked for tarnish, rust, or delicate finishes, and one must avoid using harsh chemicals or prolonged soaking in saltwater, as this can lead to corrosion and pitting. 
• Similarly, soft or porous crystals like Selenite, Calcite, Malachite, and Pyrite are easily scratched or prone to damage and dissolution by water, so it is vital to avoid water, burial in damp soil, and especially contact with raw salt. 
• Organic materials like wood, bone, and leather (often used in charms and carvings) can swell, crack, rot, or degrade when wet, making it necessary to avoid water and deep or damp earth burial. Finally, glass and ceramics, although generally durable, are susceptible to damage from extreme temperature shifts, so you should avoid drastic changes in temperature during their care.

Top Cleansing Methods for Thrifted Talismans

Once you've determined the material, you can select the most appropriate method to purify your find. Remember to approach the process with a focused, clear intention: I cleanse this object of all previous energies, restoring it to a state of purity and neutrality.

1. Smoking/Smudging (Universal & Safe)

This is one of the safest and most gentle methods for almost any material. The smoke carries away unwanted energy, leaving the item clear.

• How To: Light a stick of sage, cedar, or your favorite cleansing incense (frankincense, sandalwood, or white copal are great options). Hold the amulet or talisman in the smoke, allowing the smoke to completely envelop the item for several minutes.

• Best For: Crystals, metals, wood, fragile materials.

2. Salt Bath (Deep Cleansing for Durable Materials)

Salt is a powerful absorbent and has been used for millennia to draw out and neutralize negative energy.

• How To: Place the item in a small, tightly sealed jar or dish. Completely cover it with dry sea salt or rock salt. Leave it undisturbed for a minimum of 24 hours. When finished, dispose of the salt immediately (do not reuse it) by flushing it down a drain or burying it far from your home.

• Best For: Durable metals (bronze, iron), hard stones (quartz, amethyst), glass.

3. Earth Burial (Grounding and Renewal)

The Earth Mother acts as a great cleanser, absorbing old energies and replacing them with a primal, neutral grounding force.

• How To: Choose a spot in your garden or a pot of clean soil. Ensure the soil is dry if the item is water-sensitive. Dig a small hole and place the item inside, perhaps wrapped in a small piece of natural cloth. Mark the spot and leave it for a full 24 to 72 hours. When you retrieve it, brush off the dirt and thank the Earth.

• Best For: Metals, hard stones, very durable items. Always check the material first.

4. Sunlight & Moonlight (Natural Energy Baptism)

Using the celestial energies of the Sun and Moon is an incredibly effective and chemical-free way to purify.

• How To: Place the item on a natural cloth (like cotton or linen) outside or on a windowsill.

  • Sunlight: Cleanses, energizes, and removes negativity. (Note: Prolonged direct sun can fade some materials/crystals like amethyst.)

  • Moonlight: Cleanses gently and infuses the item with intuitive and calming energy. A full moon is generally considered the most potent time for this ritual.

• Best For: Almost all materials, especially crystals and metal pendants.

The Next Chapter

Finding an amulet or talisman in a thrift store is a little moment of magic in itself. By taking the time to carefully research its purpose and then cleanse and purify these vintage pieces, you are doing more than just cleaning them—you are honoring their history and preparing them for a new chapter of service and intention. Whether you keep them for yourself or pass them on to another seeker, a good cleansing ensures the energy they carry forward is pure, positive, and ready to receive.

Happy hunting and safe cleansing!

Carolina Dean 

12th House Books 

Will the REAL Grimmerie Please Stand Up?

The world is buzzing with the release of the Wicked movies! But while the songs and spectacle are dazzling, there’s a much darker, richer story underneath—the one told in Gregory Maguire’s brilliant novels.

These books give us the full, complex backstory of Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her complicated friendship with Glinda the Good. They dive deep into the world of Oz, exploring the lives of its famous inhabitants.

But at the heart of Elphaba’s magical journey is a massive, mysterious book of spells: the Grimmerie.

What is the Grimmerie in the Books?

In the Wicked novels, the Grimmerie is a giant, leather-bound book packed with forgotten, powerful magic. It contains spells on subjects like the "Administration of Dragons" and other formidable arts such as 

• Methods of poisoning water and breeding a docile population.
• Diagrams of instruments of torture and weapons which Elphaba considers "too vile to use".
• A recipe entitled "Of apples with black skin and white flesh: to fill the stomach with greed unto Death".
• A recipe to overthrow a regime, which suggests spells for various methods of sabotage and assassination.
• Spells for 'unleashing the hidden energies of matter'.
• Spells to tamper with time.
• Spells to encourage flight in originally earth-bound animals.
• Various 'marginalia on how to keep awake', which Elphaba combines with home remedies to produce a powerful insomnia potion.
• 'A spell to reveal hidden inscription [...]Perhaps even the location of individuals in hiding'. The reverse side of the page on the "On the Administration of Dragons" contains the second half of this spell.
• A spell entitled "To Call Winter on Water," used by Glinda to trap war ships advancing on Munchkinland in ice, in the beginning of Out of Oz.
• a spell entitled “On Vagueness and Variety;” the page from the book with this spell was found on the Maracoorian island of Ithira Strand, an island previously abandoned due to a plague.

Here’s the biggest puzzle: No one native to Oz can read it.

The books explain that the Grimmerie didn't originate in Oz. It was brought there long ago by the Wizard Merlin and is actually a copy of a famous text from our world, Earth: The Lesser Key of Solomon.

This is the key to the mystery! Because it's an Earth text, Ozians can’t decipher it. However, Elphaba can. Why? The major revelation is that her father is the Wizard of Oz himself—a man who came to Oz from Earth. Her half-Earthling heritage is what allows her to read the book and unlock its unique, powerful magic.

The Real-World Connection

The Grimmerie’s supposed source, The Lesser Key of Solomon (also known as Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis), is a genuinely famous text in the history of magic and the occult.

Attributed to the Biblical King Solomon, this real-life book is most famous for its instructions on ceremonial magic and demonology. It provides detailed seals and instructions on how to properly summon, control, and bind 72 specific demons (known as the Ars Goetia) to force them to do the summoner's will.

It’s a far cry from the whimsical sorcery of Oz!

The Curious Mismatch Theory

Here’s where things get interesting. If the Grimmerie is just a copy of The Lesser Key of Solomon, why are its contents so different? Where are the demons? The Grimmerie is described as having chapters on dragons, not detailed instructions for summoning hellish entities.

This leads to a fascinating theory:

My belief is that when The Lesser Key of Solomon traveled from the distinct dimension of Earth to the magical Land of Oz, the journey fundamentally changed it. The book didn't just stay the same. It was magically transfigured. The unique rules and powerful magic of Oz rewrote its contents. The real-world text about binding demons morphed into the Ozian spellbook with instruction for powerful spells. 

We see this idea of dimensional travel causing major transformations in other sci-fi and fantasy stories. Consider Evil-Lyn from He-Man, who was originally characterized in the series bible as a scientist, named Evelyn Powers, from Earth who, upon arriving on Eternia, became the formidable sorceress we know. Or, in the 1984 Supergirl movie, where the heroine's journey from inner-space to outer-space causes her to age and transform from an innocent pre-teen into a powerful young woman. The Grimmerie, too, was changed by its move, trading Earth’s demonology for Oz's mythos, and becoming a text that only a special Oz/Earth hybrid like Elphaba could truly master.

A Powerful Symbol

Ultimately, the Grimmerie is more than just a magical prop. It is a powerful symbol of Elphaba’s unique destiny and dual identity. Its mysterious, non-Ozian origins are the perfect explanation for the powerful, strange magic she possesses.

Whether it's a literal copy or a text magically rewritten by dimension-hopping, the Grimmerie remains one of the most intriguing and central artifacts in the Land of Oz—and a reminder that in magic, everything is connected!

Carolina Dean
Sorcerer-Not So Supreme 
12th House Books 

Rate & Review that Purchase!

If you're reading this, chances are you love scrolling through Etsy, finding unique, handmade, or vintage treasures you won't find anywhere else. You click "buy," the package arrives, and you're thrilled! You might send a quick mental thanks to the seller and move on.

But wait! There’s one tiny, often-forgotten step that is crucial to the health of the Etsy ecosystem, and frankly, to your future shopping experience: leaving a review.

It might seem like a small thing, but for the millions of independent artists, makers, and curators who rely on Etsy, your review is a powerhouse. Here's why you should make reviewing your Etsy transactions a non-negotiable habit.

The Seller's Lifeline: Building Trust and Credibility

Imagine opening a new Etsy shop today. No one knows if you're reliable, if your products match your photos, or if your customer service is top-notch.

• Social Proof is Gold: Every positive review acts as social proof. It tells potential buyers, "This shop is legitimate, and their product is excellent." This is the single most important factor in a seller's success.

• Star Ratings = Search Visibility: Etsy's algorithm often favors shops with high star ratings and consistent sales. Your review directly contributes to a shop's visibility in search results, helping them get noticed by more customers.

• The Difference Between Closing and Flourishing: For a small, new, or niche shop, those first handful of 5-star reviews can be the difference between closing down and being able to make a living doing what they love.

The Customer's Advantage: Helping Future Buyers

When you are about to purchase an item, what is the first thing you look at? The reviews, of course! By leaving your own, you are participating in this vital feedback loop.

• Real-World Context: Did the vase you bought look exactly like the picture? Did the clothing run small, or was the material better than you expected? Your review provides the kind of real-world context that product descriptions simply can't capture.

• Customer Service Vetting: You can also comment on the seller's communication, shipping speed, and packaging. This helps future buyers choose a seller who aligns with their expectations for service.

• Spotting Potential Issues: If you had a problem, a constructive and honest review helps others proceed with caution or choose a different shop, protecting the community.

A Chance to Give Essential Feedback

A review isn't just a rating; it's a conversation.

• Praise for Innovation: If you loved the thoughtful packaging, the handwritten note, or the speedy shipping, let the seller know! They will continue those practices.

• Constructive Criticism: If you rate something less than 5 stars, try to leave a brief, helpful explanation. For example: "The quality was great, but the color was much darker than it appeared on my screen." This gives the seller specific information they can use to improve their listing photos or product descriptions for the next customer.

It's Quick, Easy, and Makes a HUGE Impact

Etsy makes the process incredibly simple. Once an item is delivered (or the maximum shipping window passes), you'll receive a notification.

1. Go to Your Account > Purchases and Reviews.

2. Find the item.

3. Click Leave a Review.

4. Select a star rating (1-5).

5. Write a few quick sentences (1-2 is plenty!).

6. Optional: Upload a photo to show off your new item!

That’s it! Five stars, two sentences, and you’ve just made a real person’s day and helped secure the future of small business on Etsy.

Your Takeaway

Next time that adorable, carefully-packed box arrives on your doorstep, don't just toss the shipping materials—go leave a review! You're not just rating a product; you're supporting a dream, guiding fellow shoppers, and ensuring the Etsy marketplace remains a vibrant, trustworthy place to shop.

Carolina Dean 

Oh The Places You will Not Go: Oaklawn Enchantments

Two years ago, I first stumbled upon Oaklawn Enchantments. It was closed then, but since it was right near where I get my hair cut, I made a mental note to check it out. When I finally walked in, the owner’s greeting was friendly but a little awkward—the kind of stiffness you often encounter when trying to make connections, especially in the unique world of the magical community.

Despite that slightly odd introduction, I started shopping there regularly. I bought things, and I even brought friends who also became customers. I was a genuine supporter, following everything they did on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

During my visits, I excitedly shared that I am a published author. I told the owner about my book, "Secrets of a Sissy Boy: A Gay Grimoire of Modern Magic for Men who Love Men and the Hags who Worship Them." Her reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. She mentioned that her father and son are gay and even suggested she’d love to carry my book in her store.

Thrilled, I brought in my personal copy on my next visit so she could read it and decide. What happened next was a series of frustrating delays and silence.

• A week later, I messaged her on Instagram. Her reply: She hadn't had time yet.

• Another week passed. I went back to the store, bought something, and asked again. The answer was the same.

• A full month went by, and I watched her on social media actively promoting other writers and celebrating women, while my book sat on a shelf, clearly untouched.

The initial awkwardness now felt like a huge warning sign. I realized I thought she had been insincere, offering me this amazing opportunity with no real intention of following through. My interactions with her grew cold, mirroring the sudden disappointment I felt toward the whole shop.

This was a deeply personal letdown. Getting my book into a physical store was a major goal of mine. Her behavior was hurtful, not because she didn't want the book, but because she offered, then strung me along. I felt lied to and used. I unfollowed all their social media pages, decided I’d never return, and completely severed ties. I even got rid of or destroyed everything I had purchased there—and I just left my book behind.

For a year and a half, I completely forgot about Oaklawn Enchantments. Then, the universe seemed to conspire to bring it back up. First, an acquaintance recommended it as a better option than another store which was further away. Then, a friend messaged me out of the blue to suggest I check it out. Finally, I had to drive right past the building to pick up another friend.

These three events in quick succession brought all the painful memories flooding back.

Around that time, I’d started writing positive reviews for local businesses I genuinely liked, focusing on celebrating good service. I almost never write negative reviews; I usually just take my business elsewhere.

However, the feeling of being deceived was still so strong that I decided to share my valid, critical experience in a review in late July/early August. I stated my concern that the owner was disingenuous and that the shop felt unwelcoming to men. My review was definitely not well-received.

Before my post, their newest review on Google was three months old. After the owner saw and responded to my criticism, Google was immediately flooded with several new positive reviews that I strongly suspect she solicited from her friends. Simultaneously, there were two other negative reviews that the owner baselessly accused me of writing.

But the most shocking reaction came right after. Between August 2nd and August 4th, my book, Secrets of a Sissy Boy, was suddenly targeted. Three men—Ethen Duvall, Cole Duncan, and Ian C—left scathing, unverified reviews, calling my work homophobic, predatory, and misogynistic. The timing and content couldn't be clearer. It seems more than obvious to me: the owner of Oaklawn Enchantments allegedly retaliated by orchestrating a review bomb on my published work.

It's a stark reminder that when I challenge an establishment, the response can be disproportionate and intensely personal. This whole experience confirms my decision to walk away from Oaklawn Enchantments. My opinion is firm: my trust was broken, and their alleged subsequent actions show a level of pettiness and malice that has no place in a community built on enchantment and connection. I will not shop there, and the places they go, I will not follow.

Carolina Dean 

Links:

Oaklawn Enchantments (Google Reviews) 
Oaklawn Enchantments (Website) 

Remembering Jeanne Rose 1937-2024

Jeanne Rose is a very important American herbalist, aromatherapy expert, and author. For over fifty years, she has been a key figure in connecting old traditions about plants with modern health trends. Many people credit her with bringing aromatherapy (using essential oils) back into popular use in the United States.

How She Started

Rose started her work in the 1960s, when many people began getting interested in natural living and alternative health. She traveled widely, including studying Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) in India. This experience taught her to look at health holistically, treating the mind, body, and spirit as one connected unit.

Her Game-Changing Books

• Her first major book, Herbs & Things (1972), became a must-read for new herbalists.
• Her book, Jeanne Rose's Herbal Body Book (1976), truly made her famous. It was an easy-to-use guide that showed people how to use herbs in their daily life—for beauty products, health, and cooking.
• She encouraged a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approach to natural self-care, which was a revolutionary idea at the time, getting readers to actively work with the plants around them.

Her Impact on Aromatherapy

Besides herbalism, Rose is a leading expert in clinical aromatherapy. She played a crucial role in setting high standards for essential oil quality and sourcing. She insisted on knowing the precise botanical names and chemical makeup (chemotypes) of oils—a strict practice that is now standard for all professional aromatherapists.

She later created the Jeanne Rose Aromatherapy Institute to properly teach and certify people in the field.

Her Lasting Legacy

Through her many books, classes, and advocacy for pure, high-quality, and sustainable practices, Jeanne Rose created the foundation for the widespread acceptance of herbal and essential oil therapies we see today. She has inspired countless individuals to explore the benefits of plant-based wellness.

Carolina Dean 

Links

• Jeanne Rose's Obituary 
• Jeanne Rose's Herbal Body Book (12th House Books) 
• Jeanne Rose's Herbal Guide to Inner Health (12th House Books) 

Review: Witch and Tell, Angela M Sanders (2025)

Angela M. Sanders truly shines in Witch and Tell, delivering the seventh installment of the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries with her signature wit, charm, and a delightful infusion of supernatural angst. This time around, our beloved apprentice witch and librarian, Josie Way, finds herself facing a unique trifecta of challenges: a boyfriend who's gone radio silent after she revealed her witchy truth, powers that are suddenly on the fritz, and the baffling case of a corpse that appears and promptly vanishes from the locked library atrium.

What makes this book such a compelling entry is how Sanders expertly weaves Josie’s personal, relatable struggles—the anxiety of a relationship in limbo and the frustration of feeling disconnected from her own abilities—into a high-stakes, twisty mystery. The bad energy gripping the town of Wilfred feels palpable, and the disruption of Josie's connection to her spellbound library books raises the investigative stakes higher than ever. Her reliance on her magical grandmother's lessons and the always-entertaining presence of her cat familiar, Rodney, add essential layers of humor and heart.

The mystery itself is wonderfully plotted, featuring a cast of shady suspects and the introduction of potential long-lost relatives that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. Sanders maintains a perfect balance of cozy small-town ambiance and genuine intrigue, ensuring that the book is a compulsively readable escape. For fans of the series, this is a pitch-perfect continuation that deepens the world and promises exciting developments for Josie’s future. For newcomers, it serves as a great example of the series' winning formula, proving that even when magic fails, a determined librarian never does. Five stars for this enchanting adventure!

Carolina Dean 
Book Witch 

Review: Hour of the Witch, Chris Bohjalian (2021)

Chris Bohjalian's Hour of the Witch plunges the reader into the rigid, terrifying world of Puritan Boston in 1662, delivering a historical thriller that feels surprisingly relevant. The novel centers on Mary Deerfield, a strong-willed, twenty-four-year-old woman trapped in a violent marriage to Thomas Deerfield, a wealthy miller nearly twice her age. When Thomas’s abuse escalates to the point of driving a three-tined fork into her hand, Mary—a resourceful woman with a deep sense of self-preservation—takes the radical step of petitioning the Court of Assistants for a divorce on the grounds of cruelty.

This choice is the crucible of the novel. Bohjalian meticulously captures the suffocating, patriarchal society where Satan is considered as real as one's neighbor, and divorce is a scandalous, near-impossible feat for a woman. As Mary navigates the legal system, where the magistrates often seem more concerned with her "wifely obedience" and failure to bear children than her husband’s brutality, her pursuit of freedom quickly devolves into a desperate fight for her life.

Bohjalian is a master of dread, and he layers the historical detail with unsettling suspense. The book's central motif—the three-tined fork, viewed by the Puritans as the "Devil's tines"—is used brilliantly to illustrate the era's pervasive superstition. When strange, cursed objects are discovered in Mary's garden and circumstantial evidence mounts against her, her petition for divorce shifts into a trial for witchcraft.

The novel is at its strongest in the courtroom scenes, which are both frustrating and riveting. The author uses snippets of historical court documents to preface chapters, building a sense of impending doom and highlighting the chilling hypocrisy of the men in power. Mary’s strength lies not in being a modern-day iconoclast, but in her deeply human struggle to survive within the confines of her world, forcing readers to contemplate the timelessness of victim-blaming and institutionalized misogyny.

While the first half can be a slower burn as Bohjalian constructs the Puritan world—from the period-authentic dialogue to the daily routines—the latter half is an addictive, tightly-plotted rush toward a dramatic and ultimately satisfying conclusion.

Hour of the Witch is far more than a simple witch trial story. It’s a compelling piece of historical fiction that doubles as a psychological thriller, using the backdrop of 17th-century Boston to explore themes of female agency, power, and survival against a society determined to silence strong women. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical accuracy fused with high-stakes suspense.

Carolina Dean
12th House Books

Review: Toil and Trouble, Augusten Burroughs 2019

Augusten Burroughs’s memoir Toil and Trouble is a strange, funny, and honest book where he claims he’s a witch. He’s not talking about the kind who rides a broom; he means he has a lifelong, inherited ability to know things he shouldn't and to nudge events in a certain direction through intense focus—what he calls "magick."

If you like his other books, like Running with Scissors, you’ll recognize his usual dark humor and open style. This time, he applies his unique voice to the question of whether "magick" explains the unusual things that have happened in his life.

The book jumps between stories from his childhood—when his mother told him he had this "gift"—and his current life in rural Connecticut with his sensible husband, Christopher. Burroughs describes his witchcraft as a feeling of knowing what’s coming or being able to make very unlikely things happen.

The memoir is also packed with the sort of eccentric, hilarious people Burroughs always seems to encounter, especially his odd neighbors in the country. These funny stories help balance out the book’s more serious and deep ideas.

The book is powerful because it treats these weird abilities not as a Hollywood fantasy, but as a confusing, real part of his life as someone who has dealt with a lot of trauma and anxiety. You might not believe he’s a witch, but as he shares stories—like a premonition of his grandmother's accident coming true—you start to see why he believes it.

The most emotional part comes at the end, when his "magick" vanishes while his husband is very sick. In that moment of helplessness, the book shifts. It becomes a deeply felt reflection on love, anxiety, and the things that no one can control, no matter what kind of power they think they have.

While the idea of witchcraft is the hook, the book is really about how one man makes sense of a difficult past and his anxiety-ridden present by deciding he is fundamentally different. It's a funny, tender, and very human story about finding meaning, even if that meaning is wrapped up in an odd, but comforting, label.

If you like Augusten Burroughs’s usual honest, dark comedy, this book is highly recommended. It’s a unique modern memoir about finding the extraordinary in everyday life.

Carolina Dean 
Witch

The Dino Diaries: Finding Him in Me.

I've always been a person who keeps journals. Whether it’s a dream journal, a manifestation journal, a sex diary, or even my various grimoires and Book of Shadows—they are all, in their own unique way, records of a journey.

However, shortly before my 52nd birthday, I felt a pull toward something new. I decided to keep a diary, but not one to chronicle the daily minutia of my life—not who I met, what I ate, or what I did. Instead, I wanted a dedicated space to go deep, to explore who I am at my core, and to work out the real issues in my life.

As of this writing, I’m just shy of my first 30 days, and the process has already been incredibly illuminating. I wanted to share a recent entry with you to give you a glimpse into this new practice.

The Sunday Ritual and a Sense of Lack

For several months now, I've had a Sunday ritual. I get up very early, pick up my friend, and we make a conscious decision to leave town, if only for a few hours, to escape our mundane, everyday reality. We have breakfast, sometimes joined by other friends, and then we go shopping or find a place in nature—a beach or the top of a mountain. We find that nature is powerfully renewing; it refreshes our spirit for the week ahead. Eventually, we head home, our everyday reality setting back in as we return to our lives.

This past Sunday, after dropping my friend off, I noticed I felt ambiguous. On one hand, I was happy to have connected with my friends, but I also felt a distinct sense of lack.

I knew I needed to address it. When I arrived home, before turning on the TV or even opening the windows, I went straight to my altar. I sat down, took a deep breath, and cleared my mind. Then, I asked myself, Why am I experiencing this sense of lack?

The first thought that surfaced was, “It would have been nice to have shared this day with a man.” It was a thought I couldn't shake. I knew immediately this was a thread I had to pull, a subject I needed to explore in my diary.

The Morning After: Finding a Lens

Let me pause to explain my process: I always write my diary entry for any particular day on the following day. So, I didn't write about Sunday until Monday. I sat down at my desk and began with the basics: I wrote the date, noted the day of the week, and the weather. Since I always post a Card of the Day on my Instagram, I also noted the card in my journal.

As I sat there, staring at the page and gathering my thoughts, I felt a little stuck. I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach the complicated feelings I experienced on Sunday. Then, I had an epiphany. I decided to express myself through the lens of the Hanged Man, which was the Card of the Day for Sunday. I started by simply contemplating its meaning: pause, suspension, a new perspective, yielding to a higher power, inversion...

And then, the words began to flow out of me.

"I am choosing this suspension; it is not a punishment. From this perspective, I see an exhausting loop: running between "find the fixer" and "accept defeat" The biggest lie is that I am broken, that my life is incomplete and that I needed a man to fix me and make my life whole. The truth is my life is unattended. The action I've been resisting is self-authorship. The real energy drain is not my job, not my responsibilities, not my age; its this constant internal argument of wanting to love and be loved and simply giving up and resigning myself to the single life forever. 

For one week, I will sacrifice the idea of the fixer and surrender the pattern of vacillation. I will not search, worry, or resign. My perspective must invert. the solution is within me. I must become the fixer ---- the one who validates, the one who heals, the one who brings me joy. The pause ends when I look at my life and know, truly know, that it is beautiful and it is mine!" 

What's so striking about this process is how those initial feelings of lack have transformed into a powerful affirmation of self-authorship. I went into this diary practice to confront my deepest issues, and in less than a month, I've already uncovered a core narrative—that I'm somehow broken or incomplete without a partner—and found the lens to shatter it. This new journal isn't just a record of my journey; it's the active tool I'm using to carve a new path. The Hanged Man may signify a pause, but for me, that suspension is just the breath I needed before making a fundamental shift. I'm stepping into this week with a commitment to become the source of my own fulfillment, ready to see where this inverted perspective—that the solution is within me—will lead.

Carolina Dean 
Daily Diarist 

Understanding and Defending Against Energy Vampires

We've all been there: after spending time with certain individuals, we feel utterly drained, exhausted, and even irritable. While we often attribute this to a long day or stress, it's possible you've encountered what many refer to as an "energy vampire." These aren't creatures of the night with fangs, but rather people who, consciously or unconsciously, deplete your emotional and mental energy, leaving you feeling empty.

What is an Energy Vampire?

An energy vampire is someone who, through their interactions, leaves you feeling depleted. They often operate by drawing attention, sympathy, or validation from others, often at the expense of the other person's well-being. This can manifest in various behaviors:

• The Constant Complainer: This individual always has a problem, and every conversation revolves around their misfortunes. They rarely seek solutions, preferring to wallow in negativity and draw others into their emotional vortex.

• The Drama Magnet: Their lives are a perpetual soap opera, and they thrive on conflict and crisis. They will often stir up trouble, then look to others for emotional support and validation.

• The Victim: Everything is always happening to them. They avoid responsibility, blame others for their circumstances, and expect endless empathy without ever reciprocating.

• The Narcissist: While not all narcissists are energy vampires, many exhibit this behavior. They demand constant admiration and attention, have little empathy, and will manipulate situations to their benefit, leaving others feeling used and unimportant.

• The Interrogator: These individuals pry into your life, asking intrusive questions and offering unsolicited advice, often making you feel scrutinized and uncomfortable.

It's important to remember that most energy vampires aren't malicious; they might simply be unaware of the impact their behavior has on others. However, their unconscious patterns can still be incredibly detrimental to your well-being.

How to Identify an Energy Vampire

The key to identifying an energy vampire isn't just their behavior, but how you feel after interacting with them.

• Physical Exhaustion: Do you feel physically tired or weak?

• Emotional Draining: Do you feel empty, anxious, or irritable?

• Mental Fog: Is it hard to concentrate after speaking with them?

• Sense of Guilt or Obligation: Do you feel like you owe them your time and energy?

• Relief When They Leave: Do you experience a significant sense of relief when the interaction ends?

If you consistently experience these feelings after engaging with someone, it might be a sign you're dealing with an energy vampire.

Protecting Your Energy

Once you've identified an energy vampire, the next step is to protect yourself.

1. Set Boundaries: This is crucial. Learn to say "no" to their demands for your time and energy. You don't need to justify yourself; a simple, firm "no" is sufficient.

2. Limit Exposure: If possible, reduce the amount of time you spend with this person. If it's a colleague or family member you can't avoid, try to keep interactions brief and focused.

3. Practice Emotional Detachment: Listen to what they say without getting emotionally invested. Don't try to solve their problems or get caught up in their drama. Offer empathy, but don't take on their burdens.

4. Ground Yourself: Before and after interactions, take a few deep breaths. Visualize yourself surrounded by a protective shield of positive energy. This can help you maintain your own energetic integrity.

5. Refocus the Conversation: If they start to complain or draw you into drama, try to shift the topic to something neutral or positive.

6. Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice: Energy vampires often don't want solutions; they want attention. Offering advice often just fuels their need for validation.

7. Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that replenish your energy – meditation, spending time in nature, exercise, hobbies, or spending time with genuinely supportive people.

Recognizing and dealing with energy vampires is a vital part of maintaining your own emotional and mental health. By setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care, you can protect your energy and cultivate more balanced and fulfilling relationships.

Have you ever encountered an energy vampire? How did you deal with them? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Carolina Dean 
Vampire Slayer 

Links 

• Energy Vampires: A Practical Guide for Psychic Self Protection, Dorothy Harbour 
• 5 Signs of an Energy Vampire 
• Psychic Vampire (Wikipedia) 

Book Review: Cat's Eyes, Lee Jordan (1982)

Cat's Eyes is a satisfying novel from 1982 that mixes the creepy mood of a classic English ghost story with the fast pace of a modern suspense book. This novel gives you exactly what you'd expect from an old-school scary thriller: a lonely house, a vulnerable main character, a series of unsettling events, and a general feeling of danger from both people and animals.

The story is about Rachel Charter, an American woman recovering from a car crash at her isolated home in the Sussex countryside in England. The accident was caused by a feral cat, and it left her physically hurt and mentally shaken, giving her bad dreams.

When Rachel's husband has to leave for a work trip, she is left alone with her baby daughter, Sophie. Soon, her peaceful isolation turns into a nightmare. The feral cat, scarred from the crash, seems to be haunting the property, but the scary things that start happening are too sinister to be just an animal's doing.

What follows is a classic slow-burn thriller where Rachel is deliberately terrorized. Her dog is poisoned, someone tries to smother her baby, a local helper is framed for theft, and she gets chilling, anonymous phone calls. The story uses the closed-in feeling of the isolated house and the empty landscape to make Rachel's fear and paranoia grow.

The author, Lee Jordan, uses the typical ingredients of this genre very well. He makes you suspect a few different people, including a bitter woman whose husband was killed in Rachel's crash, a glamorous new neighbor, and even the baby's strict former nurse. The book cleverly makes you wonder, "Is this a scary animal or a human villain?" before revealing the truth. 

While the identity of the final villain and the stormy ending might not surprise people who read a lot of thrillers, the ride is engaging. The writing is good, and the detailed descriptions of the Sussex setting make the story better than a standard suspense novel. Rachel, the slightly naive but tough American, is a likable enough character that you genuinely care about her safety.

Cat's Eyes is a fun, well-put-together piece of vintage suspense. It's a quick, moody read that delivers the perfect amount of domestic terror and spooky isolation. If you like old-school horror or books that feel like a great, forgotten 1980s scary movie, this is a solid choice. It doesn't break new ground, but it delivers the scares with style.

Carolina Dean 
Cat Lover 

Book Review: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books, Kirsten Miller (2024)

Kirsten Miller's Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is a triumphant, hilarious, and deeply moving satire that brilliantly tackles the timely and important issue of book banning. Miller has a rare talent for taking a serious subject and infusing it with humor and heart, making for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

The story revolves around a cast of eccentric and endearing characters in the small Southern town of Troy, Georgia, all of whom become unexpectedly intertwined through a secret act of rebellion. What begins as a petty feud between two women—the meddlesome Lula Dean and the ever-so-clever Beverly Underwood—quickly evolves into a powerful testament to the transformative power of books. As banned titles secretly make their way into Lula’s "little free library," readers get to witness, chapter by chapter, how these stories impact the lives of everyone in town.

Beyond the clever plot, the novel shines in its ability to create fully realized, nuanced characters. From a high school football star grappling with his identity to a woman discovering a hidden part of her family's history, each person who interacts with the library finds a piece of themselves within its pages. While the book doesn't shy away from serious topics like racism, homophobia, and censorship, it handles them with a sense of hope and wit that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired.

This is more than just a funny book; it's a rallying cry for the importance of reading, the freedom of ideas, and the belief that a single book can change a life. It's a reminder that community can be a powerful force for good when people are willing to open their minds and their hearts. A must-read for anyone who has ever found solace, strength, or a new perspective within the pages of a book.

Carolina Dean 
12th House Books