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