Soraya's Book Reviews

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June 09
Hi Soraya, I am writing to you from South Africa. I am a Jewess by birth, but I have always had a slight psychic "side". Some one once told me I have Celtic blood. I can understand that because my Mom was born in Scotland. I am very much a loner,but like 'some' people, not religious, and have had quite a tough though unusual journey . I am doing ok now relatively speaking. There is always room for much improvement. Have become strong in a sense. Picked up your book, or should I say it picked me up, and if you will excuse a pun it worked like magic.I was in a difficult spin at the time. It was the book of spells, the first one. Still have a lot to do in that connection. I felt a distinct warmth up and down my body, first time I cast a circle.(My own very basic instinctual one) Many thanks for making it accessible to someone like me.. I am a youthful working 54 year old, single and childless.
Am enjoying my journey though it has not been easy and look forward to learning more and receiving and giving more and more on the way. I also look forward to meeting more like minded souls on my journey and making new like minded friends.Though I do enjoy doing "my psychic thing " alone and enjoy rustic nature peace and quiet. Long may it live.
Warmest regards, DC

Feb 09
Good Afternoon Soraya, On Saturday as I was wandering around the local indoor market, I headed for the book stall that I found myself drawn to, having suddenly recently had a strong urge to look for/at books.
Right there staring at me, the 1st book I saw was you Book Of Spells. I was impelled to buy it, and having done so, I read it cover to cover inside a day!!
I have always been drawn to Wicca but somehow never found the time (I have 2 young boys and was a single parent, and a full time job!) but the urge upon reading this book was so strong, I am sure that I am meant to look into it more.
So many things struck a chord....the fact that from the age of about 4 I have doodled pentagrams everywhere (I thought they were stars) but I did, and still do, throughout school when I didn't realise I was doing it, at work when I am on the phone....it's always pentagrams. I have a belt with the pentagram on it....I guess I was just drawn to this symbol. There are other "coincidences" but I won't ramble on about then to you!!
Anyway, I was wondering, how do I go about finding myself a teacher? Whilst I think I would go solo (being a busy parent!) I also am a person who requires physical guidance (I was never very good at learning only from books!).
I'm sorry for emailing you directly, I just felt that this was the way to find out.... Many thanks for your wonderfully inspiring book, that may have come to me at just the right time.
Kind Regards, T. B.

Hello T
sorry for taking so long to get back to you I just moved in November and have been very busy - I am happy to help you in any way and to that end I have just set up a blog page http://witchesweb.ning.com I am hoping that you and others like you will join this and network. its still a work in progress but will grow with time and hopefully everyone will find something to share. Blessings Soraya

11/2/8
I bought your book of Spells not that long a go and must say that I really liked it a lot and I am ready to change my life .As I find out a lot that I already lived close with nature and I got good recognition of herbs past by my mother and my grandmother. I grow up in Croatians mountains happy and hardworking way of life. Born on 20th of June I always worship sun and summer. I am married and have two kids and live in England, born Catholic but not practice for long time, I found that I love your faith of believe. Can you recommend any other good book please .
thank you and bless Goranka

7/2/8
Blessings and Greetings to you Soraya,
Firstly may I thank you for having written such an ‘easy-to-understand’ no nonsense Book of Spells. My friend and I each bought a copy and I’m personally delighted with the information you give especially that you combine Astrology and Numerology with it all. Added to this I have found the information about the Runes just as fascinating as likewise I’m new to the Tarot.
Lynne, my friend, has been in the USA for the past 3 years and is more educated about Wicca and Spells than I am, BUT………she’s now returned to Cape Town and there is one thing that bothers us. In the Northern Hemisphere she became accustomed to casting the circle clockwise and close it down anti-clockwise. In CT the protocol, according to the local CAM, is the reverse – their explanation being the Southern Hemisphere. Somehow, I just don’t FEEL right about the reverse method. To me clockwise is ‘going forward’; movement towards; positive; activating; opening up….as is done with energy healing. Anti-clockwise represents the opposites. Since Wicca is dealing with energy…….SURELY the casting of a circle must remain the same regardless of what hemisphere one is in?!?
When one looks at the Hindu temple protocol, everything that is done in the positive is clockwise. To my knowledge most Chinese, Japanese and Buddhist, as is even the Traditional African healers, anything positive is represented by a clockwise motion. Why would the SA protocol be different? (This of course being a rhetorical Question as I don’t necessarily expect you to know.)
What I DO want to know is: If however, the understanding IS that the reverse applies to the two hemispheres…….just HOW WRONG are we to go with our gut feeling and retain the casting of a circle in the clockwise direction? The spell that we cast……is it reversed; obliterated; non-effective; etc???? And, in the case of closing down the circle – anti-clockwise, are we then not leaving a ‘circle’ open and untended?
I guess I’m looking for confirmation to follow my gut instinct in this matter, could you help us iron out this dilemma? Much appreciated in anticipation.
Love Leigh

Buy your signed copy now £4.99

From Soraya to Leigh
Hi There Leigh
thank you for your very nice comments - I am like you and would always go clockwise - simply put - no matter where you are in the world the hands on the clock always go in the same direction
Blessings Soraya

30/8/7
Merry Meet Soraya My name is Aneta, or Neta as my closest friends call me. I live in country Victoria, Australia. I found your book, Book of Spells, recently while on a weekend day trip to a town by the name of Beechworth. I had been to this town about 2 weeks earlier and had missed this shop. On my second visit the shop found me, and the book grabbed my attention pretty much as soon as I walked into the shop.

16/11/7
Dear Soraya, I just wanted to say thank you for writing your book, which I have just finished, "Spells and psychic powers". I had been thinking I need to find a book to develop my psychic powers (yes indeed I did feel the need to go down the end of the shop to find your book), and while I normally don't read spells I was taken by your your phrase " Magick is the art of causing change in accordance with your will". I immediately knew I had something special. (My daughter, Shahla, has also been asking a lot about magic and faeries and as I had been trying to explain to my daughter that whilst Harry Potter is fantasy, that our thoughts can create the manifestation of wonderful things in this universe and that is real magic - this seems to really pull things together).There is so much in your book, that gives a real taster for someone to want to find out more who I especially enjoyed reading about the different festivals and the suggested food (one of my passions is cooking), and as I live in New Zealand which is the seasons are different to the Northern hemisphere I will be keen to try out the foods for Beltane at the end of Nov which is our last day of spring here.
After reading about the spells the rituals, I wanted to go out immediately and find all my magickal tools, which is not the purpose for why I purchased your book, so far I have managed to have a quality working knife and the candles materialise, however, I know that over time the rest will come to me (but not too sure of the cauldron as I don't know of any coverns in New Zealand). But for now I will be committing myself to practicing the exercises on psychic powers and trying out your recipes. Love and Light Michelle Collier

6/11/6
Hi Soraya,
I have read your book,'The book of Spells'. I found it very interesting. I am interested in all this kind of stuff but not sure how to carry some of the spells out and I don't know where to buy the potions etc as I live in Liverpool and I don't know of any store where I can purchase these things. I would also like you to explain something to me. I think I am cursed. My youngest sons father or family has put something on me. I don't really believe in those but I was scared anyway but I think they already done it when I was there before because when the father and I split up I have had nothing but bad luck for 2 years now. I don't how to remove this and I was going to go to one of these people who can cure these things but I am a bit wary and maybe somebody like yourself can get rid of what I have. Can you suggest what I can do? Also what can bring me good luck, wealth and love. I would be grateful if you would reply. A

Hi A
Let me answer your point as you raised them but first Thank you for your
kind words about my book

Q) I don't know where to buy the potions etc as I live in Liverpool and I don't
know of any store where I can purchase these things.

A) Tell me what you are looking for - i have loads of stuff on my web site but I make/ prepare stuff to order and on items that I don't have I will try to source them for you and will let you know what price inc Post & packaging. (You will be under no obligation to purchase)

Q)
I think I am cursed.
A) I don't think you are cursed - they didn't want you to have a relationship with him and now you are not.
Nevertheless I am sending you a simple protection ritual that you can do that should help
follow this link CANDLES SPELLS then look for "protection" click on that and you will find some items that will help you to empower your spell - you do not need all of them - just use what you have. Once you have done that try a Good Luck spell and let me know how you get on Blessings Soraya

25/Sept/04
Hi soraya, i am 15 and a few weeks ago bought your book as i felt quite drawn to it, id always wanted to read a book like yours, and now that i have i feel i have a great understanding of you, i think you are wonderful and would love to meet a person just like you. i haven't yet done a spell but i have been collecting all the objects needed to cast a circle. i believe deeply in magik and will definitely be buying another book. Thank you for your fabulous book blessings c x x x x x x

18/May/04
Hi I am Australian, I live in Tasmania. I got your book by a series of events which lets me know my angels wanted me to have it. I wanted to let you know that in one book I now have all the info that I have bought about 20 books for in the past. I am a solitary, never having met anyone who thinks like I do and lives around me. I feel really comfortable with the info you provide in your book, it is really well presented and it will become my bible for just that reason. Thank you so much, and I wish I had found it sooner. Blessed Be V.

15/March/04
hello soraya.
I would just like to say I loved your first book. I thought it was a good insight into wicca that I know a lot of people have been waiting for. I knew I was like you the from the moment I could talk and have unfortunately had to hide it. I know a lot of people don't but I have to as I know it won't be accepted by anyone other then my friends. I thought your book was good and it has given me the power to search out others like us. thank you.
blessings always. M

Hello, My name is K and I have just finished reading your book which I thought was excellent it has made things so much more clearer for me so thank you. I've been thinking a lot about the three times three rule where whatever you send out comes back to you three times more than what you intentionally send out. Because of this before casting spells to improve my own life I would like to try some to help other people with theirs so I am not being selfish and thinking about myself all the time. The problem is I'm not sure how to start. I was just wondering if you knew any spells that I could try. I was thinking of spells such as healing and protection however I would love to know whether there are more. This way I could feel content knowing I'm helping others and not just thinking of myself all the time. I would be grateful for any help you could give me. Thank you for your time!
K
Hi K you say in your email some really nice things which I thank you for and you tell me that you have read my book from cover to cover but the spells that you ask about are on pages 151 and 179 These can be adapted to suit your needs. Remember the simpler you make your magick the better it will be
Blessings Soraya

Ok Thanks I will check over those pages again. I would just like to say again how excellent I thought your book was and that I really admire you. Many thanks K. xXx

Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 11:33 PM
Subject: Yet another fan!!
Soraya, Can I just say that I am finding your book a fascinating read. A real good guide, I have been quite heavily into healing, like your own, my father's seriously ill too, I guess I found spells, paganism and such as a kind of religion, something to believe in and bring hope. So far, so good. Can I just say that you really have a very personal way of writing; I have read comments that others have left, and couldn't agree more with all the good things they've said, you write as though you were addressing a close friend. No pretence, confusion, big outlandish content. You are an exceptional person, with exceptional skills, keep up the good work!
Blessings, Cerridwen

Hi Cerridwen
Thank you very much for your kind words. I am having a mental bloc right no on my 3rd book. Not so much a mental bloc as so many other things to do that keep interfering with the silence that I need. Emails like yours always help to stimulate the desire to write more. Hope your father regains his health
Blessed be Soraya

Hi Abi and Jade
Using a Ouija board is not magic. I am cross that you have been tempted to try this. The first thing that you need to know is that there are no white witches and black witches. Witches are witches end of story but there is a difference to how we practice magic and if you are a good person you will only work with good magic or white magic. If you are evil or wicked you will work with black magic. Using a Ouija is delving into the black. do not ever go there again. You may right to me and I will be happy to answer your questions but your parents must know what you are doing so I insist that you ask for their permission and you can have your mum or dad email me.
Blessings Soraya BE good

Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 9:54 AM
Subject: Help
Dear Soraya, my name is Louise I recently found your book in your local library and was drawn to it. I found that the things in it were the things I have always wanted to do. I have only one problem, I'm twelve years old and both of my parents think that witches are a load of rubbish. I can't tell them about it because they already think I'm strange. Do you have any advice for me? Please help, thinking about magick is the only way I feel like I belong. From Louise

Hi Louise, I was exactly the same as your parents especially when someone gave my daughter (when she was 16) a book on paganism. I immediately snatched it from her and told her that she could not read it until I had. I was quite sure that I would put it in the bin but when I started to read it I realized that everything that I read about was what I believed anyway. It would be wrong of me to try to influence or advise you without your parent’s knowledge and approval however I suggest that you let them read my book or even email me and perhaps I can put some of their fears straight.
Blessings Soraya

Thank you for your kind words Morticia, I am glad that you found my book helpful. We all feel as though we want to know more but in truth the more that you are looking for lies within yourself. That is really what being a witch or pagan is all about, knowing yourself and the abilities that you have. Keep reading and even go back to books that you have already read and you will find things that mean something different as your understanding and knowledge grows. Blessings Soraya

Dear Soraya,
please could you help me I have been studying Wicca for 2 years now and I feel I have learnt all I can from books as now they just seem to be repeating what I already know and some of them tell me that certain things should be done in totally different ways so is there any other way to learn the things I haven't already and I would just like to add that your book of spells was the most helpful book I have ever read
Yours thankfully Charmaine

Sent: Monday, August 18, 2003 5:50 AM
Subject: Your Book of spells
Dear Soraya, I just read your Book of spells and loved every minute of it. I found it fascinating. I feel I am almost there already. I have been studying Astrology for 11 years now as well as practicing herbal medicine and working with essential oils. I have collected almost all the tools listed over the years without realizing I would need them someday. I have a question though. My first spell is going to be for my daughter. She is almost 17 and entering her senior year of high school. She has played lacrosse for years and hopes to get a lacrosse scholarship for college. She has 3 universities that she wants to attend and I was hoping I could help her with her dream to play for one of these schools. She is also a good student. I am not sure if I should use a spell for career or a spell for opportunity? Also, I want to make sure I understand something. Since I am a Capricorn it would be best to perform this spell when the moon is in Capricorn during a waxing moon phase, yes?
Thank you for taking the time to read my e-mail and for writing this wonderful book.
Blessings, Lisa
Hi Lisa
Thank you for your kind words. Since the spell is for your daughter I would be inclined to do it during a time when the waxing moon is favoured by planets or sign that are significant to her sign. You must remember though that it is wrong to interfere with another's destiny so word your spell for fulfillment of her dreams and so that no harm may come to her for example supposing you did a spell for her to go to one of the three colleges and by getting there she missed a bigger opportunity which is not yet known to either of you, or perhaps got to one of these colleges only to find that she did not like it or the people or the tutors!! Exercise caution when using any spells and remember what we want is not always what makes us happy when we get it. May your blessings be many on your path and may good fortune smile on your daughter. Blessings Soraya

22/8/2 My name is Matt,
I have bought your "Book Of Spells' and I think it is brilliant. I would like if you could e-mail me some web sites that sell candles, brooms etc as I live in a very small town and there are no shops that sell these things the best I can buy is standard white candles .Thank You very much this will help me a lot.Best Wishes Matt
Hi Matt,
You can make your own broom stick either by buying a brush handle from your local hardware store and then binding twigs at the bottom of it. Once you have done this you can then begin to decorate it by carving symbols or glyphs onto it and dressing it up with feathers that you find. When you are satisfied with your work you will be ready to bless it. Take a small dish of water to which you should add three pinches of salt. As you add the salt repeat these words.

"Salt is Life Here is Life,
Blessed be Without strife"

Repeat this three times while keeping the point of your index finger in the water. Now sprinkle the consecrated water over your broomstick and say
" I bless this broom,
To cleanse it sure
To keep my space
Both safe and pure
And it harm none so be it".

For your candles email me your requirements i.e. colour and quantity and I will email you the cost including post & packing. I hope that this will help and that you enjoy the experience. Blessings Soraya

22/8/2 Dear Soraya
I would just like to e-mail you to thank you for writing such a good and helpful book. It's the best that I have read yet!! I am 13 and am an amateur at paganism although have a little experience. I read your book and it helped me tremendously. Have you written any other books are you planning to do so? Do you know of any other places/books etc. that will help me to become more advanced? Once again I would like to thank you for writing such a good book and any tips you could give me would be much appreciated.
Thank you Remie

Hi Remie
Thank you for your kind words. The right books will appear or appeal to you at the right time just as the teacher appears when the student is ready. There are so many books available on the market that I am sure you will find the right ones when the time comes. I am currently writing books on Runes and Dreams. I have just finished Tarot and Psychic Powers and all should be published by the end of 2002. Email me nearer the time if you cannot find them.

22/8/2 Hey Soraya
I I just finished reading book of spells and wow it was so cool all my friends have bought copies and thought it was great. Jack
Thanks Jack
Happy to please Soraya

22/8/2 Hi Soraya,
I would just like to say thank you for the great book! It's an enjoyable read and presents the information in a different way to how other books do... with a personal touch! Well done Piper
Thank you Piper I am glad that you enjoyed it.

22/8/2 Dear Soraya,
Subject: Coincidences
I recently purchased your book 'Book of Spells' in Ireland where I live. At the time of purchase I was feeling particularly low and thought perhaps my Higher Power had deserted me! I have already cast three spells and two had such quick 'returns' that I was astonished and delighted! The very act of preparing my altar for the spells and collecting the necessary items was so relaxing! Today I bought some crystals (healing) and mentioned your book to the lady in the shop. She told me that you are of Scottish parentage, from one side and live in Scotland now. A number of my emotional and spiritual problems stemmed from a relationship I had been in with a Scottish man - a Highlander! so I thought it was certainly my Higher Power that directed me to your book - the Scottish connection! Then I visited your web site and saw your logo of the unicorn - and I have a tattoo of a unicorn on my right shoulder blade. I know the forces of goodness are minding me! My Dad is seriously ill at the moment and I have cast a health spell for him and my Mum - so I hope that Mother Nature looks kindly upon them. Thank you for your help to me -I do not know you in the physical sense but my soul has sought you out , so soul friend , take care and may your life be happy and fulfilled.
d'anam cara Helen

22/8/2 Hi Helen,
I am a great believer in coincidences but prefer to call them signs and her is another one for you. My dad is seriously ill too but his spirit is fantastic and we are all very proud of him and the way that he has positively handled his illness. He is an example to everyone with whom he comes in contact and a hero in the eyes of his wife and children. I hope your dad and mine continue to remain strong in spirit and that we each are rewarded with their presence.

22/8/2 Hi,
I am writing to you from South Africa and just wanted to tell you how I got to read your book and the many coincidences have occurred around it. A friend of mine bought your book when she was in the UK a few months ago. The reason she said that she bought it was because you came from Paisley and that is where I come from. Anyway she gave me your book and after reading the first few pages I thought " oh my god I am a Pagan". I cannot believe that I have never read a book before which clearly described my belief system the way you did. I spoke to my friend that lives in Paisley about you and she said, oh yes, your sister and I have both been to see her and had our cards read. I have completed the first three steps towards my Reiki Masters and I am a Yoga teacher. I would be very interested in reading any other books that you may suggest that would help me in my development towards enlightenment. I have already told my friend in Paisley that the next time that I am in Scotland I want to have a reading from you. Hope to hear from you in the near future. Best wishes Eleanor

Hi Eleanor
and yet another coincidence or sign. I am pleased that you have read and enjoyed my book and would be happy to meet up with you and read for you when you come to Scotland. Blessings Soraya

22/8/2 Hello
I have just finished reading your book and think it is truly inspiring it makes me want to learn more and was wondering where I could find some more easy to follow spells and rituals. I have recently gone on to the book of shadows web site and received many spells there. Leaving me with now two spell books, thanks again for all your work and effort that has been put into that book please reply many regards Chloe

Hi Chloe,
I am glad that you enjoyed my book. Take your time Wicca is not only about spells and magick.Try Silver Ravenwolf's Books Click here Blessings Soraya

22/8/2 Dear Soraya
I have just finished reading your book and wish to thank you for your time in showing others how easy it is to practice safe magik. When I was young and immature I was inquisitive about the pagan faith but found I practiced unsafe magik due to the fact there was not much literature to guide me. Since then I have met with pagans at festivals and slowly learnt more detail about the faith and since discovering your book I now feel I can make magik safely and for the right purpose. Tomorrow I am hoping to buy your book about dreams as I cannot wait to learn more. Thanks again soraya, Rachel

Hi Rachel
Thank you for your kind words. I have only just finished writing Enhance your Psychic Powers and just started my Dream book so I am afraid that you will have to be patient and wait till the end of the year when it is published. Enjoy your pagan path. Blessings Soraya

22/8/2 Hi
Subject: black candle
I'm new to wicca and having a little problem with your spell book in that when casting a circle originally you say to light both large alter candles, yet in the spells section the black candle is not always mentioned, I'm probably missing a point but would appreciate knowing why. Nigel Plymouth U.K

Hi Nigel
The reason that the black candle is not always mentioned is that it is not always required. I use one for balance like yin and yang, male and female, but sometimes I feel I only want white or other coloured candles. My words are not gospel and nor are anyone else's. They are there for your guidance but your instincts are more important. Enjoy and stay positive. Blessings Soraya

22/8/2 Dear Soraya
I am writing to say, I have just finished reading your book (book of spells) and I would just like to thank you as it has answered questions for me that could not be answered elsewhere. You are a very talented writer, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your work. thank you, tara, 14, devon

Thank you Tara,
I hope I continue to grow in experience and wisdom and that I can continue to share this with anyone who is so drawn. May my words always have the wisdom of my ancestors for the unfolding of future generations. Blessings Soraya.

22/8/2 Hi Soraya
Yesterday I bought your 'book of spells.' I read the whole book in one day, it was very interesting. I identified with a lot of what you wrote. I too have found many gifts within myself that exceed practical understanding, or as you put it 'magic.' I daunt put any of my beliefs into a religion, I just cant settle or feel I belong to any kind of religion, however I do believe there are many higher and stronger energies other than the material we live in. I do feel that the way you practice magic is also a way I could work in. astrology has also been a big interest of mine. Reading your book has made me very interested, using birth signs amongst other things is very interesting I would love to here more about how you work, thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom, I do believe magic brought me to your book! bless you,from Lynne Jones

9th May 02 Hi
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my message. I purchased your book of spells only a couple of days ago. I expected it to be just a book of spells but found it to be a lot more and infarct have read most of it. I have always been interested in spiritual matters but never even realised just how quickly I could read (in fact I am sure that your book read me!)- I could hardly put it down. I have tried to read books such as yours before but, unlike yours, because of the language in which they were written have found them difficult to follow............. Regards Jo ---

January 30th 02 Hi
my name is Caroline Chappell and I'm 15 I just finished reading your book of spells and had to email u, I loved it and couldn't put the book down I was really interested about wicca and I almost understand it now well if u could email me back with more info on wicca and how u first get into Wicca and to confirm that u got this email well bye from Caroline p.'s u really did do well writing that book Thanks for the nice words Caroline Blessings Soraya

04.02.02 Soraya, I have just read your book of spells and I thought it was brilliant have been looking for a long time for a simple guide to Wicca and I have bought quite a few but none have set it out as clear as you have.it was so easy to understand and even showed you step by step rituals. i was very grateful for this as i did a health spell and now my grandma is recovering from a bad illness she had.im 16 and would really like to study Wicca seriously and have done for the past few years. i would be grateful for any information and help you can give me as there is no one really where i live that studies wicca or witchcraft. it isn't the 'done thing' really.this doesn't bother me though as i feel it is the right path for me, unfortunately it does mean my resources and help is limited! yours, Amanda.
Hi Amanda, Nice to receive your email, I will be in touch soon. Blessings Soraya