Four Seasons of Mojo: An Herbal Guide to Natural Living

Stephanie Rose Bird
Llewellyn Publications (2006)
ISBN 0738706280
Reviewed by Juanita Watson for Reader Views (4/06)

As we start to awaken from our deep sleep, we open up to living life more intentionally, more naturally, and more consciously with the rhythm of natural cycles. We begin to explore the cultures, traditions, and rituals of our ancestors. In “Four Seasons of Mojo,” Stephanie Rose Bird has combined practices, beliefs, recipes, and wisdom from many cultures – African, American Indian, Caribbean, European Pagan, Australian Aboriginal, and the Far East – creating a well rounded inspiring guidebook for natural living.

Stephanie, a solitary green witch, hereditary intuitive, and contemporary rootworker, explains that each season carries with it a special magic that when accessed, can profoundly deepen our spiritual life. She starts with a chapter explaining tools that will be required for the various ceremonies, rituals, recipes, and practices, followed by a short section on herbs, gardening and harvesting/wildcrafting. Being an herbalist myself, she captured my interest right from this beginning and held me throughout.

“Four Seasons of Mojo” is separated into the four seasons, explaining the unique and inherent gifts within each cycle. Winter brings traditions of being indoors, introspection, and enjoying the company of loved ones - candles, Yule, natural remedies for immunity, winter dreaming. Spring wakes and opens us to new beginnings, and a renewed sense of life – spring cleaning (home and body), purification through incense herbs, and hair care. Summer conveys acceptance and expansion – herbal magic, enjoying the abundance of food, and love. Autumn inspires our creativity and remembrance – inward journeys, nurturing spirit food, and reflections on health.

“Four Seasons of Mojo” opened my eyes and spirit to some seasonal traditions that I hadn’t heard of and some that I was in need of remembering. The variety of cultures that Stephanie touches on inspired me to expand my use of ceremony and broaden the diversity of how I honor myself, others, the earth, and the infinite creative energy.

Stephanie includes a list of very useful resources making ingredients and supplies accessible, and all the rituals and recipes in this book possible. It is springtime now and I am immersing myself in this particular section. I’ m collecting the ingredients needed for the “Essence of Hara Ke” a potpourri recipe that is made to engage the rain goddess and inspire creativity, new beginnings and fertility. “Four Seasons of Mojo” also reminded me of the beauty of my friend and ally, Sweetgrass. I have been filling my home with the rich, sweet scent of this grass connected with the Lakota creation goddess Wohpe.

I have really enjoyed reading this book and will be referring back to it as the seasons progress throughout the year. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen their spirituality by adding magic and mojo from ancient cultures and practices. The seasons are mystical and powerful – be willing to access this transformative energy and it will change your life!

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