Magic for Troubled Times

DEBORAH CASTELLANO (Bridgewater, New Jersey) is a writer, crafter, and glamour girl who serves as a frequent contributor to occult/Pagan sources such as Witchvox, PaganSquare, and Witches & Pagans. www.CharmedFinishingSchool.com

• ContentsDisclaimer xiIntroduction: Pleased to Meet You, Charmed I'm Sure 1Chapter One: Roots 11Chapter Two: Grounding 25Chapter Three: Sustenance 35Chapter Four: Healing 51Chapter Five: Healing Praxis 75Chapter Six: Offerings 91Chapter Seven: Ancestors 113Chapter Eight: Protection 121Chapter Nine: Lucre 133Chapter Ten: Hexing 153Epilogue 173Recommended Reading 177Selected Bibliography 179Index 183

"Deborah's book offers everything I love in a book about the craft, it's practical and very applicable in today's current world climate, and will still be relevant for future generations as well. Her writing style is very candid and refreshing."—Eron Mazza, host of The Witching hour with Eron Mazza podcast"At some point in our lives we all face troubled times. Whether it is a shock that a whole community or even the world experiences alongside us or a personal loss that becomes private grieving we hold in our hearts, none of us are immune. But, when we go through these difficult or traumatic moments, it helps to have someone to assist you in picking up the pieces. Reading Magic for Troubled Times is the help that you need when you have to navigate those rough waters. Reading Deborah Castellano's words evokes that magical auntie who will come over to your house, wipe your tears away with a wet washcloth, help you put away the clothes scattered all over the floor and give you a spell to do that will magically make you feel that you can face another day. If, like me, you find magic to be a source of healing, you will refer to this book again and again whenever you need to lean on something to get through the tough stuff."—Madame Pamita, author of Baba Yaga's Book of Witchcraft and The Book of Candle Magic"There is a hunger for books about mental health and resilience that are written from a pagan perspective, and we should all be grateful that Deborah Castellano is adding to this body of knowledge...She alternates between coaching readers on the sheer mental fortitude needed to begin to recover and taking a deep dive into a particular esoteric approach to crisis. From hoodoo to ceremonial magic, this book covers everything from aligning oneself with a higher purpose to dealing with people whose gossip is keeping you down."—Terence P. Ward, author of Empty Cauldrons"Magic is essential today, especially during difficult times, and Magic for Troubled Times gives an accessible blueprint on how to incorporate magic into your coping strategy."—Chaweon Koo, author of Spell Bound"Deb Castellano opens every chapter with a window into her life during the height of the pandemic and attempted coup d'état in the United States. It's a bold and tangible display of how the recipes and rituals she provides served her during these uncertain times...From healing, to money, to fighting back with hexes, this book provides powerful sorcery fit for volatile times."—Jason Miller, author of Consorting with Spirits"There's no witch I'd rather go through a crisis with than Deb Castellano. Compassionate, wise, and approachable, Deb's latest work is a lifeline for anyone who's been dealt a bad hand of tarot cards. Whatever storm you find yourself in today, it too shall pass; and when it does, you'll be glad you had her on your side."—Mallorie Vaudoise, author of Honoring Your Ancestors"OG glamour magic goddess, Deborah Castellano, is simply beyond compare. Not only is she a most fabulous auntie witch, who dispenses difficult advice with equal parts compassion and candor, but she's also a devoted partner in crime who will watch your back, straighten your crown, and tell you truthfully if your lipstick is smeared. Magic for Troubled Times is a crucial read for savvy witches seeking to keep sane (while still getting what we want) as we navigate our individual paths in this ever-evolving new normal. Read this book. Read it twice. You won't regret it."—Tara-Love Maguire, coauthor of Besom, Stang & Sword