Divine Dirt: The Art of Using Dirt in Magic, Ritual & Spellcraft 

I knew I was going to enjoy Divine Dirt immediately. On page 1 author Charity L. Bedell talks about harvesting plants in her yard and includes the Latin names. (Hallelujah, if I may be so bold.) And the book itself is outstanding.

"Dirt is something that can be found everywhere. No matter where you go on this planet, you will be able to find dirt in some shape or form. This magical ingredient doesn’t
require much preparation. Dirt is easy to use and find, and it can be a very versatile tool when working your magic. (p. 7)"

Written in an easy going, informative style, readers are given practical, accessible methods and practices for incorporating dirt -- the literal element of earth -- into their spiritual technologies. I especially appreciated Bedell's understanding that her readers will come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 

There are three parts:
Part 1 orients and grounds the reader in the knowledge needed to begin to incorporate dirt into their practice. Readers are shown how to sense and align their energy with that of the place they are in and then sense what offerings the genus locii may request to form a connection as well as how to collect dirt in ways that align with the spirits in a respectful manner. An entire chapter discusses the ethics and legalities -- mundane and spiritual -- of working with dirt. (It's probably more complicated than you think!)

Part 2 covers all of the practical aspects: Spells and Magical Works. Here we have recipes for a variety of ways to work with dirt, divided by topic: Foot Tracks, Animal Tracks, Home & Work, Natural Locations, Businesses, Public Services, & More, Social Spaces, Crossroads, and Cemeteries & Graveyards. 

Part 3 offers Resources, primarily correspondences, but also some formularies. 

The book has an excellent Bibliography and, along with the Recommended Reading chapter, makes a great launching point for exploring this fascinating set of practices on your own.

Divine Dirt is a wonderful resource for newcomers and longtime practitioners (cough, looks into the distance) both.

~review by Lisa McSherry

Author: Charity L. Bedell
Llewellyn Publications, 2024
$19.99 

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