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We all know that “things” don’t make the year, don’t make the spiritual practice, don’t make the witch, don’t make the writer.
However.
I am often asked for recommendations!
So I figured, what better time to round up a few of my favorite things (and people, and experiences, and organizations) than in an end of year favorite things // gift guide // reference list?
Important note! None of this is sponsored, although there are a handful of affiliate links specifically through my Bookshop account.
These are just recommendations that I think line up with the questions I’ve received over the year!
I would be remiss if I didn’t start by saying that I think a paid subscription to this newsletter is a great gift (“thinking of you” or otherwise!) for the astrologically-inclined writer in your life! You can gift subscriptions to your friends and writers’ group members here:
And now: what you came for! Categories are loosely lumped together as experiences, and then gifts for the witchy, for writers, and, last but not least, places to donate.
For those who “want an experience”
My Go-To Practitioners
Astrology Readings with my dear friend, Mecca Woods. So much of what I know of astrology — and especially so much of my ethical approach — is grounded in what I have learned from her over the years.
Literally whatever Amaya Rourke is offering — my handful of readings with Amaya have been life-changing. Right now, she has two workshops available on Algol/Medusa, one more witchcraft and one more astrology, which are very much worth checking out if that is an archetype that speaks to you.
Tarot Readings with my love, Meg Jones Wall // 3am.tarot. I have the great privilege of getting regular readings from them in the comfort of our own home, and they always see things in the cards that I don’t. Can’t recommend their work enough.
On a somewhat different note, for NYC folks: Tattoos with Brian Steffey, my artist who (I just counted) I have had 20+ sessions with over the last few years, including my devotional sleeve. Tell him I sent you!
More tattoos! For those who are less about that black-and-grey life and more into bubblegum neo-traditional: an artist I am currently developing a relationship with, Jess Valentine, the owner of Haven Tattoo. For Barbie femmes everywhere!
For the Witchy/Witch, Both New & Pro
My Standby Recs for the Witch-Curious
(Some Of) My Personal Faves
Candles for both Ritual & Daily Use
Odin’s Daughter — my absolute favorite for wood-wick candles, period. If I could only recommend one candlemaker, it would be Ruby. She has never made a scent I didn’t like, even scents I am typically not drawn to! Magic. There are also room sprays. Ruby also offers rune readings, and the candles all come with a rune stone in them. These offerings will be extra special for those with Norse-informed practices, but even as someone who doesn’t, I still get so much joy and magical support out of them.
Slow Burn from Boy Smells — god, this brand is overpriced but there’s no better bedroom candle than this one
Balsam & Cedar from Illume — smells just like a real Christmas tree; it’s an easy-to-find brand but divest from amazon and get it from the best queer & woman-owned home goods shops in NYC
Lunacy from Burke & Hare Co. — the only lavender candle I have ever loved, from another woman-owned candle company with a more gothic vibe, perfect for ritual baths
For the Writers*
*especially those of us who (in some capacity) work from home
**I’m not going to offer my opinions on notebooks and planners and pens and shit. You already have your favorites, and I won’t convert you, so why waste our time.
My Favorite Subscriptions
Diana Rose Harper’s Patreon — she’s the astrologer I see most regularly for readings, but the only way to get on her calendar is if you’re a Patron! So do this first!
Sasha Ravitch’s Patreon — the innovator of the field of stellar witchcraft! And the accompanying Discord is chock-full of insights.
- ’s Substack, Men Yell At Me — I love Lyz, and I love her writing, and I love her Discord. As an Iowan in NYC, it’s a slice of the best parts of home.
Favorite “I Have a Bougie Venus-Ruled Fourth House” Things To Create ATMOSPHERE
Things I Drag From Room to Room Like a Goddamn Child’s Emotional Support Blankie/Toy
For the Folks Who Don’t Do Gifts: Some Donation Ideas
My Favorite Places to Donate (New York edition)
Billion Oyster Project, which brings high school students into partnership with professionals to restore the reefs in NY Harbor — absolutely vital (spiritual, literal) restoration work happening here.
Safe Horizons works with victims of abuse, trafficking, and youth homelessness. They support 1 out of 33 New Yorkers every year. This one is especially close to my heart.
My Favorite Places to Donate (US & Intl.)
In case you didn’t know from the constant pop-ups, only 2% of Wikipedia readers donate to the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, which has a perfect 4-star rating on Charity Navigator. Let’s keep information free and accessible.
Recently, Doctors Without Borders — a safe bet when there is devastation happening in the world and we want to throw our money at it but aren’t sure the best way to do so. They are almost always already on the ground in heavy conflict zones.
Eyes are (rightfully) on Palestine right now, but abortion access and other vital reproductive care is still being restricted here at home. Donating to the National Network of Abortion Funds, especially with the 2024 election and various Republican crackdowns on the horizon, is always a good idea, and my heart is especially with the Iowa Abortion Access Fund, which continues to do incredible work in my home state where reproductive rights are being stripped away.
What were some of your favorite things of the year — witch wise, astrology/reading/experience wise? What are some of the things that made all the difference in your home writing space, your writing life, your relationship to your creativity and how you understand your life as a writer?
(What are some of your favorite things, period?)
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I haven't tried any of these yet, so this is not an endorsement. But for my birthday I'm going to buy myself a Fixed Candle from Haus of Hoodoo in NOLA. I really respect where Jessyka is coming from.
https://hausofhoodoo.com/collections/fixed-candles