Millions of Americans will have their eyes on the skies on April 8 to witness a rare solar eclipse. Cities and towns in the 115-mile-wide path of totality, which stretches the country from Maine to southwest Texas, are bracing for swarms of tourists for a cosmic event that won't reoccur in North America for 20 years.
Likewise, mind-body-spirit publishers are looking to reach readers who may find deep meaning in the four-minute-eclipse. Their authors see the moon in every phase -- up to and including its marquee eclipse moment -- as bewitching, empowering, enlightening, and sensual, too.
PW asked five editors about their newly released titles and ones due out this summer for folks freshly fascinated with astrology.
Runes for the Green Witch: An Herbal Grimoire
This handbook, by Green Witch author and herbalist witch Nicolette Miele, a popular poster on WitchTok, recognizes that "astrological events like the April 8th eclipse affect everything and everyone," says Erica Robinson, content director for Inner Traditions. Miele empowers people "to use plants to create magical spells and rituals during every phase of the moon to improve their lives, particularly in chaotic times," Robinson says. The book, released in January, moved to a second printing in three weeks. (Destiny Books, an Inner Traditions imprint, out now)
Living Astrology: How to Weave the Wisdom of All 12 Signs into Your Everyday Life
Professional astrologer Britten LaRue's unique view is that every zodiac sign has an impact on your life, not only your birth sign, says Gibbs Smith senior acquisitions editor Juree Sondker. The book's month-by-month approach mirrors the way that, like the moon, "every creative project has a rise and fall, rest and recover cycle." Sondker says. The eclipse, when darkness blocks the light, can be seen by LaRue as a cosmic disruption that invites change and growth and can prompt you to "embrace the powerful, spontaneous, and self-confident side of yourself." says Sondker. (Gibbs Smith, out now)
The Modern Witchcraft Book of Moon Magick
Practicing witch and cocktail creator Julia Halina Hadas (Moon, Magic, Mixology) now offers 50 spells and rituals for solar and lunar eclipses, "micro moons, super moons, special moons like the Blood Moon, Pink Moon, Wolf Moon and so much more," says Adams Media senior acquisitions editor Eileen Mullan. In challenging times, the current witchcraft movement offers "tremendous freedom, purpose, and a sense of community to those who practice. In witchcraft, the moon’s ability to transform itself month after month, cycling through phases, is recognized as a powerful feat we can learn from." (Adams Media, a Simon and Schuster imprint, March 19).
Lunar Abundance Reflection Cards: A Deck and Guidebook for Working with the Moon's Phases
The 40-card deck and guidebook combo created by Ezzie Spencer is one of two line extensions of her self-help/self-care 2018 title, Lunar Abundance. The second is a Lunar Abundance mini-kit holding a round lamp topped with a crystal moon and a book of ceremonies for every moon moment including eclipses, says Cindy Sipala, editorial director for RP Entertains, an imprint of Running Press. The products reflect RP's approach, "which is all about renewal, goal setting, and encouraging gatherings. Every cycle offers a new beginning," Sipala says. (Running Press, June)
Sex and Your Stars: A Sexologist's Guide to the Erotic Energy of the Zodiac
Sex coach, columnist, and astrologer Stefanie Iris Weiss takes readers through every Zodiac season because "people are drawn to the cycles of the cosmos and the astrological symbols that help us make sense of life as we move through the world as creative and erotic people," says Sounds True senior editor Sarah Stanton. Among all the Zodiac symbols, the moon has the most resonance and power. (It) has a shifting quality, moving, ebbing, and flowing, a very feminine quality, a watery sensuality connected to people's emotions." Anyone who doubts the moon's sensuality should note that during the April 8 eclipse, Venus will be shining close by, Stanton adds.
