Ronesa Aveela's Blog

Whispers of the Forest: How Samodivi Shield the Earth

In the heart of Bulgarian folklore, deep within the shadowy forests, there lives a legend as beautiful as it’s haunting: the Samodivi.

Also known as Samovili in some regions, these supernatural women are nature spirits—wild, unearthly, and fiercely free. They appear most often on moonlit nights, dancing in glades or near springs, their hair unbound and glowing, their eyes full of secrets. They wear white robes or gowns spun from mist and starlight, and they are often barefoot, though their footsteps leave behind healing herbs—or death.

Samodivi aren’t quite fairies, not quite witches, and certainly not human. In many tales, they’re the guardians of sacred places: ancient trees, mountain springs, or meadows that bloom out of season. If disturbed, they may bless or curse, heal or haunt.

Nature’s Protectors but also Its Wrath

To glimpse a Samodiva is to risk everything.

If a man spies on their dances, he may be struck blind or fall madly in love, wasting away unless she takes pity on him. If someone steals a piece of her clothing—especially her veil or sash—he can control her. But once she regains the garment, she’ll vanish forever, sometimes taking cruel revenge.

Yet Samodivi are not evil. Many stories show them punishing those who damage the land or act with greed. In a sense, they’re wild justice. The feminine face of the untamed world. In fact, the “diva” part of their name means “wild.”

Echoes of Ancient Goddesses

Some folklorists believe Samodivi are remnants of older Slavic or Thracian deities—perhaps forest goddesses or priestesses or daughters of Bendis, the Thracian moon goddess. Their rituals, their dances, their connection to the moon and nature suggest pre-Christian roots that still linger beneath the stories.

In modern fiction and poetry, they’re often reimagined as tragic figures caught between realms, as witches wrongly accused, or as eternal spirits trying to reclaim what was lost when the forests began to die.

Why I Write About Them

In our urban fantasy series, The Cursed Ring, the Samodivi aren’t just myth, they’re part of the living world. They hold knowledge the rest of us have forgotten. But their world is changing. Forests are dying. Ancient bonds are breaking. Kalyna and her agency, Wildlife Guardians, has a mission to protect nature from being destroyed.

Soulmate and Sacrifice Book

Our Kickstarter campaign is coming to a close.

Sunday, July 27, a special day for Nelly, will be the last day you can get an early copy of the book through the campaign. When we go to production, the ebook will be available only through Amazon’s Kindle Select program (Kindle Unlimited).

Also, did you know when you download digital books from retailers, did you know you don’t OWN them?

When you buy a digital book, you’re actually buying a license to read it—not full ownership like a physical copy. That means the retail site can, in some cases, remove it from your library, and you can’t resell or share it like a paper book. If you’d like to own a copy, forever to be yours, the best option is to buy directly from authors.

To stop an ancient, murderous cult intent on destroying the world, I must either betray my duty or sacrifice the one I love.

Life as a paranormal crime investigator can be a bitch. Especially when evidence points to my soulmate as the prime suspect in a gruesome ritualistic killing.

And I believe Stefan’s guilty. He holds a damned ring that I cursed three millennia ago—one that has already claimed too many lives. If  I can’t get him to remember our timeless bond, I’ll lose my soulmate forever.

Even worse, if the cult completes its twisted agenda, they won’t just murder Stefan—they’ll unleash a global catastrophe.

Racing against forces both mortal and ancient, I must unravel dark secrets I helped create. But if I uphold justice, I’ll lose the man I’ve spent a lifetime searching for—and my divided loyalties will doom us all.

Campaign link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/cursed-ring-series?ref=5qqb1l

From Slavic Magic to Summer Liberation: The Burden-Busting Jar

This July, as fireworks light the skies and we celebrate freedom around the world, I invite you to celebrate a different kind of independence—the freedom from old burdens, heavy thoughts, or even stubborn financial worries.

Inspired by a quirky and magical Slavic practice known as Simoron, this ritual transforms stress into lightness using just a few kitchen staples… and a lot of imagination.

What Is Simoron?

Born in Russia and Ukraine, Simoron is a joyful, humorous system of playful rituals that grew out of Slavic cultural roots. Unlike traditional magic, Simoron doesn’t take itself too seriously—yet it’s deeply effective. Think of it as folk magic meets theater meets positive psychology. Its creators, Peter and Petra Burlan, believed that absurdity unlocks the subconscious and opens the door to miracles.

One of Simoron’s core principles?

Laughter is a spell. The more joyful and ridiculous the ritual, the more powerful the shift.

Burden-Busting Magic Jar (aka “Freedom in a Fizz”)

In this ritual, we use a fizzy reaction—yes, like a mini volcano!—to symbolically release what’s been weighing us down.

Here’s how to do it:

Write your burden.
On a small slip of paper, jot down something you’d like to release. A debt, a bad habit, a limiting fear. Keep it short and symbolic (e.g., “overwhelm,” “credit card,” “self-doubt”).Create your “magic jar.”
Place the paper in a small glass jar or cup. Sprinkle a spoonful of baking soda over it. Now comes the fun. Pour in a little vinegar or lemon juice and watch the fizz!This reaction represents the energy of your burden dissolving, bubbling away into nothing.Speak your freedom.
As it fizzes, declare aloud something empowering like: “I’m free from this burden. Watch it fizz into freedom!”Let it go.
Once the fizz settles, pour the liquid down the drain, symbolically washing away the old. You can bury or toss the paper, then wave a little flag of freedom (draw one, make one, or just wave your hand like a wand) or release a paper butterfly as a gesture of liberation.

Why It Works

Simoron rituals like this one are deceptively simple. They trick the logical mind into stepping aside, letting creativity and play rewire how we feel. Just like ancient Slavic village spells used symbols like bread, bells, or water, modern rituals use vinegar and baking soda to burst the problem with a laugh. And somehow? It works.

Mythic Freedom in The Cursed Ring

This ritual also echoes a key moment in my urban fantasy series, The Cursed Ring, where the heroine Kalyna must release the pain of her past to claim her true power and her love. In Slavic lore, freedom is rarely granted. It is won through courage, cleverness, and letting go of fear. The same truth lives inside us now.

The campaign is live now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/cursed-ring-series?ref=5qqb1l

We’d love your support to get these beautiful covers done and be able to complete the magic of the series. Kickstarter isn’t a donation program. It’s a place to help people create projects. Think of yourself as an investor in a project before it’s completed.

In the world of The Cursed Ring, ancient spirits like Yudi, Zmey, and the Samodivi test those who carry burdens. And only when the heart is light—like a butterfly—can the soul break free from the curse.

Your Invitation

If you loved this ritual, stay tuned. I’m working on a 12-month collection of rituals. We’ll also be running a Kickstarter for Oracle cards later this year. We hope they bring joy, healing, and a bit of Slavic sparkle into your home.

Would you like more of these rituals? Or a collector’s set?
Reply to this email. I’d love your input as I prepare for a “Make 100” Kickstarter launch early next year.

Until next time, may your July be fizzy, free, and full of light. This is my favorite month because the Universe and God created me.

From my soul to yours,
~ Ronesa Aveela
Folklore dreamer and author of The Cursed Ring series

The Soul’s Steed: Horses in Thracian Belief

A glimpse into the soul-guides of Thracian myth—and Kalyna’s ghost mare

In ancient Thracian belief, horses were more than beasts of burden. They held a sacred role, not only in life but also in death. More than companions or symbols of status, they were seen as psychopomps—guides who carried the souls of the dead across the veil on their final journey to the Otherworld.

On the Summer Solstice, when the boundary between realms thinned, people believed horses could cross that burning threshold, bearing messages between the living and the dead. Warriors were buried with their steeds, not out of pride, but because no soul should ride alone into the next life.

White horses, in particular, were revered as liminal creatures able to move between realms. In funeral rites, they were sometimes sacrificed or depicted as spirit animals who carried the dead across rivers or thresholds separating the living world from the land of the dead. This motif appears in burial mounds across Thrace, where horse and rider are entombed together, suggesting a belief that the bond between them endured beyond death.

These traditions reveal a deep reverence for the horse as a bridge between worlds—a creature trusted with the most delicate cargo of all: the human soul.

***

If you missed our blog post on the Thracian Gate to the Beyond, now’s the perfect time to read it: Discover the Myth Here

 

Hope Rides Between Worlds

The Cursed Ring series isn’t just a fantasy story. It’s a journey through forgotten Thracian rituals, cursed artifacts, and creatures that slip between day and night.

One such soul-guide is Kalyna’s horse called Hope—a white mare as luminous and untamed as a dream, with eyes that remember too much. She slips between day and night, appears where she shouldn’t, and sees what others can’t. But the mare doesn’t belong to Kalyna. Hope belongs to someone else. Someone lost to fate. The one whose return might tear the veil between worlds apart.

Through cursed forests, forgotten fortresses, and dreams wrapped in mist, Hope carries Kalyna—as a companion, and also as a reminder. Hope’s presence whispers of a bond unfinished. Of a soul still riding. Of a story not yet done.

And in this story… Some souls have not finished riding.

 

Soulmate and Sacrifice Campaign

The portal is open—

Our Kickstarter campaign for Soulmate and Sacrifice is now LIVE, and we’re inviting you to step into a world where ancient myth meets modern danger.

Dive into a world where:

Samodivi wield moonlight as weaponsZmey dragons sip wine and harbor secretsA ring remembers your soul’s true matchAnd a ghost mare waits by the sea for a rider who may never return

Soulmate and Sacrifice is live on Kickstarter. If you believe myths are still alive—this one is for you. Click here to join us on Kickstarter to help bring Kalyna’s journey—and the ancient lore that inspired it—to life. Because in this world, and the next, some rides never truly end.

With every beat of the drum and every gallop of her mare, Kalyna rides closer to her fate. Thank you for riding with us!

 

More Books to Check Out

Also check out these other fantastic stories now on Kickstarter.

Hungry Fur Love: The Witches of Castor’s Corner Book Series

Exclusive Paranormal Romantic Comedy Relaunch, featuring Witches and their Shifter fated mates, Collector’s Edition by C.D. Gorri

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cdgorri/hungry-fur-love-the-witches-of-castors-corner-book-series?ref=42xgle

The Fabric of the Realm: A Fantasy Romance Special Edition

A slow burn, fantasy romance retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale… with a major twist. Book One of The Corrupted Realm.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sbryazakhov/the-fabric-of-the-realm-special-edition

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The Secret Stalker: Limited Edition Book 1

Betrayal, secrets, and dark obsession hide around every corner in this thrilling Psychological Thriller series.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jaydecollins/the-secret-stalker-limited-edition-trilogy-book-1

Warriors & Mages: Limited Edition Romantasy Trilogy

Strangers take a risk, entwining their fates on an unexpected adventure in this Jane Austen meets Skyrim fantasy romance.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vkdixon/warriors-and-mages-limited-edition-romantasy-trilogy

 

And be sure to check out even more campaigns running throughout July!

https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantastykickstarterjuly2025/utyhfy1tu7

 

Summer Solstice Magic

It’s June. My favorite month.

In the northern hemisphere. it’s time to celebrate the Summer Solstice. The air is filled with enchantment.

The days are long, warm, and perfumed with the scent of lavender. Jasmine and roses in my garden are overflowing with blossoms, and fireflies light up the night.

In Bulgaria and other Slavic countries, June 24, called Eniovden, is a sacred day that marks the celebration of St. John and the arrival of summer.

According to folk tradition, herbs gathered on this day are at the height of their power: healing, enchanting, and even dangerous. On Eniovden, 77½ magical herbs are woven into a giant wreath. Girls pass through it as a rite of passage into adulthood—and to protect themselves from samodivi (woodland fairies) and repel zmeys (dragons). The latter are known to abduct young girls as brides, so the wreath becomes their shield.

Samodivi: Guardians of Nature

As you know if you’ve read anything I’ve written, I’m fascinated by samodivi. They protect nature and possess ancient knowledge of herbs. If one of the fairies favors you, you’ll become her soul-sister and a powerful healer.

In In my urban fantasy fiction series, The Cursed Ring, Kalyna is a samodiva, and her soul sister is an old woman named Sultana. But Kalyna is so much more. She protects nature from the evil fairies called Yudi. Kalyna has a magical bracelet that becomes a snake whip to help her defeat the evil Yudi.

Zmey: A Different Kind of Dragon

The Bulgarian zmey is unlike other dragons of this name found throughout Eastern Europe.

One of the most haunting legends from my childhood was about a zmey with glowing eyes and a burning desire for human brides. Stories tell how he lives high in the mountains or deep within forests. He’s always watching, waiting, and when he chooses a girl, no one can stop him.

In The Cursed Ring series, the zmey lives on as a man called Goran. The mysterious, seductive, and rich vintner has piercing eyes and small hidden wings. His vineyard produces blood-red wine that holds ancient spells. He loves the finer things—fast cars, beautiful women.

Don’t let his charm deceive you.

He’s dangerously powerful and demands a steep price for those how seek his favors. And… he’s on first-name basis with the legendary Dracula.

Yellow Bedstraw

Let’s return to the wreath. While each herb has a special role, the crown jewel is yellow bedstraw, which gives its name to the holiday (Enyovche).

Girls keep bouquets of it all year for healing and protection because they believe the herb protects against Samodivi, zmeys, and diseases (which were personified).

Another Eniovden ritual involves decorating a young girl with the herb and parading her around the village as Enio’s bride, commemorating a tragic love story between a girl named Stana and a boy named Enio.

Fortune-telling is also common on Eniovden. Girls tie rings to flowering herbs and place them in water. The village’s eldest woman draws each ring and reveals the girl’s fate—wealth, marriage, or other blessings.

Yellow bedstraw also protects pregnant women from Navi, demonic creatures with birdlike bodies and distorted baby faces. At seven to eight months pregnant, women step through a wreath of yellow bedstraw three times for protection.

The herb is worn in belts to prevent back pain during harvest and added to children’s baths to ward off illness like polio.

Raskovnik – The Unlocker

One of my favorite magical herbs found in the wreath is the Raskovnik (Water Clover, Marsilea quadrifolia).

It’s one of the most secret magical herbs. People believe that the herb has strong alchemic ability and can transform iron into gold. More common, however, is the belief the herb can brings the person who finds it love, happiness, luck, and wealth. I wish the list included eternal youth as well… Some say the raskovnik makes whatever its owner desires come true.

According to legend, the herb can unlock any padlock or closed gate. It has the power to make buried treasures rise from the ground: it does this by splitting the ground at the place where a treasure is hidden, so that people can locate it. But if the herb breaks, it’ll lose its magical powers.

In some regions of Balkans, the treasure itself was a giant man in chains. He’d would request that a raskovnik be brought to him. The raskovnik would break the chains and the man would disappear into the ground, replaced by a cauldron filled with gold coins.

It’s said only a turtle or a hedgehog can find it.

Chamomile & Salt Pouch

In these stressful times, let’s return to Mother Nature’s wisdom, which still speaks in every flower and leaf. The following is a simple healing ritual for peace and cleansing you can try.

Place chamomile and coarse salt into a linen pouch. Carry it with you or place it under your pillow at night. Tradition says it drives away restlessness and brings soft, peaceful dreams.

Oracle of the Slavic Soul

We previously published a book about magical herbs (77½ Magical Healing Herbs), and now we’ve taken the herbs in that book and created oracle cards, “The Oracle of the Slavic Soul.” It’s more than a deck—it’s a sacred experience. Rooted in ancient traditions and blooming with herbal magic, each of the 78 cards helps you heal, explore, and grow.

And beyond the cards?

You’ll unlock rituals, stories, and soul-deep practices to reconnect with your intuition and the natural world. If our project is successful, we plan to publish an art book celebrating these magical herbs in full color.

Support our campaign and step into the wildwood of spirit, where every leaf whispers wisdom.

Soulmate & Sacrifice Urban Fantasy

We’d also love to have your support for our Urban Fantasy campaign, launching July 8, 2025. You’ll meet Kalyna and his sister Morena. Stefan, the soulmate who doesn’t remember his past. Goran the seductive dragon. And so much more.

He’s her fated mate. She’s his curse. A dark fae romance steeped in Slavic myth and Thracian blood rites.

Wishing you a magical, healing, and joyful summer.

Author Nation Cohort Campaigns

I’m thrilled to be part of Author Nation’s new Kickstart Together cohort in partnership with Kickstarter! This program unites indie authors to support each other, share resources, and elevate our campaigns.

Back three or more cohort campaigns and get a VIP Swag Bag ($100+ value) at Reader Nation on November 7, 2025, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas!

See all the details at https://www.readernation.live/kickstart-together 🎉

Top Secret Shop of Horrors: A New Post-Apocalyptic Joe Book by Joe Gillis

A Humorous Science Fiction Book Blended with Horror Comedy, Movies, Monsters, Clones, and Sci-Fi Fun

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joegillis/top-secret-shop-of-horrors-a-new-post-apocalyptic-joe-book

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The Artisan Author: Your Way Out of the Self-Pub Rat Race by Johnny B. Truant

You dreamed of being an author … until Rapid Release turned it into a low-profit, high-stress grind. Here’s your ticket to freedom.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/johnnybtruant/the-artisan-author-your-way-out-of-the-self-pub-rat-race

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Kings of the Fire: Special Edition Omnibus – Spicy Shifters! by Lily Cahill

Four dragon shifters must find their fated mates to reclaim the throne of the magical world. NSFW art and more!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lilycahill/kings-of-the-fire-full-series-in-special-edition-hardcover

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Sun-Kissed Spirits

How Slavic Herbs Bloom with Magic in the Month of May

Discover the ancient wisdom of spring rituals, blooming herbs, and the radiant power of the sun in Slavic folklore — and how they inspired our magical Oracle deck.

I remember the warmth of May mornings in my childhood — the smell of white lilac, the fresh green trees and grass dotted with a blanket of yellow dandelions and wild purple violets. Swallows gathered mud and straw to build nests under the eaves. Hens prepared to brood. And my grandmother’s hands were stained green from foraging dock and nettles. She’d return from the fields with a basket filled with wild herbs and a smile as bright as the sun. That’s when we knew: spring had truly arrived.

In Slavic tradition, May is more than a season: it’s a threshold. The earth stirs fully awake, the veil between the human and spirit worlds grows thin, and life bursts into full bloom. Samodivi return to the human world and they’re getting ready for Rusalki week in June.

Festivals like Gergyovden (St. George’s Day) and St. Konstantinos and Elena fill this month with rituals. Villagers gather at special places called an obrok to pay homage to St. George the dragon slayer.

In Bulgarian folklore, the dragon is called Zmey, and he’s a shapeshifter. If you want to meet him, you can read our book about dragons or follow our Kickstarter campaign The Cursed Ring to meet him and enjoy the dragon journey.

Later in the month, on May 21, Bulgarians celebrate St. Konstantin and Elena. On this day, festive liturgies are held in churches, and in some regions of the country, especially in Strandzha, a unique ritual called “nestinarstvo” takes place — a barefoot dance on burning embers, combining Christian and ancient pagan elements. This ritual is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. If you want to see the ritual you also can go to the Black Sea coast and watch it in person at the local restaurants like an attraction.

It was a time of sun worship, nature magic, and protection spells — a celebration of life’s return. In The Cursed Ring series, our character Kalyna is a great dancer. She controls the elements. It’s fun when you use fiction to teach the world about different cultures.

In Slavic lore, the sun isn’t just a ball of light. He’s a man called Raiko in many songs. He also has a wife — the most beautiful girl from the village. She’s the Sun Bride. The most radiant girl, chosen by the sun. With her return, herbs grow potent, dreams become prophetic, and healing becomes possible.

The sun’s golden path was believed to awaken the soul and ignite intuition. Herbalists would only pick plants touched by morning light. My grandmother told me that plants gathered in May, under the gaze of the Sun Bride, held the strongest magic: for healing, for love, for protection.

Our Oracle deck brings these sunlit traditions to life, card by card. Each herb holds a secret, and each story blossoms from Slavic soil.

The following are a few herbs in the deck, with some rituals and affirmations you’ll discover. They’re used in many rituals, magical or otherwise. Each of these herbs was chosen for its magical and cultural significance — gathered (symbolically) under May’s sun and infused with ancestral power.

Nettle (Kopriva)

My grandmother’s creamy nettle soup — sprinkled with feta and served with warm bread — wasn’t just delicious, it was medicine. The herb is rich in iron and great for the body, giving essential nutrients. Nettle protected from evil spirits and was worn in bundles to ward off illness. It was an herb of resilience and renewal.

Breaking Spells: Carry nettle in a pouch, or slip it into your shoes to guard against hexes, curses, and psychic attacks. When doing so, say: “Where I walk, no harm may tread. I’m wrapped in the strength of green-threaded dread.”

This is a quiet charm of reversal and magical defense.

Affirmation: “No ill will can touch me. I walk in strength, shielded by my own power.”

Wormwood (Byal Pelin)

Known as the “Dream Herb,” wormwood or mugwort was burned to guide souls and ward off the unseen. It lined doorways during Rusalka Week and was braided into midsummer wreaths for protection. In Bulgaria and I think in Eastern Europe, it’s used to make a wine called Pelin, which is popular from May 1 until the summer.

This drink is made by mixing red or white wine with Artemisia absinthium (Bulgarian: Пелин) during fermentation, giving the wine a bitter, refreshing taste.  Pelin wine differs from absinthe and pelinkovac, which are based on distilled alcohol rather than wine.

Dream Clarity: Place wormwood under your pillow or burn it as incense before sleep. Ask for clarity and guidance through your dreams by saying: “By dusk and dream, by spirit’s hand, let wisdom rise where visions land.” Keep a journal close to capture what comes.

This ritual enhances intuitive dreaming and invites messages from beyond the veil.

Affirmation: “I trust the wisdom of my dreams. My mind is clear, and I receive the guidance I need.”

St. John’s Wort (Zvunika)

Plucked near the summer solstice, in some regions around May. This golden herb was believed to chase away sorrow and shadow spirits, and it’s used for guidance and healing. Hung above doors or steeped in oil, it brought light to the home and clarity to the mind.

Sunrise Healing: At dawn, pick a sprig of St. John’s wort and place it in a bowl of warm water. Hold the bowl to the rising sun, letting the sunlight shine on it as you focus on your intentions for healing. Speak the following affirmation as the sun’s light strengthens the herb’s energy: “As the sun rises, so does my might. I embrace healing. I embrace the light.”

This ritual harnesses the power of the sun to initiate healing for both physical and emotional wounds.

Affirmation : “With the rising sun, I’m renewed. My healing journey begins now.”

Why We Created the Slavic Oracle

The Slavic Oracle of Magical Herbs is more than a divination tool. It’s a revival. Each of the 78 cards channels old-world herbal wisdom, with illustrations steeped in folk symbolism and messages rooted in Slavic lore. We created it to honor our roots, to keep our grandmother’s stories alive, and to offer a magical mirror for modern seekers. Whether you’re new to this tradition or grew up with tales of the Samodiva and forest spirits, this deck is an invitation — to remember, to reflect, and to reconnect.

Let the Sun Guide You

This May, we invite you to listen. To the sound of nature, the leaves, the breeze, the birds. To the whisper of our grandmothers’ voices. Think about how they used the herbs in their kitchens: to cook, to heal, and to create rituals. To the hum of ancient traditions blooming back to life.

Let the sun guide your spirit, and let the herbs whisper their secrets.

Join us in bringing Slavic soul magic back to life and follow our project: Oracle of the Slavic Soul.

FREE BOOK: Court of Light and Dark

Do you love urban fantasy? Heather Hyatt is looking to distribute ARCs of her upcoming book. If you’d like to receive this FREE advance review copy, fill out her Google form to make your request:

https://forms.gle/YFiEh2jjYD2pk1v7A

 

 

Easter: A Time for Tradition, Sweet Bread, and New Beginnings

This April, something special is happening – both Orthodox and Catholic Easter fall on the same day. Usually, my family celebrates them both, so this year, it’s only one celebration.

This is a rare event, one that invites reflection, celebration, and the merging of shared traditions. It’s a time to cook, eat, and be good to each other. Easter is a reminder of the deep cultural connections we all share, regardless of our different practices.

I was born and raised in Bulgaria, where Easter is not just about religion; it’s about vibrant customs that have been passed down for generations.

One such tradition is Lazaruvane, a colorful and joyous ritual that takes place the Saturday before Easter. Young girls, dressed in beautiful flowers, go door to door, singing songs that herald the coming of spring and the resurrection of Christ. It is ritual signifying girls have become women. It’s a ritual full of life, and every song carries the hope of a prosperous year ahead.

The spirit of renewal is palpable, much like the blooming of nature itself – even if, as we saw this year, snowflakes make an unexpected appearance in April! If you’re interested in learning more about Lazaruvane and other meaningful rituals, I dive deeper into these traditions in my book Love Light Rituals, available on all major retailers.

And then there’s Kozunak, the sweet braided bread that’s a staple on any Bulgarian Easter table. I’ve been busy in the kitchen this week, preparing a new variation of this beloved bread. I call it Dubai Bread, a creative twist on the traditional recipe, featuring the luxurious taste of pistachio butter. It’s my little tribute to the warmth and beauty of the Middle East, combining the comforting flavors of home with the exotic allure of Dubai.

At the moment if you visit TikTock or any other social media platform and look up Dubai chocolate you will see that’s a sensation. They even opened a store for this chocolate in the most famous street in Boston. The scent of this bread fills the house and brings a new sense of joy to our Easter preparations.

You can find the recipe for this delicious bread below, so you can try making it yourself.

If you don’t have pistachio paste, no worries! You can substitute it with a mix of cacao powder and sugar, which will give you a similar, delightful result. And if you’re short on time or just want a fun twist, you can bake this bread as muffins – they make a perfect breakfast or a lovely treat to enjoy with your tea or coffee.

Aside from my Easter preparations, I’m also busy working on the second book in The Cursed Ring series, which we will publish first in a special edition through our Kickstarter campaign. We are excited that we can now reveal the cover for book 2.

Writing is such an exciting journey, but I always make time to relax and reconnect with nature in my garden here in Virginia. Creating a camellia garden in addition to my rose garden has been one of my greatest joys – these beautiful flowers bloom all year round, bringing vibrant life to the garden, even through the grayest winter days.

Flowers from my garden

The birds love it, and I enjoy the rich red flowers that stand out so brightly. One of the camellias has even become a hiding spot for my cat, Scarlet, whom we adopted during Covid. She’s now an integral part of our family and my fellow gardener. It’s her favorite quiet retreat, and it always makes me smile when I see her there, taking a break from her busy adventures. This month I also have a visitor, my daughter’s puppy, a joyful golden doodle, He’s full of energy and love and is my shadow.

Flowers from my garden

As everything blooms around us, there’s a saying from my grandmother that lingers in my mind: “If there’s an ‘R’ in the month name, it’s a cold one.” April may have surprised us with a bit of snow, but her wisdom reminds me that May is just around the corner, and with it, the promise of warmth, flowers, and brighter days ahead.

Easter, in its many forms, is a time to gather with loved ones, honor our traditions, and celebrate the simple joys of life. This year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with you all and to reflect on the beauty of both old and new customs.

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter filled with joy, love, and, of course, plenty of sweet bread.

Dubai Bread

I’m sharing the recipe for Easter bread with pistachio. I made a cream today: pistachio plus almond butter and powdered sugar. It makes a really nice cream for chocolate or even for biscuits. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use avocado oil. Easter bread with pistachio cream. If you don’t have pistachio cream, you can also use a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar with a few drops of water to create a paste and use it as the filling for the bread.

Ingredients:

4 medium eggs200 ml cold milkzest of one orange and one lemon (few drops of vanilla)100 g sugar2 Tbsp honey (feeds the yeast)1/2 tsp salt21 g dry yeast (one package)550 g white flour (your choice)70 g cold butter (I softened in the microwave for 10 seconds)

Filling:

200 g pistachio cream (or a paste made from cocoa powder, sugar, and a few drops of water)

For brushing the bread and sprinkling:

1 egg + 1 Tbsp milk1 Tbsp sugar for sprinkling30 g pistachios (I used almonds)

Method:

In the bowl of a mixer, beat the eggs. Add the cold milk, sugar, honey, and citrus zest. Beat for a few minutes.Add the flour mixed with salt and yeast. Change the whisk to the dough hook.Start mixing on the highest speed for 5-6 minutes. Then, gradually add the cold butter (which has been softened in the microwave for 10 seconds), and once the dough absorbs it, continue mixing until the dough forms around the hook of the mixer.Remove the dough onto an oiled countertop and gently shape it into a smooth ball. Add more flour if needed.Divide the dough into 3 parts and braid it. Once the dough has risen, you don’t need to knead it again, just shape it into the bread.Transfer the braided dough into a deep greased bowl. Place it in an oven preheated to 50°C (122°F) to rise. Once the bowl is in the oven, turn it off. When the dough has risen by two fingers, it’s ready.Place the braided dough in baking trays and let it rise again in the same way.Brush with the egg and milk mixture, and sprinkle with nuts and sugar.Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) until done (I baked it for 30 minutes). Use wooden skewers to check for moisture. Place an oven-safe dish with water in the oven while baking to make the bread softer. After 10 minutes of baking, cover with foil and remove it 2-3 minutes before taking the bread out.

 

Chasing Evils and Breaking Curses

Spring: A Time for Rebirth and Rituals in Bulgarian Folklore

Spring is a season of rebirth, when nature awakens from its long winter slumber and bursts into life with color and energy. In Bulgaria, this season is not just a shift in the weather; it’s a time deeply embedded in culture, folklore, and rituals. Each day brings with it the opportunity to connect with nature and celebrate the renewal of life.

When March comes, I know that spring is on its way and the light in our lives will return. In this transforming time, we need positive energy to embrace the change. The season gives us new hope and energy, and we dust ourselves off and feel more energetic and ready to achieve our goals.

I love to work in the yard, relaxing and thinking of new ideas for our books or creating new paintings. I haven’t painted so far this year because we are busy with our new book series.

Flowers from my garden

Baba Marta Day

One of the first symbols of this seasonal shift occurs on March 1, when Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta Day. On this day, people wear a martenitsa, a red-and-white amulet, symbolizing the return of spring and the melting of snow. It’s not only a mark of the changing season but also a symbol of health, prosperity, and friendship.

I love to make martentsi each year, not only for my family and friends but also for our pets.

My daughter’s labradoodle, Ronnie, with a homemade Pijo & Penda martenitsa. He also makes an appearance in book 1 of our new series.

A Bulgarian martenitsa is exchanged as an amulet between friends a loved ones, a gesture of goodwill, wishing the wearer happiness and strength for the year ahead. As snow melts and flowers begin to bloom, so does the spirit of camaraderie and renewal among the people. I love to wear the charm as a bracelet, but there are many designs. We have some ideas and projects included in our book Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Myths, Legends and Folklore if you want to learn more. Also people use martenitsi to predict their future.

International Women’s Day

Also we have one very important day: March 8.

In Europe this is the equivalent of Mother’s Day. In Italy they wear yellow mimosas, while in Bulgaria I gave my mom snowdrops or roses and a homemade card. It was special day to celebrate not only mothers but womanhood.

This is why March 8 is another significant date in the Bulgarian calendar, International Women’s Day. On this day social media is covered with virtual roses. It is a day to honor women, those who tirelessly nurture their families and contribute to society. While the world recognizes this day for women’s rights and achievements, in Bulgarian culture, it’s a moment to appreciate the often-overlooked work of mothers, wives, daughters, and women who have been the pillars of family and community life for centuries.

In Bulgaria, as in other countries in Europe, the woman, the mother, is the main column of the family. Women’s roles in Bulgarian society have evolved through time, but this day serves as a reminder of their resilience and invaluable contributions to the world. They have similar lifestyles like in the States; they have equal rights.

Flowers from my garden

Blagovets (Annunciation)

Then, on March 25, Bulgarians observe Blagovets (Blagoverz), a day dedicated to clearing away bad spirits and ensuring prosperity. I use this day to declutter, use incense to clean the house, clean the yard and chase away snakes. I don’t like lizards and snakes, but my cat, Scarlet, is my gardener, she keeps me safe.

In Bulgaria, people take this day to purify their homes, gardens, and fields, praying for abundance in the year ahead. It is also believed to be the day when the mystical Samodivi—spirits of the forest—return from the wilds to interact with the human world.

Samodivi are complex beings in Bulgarian folklore. In the legends and village lore, they are often depicted as beautiful and powerful female spirits, wearing white robes and riding deer. They are protectors of nature, sometimes regarded as benevolent figures who guard the forests and the land. They are shapeshifters who can turn into a bird or wolf or a rainbow.

Unfortunately, in some villages, they are seen as demons, dangerous creatures—witches and soul takers, capable of luring men to their doom. These spirits are sometimes thought to possess supernatural powers, controlling the elements and the natural world around them.

The Samodivi’s mystique and controversy have made them enduring symbols in folklore, capturing the imagination of many. You may recognize their essence in various fantasy works, including Harry Potter, where similar creatures appear (called Veelas).

The Cursed Ring Series

The Samodivi’s influence is felt even today, especially in modern interpretations of folklore. In our new urban fantasy book series, The Cursed Ring, the Samodivi are brought into a new light through the character of Kalyna, a brave Samodiva who fights to protect humanity. She is a good nymph, but don’t make her angry. She can chase you down on her fast red motorcycle or as beautiful bird and make you pay for your actions.

Kalyna is not just any Samodiva—she is a tough agent, wielding her magical whip-snake, controlling the elements, and skilled in the art of combat. Her mission is clear: to fight for love, freedom, and to protect her kind, even if that means facing dark forces. Kalyna’s story is one of strength, determination, and the battle between good and evil, exploring the complexities of love and power in a world full of magic. She is the embodiment of the strong women who have long been a central part of Bulgarian folklore, using her ancient powers to fight for what is right.

In The Cursed Ring series, readers will dive deep into a world where the mystical Samodivi roam and where magic, adventure, and danger intertwine. Through Kalyna’s journey, we see how folklore can inspire and shape the modern world, with strong female characters who protect their people and their values against all odds.

In conclusion, spring in Bulgaria is more than just a change of season—it’s a celebration of life, nature, and the powerful forces that shape the world. From the martenitsa worn on March 1 to the honoring of women on March 8 and the ancient traditions surrounding Blagovets and the Samodivi on March 25, these rituals are reminders of the deep connections Bulgarians have to their land and their heritage. The arrival of spring marks a time to embrace rebirth, purity, and the strength of the spirit, and in the world of The Cursed Ring, we continue to draw inspiration from these powerful traditions.

Follow our Kickstarter to get updated about this new series when the campaign goes live. We’ll be revealing cover 2 soon…

And you can always find out what we are up to on our website.

I’d also like to recommend another Kickstarter campaign that’s running until March 27: The Crystal Heir by Brendan Noble. I’ve had the pleasure of being a beta reader for this series, and I’m hooked! You won’t want to miss it.

 

Happy Spring from Nelly and Rebecca – the power of two!

 

Our New Old Journey

Cursed Ring series by R.N. Aveela

Greetings, everyone!

We realize it’s been a while since we’ve posted. It’s not because we haven’t had anything to write about, but because we’ve been super busy working on a new project. Or more accurately, a revamp of an old project.

I have so many ideas running through my head, and when I do, I have to decide what to work on next. What would be the best use of my time to take that idea and make it into a book. This is the hardest part. Which one would make the most appealing story?

Even before I start writing my story, I have to ask questions.

What will my story tell people? Teach them?

In today’s world, we all have short attention spans. We love short, shakable videos and images. Cooking, cute pets, traveling. There are many platforms. Now even AI is getting in on content creation and maybe becoming the future creator of content.

It’s getting more difficult to get people to follow and read content.

Writers ask themselves: How am I going to make someone read 75,000 words and keep them engaged?

Everyone has suggestions and tips and tricks. It’s easy to feel lost in them. I know I feel overwhelmed by them.

Engaging novels need tension…hooks and short chapters… to keep readers hungry and engaged.

Years ago, in 2014, Rebecca and I started our publishing journey by publishing our first book, out first novel called Mystical Emona.

It’s a powerful story of loss, love, and reconciliation. We used beautiful words and descriptions; we embedded Bulgarian rituals, customs, and food. The story takes place in Emona, which to me is like a gateway to Bulgaria, away to learn and explore the country.

At the time, we were novice writers and didn’t fully comprehend the story arc formula. We were part of a critique group and received many—often contradictory—opinions. Some helped, but other hurt the story, and we lost our voice.

We will be forever grateful for everyone’s help, but now we’re beginning a new journey, We’re working on an exciting project, a six-book urban fantasy book series called “Cursed Ring.”

It’s like an alternate reality to Mystical Emona, a powerful story of love, betrayal, and revenge with a strong heroine on a mission to save the world. Every chapter pulls you closer to a truth you might not be ready for… but trust me, you’ll want to and need to know.

We haven’t abandoned the topics we write about in our blog and books. We’ll still include legends, creatures, and mythology that we’ve researched in the series to build a strong and engaging story unique to our style and voice.

Book 1 is complete, and we’re well under way on book 2. We’re working with professional cover designers and editors to make ensure we deliver an enjoyable, inspiring story.

The countdown has begun. Are you ready to face the twists?

Kickstarter

If you’d like an early copy of the book before it’s published on retailers, be sure to follow our Kickstarter campaign, launching later this year: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/cursed-ring-series?ref=5qqb1l.

My soulmate has returned, but is he a bloodthirsty murderer?

Do you love gritty urban fantasy books with a strong female protagonist?Do you enjoy books set in an unusual location?Do you like to emerse youself in tales filled with folklore?

Then you’ll be enchanted with Soulmate and Sacrifice, the first book in the DESTINED SOULS: CURSED RING six-book series.

The STORY

I’ve waited for Dushan for 3,000 years, ever since I watched him take his final breath. But he knows only his new existence as Stefan. I must fight for my soulmate to remember our eternal love before the ring he carries – the one I cursed – causes more innocents to die. Including him.

Worse, evidence points to Stefan being part of a cult responsible for a gruesome ritual murder. I must stop the cult from killing again, even if it means choosing between love and justice. One wrong decision means I’ll have to wait another thousand years for Dushan to return.

Journey Home: Exploring Bulgarian Folklore Through My Eyes

The girls decorate in a colorful and rich way their hairs and go around the village singing songs and dancing, in this way showing they are ready to get married

It’s almost time for our Kickstarter campaign to start. Tuesday, April 16 is launch day for our special edition of our book Light Love Rituals.

This is a special project. Light Love Rituals is more than a book—it’s a piece of my soul, a way to share my upbringing, my experiences, and my love for the rich tapestry of Bulgarian folklore. I believe that each person needs to know their roots and know their identity and culture; otherwise, we are like a tree without roots.

Growing up surrounded by these mysterious traditions, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land and its stories. In the book I embedded not only information gained from research, but also things I learned and experienced during my life in Bulgaria. I want to keep these memories, cherish them, and pass them not only to my children but to future generations who are born abroad. And through this book, I invite you to experience that connection with me. Discover an ancient culture rich with secrets and legends. Learn more about Bulgarian food and culture. They are colorful and spicy like the souls of the Bulgarian people.

Razlog, Bulgaria – January 14, 2017: Child in traditional carnival kuker costumes at Kukeri festival Starchevata

Join me as we journey through the familiar streets and sounds of my childhood, guided by the incredible artistry of the renowned Keazim Issinov. The book is dedicated to his remarkable art. I was fortune to cross paths with him, and I think this wasn’t a coincidence. We both share a common love for Bulgarian folklore. In his art, he captures the souls of the people, the beauty of the rituals. They are filled with light and love, a harmony of light and love.

Come with me on a journey to the place I call home, the heart of Bulgaria, where every cobblestone holds a story, and every whisper of the wind carries the echo of legends and tales, and where mystical rituals, unknown to the world, weave through the fabric of everyday life. Together, we’ll uncover the beauty of Bulgarian culture, one page and one brushstroke at a time.

Experience the Magic of Home.

Welcome to the picturesque Bulgarian village, where cozy houses line cobblestone streets, nestled closely together with clay roofs gleaming under the sun. As you wander through our charming streets, you’ll be serenaded by the songs of birds, aroma from fresh baked bread and if you lucky you may be able to witness Kukeri and hear the bells or a horo dance at the center of the village.

The book will take you on a folklore journey to Bulgaria from the comfort of your room. Follow our Kickstarter campaign for an enchanting experience unlike any other.

Magical Red Easter Eggs

Easter is one of the most holy days in the Christian religion. For the western world, the holiday falls on this coming Sunday, March 31, but the Orthodox will celebrate it on May 5 this year. Bulgarians call the day Velikden, or “Great Day.”

Rituals and beliefs about eggs are prominent on Easter. In particular, red eggs play an important role. For Christians, the red egg symbolizes Christ’s blood, but the egg also has pagan origins. From ancient times, the egg has been a symbol of birth, resurrection, and eternal life—life and death—with a belief that the world was born from the golden egg, that is, the sun. The parts of the egg represent the four elements. The shell is symbolic of earth, the membrane represents air, the liquid is water, and the yellow yoke is the sun and therefore fire.

Eggs are colored during the day on the Thursday before Easter, usually by a female in the household, or, in some cases, only by the oldest woman.  Colored eggs are called perashka in some areas of Bulgaria, the word coming from the Slavonic per for “hail” or “thunder.” Thursdays were once believed to be the days to perform rituals to prevent hailstorms. And so dyeing eggs on the Thursday before Easter is said to come from the fact that Thursday was the day of Perun, the god of thunder.

The first egg is always dyed red. This is a special egg that a hen laid that day, or it may be one a black hen laid. After it’s colored, this egg is set by the family’s ikons until the following Easter to bring health and prosperity. The previous year’s egg is buried in fields to protect the crops from hail. Alternately, the egg may be added to sowing seeds to bring a good harvest, or it may even be broken open and used to make predictions based on how it looks.

Red eggs, in general, are believed to have magical and curative powers. Before using the eggs, including the special one, women take all the red eggs outside and lay them on a red cloth to display them to the sun to receive its powers and energy. Afterwards, red eggs are rubbed against the cheeks or foreheads of children, teenage girls, and young brides so they will be as red and healthy as the eggs, and also for beauty and protection from evil spells.

A Legend

One legend describes how the red egg gained this power. An evil wizard once locked up the sun and water in a deep cave using nine padlocks. People and the land suffered for many years. Forgetting their traditions, people fought with one another. One young man lived alone high on a mountain with his young son and daughter, the man’s wife having been forced into servitude by the wizard. The family barely survived the harsh winter.

In spring, while looking for food, the father wanted to give his children a gift. He carved an egg from wood and dyed it red from the soil. By the time he arrived home, his children were asleep, so he placed the egg by their heads. That night, the father received a warning from Father Easter, a white-bearded old man, that the wizard would come for the man’s children the next day. The old man told the father not to fear, but to clench the red egg when the wizard arrived.

As foretold, the wizard came the next morning in a carriage pulled by a three-headed dragon. The father grabbed his children, trying to protect them. As he did so, the egg rolled around and shone like the sun. The father grabbed the egg and lifted it high. Bright light flooded the land, blinding the wizard and transforming him into a black beetle. With the wizard gone, people were able to break the padlocks and release the sun and water, restoring life to the land. Thereafter, people celebrated the rebirth of nature by dyeing eggs red.

Kickstarter

Would you like to discover more magical rituals and colorful traditions? Embark on a folklore journey to Bulgaria from the comfort of your room. Follow our Kickstarter campaign for an enchanting experience unlike any other. Stay tuned for updates and be ready to immerse yourself in captivating tales of wonder and tradition.