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Luminary: A Magical Guide to Self-Care
A collection of mystical practices and exercises, Luminary is a one-of-a-kind guide to mindfulness and self-care for teens to support a life of empowerment, confidence, and, of course, magic!
Self-care is not only necessary, it’s magical! Your road to self-care can be a mystical journey that leaves you feeling more confident, determined, and ready to accomplish all those bucket-list items and dreams you have scribbled in your journal. So why not start that journey now?
Find both mystical and practical tools to help deal with stress, depression, and other challenges in this gorgeously illustrated and highly designed guide offering different creative ways of living a heart-centered, mindful, and magical life through concrete tools for self-care and advice from a diverse group of practitioners in areas like tarot, astrology, energy work, and much more.
Self-care is not only necessary, it’s magical! Your road to self-care can be a mystical journey that leaves you feeling more confident, determined, and ready to accomplish all those bucket-list items and dreams you have scribbled in your journal. So why not start that journey now?
Find both mystical and practical tools to help deal with stress, depression, and other challenges in this gorgeously illustrated and highly designed guide offering different creative ways of living a heart-centered, mindful, and magical life through concrete tools for self-care and advice from a diverse group of practitioners in areas like tarot, astrology, energy work, and much more.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published November 8, 2022
About the author
Kate Scelsa
9 books241 followersKate is a writer who grew up in New Jersey and now lives in Brooklyn with her wife and two black cats. Kate's debut novel "Fans of the Impossible Life" was a Fall 2015 Indie Next pick, a Junior Library Guild pick, a 2016 Rainbow List Top Ten Pick, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly, and has been published in ten languages. Kate is a 2016/17 New Georges Audrey resident, a Lambda Literary LGBTQ Writers in Schools author, and the recipient of a Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation grant for playwriting. Her play "Everyone's Fine With Virginia Woolf" had its debut production with Elevator Repair Service Theater in June, 2018 and toured to the Dublin Theatre Festival in October, 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 25, 2022
I read an ARC of this book as a bookseller.
I definitely think that this is a book for all ages, not just Young Adult. I understand the targeting and I did appreciate some of the calls to adolescents as a high school teacher. However, and I feel like the author would agree, the book is full of things that are helpful to people at any age.
I really enjoyed how easy to read and accessible the book was in introducing the material. I do kind of wish there were more in-depth parts to the book--- it reads more like a conversation than necessarily a guide sometimes--- but I still think the central point of the text was accomplished; the fusion of self help with magical, spiritual practice. As someone who has never been able to differentiate between the two, this written out relationship was validating as well as informative.
I definitely think that this is a book for all ages, not just Young Adult. I understand the targeting and I did appreciate some of the calls to adolescents as a high school teacher. However, and I feel like the author would agree, the book is full of things that are helpful to people at any age.
I really enjoyed how easy to read and accessible the book was in introducing the material. I do kind of wish there were more in-depth parts to the book--- it reads more like a conversation than necessarily a guide sometimes--- but I still think the central point of the text was accomplished; the fusion of self help with magical, spiritual practice. As someone who has never been able to differentiate between the two, this written out relationship was validating as well as informative.
February 27, 2023
I've been reading Magickal, witchy-type books for more than 20 years and have always been fascinated when it comes to this type of thing (). As far as the Magickal stuff, it's more of an overview of things - astrology, Tarot, witchcraft, etc. - and there isn't space in the book to go into great detail (there IS a reading list, though). So there wasn't a lot that was new new to me. But the way Kate presents them is so much fun! And I love her casual, conversational, and uplifting writing style.
But the book also touches on deeper subjects, such as depression, success, failure, and how the external world can impact how we view and value ourselves as we make this crazy journey through this thing called Life. I didn't expect this, but I loved it. Wow! I mean, wow!! Yes, it IS a witchy book, but it's so much more than that too! A simple review can't do it justice!
Overall, I found this book to be SO inspirational and empowering and just awesome (as well as fun), and I got SO much out of it (and had quite a few "Eureka! Of COURSE!!" moments whilst reading). It was definitely one of those Game Changer books for me. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or witchiness. This is something I will go back to and read again and again...and probably do the rare thing of making notes and highlights.
I would give this MORE than 5 stars if I could!
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
But the book also touches on deeper subjects, such as depression, success, failure, and how the external world can impact how we view and value ourselves as we make this crazy journey through this thing called Life. I didn't expect this, but I loved it. Wow! I mean, wow!! Yes, it IS a witchy book, but it's so much more than that too! A simple review can't do it justice!
Overall, I found this book to be SO inspirational and empowering and just awesome (as well as fun), and I got SO much out of it (and had quite a few "Eureka! Of COURSE!!" moments whilst reading). It was definitely one of those Game Changer books for me. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, regardless of age or witchiness. This is something I will go back to and read again and again...and probably do the rare thing of making notes and highlights.
I would give this MORE than 5 stars if I could!
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
December 12, 2022
I liked this author's most recent YA fiction book, Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches, so when this came across my desk at work I found myself drawn to it. Some chapters felt a little long and repetitive, but it still is the sort of book that really would have spoken to 14-year-old me, who spent full days poring over tarot and astrology books at Barnes and Noble.
December 5, 2023
Get this book for every aspiring witch in your life!
November 19, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars.
Spoilers ahead. I will not reveal anything big - most of the review vaguely alludes to plot, structure, and characters.
---
This was a great introductory book for those looking to integrate metaphysical/magical practices into their self-care routine. The sections were well laid out and well-explored without being too overwhelming. I do think this leans more young adult or new adult in its language and complexity. I appreciated how open Scelsa was about their own struggles and how integrating these practices has helped them. I also really, REALLY appreciated how these practices are presented as methods of self-development and reflection, rather than a magical cure-all. Overall, it is definitely worth reading for anyone who is looking for new methods of self care, who have an interest in the magical borders of our world. You don't have to believe in magic or tarot or anything to get something out of this book, either.
---
Again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars.
Spoilers ahead. I will not reveal anything big - most of the review vaguely alludes to plot, structure, and characters.
---
This was a great introductory book for those looking to integrate metaphysical/magical practices into their self-care routine. The sections were well laid out and well-explored without being too overwhelming. I do think this leans more young adult or new adult in its language and complexity. I appreciated how open Scelsa was about their own struggles and how integrating these practices has helped them. I also really, REALLY appreciated how these practices are presented as methods of self-development and reflection, rather than a magical cure-all. Overall, it is definitely worth reading for anyone who is looking for new methods of self care, who have an interest in the magical borders of our world. You don't have to believe in magic or tarot or anything to get something out of this book, either.
---
Again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2022
This was a pretty good book with a lot of thoughtful insights and reminders in how to have a fulfilling life. There’s was also a bit of redundancy and reiteration that could have probably been left out or condensed. I also don't like the concept of the "monkey mind," "the primitive brain," and/or the "cave man" type reactions/actions. I do feel very frustrated when authors dismiss our amazing brain by demeaning our thoughts to simply flight or fight. We are so much more than that if you listen to your thoughts and, maybe, have a conversation with your brain, if you don't like what it's saying to you! There is all of this talk about body positivity and loving who we are but then we are dismissing our brain as some kind of primitive evil!? It doesn't add up to me! Overall, I would recommend this book as a beginning guide to things that you may be curious about like witchcraft, tarot, astrology, and so much more. Or, even just a guidebook to other great guidebooks that you will likely want to read, as well!
July 19, 2023
This book was absolutely beautiful and enlightening. Let's break it down.
THE TOPICS
Luminary contains all sorts of topics, some of which are obviously more mystical practices, and some which are more "down to earth" ideas. For example, the first four chapters are quite mystical: they cover tarot cards, astrology, witchcraft, and energy and spirit guides. Chapters 5 through 7 are not really "magical" (although they still contain references to magic): they are about body confidence, therapy, and mindfulness. The eighth chapter is debatable: creativity. In other words, there is some variety in topics.
All the chapters though point toward these main points:
- love yourself
- accept yourself and your emotions
- learn to understand yourself
- accept others
- self-care is magical (or it can be, anyways)
- change is inevitable (so enjoy it)
- there is more than a good/bad binary
- accept others and their emotions
Some other important points that are brought up include the following:
- cultural appropriation happens (don't do it)
- mixing mysticism into therapy can be healthy
- there is no one right way to do something
- life isn't linear
- evolution is happening in you all the time
- there is no one definition of success
- "one path to success" is incorrect
- "one cure for every problem" is incorrect
THE APPEARANCE
The cover creates the mystical, energetic, and meditative/thoughtful aura that is carried throughout the book. The flowers behind the hand seem to be organized and normal, but then they grow out and up, wild and magical. The hand is black with symbols in gold — leafy plants, flowers, an eye, a moon, a sun, and more abstract-looking astrological symbols.
The font is easy to read. Titles, page numbers, and images are in pink like most of the cover.
THE WRITING
In Luminary, Kate Scelsa talks to readers as one would to a friend, creating a safe environment when reading. She tells stories from her discovery journey, when she was learning to understand her magical self and her issues with herself. She gives advice that applies to what she saying and provides scenarios to help us comprehend what she's saying.
She includes quotes from conversations with the following people:
- Lindsey Mack (she/they), tarot
- Jeff Hinshaw (he/him), astrology
- Stacy Ivori (she/her), witchcraft
- Aka Daashuur (she/her), energy and spirit guides
- Erin Clark (she/her), body
- Aram Jibilian (he/him), therapy
- Jeffrey Marsh (they/them), mindfulness
- Amy Khoshbin (she/her), creativity
- Khaliah Williams (she/her), school achievements
- Beth Pickens (she/her), career/art
- Bakara Wintner (she/her), final conversation
THE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES
At the end of each chapter, Scelsa describes two activities that readers can do to practice the skill that chapter talks about. For example, at the end of chapter two, astrology, she encourages us to find our astrology chart and see what that can teach us about ourselves.
The activities are specific enough that we know what to do, but vague enough that we can do that activities many different days and it will be the same activity. Activities included within the chapters are stated clearly to be changeable — and for some of them, Scelsa says outright that we should individualize them!
Would recommend! Please read!
THE TOPICS
Luminary contains all sorts of topics, some of which are obviously more mystical practices, and some which are more "down to earth" ideas. For example, the first four chapters are quite mystical: they cover tarot cards, astrology, witchcraft, and energy and spirit guides. Chapters 5 through 7 are not really "magical" (although they still contain references to magic): they are about body confidence, therapy, and mindfulness. The eighth chapter is debatable: creativity. In other words, there is some variety in topics.
All the chapters though point toward these main points:
- love yourself
- accept yourself and your emotions
- learn to understand yourself
- accept others
- self-care is magical (or it can be, anyways)
- change is inevitable (so enjoy it)
- there is more than a good/bad binary
- accept others and their emotions
Some other important points that are brought up include the following:
- cultural appropriation happens (don't do it)
- mixing mysticism into therapy can be healthy
- there is no one right way to do something
- life isn't linear
- evolution is happening in you all the time
- there is no one definition of success
- "one path to success" is incorrect
- "one cure for every problem" is incorrect
THE APPEARANCE
The cover creates the mystical, energetic, and meditative/thoughtful aura that is carried throughout the book. The flowers behind the hand seem to be organized and normal, but then they grow out and up, wild and magical. The hand is black with symbols in gold — leafy plants, flowers, an eye, a moon, a sun, and more abstract-looking astrological symbols.
The font is easy to read. Titles, page numbers, and images are in pink like most of the cover.
THE WRITING
In Luminary, Kate Scelsa talks to readers as one would to a friend, creating a safe environment when reading. She tells stories from her discovery journey, when she was learning to understand her magical self and her issues with herself. She gives advice that applies to what she saying and provides scenarios to help us comprehend what she's saying.
She includes quotes from conversations with the following people:
- Lindsey Mack (she/they), tarot
- Jeff Hinshaw (he/him), astrology
- Stacy Ivori (she/her), witchcraft
- Aka Daashuur (she/her), energy and spirit guides
- Erin Clark (she/her), body
- Aram Jibilian (he/him), therapy
- Jeffrey Marsh (they/them), mindfulness
- Amy Khoshbin (she/her), creativity
- Khaliah Williams (she/her), school achievements
- Beth Pickens (she/her), career/art
- Bakara Wintner (she/her), final conversation
THE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES
At the end of each chapter, Scelsa describes two activities that readers can do to practice the skill that chapter talks about. For example, at the end of chapter two, astrology, she encourages us to find our astrology chart and see what that can teach us about ourselves.
The activities are specific enough that we know what to do, but vague enough that we can do that activities many different days and it will be the same activity. Activities included within the chapters are stated clearly to be changeable — and for some of them, Scelsa says outright that we should individualize them!
Would recommend! Please read!
March 1, 2023
I will, first off, admit to having skimmed the book. I will, secondly, say that from the parts I read and focused on, it’s an interesting read. One of those reads where you jump around and look back to from time to time. It introduces different aspects of spiritually while holding in depth conversations with various people.
I grabbed this as an ebook from my library but hope to eventually grab a physical copy to add to my bookshelves. I think I would enjoy a physical copy more so.
I grabbed this as an ebook from my library but hope to eventually grab a physical copy to add to my bookshelves. I think I would enjoy a physical copy more so.
April 10, 2023
I originally picked this book up because of this beautiful cover. I enjoyed reading how Kate included different aspects of magic in her everyday life and mental health. I liked reading so many different perspectives of things. I did struggle through some of the chapters that I didn't resonate with. I did really enjoy this book though.
October 4, 2023
I thought this book was going to be one thing, and then it veered into something else all together, which I actually needed to read more.
I wish my younger self had this book and am glad I chanced upon it. Purchased mainly for how beautiful it looked and now appreciated for how beautiful it is inside.
I wish my younger self had this book and am glad I chanced upon it. Purchased mainly for how beautiful it looked and now appreciated for how beautiful it is inside.
February 3, 2023
This is a great book for teens. It has some informative and uplifting information. I recommend if you are struggling for a place to start and are having a difficult time with self-image or MINOR concerns with your mental health.
August 14, 2023
Yeeee! This book was such a delight to read and inspired me in big ways. I’m all in for tuning into energy (mine and the energy the universe is sending me) and all the things that come with that. I appreciated the the advice the author imparted on mindfulness, self-acceptance and rituals.
September 27, 2023
It was a very eye-opening book, and it said many things that I just needed to have stated clearly without any fluff around them. However, some chapters felt repetitive, and I skimmed the last 3 chapters of the book.
November 29, 2022
As a skeptical 76 year old woman I did not think that this book would speak to me. I found the book to be a refreshing guide to self discovery and growth. Yes, it included information about magical practices but I found myself becoming very interested in them. I enjoyed reading about Kate’s journeys but more importantly, I felt encouraged to start some of my own! I have not felt that way in a long time, thus the five star rating!
I seldom read hard copies of books but I was so glad that I read this one. The layout, design and quality of the book was absolutely beautiful. Some of my older grandchildren will be receiving copies of this book for Christmas.
I seldom read hard copies of books but I was so glad that I read this one. The layout, design and quality of the book was absolutely beautiful. Some of my older grandchildren will be receiving copies of this book for Christmas.
December 22, 2022
Intriguing, insightful personal map of different tools to help bring your own magic into your life.
February 13, 2023
Learn different methods of living a centered and magical life through self-care. For those interested in tarot, energy work, astrology, and all things mystical. Reviewer 19.
March 15, 2023
This was a really fascinating book and I learned a lot. Definitely want to look into this more.
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 5, 2023DNF'ed @ page 135.
March 9, 2023
Good but the second half became too theoretical and wasn’t grounded in many actual tools or practices so it started to drag.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews