The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Mar 24

Hi friends - Apologies for the delay on this post. In case you aren't in the Discord, I had really awful food poisoning last week and while my brain registered that it was the equinox passing, I completely blanked on having to write up this post for it. So a little late but that's the great thing about this being a seasonal challenge: we've got time!

NORTHERN HEMISPHERE: SPRING EQUINOX

In the northern hemisphere, we have the spring equinox. There are a few other names for it but some of those have problematic origins so I like to keep it simple. Equinoxes and solstices have been celebrated for thousands of years by many different cultures. It is the day that daylight and nighttime hours are equal, bringing balance. In the spring, it is welcoming in the light. From here on out until the autumn equinox, there will be more light than darkness. Because the sun is coming out and temperatures are starting to rise, this is a time of rebirth, revival, and even resurrection (this is where the association with the Christian holiday of Easter comes in - there's a lot of overlap in themes and symbols).

For reading this month, fiction reading is going to be focused on starting something new: starting a new series, reading a debut author, etc. For non-fiction readers, you can also read a debut author or you can take the resurrection and rebirth route and return to a topic you haven't explored in a while. Maybe you went on a dinosaur kick a few years back and there's been some new and interesting titles that have come out since then. Return to the topic and see what's there now.

Outside of reading, this is a time to finally start leaving hibernation. I know I leaned into the coziness of winter this year, which was lovely, but I can feel myself starting to emerge from my cave. Start to get outside as often as the weather allows. Spring cleaning is a theme for a reason - now is a great time to do a deep clean, do some organizing, etc. Conveniently, during this time I am getting ready to move (I'll be moving the weekend of our next season starting actually), so I will be removing clutter that has built up in my current apartment over the last 4 years. Nothing motivates me quite like a move to get rid of shit I don't need.

I'd love to hear either here in the comments or on Discord what is being reborn for you this season.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE: AUTUMN EQUINOX

In the southern hemisphere, you are also experiencing and equinox but instead are entering the dark half of the year. This is actually one of my favorite holidays during the wheel of the year, and is when I really start to get settled in for fall and winter. My witchcraft tends to become even more front and center during this time. This time is about celebrating the abundance of what you harvested during the warmer months before fully starting the preparations for the colder months, although those are looming. For now, enjoy the fruits of what you accomplished.

For reading, give yourself a little treat. Whether it's a book you've been putting off for the perfect moment, a genre you find comforting, or whatever feels a little indulgent. The same goes for non-fiction reads, but you could also lean into the accomplishment aspect and read something that won a prestigious award like the Nobel Prize or Man Booker.

Outside of reading, enjoy this time for the celebration it is. Take the time to notice the weather as its changing and start saying goodbye to the plants as they start to go into hibernation for a while. Consider this time for what it is: soaking up some energy now to get you through the colder months. This can also be a great time for a clean, much like your spring equinox counterparts. I personally like to clean in both spring and fall, as well as restore any witchcraft wards I have that are more long term.

What abundance are you celebrating this season?

Next prompt will be released on Beltane/Samhain! Enjoy the season :)

March 20: Wheel of the Year Reading Challenge

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Mar 17

Fallen Gods Series Review (Spoiler Free) | EARLY ACCESS

In which I discuss my spoiler free thoughts on the Fallen Gods series by Hannah Kaner... ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services -- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for 2026 - I may open up additional editing slots later in the eyar depending on schedule so send me an email to get on the waiting list). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtsontomes.bsky.social ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes ► Tiktok: @thoughtsontomes_ MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy -- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time

3 books

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Mar 16

February Low Buy Wrap Up

In which I discuss how my low buy went in February ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services -- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for 2026 - I may open up additional editing slots later in the eyar depending on schedule so send me an email to get on the waiting list). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtsontomes.bsky.social ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes ► Tiktok: @thoughtsontomes_ MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy -- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Mar 10

5 star tbr predictions | EARLY ACCESS

In which I wrap up my last round of 5 star tbr predictions and give my next set of predictions... ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services -- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for first half of 2026 - booking now for late summer 2026). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtsontomes.bsky.social ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes ► Tiktok: @thoughtsontomes_ MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy -- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time

5 books

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Mar 6

what I made, watched, and played this winter

In which I discuss my makes, WIPs, things I watched, and things I played this winter... Makes: 00:34 Watched: 09:08 Played: 15:15 ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services -- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for first half of 2026 - booking now for late summer 2026). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtsontomes.bsky.social ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes ► Tiktok: @thoughtsontomes_ MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy -- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Mar 4

Hi all! Although I originally wasn't planning on reading a witchcraft related book together immediately, and instead had plans for some non-fiction reads (which we will still get to), I just started reading Ancestral Tarot and it is a perfect book for discussion.

A practical, hands-on guide for using tarot to connect with your ancestors and gain access to their insights for healing, self-protection, and personal powers.
With a tarot deck in hand, readers will learn how to identify and access ancestral gifts, messages, powers, protectors, and healers.
Tarot expert Nancy Hendrickson guides readers through the basics of finding recent ancestors, and navigating the confusing maze of DNA and ethnic heritage. As a longtime tarot enthusiast, she shows readers how to incorporate a metaphysical tool into a world of tradition.
Ancestral Tarot spreads are included in relevant chapters. Each chapter includes three journal prompts that lead readers into self-discovery around ancestral gifts, wounds, and patterns they may have inherited. The better we know our ancestors, the better we know ourselves.

I've already read the first few chapters and there are a number of spreads that aren't overly complicated. I'd love to hear what others' experiences are with it. The readalong schedule will coincide with the seasons, as that is how my life is operating these days, but you can read at your own pace, with the seasonal outlines being a guide or deadline if that helps keep you on track.

Now through March 20: through Chapter 2

March 21 - May 1st: through Chapter 4

May 2 - June 21: Chapter 5

June 22 - August 1: Chapter 6

August 2 - September 22: Chapter 7

September 23 - October 31: Chapter 8 & 9

November 1st - December 21: Chapter 9 & 10

December 21 - February 1: through the end

There will be a discussion channel in Discord so join there if you haven't already and would like to discuss as you read. I will also be making posts about my own experiences as I read.

There is a bit in the book about choosing which ancestors to work with first, so some chapters may be read only for information vs completing exercises, so with that in mind, we may finish the book sooner than this above timeline depending on how people work through it.

Looking forward to discussing this one with you!

Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson Schedule | READALONG

1 book

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Feb 22

I'm a scaredy-cat but love forest horror

In which I discuss eco horror and why I love it when I'm scared by most other horror books... Article with the eco horror definition: https://slowburnhorror.com/2022/04/14/your-guide-to-eco-horror/ ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services -- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for first half of 2026 - booking now for late summer 2026). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy -- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time

10 books

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Feb 19

Hey all - I am no expert in the Chinese zodiac and do not claim to be. I have been seeing a lot of talk on this year's transition between the zodiacs, as the themes of 2025 into 2026 have resonated for a lot of people. There are a ton of resources out there on the Chinese zodiac that I recommend you look into if you'd like more information. But for today, I wanted to share the discussion that happened at my local witchy space on the new moon in discussing this transition, and the tarot reading I pulled that night, as it may resonate with a lot of you.

My very broad and basic understanding of the themes of the last year into this year has been that 2025 was the Year of the Snake, specifically the wood snake. The Chinese lunar year was from January 29, 2025 to Feb 16, 2026. The themes of the snake are about introspection, transformation, and rebirth - think shedding skin! Wood is an Earth element, so it brought extra grounded energy to these transformations but could have also left some people feeling more stuck. Tangentially, I was born in a Snake year, so even though 2025 was A LOT, I feel I managed the transitions and the shedding that was happening in my life pretty well. But moving out of the snake year into a horse year is definitely rejuvenating. A Year of the Horse following a Year of the Snake is great, as we are taking all of that introspection and turning it into action. Horses are about movement, adventure, and momentum. And because it is a Fire Horse this year, it adds even more energy to this year. We discussed in circle that you can't control fire - it is going to go where it wants to go. So this year is about taking the lessons of 2025, the things we shed, that wood that we shed, and burning the wood and the lessons to create momentum and forward movement.

During our meeting on the new moon, we were asked to journal about the following questions and I felt called to pull a card for them. Here is the message I received:

What is the transition from Wood Snake to Fire Horse about?

Eight of Swords - feeling stuck in a trap possibly of your own making. In many Eight of Swords art, there is a loose blindfold on the figure that can easily be removed. The message I received here was this transition is about releasing self-imposed limitations.

How can we move into Fire Horse energy?

Judgement & Queen of Pentacles

Judgement is about self-reflection, awakening, and renewal while Queen of Pentacles is about comforting, luxurious, and nurturing energy. The message here was to apply those lessons from the Wood Snake year in order to experience a rebirth. Reflect on what isn't working and what needs to be left behind, and then do that. Doing so will lead to the comfort that the Queen of Pentacles brings.

I hope you are responding well to the energy that this new year is bringing. Let me know if this reading resonated with you or if you've been having any thoughts about this transition.

xo Sam

Tarot Reading for the Chinese New Year: Wood Snake to Fire Horse

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Feb 11

first reads of the year | EARLY ACCESS

In which I discuss what books I started the year with... ♡ Join THE BIBLIOTHECARY: patreon.com/thoughtsontomes or https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ ►► Bibliothecary members get perks such as early access to videos, written posts, podcast-like ramblings, witchcraft book reviews and sharing about my personal craft, a year long interactive reading challenge, seasonal readalongs, and more! ★ Reading spreadsheet I use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twhrdlRfnRs&t=626s ► End screen song: Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod ★ FREELANCE EDITING SERVICES: https://tinyurl.com/editing-services -- I'm currently accepting clients for developmental editing and manuscript evaluation (I'm full for first half of 2026 - booking now for late summer 2026). I am still accepting book coaching clients for all of 2026. I'm interested in working with adult fantasy and scifi, especially Hades and Persephone retellings, stories involving polyamory, and mental health rep. I offer free editing samples of your first 1,000 words to make sure we are a good fit. ➝ DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. WHERE TO FIND ME ► BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtsontomes.bsky.social ► Storygraph (alternative to goodreads): https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/thoughtsontomes ► Instagram: @thoughtsontomes ► Tiktok: @thoughtsontomes_ MORE THAN BOOKS? ★ Check out The Bibliothecary! I used to discuss witchcraft and other topics on my other channel but that content has all moved to The Bibliothecary: https://bibliothecarybooks.binderybooks.com/ REVIEW/BUSINESS INQUIRES ➝ Email: thoughtsontomes@gmail.com ➝ Review Policy: https://thoughtsontomes.tumblr.com/reviewpolicy -- due to the volume of email requests I get, I do not accept review requests from indie or self-published authors at this time

9 books

The Bibliothecary

Samantha

• Feb 10

Bindery App now available on Android