Winner for the Writing Contest: Olivia

Why Is Magic So Popular?

I think there are a couple of different things that are happening in the modern world today that all contribute to magic.

First off, there is the media. Such television shows like Charmed, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer involve magic (even though it's not really like modern-day magic, it still has some facts right), as well as movies, like The Good Witch, and many books for young adults, one including The Teen Spell Book by Jamie Wood or Teen Witch, by Silver Ravenwolf,

Secondly, I think it's the age we live in, the Age of Aquarius. Many people, young and old, are discovering themselves more and more often, finding out who they truly are, and for many, that includes finding magic, and using it as a self-empowering tool that can help them on their path.

Magic is used by people all over the globe, and it's making a positive change in the world! Blessed be!

> For the Teen Spell Book you wrote, I was wondering what kind of tools I require before I can start doing spellwork? I have a chalice, cauldron, and an incense burner is their more that is required to do the spells in the teen spell book. -Kevin

All the tools of the trade are really just physical reminders of the elements that live inside us and are all around us at any given time. The most important tool you will ever have is your heart and your intention.

However, I know you want to speak specifics. It would be nice for you to have tools that are representative of all the elements. So far you have two water symbols (Cauldron and chalice) and one combination of fire and air (incense). What about Earth? My favorite element, so I can't help but notice when it goes ignored. : ) What will represent Mother Earth, tierra firma for you and your practice? After you establish that (suggestions, some stones, or dish of salt, or even a pentacle), it seems to me you may be ready to go.

Have fun. Be safe. Harm none. Blessed be.

> When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I first fell in love with writing stories when I was in second grade and I wrote that story about the Runaway Hamburger. It was really a knock off of the Gingerbread Man, but I loved it. Then there was this really strange story called The Floating Bed, about all kinds of disasters and the bed that I lived on with my sister, mom, and aunt. I could probably take it to a psychologist and get an assessment into my childhood. : )

I started keeping a diary at eleven (the picture is on this page) and when I started reading Judy Blume I knew I would always write. However, I never thought I'd be an author. It was beyond my reach. I thought I'd work as a writer in the professional world. Not as a journalist. I am too sensitive to not be crushed by all the negative stuff that the papers focus on. (someday I'll print The Floating Bed and you'll understand). I began in magazines and moved quickly to books. My primary love in writing has been to encourage and support people through rough times. Now as I really heal these issues of my own through the writing for others, I'm ready to be the storyteller, spinning webs of delight and because they touch the heart that connects us all.

> Sometimes I write in my diary and sometimes I forget and skip a day. Then I just can't seem to get into it again. Should I just give up?

Writing in a diary is a wonderful tool. You don't have to do it every day. I don't. But it's there when I need it. When I was a teen, my diary felt like my best friend, both loyal and a good listener. Here' s my top six reasons to keep a diary 1) It helps you find your voice. Being a teen there are so many things thrown at you, spending time along with your thoughts helps you decide which thoughts are yours, and which are opinions of someone else 2) It helps you organize. There is a lot going on when you are a teen. Writing helps you get things clear in your head in a way that makes sence and allows you to articulate your feelings, opinions, or thoughts, 3) It helps you separate drama from reality. When you write, you get a chance to realize your responsibility in a situation and save "face" at the same time. You see things from a more objective position. 4) Writing helps you process your feelings - like going from rage to anger to sadness to hope. 5) Writing allows you to express things you might never say outloud. 6) Writing helps you set goals and visualize your dreams.

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> Got a question? email me at jamie@jamiewood.com

APRIL -- Full Moon Magick

Today in an interview for Rogelia's House of Magic, the interviewer asked me for my favorite spell and so here it is.

One the night on the full moon (which will be Sunday, April 20) this month, I take my jewelry that have crystals, precious stones, or semi-precious stones to the ocean and rinse the jewelry of old energy. You can also just use salt water if it's easier. Personally I dig the ocean vibe, and I live close by, so that's why I do it this way. Try and get kosher or dead sea salt if possible, otherwise, don't worry your pretty little head about it. Then I lay out a scarf, or sarong, or nice piece of material outside where the moon will shine on my jewels for at least one hour during the night. You can also do this on a windowsill or balcony. I place my jewelry on the material.

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>> VIEW PAST SPELLS HERE

"Jamie Martinez Wood has proven that she is, again, a contemporary curandera straight out of Cali; with magical powers to cast an intoxicating spell over the most reluctant reader in your family.They will want more. Rogelia's House of Magic is one part heart-warming, two parts fun, with a hearty dose of cool. The key ingredients for a tasty read!"

- Michele Serros, author of !Scandalosa! A Honey Blonde Chica Novel

"Charming and magical...captures the essence and beauty of Latina girl friendships."

-Josefina Lopez, Real Women Have Curves & Hungry Woman in Paris

"The dialogue is natural and the girls' unwavering friendship will inspire readers... (Rogelia's House of Magic) conveys the beauty of Mexican culture and the seriousness of magical undertakings."

-Kirkus Review

MEET THE THREE APPRENTICES OF ROGELIA GARCIA
a wise old woman who holds the key to the magic of their ancestors.

VIEW BOOK TRAILER:

MARINA: the sweet yet spoiled Latina princess - she can hear the voices of dead people, and one of them is talking in Spanish. Marina knows she must interpret an important message from beyond, but how can she do that when she doesn't even speak the language?

FERN: the fiesty free-spirit - she sees colorful auras, especially around a cute boy named Tristan, a cute boys from the barrio. Fern is certain that the greyish cloud hanging over Tristan is bad news - but how can she ignore him when he's so gorgeous?

XOCHITL: the wallflower - she has the ability to turn invisible when she does not want to deal. And considering that she's mourning the untimely death of her twin sister, it's a wonder that anyone can see her at all. When Xochitl's grandmother Rogelia becomes a maid in Marina's house, she agrees to teach the girls the ways of the curandera (spiritual healer). Even though Marina and Fern are thrilled to have this chance to understand and use their powers, Xochitl isn't happy about sharing such a sacred practice with anyone but her sister. Besides, magic has let Xochitl down before - why wouldn't it now? But as she and her friends eventually discover at Rogelia's House of Magic anything is possible.

I chose to personally interview my subjects in the Latino Writers & Journalist to best capture the spark that makes them inspirational to readers, which is the point of any biography. In this way the biographical essays establish a commonality with you, the reader and hopefully inspires and encourages you to seek out and unearth their own unique gifts.

© Jamie Martinez Wood 2007