What I am Reading

I ordered a few book after the holidays because my mommy gave me a barnes and noble gift card.  It was wonderful to blow a little money on books!
I've told you about the first book of symbols.  I'm still enjoying it.  But I also got the book above- Illustrated Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall.  I've really enjoyed this one as well.  I found out Rhodochrosite helps inner ear infections, so I ordered a pandora type bead of it last night- I can use it on my bracelet after I make the crystal water with it for my ear.  I also saw a lapis lazuli bead and ordered it.  I then looked it up- it helps Vertigo! Which is what the inner ear infection is causing- kismet!
The third book I ordered I am a little sad about.  But I'll get tto that after I explain why I chose these books.

I am really tired of "how to be a Witch/Wiccan" books.  They say the same thing as the last book.  I don't use other people's spells- it's not quite the same as making your own.  So, I decided to get the information that will help me rather than get the already made stuff.  I ordered the symbols, crystal, and an herb book for this reason.

The herb book is one by Scott Cunningham.  I am always a bit bothered that he tries to apply the "Harm None"  to all witches, as that is merely a Wiccan rede, not the rule of all witches.  But, that's not what I am gonna grump about.
In his book, he states that you can get essential oils or aroma oils.  One is real (essential) and one type is man-made (aroma).  He says you can use either for a spell.  As long as it smells good, use it!!!!! he says.  That, I consider, is a lie.  If a recipe calls for butter, you can't necessarily throw in margarine- it'll change the taste.  If my car needs oil, I can't pour vegetable oil into it.  Right?  The thing that really gets to me is that he is advocating the use of something unnatural in place of a nature made flora.  Sure, it might smell the same, but the chemical properties are completely different, and the oils in magic are not merely for smell!
Some of you know what I am talking about, others don't or don't care to- but the whole gist of it is, if you are a well known writer in a certain genre that requires truth and accuracy, then you should speak truthfully and accurately!