Over the past couple of months, I've become really interested in learning about modern witches and covens. Basically, as my friend Amelia said, I went down the rabbit hole of watching youtube videos, reading books, and learning a ridiculous amount about how people are practicing modern witchcraft! 

I can't say this is surprising at all as I've always been into Halloween and witches. For about five years running, I dressed like a witch every October 31st! I have had a ton of fun learning all about modern witchcraft and will probably do a little roundup of witch items for you guys now that I know so much and have found so many cool boutiques and literature on the topic. 

Along the way, I found this adorable book written by Sarah Bartlett! It is a mixture of a journal, spell, self-care, and fun read all rolled into one. I thought it was fabulous must have to have on your bedside table and I decided to include it as this months book club read. 

To purchase the book you can go here: Witching Hour by Sarah Bartlett

The book is all about self-care. From taking care of your mind, skin, self-worth, love life and more. Each page has a series of beautiful illustrations and spells to try in the home. I loved diving into Witching Hour because it was teaching me a little bit about wicca but was also easy to follow along and read a little bit every night! 

So far I've tried the first five spells in the book and it's been lovely setting aside time in the evening to read a couple of pages. Make sure to have a pen and some basic supplies when starting so you can cast and write down everything you're doing! 

And never fear! There is always a monthly cocktail! Today I am sharing a dark witchy sangria to go with the book! It's a sangria with a little fall twist and it is SOO good. Grab this book, a candle, and some bubbles and throw yourself a little September bath time! I predict it will be awesome. 

Ingredients:

• One bottle of red wine
• Simple syrup (to taste) 
• Oranges
• Apples
• Berries (blackberries, raspberries)  
• Limes
• Lemons
• Spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice) 

Directions: 

• Make your simple syrup in a small pan with a one to one ratio of sugar and water. Boil until it becomes a thick syrup
• Pour the bottle of red wine into a pitcher
• Slice, squeeze, and add all of the fruits and berries to the red wine
• Add in your spices gradually until you get a nice cinnamon flavor or until you like the taste
• Add simple syrup gradually until you like how sweet the sangria is
• Leave sangria for a minimum of two hours to allow all the flavors to meld together 
• Pour over ice, add an apple slice and voila! Autumn Sangria!