Inspiration can come from anywhere. During my research of witches from around the world, I discovered Maggie's Wall. This is why I developed the character of Maggie Balfour in my novel, Magick. Balfour was a popular name among those hunted for witchcraft in Scotland, and no one knows who the "Maggie" of this dedication truly is. Thus, I gave dear Maggie a story - for no one's tale should end as an unknown finish. Outside of a small village of Dunning, nestled in the former pa

Sweden has their fair share of witch history as well... In 17th century Sweden, Maret Jonsdotter once rode a man as a horse to the legendary meadow of Blockula, where she frequently attended witches' Sabbaths. On other occasions, she and her sister rode cows to Blockula, slaughtered them, and then had sexual intercourse with the Devil. Or at least that's what Maret's little sister claims. She was the first person to be tried during The Great Noise, a witch hunt that swept Swe

There's perhaps one story that's famous more than any other. That's the story of Ursula Shipton. When there are so many myths built around a person, what does it say about that person? For Ursula Southeil, better known as Mother Shipton, perhaps the added mystery — however fictitious — is a testament to her enduring reputation. Mother Shipton was a feared and highly regarded English prophetess of the 16th century. Born to a mother, who was also suspected to be a witch, Mother

As we see in the story of Odysseus and Circe, Greek mythology is filled with witches. When Jason and his Argonauts went on a quest for the Golden Fleece, they decided to steal it from King Aeëtes of Colchis. What Aeëtes didn’t know was that his daughter Medea had developed an attraction to Jason, and after seducing and eventually marrying him, this enchantress helped her husband steal the Golden Fleece from her father. Medea was said to be of divine descent, and was the niece

Although her fictional descendant is featured in my latest novel, Magick: Secrets, Spells and Tales, Agnes was in fact, a very real figure in Scottish history. Agnes Sampson was a midwife and healer in a village in Scotland at the end of the 16th century. On Halloween night 1590, she attended a witches' Sabbath hosted by Satan, and summoned a great storm over the North Sea, meant to sink the ship of Queen Anne, wife of King James VI of England, who was sailing in toward Scotl

Tales of ghosts, the wandering of hapless souls of those that have passed beyond the mortal coil, can be found among the folklore of many cultures and spanning thousands of years of history. From Biblical accounts, to tales of the pharaohs of Egypt, to ancient Greece, to Asian dynasties, to medieval Europe, to the New World and beyond, these stories have both frightened and captivated the imaginations of humankind. The topic of life beyond death has been fertile ground for au

OPAL Element Water Opal is a stone of sympathy and compassion, pure thoughts and confidence. It is the most unpredictable stone, a symbol of ever-changing fortune. The name "opal" originated from Sanskrit «upala» which means "jewel". Colors of Opal are very diverse (almost all colors of the spectrum). There are more then 100 color varieties of Opal. When submerged in water, some varieties of Opal become semitransparent. The Opals are known to humanity at least since 250 B.C.

as·trol·o·gy 1. the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world Libra Astrology Falls between September 23 - October 22 Gracious, fair, and balanced Libra is among the most social and popular signs of the zodiac! Ruled by Venus, Libra is a loving sign that focuses strongly on partnership and prioritizes the needs of others. This sign of the Scales is blessed with a natural sense of

Happy Birthday to me! Day 10 of the 31 Days of October! I've always had a strong love for Judy Garland. So it's know surprise that October 10th was a very important day for her, too. Looks like we're always going to have October in common, Judy. PLUS, I'm giving everybody a gift from Thrive Market! Go to: http://thrv.me/LifeWithLiz and get 25% off! And hey! Check out my newest podcast! #birthday #october #31DaysOfOctober #podcast #thrivemarket

Fall 2018 - Day 7 of #31DaysOfOctober Fall ventures to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO hold a special place in my heart. My husband and I have been going every year for the last 12+ years, and our 6 year old daughter has not missed a year. We spend a long weekend at the park during the National Harvest and Cowboy Festival and it truly encapsulates everything about fall. The park is decorated top to bottom with changing leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, and corn stalks. The empl

This is my daughter Gabrielle doing Fall things at the Louisburg Cider Mill in Louisburg, KS. They have cider and cider donuts (yum), a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch. October is the perfect time to explore everything Fall has to offer. Corn mazes, pumpkin picking, cider... and seeing these things through the eyes of a child brings magic to the season! Want more magic? Check out Liz's Secrets, Spells and Tales book series: The Trials and Spellbound! Books are available on Ama

As you may know, "The Trials: Secrets, Spells and Tales" was my first published book. It's a small tale about a girl who is searching for who she really is, and when she discovers she has connections to the Salem Witch Trials - and a gypsy - her whole world turns upside down. Being that this tale is my first book, aka my "book baby", it means a lot to me that people are not only loving the story, but ready for it's sequel, "Spellbound: Secrets, Spells and Tales". AND... my "b