RE: https://glammr.us/@Anneheathen/116336606391502734

As if I did not have enough reasons to #boycott Harper Collins already.

#AISlop #sloperator #books #reading #tech

The #boycott statement in case you missed it.

https://itinerantlibrarian.blogspot.com/2023/03/in-some-books-i-am-not-reading-at-least.html

Opening alert -- Toscana Forno is now open in Reading. https://bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2025/12/toscana-forno-to-open-in-reading.html

#restaurant #reading

"Right now, I think we need writers who know the difference between production of a market commodity and the practice of an art. The profit motive is often in conflict with the aims of art. We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable; so did the divine right of kings."

I'm convinced she would have despised the stochastic parrots. How much we miss her. How much we need her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9Nf-rsALk

#literature #books #bookstodon #reading #writing

X3 is smaller than X3 but has the same software problems

But damn is it tempting.

📖 Read more: https://sajalchoudhary.net/micro/x3-is-smaller-than-x3-but-has-the-same-software-problems/

#reading #ereaders

After less than a month on Threads, I finally got banned.

Permanently, with no right to appeal.

I genuinely don’t understand what for - just occasional posts about books and writers, same as here and across nine other social networks.

Their AI could not even explain the exact reason, only vague generic wording… so I can only assume my IQ was slightly above what the platform is built to tolerate.

#threads #books #reading #bookstodon #booksky #socialmedia
@bookstodon

Want to defend libraries and the freedom to read?

Follow us and be part of the national movement standing up for books, libraries, and the right to knowledge.

#FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries #LibrariesMatter #FundLibraries #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books

"An army is a strange masterpiece of combination where force results from an enormous sum of impotence. Thus is war, made by humanity against humanity, despite humanity, explained."

-Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

#Reading #Bookstodon #Books #Fiction #Literature

Writing a Book is Basically Alchemy

If you’ve spent any time studying alchemy, then you probably already know this—but it’s not just about turning lead into gold.

For many of us, myself included, alchemy is a profound metaphor for personal transformation. But when you really get down into the “Great Work,” you’ll find there’s two main branches that offer rather different perspectives on the Art: Personal Alchemy and Laboratory Alchemy.

One is concerned with the internal—the shifting of the soul and the refinement of character. Spiritual gold. The other is concerned with the external—the physical transformation of whatever substance is in the crucible… which is probably herbs rather than a chunk of gold. Spoiler alert: lots of Alchemy involves herbs.

In my own practice, I’ve found that these things don’t really exist in isolation. They are mirrors of each other. When you do the hard, internal work, the external world begins to shift in response. Likewise, when you labor over the physical craft, your inner landscape changes along with it. It’s pretty much as close as you can get to seeing “as above, so below” happen right in front of you. Admittedly, however, it’s sometimes hard to truly grasp until you’ve lived through it.

Accidental Alchemy?

I’ll be honest: I never actually set out to write an alchemy book.

You can see where my journey started with one of my very first blog posts: What is a Fluid Condenser. And then that became a series of blog posts, which turned into a manuscript, then a book proposal, and then… well, more words than I ever thought I was capable of writing on a single topic. But the point is, somewhere along the way, this project began to exert its own gravity. It transformed.

And as the book transformed, it transformed me!

The process of writing—along with the endless research, soul-searching, and experimental practice—pushed me to seek out knowledge I never intended to uncover. It forced me to become a better practitioner, to think about concepts on much deeper levels, and [hopefully] to become a better writer so that I could have the right words to properly communicate what I had learned. And in that sense, I can safely say that writing a book is, in itself, an act of alchemy. You put the “lead” of your raw ideas into a spiritual fire… and if you’re patient enough, something awesome comes out the other side.

Remember, patience is key…

Introducing…

But I’ve been patient! That’s why I am so incredibly proud to finally announce the release of Fluid Condensers: Unlocking the Mysteries of Gold, Alchemy, and Magick.

This is my very first published work. I’m pretty proud of it, but I’m obviously biased. Some folks got pre-release copies and have already read it, so here’s what they’ve said:

“Like an alchemist seeking the Philosopher’s Stone, Arkadian has brought refinement to the understanding of these vehicles of ethereal and cosmic energies, providing the reader with information that is accessible and applicable.”

–Coby Michael, author of The Poison Path Herbal

“Fluid Condensers: Unlocking the Mysteries of Gold, Alchemy, and Magick by Aerik Arkadian is a true and faithful guide to finding the golden thread. The term “fluid condenser” may be new to you but I suspect that most of you will discover that you already use them. This book will deepen your current understanding and expand your options in your workings.”

–Ivo Dominguez Jr., author of Four Elements of the Wise

“In his debut book, Aerik skillfully weaves the past into the practical now for the everyday practitioner. Unveiling the enigma of alchemy through condensers, it is my fervent belief that this is a ‘must-have’ on every occultists’ collection. Know the past. Learn the theories. Practice your Art. Become elevated in your soul through the transformative, esoteric powers of alchemy.”

–Oracle Hekataios, author of Strix Craft

Oh, right, so let me show you the book.

The cover, which Crossed Crow did an awesome job at designing, is remarkably shiny.

One of the biggest hurdles between moving from pure theory to practice is… well… the practice part. I tried to incorporate a sufficient amount of exercises—28 of them to be exact—to avoid that.

Some are meditations, some involve physically preparing fluid condensers or magickal tools, but all of them are designed to help support the knowledge you’ll be reading about.

If you actually go through them in order, you’ll learn by doing.

And as the name would imply, there’s a giant chapter on gold and the role it has played, not just in magick, but in the world.

Likewise, there is obviously a huge chapter on Alchemy.

But wait, there’s more! Thirteen total chapters. How is that for a magickal number? Plus there are appendices and reference charts in the back for all different types of magickal needs.

“With its collection of recipes and in-depth instructions for the creation of a variety of fluid condensers, I foresee this becoming one of the most often returned to books by magical practitioners of all stripes. It truly is a book worthy of the Great Art.”

–Kamden Cornell, author of The Tameless Path and On Pins and Needles

“Aerik has this wonderful ability to explain abstract magickal concepts, turning them into practical knowledge, and I always leave his classes with an abundance of information and inspirations. He is demonstrating that amazing ability again in his new book. Lightheartedly written, easy to understand even for the absolute beginners, Fluid Condensers is a must-read book for anyone who wants to add some extra oomph to their magickal practices.”

–Eimi OstaraMoon, Poison Path Witch, Honey Bee Steward of Poison and Bee

“It is so nice to see an entire book devoted to the subject and with such depth of coverage. The author places in our hands an invaluable key to the successful practice of both Magick and Alchemy that often passes by unnoticed by many. Here is a full-on book that details both theory and practice with easy to follow instructions from the simple to the complex. The universality of the concept can cross all lines separating Faith, Creed or Lineage because they work. I won’t hesitate to recommend this book to my own students.”

–Robert Allen Bartlett, author of Real Alchemy and founder of The Spagyricus Institute

“Aerik Arkadian provides an exhaustive overview of the magical use of fluid condensers. Full of recipes and practical tips, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to incorporate fluid condensers into their occult practice.”

–Jack Chanek, author of Tarot for the Magically Inclined and Qabalah for Wiccans

So… if that didn’t convince you that it’s worth reading, I don’t know what will!

Here’s some links where you can get it.

I know, I know… that whole alchemy metaphor in the beginning of this post was just an excuse to introduce my book. But guys, I’m really excited about this.

I hope you read it and enjoy it!

Hey, if people think it's rude of me to look at what's on their bookshelves, they shouldn't leave me alone in their living room!

#books #reading #bookworm #infonerd #sociallyawkward