I feel very connected to Seal and Selchie stories and energy, so I was excited to read The Magic of the Seal by Melanie Godfrey. The book definitely did not disappoint. The topic is clearly close to the author's heart as well because she did such a thorough job covering the myths and stories. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about these wonderful animals and the touching stories passed down through time. 5 out of 5 stars ~ Melissa Hammitt (Reviewer), Netaglley

As we all most likely know, Seals are pinnipeds, a group of animals with three separate families—phocidae (eared seals), otaridae (non-eared seals), and odobenidae (walruses)—that are the only mammals that feed in the water and breed on land. Seals are found along most coasts and cold waters, but a majority of them live in the Arctic and Antarctic waters. Harbor, ringed, ribbon, spotted and bearded seals, as well as northern fur seals and Steller sea lions live in the Arctic region. But what we get here in this brand new book The Magic of the Seal: Ocean Messengers from author Melanie Godfrey, is moreover a revealing of just how magical, how legendary and how soulful Seals have been and continue to be for our planet. Inclusive of generous bouts of folklore, scientific facts and historical mythology, we learn from the off that seals and humanity have had a long, and complicated relationship for thousands of years, and so what the author does here is explore their folklore, through both an historical and scientific lens, so that we might all become better sea life enthusiasts. Dedicated to Elizabeth and all the wild seals who wander the oceans, who need our compassion, protection and understanding, The Magic of the Seal: Ocean Messengers is an incredible read, and one that we can only hope brings new, inspired, forward-thinking thoughts to all those who have a devoted love for these most wondrous of God’s creatures. ~ Anne Carlini - Exclusive Magazine

5 out of 5 stars. This is a wonderful from the heart book. Examining the folklore and stories of seals across the British isles and beyond we get a feel for how these mesmerising creatures have lived alongside us for centuries intertwining into our lives. The guided meditations encourage the reader to find their own connections with seals together with the magical symbolism to encourage a deeper understanding of what these animals can mean to us when they come into our lives. Melanie also tells the story of her own seal encounter rescuing a lost seal pup and her road to recovery and release and illustrates the amazing bond the author has with seals. A charming and thought provoking book which is well researched and written. ~ C Mcl (Amazon Customer), https://amzn.eu/d/1eDUrtO

5 out of 5 stars. This was a great introduction to seals, selchies/selkies, the lore, the magic, and the beliefs surrounding them. It's well organized, and while much of it is spent on the lore, I enjoyed seeing the photos, and reading about Elizabeth, a seal close to the author's heart. There's a lot of good information packed into these chapters, and although I was aware of some of the lore, I learned quite a bit more. There's such a rich history surrounding seals I wasn't aware of, especially in North America (Canada specifically). I can't say I've ever worked with seals in a magical sense, but I found the second part of the book fascinating. It covers not only working with seals in a magical sense, but conveys the importance of protecting seals and the environment. Highly recommend for beginners who are curious, before they're ready to deep dive into everything. Once you're ready to dive deeper, the bibliography at the back is the perfect resource for furthering your own research. ~ Lily (Amazon Customer), https://amzn.eu/d/4KRFJaf

5 out of 5 stars. Exquisite and magical. The author takes you on a magical journey through the eyes of the seal. It has clearly been written from the heart , as the author's passion is evident throughout the book, she has clearly immersed herself into the life and soul of a seal. The author not only writes about myths and legends she also adds a spiritual twist with practical meditations , that connect you to the pure essence of the seal. There is a heartwarming true story about a seal called Elizabeth, who clearly had a strong connection with the author. I found myself engulfed in the storytelling of the folklore of the Selchies. There is something for everyone in this book, from the afterlife to animism, totemism and shapeshifting, to the more practical side of things such as protecting our oceans. This is a beautifully written book which will open your mind to the wonders of the magic of the seal. ~ Claire Hayes (Amazon Customer), https://amzn.eu/d/0brcDwrn

5 out of 5 stars. Beautiful. This book is a beautiful exploration into the world of these magical creatures. Written in two parts, the first concentrates on the myths and legends of the seal in the northern hemisphere of the world. The second part builds on those myths, the author providing practical advice on how the reader may undertake connecting to the spirit of the seal. The chapters in this section enable the reader to gain an understanding of how the energies of this magnificence creature can enhance the life, as well as magical practices, of anyone who wishes to build a relationship with them. In the last chapter, the author shares their experience of finding a three-day old seal pup at Boscastle harbour in Cornwall. How the pup was rescued, nursed to health and released. A wonderful sensitive exploration of life, the power of the ocean, of environmentalism and hope. ~ Heather Jane Dewhurst (Amazon Customer), https://amzn.eu/d/0hUioT4H

Indeed, it is magical! A finely tuned mixture of scientific facts and historical mythology interlinked with the cultures that worship seals and pinnipeds as lost kin and mermaid-like beings, his book is a must for any sea life enthusiast who loves myths and legends. It was very fun and lyrically written. It is a quick and enthralling read with lots of information. ~ Shelley Seemayer (Librarian), Netgalley

If you are drawn to explore the rich myths and legends about these soulful beings; to honour them in your spiritual practice and to help in their protection and preservation, The Magic of the Seal is a great place to start. With fascinating folklore and practical suggestions to build your own bonds with these magical creatures, Melanie also shares her healing encounters with seals - both in the material world and in her own inner landscape - illustrating their power to guide us back to our truest, most authentic selves, and to help us stay connected with our innate sensitivity, creativity and compassion. ~ Philip Carr-Gomm, author of Druid Mysteries

A wonderful deep dive into the powerful mythological world of seals, their sensibilities and powers, Melanie’s book guides us all through seal history. Seals are healers and a single encounter has led many of us humans through a life changing experience onto an eternal journey to help society to appreciate, care, respect and protect these eternally magical creatures. ~ Sue Sayer MBE, author of Seal Secrets: Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Seals and humanity have had a long and complicated relationship for thousands of years, appearing in our sacred stories and being seen by many peoples in the northern hemisphere as ancestors. In this book, Melanie Godfrey explores the figure of the seal, its' lore and relationships to humans, from across the globe. Godfrey explores the seal from both a historical and spiritual lens, offerings an intimate and deeply personal journey of relating to these remarkable creatures. Coming from a deep place of love, Godfrey has written an homage and a call to action to the reader. A must read for seal lovers! ~ Ben Stimpson, author of Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices

Charming, fascinating, and utterly enchanting, Melanie Godfrey’s The Magic of the Seal opens a secret doorway into the hidden lore and mythology of the seal. Equal parts history, folklore, and practical ways to work with seal magic, Godfrey is a natural storyteller who deftly weaves a tale nearly as old as the sea itself, that of our ongoing interdependent relationship with nature. ~ Danielle Blackwood, author of A Lantern in The Dark: Navigate Life's Crossroads with Story, Ritual and Sacred Astrology

The Magic of the Seal is a poetic and spiritual exploration of seal magic across belief. Worth reading if you love seals, are drawn to the sea, or find fascination in the magic of these things. ~ Morgan Daimler, author of Aos Sidhe, and Fairy the Otherworld by Many Names