The Fairy Tellers

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Fairy Tellers - A Journey into the Secret History of Fairy Tales by Nicholas Jubber. Published by John Murray Press. £10.99 

The author, Nicholas Jubber, has established himself by writing other books and articles inspired by his travels across many countries of the world. He, very obviously, has an immense love of fairy stories and delves into several extraordinary and ancient stories, finding deeper meanings of wonder and greater depths of intrigue. The book has small print and it is packed with wonder and amazement, incredible in the extreme and incomprehensible for at least 300 hundreds of pages. 

Though I didn’t know the stories chosen, I was immediately engrossed by the opening sentences, and as the stories grew, I grew in excitement! The stories are beautifully written, the messages within them are wonderfully explained, and each were specially chosen for their ability to touch us in amazing ways. Only a few moments of deep disgust within the text. 

Ben Mijuskovic - Loneliness

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Loneliness in Philosophy, Psychology, and Literature by Ben Lazare Mijuskovic  is available on Kindle £2.52 with 309 pages and there is a FREE download of the book from the website.

This book focuses on the link between literature, psychology and philosophy throughout time and on humankind's ability to deal with loneliness. The author, Ben Mijuskovic, explores the various ways society uses loneliness, for example, "punishing" prisoners by isolation from others. The book discusses in detail the reasons why children fear being alone and how adults deal with a similar anxiety but do not share their concerns with others. The author is Professor and this is very much reflected in the style of writing. The book provides in depth academic understanding and will be of great interest to students and fellow academics. Reviewer: Susan Griffiths: http://www.spiritualsteps.co.uk/

Fairy Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Fairy Oracle with text by Jaymi Elford and artwork by Victorian artist, Arthur Rackham. 36 cards and booklet in several languages, published by Lo Scarabeo, £15.99

Aka 'Oracle of the Good Folk', these cards are positive with a little hint of mischief. The artwork, as one would expect from specialist Victorian fairy illustrator, Arthur Rackham, is delightful and totally believable. They were produced at a time when fairies were extremely popular in children's fairy tale books, such as Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. From his pen, ink and watercolour illustrations of fairies, sections have been taken to showcase on the cards for insight and creativity.

The text by Jaymi Elford accompanies each individual artwork and is both useful and pertinent. Ask a question for a One card, Two cards or Four cards reading. The card faces offer an image which invites dialogue. In the multi lingual booklet, a title for each card is given with approx 40 word description of the image plus approx 40 word meaning. Sheer magic! Enjoy and deliver your best ever readings! 

Review: Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk 

Fairy Messages Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Magical Messages from the Fairies Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue contains 44 cards plus 109 guidebook with 109 pages. £13.99 Various artists. 

This easy to use pack provides information on using the cards, such as how to consecrate them and receive an answer to a question. Ideal for a one card choice per day, there is also a three card spread or use of a multiple card spread suggested.  The book contains not just the title of the card, a picture and message, but in the book there is more information about the message. The card stock is excellent, as usual for Hay House, this deck is edged with gold leaf, and the artwork is of good quality. Some of the card titles are: 'Good-Bye to the Old, Hello to the New', 'Ask for What You Want', Your Wish is Granted', all cards carry a positive message and are ideal for first time users and can be used for self or others.

Moon Magic

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Moon Magic - Harness the Gift of Lunar Energy by Marie Bruce. Full colour hardback published by Arcturus Publishing Ltd. RRP £9.99

A delightful book that would make a nice gift for a friend newly interested in Wicca and ritual. Includes information on the lunar cycle, symbols, myths and stories, moon deities, totem animals, the moon in the astrology chart, how to create a lunar altar and scrying by the moon, keeping a journal, a moon meditation, and how to incubate dreams and dream symbols, all with full colour images. 

Mary Queen of Angels Cards

Mary who is the beloved mother of Jesus and is known as the Queen of Angels for her ability to bring healing and positive change where hope has been lost. She works closely with advocates, teachers, therapists and mediums. She is devoted to making a safe world where our children and grandchildren can be happy and healthy. Her message to you is to expect a miracle and have faith that your prayers will be heard and answered. Faith is the light that illuminates your pathway. Without faith, the future can look threatening. It is essential for you to take any necessary steps to keep your mind focussed and your emotions balanced. Do not give up hope on yourself or on others. Keep the candle of faith burning within your soul. Just an inkling of light can eradicate the darkness of despair. You can be the light for others at a time of hardship, loneliness or sadness, to be there for others, shouldering their problems, help making them stronger, as in doing this, you will make yourself stronger too. You are asked to let go of worry and keep your thoughts positive. Notice and follow divine guidance, as it will present itself to you over the following month. If you can seek healing as it will help you manage situations that might be unexpected. If you would like to work closely with Mary, ask her at Christmas for a divine gift. 

Moon Magic

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Moon Magic - Myth & Magic, Crafts & Recipes, Rituals & Spells by D J Conway, published by Llewellyn Worldwide, 308 pages with text and black and white sketches.
'How to Make the Moon Work for You!'

This book, written by one of the most knowledgeable persons within the pagan/Wiccan arena, explains how to use the Moon's influences in order to deepen our connection to its cycles. Our ancestors worked with planetary influences, to plant and harvest, to take action, to honour and respect the rhythms of nature, in dark, crescent and full aspects. The female author, DJ Conway, has an extensive catalogue of authored occult non fiction and occasional fictional tales.

The Stone Circle Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Stone Circle Oracle - Transformation Through Meditation by Sophia Kelly Shultz. Boxed set of 45 Cards and b/w Guidebook. Published by Schiffer Books. RRP US $39.99 

There are no wrong answers! 

Sample card and text: Phoenix Emergent: keywords: Rise Out of Darkness. Failure is part of life. Rise up. The courage to try again. Rebirth. Renewal. Emergence of a new consciousness. Out of a dark, swirling void rises the magnificent phoenix, renewed after being reduced to ashes. The Phoenix occurs in many mythologies worldwide. Destined to be destroyed and then rise from its own ashes, it is a creature of rebirth and regeneration. But in order for the Phoenix to rise, it must fall and burn. No one wants to fall, to crash and burn, but it’s normal part of the cycle of life. Whether because of situations of our own making or because of health issues, a family death, or severe injury, we all experience times when we feel like we have been beaten, our lives laid bare. There seems to be nothing to guide us. We are all extremely resilient, and as we explored previously, it comes in many forms. The long darkness evaporates and we find we are not the same person who was plunged into the darkness, but someone different, brighter, with elements burned away. It was a painful process, but look at the result! 

Faery Blessing Cards Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Faery Blessing Cards - Healing Gifts and Shining Treasures from the Realm of Enchantment by Lucy Cavendish with artwork by Amy Brown. Published by Blue Angel Publishing. Boxed set of 45 cards plus guidebook. £17.99

Each card has an attractive image of slim, female like figures with long hair and wings, in nature scenes. The cards also carry a number and title. The guidebook explains how to work with the cards, how to connect and receive guidance, how to cleanse, shuffle and invite the blessing which is a gift that is given with each card. Fairies are ancient elemental spirits that unite us in their love and protection for the planet. They communicate in a special way and with special words which are explained. There are highly specialised faeries, such as Faery Goddesses, and their lives and world are detailed. There are one card readings for both A Blessing for the Day and a Blessing for the Night. Other spreads are: 3 card reading - The Triple Faery Goddess Spread; 8 card - 7 Pointed Star reading; 8 card reading - Wheel of the Year.

Very beautiful artwork!  💘

Dream Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dream Oracle Cards - for the Awakened Dreamer by Kelly Sullivan Walden with artwork by Rassouli, Published (2nd edition) by US Games Systems Inc.

53 of the most frquently dreamed symbols are profiled as love letters from home, written in our first language, the language of the soul, speaking in images and metaphors from our unconscious mind. The book provides a meaning and mantra for each of the 52 cards with insights into the dream. 

Information is provided on how to work with this deck. The cards are presented in alphabetical order, such as Airplane, Angel, Award, Baby, Bathroom, Box, Bridge, Car, Cat, Ceremony, Child, Colour, Computer, Dance, Doctor, Falling, Fire, Flower, Flying, Key, Money, Naked, Ocean, Party, Teeth, etc., all common dream symbols that are al around us and to decode and to understand them and why they appear in our dreams will help us to 'awake' and to understand our life in greater depth. For wach symbol there is a message, meaning and mantra. 

The Priestess of Light Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Priestess of Light Oracle by Sandra Anne Taylor and Kimberly Webber, published by Hay House, boxed set of 53 cards with guidebook. US $21.99 Can $28.99 

“You have the power to transform your life”. 

This is a collaboration by the authors, with Kimberly Webber, a Contemporary Symbolist Fusion artist,  also providing the card’s oil paintings of animals and the divine feminine archetypes, including geometric designs and mandalas. The original paintings are made with lapis powder, azurite, mica, marble dust, malachite, gold, copper, and cobalt. This is her first card deck and has many admirers. 

Information is given on how to read the cards, and the guidebook provides 500 words of guidance on life issues, patterns and influences to bring joy, achievement, confidence, and awareness with affirmations.  Read through the guidebook before choosing cards to read for yourself and others. In time, you will develop your own interpretation style as you develop greater intuition and trust to explore. We are all priestesses (and priests) of light. The deck was created to reveal the sacred light within every person, animal, element, and totem (tree, stone, river, mountain, antler), and how to maximise its power. A short invocation is provided. You will become a Priestess of Light, and increase the sacred ceremony that is your life. 

Yuletide Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Yuletide Tarot by Kristoffer Hughes, Art by Erin O`Leary Brown. Published by Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN 978-0-7387-7045-1 RRP $32:99

Yuletide Tarot is an absolutely charming and fascinating Tarot concept, which I believe is the first of its kind . It was created by Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order in Wales Kristoffer Hughes. He had casually mentioned to his Editor at Llewellyn that there was no complete Tarot that honoured the Christmas season. He was then asked if he would like to create a deck on this theme. The set is gloriously illustrated by Erin O'Leary Brown who specializes in children's illustration as well as botanical and nature themes. 

Da Vinci Enigma Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Da Vinci Enigma Tarot - by Caitlin Matthews, Boxed set of book and 78 cards with artwork taken from Leonardo's notebook drawings and writings, published by St Martin's Press. For more information: https://redfeathermbs.com/writing-the-da-vinci-enigma-tarot/

For the author, tarot is not a method of fortune telling but a method to prepare for the next move by examining the present situation. We are urged to ask questions of this oracle. Sayings and quotes from Leonardo are included with information on elements, numbers, shuffling, choosing, clearing, augmenting, bridging and interpreting. Reversals of card meanings are provided but the card backs are not intended for upright AND reversed meanings. 

Each Macrocosm card (the Greater Archetypal World) has more than a page of explanation and is given untraditional titles, such as Enigma for II, Twins for VI, Imagination for VII, Time for X, Experience for XII, Passover for XII, Pain and Pleasure for XV, Deluge for XVI, Way Shower for XVII, Conception for XVIII, Birth for XIX, Renewal. Each of these 22 cards have a Latin numeral, a title, a message, an explanation of the image and background information to help with the reading, such as Soul-code, upright reading, reversed and disconnected. For the Microcosm cards (the Lesser Manifest World) each have a title, a message, and an explanation of the background of the image, a soul-code, reversed and information about a disconnected energy relating to the card. 

Fairies Healing

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card review: Healing with the Fairies Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue, 44 cards and a 68 page guidebook with general meanings and instructions for working with the cards. £13.99 Artwork by various artists.

Sample reading:  'Awakening Your True Self'. The card's message is about discovering your authenticity and the person who you were born to be. This means you must go on a journey of discovery, for your true interests, passions and desires. You will discover your original sense of humour and childlike, innocent enjoyments. A cloud of falseness will be lifted as you no longer try to fit in with what someone else wanted you to be. Use the affirmation: I now give myself permission to be true to my self.

Doreen Virtue offers workshops, books, cards, etc., and her card decks are suitable for use for oneself or for another person. Within the deck there are no negative concepts and the deck is easy to use and can be used for a first time deck user. The artwork is enjoyable and features unicorns, imps, birds, water fairies, fireflies and otherworld images. Cards provide a title, such as 'Detoxification', 'Honouring Your True Feelings', and 'Stand Your Ground' and further information about each card is contained in the guidebook. 

Spellcasting Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Spellcasting Oracle Cards by Flavia Kate Peters & Barbara Meiklejohn-Free. Artwork by Lisbeth Cheever-Gessaman. Published by Hay House. Boxed set of 48 cards and Guidebook. RRP US $22.99 : Can $29.99 : £14.99 

Hail and Welcome!

Moon phases, candle magic, herbs and crystals, invocation and incantation, favourite spells and messages are here for you to use and enjoy, any day of the week! Practical tips are included, do’s and don’ts, directions and elements, how to cast a spell, steps to choosing a card and a selection of card spreads. The Guidebook provides magical guidance, a spell, and the meaning of choosing that card.

Arcanum Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Arcanum Tarot by Renata Lechner, published by Lo Scarabeo (also Llewellyn) 78 cards and multi-lingual lwb. 2018 12cm x 7cm. 

From the word ‘arcanum’, meaning mystery or secret, this Tarot deck has been named. The images are digitally produced photos, ideal for modern, young, readers and enquirers, created by Renata Lechner, with author, Jaymi Elford who authored the Steampunk, the Art Nouveau, Thelma Tarot and the Runic Tarot decks. 

Based on Rider Waite Tarot, Court Cards are traditional King, Queen, Knight, and Page. Cups are blue, Pentacles are green, Wands are gold, and Swords are blue/grey. 

This full colour Tarot deck is included in the Total Tarot Collection course, Magazine numbers 18 & 19. 

Universal Celtic Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Universal Celtic Tarot published by Lo Scarabeo by Cristina Scagliotti. 6.5cm x 12cm

We have a deck that focusses on the time of the ancient Celts who lived in the areas of Ireland, Scotland, France, Northern Spain, and Turkey. They were creative, artistic, courageous, freedom loving, strong, and spiritual people, who were wonderfully imaginative storytellers, who loved nature, and whose world was filled with wonders. They had regular seasonal festivals, and celebrated the beginning of the year at Lughnassah, and the spring festival on May Eve. 

The deck describes their value system, the ogham letters, little people, and plant spirits, their myths and legends. We see the cauldron of the Dagda in the Ace of Cups, the flower maiden, Blodenwedd, and Ceridwen in the Wheel of Fortune. Any Tarot card spread can be used. Try the 3 card, Past, Present and Future for starters! 

It’s a beautiful Tarot deck! The booklet does not do it justice, but do your own research! You will love it!

Fingerprints of Fire

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Fingerprints of Fire - Footprints of Peace - A Spiritual Manifesto from a Jesus Perspective by Noel Moules  Paperback £12.99

Noel Moules is the founder of 'Workshop' a Christian vocational training programme based in the UK under the auspices of a registered charity, the Anvil Trust. 

How can we discover the Jesus of the New Testament and understand his message of love, hope and peace after two thousand years of religious schism and manipulation? 

John Bauer Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: John Bauer Tarot. Published by Lo Scarabeo and Llewellyn. 78 cards with multilingual lwb. RRP £25 

Based on paintings by prolific Swedish artist John Bauer (1882-1918) whose fantasy art of nature, fairies, sprites, trolls, and other magical forest and landscape enchantments has an Art Nouveau influence. His wife was a model for several cards, such as the High Priestess, the Hermit, and others. Chalices, Pentacles Wands and Swords! John Bauer, his wife and son all died in a boating accident. 

Both Majors and Minors have full artwork. Ask open questions, with what and how. I love these cards, the art is ornate and magical. My readings with this deck are laced with all kinds of wonders! You will be transported! The deck is marvellous for the artwork alone. Recommended! These cards are included in the Total Tarot Course Collection which gives a clear and meaningful write up for Major Arcana especially.

Pre-Raphelite Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Pre-Raphelite Tarot with art by Giuliano Costa published by Lo Scarabeo. 78 full colour cards with multilingual lwb. 6.5cm x 12cm. RRP £25

The inspiration for this deck comes from the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, who were an artistic group who signed the paintings with the initials PRB, and had as their emphasis “ Beauty as the defined essence intrinsic in every aspect of creation.” Here we see the divine embodied in nature, in romance, and in the mystique of this beautiful and enchanting Tarot deck. Card backs are not mirrored so you know which way the cards have fallen in the layout. 

Da Vinci Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: "Leonardo Da Vinci Tarot" with Artwork by Iassen Ghiuselev and Atanas Atanasov and the text of the little white booklet included in the pack by Mark McElroy. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

The basis of the 78 images in this deck are artworks of Leonardo da Vinci which have soft muted and sepia tinted tone. Computer graphics have been added to Leonardo's artwork to create this tarot deck and I enjoyed the cards and was transported back in time to Renaissance Italy. As Leonardo might have met Ludovico de Sforza who commissioned the earliest tarot decks of his time, maybe there was a consideration of the tarot in Leonardo's mind. 

 

Fairy Tarot Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Fairy Tarot Cards by Radleigh Valentine with mixed media stand computer graphic illustrations by Howard David Johnson, published by Hay House. Boxed set of 78 silver edged cards plus guidebook.

This tarot deck has been produced for positivity and guidance for oneself or for another person. Each card has an image, a number and title and short 8 word message. The booklet provides information on how to clear, prepare, shuffle and choose, and offers a meaning for every card. Spreads suggested are: a 3 card reading and a 10 card Celtic Cross Spread. Some Major Arcana titles have changed, such as: The Dreamer is 0, Unity is 5, Awakening is 12, Release 13, Balance 14, Ego 15, Life Experience 16, Renewal 20. The Minors are divided into 4 seasonal suits with Fire (wands)  spring, Water (cups) summer, Autumn (coins) earth, and Winter (swords) air.

Oracle Reading

The first card is from Shining Woman Tarot by Rachel Pollack and is Five of Rivers - traditionally the 5 of Cups. The design shows a Native American earthenware image dated to around a thousand years ago. This card teaches us about change, so we flow with the ups and downs of life, adapting, growing, developing and changing. Here we have acceptance of what is, because no situation remains the same for ever. 'This too shall pass!'

Dreams of Gaia Tarot Review

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dreams of Gaia Tarot by Ravynne Phelan. Boxed set of 85 high quality gold leaf edged cards and a guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing £23.00

To Seek, to Feel, to Grow, to Heal! 

The deck is designed for self awareness and for communication with the 'Divine Gaia', ie., the Great Spirit of the natural world. As you work with the cards, do not expect a yes or no answer as there are no definitive answers in life! This deck focuses on learning about yourself - and about life itself - and when the cards speak, they provide options and possible solutions. Keeping a journal is suggested for best results. 

Each card has an image, a title, and a number. A greater explanation is provided from the excellent book that provides for Majors, key phrases, meanings, past present and future. A 'potential blockage' - a term used for an in depth reversed reading is provided. The deck is structured beyond the normal tarot deck for more advanced readings. There are 12 minor cards plus Queen and King. A number of card spreads are suggested. The Guide of 3 cards; the Dreamer's if 9 cards; The Dreaming Tree of 12 cards. 

Tarot of Dreams

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Ciro Marchetti's 'Tarot of Dreams' boxed set of 83 cards plus written guidebook by Lee Bursten, published by U S Games Systems Inc. http://www.ciromarchetti.com

These cards are inspired by dreams, but not the type of daydreams or fantasies, hopes or inspirations, but by the dreams we have at night whilst we sleep and are a communication between the unconscious and the conscious mind and lead us to greater personal understanding and understanding of the world's collective unconscious. The cards are designed to inspire us to develop new perspectives, examine our associations and to encourage us to think creatively. Our learning can be limitless.

Dream Reading Cards

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Dream Reading Cards - Discover the Purpose of your Dreams by Rose Inserra, box contains 52 cards plus full colour booklet Published by Rockpool Publishing £14.99.

Magnetic flip open box with quality cards and full colour booklet. Each card has a number, a title, and three questions that the dream suggests need answering. The booklet contains information about dreams, and how to remember them, and explains how to read the cards and reproduces each card in colour with expanded information and guidance. The cards are divided into two categories: 30 theme cards with common concepts and 22 reading cards with 13th century Persian poet and Sufi Mystic, Rumi quotes.

Kuan Yin Oracle

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Kuan Yin Oracle - Blessings, Guidance & Enlightenment from the Divine Feminine by Alana Fairchild, artwork by Zeng Hao. Boxed set of 44 cards plus guidebook, published by Blue Angel Publishing. £17.99

“May your heart be opened and touched by Kuan Yin, Divine Mother of Compassion. May you realise her beauty is a mirror of your own divine Soul.” Om Kuan Chi Yin Poosa - Om Mani Padmi Hum!

The Byzantine Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Byzantine Tarot by John Matthews with artwork by Cilla Conway. Boxed set of 78 cards (3” x 5”) plus guidebook. Published by REDFeather. £33.99

"Wisdom from an ancient empire!"

"O Imperial City, City fortified, City of the great King... Queen of the queen of cities, Song of Songs, Splendour of Splendours." Niketas Choniates, 13th Century.

The founding of Byzantium was 657BC and this deck has an extraordinary ability to give us a 'spirit of place' and transport us in a reading. The instruction book provides the history and myths of Byzantium through new titles of Major Arcana cards, such as Holy Fool, Magus, Sophia, Patriarch, Diabolos and Kosmos. For each Major card, the book provides an explanation of the symbolism in 50 words, the 'Tradition' text is 300 words and a divinatory text of 200 words. For the Monors and Court Cards, the information is the same - symbolism, 'tradition' and in a reading, but will less text, approx, 30, 100 and 100 words respectively. For every card there are 5 keywords for upright readings, and 5 keywords for reversed readings.

Mystical Lenormand Review

This video explains how to read the Mystical Lenormand deck. 

Quality German tarot and oracle card publisher, AGM Urania has produced this inspired oracle card deck, designed by the medium, Regula Elizabeth Fiechter with artwork by the skilled, Urban Trosch. Both creators are experienced card specialists. In addition to the Mystical Lenormand, Fiechter has created the Mystical Kipper cards (and others), and Trosch has also provided very competent artwork for the Mystical Kipper (and others).

The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality - Craftsman. Warrior. Magician. By Angel Miller. Published by Inner Traditions. RRP US $18.99 : Can $23.99 

The three stages are detailed, each archetype described in turn, with meditation, tools, energies, symbols, rituals, practices, inner experiences, and how to gain balance and spiritual growth through the initiation. 

The text covers history, religion, psychology, Freemasonry, art, the New Age, the supernatural, and includes a great deal of occult information. Topics are alchemy, consciousness, death, the divine, the Golden Age, the Higher Self, 

It is presented as a practical text book with vast amounts of notes and in depth understanding. The bibliography is considerable. Kabbalah, meditation, rituals, shamanism, energies, warfare, the Will, and many other popular topics of occultism and magic. 

Mists of Avalon Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Mists of Avalon by Rose Inserra, illustrated by Nadia Turner. Published by Rockpool Publishing. Boxed set of 36 cards with guidebook. 

Sample card: 12 The Holy Grail - Life Force, Wisdom. Be a beacon of light by walking the path. Shine bright with your magical soul, for all to see, feel, know and grow. The message is that there are new opportunities and beginnings presented to you. Be open to receiving the flow of life’s gifts. This is the time of conception, new beginnings, new love, birth, and a new cycle of life. Follow your personal soul quest, without losing sight of what holds the most value for you.

 

Tarot Card Origins

First published in Psychic News Magazine:

 Playing cards for recreational games of chance and skill were first developed in China and were printed on bamboo strips for use by the leisured class. Due to advances in paper and wood block print technology in the 9^th century Tang dynasty and, over several centuries, a large variety of these card games spread westward along the Silk Routes to appear in the Middle East with ornate calligraphy and elaborate abstract designs. These were known as Mamluk cards (in the Topkapi Palace Museum) and were used by the Sultinate in Egypt from late 1200s with Moorish and Saracen associations. In the 1300s, card games reached Europe with designs of birds and Roman Gods, some included astrological symbols and elements (such as the Minchiate deck) and depicted people in medieval costumes. Cards were used by wealthy nobles, merchants and scholars and were often hand painted and with gold leaf. 

The Wisdom of Trees Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Wisdom of the Trees Oracle - Inspirational Cards for Wisdom and Guidance by Jane Struthers, Boxed set of 40 cards and guidebook. Published by Watkins Publishing. U.K. : £15.99  US : $19.95 : CAN : $21.95 

Nice drawer pull box containing quality cards and full colour instruction book. The deck is divided into 4 suits: Roots (blue and being), Trunk (brown and healing), Leaves (green and wisdom) and Flower, Fruits and Seed (russet and power). Each card presents an attractive tree and title. Booklet information adds subtitles, botanical species, properties, myths, cultural associations and a channelled message from the tree deva (nature spirit). Thereare readings for upright and inverse cards. 

Information is provided on how to use the deck, think of your question, shuffle, deal and chose your spread. Spreads suggested are Single-Card Question that has a sample reading, Past, present and future (3 cards), also with a sample reading, Horseshoe Spread (7 cards) also with a sample reading. It is suggested you keep a record of your readings. 

Sample: Oak diva message I am strong and steady and I am an essential part of the age a child mysteries of the forest. If you’re calling me I can give you alter physical power and inner emotional strength whenever you need them let me show you the way.

The Green Man Tree Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Green Man Tree Oracle – Ancient Wisdom from the Greenwood by John Matthews and Will Worthington Published by Connections Book Publishing. 25 cards plus companion book. Now republished by Eddison Books under the title "Spirit of Nature Oracle". 

“It is wise to listen to the voices of the trees for they tell us much that we might otherwise forget” Tacitus.

Botanical Inspirations

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Botanical Inspirations Deck and Book Set by Lynn Araujo, published by US Games Systems, Inc. Boxed set of 44 cards plus guidebook and pull out chart and card bag.

Full colour prints of illustrative paintings of 44 different flowers with the common name, Latin or other name, with keywords and a quotation. The booklet provides symbolism, flower lore, legend, hidden messages and affirmations. A Three-card reading and the Past, Present and Future reading is provided with examples. One card can be used for daily inspiration. Pick a card at random, look at the image and message. Close your eyes and meditate and make this image come alive. As it grows in your mind's eye, reach out your hand to feel its petals, put your face to the flower, feel its coolness on your brow, put it to your lips and feel its texture! Every day you choose a card, you will be given the gift of this flower until you choose another!

Medicine Cards

From Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson I have chosen Owl, the Sacred Medicine Bird associated with magic and observation of truth. 
The poem on the card is: 'Owl, Magic, Omens, Time and space. Does the truth emerge? Casting out deception, silent flight, Sacred Medicine Bird'. 
We are instructed to steer away from anything harmful and use the capacity of the owl to be aware, to see through deceptions and look behind us. We must be vigilant, see what others cannot see and move swiftly when we need to do so. Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom and her symbol is the owl, her familiar, which reveals unseen things to her so she can speak the truth to power with confidence. Originally a War Goddess, through wisdom she became the Goddess of Civilisation. 

Tree Calendar

Mind Body & Soul Ezine book review: 'The Healing Power of Trees - Spiritual Journeys through the Celtic Tree Calendar' by Sharlyn Hidalgo Published by Llewellyn Publications, in paperback and kindle 336 pages.

Seattle born Sharlyn Hidalgo has worked as a psychotherapist and has a masters degree in psychology. She has multiple interests as a circle leader, healer, Native American specialist, Egyptian mysteries teacher and Celtic tree book author. 15 trees are described in detail with a drawing for recognition, each have respective deities, totems, ruling planets, month of power, their uses in history and in healing, rituals and higher appreciation and understanding of their spiritual energies. 

A Better World is Possible

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: A Better World is PossibleBy Bruce Nixon Published by O Books   395 pages Paperback £14.99 Author website: Free download available on this link: http://www.brucenixon.com/pdf/abetterworld.pdf

Bruce Nixon worked as a transformational advisor to many large international corporations and he is now a campaigner and consultant on environmental issues. He is the author of ‘New Approaches to Management Development’ (1981) ‘Global Forces: A Guide for Enlightened Leaders – what companies and individual can do’ (2000) ‘Making a Difference – Strategies and Tools for Transforming Your Organisation’ (2001) and ‘Living System: Making Sense of Sustainability’ (2006) and numerous articles, many of which are available on his website.

Paulina Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Paulina Tarot by Paulina Fae. Pack of 78 cards and instructions. Published by US Games Systems Inc. 

Sample card: The orange wings of the lion suggests fiery energy and the ability to soar to greater heights. The orange wings of the lion suggests fiery energy and the ability to soar to greater heights. The woman’s fish shaped hat, crowns her bravery and fortitude. An infinity symbol indicates unity and the balance of forces. A white dress, signifies peace and purity. Meanings: courage, discrimination, being constructive, self discipline, trusting your own abilities, compassion, seizing control of your destiny. Reverse meanings, lack of faith, being driven by impulses, having a discouraged mindset, weak, willpower. Who could not be more delighted with this amazing Tarot card deck? The artwork is a feast of delights! I have my magnifying glass and a good light so I can go through every card, learning, laughing and loving each of the wild characters in this wonderful storyline from the Fool to the World, to the incredible Court Cards and also the Minor Arcana characters, who are a joy too! Days and sometimes weeks were spent meditating on the energy of the Tarot cards to produce the finest, whimsical and quirkiest characters to represent them. The spread is a 10 card “Art of Tarot Divination”. Explanations and meanings provided and Keywords for reversed meanings.

Phantasma Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Phantasma Tarot by Paulina Fae, Boxed set of 78 cards and guidebook, published by US Games Systems Inc., 5/8/2021 £17.99 : $22.95

This is a remarkable tarot, full of daydreams and supernatural visions of mystical and otherworldly creatures. A rich delight of wonder and beauty, presence and mastery. Beyond wild and delightful! Worth buying for the artwork alone! The deck is inspirational, and offers new pathways, paradigms and powers from the cards’ messages and suggested life lessons. Some Major arcana are retitled, take for example Number 15 The Djinn and here Number 5 The Mentor. 

Sample card: 5 The Mentor - Welcome the mentor of esoteric knowledge. As a teacher of wisdom, spiritual guidance, and peace of mind, he shares the knowledge of past and present life experiences. He’s here to remind you to learn not only from outer sources, but also to learn from within. Representing perpetual interaction, the lemniscate on the Mentor’s forehead connects him to the roles of the hierophant; infinitely teaching and infinitely learning. Message: Ask yourself how your belief system affects your life. Align your actions with ideals. Consider shaking up your old routine and paradigms, and venture into the unknown. Remember your power, and let your curiosity unearth your sacred truth. Keywords: Open-mindedness, discovery, questioning, seeking, self in empowerment. Reversed message: You have the power to peel away structured restrictions. Reversed Keywords: Close mindedness, satiety, herd mentality, status quo, self-doubt. 

The Angel Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Angel Oracle - Working with the Angels for Guidance, Inspiration and Love by Ambika Wauters. Published by Eddison Books £21.99
36 gold leaf edged cards (card size: 5" x 3") plus explanatory booklet in a high quality drawer pull box.

"Praise be to all angels forever" Tobit 11:15

Cards feature attractive mediaeval style angel images with a title and subtitle. The book provides information about angels of all kinds, their powers and duties, from which realm they originate, their function and gifts. There are stories about angels from history and personal experience. In addition, there is advice on how to use the cards, prepare for a reading, how to ask a question and receive an answer for the highest good - all a beginner would need to know. Spreads are suggested with sample readings, including a one card, a 2 card Yin/Yang, a 3 card Past, Present and Future, a 4 card Four Function Psychological, a 5 card Tree of Life, a 6 card Sacred Cross and a 13 card Zodiac spread. Having worked for some time with angels in this way, I can recommend using them, even just choosing a card to meditate on each day. They have a definite magic and the author, Ambika Wauters, is an expert in the field of angelology!

Joie de Vivre Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Joie de Vivre Tarot by Paulina Cassidy Published by US Games 78 card deck with white booklet (78 pages) £19.99 

It's a most entertaining tarot deck to delight all ages! The front of packet is pic of Three of Cups where Gleam, Glitter and Glow dance together in celebration of their blessings and achievements. Waters of vitality spring forth from three cup flowers on Glitter’s head. Glow supplies a plethora of fruit and the scarab beetle dancing at their feet carries a message of regeneration and creation.

Spiritsong Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Spiritsong Tarot by Paulina Cassidy, published by US Games Inc. Boxed set of 78 cards plus information booklet. Cards size: 3" x 5" Price Point: UK £15.34 US S17.99  

All 78 cards (Major and Minor Arcana) are individual artworks where animals rest in a fairyland bower of swirls, flowers. leaves and dots, like sand on a dreamlike seashore. The deck unites the traditional wisdom of tarot cards with the shamanic tradition, where animals provide spirit guidance and learning. The intention of this combination is to provide empowerment and insight, and connection to our higher self through the traditional wisdom of animals.

The four suits are: Acorns for wands, Feathers for swords, Shells for cups, and Crystals for pentacles. Each card carries an image, title and a few keywords. Some cards have had a creative name change: The Fool is now The Traveller; the Hierophant is Shaman; The Lovers is Love; Death is Transformation; The Devil is The Shadow, and others, always erring on the side of a positive and uplifting meaning. The booklet provides greater information on how to use the cards, their more advanced meaning, and suggested spreads, such as: One Card Oracle Reading, Three Card Oracle Reading, The Spiritsong Star (6 cards); The Spiritsong Healing (6 cards) and the Spiritsong Tree of Life (10 cards). Reversed meanings are included and the card backs do not expose which way the cards are laid.