Lost Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Lost Oracle - Ancient wisdom to find your way in a modern world by Fiona Horne. Boxed set of 36 cards and full colour guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. RRP : US $24?95 : UK £18.99 

Sample card: 36 Chalice of Charity. Here is a promise of sustenance, abundance and replenishment. This cup offers also sanctity and safe passage for those who go with the flow of life. Drink from it and there will be blessings of emotional momentum, helping you to get past old worn out attitudes and trapped emotional states. This is the cup of plenty, offering fluidity, adaptability and transformation. 

This is a chalice of enchantment and emotional abundance which replenishes your reservoir and nurtures seeds of positivity. Be confident in the energy that is foretold when this card is drawn. Like the Holy Grail of King Arthur’s legend, Chalice of Charity serves as a supreme source of refreshment by providing drink that never depletes. 

Oracle of the Roses

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Oracle of the Roses - Blessings to Support Your Heart and Soul by Cheralyn Darcey. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing on 13/3/2022 size: 10cm x 14cm. £17.99 

“But he that dares not grasp the thorn. should never crave the rose.” Anne Bronte

The deck’s creator is an Australian florist, organic gardener, ethnobotanist, and has more than a dozen other botanical titles already published. She has a regular popular radio show “At Home with the Gardening Gang”.The very beautiful paintings are in the public domain.

Sample Card: The Ancestor - Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata) The beginning, the ending, the space between worlds is the place to find the essence of what it is to be you, and where you might find answers that better align with the core of your beliefs. This may be an ending, but in all completions comes the chance to set forth once again. This is an indication or affirmation that your intuitive feelings are leading you in the right direction. The Ancestor leaves the gifts of their experience in the DNA of time for us to discover and work with, so that we in turn may leave something of worth, a thin layer of our truth and view.

 

Flower Reading Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Flower Reading Cards - Discover the Language of Nature by Cheralyn Darcey (author and artist), published by Rockpool Publishing, 36 cards in magnetic flip to open box with high quality explanatory booklet £14.99 Author website: www.cheralyndarcy.com

International flowers are featured, each card carries a title and subtitle, and linocut artwork, which is also painted by hand. The meanings have been developed through research and enquiry, personal experience and observation. In the booklet, each card has its common name and latin name, meaning, challenges, a botanical profile and a place of origin. Each flower has been given a personality by this environmental artist who uses recycled materials for the past twenty years for her artworks. Also provided is information on how to use the cards, pick a flower for each day, for oracle readings, meditation, healing and education. 

The Master Game

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Master Game - Games Worth Playing by Robert S de Ropp 

Dr Ropp's Master Game emerged from 1960s human potential movement, and a number of philosophers and psychologists are at work here, including Gurdjieff’s influence. It answers the question we all ask “What shall I do with my life?” That is, how can I find a meaningful and fulfilling life for myself and my loved ones? This self help book, by scientist de Ropp sold 200,000 copies and is ideal for seekers who want to make the most of their time and live a good and flourishing life. It covers the nature of low, neutral, high and then Master Games! 

This ticks all my boxes! 

A manual on how to give nice strokes! Create a safe environment. Appreciate the familiar and the commonplace!  De-escalate and manage problems. “We are resourceful - we can deal with this”. Co-operation. Building Bridges. Enabling health and well-being. Giving loving support. Moderation in all things, avoiding extremism. 

How to Have a Beautiful Mind

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: How To Have a Beautiful Mind by Edward de Bono.

Excellent techniques for making you an enjoyable person to meet, get to know, to spend time with, in the short and ling term. How to argue without alienated your opponent, be fair, and let go of your ego and needing always to be right. How to be an interesting person, creative, enjoyable, kind! How to be a good listener, patient, interested, pleasant. The avoidance of being critical. How to be co-operative, containing your emotions, making choices, building a life purpose, expressing opinions, taking your turn, being fair to yourself, being constructive, dealing with boredom, finding other people interesting, having something new to say, dealing with anger, and so much more first class advice on how to lead a life that others will respect and admire. 

The Priestess Path

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Priestess Path - 13 Powerful Lessons to Build Your Inner Strength by Stacey DeMarco. Published by Rockpool Publishing 2023. UK  £16.99 : US $18.95  June,  2023 

Are you considering becoming a priestess? This book explains what the path involves, how to get the best from your training, and it suggests 13 useful lessons to learn along the way. Several major deities are detailed, such as Gaia, Pele, Odin, Brigid, Aradia, and others with their myths (stories with a truth), their respective tasks, how to walk the path of each, their specific meditations and invocations. Ceremonies are outlined, such as births, naming, puberty, hand fasting, and croning. The seasonal rites for Northern and Southern hemisphere are given, and there is a useful reference section. 

Oracle of the Phoenix

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Oracle of the Phoenix By Christine Arana Fader. Illustrated by Elena Dudina.  Boxed set of 44 Cards and Guidebook. Published by Earthdancer. RRP US $19.99 : Can $24.99

“Feel the fire of transformation, the change begins within you.”

Each card has an image and title. In the book, more information is provided. Phoenix is a power animal and a soulmate. It is the divine firebird, the highest light of transformation, rebirth and renewal. In Egypt, it was called Benu, and in China, Feng, and in North America, Wakinyan. Consumed by fire, the bird rises from the ashes, transforms negative into positive, wrong into right, and provides messages for new paths, fresh perspectives, rejuvenation, and connects ancient wisdom.  It explains how to get the best from the deck, how to lay out the cards and interpret them. The book contains a prayer and a closing blessing, and 35 titles plus 4 Pegasus Jokers and a Master Card. Each card has a piece of advice, meaning for each card and an exercise. 

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.

Egyptian Star Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Egyptian Star Oracle by Travis McHenry. Published by Rockpool Publishing. Quality drawer pull box with set of 36 gold leaf edged cards, companion book and golden eye of Horus pendant. 

This is an authentic 5,000 year old Egyptian styled deck with artwork, translations, and spells with source material from the Pyramid and Coffin Texts. There is information about the Calendar with readings based on 10 day periods. There is more detailed information about the calendar and the stars of the night sky from the author’s book on the topic “Cult if the Stars”. 

Rose Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card deck review: Rose Tarot by Nigel Jackson. Magnetic presentation box containing a set of 78 tarot cards and full colour instruction book. Card size 2.75 x 4.5 inches. Published by Llewellyn Publications. US: $32 : U.K. £26

Every prayer brings an Angel into being and using this deck for consultations is described as bringing the ‘Angel of the Rose Tarot’ into being! 

Truth-v-illusion; being-v-appearances; knowledge-v-illusion; reality-v-trickery! These are cards that “trace the journey towards spiritual reintegration!” 

The Light Seers Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Light Seers Tarot by Chris-Anne, published by Hay House. 

‘Into the Grey we follow like a thousand flickering stars. And there in a sunlit hollow we lose and find what is ours.’

This deck is versatile. You can read for yourself or others, work with archetypes that you make your own and bring new meanings to them. The cards can be used for meditation and you can converse with the characters. Upright and Reversal meanings (light and shadow) are provided in the Guidebook. How to connect to the cards and other full information is provided, including questions to ask. Suggestions for spreads are a Daily Message; Light & Shadow 2 cards; Light Worker Illumination 3 cards; Calling in Love 4 cards; and Soul Joy 3 cards. Each card has keywords for both upright and reversed and an affirmation. All 78 cards are individual full colour art. The Court Cards are Page, Knight, Queen and King, and the suits are Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.

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 Temple and The Lodge

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Temple and The Lodge by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh. 

The hard back copy has some excellent b/w images. Written 7 years after their highly successful and controversial The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail of 1982, the two authors, without Henry Lincoln, have tied the knot between the Order of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon and the Freemasons. Here, once again these stalwarts of storytelling take us on a journey through history, geography, genealogy, philosophy, mystery and wild possibilities, all mixed together. In the first chapters, a very interesting perspective emerges - how history includes myth, and fact is glossed with fiction, ideology and manipulation wins out, so we read with discernment! These guys really know this! I loved the pages about Scotland, written movingly with great love of the subject, and with great research on the last years of the Templar Order and their demise under the French King, Philip the Fair. 

Animal Totem Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson with illustrations by Eugene Smith. Published by Llewelyn Worldwide.

"Each animal is a teacher, imparting wisdom beyond words. May their lessons guide you on your way."

This is a workbook that connects animals to the tarot and has with space for writing experiences on the animals wisdom detailed in the cards. The book provides information about power animals and animal guides, totems, archetypes, elemental energies and how to perform a reading with these cards. Each major arcana card represents an animal and has a channeled message from each animal, plus information about the meaning of the card and its message when it appears in a spread. Each card carries information about Business & Career, Family & Relationships, Health & Well- Being, Card- of-the-Day and Journal Prompts.

Insight Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Insight Tarot by Stanislav Reshetikov, published by Red Feather, Quality boxed set of cards plus guidebook. £33.99 Card size: 5” x 3”.

79 cards (including The White Card) in this elegant package with a magnetic flip type lid and instruction book. There are good leafed edges to the cards which are a nice touch. The creator, Stanislav Reshetikov is from Moscow, and is a Jungian psychotherapist whose depth psychology works with the unconscious mind, and explores myths, metaphors, symbols and dreams. We are invited to “Discover yourself, possess yourself! There’s much more to it than pain!”

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, Magnetic box set of 78 cards plus guidebook. Published by Llewellyn Worldwide. U.K. £25.00 : US $29.99

The accompanying book is titled ‘Gateway to the Divine Tarot’ and it begins with an extensive storyline; a setting of the creation and potential destruction of our planet and the change to civilisation that is coming. Those who are prepared and survive the Great Change - the ‘remnant’ will rebuild. The kingdoms of air, fire, water and earth must be in health. The Legacy Project is decreed by the Emperor’s Council and all knowledge and achievement is preserved within a capsule. 

Jailbreaking the Goddess

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Jailbreaking the Goddess - Radical Revisioning of Feminist Spirituality - by Lasara Firefox Allen, published by Llewellyn Publications, paperback 267 pages US $22.99

This is a deconstruction guide for all you have been told about goddess spirituality and provides new language expertise to express the feminine. Challenging the reproductive model of maiden, mother and crone, this revision ing provides a 5 stage rather than 3 stage model: Fomella, Potens, Creatrix, Sapienyptia, Antigua. Many childless feminists will identify with this path. Colonial and patriarchal language is challenged to reclaim women’s spirituality which heralds a new paradigm, updates the pre existing culture. 

The Twelve Faces of the Goddess

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Twelve Faces of the Goddess - Transform Your Life with Astrology, Magick, and the Sacred Feminine by Danielle Blackwood. Published by Llewellyn Worldwide. $19.99 

This book profiles 12 goddesses, one for each of your astrological sun sign. Each sun sign Goddess has a full explanation, a pathworking and a ritual. The topics covered in the text are: archetypes, archetypal astrology, the shadow, recipes, and which Goddess represents which sun sign. Astrological elements, modes, space clearing, music, the Wheel of the Year, casting a circle, and creating an altar are detailed. The Heroine’s Journey is a new horizon in our life with the development of our authenticity, the claiming of our connection to the Goddess, and the living out of our soul’s mission with passion and purpose. We will find the fierce face of Macha, the depth of Inanna or the compassion of Kwan Yin. 

The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs by Tristan Gooley, quality paperback and Ebook available, 428 pages, published by Sceptre Books. £9.99 

I had watched Chris Packham's TV programme of the dwellers of the tropical forest, and as I live on the edge of one of England's oldest forests, I fell in love with the thought of being at one with the cosmos, connected to the land, and understanding the ways of nature. Tristan Gooley's Walker's Guide is a rich source of guidance in how to enjoy the outdoor experience. For me, the best parts were the sun, moon and stars, and the section on birds and trees. Whatever the season, whether coast, mountain, lake or plain, this book will put you in touch with some wonderful secrets which will make your walks wonderfully fascinating. For intimate knowledge of clouds, rocks, shadows, soils, temperatures, water, woods, winds, plants, animals and more!             Review: Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk 

June Oracle Reading

The Unknown Card from the Crystal Visions deck by Jennifer Gallasso is the first card for the month of June chosen for  Mind Body & Soul Ezine readers. It depicts a female with long dark hair. The background scene shows gothic windows through which a new moon shines high in the sky. The personality is lit by two mauve candles and she stands behind a bird of prey which carries a bejewelled wand. Upon her brow and also on her forefinger she wears an amethyst, and around her throat, a pentacle. In her hands she offers a milky white crystal ball which represents an answer that is not intended to be revealed, a situation that is unfolding or a matter that requires further steps. Deeper questioning needs to take place in addition to moving forward with an open mind and without bias. Question quick and rash judgements. It is not what something looks like that is important but the value and intrinsic worth that can be seen and appreciated only when a deeper and more patient assessment is made.

Next, from Arcanas of the Star by Philippe Rouchier, I have chosen card number 21 ‘The World’. The energy is depicted as a strong, bare-chested man with long, flowing black hair and a white beard and moustache. His eyes are hidden in shadow. He is holding in his hand a circle of energy. The traditional meaning of ‘The World’ card is wholeness, success and completion. My intuition guides me to think this card implies a new beginning is about to take place but the shade needs to be lifted from the eyes in order for the light of wisdom to be revealed and for the good use of vital energy to become available. Maturity is not only achieved through age but also through having lived life in a considered and learned way.

A Better World is Possible

Bruce Nixon writes: We are in a situation we have never been in before – an environmental crisis that threatens our very existence. Essentially, it results from our failure to live in harmony with the earth on which all life depends and each other. With another global economic crisis now unfolding, it is frightening.

"It is a time of breakdown but the good news is that breakdowns lead to breakthroughs. We have survived thorough history by learning and adapting. Human beings are enormously creative. We are capable of rapid mobilisation, as World War 2 showed. "The trouble is that political and corporate leaders appear wedded to ideologies that have not worked and they don’t see that whole system change is needed. Continuous growth defies common sense when we’re already consuming 30% more than the earth can provide and population may rise from 7bn to 10bn by the end of the century. They also think short term and fight with each other rather than collaborating.

"We know what needs to be done. We need total system change.  A vision of a better way of life will inspire and bring hope to everyone. We need a Great Transition (as proposed by the New Economics Foundation).  We need to find a new Prosperity - without growth (explored by Tim Jackson in his book of that title). Such a transition offers massive work opportunities, a better balance of work and leisure and better health for all. It can be achieved through fairer, sustainable taxation; tackling corporate tax evasion; principled foreign policies; investment in conflict resolution to save lives and release the vast sums spent on war; providing funds for green investment; and shifting subsidies from industries that accelerate climate change and harm lives to those that are sustainable. Comprehensive monetary reform is needed giving reserve banks the sole right to issue money. A citizen’s income, partly funded by land value taxation, can reduce the humiliation and cost of administering complex benefits.

Tree Angel Oracle

Mind Body Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Angel Tree Oracle Deck - The Ancient Path into the Sacred Grove by Fred Hageneder with illustrations by Anne Heng. Published by Earthdancer (an Inner Traditions imprint).  A boxed set of 36 cards and an explanatory booklet. Visit: www.themeaningoftrees.com

I liked these cards very much. Ecology is an important aspect of both ancient and New Age spirituality. The more we know and love the natural world, and trees especially, the more life becomes meaningful to us. These cards help us to forge a relationship with the world around us as we live our life each day. The forest and its trees are a metaphor for the soul. Tree spirits and nature spirits are an ancient tradition and this deck brings alive the myths and ancient knowledge of the past and adds modern wisdom to each tree card, described as the ‘Wildwood of the Soul’.

The Secret Language of Colour

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Secret Language of Colour Cards by Inna Segal, 45 cards plus guidebook in a quality box £12.99 published by Atria Books. 
Each card has a number, a title, a subtitle and an image. The booklet has information about colour and how it can be used for healing, how the cards can be used to answer a question, you can place them on your body to clear your energy centre's (chakras), use them to work with other people, to meditate, to eat and drink colour, wear colour, paint, be creative, spend time in nature!  The booklet provides a section on frequently asked questions, and each card has a page of explanation about the meaning of colour and how to connect with it. 
Also available by Inna Segal are audio programmes and courses and the book The Secret Language of your Body and The Secret of Life Wellness.

Earth Wisdom Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Earth Wisdom Oracle Cards by Barbara Moore and Cristina Scagliotti, 32 cards published by Lo Scarabeo (Llewellyn) with multi lingual information booklet, £14.99

These cards have a Celtic and Irish influence which honours the Earth, landscapes, spirits of plants, stones, water, and other species who share their wisdom for our readings. Ask a question in the here and now, not for the future. For self use, one card at a time, you should get the greatest sense of each card before choosing another one. Imagine you are in the setting of the card image. Meditate on the scenery around you, and when you feel connected, ask your questions and listen for responses. A delightful deck! 

Nature and ecology are becoming a part of the spiritual path and this Oracle connects with ecology and gentle, positive healing energies.

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.

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 Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Fairy Tarot by Antonio Lupatelli Published by Lo Scarabeo 1997 UK £15

Please note: There is another Tarot deck with a similar title ‘Fairy Tarot Cards’ published by Hay House.

Other decks exist with this title, so make sure you get this one, it's such a joy! These are based on the Rider-Waite deck and feature the fairy traditions of pixies, gnomes, etc. This, by Italian Antonio Lupatelli is whimsical with non standard hearts, leaves, bells and acorns. The Elf is the Fool, The Dryad is Justice, The Oread is the Wheel of Fortune, etc. Strength and Justice are reversed. 

Antonio Lupatelli, a children’s book illustrator, was known as Tony Wolf and produced several card decks, such as Tarot of the Gnomes, and Tarot of the Druids. Elements are: Bells - Pentacles; Leaves - Swords; Acorns - Wands; Hearts - Cups. There is a little bit of nudity to spice up the reading. Court cards are: Knave, Knight, Queen, King. 

Enjoyable! I like a deck that has fairy energies to draw on. Of course, it can be used as a normal Tarot. The Elf for The Fool, The Dryad for Justice, The Oread for The Wheel of Fortune, The Troll for the devil are some name changes. It has been around for 20 years, but doesn’t go out of date. Fairies never do!

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.

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.