The Only Book of Wiccan Spells You’ll Ever Need

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Only Book of Wiccan Spells You’ll Ever Need. By Marian Singer, Trish MacGregor, & Skye Alexander. Published by Adams Media. RRP US: $11.95 Can: $12.50

In it’s 2nd edition, all the authors are wiccans of long standing having appeared on radio, in magazines and on TV. This book provides the basis for all kinds of spellwork, 100 are detailed. The 8 sabbats, correspondences, the use of gemstones, meditations, visualisations, manifesting. how to create a grimoire (Book of Shadows), understanding witchcraft and spellcraft are included. Important information about ethics is described and could have been more detailed. 

Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle by Siolo Thompson. Published by Llewellyn Publications. 40 card set in sturdy presentation box with full colour instruction book. £22.50

Enjoyment from the Boundary Lands! 

Siolo Thompson is a self taught artist living in Seattle, Washington. She uses multi media for her artwork which draws inspiration from the grimoires of the foraging witch and healer. She also created the Linestrider Tarot deck.

The artwork is intended to allow identification of the plant and the book provides information on herb lore, the history of the 40 plants with seasonal recipes, an associated Tarot card, descriptions of plants, where to find them, the way they were used and how to use them, what part is used and whether they are culinary or medicinal. The deck offers guidance for the seeker or a focus for meditation and it can also be used as a flash card study guide as the seeker learns how to identify plants, blossom, leaf shoots and fruits.  It is a way for the seeker to approach the natural world, gaining delight, knowledge and magic.

The Real Witches' Kitchen Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Real Witches Kitchen - Spells, Recipes, Oils, Lotions and Potions from the Witches' Hearth by Kate West, published by Thorsons/Element.

Useful and interesting, this book describes how to be a witch and enjoy the razzmatazz of creativity and discovery, either alone or to share with others. What is a witch? You will find out! The Wheel of the Year is important for rites and ceremonies, sacred space, spellwork, a Book of Shadows, and personal development and responsibilities which are promoted.

Seasons of the Witch Mabon Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Seasons of the Witch Mabon Oracle by Lorriane Anderson & Juliet Diaz. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $24.95 UK £18.99 (6th July 2023)

“ To find enlightenment, seek nowhere, it lies within you.”

Mabon, The autumn equinox a time of balance, slowing down, evaluation, surrender, transition, creating boundaries, letting go, clearing blocks, developing new perspectives, and preparing for winter. A time to enjoy the season as colours and energies change. The deck can be used throughout the year, not just for autumn equinox. Yule, Beltain, Samhain and other seasonal festivals are also available. 

The Witching Hour Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Witching Hour Oracle by Cherie Gerhardt, boxed set of  cards and guidebook, published by US Games Systems Inc. Release date 1/6/2022 £22.99 

Please note that Rockpool Publishing have released a card deck with the title Witching Hour Oracle, written by Lorraine Anderson, June 2023. 

Sample Card: 30 The Blood Moon - Justice, Waning Moon, Crone.The Waning Blood Moon is the time for justice. The Crone is pictured on this card with a firm sturdy grip on the scales of justice, referring to fairness by weighing the evidence. The scales represent her consideration of her current existence and her mortality. The crone is blindfold to represent impartiality to the situation. Drawing this card is time to consider just behaviour or treatment in a specific set of circumstances. Have you been fair in a particular situation with a loved one? Have you rushed to a conclusion without considering the thoughts and feelings of another person? Or has someone not treated you fairly in a recent situation? The time is right to find where the iniquity lies and bring justice to that situation.

Dark Magic Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dark Magic Oracle - Reveal the Light Within by Fiona Horne. Boxed set of 36 cards and Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing.  US $24.95 : UK £18.99 

Release date: 31st August, 2023

“It has to be dark to see the stars”

Glinting green lettering on the box and silvered edges makes this a stylish deck designed to deal with difficult emotions relating to the inner child. The full colour guidebook gives us all information required for a reading. Each card carries a spell or a ritual to aid healing. There is information on the ethical sourcing of crystals. Spreads are the Sole card for a daily reading, the Dual two card, the Triad three card, and the Pentacle 5 card.

Oracle of Novice Witches

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Oracle of Novice Witches - Messages from the Magical World, written by Francesca Matteoni, art by Elisa Macellari. Boxed set of cards and guidebook. Published 1st September 2022 by US Games Systems Inc., £21.99 

Here we have 50 cards divided into three sections of suits. We start with ‘witches and wizards’, these  feature 24 people from history, mythology and literature who had a reputation for differing types of spiritual knowledge. Then we have 13 objects, known to be used in witchcraft, then lastly 13 animals that could be called witches’ familiars! 

The Jolanda Witch Tarot

Mind Body & Soulja Ezine Card Deck Review: The Jolanda Witch Tarot - The Healing Art of Magic by Rosie Bjorkman & Hans Arnold. Boxed set of 78 cards and Guidebook. Published by Findhorn Press. RRP US $40.00 : Can $49.99

This Tarot deck has a strong female emphasis. It also has a witchcraft theme, which covers female archetypes, animal guides, esoteric symbolism, alchemy, and shamanic, Theosophy, Jungian psychology and many other traditions. The author is known as Jolanda the Witch. She trained in the Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society and this is her ‘method’ of reading Tarot. The artist is Hans Arnold who has produced a very nice RWS influenced deck with clear images and nice colouring. 

Silver Witchcraft Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card a deck Review: Silver Witchcraft Tarot by Barbara Moore, artwork by Franco Rivolli. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

Each major Silver Witchcraft card has a definition and keywords. The images are highly individualised Anne add to a reading. Milestones, turning points, lessons and warnings of events to come that are outside our control.  Insight and understanding of our situation is what we seek in the Tarot card reading. This deck provides bridges and connections, and like RWS can be used for divination or meditation. I like Barbara Moore! Intellectual and down to earth. 

Card decks also by Barbara Moore: Steampunk Tarot, Mystical Manga Tarot and Triple GoddessTarot. 

This deck is profiled in  the Total Tarot course collection in magazine numbers 42 and 43.

White Witch Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: White Witch Tarot by Maja D’Aoust, Boxed set of 22 Cards and Book, Published by REDFeather Publishing, US $24.99. UK  £22.99 ISBN: 978-0-7643-5367-3

Attractive black and glinting gold box has magnetic clip to safely hold the contents of instruction book and 22 Major Arcana cards with gold leaf edges, based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system with traditional titles. The artwork is white and gold pen sketching on black. The more you look into the art, the more you see of faces, birds, hands, animals, landscapes, and quite clever and magical, as things are not as they seem! 

Witchful Thinking

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Witchful Thinking - The Wise Woman’s Handbook for Creating a Charmed Life, by Zoe Howe. Quality paperback, all text, no images, 278 pages Published by Llewellyn Books. US $18.99 UK £14

Zoe Howe is known as the ‘Rock’n Roll Witch of the Soho Radio station! This is a compilation of her family traditions and her collection of solitary witch advice. It incorporates folklore, discovery and play, and the old ways of the nature knower, and several major archetypes are provided. Important rules of the ethical witch are included, and examples are provided from other well known witches who give extra guidance. 

Spells, rituals and protections, and information on how to build an altar, cast a circle, work with moon and planetary energies, seasonal activities and personal empowerment, healing and divination methods, plants, chakras, and crystals, expressing your authenticity, and heaps more meat! It’s good value for money. For the solitary and developing witch, I am recommending Witchful Thinking! We all need a charmed life! 

Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living, by Melusine Draco, Paperback £9.99 E-book £6.99, Published by Moon Books

Melusine Draco’s many books on the occult have a well-deserved reputation for being informative, interesting and useful. This book is ideal for the solitary practitioner living in a town or city (the author provides differences between ‘witchcraft’ per se and ‘wicca’ per se). It is possible to know about herbal lore, to honour nature and to practice magical arts anywhere in the world. She accepts that criticism of witchcraft is still very common in the twenty-first century and suggests it is necessary to be discreet, yet confident. The book contains excellent advice and many good exercises. It also gives an understanding of the problems that present themselves to those living in a built-up area. 

Seasons of the Witch Winter Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Seasons of the Witch Winter Tarot - A Journey through Yule and Imbolc By Lorraine Anderson. Illustrated by Tirana Lukovic. Boxed set of 78 Cards and full colour Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $ 29.99 : UK £23.99 Visit: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/seasons-of-the-witch-winter-tarot

Quality box with shining blue highlights contains a full Tarot deck and guidebook which details how the four Seasons of the Witch Oracle decks and the four Seasons of the Witch Tarot decks came to be created. Here with the Winter Tarot, we have the season of rest, reflection, recuperation and transformation. The archetypes are ancient yet updated for the modern person living in today’s world. They remember the shadow self, the weaknesses and negativity that can ruin a life. So a question might be: What does my soul need to learn today? A One-card pull and three Six-card spreads are suggested. 

Witchcraft - David Salisbury

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Deep Heart of Witchcraft - Expanding the Core of Magickal Practice by David Salisbury Published by Moon Books 251 pages £12.99 

David Salisbury comes from a place of being – from having lived the forces that he writes about, from interacting with them on a daily basis in his life. I was very impressed when I glanced at the table of contents, and the very “simple” manner in which this book is organized – the five elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit), the Gods, Deep Ritual In Witchcraft, Spinning the Wheel, and Putting it all together.

Tarot Cards of Modern Goddesses

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Tarot Cards of Modern Goddesses by Cecilia Lattari, artwork by Petra Braun. Drawer pull box containing set of 78 cards and full colour guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. UK £19.99 

Sample Card: Crone of Cups “The Crone of Cups is she who has full control of her emotions. She has lived a lot and now knows how to control that which has destabilised her in the past. She can be someone who doesn’t show what they feel because her gazes are forward-looking, broad and rational. Often she represents people who have roles that listen and care, such as psycho psychologists, doctors and healers. She prefers not to show her vulnerability, but knows well that this too can be a great strength. Here, Yemaya is the water of a lake, calm, with the defined borders, reflected in the sky.”

These cards are dedicated to goddesses and help with female empowerment in each goddess myth, archetype and ancient divinity. All celebrate the fearless spirit of women. Multi cultural card deck with figurative artwork featuring women in all kinds of lively and colourful roles. suits are Wands, Swords, And Pentacles, with Court Cards titled Page (child), Knight (adolescent), Queen (woman) and King (crone). Each King is shown as a Crone, a goddess of complete wisdom. Each Major Arcana card is associated with a classical goddess plus a woman of our time, the Minors are ordinary but inspirational women, made divine through skill, work, or other contribution. 

Earth & Bone Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Earth & Bone Oracle - Honour the Concepts of Rebirth and Transformation by Sirian Shadow. Boxed set of 42 cards and full colour guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing, Nov 2023 £18.99 

Natural cycles and the seasons of life are reflected in this Gothic style deck. As we each possess dualities of light and dark, positive and negative times in our life, kind and cruel, this deck focuses on balancing the energies, revealing shadows and healing through empowerment, change, and renewal. The deck reminded me of the death and transformation, endings and beginnings card in the Tarot. 

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!