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!

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. 

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. 

The Fey Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Fey Tarot by by Riccardo Minetti and Artist, Mara Aghem Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

This is a fairy style tarot deck, where the enchantments of nature and human life meet. It is based on Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot but bring new creativity and meanings to the readings. The Major Arcana card of Death is depicted as a young fairy sitting with a chess board, looking straight at the reader because the White King is surrounded by Black Pawns. The White Pawn represents Hope is some distance away but behind her is the egg, symbol of rebirth. There is lots of action in these cards, with suggestions of what is happening to the Querent and possibilities for outcomes. 

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!  💘

Fairy Tale Fortune Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Fairy Tale Fortune Cards by Liz Dean. This is a deck of 36 'Lenormand' style cards which uniquely each reflect a symbol taken from popular fairy tales. The hard box with side opening holds quality cards neatly packaged, and contains an explanatory booklet, published by Cico Books. Artwork is by Bev Speight and is a very simple design which could almost be a block print. 

Cards carry a title and a simple subtitle with a direction of possible meaning. Six layouts are offered in the booklet along with instructions. You could choose a card a day for contemplation. The Master Method includes all 36 cards or you could choose a 'yes' or 'no' reading. The cards are designed for guidance, for yourself or a friend. 

Oracle of the Fairies

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: ORACLE OF THE FAIRIES,by Karen Kay with illustrations by Ginger Kelly, Boxed set of 44 cards with Guidebook,Published by Hay House,UK £14.99 US $19.99 CAN $25.99

“May you discover your fairy wings inside the sanctuary of your precious heart”

The fairies of these oracle cards are protectors of the environment and guardians of the planet and they possess ancient wisdom that you can tune into for insight and inspiration. Fairies have been created by the Divine Intelligence and are evolving as humans are. They like us to care for the natural world in which they live, to recycle, avoid chemicals and any kind of pollution. This deck will provide enjoyment for nature lovers and fairy believers and all the 44 cards carry positive messages. The card illustrations are of long haired girls and slim young women, dressed in diaphanous gowns of soft pastel colours with rainbow coloured wings who sit in the dappled shade of a forest glade.

The Rose Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Rose Oracle by Rebecca Campbell, set of 44 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House US $26.99 : Can $35.99 : UK £22.99 (March 2022) 

“Unlock the mysteries of the rose, connect to the divine feminine, nature, beauty. May Her healing mysteries call you home to your true nature.”

The rose is an ancient symbol of love and perfection. It is known as the Queen of flowers. The cards call us to meet the Mother Rose, connect to the goddess, to beauty, and to nature. Its perfume, soft velvet petals and beauty have provided great joy across the generations and across many countries of the world. The cards help us to reconnect with the garden, the Earth, the divine feminine, with seasons and cycles. 

Mystical Healing Oracle Review

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Mystical Healing Oracle - Intuitive guidance to transform your soul by Inna Segal. Boxed set of 36 cards and full colour Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $26.95 : UK £19.99

Sample Card: Number 11. 

Examine Your integrity - stand strong in your convictions. Your “I” has been weakened, which means that you are vulnerable to other peoples influence. Only you can decide, through clear objective thinking and feelings, what is the best for you in the situation. Take the time to go within, to look at the bigger picture. Ask what are the long-term consequences of your decision. You are being asked to examine your personal integrity and make a stand for something that aligns with your strongest ideals. The choices you make now will not only impact your life but also your experience in the spiritual worlds and your future life. Even though you may feel that you are giving up a fantastic opportunity, be aware that new, potent possibilities are opening up and these possibilities will allow you to influence others in a truly positive manner, thereby creating ripples of goodness in the world.

The Wisdom of Trees

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Wisdom of Trees by Max Adams, hardback. Published by Head of Zeus Ltd. 

“If trees are not our teachers, we are at least their pupils. They have given us shelter, medicine, shade, food and fuel.”

Individual trees are profiled, trees in all seasons, their life cycle, and how they have assisted humanity since time began. We have details of their beauty and majesty, their individuality and their community, their variety and antiquity. All information is included with poetry and artistry. Excellent drawings and many inspiring quotes. 

Walking An Ancient Path

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Walking An Ancient Path - Rebirthing Goddess On Planet Earth By Karen Tate, published - 2008 Paperback- £11.99 / unavailable on Kindle 390 pages Author website: 
Rev Karen Tate is an ordained minister who conducts ‘rights of passage’ ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies. She is also the co-author of ‘Sacred Places of the Goddess – 108 Destinations’ and is eminently qualified, in this book, to suggest an alternate and transformational spirituality which honours the Goddess through connecting to the landscape and through discovering a way of being which involves prayer, peace, honouring and service. She is also Radio Show Host, a writer, a speaker and a workshop leader. She also conducts tours to sacred sites across the world.

Tree of Life Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tree of Life Oracle by Elaine Clayton. Boxed set of 30 cards and Guidebook. Published by Schiffer Books RRP US $24.99 

This is a cute bright yellow deck - all things tree related. Each card shows an image and a title, and in the guidebook, there is a number, title and subtitle, and a few keywords. These are followed by text that explains the meaning in 300 words that applies to both the tree and to YOU or the one you are reading for. 

In conclusion: “Standing tall, shining and thriving is your birthright. Growing more towards the light with each breath you take, through each life situation, you become more deeply wise. Finding yourself well rooted, yet flexible, you experience the seasons of life as they come, we cannot control what happens to us, but we can control and choose our response to what life brings. This is empowerment itself, to respond to life with strength and fortitude, no matter what the season. Use the Tree of Life Oracle to centre yourself and be reminded of your natural inheritance, which is to explore the meaning of life, as you live the days of your life. Live and celebrate your potential to learn, to expand, and to reach out to possibility and greatness.” From the guidebook. 

Earth Song Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Earth Song Oracle - Guidance and Wisdom from Mother Nature by Tarn Ellis. boxed set of 36 cards and Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing/ RRP £18.99 

Tarn Ellis provides advice and inspiration from nature in this modern oracle card deck. The box glints with red gold highlights and the cards are edged with the same red gold. 

Biographical information in the opening pages and how to use the oracle, such as pick a card at random when you need it or ask a question and pick a card. There are also useful spreads, such as the 3 card Timeline or the Five-Card Flower. Each card image offers a red earthy clay colour, a number, a title,  subtitle and short sentence of guidance. In the Guidebook, there is a 200 word ‘song’ of understanding of the energy of the card’s title, and a 200 word piece of advice. 

Bach Flower Inspirational Cards Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Bach Flower Inspirational Cards by Gianmarco Canapini with artwork by Antonella Castelli, published by Lo Scarabeo, 38 cards with booklet in English, Italian, Spanish, French and Dutch.

Quality box with flip magnetic lid contains individually created cards, 3.25 inches by 5.75 inches in size, with the instruction booklet. Explanation is provided about flower and tree essences which were devised by medical doctor, Edward Bach 100 years ago in the U.K., known as Bach Flower Remedies. He was influenced by homeopathy and personality profiling, and his remedies relate to twelve behavioural characteristics. A short biography about him and his work is supplied, with information on how to read the cards. 

Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Cards by Colette Baron-Reid. Boxed set of 52 cards and guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP UK £18.99 :US $24.99 : Can $33.99 

Sample card: 51 Truth. 

Truth in word and deed is required of you. As well as resonating with your own personal truth, it’s important now to also demand exacting truth from others. We must enquire “is this real?” “Am I hearing truth or is that a lie?” Am I speaking honestly, or am I lying and manipulating to get what I want?” Remember, even a white lie will cause your light to fade and you will lose power, not gain it. A lie is a very low vibration of the ego world, ruled by separation and limitation. It a seduction by the lower world and serves no-one but the forces of darkness. This card reminds you to remain in the light of truth, even if it seems like a more difficult path. Truth will build a bridge across the chasm. Truth will lend you a magic wand of strength and integrity. Truth is freedom and provides blessings. 

Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue PhD Published by Hay House £13.99 for box of 44 cards plus explanatory booklet.

Always good quality card stock at Hay House. The deck is designed for divinatory use for oneself or for others. The cards are of excellent quality, the artwork is detailed and can stand the scrutiny of a jeweler's eyeglass. 44 popular Goddesses are profiled with their history and function and a channelled message from each. The book offers an alphabetical list of each of the goddesses, instructions on working with the cards, how to consecrate and store the cards, how to give a card reading (including the use of inverted cards), how to choose which goddess to work with and how to invoke the goddesses.

The Coming of the Holy Grail

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Coming of the Holy Grail - The Exact Location of Heaven's Treasure and the Promise of Retrieval by Claire Nahmad and Michael Revill, paperback, 341 pages, published by Cygnus. 

The text provides an investigation of the creation of the Grail, why it was stolen and why it has been kept secret, and by whom, where it is now, and how it is ready for exposure. From the Mary Magdalene church in the remote village of Rennes-Le-Chateau, Father Berenger Saunier, the priest, discovered the mountain retreat of the Chief Guardian of the Grail and the last of the Morovingian royal dynasty, King Dagobert II. He was kidnapped and held captive in Ireland in his youth due to his holy bloodline, and was eventually murdered by Pepin the Fat. The Grail was buried in the crypt of the church which was once King Dogobert's private chapel. During the Crusades, it was taken to the newly created Lincoln Cathedral, built on an ancient shine to Mary Magdalene in AD60. It was kept in the Lucy Tower - the Tower of Light - where Knights Templar were imprisoned and inscribed their fate on the walls.       

Queen Mab Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Queen Mab Oracle – Divine Wisdom from the Queen of the Fae, by Tess Whitehurst. Boxed set of 45 cards and guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing. July 2023  £19.99 ISBN: 9781922573773

 Channelled by the Rocky Mountains author, Tess Whitehurst, we peer deeply into the images, created by two illustrators, Melanie Delon and Cecilia G.F. The box has an attractive glint. The figurative images are female, young, slim and pretty, as one would expect from fairyland. Crowns, butterflies, flowers and the moon are suitable motifs. There are some multi-cultural images too. The principle colours are sombre russets, dark blues, browns and greys, so for me, this is an Autumnal card oracle. 

Secret Life of Trees

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Secret Life of Trees - How they live and why they matter By Colin Tudge, Published by Penguin £8.99 with b/w drawing illustrations.

A delight on every page! Amuse your friends on your walks with precious stories from across the world about these common and wonderful plants. Trees feature in fairy tales, biblical stories, ancestral research, local history, they keep all species alive, we could not survive without them, and they are with us from the cradle to the grave. This book will make you fall in love, whether flowering, cones, nuts, berries, this book is lyrical and evocative with astounding research. This is a labour of love for what others take for granted! A deep fascination for an extraordinary subject! Practical, wise, knowledgeable, and tackling one of the most important matters for our society. On the button Colin! You are a gift to our world.