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’.

Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot Deck

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot Deck by Matt Hughes, published by US Games Systems Inc. 80 cards and instruction booklet in pack.

"A tool for meditation, inner reflection and divination."

Two extra major arcana cards have been added to the traditional tarot deck. These are The Well and The Artist. These two cards reflect the personal journey of Matt Hughes.

The faces of every card carry gold embossing which provides the deck with a very glamorous beauty and this special aspect adds an interesting ingredient to the readings. Each card carries a simple yet beautiful coloured drawing in soft pastel colours presented in a gold frame. The artist is self taught, and the cards have an Art Nouveau/Pre Raphelite and Symbolist energy, similar to The Age of Illustration. 

Moonology Manifestation Oracle Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Moonology Manifestation Oracle Cards by Yasmin Boland. Published by Hay House. Boxed set of cards and guidebook. Oct 2021 £17.99 

Opening up the doors! Relax, focus, believe, open and step up. 

The Moon is the magical queen of the sky, po served for 15,000 years. It is our ally when it comes to manifestation. We create our life with our feelings, thought and actions. It’s all about mind set - not moon set! There are no easy fixes! Complex questions are raised here. Here the Moon is female.

Angels and Ancestors

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards by Kyle Gray with artwork by Lily Moses, boxed set of 55 cards and guidebook, published by Hay House £13.19

The guidebook contains all the information required to conduct a reading for self or others, including how to read the cards, create a bridge between this and the Otherworld, reversed card readings and what to avoid. A message of kindness and balance is given from archetypes that uplift, inform, guide and inspire. The deck is divided into sections with symbols, seasons, ancestral wisdom keepers and international guardians, with information about each and a short and more extended message.

Celtic Goddesses, Witches, and Queens Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine: Celtic Goddesses, Witches, and Queens Oracle by Danu Forest, and illustrated by Dan Goodfellow. Boxed set of 40 cards and Guidebook. Published by Schiffer Books. $29.99 ISBN: 978-0-7643-6700-7 

Expect a council of wise and powerful women from pre-Christian, Celtic cultures! Warriors, elders, lovers, and queens from Northern Europe, the islands of Britain and Ireland are featured in this delightful deck with excellent artwork and equally good write-ups on each card. We are connected to the cards through our own challenges and trials, with nature, home, sovereignty, death, healing, courage, fortitude, etc., being just some topics. We learn about background lore, the meaning and purpose, the mystery and history of these 40 powerful females, such as Brigid, Cerridwen, Danu, Epona, Macha, the Morrigan, Nimue, and some rarer female energies. 

Medieval Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Medieval Tarot by Guido Ziborde Marchesi, pack of 78 cards by Lo Scarabeo in the Total Tarot Course Collection, numbers 50 and 51

The beauty of medieval fine art and computer graphics takes us back to the Middle Ages when moral virtues and spiritual qualities, sensitivity, deep perceptions, the nobles of the royal court, clergy, courtiers, battles, Crusaders, theological and philosophical discussions are all present alongside daily lives and beliefs. 

This is a classic deck, created in 2005, but a fascinating deck to provide new perspectives. Guido Ziborde Marchesi has produced a masterful deck. He also produced The Giotto Tarot. O will be de,ight Ed by the artwork and get some rather wonderful readings from this deck. 

Pre-Raphelite Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Pre-Raphelite Tarot by Luigi Da Costa published by Lo Scarabeo

The inspiration for this deck comes from the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, who were an artistic group who signed the paintings with the initials PRB, and had as their emphasis “ Beauty as the defined essence intrinsic in every aspect of creation.” Here we see the divine embodied in nature, in romance, and in the mystique of this beautiful and enchanting Tarot deck. 

Star Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Star Tarot (2nd edition)  - Your Path to Self  Discovery through Cosmic Symbolism by Cathy McClelland published by Red Feather, Qaulity boxed set of 78 cards plus guidebook. £33.99 Card size: 5” x 3”. 

Quality package, as one expects from the prestigious Red Feather imprint of Schiffer Publishing. A magnetic flip top box reveals a substantial book with foreword by Mary K Greer giving her endorsement to this fine deck of Tarot. The card artwork is laced with interesting symbolism, painted by the author who has had a long interest in symbolism, nature, the mysteries of life and beyond. There are no reversed meaning offered. The 22 Majors are introduced as the Fool’s Journey, and the discovery of the multiple layers of the self, towards integrating and balancing the conscious with the spiritual, bringing ultimate union with the Divine. The 56 Minors explore strengths, talents, gifts and resources, your daily dramas are all available to explore, and will help you to discover your true self and your life purpose. 

Celtic Tree Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: The Celtic Tree Oracle - A System of Divination by Liz and Colin Murray, illustrated by Vanessa Card. Pack includes a Hardback book with instructions and advice and divinatory meanings, plus cards, size 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size plus a writing pad to record information about your readings, in addition to a record sheet for 13 card readings and instructions about the Ogham alphabet, tree lore and Celtic traditions. 

Dreams of Gaia Tarot Review

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

To Seek, to Feel, to Grow, to Heal! 

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

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

The Secret History of Christmas Baking

The Secret History of Christmas Baking - Recipes and Stories from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys by Linda Raedisch, ISBN 978-0-7387-7235-6, RRP $17:99. Published by Llewellyn Publications. (8 Sept, 2023)

This is a magical exploration of the sometimes dark and always intriguing history of some of our most beloved baked Christmas treats. Many have surprising origins with many twists and turns in their development into the festive delights that we enjoy today. 

The 300 pages of this book are delightfully crammed with recipes, and also crafts! Good old fashioned wholesome crafts like making your own Christmas star shaped cookie tray or a paper angel! Homemade marzipan and how to make your own candied peel to name just a selection of treats. All the instructions are easy to follow and offer the relevant historical information of each.

Gathered from all over Europe and sometimes dipping into the ancient exotic cultures of Persia, Arabia, and Egypt, Linda Raedisch delivers everything you need to get you in the mood for the season. Written with wit and passion, it is an unexpected page turner. 

 

Elemental Tarot for Kids

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine: Elemental Tarot for Kids by Rayne Storm, published by Red Feather, Quality Box of 71 cards, card size: 5” x 3.5”. 

Renamed cards to represent Majors using words like Transformation, Balance, etc. The Minors are Earth (Green), Water (Purple), Air (Yellow), Fire (Red) also with simple titles. 

There are simple explanations and practice for kids who want to play with their first set of divination cards. In the box are several cards that provide information as follows: “Set up, ask a question, shuffle, layout, read, apply intuition, record the reading: Tarot is the art of reading a story laid out in the cards. Messages are hidden to give advice and guidance. Whatever could happen has not happened yet, so it can be changed to a good outcome with forethought, discussion and good advice. Never accept money or gifts for a reading; Only use the cards for entertainment; Never say that anything bad will happen!”

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.

Earth Warriors Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Reviews: Earth Warriors Oracle - Rise of the Soul Tribe of Sacred Guardians and Inspired Visionaries by Alana Fairchild. Artwork by Isabel Bryna. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing. £17.99

Each card provides an ornate painting with female faces, big cats, birds, butterflies, moon phases, skulls, wings and plants. The guidebook provides information about how to use the cards, a channelled message is provided for each card and an extensive spiritual guidance write-up. There is also a powerful healing ritual for each card. There is a 4 card 'Earth Mother Speaks', and a 4 card 'Life Purpose Adjustment with Divine Guidance' reading. There is also a one card 'Simple What Do I Most Need to Know' and a 4 card 'Divine Healing and Spiritual Guidance Session.

This deck is a life changer in my estimation. It suggests a new politics for the New Age and protectors are required to birth a new way of being. I like this presentation and model of spirituality that Alana presents within this deck of cards. Alana was a lawyer but prefers teaching spiritual values through her books, card decks, DVDs and CDs. She doesn't disappoint! 🌟 Recommended!

Mother Earth Mandala Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck: Mother Earth Mandala Oracle by Fanny Menardi. Published by US Games Systems Inc., box of 44 cards plus guidebook. U.K. £20 

The word mandala means, in Sanskrit, circle - one that is symbolically designed to represent the order of the cosmos and one where you can co-ordinate your own personal internal image of balance and harmony. In the Buddhist Mandala, the deity is within the centre and acts as a power source. One connects through the outer layers to the inner and out again as the deity's radiation affects all life around it. The cards have a wide range of motifs, such as sun, moon, butterfly, Inca, Egypt India and other symbolisms all with artwork using the pointellism style of multiple dots, giving the cards an Australian tribal art feel. You can use the cards to ask about your mission, integrity and authenticity or however you would like to, ask a question, such as What do I need to heal in this situation? Pick a card at random, lay out the entire deck face down and choose a card, or use a three-card past, present and future reading. The deck is intended to empower the individual in their spiritual journey and can be read for oneself or for another and is idea for a beginner with advice, guidance and inspiration. 

Tarot of the Old Path

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of the Old Path. Artwork by Sylvia Gainsford. Authored by Howard Rodway. 78 cards and instruction booklet in pack. Published by AGM Urania. £20 

A Handbook of Female Wisdom! The deck is designed for witches, initiates of Wicca and the Craft, also known as the Old Religion or Old Path. The detail of intricate designs, plant and animal artwork is excellent with plenty of action. Some of the major arcana cards have been given different titles, such as Mastery, The Wise One, The Lone Man, The Close, The Guide,Temptation, Illusion, and Karma. 

Sylvia Gainsford is a member of the Fellowship of Isis and the card images contain many leaves of plants. A coven of eight consultants contributed to the card descriptions, meanings, verse and symbols, and gave advice on astrological and elemental correspondences. A 10 card Celtic Cross spread is suggested. It is an attractive deck of cards. Not for a beginner because the booklet carries a few words leaving the insight with the reader to gain inspiration from the cards rather than the booklet.

Sacred Rebels Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Sacred Rebels Oracle - Guidance for Living a Unique & Authentic Life by Alana Fairchild with artwork by Autumn Skye Morrison, published by Blue Angel Publishing, £15.99 boxed set of 44 quality cards and guidebook. Author's website: http://alanafairchild.com

Each card has a number, a title and an image. In the guidebook detailed information on each card is provided with a healing process suggestion of an affirmation and a meditation and frequently a prayer. The artwork is excellent, as in the sample provided of an owl, peacock and raven that sit atop a web and a beaked skull as a grey haired woman relinquishes consciousness. Are her last thoughts about the needs of nature, as we shed our physical body, so many species face extinction.  

The Spirit Animal Oracle

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Reviews: The Spirit Animal Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid, Boxed set of 68 cards and guidebook, published by Hay House, U.K. £19.99 : US $29.99 : CAN $39.99 Card size: 6 “ x  4.5”

“The spirits residing in the natural world have much to share, and the secrets of their forgotten language are now available to us.”

The cards have a number, image, title and subtitle on the face and inside in the guidebook, there is a further 200 words of messages on upright cards and an addition 200 words of a protection message for each card that is reversed. 

Manga Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Manga Tarot by illustrator Anna Lazzarine and author, Riccardo Minetti. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

Stylish and glamorous graphic artwork accompanies this deck. Manga is a popular Japanese art form that is featured in magazines and novels and this has inspired this astonishing deck. You are instructed to find a quiet time to choose a card that reflects you. Then shuffle and randomly choose a second card that will hold the answer to your situation. It worked for me! 

Each card has 2 novel characteristics. The cards have a dominant colour that pertains to the seasons which are shown by a glyph. The colours are yellow (for chalices, water, emotions), blue (for swords, air, intellect), green (for pentacles, earth, nature) and pink (for wands, fire, personality). We have some instances where males can represent females and vice-versa. The Court cards are Prince, Princess, King and Queen in that order. The deck has a powerful female energy with some Majors retitled and moved to new places to reflect the greater power of the female. 

Shadow Light Cards

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Shadow Light Cards By Elk Woman and L Guescini, £9.99, Published by Mystic Mouse Publishing, 52 cards and a leaflet of 16 pages. 

This card deck is for personal use only, not to provide readings for other people. These square shaped 3 inch by 3 inch cards are designed to carry concepts to help the user attain 'unity' of consciousness. The cards are contained in an attractive mauve coloured pack which depicts a mandala with a skull design in the centre. The fronts of the cards have a larger skull design. Crystal skulls are extraordinary artworks carved from quartz crystal in ancient times and are said to evoke inspired feelings and thoughts within those who meditate upon them. Some think these skulls can also predict the future. 12 of these cards have a white face, these are the 'light cards'. They carry single positive words, such as 'empathy' 'solitude' responsibility' and 'judgement'. 40 of the cards have a black face and represent the 'shadow'. These have dual words in opposition to each other, such as 'awareness and delusion' 'creativity and career' 'experience and challenge' 'empowerment and victim'. These are designed to make us think, become aware and also provide caution.