Kingdom of the Ark

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review - Kingdom of the Ark - The Startling story of how the ancient British race is descended from the Pharaohs by Lorraine Evans 

I read this in hard back with the title depicted in gold! I enjoyed this book immensely. The book kicks off with investigation on the Hill of Tara and finds of a boy and fiancé beads that link a special necklace with Egypt at the time of the 18th dynasty pharaohs, and another found in Devon of very similar design. If this was not sufficient an amazing connection, an Egyptian boat was discovered in Yorkshire! The Kingdom of the Ark describes in detail, the 18th dynasty pharaohs, Amenophis III, his heir Akhenaton, his new religion and art form, his new centre at in Armarna, his wife, the beautiful Queen Nefertiti, and the exalted Scota (aka Mayati), their daughter and later his wife, who supplanted Nefertiti. What a time in history. It is a thrilling story of discovery, amazement and wonder! The conflict that destroyed Amun and instigated worship of the Aton, the building of the city to the Aton and its terrible demise by disappointment, plague or war are wonderfully described. 

Scota was promoted to Queen of Egypt but fled war, plague and the Amun priesthood and, as a late teenager, married a foreigner, maybe the Prince of Tyre. Trade between Egypt and Mycenae was established, but more interestingly amber, used as a principal mode of barter, had strong routes across Europe as long ago as 5,000 years ago. Into Algeria and through Morocco it is suggested, after many great difficulties, they travelled, maybe they left an image of the Aten Sun Disc on a mountain pass, and maybe left their DNA in the Berber like tribe known as the Tuareg, who still survive in the High Atlas today. From there, Scota and her people took a boat to Cadiz, known to the Phoenicians, and made their way along the River Ebro. 

Shaman Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Shaman Tarot by Massimiliano Filadoro, Sabrina Ariganello and Alessia Pastorello. Published by Lo Scarabeo.2010

The path of the shaman is to heal the world, care for other species, live in harmony with others, to see sacredness in water, stones, trees and all nature, and trance to travel the Otherworld for messages of wisdom and compassion. The time is right to be working with these energies! 

All Major and Minor cards have new titles, eg., Dance of the Sun, The Mother of the Worlds, The Hunter of Demons. Elements are are renamed: Drums are Earth Pentacles, Bows are Air Swords, Bones are Fire Wands, and Stones are Water Cups. There is a fifth element of spirit. Court cards are Shaman, Ally, Spirit Mother and Spirit Father. 

Barbieri Zodiac Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Barbieri Zodiac Oracle, published by Lo Scarabeo, text by Barbara Moore, artwork by Paolo Barbieri, 26 cards and information in multi lingual booklet. £14.99 

With emphases on the constellations, planets and elements, (and a house spread) this astrology deck is interesting and the artwork is very glamorous. All decks use synchronicity, and this deck emphasises its importance. The cards have exceptional individual artworks featuring exotic body art, extended rams' horns, slim young naked women and young men with muscles. The cards are given titles and a symbol. In the booklet, the cards also are given a number, an element, a key phrase, relevant dates and a short message. The cards are divided into fire, water, earth and air, and cardinal,  fixed and mutable energies. Information on how to use the cards and 5 techniques are provided. If you are looking for a sexy oracle deck, you will love this artwork. Though the booklet provides adequate information for each card, if you have knowledge of astrology, you can expand on the information provided about each card to make your readings individualised and more entertaining. I love Pauli’s artwork - first class!

Tarot Botticelli

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Golden Botticelli Tarot is published by Lo Scarabeo with images by the Italian Early Renaissance Florentine painter, Alessandro Filipepi known as Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510) with tarot artwork by A A Atanassov.

It is a most fabulous deck with 78 gold embossed and decorated card images that will delight all who see them. Included in the pack is a little white booklet in English and other European languages. There is a 7 card suggested spread titled The Star of Solomon with a sample reading. The lwb contains a few words on both upright and reversed meanings. The backs do not reveal whether the cards fall upright or reversed.

This is an opulent and glamorous tarot deck, one of Lo Scarabeo's specialities. When handling these cards, I feel a sense of reverence they carry power within their production. If this is your only deck, you will need no others! 

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 

The Crystal Spirit Talking Board

Mind Body & Soul Review: The Crystal Spirit Talking Board - A Spiritual Power Tool for Light Workers by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. Published by REDFeather Publishing. RRP US $34.99  UK £32.00

The box contains a fold up board (mat), a transparent acrylic indicator, and a guidebook with full instructions. Around the board 5 wheels of crystals, the moon, letters, words and numbers. Details are provided in the guidebook on how to use it. 

There are 15 master crystals, along with moon phases, numbers 0-9, 8 directions, letters, and words of power. These represent symbols with meaning and for, a grid of wisdom that provides answers within the guidebook. These stones are created through millions of years within Mother Earth, they hold great power to help us connect to our higher self. I visited my local gemstone shop to buy the required crystals, and these helped with readings, but the spirit board works well without real crystals.

John Bauer Tarot Review

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

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

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

Thelema Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Thelema Tarot by Renata Lechner and Jaymi Elford, published by Lo Scarabeo. Card size: 7cm x 12cm. 

These cards have no white border. The artwork is fantastic, enjoyable and highly stylised. They have a New Age and Renaissance style, with slimline pretty young females with long flowing hair and long flowing dresses, and romantic males, good looking and sexy! 

I think it appeals to a young set. The cards speak, each card will state 20 words about who they are and what they represent. Each image is evocative and could tell a story, but what story would it be? I think a fairy story! Contemporary re-interpretation, based on Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

The word ‘thelema’ originates in the Greek meaning ‘intention’. The insert is in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. A 6 pointed star on a soft green backing does not reveal which way the cards are laid. 

Tarot Lenormand

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot Lenormand by Ernest Fitzpatrick (2006) pack of 78 cards by Lo Scarabeo. 

Based on the Lenormand card deck, a oracle from nineteenth century France. named after the ‘the Sibyl of the Salons’ Madam Anne Marie Lenormand (1768-1843) of the French court, fortune teller to Napoleon, and his first wife, Empress Josephine. This deck has traditional Rider-Waite-Smith titles, except The World which is titled Man. Court Cards are Knave, Knight, Queen and King. Elements are Chalices, Wands, Pentacles and Swords. 

Ernest Fitzpatrick is the creator and artist also for The Harmonious Tarot. 

Inspiring images, beautifully portrayed in artwork. Alma de Angelus.

Whispers of Love Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Review: Whispers of Love Oracle Cards - for attracting more love into your life by Angela Hartfield with artwork by Josephine Wall. Published by Blue Angel Publishing. Pack of 50 cards and 72 page booklet. £13.99 Author website: www.angelahartfield.com   Artist website: www.josephinewall.co.uk
Each of the cards carries an image, number, title and simple positive message pertaining to love and caring. Based on the Law of Attraction, you can read the cards for yourself or another person. A card for daily reading is suggested or a 3 card spread for past, present and future or a four card 'relating' spread. 

The Sorcerers Tarot

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Sorcerers Tarot by Antonella Castelli by Lo Scarabeo 2005 

Good an evil are in an eternal battle! We must get the best from our reading and from our life. Neither positive nor negative magic equates to the soul of the querent. The reader encourages the querent to take responsibility for their life and to be courageous, wise and aware. Information in the cards can be good or bad as we make it. The magic enables us to build our own destiny. Willpower, intention, determination, and ability, these create the magic in your life! Magic deals with the human soul, it exists to transform the person spiritually, though we all want circumstances to be changed, this needs to happen by a change in ourselves - our actions reflect our character and spiritual qualities. Everything is related, all circumstances come together to create a whole - just one decision can have a knock on effect. 

Sibyls Oraculum

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Sibyls Oraculum - Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa by Tayannah Lee McQuillar, with artwork by Katelan V Foisy, Pack contains 44 cards and comprehensive information book. £16.99 published by Destiny Books

"There will be a coming of the day when that which is hidden shall be revealed" 

The Libyan Sibyl

The author, Tayannah Lee McQuillar is a cultural anthropologist, scholar of religion, esoterica and mysticism. She hails from New York but conducted her research in Brazil and New Orleans and has shown great expertise in her knowledge of divination from earliest antiquity in this North African study and uniquely developed card system. She is the author of  'Rootwork'.

Lo Scarabeo Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: 'Lo Scarabeo Tarot - The art of divining begins a new chapter' by Mark McElroy with artwork by Anna Lazzarini and published by Lo Scarabeo £17.99 

Lo Scarabeo are my favourite card deck publishers. These are  slim-line cards 4.70" x 2.60". If someone has only one deck, this is the one to have! It is a combination of three premier tarot decks: The Waite-Smith, the Thoth, and the Tarot de Marseilles, and is introduced by Lo Scarabeo as a "flagship" deck. It can be used for reflection and study or as a divination deck and the traditional meanings apply. It offers a flexible approach to divination suggesting the use of intuition though a good tarot book will be necessary for beginners as contained in the pack with the 78 cards is a little white instruction leaflet that gives just the card titles and two keywords, one for upright readings and one for reversed readings. A sample reading of the suggested 9 card 'Lo Scarabeo' spread is provided.

Raven’s Wand Oracle

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Raven’s Wand Oracle by Steven Hutton, published by US Games Systems Inc. £20.45 Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. Card size: 4” x 6”. 

A deck based on The Dark Raven Chronicles Trilogy storyline of witchcraft that imparts the Wisdom of the Ages. Valonia, an old sage, is head of the Wildwood Coven that hides from the Illuminati Knights in the hills of Northern England in the eighteenth century. Valonia is Keeper of the Wand - as black as a raven’s feather! Many in the Coven have specific duties and powers: Sunday Flowers for forgiveness and atonement, Evelyn Ashe for acceptance. The characters are wise yet humble, profound yet practical. There are twin dragons, Hethra Oak of Summer and Rilla Baldragon of Winter. They sleep and dream, and their dream creates the patterns of life. The witches kneel each day and touch the earth to listen to the heartbeat of the dragons. They send their hopes for love and peace within the dreams of The Twins. 

Dream Interpretation Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dream Interpretation Oracle Cards by Luigi Di Giammarino, Text by Pierluca Zizzi. Boxed set of 36 cards plus instruction book. Published by Lo Scarabeo £14.99 

The box is attractive with silver lettering. This deck is not for divination. You don’t ask questions and get answers. The cards help you to be more receptive to dream symbols, images and concepts. 

Information is provided in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Russian. 

A dream diary is recommended. Go over your dream, remember as much as you can of the physical and emotional aspects. Take the entire deck of cards and lay them out, faces up. Select the cards that best apply to your dream. Put the most relevant at the top and read from the book the keywords for those cards.

Entity Possession

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Entity Possession - Freeing the Energy Body of Negative Influences by Samuel Sagan MD published by Destiny Books, 200 pages. Author website:
http://www.clairvision.org/

This book details Dr Sagan's formulated method, described as the 'ISIS Technique' which is used for the identification and treatment of undesirable spirit based entities. Examples are given, and types of entities, fragments and cords are described. Information about Reincarnation is provided. Taoist, Indian, Jewish, and other religious movements are honoured. Dangers of entity possession are explained, such as accidents, miscarriage, abortion, shocks, drugs, surgery, etc., including losses, possessions, black magic, etc. Clearing and cleansing is described in detail and the book acts as an instruction manual. 

The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot by Louis Martinie and Sallie  Ann Glassman, published by Destiny Books. Quality presentation drawer pull box containing comorehensive instruction guidebook and 79 cards. US $35 : Can $42 

Sample card: Congo (Water) La Sirene. “ This is the card of the mermaid. While her realm is the ocean or world womb, her human qualities give her access to the mysteries of the land. She is the great bridge between those who inhabit the fathomless depths of the seas and the creatures of dry land. She is the water form of Erzulie and Agwe is her husband. In terms of Chesed she also acts as a connection or a bridge between Agwe and La Baleine, the whale.La Baleine moves freely along the ocean floor and is privy to their secrets. From her, La Sirene has much to tell Agwe.

La Sirene, as her name implies, is a loa responsible for the sake of songs of the Voodoo ceremony. These songs combine Music and the Word to generate the fascination that so strongly focus the attention of the Voodoo devotees. Here once more, La Sirene bridges two elements, music and the spoken word. 

Her card emphasises blue, which is her colour. the card of the mermaid. The whale shown swimming behind her is La Baleine, the great Mother of the Sea. La Sirene is companion to the whale and transmits the generative power of the oceans in the sphere of the emotions. She is a creature of two worlds, bridging the gap between the solid land and the ever shifting waters. Her primary attitude her primary attribute is emotional connection. Her power is that of empathy. 

Ancient Italian Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Ancient Italian Tarot.

This is a reproduction of a Marseilles style, ancient Italian decks by Carlo Della Rocca. It is highly ornate deck from the specialist publishers, Lo Scarabeo and is a joy to work with. The Major cards have Roman and Arabic numerals and the title of each Major card is in Latin. The Minor cards are Rods, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, with seasons allotted for each. They were once related to the lion, bull, eagle and man, and to the elements, fire, earth, air and water. All cards below 6 were removed from the deck. Court cards probably finally called 'coat' cards. Mediaeval monks used a system of memory training known as mnemonics, with pictures to aid recollection. The Romany word for card deck is 'tar' from Sanskrit 'taru'. Eliphas Levy considered the tarot and Cabala were related. Papua, a doctor of medicine, published Tarot of the Bohemians, and he considered the major arcana to be a spiritual journey through ups and downs of life. A superb deck! 

Golden Art Nouveau Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Golden Art Nouveau Tarot by Giulia F Massaglia. Artwork by Pietro Alligo. Published by Lo Scarabeo.

This is a very elegant luxury Tarot card deck production with golden engraved style embossing on the card images. It is based on the Rider Waite Tarot deck but I think it is of greater beauty and has a more modern influence. The Art Nouveau style was a late Victorian school of art that featured elegant swirls. It had great artistic merit and is very sought after. 

All cards are individually illustrated and are easy to read. The deck is suitable for all levels, and for any client who appreciates being offered a ‘classy’ looking tarot card reading. Glamorous! Fab, fab, fab! 

The Total Tarot Course Collection profiles this card deck in its monthly packs, part 1 visit: https://totaltarotcollection.com

Gems Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Gems Oracle Cards by Bianca Luna, 32 cards published by Lo Scarabeo. £15.99 cards and booklet in English and 6 other languages. Information on how to read the cards, each gemstone has a profile with a title, number, astrology symbol, chakra and yoga asana. Also included with each card is a 30 word message, ideas for meditations with suitable questions, and the general energy of the gemstone. Excellent card stock. Cards are arranged in element suits of fire, water, earth, air. Also included are use for a talisman and ritual for charging the cards. A suggested spread for a 4 card Treasure Chest. I found this deck precise, and it condenses a great deal of information into the space available. A pleasant surprise! 

Sample card reading: Tiger's Eye is a number 10 and shows the sign of Jupiter and links to the ajna chakra. No man is an island - or woman either! Sometimes we find ourselves in a complex world, and to live happily we must co-operate peacefully with others, help them, understand them, and sometimes challenge them when they make mistakes. The tiger's eye helps us to be far-seeing into the future and helps us with accuracy. It gives us idealism and love of humanity, and ensures our actions are purposeful, clear and caring.

Celtic Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Celtic Tarot by Kristoffer Hughes with illustrations by Chris Down, Quality presentation boxed set of 78 cards with accompanying full colour book published by Llewellyn Publications. Cost: £22.34

This deck is designed to connect the tarot with Celtic folklore and therefore embrace the power and magic of Celtic mysteries through the medium of the tarot cards.The book includes a brief history of tarot cards and explains who the Celtic peoples were and what their mysteries entailed. Also how to work with tarot. The Kabbalah is included. Trees were important and are included as a device within readings. The major arcana is divided into three parts from the roots to trunk and then branches.

The Major cards have an image, number and title, a text of explanation for each card, a divinatory meaning and a reversed meaning. There are also keywords and a legend written from the perspective of the card itself as though a channelled message.

Land Healing Book Review

Mind Body & Soul Book Review: Land Healing - Physical, Metaphysical, and Ritual Practices for Healing the Earth by Dana O’Driscoll. Published by REDFeather Publishing. RRP US $19.99  

This is a workbook for all lovers of the land. It is transformative, and when healing the land, we heal ourselves. For healers, who want to increase their healing activity and extend it to nature. Whether you live in the countryside, town or city, this is an excellent book to increase awareness with deep listening and careful observing. 

For many years, spirituality has mean many things to many people; but spirituality is now being defined by working with nature, our enjoyment of it, and the ways in which we care for it. In this book, there is excellent food for thought, meditations, blessings, rituals, sigils, visualisations, knowledge of sacred timing, herbcraft, guardianship of holy space, creating sacred items, such as a fire ceremony, a Crane Bag, smoke and prayer bundles, seed balls, and a sacred grove. 

Tarot of Pagan Cats

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of Pagan Cats By Magdelina Messina. Published by Lo Scarabeo.

Artist and creator, Magdelina Messina has created this deck for pagans, cat lovers or both! Light hearted, the deck holds wisdom and the beauty of the artwork is a joy to work with. I noticed how like cats humans are, they express emotions, thoughts and physical awareness well and we can learn a lot from them. 

Who is Lola Airaghi? 

African American Tarot Review

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: African American Tarot - The legendary cultural identity of the Afro-Americans. Written by Jamal R with artwork by Thomas Davis, 78 cards with instruction leaflet. Published by Lo Scarabeo. Cards plus instruction insert.

The little white booklet is written in five languages (English, Italian, French, German, Spanish). The cards tell of a creation story with key concepts about traditions and associations. Each painting is traditionally African, but many cards have a smaller monochrome image of modern life and work, providing two levels of reading. There are many African animals, including rare species, beautifully produced. The artwork is original, enjoyable and stimulating. 

The Visual I Ching

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Visual I Ching - A New Approach to the Ancient Chinese Oracle, Boxed set of Cards and guidebook by Oliver Perrottet, published by Brockhampton Press

In the distant past, the sages of China designed a system to enable understanding that life, so full of challenges and changes, is an interaction of two opposition forces, described as Yin and Yang. These are shown as a circle , half light and half dark, with a dot of light within the dark and a dot of dark within the light. These are portrayed not only as opposing and interacting energies, but the mutual attraction between them. In writing, these are shown as a broken line for Yang and an unbroken line for Yin. A series of 6 lines is called a ‘hexagram’. 

The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards - Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux. A drawer pull presentation box containing 50 cards and information book. Published by Destiny Books. US: $34.95 : Can: $42.95 : UK: £26.77 Card size: 12cm x 8cm. 

‘Walk in balance with Mother Earth and all her inhabitants’.

Created to honour authentic traditions, with Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer as the consultant, this deck offers understanding of indigenous tribal heritage, healing and wisdom. The deck is divided into three sections: Wakan Tanka, the 16 Great Mysteries, the 8 Supernaturals, and 25 Elements of the Sweat Lodge purification ceremony which are designed for personal development. Included in the book is a loving dedication in the introduction, a poem, the Song of the Black Tail Deer, the Lodge Wheel, information about spirits, planets, elements, and knowledge of the Great Spirit that resembles all created life. 

Celtic Healing Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Celtic Healing Oracle by Rosemarie Anderson, Boxed set of 64 cards plus guidebook. Boxed set of 64 cards and guidebook. Published by Destiny Books. RRP US $19.99 : Can $24.99 : UK £16.99

Sample: No 11 Lap Dog - Hound of the Goddess. Intimacy with Self. Invoking Loving Attention. The hound of the goddess conveys gentle companionship to the inmost hopes and promptings of the human spirit. Unlike the hound of Hell, in Mediterranean mythology, the Celtic hound is kind and helpful, sitting at the goddess’s feet, resting in her lap, gazing adoringly at her, and nursing from her breasts. The lap dog brings comfort, and loving attention to our emotional and spiritual natures. Now is the greatest and auspicious time to replenish yourself. Old deep wounds are soothed and resolved without trauma, or even conscious attention. Harmful patterns and habits dissolve effortlessly. If you choose this card, you are attracting the benevolent spiritual forces of the spirit world to transform your life from within. Troublesome relationships transform themselves in healthy and beneficial ways. Drawing this card suggests that the spirit world is working to support you. Positive changes are moving within you. You only have to let the changes occur naturally. You are asked to trust. The natural cycle of death and regeneration are working quietly on your behalf. Avoid excessive activity. Try not to do too much overthinking, or wallowing in your troubles or planning the rest of your life! 

The Phoenix Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Phoenix Cards  - Reading & Interpreting Past-Life Influences with the Phoenix Deck by Susan Sheppard. Presentation boxed set of 28 cards and instruction book. Published by Destiny Books. Card size: 14cm x 6cm. 

This divination deck is different to the usual oracle deck. Each card represents a different specialised symbol (letter). Cards are placed together to create a past life reading. The book explains how to use the cards, and there is an introduction to the topic of past lives with a creative meditation to open up the way to understanding past lives. In addition to the number and image on each card, there is a short keyphrase of 6 words and 8 categories with explanations of the Symbol, Place, Time, Groups, Language Groups, Appearance, Traits and Conclusions of each card. 

 

Templar Sanctuaries in North America

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Templar Sanctuaries in North America - Sacred Bloodlines and Secret Treasures by William F Mann, Foreword by Scott F Wolter. Published by Destiny Books, 419 pages Paperback: £14.99 Also available in Kindle format.

The Tantric Dakini Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Tantric Dakini Oracle by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger. Published by Destiny Books. 65 Cards and instruction book in quality drawer pull presentation box. US $35 : Can $39.99

“Look into the mirror of your mind - The home of the Secret Dakini.”

The sandstone Ranipur Jharial Temple in Sambalpur region of India dates from the 8th century when it was an initiation centre. It has 64 statues of the Dakini goddesses surrounding an inner court space where there is a statue of Shiva dancing. These are the inspiration for this oracle deck. 

The Dakinis are aspects of archetypal energies. They is a comparison with the Tarot and a parallel as the 22 Dakinis relate to the 22 cards of the Tarot’s Major Arcana. The further 40 cards in the Tantric Dakini Oracle relate to the Tarot’s pip cards. This deck has 4 elemental suits of 10 cards, and 3 Time Cards that represent the Past, Present and Future. 

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.

Sex Shamans

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Sex Shamans - True Stories of Sacred Sexuality and Awakening. Published by Destiny Books. b/w illustrations and photos. RRP US $19.99 : Can $24.99 

How to reach higher consciousness through sexuality! A great subject for a book! Many different experts have contributed and their short biography is provided. KamalaDevi McClure is the Editor. In addition, there are chapters by Bruce Lyon, Lin Holmquist, Laurie Handlers, Dr Deborah Taj Anapol, Ohad Pele Ezrahi, Dawn Cherie Ezrahi, Stephanie Phillips, Patrik Otterman, Sean O’Foolain, Ria Bloom, Raffaello Manacorda, Ellie Wilde, Stephen Soulove, Crystal Dawn Morris, Matooka MoonBear, Janine Ma-Ree, and Baba Dez Nichols. 

Topics are the initiation into the art of love, how to make love for all ages, storytelling, meditation, poetry. The text is supportive, enjoyable and interesting. 

The Wandering Star Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Wandering Star Tarot written and illustrated by Cat Pierce. Boxed set of 80 cards and guidebook. Published by Hay House. Nov 2021UK: £22

“Gather Knowledge. Love deeply. Soak in joy.”

Sample: 3 of Cups: The air is positively crackling with possibility! Pleasures, flirtations, and frovoloty beckon. They beg you to indulge a bit – to leave cars behind, laugh, heartily, and enjoy the lighthearted energy that is costing through you. You have worked hard and been very diligent, and you deserve a moment of fun. Seek out friends and family members, who are light and easy and help raise your vibration. Avoid and put up a boundary against people who drain your precious life for us. This is the time to emerge. The bear is positively crackling with possibility! Pleasures, flirtations, and for Valatie Beaconsfield. They beg you to indulge a bit – to leave cars behind, laugh, heartily, and enjoy the lighthearted energy that is costing through you. You have worked hard and been very diligent, and you deserve a moment of fun. Seek out friends and family members, who are light and easy and help raise your vibration. Avoid and put up a boundary against people who drain your precious life for us. This is the time to energise and soak in an abundance of earthly delights… So be careful not to overindulge! Too much of a good thing can also text the spirit. A day without laughter is a day wasted.

Messages from the Spirits of Nature Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Messages from the Spirits of Nature Oracle by Dr Steven D Farmer. published by Hay House. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. UK £14.99 : US $22.99 : Can $29.99

Sample Card: 36 Snake : Shedding. In many belief systems and mythologies, the snake is seen as a living representation of the duality of good and evil, as a deity, the soul of life, the gateway to the heavens, a healing force, or an embodiment of the underworld. Once such example is the caduceus, an emblem with two snakes intertwined around a pole. Several times a year, snakes shed their skin in one continuous piece. The body grows, but the skin does not, and a new layer was generated, while the old is discarded like clothes that no longer fit. The process takes a few days, during which it’s important that the snake is not disturbed. Unlike the dragonfly butterfly, there is no physical transformation from the shedding just a bigger snake and a larger skin. It’s an inevitable transition for you, and one where you will still be you, yet with a greater sense of purpose, and a willingness to continue changing as each new era in your life presents itself. Though some struggle, you must trust the process, a bigger self will emerge. 

The Tree of Life Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Tree of Life Oracle by David Wells. Published,I shed by Hay House. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. RRP UK £14.99 : US $22.99 : Can $29.99

Sample card 19th Path: Strength/Lust Defending the weak, peacekeeping, sincerity.  

Here you’re confronted with your own shadow. Examine the stories you have told yourself about your life. Confront them. Be courageous and self-assured. Strength isn’t always loud. There are conditions in your life that are no longer serving you. A bitter cup is offered in these circumstances. The first sip is the regrets, but as you drink deeper, it turns into a honeyed elixir. You have removed your distasteful pride, and found what makes life sweeter. You may also find someone who needs support, perhaps defending them or lifting them up through your encouraging words and actions. Be a defender of those in need and ask what you can do to help. It may be making a donation of time, company, money, etc., you feed your soul. 

The Priestess of Light Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Priestess of Light Oracle by Sandra Anne Taylor & Kimberly Webber. Boxed set of 53 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP UK £16.99 : US $21.99 : Can $28.99 

Sample Card: 44 Harvest - Gathering of Blessings. The Priestess of the Harvest gazes at an ear of corn, with great reverence and appreciation for the sustenance provided by the soil, a sacred blessing from Mother Earth. There is a project where you devoted much effort, and you are about to reap the rewards. You have planted, nurtured and will reap the fruits of your labour. What work is yet to be done? Consider  the best course of action and make that a priority. Remember to notice how cause-and-effect work in your life. Even as you are harvesting, the blessings of past actions, you are planting the seeds of future outcomes. Ready yourself for your harvest, also know that your thanks and gratitude for the gifts will seed the energetic fields with even more joyous results. Affirmation, I worked joyously on my achievements and goals and I continue to plant, and to nourish my future. I appreciate all the support and sustenance that the universe offers me. 

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.

Eros Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Eros Oracle - 

'He loves me, He loves me not' is created by by Laura Tuan. 

The secrets and symbols of The Eros Oracle offer a key to sexuality and describes facets of love - not all hunky dory as we know! It is obviously created for women and comes in a pack of 32 cards, an explanatory booklet (as well as a little white book of five European languages) with information about how to bless the cards with a rose and candle, red hot chillies, red pepper grains and Rose Quartz. There are three suits with different coloured borders. The cards have titles, such as malice, ecstasy, possess, dominion, caress, arousal, play, jealousy and guilt. There is much beauty about the artwork which is glamourous and tasteful, and has sensitive reproductions of the female in various states of undress. It is mischievous and flirtatious, titilating and teasing. 

The Green World Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Green World Oracle by Kathleen Jenks. Art by Sandra Stanton. Presentation box set of 33 cards and Guidebook. Published by Schiffer Books. RRP US $39.99 : UK £26.00

In the extensive Guidebook, we are given for each card, a number, a title, a quote, a painting and notes from the artist. Then the deep dive begins for each card with The Mythic World, a delicious, poetical and magical write up, nourishing, and vast in its understanding, The Botany/History describes more about the particular plant and its healing and health abilities. Then comes The Reading. When you know all about the card chosen, then you give the reading. Upright and Reversed positions are detailed. 

The deck is dedicated to the Earth’s trees and plants and the humans who seek wisdom. Taking its titles from trees and the natural world, we find a bible of ancient and natural law. 

Wisdom of the Elders Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review:  Wisdom of the Elders Oracle by Shawn Leonard, Published by Hay House. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. RRP UK £14.99 : US$21.99 : Can $28.99 

Sample card: 29 Sacred Journey Transformation. Butterfly teaches us that we are on a sacred journey. We have a unique and individual path, with distinct challenges. Sometimes we must struggle, but in the end, we achieve spiritual growth. Butterfly will change and evolve, and will be beautiful because of that transformation. This is symbolic of the sacred journey where we gain immeasurable levels of wisdom and knowledge. The gift we earn through the hardships are that we become more spiritual. What can you gain from this lesson? What can you learn from this experience?  Changes are inevitable. Embrace the teachings of butterfly and transform effortlessly. Take note of the cycles and patterns. Are you currently in an egg stage, possibly giving birth to some new area of life? A caterpillar phase, requiring a major decision to be made? Are you presently wrapped in a cocoon nurturing and developing the changes taking place? Or have you reached your metamorphosis where you are being called to break out of your shell and show the world your true self?

The Shaman’s Dream Oracle Reviews

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Shaman’s Dream Oracle, a collaboration between Alberto Villoldo and Colette Baron-Reid, illustrated by Jena DellaGrottaglia, published by Hay House. RRP UK £18.99 : US $29.99 Can $39.99 Boxed set of 64 cards and guidebook. 

Sample card! Covenant. Number 7. Commitment to a sacred contract and the greater good is required now. This covenant is an insurance agreement that needs to be renewed or cancelled or torn up. It is an opportunity that is full of promise, but can you sign and seal the deal and commit to it? The contract has been elevated to a sacred covenant which must be founded on truth. Not your truth, or anyone else’s truth, but objective truth which is a greater truth that takes the destiny of all into account. The covenant is not about your agenda, and spirit is invited to come to the table as guarantor. You must assess what you sign up to. Your integrity must not be compromised. You must be transparent, honest and fair. Nothing hidden from view. State your commitment and purpose witnessed by spirit. 

Tarot and the Gates of Light

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Tarot and the Gates of Light - A Kabbalistic Path to Liberation by Mark Horn, paperback, 530 pages published by Destiny Books.

This is a workbook to assist the student to gain enlightenment through an ancient Kabbalistic cleansing ritual known as ‘Counting the Omer’. This practice traditionally began at Passover and continued for 49 days to Shavuot or what many know as Pentecost or Whit (white) Sunday. Tarot cards are used here - b/w drawings of the Rider Waite deck are provided within the text, in this newly designed method, which incorporates Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim texts and has therefore, an ecumenical base that does not exclude anyone of these religions, or none.

The Storyteller’s Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Storyteller’s Tarot by David Pasquale. Boxed set of 78 cards and Guidebook. RRP £18.99 Published by Hay House

Sample card! Five of Coins - The Snake. Legend tells us that the snake had four legs but it attacked humans. The Jade Emperor gave a command to cut them off. The snake made amends, and gave his body to traditional medicine after he died. He was then rewarded with a place in the zodiac. Snakes are determined creatures, private and reticent. Snakes are wise, but easily stressed and require their own space and time. Upright: adversity, and worry, misfortune, isolation. Reversed: spiritual poverty, recovering from financial loss, isolation. This card can mean that financial loss is currently a reality or  important in your life has been lost, a job, a home or financial stability. You may be wondering when help is going to arrive, but you must ask. 

California based David Pasquale is a character designer in the animation industry and his characters are highly individual and enjoyable to work with. 

Secrets of the Ancestors Oracle

Psychic News Magazine Oracle Card Deck Review: Secrets of the Ancestors Oracle by Abiola Abrams. Boxed set of 43 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP £17.99 (12^th March 2024)

“You are made with the legacy of love. You are stardust. You are a library. You are a sacred heir to the queendom of the Divine.”

From the inside box cover: Whether or not you know your ancestors - they know you. Spirit was our first ancestor. 

Abiola explains that we have been given a blessed assignment by our ancestors to evolve our consciousness, awaken our life purpose and clarify our truths. This Oracle helps us to do this by connecting to spirit guardians, guides and ascended masters who reveal this assignment and assist us with its undertaking. These ancestors can intercede with the Divine on our behalf to help us along this spiritual path. Our ancestors have prayed for us to connect with them and wish to show us our sacred inheritance and help us to deepen our wisdom. Our ancestors might not be blood relatives. They can be community or cultural ancestors, and can also be animals and plants that are linked to the land and which help with our healing and empowerment. One day, we will be an ancestral spirit and can start today with this responsibility. 

Secrets of the Ancestors Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Secrets of the Ancestors Oracle - Connecting to Your Family Lineage, Exploring Modern Ancestral Veneration, and Revealing Divine Guidance Cards by Abiola Abrams. Boxed set of 45 cards and guidebook. Published by Hay House. Launch March 2024 

“You are made with the legacy of love. You are stardust. You are a library. You are a sacred heir to the queendom of the Divine.” From the inside box cover: Whether or not you know your ancestors - they know you. Spirit was our first ancestor. 

We have been given a blessed assignment by our ancestors to evolve our consciousness, awaken our life purpose and clarify our truths, and this Oracle helps us to do this by connecting to spirit guardians, guides and ascended masters who reveal this assignment and assist us with its undertaking. These ancestors can intercede with the Divine on our behalf to help us along this spiritual path. Our ancestors have prayed for us to connect with them and wish to show us our sacred inheritance and help us to deepen our wisdom. Our ancestors might not be blood relatives. They can be community or cultural ancestors, and can also be animals and plants that are linked to the land and which help with our healing and empowerment. One day, we will be an ancestral spirit and can start today with this responsibility. 

The Enchanted Love Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Card Deck Review: The Enchanted Love Tarot  - The Lover’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Relating by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. Published by Red Feather. Boxed set of 78 cards (12.5 cm x 7.5cm) and guidebook. US $34.99 : U.K. £22.68  Visit:  https://www.theenchantedworld.net/

A beautiful romantic tapestry collection of 78 works of needlecraft art by Amy Zerner feature in this card deck of love, written by her loving husband and business partner, Monte Farber. Both are tarot experts who have produced excellent decks, such as the Enchanted Tarot, that is one of my all time favourites. This deck offers insightful and timeless spiritual advice on how to find a soul mate, how to become a better lover, how to improve relationships in general by caring and forgiving. The first part of any relationship is to know ourselves, and to get in touch with the divine within ourselves, the part that admits to mistakes, solves relationship problems with the best intentions for both parties, involves mutual decision making, making each other our priority, and become the person that God wants us to be.