Gilded Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review:

The Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti and Barbara Moore is a 78 card deck with a 64 page white instruction booklet in a front opening cardboard packet. It is published by Llewellyn Worldwide at £17.99 

Two very big names in the world of tarot, Marchetti and Moore, have combined their extensive skills in this very stylish deck. The setting is mediaeval; that sexy, candle lit era of wanton young ladies dressed in long silk gowns, and ravishing knights on chargers, dressed in equally beautiful brocades. This romantic styling is decorated with animals and birds, leafy bowers, Romanesque arches and twin pillars. Whilst working with the deck, the masquerade quality reminded me Cirque de Soleil performance titled ‘Kooza’ seen recently at the Royal Albert Hall. 

How To Save The Planet

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: How To Save The Planet - 10 Simple steps that can change the world by Luke Eastwood. RRP UK £6.95 : EU $7.95 : US $ 8.95 Published by Electric Publications. 

This small book is easy reading, and is packed with excellent information on how each of us can get involved in helping the next generations survive. It begins with us not waiting for the big guys to get on board. The author, Luke Eastwood is passionate about our planet. He is a qualified horticulturist and science graduate who has written many books and now is the editor of the magazine, Pagan Ireland. 

We are contributing to the destruction of our planet, yet we can take steps that - when joined with others doing the same - add up to a healthier planet. Less is more; it only means cutting down on unnecessary purchases, campaigning for change, and supporting those who also care about the future. 

This is a great little book that is concise, honest, realistic, convincing, easy to read and easy to follow its suggestions on creating a better world! Consumer pressure is the answer. Say no to greenwashing! 

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!

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. 

Nature's Whispers Cards

Nature's Whispers Oracle Cards are 50 attractive individual artworks by Josephine Wall, with guidebook text composed by Angela Hartfield. The cards are hard boxed with the guidebook which provides all necessary information: how to use the deck, clear the cards, and ask a question, shuffle and choose. The booklet also suggests a one card daily message, a 3 card reading of past, present and future, and a 4 card Relating Spread. Each of the cards is explained in approximately 50 words and carries a number and a title. As we live in a high tech world, we are estranged from the wisdom and beauty of nature and this deck suggests we can create opportunities to reconnect with it. Whispers of Love is a companion deck by the same artist and writer, also with 50 cards. 

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. 

Tree Wisdom Book Review

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Tree Wisdom - The Definitive Guidebook for the myth, folklore and healing power of Trees by Jacqueline Memory Paterson, 356 pages paperback published by Thorsons. 

"The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations" Book of Revelations

Written from a Celtic perspective, indigenous British trees are described. The author, a Glastonbury Archdruidess, and holder of a Bardic Chair of Avebury, died in 2004. She left this beautiful book with text written with great love and reverence. Hailing from North Devon, she appreciated trees as a young child. She senses them in a similar way to her ancestors, valueing, admiring and looking after them.

In today's world, we are disconnected from trees and nature in general and no longer understand or appreciate what trees offer us. This book helps us reconnect with the majesty, wonder  and beauty of the trees. We are invited to communicate with them and forge a relationship with them, getting to know their individual natures.

Enchanted Earth Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Enchanted Earth Oracle by Jessica Lahoud, illustrated by Amanda Clark. Quality flip top box containing 36 Cards and full colour Guidebook by Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $28.95 :UK £20.99 

Sample card from the Guidebook: 8 Forgive Keywords: Compassion, Healing, Forgiveness. “I allow compassion and forgiveness to flow through me.” This card invites you to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness. When you forgive, you do so for yourself and for others. You are standing at the threshold of healing, only blocked by your commitment to hold onto what wounds you. Don’t allow your heart to be hardened by the hurt you have sustained. Instead release the burdens, resentment and pain and open your heart to compassion for yourself as well as for whoever needs your forgiveness at this time. You may not always feel that someone is deserving of your forgiveness. This card serves to remind you that when you allow yourself to forgive and allow yourself to say “I won’t carry this pain anymore. I deserve to be free of this weight. It’s no longer mine to carry.” Be firm in your boundaries to prevent future pain, while releasing whatever binds you to that wound. Make space for peace within. With your heart open and your spirit brimming with love, you create space in your life with positive energy to flourish. Over time you’ll see your growth and you will blossom, free from the shadows of resentment.

Tarot of the Mermaids

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of the Mermaids by Mauro De Luca and Pietro Alligo. Pack of 78 cards and little white booklet. Published by Lo Scarabeo. RRP £25 

The original story of these wild and animalistic sea creatures is very ancient. In Babylonian times, the fish tailed deity, Oannes, lived in the sea during the night and came to land to teach writing, arts and sciences during the day. In Greek myths, mermaids were the children of the muse of tragedy and a shapeshifter. They were friends with Persephone when she was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld and the gods bestowed wings on the mermaids who were half women and half bird, each a mystery with double value, could make you drunk with pleasure or cause untold pain. They inhabited an island between Scylla and the home of the magician Circe. Seafarers wrecked their boats when they heard the mermaids sing. Ulysses plugged the sailors ears with wax and had himself tied to the ships mast when passing this island. Debra Khan was a Persian merman who gave false commands to helmsmen  during storms. During the Middle Ages, mermaids were long haired and naked sirens/seductresses, and were symbols of lust, and their sweet song supports the harmony of the stars. 

Divine Feminine Archangel Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Divine Feminine Archangel Oracle - Protection and Support from the Divine by Claire Stone. Boxed set of 44 cards and Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. June 2025. RRP Au $32.99 : US $24.95 : UK $18.99 

Sample Card - Archeia Haniel 6 Moon Magic. “Archeia Haniel, grace of the goddess, is the angel of the moon and the twin ray of Archangel Nathaniel. Among many things they can help you manifest abundance and understand the feminine cycles within nature. Crystals: moonstone, selenite and white howlight. You have an affinity with the moon, which is why Archeia Haniel is attracted to your luminous light. You are a priestess at  heart, a healer and lover of the natural world. Happy and contented in your own skin, you no longer seek reassurance from anybody as you have nothing to prove to the world. Archeia Haniel acknowledges you as an asset to the spiritual community. Continue illuminating the path for others by setting a shining example. Be a living testament to how spirituality enriches lives. If people turn to you for guidance, lead them gently. Allow them to discover their own insights as this is the true essence of a great spiritual teacher. Remember to recharge your batteries after providing a listening ear, otherwise your psychic insights could become distorted. Bask under the moonlight and ask Haniel to wrap you in her brilliant white light so your aura remains crystal clear. Additional meanings: you are sensitive to the phases of the moon and are a natural born healer, psychic and mystic. Join or create a sisterhood circle. Keep your next moves to yourself. Retreat inward. Track your menstrual cycle, if applicable. Actions: make a wish on the next new or full moon. Affirmation: by the power of the moon upon this night, I embrace feminine wisdom and glean insight.”

Temples of the Grail Book Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Temples of the Grail - The Search for the World's Greatest Relic by John Matthews and Gareth Knight, published by Llewellyn Publications, $24.99

Three medieval texts are freshly examined and given new and interesting perspectives by specialists, John Matthews, author of over 100 books on Arthur and Grail legends, and Gareth Knight, who has written over 50 books on Western mystery traditions, including that of Arthur and the Grail studies. 

This is no dry academic book but one that provides new depth perceptions into these ancient enigmas. This book majors on aspects of oral and written traditions of the Grail throughout the text, including the Grail Castle, the Grail Family, the Grail Hallows, the Grail Island, and the Grail King. Sections include: an examination of 

The Head of God

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Head of God - The Lost Treasure of the Templars by Keith Laidler PhD.

In the opening paragraph, the author misquotes the title of the Order, as ‘The Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon’. It seems a popular modern manipulation to cut out the most relevant part of their title, as templar knights were baptised and confirmed Christian, they recited the Apostles Creed, made Christian Confession, took Holy Communion, gave up their lands and family to fight unto death two thousand miles from home, and they received the Christian Last Rites upon their deathbed! They were the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ primarily, and also took vows of personal poverty, all wealth was owned by The Vatican.

The Sacred Cycles Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Sacred Cycles Oracle by Jill Pyle & Em Dewey. Illustrations by Jessie White. Boxed set of 50 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP US $21.99 : Can $28.99 : £14.99

Reminding us that our own health cycles are natural. There are greater natural pulses, such as night and day, the seasons, the moon and sun rhythms, and these are linked to animals and plants and all other species. All cycles are sacred and have great wisdom. We bless these cycles and honour them through our knowledge and recognition. 

Information is provided on how to use these cards that can be used alone or with other card decks. We can give a reading to friends or use them ourselves. Instead of choosing a card at random, I worked with choosing a suitable card that represented a current cycle. I suggest the cards are for women, maybe a young woman just finding out about her own cycles. 

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.

Finding Heaven Here

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Finding Heaven Here - By John C Robinson Paperback £9.99  240 pages  Published by O-Books Author’s Website: http://www.johnrobinson.org/

Dr John Robinson holds two doctorates, as an American interfaith minister and as a psychologist. In this book, he explains very simply, the complex subject of finding Heaven here on Earth. This is where psychology meets spirituality. The book allows the reader to touch what feels like the spiritual realms, if only for a moment. Heaven is a state of mind, and if we can spend time in this beautiful place, the trappings of the modern commercial world fade into the distance and are replaced with peace, contentment and appreciation.

The Ark Before Noah Review & Extract

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Ark Before Noah - Decoding the Story of the Flood by Irving Finkel. Available also as an ebook. 

There are many stories of a flood where humans and animals are saved in a boat by god’s grace. Many are  described in this book, the Hebrew, Gilgamesh, the Koran and others. But here we have a very special story of The Ark Tablet, told by Londoner, Irving Finkel PhD in Assyriology with a thesis in Babylonian Exorcist spells, a Curator at the prestigious British Museum and a world specialist in the ancient Mesopotamian language. When the oldest map in the world, 2,600 years old, is depicted on a clay tablet, and had a missing corner; Irving Finkel found the missing piece - on his birthday! 

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 the story immensely. It kicks off with investigation on the Hill of Tara and archaeological finds of a boy’s skeleton and fiance 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 sufficiently an amazing connection, an Egyptian boat was discovered in Yorkshire! The Kingdom of the Ark describes in detail, the 18th dynasty pharaohs, Amenophis III, and his heir Akhenaton, who brought about a new religion and art form, a new centre 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 the god Amun and instigated worship of the Aton, the building of the new city to the Aton and its terrible demise are all 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 Mountains today. From there, Scota and her people took a boat to Cadiz, known to the Phoenicians, and made their way along the River Ebro.