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. 

Rose Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card deck review: Rose Tarot by Nigel Jackson. Magnetic presentation box containing a set of 78 tarot cards and full colour instruction book. Card size 2.75 x 4.5 inches. Published by Llewellyn Publications. US: $32 : U.K. £26

Every prayer brings an Angel into being and using this deck for consultations is described as bringing the ‘Angel of the Rose Tarot’ into being! 

Truth-v-illusion; being-v-appearances; knowledge-v-illusion; reality-v-trickery! These are cards that “trace the journey towards spiritual reintegration!” 

The Secret Legacy of Jesus and Mary Magdalene

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Jesus Mary Joseph - The Secret Legacy of Jesus and Mary Magdalene by Ariadne Green published by Palm Leaf Press, 316 pages £10.80

'The truth is not hard to kill and a lie well told is immortal' Mark Twain

In the sixth century, Pope Gregory manipulated information provided in the New Testament about the life of Jesus of Nazareth, and he accused Mary Magdalene of being a prostitute! He also changed the role of Jesus and the message of his mission. This book explains that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and had children, and they travelled from Judea to Egypt and then to Gaul and to Britain. This is a well researched book which provides detailed information and new material of considerable interest. I sensed whilst reading it, a peace and tranquility, and a beauty that the author, Ariadne Green, imparts to the reader. Green has a background in Educational Psychology, with a thesis in the Philosophy of Psychology, focussing on consciousness studies. She is also a dream expert who devoted ten years to producing this particular book, including a visit to places in the Middle East associated with the life of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.

The Wife of Jesus

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Wife of Jesus - Ancient Texts and Modern Scandals by Anthony Le Donne

Would an itinerant preacher have the responsibilities of a wife and children one wonders, especially as Jesus provoked ire from the powerful Jewish elite! The Essenes were celibate, and John, the cousin of Jesus, an ascetic, may have been an Essene. Maybe Jesus was too! There is question whether The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife is a forgery! Was Jesus married and if so, to whom? This is the subject of this study and unlike many sensationalised and lucrative accounts, it is dealt with in an academic manner by a scholar of Jesus and the time in which he lived, and with an open mind and without an agenda! It is written in a chatty and easy, modern style. 

Magdalene Oracle Cards

Mind Body Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Magdalene Oracle - An Ocean of Eternal Love by Toni Carmine Salerno, published by Blue Angel Publishing, 45 cards in a boxed set with instruction booklet. £17.99

Mary Magdalene is presented through the modern artwork and text of Toni Carmine Salerno, with figurative and some abstract paintings. Mary Magdalene is the bearer of infinite love and timeless wisdom and the deck can be used for personal guidance or for simple readings. For each card, a 150 word reading is supplied. 

Text description and meaning of the cards follows: 

Mary Magdalene, Beloved Disciple

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Mary Magdalene, Beloved Disciple by Clysta Kinstler, published by Cygnus Books, paperback 320 pages £9.95

The late Clysta Kinstler taught Women's Studies, Humanities and the Philosophy of Religion at American River College, Sacramento, California and is also the author of "Moon Under Her Feet', a biblical account of the myth of Isis and Osiris, and Inanna and Dumuzi and a connection of Mary and Jesus to the ancient stories. 

In this novel, 'Mary Magdalene, Beloved Disciple', the perspective is again in this Middle Eastern 'goddess' culture genre that is woven into the Jewish biblical narrative. Written from the perspective of Mary, as though it is her 'gospel' as the divine feminine spouse of Jesus, her story is one of love struggling against the forces of evil that beset their lives. As the goddess representative on Earth, Mary, a tower to her people, she is strong, capable, caring and sincere. With quotes from Dante's Inferno, the Old and New Testament, Bhaghavad Gita, and other sources, the topic is fleshed out into a highly readable, enjoyable and moving storyline. 

The Church of Mary Magdalene

Mind Body Soul Ezine Book Review: The Church of Mary Magdalene - The Sacred Feminine and the Treasures of Rennes-le-Chateau by Jean Markale

This book examines the connection between the Templars, the Cathars, and the enigmas of the Rennes-le-Chateau area of France, and its connection to the legends of Mary Magdalene. Does the church hold the answers to the questions that seekers ask about who Mary Magdalene was? Was she ever there? Was she married to Jesus? Did she have children? Was she a High Priestess who anointed the Priest King into his spiritual destiny? Etc. These questions are answered in the text along with the mystery of a newly appointed priest in 1885 and the unusual behaviour and strange building work that occurred during his tenure. Did he discover something valuable while renovating the church, from Roman, Templar, Cathar, or other group?  

The Wisdom of Mary Magdalene Cards

Mind Body Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Wisdom of Mary Magdalene Inspiration Cards by Sharon Hooper and Susun Luvit published by Sanctuary Publications, Boxed set of 36 cards plus instruction booklet.

These 36 card images are taken from classical paintings, some well known, others rarer, and depict Mary Magdalene in her roles as described in The Gnostic Gospel of Mary, The Gospel of Thomas and other texts related to her roles as the the archetype of an ever unconditional loving Divine Feminine. "If Mary Magdalene were alive today, what teaching would she give to you to address your concerns? Can you recognise love in your life? How would she uplife and guide you in your life?" 

Each card carries a message from ancient texts. 

My favourite Mary Magdalene card deck! Review by Wendy Stokes  https://wendystokes.co.uk

The Quest for Mary Magdalene

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Quest for Mary Magdalene - History & Legend by Michael Haag

Extract:  “A woman who needed to earn an income could extend her domestic activities into the marketplace where she could sell clothing, farm produce and bread (the bakers were men)or she could be an innkeeper, letting out rooms in her house. Hairdressers, midwives, and professional mourners were traditional occupations for women. But a woman’s earnings were for the benefit of her family. She was not free to dispose of her money herself.

Secrets of Mary Magdalene

Mind Body Soul Ezine Book Review: Secrets of Mary Magdalene - A Guide to Her Story, History and Heresy anthology edited by Dan Bernstein & Arne de Keijzer, published by Orion Books, kindle and paperback, 480 pages £6.99 With colour plates.  www.secretsofmarymagdalene.com.

“The Untold Story of a History’s Most Misunderstood Woman!’ Well, certainly there is nothing in the New Testament to suggest that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, so how did this malign story develop, and who was the real Mary Magdalene and what do we know about her?

Missing Family of Jesus

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Missing Family of Jesus - An Inconvenient Truth - How the Church erased Jesus's brothers and sisters from history By Tobias Churton, 242 pages, £16.99 published by Watkins Publishing.

"The only thing worth contending for is the truth"

In recent years, more evidence has come to light about the extended family of Jesus. We learn about their names and their role in his mission. In this book Jesus was not an only child of a single mother! 

The Magdalene Legacy

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Magdalene Legacy - The Jesus and Mary Bloodline Conspiracy by Laurence Gardner, with colour plates, published by Element Books, Hardback and paperback: 416 pages.

This is an exploration of Mary Magdalene by the late art historian and genealogist, Laurence Gardner. He tells us of the duff stuff in the book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ by Dan Brown, and he exposes the scam of The Priory of Sion. He provides information about the French Connection, the anointing, the Nazarenes, Templars, the House of Judah, Mary and Martha at Bethany, explains who the three Marys were, Joseph of Arimathea, the Fisher King, Qumran, Sarah-Salome, the Sangreal, the Jerusalem Temple, Chartres Cathedral, the Ark of the Covenant, the Atbash Code, the messianic lineage, Leonardo da Vinci, Sophia, the Gospels, Simon Zealotes, Sts. Peter and Paul, the Old Testament, including the revelations of the names of the persons who wrote St John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelations, and he explains his take that ‘bread’ mentioned in the Lord’s Prayer was a ‘powder of projection’ that was manufactured by Karnak priests, and was the foundation of the Davidic dynasty (not what you might think but something rather incredible). And you will never believe what Joseph and Joseph of Arimathea did for a living! There are short chapters on Arthur, the Grail Castle, and the Last Supper! Revelations and more revelations, including many pages of genealogy. From Martin Malachi: “Only those of the bloodline of Jesus through his mother qualify for the designation of ‘desposyni’.” 

There is an in depth study of the days of the trial and crucifixion, grail tables and the Merovingians.

The Healing Wisdom of Mary Magdalene

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Healing Wisdom of Mary Magdalene - Esoteric Secrets of the Fourth Gospel by Jack Angelo. Published by Bear & Co. RRP US $16.00 : Can 19.50

Taking as its sources, the Gospel of John, the Gnostic Gospels the fragments of text that comprise the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, we read that she was a gifted visionary and spiritual teacher and was intended to lead the Jerusalem group following the death of Jeshua, a Jewish shaman prophet, but was prevented by the male authority figures who were also the Disciples of Jesus. Jack Angelo, a Welsh writer and now healer, had personal contact with Mary Magdalene, who he refers to as Maryam, hearing her voice and being able to speak with her. The book is his memoir of the insights which endorse the importance of this obscure teaching, and brings about healing and transformation. 

A glossary and suggestions for further reading are included. 

Magdalene's Lost Legacy

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Magdalene's Lost Legacy - Symbolic Numbers and the Sacred Union in Christianity by Margaret Starbird, Published by Bear & Co, paperback and kindle. 

Patriarchy has failed us for millennia! The author, Margaret Starbird has written 7 books on the topic of Mary Magdalene’s role in the life of Jesus and has studied original Greek manuscripts to decode embedded gematria (numbers) within the New Testament texts. She has uncovered hidden aspects of the divine feminine, and the sacred partnership between Jesus and his bride, that was the earliest of Christian spiritual relationships. This secret wisdom was corrupted by St Paul and other misogynistic Church fathers. This sacred marriage of the Lamb and the Bride unites the divine aspects of the male and female, known as the 'heiros gamos'.  Margaret Starbird challenges the celibacy of Jesus replacing it with a union with Mary Magdalene that restores the female to its rightful place as bride, beloved and sacred partner, and provides a true understanding of love and commitment. 

Secrets of Mary Magdalene

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Secrets of Mary Magdalene -A Guide to Her Story, History and Heresy by Dan Burstein and Arne de Keijzer. 

The life of Mary Magdalene is examined by the experts, with contributions from Elaine Pagels, Margaret Starbird, Merlin Stone and a host of other writers and researchers throughout all time. Each provides from their perspective who this enigmatic woman was, what do we know about her from the canonical gospels and the many other traditions that describe her as a provider, lover, outcast, harlot, wife, teacher, priestess, healer, apostle to the apostles, and in poetry, painting, fact and fiction. This book has it all! 

It is my favourite book about the Magdalene. It''s brilliant! Easy to read, with broad, fascinating, often new and exciting content. Recommended. 

Magdalene Manifestation Cards

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Magdalene Manifestation Cards - Create Abundance through Love by Danielle Rama Hoffman, published by Bear & Co (22/6/2023) US:$30.00 CAN$37.50 UK£20.99 

The sturdy magnetic lid box holds 44 cards and the accompanying guidebook. Hoffman is also the author of The Temples of Light, The Council of Light and The Tablets of Light. 

Each Magdalene Manifestation Card has a computerised design, a title, a subtitle, and a short message of 15 words. For example, the first card in the deck is titled “Yummy Money and is first of the Resource Codes. The subtitle is Thriving Mission and the message is ‘Money is designed to champion your mission. Let money do things for you and watch your mission thrive.” Others in the Resource Codes are titled: Sublime Time, Divine Relationships, and Radiant Energy’.”

The concept of this deck is to replace lack based consciousness with abundance and prosperity. The guidebook is extensive and the text provides a 10 word quote for each card, a 200 word message and a 400 word Application. The guidebook opens with a dedication from the author and the Magdalene Midwives, and we have lots of information about developing a higher dimensional collective intelligence, harnessing your co-creational power, deepening your Magdalene Manifestation Practice, assisting your ascension, and making intimate connections with Source and learning about Holograms. Your multi-dimensionality will expedite manifestation even while you sleep! 

The Angel Guide Oracle

The Angel Guide Oracle by Kyle Gray with artwork by Jennifer Hawkyard, published by Hay House, Boxed set of 44 cards and Guidebook. US: $19.99 CAN: $25.99 UK: £15.99

Text from the inside box: Thank you, angels, for reminding me of your presence and for revealing to me what I need to know. I am willing to listen and receive. And so it is! 

Angels record our life and evolution. They are extensions of divine love and are messengers from God. When we connect to angels, we connect to God. They want to guide and protect us and send us messages, signs and reminders of our true and highest aspirations. We all have a guardian angel to guide us and who knows us intimately because they were created especially for us. 

Anamchara Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Anamchara Oracle - Be guided by your loving soul companion. By Saorsa Sionnach. Boxed set with 44 cards and full colour Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $24.95 : UK £18.99 (published 11th April 2024)

The word, anamchara means soul friend, spirit advisor and invisible confident. Love is the universal language and the deck focuses on kindness, peace, and contentment, providing good advice with caring intention. The front of the box and sides are gold embossed and the cards have gold leafed edges. The Guidebook has an excellent introduction to the focus of the oracle, about the Celtic culture, and our connection to others. It is well written with information on how to use the cards and self development. Mana is the golden lion, and Gabriel is the lighthouse in all storms. Due to the child-like images, I am recommending this oracle as a gift of love, and close friendship for young people, though the text is not immature. 

Daily Intentions Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Daily Intentions Oracle  - Wisdom From Your Higher Self by Jackie Morgan. Boxed set of 36 cards and Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $24.95  : UK £18.99 

Sample: Belonging. Affirmation - I call soulful relationships into my life. Are you longing to feel you have a soul family? Do the people around you not hold the same values you hold? Why not find new people who match your enthusiasm and lust for life? Are the people around you now the people you always hoped for? Thank those who are in your corner. Call  more nourishing individuals to help you hit new heights. Ritual: If you’re feeling lost and lonely, this is a very common feeling. Be gentle with yourself and breathe in the knowledge that the relationships you’ve been waiting for are nearby. What can you do to call them in? Maybe you are feeling vulnerable. Put this aside and be more adventuorous. Begin attending events that are aligned with your interests and strike up conversations with new people. Join an art group or even connect with someone from your past, who is living a life that you find interesting or inspiring. Could you go online and find a group that loves the same things you have been passionate about? Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable to be vulnerable and strike up a friendship, but this is your time to find those who can add to your life!

Auset Egyptian Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Auset Egyptian Oracle Cards - Ancient Egyptian Divination and Alchemy Cards by Elizabeth Jensen, illustrated by Marie Klement (pastels on canson paper) . Published by Rockpool Press. Boxed set of 44 cards and instruction book. Card Size: 5.5" x 3.75" 

The book gives information on how to prepare to give a reading, to shuffle, pray to an Egyptian deity, and lay out the cards in spreads, for a one, three or seven card reading.
Each card provides a hand painted image, a number, a title, and a subtitle that relates to the energy of the card. The book provides further information on the card energies and meanings and includes channelled messages. More information on abundance, love, work, travel, health, family and future are included. 

Oracle of the Roses

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Oracle of the Roses - Blessings to Support Your Heart and Soul by Cheralyn Darcey. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing on 13/3/2022 size: 10cm x 14cm. £17.99 

“But he that dares not grasp the thorn. should never crave the rose.” Anne Bronte

The deck’s creator is an Australian florist, organic gardener, ethnobotanist, and has more than a dozen other botanical titles already published. She has a regular popular radio show “At Home with the Gardening Gang”.The very beautiful paintings are in the public domain.

Sample Card: The Ancestor - Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata) The beginning, the ending, the space between worlds is the place to find the essence of what it is to be you, and where you might find answers that better align with the core of your beliefs. This may be an ending, but in all completions comes the chance to set forth once again. This is an indication or affirmation that your intuitive feelings are leading you in the right direction. The Ancestor leaves the gifts of their experience in the DNA of time for us to discover and work with, so that we in turn may leave something of worth, a thin layer of our truth and view.