The Goddess Casts the Runes

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Goddess Casts the Runes - Divination & Wisdom of the Earth Mother by Anu Dudley. Published by Destiny Books. RRP US $16.99 : Can $21.50

A Sacred Planet Book. 

Information on each rune is detailed, along with personal stories from the author, their original female Havamal origin, and how the Elder Futhark runes are cast and read from the perspective of earth based, feminist style goddess ethics and wisdom. Each of the 24 runes is explained individually. They are divided into three sections of Maiden, Mother and Crone. with The Maiden Arc of Birthrights, the Mother Arc of Challenges, and the Crone Arc of Relationships. 

Anyone working with this method of casting and reading the runes will grow closer to the Norse deities, and will grow in understanding of the energies that inspired the development of the runes. If you like runic energies, you will love this way of working with the goddess. 

Written by Anu Dudley, an ordained Pagan minister and retired history professor, you know this book will be an authority on the both the goddess and the runes, and the reclaiming of the runes for the goddess. She teaches courses: History of the Goddess, Paganism 101, and Ethical Magic, and she produces a radio show, Earthwise - Reflections on Earth-based Spirituality. 

Recommended. review by Wendy Stokes 

Ancient Goddess Magic

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Ancient Goddess Magic - Invoking the Queens of the Heavens by Vanessa Lavallee. Published by Destiny Books. £10.99 December 2025

The Canadian author, Vanessa Lavallee MA is an Anamist practitioner and ancient magic enthusiast. Her Masters thesis was in ancient religions and she is working towards a Doctorate in religious studies. She is immensely knowledgeable and yet, explains so simply, the book is very readable, and coming from this academic and expert on the subject, is deep and warm and trusted information. 

The chapters are divided into aspects of the goddess, as Creatrix, Warrior, Healer, Lady of the Sea, and there are additional chapters for rituals pertaining to astrology, and our legacy of celestial magic. Many beautiful images in black and white illustrate the pages. Goddess symbols are included and goddesses are detailed with their time of the seasons, with their principle message and power. There are quotes from texts that pertain to the energies. 

Elemental Goddess Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Elemental Goddess Oracle by Bronwyn Millar. Published by Bear & Co. Boxed set of 45 Cards and Guidebook. US $19.99 : Can $24.99 

No. 44- Goddess of Finding The Way: Hot water and cold water change form. Chinese Element Water. Western Element Fire. Superstition. Inner Direction. “What is there a time in your life when superstition or unfounded beliefs about yourself or the world? Diverted you from your true path and purpose? Have you mistrusted your authentic in a direction? Did you become bounded by a belief that walked your worldview? Maybe it was based on a taboo or myth, or religious zealotry. Have you ever wanted to do something unconventional that would challenge peoples ideas about women? Is there a prevailing belief in your community that isn’t based on fact? Is there something limiting your belief in your own incredible feminine power?How different would you be in the world if you allowed those limitations to fall away? What are new choices you would make? Acupoint diagram, instructions and extensive practice information. Affirmations: I am free to be me - in every way I want to be.” 

The Promethean Oracle

Mind Body and Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Promethean Oracle by Sophia Kelly Shultz and Mark Cogan. Published by REDFeather, £33.99  Boxed set of 50 cards (size 3” x 5”) plus information guidebook. 

"A road less travelled!" 

Hooray! There are so many card decks on the market that appeal to women. The Promethean Tarot has a masculine focus with powerful masculine energies, so it's ideal for male seekers and readers. 

Prometheus was the hero who stole fire from the Gods and brought it to humankind. With this deck, men can learn about themselves, not about their 'small' self, but about maturity and what they are capable of as individuals with great caring strengths and deep courage - the sort of men this world needs!

Couture Tarot

 

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Couture Tarot by Megan Skinner. Published by REDFeather, an imprint of Schiffer Books. $34.99 Available from 28.Nov 2025 Quality boxed set of 78 cards and full colour guidebook.. Nov 2025

A glamorous Tarot deck for your upmarket, fashionista readers and their clients who like their revelations coming with a classy brand. The stout square box has a magnetic closure and is a demure navy with gold detailing and carries a fly leaf of vintage Parisian and Hollywood style images. The tarot archetypes are portrayed in enjoyable colour and collage, cut from magazines, such as Harpers Bazaar and Queen! They are based on the Rider Waite Smith traditions. Court cards are Page, Knight, Queen and King, and the suits are Fire, Water, Earth and Air. 

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, this is ideal.  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. 

The Byzantine Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Byzantine Tarot by John Matthews with artwork by Cilla Conway. Boxed set of 78 cards (3” x 5”) plus guidebook. Published by REDFeather. £33.99

"Wisdom from an ancient empire!"

"O Imperial City, City fortified, City of the great King... Queen of the queen of cities, Song of Songs, Splendour of Splendours." Niketas Choniates, 13th Century.

The founding of Byzantium was 657BC and this deck has an extraordinary ability to give us a 'spirit of place' and transport us in a reading. The instruction book provides the history and myths of Byzantium through new titles of Major Arcana cards, such as Holy Fool, Magus, Sophia, Patriarch, Diabolos and Kosmos. For each Major card, the book provides an explanation of the symbolism in 50 words, the 'Tradition' text is 300 words and a divinatory text of 200 words. For the Monors and Court Cards, the information is the same - symbolism, 'tradition' and in a reading, but will less text, approx, 30, 100 and 100 words respectively. For every card there are 5 keywords for upright readings, and 5 keywords for reversed readings.

Tarot of the Moors

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of the Moors by Gina G Thies. Published by REDFeather, Boxed set of 78 cards plus guidebook, £28.99

Illustrated and created by Gina G Thies who is Editor and Columnist for Tarot Tips of the Tarot School. She is a member of American Tarot Association and Tarot Professionals. She is also the co-host of Oracle Soup podcasts and has produced Tarot for Pink, and Triumph of Life Tarot, and the book Tarot Coupling.  
 
For each of the Major Arcana cards, the information provided is the image, the numbers in Roman Numerals, a title, esoteric title, astrological, element, Hebrew letter, Path, other keywords and a Basic Interpretation of 50 words, for example: The Chariot, Esoteric Title: The Child of the Powers of the Waters, the Lord of Triumph of Light. Astrological: Cancer. Element, Cardinal Water. Hebrew Letter - Cheth. Path 18th House of Influx. Core Keywords, Victory, Success, Competition, Contest, Motivation. Basic Interpretation: Upright - You have the will and the want to achieve anything you set out to accomplish. Having the trust and confidence of peers and community. Finding enjoyment in racing or other high-risk activities. Reversed, Misuse of authority. Defeat. Lack of control and the absence of willpower.

The American Renaissance Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The American Renaissance Tarot by Thea Wirsching and illustrated by Celeste Pille, published by REDFeather (Schiffer Publishing) Quality presentation box of cards and book $34.99 

New myths from old stories! 

I was very impressed with the pack (pack = box, book and cards). The box masquerades as an old strong box/hardback book for your bookshelf! There is so much of value here in this ‘American time machine’ (1825- 1875) for the Tarot expert to get their teeth into! It is extensive, deep and meaningful! The cards are stylishly illustrated with interesting spins on Rider-Waite-Colman traditions. The Four Court Cards are Pioneer, Queen, King, and Missionary in that order, but the suits are traditional Cups, Wands Coins and Swords (the suit of swords was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe who is considered the ‘gatekeeper’ of the deck while Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered its Magician.  

I loved this Tarot deck where every card tells an important story from the past! I go on learning more and more and making greater connections, and it builds my ability to produce a good reading! More and more connections over time are revelations! If you want a Tarot with extra + + you will enjoy this one! America in the 1800s, with its Social, Esoteric, and Creative History, it’s a brilliant topic to align a Tarot deck with. However, this deck can be used by anyone from other countries because there is meaning and wisdom here within the seekers, scholars, reformers, revolutionaries, radicals, social justice advocates, and those others who created the soul of American life that we see today. You do not need to know anything about the Tarot as all is explained, and you don’t need to know about American literature either! 

The Kingdom Within Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card deck Review: The Kingdom Within Tarot by Juno Lucina and illustrations by Shannon ThornFeather Presentation box set of 78 Cards and Guidebook Published by Schiffer RRP £31.99

‘For behold, the kingdom of heaven is within you.’

The Major Arcana has traditional Tarot titles. King, Queen, Knight and Page of suits, Pentacles, Wands, Cups and Swords. Suggested spreads are: The Triangle and The Cross. Information on questioning the cards, with additional information about apportioning time. Reversed card information is provided, along with archetypes, seasons and celebrations, and Myers-Briggs personality comparisons. 

Each Major card has the usual number and title, with its astrological significance, meaning and keyword, the Element, its Kabbalistic path, and its Hebrew letter and translation. Added to this is an explanation of the artwork, the upright and reversed divinatory meaning, and ten key phrases. 

Alchemystic Woodcut Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Alchemystic Woodcut Tarot - Secret Wisdom of the Ages by D W Prudence, published by Red Feather. £33.99 Quality boxed set of 78 cards and guidebook. Card Size: 5” x 3.5”. 

Daniel W Prudence is known as Dwell With Prudence. He is a hypnotherapist with a background in esoteric topics, such as symbolism, alchemy, Kabbalah and Tarot. The deck has numerous quotes from the Judaeo-Christian Bible making the deck’s system religious in nature, and leaning towards Christianity.

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. 

The Grand Universal Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Grand Universal Tarot, by Bruno de Nys, published by REDFeather, an imprint of Schiffer Books. Boxed set of 78 cards and companion book. UK £27.99  : US $29.99 (28/12/2022)

These are brightly coloured cards with traditional images based on the Marseilles Tarot. Described as an ‘alphabet’ and language’, a ‘road map’, the Tarot is explained, with all aspects of our life covered, it warns, encourages, prompts and guides. 5 rules are important to remember - never impress a crowd with your Tarot readings. Do not use it to control others. Do not live your life based on a tarot reading - you are to remain in control of your life. Keep your readings simple and accessible. And do not assert but suggest! 

The Avalonian Oracle

THE AVALONIAN ORACLE - Spiritual Wisdom from the Holy Isle by Jhenah Telyndru and Illustrated by Emily Brunner. Boxed set containing cards and guidebook. ISBN: 978-0-7643-5058-0 Published by REDFeather Mind, Body, Spirit. Previously issued in 2010 as Avalon Within - A Sacred Journey of Myth, Mystery and Inner Wisdom 

Follow in the footsteps of the Priestesses of Avalon and the Goddesses of the Ancient Welsh pantheon. This is a deck for true seekers of mystery, shadow and light. All things Avalon have a very special place in my heart. I had a strong guide in Morgan Le Fay, and fell in love with Marion Zimmer Bradley’s book The Mists of Avalon. It was where I started my own "path" and remains at the heart of my spiritual life. So it truly is a divine privilege to review this deck.

After Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: After Tarot published by Lo Scarabeo

“The river of time is constantly flowing.”

The images of the traditional Tarot card deck, the Rider-Waite-Smith (Radiant Wise Tarot) are taken forward in time, and After Tarot images are what happens next. We have new characters with new situations, the artwork all in keeping with the original deck. Some examples, originally Fool walks near a cliff edge, in the After Tarot, he is hanging by his fingertips on the ledge, Hermit has a dog, Star bathes naked in the water, a woman appears in Moon card, Hanged Man has a female helper, Temperance has a dove, and there are similar alterations to the Minor Arcana. 

I enjoyed working with After Tarot. It fleshed out my readings and gives new inspiration!

Rota Mundi Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Rota Mundi Tarot  - The Rosicrucian Arcanum by Daniel E Loeb. Published by REDFeather/Schiffer Publishing. Presentation boxed set of 78 Cards and Guidebook. US: $34.99 and U.K.: £31.99 

Are you seeking a very special conceptual Tarot deck in order to deliver in depth, and extraordinary readings? This is it! 

This innovative deck honours the original Fraternity of the Rose Cross, subsequent Rosicrucians and invisible colleges. Alchemy, Gnosticism, hermeticism, Kabbalah, Judeo-Christian mysticism and other antique secret knowledge sources, known only to selected members of society are revealed.

How to Have a Beautiful Mind

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: How To Have a Beautiful Mind by Edward de Bono.

Excellent techniques for making you an enjoyable person to meet, get to know, to spend time with, in the short and ling term. How to argue without alienated your opponent, be fair, and let go of your ego and needing always to be right. How to be an interesting person, creative, enjoyable, kind! How to be a good listener, patient, interested, pleasant. The avoidance of being critical. How to be co-operative, containing your emotions, making choices, building a life purpose, expressing opinions, taking your turn, being fair to yourself, being constructive, dealing with boredom, finding other people interesting, having something new to say, dealing with anger, and so much more first class advice on how to lead a life that others will respect and admire. 

Eco-Spirituality

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Eco-Spirituality in the 21st Century - ReVisioning Nature, Community, and Connection by Dana O’Driscoll & Nate Summers. Published by REDFeather Publishing. US $19.99 : UK £18.99 : Kindle £10.99    October 2025

This is a quality book with glinting printing on the cover, the reader will be impressed by this excellent material written by two specialists in the area of ecology and how it relates to spirituality. We o-ao-author can all learn a lot from this presentation. Dana 0’Driscoll is an Anamist Druid, currently serving as Grand ArchDruid in the Ancient Order of Druids in America. She authored the book ‘Sacred Actions’ and she is a Permaculture Practitioner. Her co-author, Nate Summers is an ancestral skills teacher and survival expert , and he authored the book, ‘Primal’ and ‘Shadow Survival’. 

Tarot Gothica

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Tarot Gothica by Janne Koivuniemi published by Schiffer Publishing. US  $24.99 : UK  £16.99

“Light to lighter - darker to darker!”

78 card deck and a guidebook are contained in this black and blue magnetic box. This Tarot is fashion conscious, modern and unusual. It’s the young goths party tarot reading deck - and ideal for Halloween! Unusually, the card backs are obviously showing which way they have been dealt. I would think no reversal readings, only upright. 

Tarot in the Land of Mystereum

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot in the Land of Mystereum - An Imagination Primer by Jordan Hoggard. Presentation Boxed set of 78 cards and accompanying book. Published by Schiffer Publishing. US $34.99 : £31.99 Quality cards Size: 30cm x15cm with white border. 

 https://jordanhoggard.com/

All similar- each unique! 

The Land of Mystereum Tarot is presented in a smart magnetic box with ribbon drawer and it contains intensely colourful cards in an Avant-garde / Surrealistic leaning genre. I found the card images are complex and enigmatic with a slight overwhelm. The accompanying book contains detailed, elaborate and innovative text for each card. We are told to take a good look at a card image, then say what we are feeling out loud. These strange cards speak from individual characters within the Tarot but not in the usual manner. There are sections of information for each card for explanation and creativity. I am pleased to have an informative book to accompany this non conformist, unconventional concept deck, designed to “take our imagination to new heights and depths”. 

Inner Realms Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Inner Realms Tarot by Saleire, Presentation Box set of 78 Cards and Guidebook Published by Schiffer RRP £40.99

“Let the spirit move you, the cards guide you, and your heart deliver the message.”

Solid flip to box with magnetic closure and quality cards, approx 100 words of meaning provided for each card. On the face of each card is the traditional Tarot title, a modern art image and several keywords to assist with readings. We are invited to trust our interpretations as guidance to help our Querent move forward, with our senses, feelings, thoughts and emotions, but not to use the cards for fortune telling. We are not to pass on negative energies and no reversal meanings are provided as uprights say all there is to say. There is an area in the booklet for first impressions to be written. Meditation is recommended. 

Psychic News Mag

New Oracle Card Deck Release November 2025 Psychic News Magazine Review for October 2025 issue : 

Healing the Inner Child - A Transformative Quest, Boxed set of 44 Cards and Guidebook by Nina Mongendre, with artwork by EdieArt. Published by Hay House. RRP UK £17.99 : US $22.99 : Can $29.99 

What is the Inner Child? As children, there are times when we are upset, confused or afraid, and feelings of vulnerability, trauma and unmet needs are buried, but they still affect our adult emotions, beliefs, and thoughts. When we access these childhood memories, we can provide validation to the child we once were, resolving hardships with compassion, healing psychological wounds with understanding, supporting the crying child, and where there are negative patterns affecting adult life, inserting boundaries and more aware decisions making. 

"Your inner child holds the key to your wholeness as an adult.”

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. 

Elemental Goddess Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Elemental Goddess Oracle - A Sacred Planet Deck by Bronwyn Millar. Boxed set of 45 Cards and full colour Guidebook. Published by Bear & Co, imprint of Inner Traditions. RRP $19.99 : Can $24.99 

The text is channelled. We are emerging from the patriarchal age into the intuitive, feminine and transcendent age of mysticism and alignment, where greater balance will be created towards a kinder, more nurturing and supportive age. Spiritual awakening and healing will result. Kudos in the exercises.

Japanese Gods and Spirits Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Japanese Gods and Spirits Oracle by Makoto Akiyama, illustrated by Fumika Tanaka. Boxed set of 36 gold edged cards and full colour guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. UK: £19.99 Feb 2026 

With Buddhist Shinto and Japanese folklore beliefs, we have interesting write-ups and really marvellous artworks. All information on how to read the cards, is provided. Cards have a number, a title, concept and meaning. The introduction explains the energies of the cards, the extraordinary artwork, and the gods, sprites and deities involved. All is explained in the included guidebook, with how to use the cards, how to create interest and insight from the cards using One-Card and Three-Card spreads. 

Celtic Spirit Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Celtic Spirit Tarot - ancient wisdom for the elementals by Nicola McIntosh. Published by Rockpool Publishing. Quality boxed set of 92 cards and full colour guidebook with reading cloth. US $39.95 : UK £30.00  March 2022 

This is a luxury tarot deck. The box glints with gold Celtic knot design, and the cards are beautiful and extraordinary artwork with gold glinting edges. The full colour guidebook is very detailed and this is an excellent tart for all levels of readings. This deck does not disappoint. 

The Celtic Spirit Tarot is a delight. It i a simple as you would like, but has the option of numerology and  Ogham and Runic alphabets to add strength to readings should it be required. All the instructions are in the guidebook. spreads are: One-Card reading, Three-Card Reading, Four-Card Reading, a Celtic Cross Spread of 10 cards, and a Pentagram Spread of 6 or more cards.

Dream Wisdom Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dream Wisdom Oracle by Greg Mahr MD, and Heather Taylor Zimmerman MD. Magnetic box containing a set of 46 cards and guidebook. Published by Destiny Books imprint of Inner Traditions. UK : £23.99 1st January 2026

Written by two of the most qualified oracle designers, Dr Mahr, a psychiatrist and specialist in dreams, and Dr Zimmerman, a psychologist, trained in Jungian psychotherapy, and she is also a visionary artist. Both co-authored the book The Wisdom of Dreams’ that relates to this oracle deck. 

We have full explanation on how to use these cards, 4 methods are given. The deck consists of 6 cards of text that describe a method of Bringing Dreams to Life. Each of the other 40 cards are titled and numbered and carry an image. They focus on the traditional symbolism. In the accompanying book, we have excellent information on exploring our dreams, and the importance of dream work and how to use it for the best outcome. There are 12 steps to help us befriend our dreams and a chapter on Maintaining our connection to our dream life. 

Persephone Unveiled

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Persephone Unveiled - Seeing the Goddess & Freeing Your Soul by Charles Stein, 140 pages, Paperback RRP US $17.95 : Can $22.50 : £13.85 published by North Atlantic Books. 

A mythical and magical story of ancient rites and initiation is the subject of this extraordinary book, which is full of fascinating potentials and wonders. 

Beginning with Hesiod and the Homeric Hymn of Demeter, the abduction of her daughter Persephone, and into the underworld, here we have a wonderful explanation of this secret and ancient story of  with greater and lesser mysteries and divine revelations. (Were hallucinogen drugs used?) I very much enjoyed reading Dr Stein’s  words and considering the wonderful circumstances that took place 3,000 years ago. He is a poet who specialises in literature and ancient Greek and is very articulate and knowledgeable.  He has authored many books. 

The Mythic Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book review: The Mythic Tarot Workbook by Juliet Sharman-Burke.

      The author is  a psychotherapist who co-authored the tarot card deck of the same name. This book is intended for use with the Mythic Tarot cards and is intended to replace a workshop for deepening and widening knowledge through guided fantasy exercises for all 78 cards, meditations, and methods to help interpret the cards. There is also a suggestion for journaling and space is provided for this. There are pen line sketches of the Major Arcana for colouring. Information is provided on how to read the cards for yourself or for others. There are suggested spreads titled: Horoscope, Ten Card, Horseshoe, Triangle and Star.

Arthurian Myth & Legend

Mind Body & Soul Book Review: Arthurian Myth & Legend- A - Z of People and Places by Mike Dixon-Kennedy.

If your favourite topic is King Arthur and the Round Table, you will love this reference book on your book shelves and will refer to it often. As a result of 15 years of study and research, the author has compiled 2,000 entries here for you to learn more about this enigmatic subject. 

Some examples of nuggets of interest: Anfortas, the Grail King, was wounded in the scrotum during a jousting contest. Could his name be a corruption of Infirmtas - infirmity. 

In the battle between Arthur and his son Mordred, they came to the battlefield to make a truce, but one of the knights was bitten by a adder on the foot, pulled out his sword from its scabbard, and its steel glinting in the sun, caused the opposing side to draw their swords and begin the battle frenzy that resulted in Mordred’s death, and Arthur’s mortal wound. 

Celtic Book of the Dead

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Celtic Book of the Dead - An Oracle to Steer Your Life Journey by Caitlin Matthews and Danuta Mayer. Published by REDFeather, an imprint of Schiffer Books RRP £27.99 (release date: 28/1/2023)

“The three candles, that illuminate every darkness, are truth, nature and knowledge.”

 We are given a direction by the author, “May your immram make you glad in your soul, and may its blessing ripple through the world.”  If I had a criticism, it would be that the Lenormand size cards are somber in colouring, and computer graphics rather personal artworks, so I was a bit disappointed. There is a folded card insert in the box for a card spread - I would have preferred a larger sized, and more colourful deck of cards. 

Tarot Deck of Heroes

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot Deck of Heroes by Richard ShadowFox Boxed set of 78 cards and booklet published by Schiffer Publishing RRP £22.99 US $24.99

All that is needed is you, your question, such as “What obstacles might I find on my path”, and the cards. We are invited to shuffle the cards, place the deck face down and turn over the top card for a one card reading. Other spreads suggested are a 3 Card, a Celtic Cross of 10 Cards, and a Personality of 6 Cards. 

The card images are digitally produced and I would like to have seen them but the reproduction is far too dark and the artwork is obscured by impenetrable blackness! The video shows a preferable deck where the images can be seen. I don't think it would be unfair to say that the same muscle bound, bare chested man has been used for more than one photo. For this reason, I am not recommending these cards. Though the book text is 50-100 words of upright and for reversed cards, it is not that enlightening and has sometimes left me considerably confused as to its meaning. Though the deck is described as ‘romantic’, I couldn’t find the romance!

Sample reading: King of Cups

The Gorgon’s Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Gorgon’s Tarot by Dolores Fitchie. Published by Schiffer Publishing. US $45 : UK £39.99

Quality presentation box with magnetic closure and ribbon opens to 78 large round cards in black and white artwork, with one wild card, the Blind Gorgon, which has a splash of scarlet and is said to be obscured by the Sun. The size of the round cards means a different shuffle and dealing style, but it’s ok! The cards are like plates to lay out, but ideal to point out motifs to the Querent within the surrealistic artwork. There are several animals, such as horses, cats, snakes, even leopards, and flowers, trees, stars and delicate patterns. The theme is upbeat and young, the energy positive and quirky. It is, I would say, ‘female-centric’. Joyous and good for a celebration! I really liked this deck!

The guidebook begins with the story of the Gorgon. The Minors are Cups, Pentacles, Wands and Swords; the Court Cards are Pages, Knights, Queens and Kings. The guidebook provides an additional subtitle for Majors, a 200 word meaning alongside the traditional meaning and reversals. 

Falnama

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Falnama - Turkish Oracle Cards by Asli and Polat Canpolat. Boxed set of 40 cards and Guidebook Published by Schiffer Books. £22.00 

Falnamas are Islamic fortune telling oracles, written in poetry and made for the aristocracy, often by opening a book on historical, mythological or biblical themes, at a random page and finding wisdom within the text. These cards have 3 suits and each card falls into one of the suits, either a Woman (red), Man (blue) or Together (green). You can make a wish and choose a single card, choose a 3 card Man-Woman Opening, or a Sestet Opening of 6 cards. 

Beowulf Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Beowulf Oracle  - Wisdom from the Northern Kingdoms by John Matthews and Virginia Chandler, illustrated by Joe Machine. Published by Schiffer Publishing. Drawer pull quality boxed set of 22 cards with instruction book. U.K. £29.99  US  $29.99

“Fate will often save a uncursed man, if his strength is constant.” 

Hwaet! Listen!  This is the first word of the Beowulf poem which tells a long tale of huge difficulties, dangers, interpersonal relationships, battles and treasures, and great acts of courage. 

Auset Gypsy Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Auset Gypsy Tarot by James Jacob Pierri, original illustrations by Rebecca Stotsenburgh and Heather Scott. Published by REDFeather. UK: £22.99 US: $24.99

Mind Body & Spirit Ezine Book and Card Set of 78 Cards and full colour guidebook is contained within a magnetic clip closure quality presentation box. Good sturdy card stock with gold leafed edges, size: 7 inches x 4 inches.

The concept of this deck is unconventional. It’s an ‘on the move’ dream-like adventure, with modern styling and a hint of antiquity. It was 20 years in the making! It dances, struggles, juggles, charms and heals. It’s quirky, joyful, Bohemian, and it is full of the wonder and magic of the goddess Isis and of the Gypsies. There is autobiographical information provided, as the deck is the very personal perspective of the Creator, Designer and Writer, James Jacob Pierri, an Astrologer and International Tarot Reader who was known under the name of the Auset Gypsy when reading cards at Islands of Adventure in Universal Studios Theme Park. From there, he built a clientelle of movie stars and other celebrities. The two female artists are graphic artists who add their quirkiness to the mix. Within the deck are astrology, myths and secrets, gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, and it has a canny style of know how, and it introduces us to all the fun of the fairground! It unlocks spiritual insights but always suggests you use your own intuition. The cards can be used for meditation, inspiration, and personal development. “The bitter truth is better than the sweetest lie”. 

The Cree Healer and His Medicine Bundle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Cree Healer and His Medicine Bundle - Revelations of Indigenous Wisdom by David Young, Robert Rogers & Russell Willier. Full colour book Published by North Atlantic Books. US $24.95: Can $28.95 

‘Our health is dependent on the health of other species.’

Healing plants of Native American traditions, especially the Cree, with practices and stories. These are 3 experts on the uses of plants and recorded them with warnings against misuse. We are all interdependent. A highly specialised book by Anthropologist, Dr David Young, Ethnologist, Robert Rogers, and Medicine Man, Russell Willier. English and Latin names of plants provided, an extensive bibliography, and maps of where to find the plants. 

The Tarot Wheel

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Tarot Wheel - A Fast & Easy Reading System by Jim Edward Lucier. Published by Schiffer Publishing. RRP £22.99

This ”spin a wheel” Tarot reading system is based on the 78 cards of the Rider-Waite Tarot.  It provides a plastic wheel of 7 rings. Each ring has a title: 1 The Present, 2 The Past, 3 The Future, 4 Ambitions, 5 Spiritual Influences, 6 Strengths, 7 Outcome. Starting with the innermost ring and moving outwards, with eyes closed whilst thinking of your question, turn the transparent dial in either direction for your 7 card reading. Stop. A card will fall within the dial. There is a very simplified keyword crib for each of the 78 cards. 

Mary Queen of Angels Cards

Mary who is the beloved mother of Jesus and is known as the Queen of Angels for her ability to bring healing and positive change where hope has been lost. She works closely with advocates, teachers, therapists and mediums. She is devoted to making a safe world where our children and grandchildren can be happy and healthy. Her message to you is to expect a miracle and have faith that your prayers will be heard and answered. Faith is the light that illuminates your pathway. Without faith, the future can look threatening. It is essential for you to take any necessary steps to keep your mind focussed and your emotions balanced. Do not give up hope on yourself or on others. Keep the candle of faith burning within your soul. Just an inkling of light can eradicate the darkness of despair. You can be the light for others at a time of hardship, loneliness or sadness, to be there for others, shouldering their problems, help making them stronger, as in doing this, you will make yourself stronger too. You are asked to let go of worry and keep your thoughts positive. Notice and follow divine guidance, as it will present itself to you over the following month. If you can seek healing as it will help you manage situations that might be unexpected. If you would like to work closely with Mary, ask her at Christmas for a divine gift. 

Fairy Messages Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Magical Messages from the Fairies Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue contains 44 cards plus 109 guidebook with 109 pages. £13.99 Various artists. 

This easy to use pack provides information on using the cards, such as how to consecrate them and receive an answer to a question. Ideal for a one card choice per day, there is also a three card spread or use of a multiple card spread suggested.  The book contains not just the title of the card, a picture and message, but in the book there is more information about the message. The card stock is excellent, as usual for Hay House, this deck is edged with gold leaf, and the artwork is of good quality. Some of the card titles are: 'Good-Bye to the Old, Hello to the New', 'Ask for What You Want', Your Wish is Granted', all cards carry a positive message and are ideal for first time users and can be used for self or others.

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. 

Fairy Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Fairy Oracle with text by Jaymi Elford and artwork by Victorian artist, Arthur Rackham. 36 cards and booklet in several languages, published by Lo Scarabeo, £15.99

Aka 'Oracle of the Good Folk', these cards are positive with a little hint of mischief. The artwork, as one would expect from specialist Victorian fairy illustrator, Arthur Rackham, is delightful and totally believable. They were produced at a time when fairies were extremely popular in children's fairy tale books, such as Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. From his pen, ink and watercolour illustrations of fairies, sections have been taken to showcase on the cards for insight and creativity.

The text by Jaymi Elford accompanies each individual artwork and is both useful and pertinent. Ask a question for a One card, Two cards or Four cards reading. The card faces offer an image which invites dialogue. In the multi lingual booklet, a title for each card is given with approx 40 word description of the image plus approx 40 word meaning. Sheer magic! Enjoy and deliver your best ever readings! 

Review: Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk 

Journey to the Goddess Realm

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Journey to the Goddess Realm Oracle Deck by Lisa Porter, published by U S Games Inc. Pack contains booklet and 39 cards.
 "The goal of spirituality is to call forth our eternal spirit back into our earthly bodies."

36 cards carry a Goddess name as a title, a number, a related concept and an image pertaining to that Goddess energy. In the booklet, each Goddess has a short write-up (100-200 words per card) with associated keywords. Though the upright energy is positive, a shadow or a dark aspect of the Goddess is mentioned for reversed meanings.

Motherpeace Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Motherpeace Tarot by Karen Vogel and Vicki Nobel published by U S Games Inc. Three products in this range: The original Motherpiece Round deck, the Mini Deck, and the Guidebook and card set. 

This is a revolutionary modern deck (circa 1980) which features matriarchal cultures with an earth based spirituality. The creators searched the world for early goddess philosophy, myths, history and folklore whilst they were room-mates at Berkeley in California together. Both are life long feminists and interested in intuition, healing and the Divine Feminine. They produced these cards in the round - to be read not just as upright and reversed but with the four positions, so with innumerable potential for creative readings. The four suits of the Minor Arcana are Cups; Wands, depicted with African culture; Discs, illustrated with Navajo culture; and Swords, depicted with Greco-Roman imagery. The Court Cards are; Daughter, Son, Priestess and Shaman and many of the titles have changed, such as the Crone as the Hermit and the Hanged One as the Hanged Man.

Fairies Healing

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card review: Healing with the Fairies Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue, 44 cards and a 68 page guidebook with general meanings and instructions for working with the cards. £13.99 Artwork by various artists.

Sample reading:  'Awakening Your True Self'. The card's message is about discovering your authenticity and the person who you were born to be. This means you must go on a journey of discovery, for your true interests, passions and desires. You will discover your original sense of humour and childlike, innocent enjoyments. A cloud of falseness will be lifted as you no longer try to fit in with what someone else wanted you to be. Use the affirmation: I now give myself permission to be true to my self.

Doreen Virtue offers workshops, books, cards, etc., and her card decks are suitable for use for oneself or for another person. Within the deck there are no negative concepts and the deck is easy to use and can be used for a first time deck user. The artwork is enjoyable and features unicorns, imps, birds, water fairies, fireflies and otherworld images. Cards provide a title, such as 'Detoxification', 'Honouring Your True Feelings', and 'Stand Your Ground' and further information about each card is contained in the guidebook. 

Fenestra Tarot Review

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Fenestra Tarot by Chatriya, Published by US Games Systems Inc. £18.75 Pack contains 78 cards and instruction leaflet. Card size: 3” x 5” (7 x 12 cm). 

Thai artist Chatriya Hemharnvibul has produced this very beautiful card deck, having previously produced artwork for Wicca Cards. Definitely a fine colourist and expert figurative painter, the artwork will delight. The title of the deck ‘Fenestra’ means ‘windows’ in Latin and the intention behind the title is to open windows within the imagination. I think this is a deck, created by a female for females, due to its gentleness and soft energy. Only a little white information insert with very basic information in several European languages is included in the pack but the artwork of the cards says it all!