Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Truth-Seeker's Tarot - Oracle Cards of Insight, Clarity and Wisdom by The late Prof David Fontana with artwork by Sylvie Daigneault. Boxed set of 78 cards, plus an explanatory booklet titled 'Understanding the Tarot' £16.99 published by Watkins Publishing.
The booklet contains autobiographical information about the author with information about archetypes and symbolism and how to use and work with the cards. The deck is presented as a progression along the path of inner development, described as 'the Fool's Journey'. Each of the 22 Major Arcana has a page of esoteric information and advice 'when you work with this card, ask yourself'. The basics of the Minor Arcana are included. The suggested spreads are: the Seven Card Horseshoe, the 6 card Celtic Cross, and the 11 card Tree of Life. The images are attractive with gold highlights. I am using as a sample the card of 'Justice' which is traditionally depicted as a woman, following the ancient Greeks for who Themis was the goddess of justice. Her sword is ready to cut through ignorance that impedes spiritual enlightenment and represents the spiritual power that divides Heaven and Earth and guards the gateway to the Garden of Eden; while her scales, help her to weigh the value of all things and maintain the balance between trhe material and the spiritual. In many cultures, they are a symbol for weighing good deeds against bad at the moment of judgment in the afterlife. Justice wears the red robe of worldly power. When you work with this card, as yourself: Am I using my inner judgment to guide me on my journey of self-realisation? If not, what prevents me? By examining your integrity and weighing the pros and cons of your actions, you can try to attain perfect equilibrium in your life.
Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Mandala Source Book - 150 mandalas to help you find peace, awareness and wellbeing By David Fontana and Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, Published by Watkins Publishing. The book contains 150 full colour complete mandalas from a variety of cultural and spiritual backgrounds, the majority have a title, explanation, a three step procedure of how to work with the mandala and a quotation. I love mandalas and find them enjoyable, to meditate on, and to appreciate the geometric designs, the colours and symbols. I also find them relaxing even trance inducing. The information includes ways to work with the designs, the history, variety and creativity of mandalas.
I am using as a sample the card of 'Justice' which is traditionally depicted as a woman, following the ancient Greeks for who Themis was the goddess of justice. Her sword is ready to cut through ignorance that impedes spiritual enlightenment and represents the spiritual power that divides Heaven and Earth and guards the gateway to the Garden of Eden; while her scales, help her to weigh the value of all things and maintain the balance between trhe material and the spiritual. In many cultures, they are a symbol for weighing good deeds against bad at the moment of judgment in the afterlife.
