Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Hero's Journey Dream Oracle by Kelly Sullivan Walden with artwork by Rassouli, Boxed set of 52 cards and guidebook, published by Blue Angel Publishing, £17.99
The book includes autobiographical material of Kelly Sullivan Walden a backing dancer with the group Bordeaux and inspired by the 'Power of Myth' a book by Joseph Campbell. This led to many discoveries including her realisation of the sacredness of the female form. The hero's journey has been epitomised in many ancient myths, where the hero comes face to face with their greatest fear, such as the sea journey of Odysseus or Psyche crossing the River Styx. It is here in a dark forest, a mountain, beneath the waves or under the ground or on a secluded island that can symbolise an illness, a bereavement or other loss, a betrayal or breakdown. The journey is one of a transforming adventure, of overcoming adversity and trials, of death defying battles, that lead toeards insight, empowerment and the sharing of wisdom. This is the place of enlightenment and higher consciousness, a place where we can empathise with the greatest of suffering and use the resources we have gained for altruism and to make the world a better place for having lived. Rescuing a damsel in distress, slaying a dragon or finding treasure are some motifs used for the outcome of the process. There are 12 stages presented as fundamental to a successful story and for the recovery of the soul.
