Victorian Steampunk Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Victorian Steampunk Tarot – Unravel the Mysteries of the Past, Present and Future, by Liz Dean and illustrated by Bev Speight. Published by Cico Books. The magnetised flip lip box includes a full deck of 78 tarot cards and a full colour explanatory booklet of each card. The cards can be interpreted either upright or upturned thought the backs are intended for exclusively upright use.

The Everglow

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Everglow - A Divination System by Trisha Leigh Shufelt. Published by REDFeather Publishing, a Schiffer imprint. Boxed set of Cards with full colour Guidebook. US  $29.99 : UK £19.99 

This is a card deck of 78 cards, but it is not a traditional tarot deck. The first 22 cards are based on the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot but each has a new title. Cards representing the elements of Air, Fire, Earth and Water follow. Instead of Court Cards, King, Queen, Knight and Messenger are shadow cards. There are 18 Minor Cards, then 12 cards which have keywords representing the Houses with a write-up of hints and questions. There are 9 Number cards, 4 SuitCards with keywords (Action, Emotions, Security, and Thoughts). and last but not least, 4 Time Frame Cards (The Future, The Past, The Present, and What Do I Need to Know About?) Cards carry an image and 2 keywords, one to represent upright cards, the other to represent inverted cards. 

Mystical Wisdom

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Mystical Wisdom Card Deck written by Gaye Guthrie with artwork by Josephine Wall, published by US Games Inc. Pack contains 46 cards with explanatory booklet. £19.99
Each of the 46 cards carries a title, a concept related to the title, an image and an additional line of information. In the booklet, each card is given 100 word explanation on each of the goddesses with information on how to use the cards. Each card has a short mantra.
You can choose a single card for a quick insight into a particular situation you are seeking direction for. A three card spread is suggested for a week and a 12 card Celtic Cross spread for a more in depth reading.

Goddess in America

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Goddess in America - The Divine Feminine in Cultural Context Edited by Trevor Greenfield with an introduction by Jhenah Telyndru, published by Moon Books. Paperback 204 pages: £10.99 Kindle: £3.59

This is an anthology of specialist essays by 19 Goddess experts. 
Included are Native American (such as the Cherokee, Hopi and Maya), Irish, African, Creole, Hebrew and female deities from other cultures, along with modern influences, such as feminist, shaman, Christian, psychologist, Goth, witch, and other perspectives.

The Key to the Universe

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Key to the Universe - A Toolkit from the School of Life by Joanna Crowson and Silja Winther is a boxed paperback book and card pack £16.99 Published by School of Life Publishing http://www.starof13.com/

 The 'School of Life' is an international educational charity based in Andalusia. It offers a training programme on ethics, ecology, spiritual awareness and creativity and is building a network of organisations that have at their core a belief in sustainable living. The pack includes a book (151 pages) and 53 full colour oracle cards that have been painted by Katrina Vrebalovich. A pack designed by women for women, the author of the Motherpeace Tarot, Vicky Nobel, describes this pack as 'a work of love'.

Living With the Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine book review: Living the Tarot by Amber Jayanti - Applying Ancient Wisdom to the Challenges of Modern Living. Introduction by Mary Greer. Practical ways to use the cards on an everyday basis, the book provides Qabalah, mythology, astrology, numerology, magick, Buddhist, Hindu and psychological perspectives, and how the tarot can be used for personal growth and self understanding. Only the 22 Major Arcana cards are profiled. 

A key allows something which is closed to be opened. 

Complete Lenormand Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Complete Lenormand Oracle Handbook - Reading the Language and Symbols of the Cards by Caitlin Matthews, Published by Destiny Books. Paperback: £13.05 Kindle: £8.99

Colour images with history of Petit Lenormand cards and comparisons with the tarot, here we learn the meaning of each card, their alphabet, and how they relate and we are given examples of readings. We learn what a 'significator' is, laying out the grand Tableau of all cards, and how to use the cards as a storyboard. Playing card images are included on the Lenormand cards and we learn how to use them in a reading and how to improve our skills after having worked with them for a while, such as telling the time in a reading, finding lost items, locations, resding for ourselves and others. There is a quick reference guide at the back of the book for key meanings and a useful index. It's a must for all professional Lenormand readers!
Review by Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk

Dreamscape Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dreamscape Oracle by Matt Hughes. Boxed set of 32 cards and guidebook. Published by US Games Systems Inc. Card Size: 3 inches x 5inches. £20 

I love the artwork with gold and holographic foil accents, and I think you will enjoy it too with its animal messengers and mythic archetypes. 

Matt’s art is known as ‘Gothic Art Nouveau’. 

I’m really shocked that there are numerous Amazon reviews that describe this Matt Hughes - a sensitive artist - as Matt Hughes, a fighter who has published an autobiography of great disgust to most people. Be aware please, that our Matt Hughes has produced another superb card deck. This is only 32 cards but each one is a beautiful work of art. It’s a ‘wow’ glinting experience that you will want to own. Appealing to women especially as readers or enquirers, these decks by the Matt Hughes are elegant, timeless and delightful! Try the Dreamscape Oracle Spread! 

Whispers of Healing

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Whispers of Healing Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield with illustrations  by Josephine Wall. Boxed set of cards and instruction booklet. £17.99 Blue Angel Publishing.

“I will restore health unto thee and I will heal thee of thy wounds”. Jeremiah 30:17

In this deck we have 50 cards, size: 17cm x 12cm, each with an image by the popular visionary artist, Josephine Wall. Additionally, in the booklet, there is information on how to use the cards, how to prepare them, ask a question, select cards, and 200 words of explanation about the energy of the card, the image’s symbolism, colours and chakras. Spreads are for a one-card reading for a daily message, or a three-card reading. You are invited to keep a journal of your card choices, readings and outcomes. 

Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living, by Melusine Draco, Paperback £9.99 E-book £6.99, Published by Moon Books

Melusine Draco’s many books on the occult have a well-deserved reputation for being informative, interesting and useful. This book is ideal for the solitary practitioner living in a town or city (the author provides differences between ‘witchcraft’ per se and ‘wicca’ per se). It is possible to know about herbal lore, to honour nature and to practice magical arts anywhere in the world. She accepts that criticism of witchcraft is still very common in the twenty-first century and suggests it is necessary to be discreet, yet confident. The book contains excellent advice and many good exercises. It also gives an understanding of the problems that present themselves to those living in a built-up area. 

Becoming a Garment of Isis

Mind Body & Soul Book Review: Becoming A Garment of Isis - A Nine-Stage Initiatory Path of Egyptian Spirituality by Naomi Ozaniec, published by Inner Traditions. 315 pages. 

From the Preface: Melbourne 2009 “As the light is a great comfort to a traveller on a dark night, as the light is a great comfort to a ship approaching a new coastline, as the light is a great comfort to the distressed, as the beacon is a great comfort to a besieged people, so I am a light for the soul. Only when your soul powers have begun to stir will you seek me out. Until then, you will be content with the world of appearances; you are not seek my light. As a light provides a guide in dark places, so my light shines without ceasing. As one flame may light another, so I will ignite your soul powers so that you may come into the fullness of your own divine light. But releasing the illumination of the soul is more than the work of a lifetime, so I open the door of remembering so that you may walk in my footsteps following my light to where it leads. I have been a light upon the Earth and it is my wish that my light shall burn brightly again. For where I am remembered upon the altar through the lighting of lights, so I am also as a light in your heart. This is where our relationship begins and where our lights may meet, the greater holding the lesser in its brilliance. Once we have embraced soul light to soul light, we are linked by the love of our hearts. For do not doubt my love for all that lives upon earth.”

The Eye of Horus Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Oracle Review: An Oracle of Ancient Egypt - The Eye of Horus - by David Lawson, published by Connections. Boxed set of 25 stones in a bag with a 160 page book. 
  
The ancient Egyptian culture was a leap in evolution, understanding of spirituality, knowledge of mathmatics and consciousness of the wonder of the animal world. The oracle is to provide guidance, inspiration and insights. Many ancient spiritual tradition have eyes of protection. The Eye of Horus was a symbol of healing, intuition and vision and to ward off danger, illness and bad luck. It is possible to use the oracle for oneself or other people. 

Journey of Love

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Journey of Love by Alana Fairchild, Rassouli and Richard Cohn, Boxed set of 70 Oracle cards plus guidebook. Published by Blue Angel, £17.99

Poet Richard Cohn has joined forces with painter and fusionartist Rassouli to produce this interesting deck. The box is a delicious colour of lapis lazuli with gold embossed lettering, and makes an ideal gift with songs, poetry, dreaming, honouring, accepting, growing, of human folly and human glory are all thrown together into this one deck.

Ancient Feminine Wisdom of Goddesses & Heroines

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Ancient Feminine Wisdom of Goddesses and Heroines Divination Deck by Kay Steventon and Brian Clark, published by US Games Systems Inc. Pack contains 52 cards size 2.75" x 4.75" with 52 cards, an information booklet and a spread sheet. £23.40

"The heroines task is to become herself in the world"

 I have chosen as a sample Demeter, an Olympian Goddess, who carries the energy of ‘letting go’. She stands amidst her fields of grain watching over the harvest. As earth mother, she presides over fertility, birth, harvest, decay and rebirth. Her myth focuses on the loss of her daughter, Persephone, to the underworld. This poignant narrative of closeness, separation, grief, and reunion echoes the timeless theme of attachment and loss. On a divinatory level, Demeter suggests a breaking of the mother-daughter bond in order to develop independence. The card heralds a more mature phase of a relationship. Energy previously with-held, imprisoned 

feelings, or an aspect of the self that has felt violated can be released so that a new course of life may unfold. Attachment, separation, and loss are intricately woven into the tapestry of life. Mourning allows the process to be complete so that we may let fo and life can be renewed.

LeGrande Circus & Sideshow Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: LeGrande Circus and Sideshow Tarot by Joe Lee, published by US Games Systems, Inc., card size: 3.5" x 4.5" 78 cards plus information booklet in a strong, lift-off lid box. 

Joe Lee has worked in circuses as a clown and fire-eater. He is also an art teacher so he knows the ropes and has produced this themed deck which reflect the energy, atmosphere, sights and sounds of the circus and all the fun of the fair. The cards are very squarish in shape and have a vintage style poster look (1930s - 1950s). Wild animals, many endangered, were still used in circuses - and in some countries without animal rights laws - still are, so their contribution is included in this deck. Lion, tiger, elephant and horses were the mainstay of the circus and they are featured on the cards. You will also find every daring do imaginable here from Ringmaster, highwire, trapeze, strong-man, knife thrower, clowns of all kinds, people from all countries, to those at the front of house who are not forgotten along with the massively hard work involved in putting up the big top and taking it down again and getting the show on the road to the next location. The stress and strain, with the help of the elephants is the price to pay for the magic, sensation, amazement and joy that the acts are designed to provide. 

The Anubis Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Anubis Oracle - A Journey into the Shamanic Mysteries of Egypt by Nicki Scully and Linda Star Wolf, illustrated by Kris Waldherr, boxed set of 35 cards plus book, published by Bear & Co.

A good quality box with drawer pull to the card set and an extensive guidebook that fully explains how to work with this oracle. The 'neteru' are the archetypal deities, such as Nephthys, Isis, Khnum, Sobek and Horus, Sekhmet, Ma'at, Thoth, Bast, Osiris, Hathor, Set, and others of the well known Egyptian pantheon. Other aspects of Egyptian antiquities are included, the Nile, the Desert, the Crested Ibis, etc., and spiritual composites, such as Sacred Purpose, Higher Love and Wisdom, Right Timing and Direction. Many of the Egyptian symbols are incorporated, papyrus flower, sun and moon, ankh, feathers, etc. 

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. 

Oracle of the Golden Path

Mind, Body & Spirit Card Deck Review: Wisdom of the Golden Path by Toni Carmine Salerno and illustrations by Yeuhui Tang published by Blue Angel Publishing, 45 full colour cards plus guidebook.

These cards are majestically beautiful. They are of a size which makes them works of art to work with. Most cards have an oriental look, with very sexy, sylph like girls and men who look ready for the defence of their country or their loved one from antique times. I think the deck is for those who like films and computer games. 

The Way Home - Making Heaven on Earth

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Way Home - Making Heaven on Earth By Madis Senner Paperback 285 pages £11.99 Published by O Books Website: http://blog.spiritualbookclub.com/2009/05/madis-senner-interview-81.html

Madis Senner has excellent credentials. As a global money manager, he has written extensively for the New York Times and other heavyweight newspapers and journals. However, he became disillusioned by exploitation and corruption in financial institutions and has become a faith activist. He now works to turn the world around and create peace and wellbeing on a personal and planetary level. He teaches and writes about sacred sites; how our thoughts create our reality and he also leads group meditations.  

The Moon Oracle

Mind Body Soul Magazine Card Deck Review: The Moon Oracle - Let the Phases of the Moon Guide Your Life by Caroline Smith and the late John Astrop. Published by Eddison Books. £19.99 Card Size: 3.5" x 5"

Answer your life questions using the rhythms of the moon! 

A quality boxed set of 72 cards plus guidebook based on GMT with a time change chart for other international cities. The instruction book includes:

Moon Tables from 2016- 2032 with date, phase, sign and element

12 Moon Goddesses

28 Moon Mansions

4 x 8 Moon Phases in each of the elements

The instruction book also provides full information on how to perform a reading, what spreads to use with Q & A for a 5, a 7 and a 10 card reading. 

Each Moon Phases cards depict an image, a moon phase, a title, a number, an element and an energy. The book provides further information on the moon in one of three signs. Each goddess card provides a goddess image, a goddess name, a zodiac sign and a moon phase. 

Arc of the Goddess

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Arc of the Goddess by Rachel Patterson and Tracey Roberts: www.kitchenwitchhearth.net

I really loved this book, written by two very experienced and knowledgeable women witchcraft practitioners, who consider themselves to be 'kitchen' witches! This book evolved from a year's online course, so is complete with marvellous ideas and practical exercises and is a journey of personal discovery, so it is suggested you keep a journal of your journey with the goddesses through the wheel of the year.  There is also an oracle card deck to accompany this book-style course. 

Earth Power Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Earth Power Oracle - An Atlas of the Soul by Stacey Demarco, published by Blue Angel Publishing. £18.25 Boxed set of 41 cards and guidebook. www.themodernwitch.com

Cards offer a title, an image, mixed media, and a 20 word affirmation. The guidebook provides further information on each card and location. There is a a key message for each of the 41 places of magical interest around the world, a Global Positioning System location finder, and an element. There is also a creation story, advice on how to dedicate your cards, and information about how to recognise and experience a 'genius loci', a place of spiritual power and beauty.
Cards feature locations in the vicinity of of lakes, mountains, rivers, islands, ancient ruins, holy places, examples, Amazonia, Avebury, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Delphi, The Ganges, Gobekli Tepi. Suggested spreads are The Atlas - 7 cards, The Temple - 6 cards, The Hemisphere - 2 cards, The Journey - 9 cards, The Compass - 4 cards.

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! 

Horik Svensson

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Review: The Runes - The Future Revealed with the Ancient Norse System of Divination by Horik Svensson, published by Carlton Books. Box set contains 25 ceramic stones bearing a runic letter, a hessian bag, an explanatory instruction book. 

The word 'rune' means 'whispered secret'

Astral Realms Crystal Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review:  Astral Realms Crystal Oracle by Leah Shoman, a boxed set of 33 cards and instruction box. Published by Rockpool Publishing.

Cards with impressive red gold leaf edges, and gentle pearl pink cards. Using crystals, astrology, colours, elements, chakras, and mantras, there is lots of woo-woo here to enjoy. You will be a woo woo expert! I would say that this deck is for readings for oneself not for others as too much explanation will be required to explain the concepts involved. 

The book provides information on how to use the cards, though you are invited to use your intuition. Each card has an image, a title and subtitle, a number,  keywords, a message, activation guidance and an affirmation. Spreads suggested are Single-Card Pull, a Three-Card Spread and a Five-Card Guidance Spread. The book provides a chakra chart. 

Paige Mcleod of the Prism Fleur Design Studio and Leah Shoman who owns a crystal boutique have joined forces to produce this chakra and crystal deck. Card size: 10.5cm x 14cm. The chakra system is explained with placement, colour, meaning, additional crystals and mantras, and information on how to use the cards, for a single card pull, a spread of Three-Cards, and a Five-Card Guidance Spread. Each card has a number, title, stone, chakra, keywords and reading text. 

The Medicine Woman Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: The Medicine Woman Oracle - by Catherine Maillard, artwork by Caroline Maniere. Boxed set of 49 cards and Guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. £18.99 (10th Nov 2022) card size: 9cm x 13cm 

Can you hear her song? Mother Earth is calling you! 

Archetypes of 13 moons, ancestors, seasons, totems and endangered animals offer to awaken us with many aspects of the sacred life of women, as an encouragement - and a reminder - of the strengths, healing, empowerment and wisdom of our sisterhood. The deck is divided into 13 brown archetypal medicine cards, with advice, a message, guidance, and a ritual, and 12 pink gifts cards also with advice, a message, guidance, and a meditation, 12 green totem/allied spirit cards with a channelled message, symbolism, guidance, animal contact and a ritual, and 12 red wisdom action cards. 

Mandala Source Book

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.

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. 

Ancestral Healing

Mind Body & Soul Ezine  Book Review: Ancestral Healing -…For Your Spiritual and Genetic Families by  Jeanne Ruland & Shantidevi. Full colour book published by Earthdancer, an Inner Traditions imprint. US $15.99 : Can $19.99 : UK Kindle £6.99 and paperback £9.99 

“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it!”

 Extract: “Haniel touches your third eye, and your heart, gifting you with a memory of a very special moment when your father first held you in his arms, after you were born, and when you met, soul to soul, looking deep into one another’s eyes, he realised what a miracle he had conceived, and that it came about through his love of your mother.” 

The Fourteen Holy Helpers

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Fourteen Holy Helpers - Invocations for Healing & Protection by Christiane Stamm. Published by Earthdancer, an imprint of Inner Traditions. US $12.99 : Can $16.50 : UK £9.99

These 14 ‘saints’ are in Catholic and Christian theology can intercede/petition for us and bring specialised power to us. They have been venerated, especially in times of difficulty and over the centuries, they have represented particular professions. Their traditional life stories are given in brief. Prayers are provided for each helper, to be recited in triplicate, and there is a communal prayer to all fourteen. These helpers and their prayers can be used for the self or for others in need. There are, alongside each helper, the ailment they attend to (mostly modern and common illnesses that we would recognise). 

Messenger Oracle

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Messenger Oracle 50 Cards plus Guidebook by Ravynne Phelan, published by Blue Angel Publishing www.dreamsofgaia.com

Quote from the introduction: "I am Gaia. I am the daughter of Great Spirit who is the Source of All. I am both magical and divine, as is all which I create. I am the Great Mother. I am your mother, and you, beautiful soul, are a physical manifestation of my love."

The artwork has great flair and imagination with dragons, snakes, trees, foxes, big cats, masks, raven, turtle, wolf, fox, owl, raven and other imaginary and real species. She began art as therapy to solve depression issues and began to specialise in the Earthy and magical, in Gaia and the Green Spirit.

The Zen of Animals

Mind, Body & Soul Card Deck Review: The Zen of Animals by Pamela Matthews. Published by Blue Angel Publishing.  A sturdy box containing cards and accompanying guidebook. £17.99 Size 13cm x 17cm

"Having no destination, I am never lost." Ikkyu

36 cards size 13cm x 17cm with figurative and animal art that expresses symbolism and meaning. 

From the accompanying book - Sample: Rabbit: Productive, daring, unpredictable, courageous. Smart little rabbits can win your heart. If kept domestically, they are capable of providing similar delights as a cat. They can be brave beyond belief. They are also beautiful to see and touch. Message: remember your rabbit qualities and charm dear to delight others with your unpredictability and sensual attributes. Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. From Zenrin-kushu

Enchanted Blossoms

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Enchanted Blossoms Empowerment Cards, by Carla Morrrow. Boxed Set of 44 cards plus guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing £17.99

The author and artist, Carla Morrow, introduces us to her autobiography and pays homage to her ancestry with the language of flowers. The guidebook explains how to use the deck. Each card has a title, the name of a flower and the name of a butterfly, with their painted image and a 150 word text and a short question. Journal daily! You have a 30 day challenge with this deck! 

Secret Life of Trees

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Secret Life of Trees - How they live and why they matter By Colin Tudge, Published by Penguin £8.99 with b/w drawing illustrations.

A delight on every page! Amuse your friends on your walks with precious stories from across the world about these common and wonderful plants. Trees feature in fairy tales, biblical stories, ancestral research, local history, they keep all species alive, we could not survive without them, and they are with us from the cradle to the grave. This book will make you fall in love, whether flowering, cones, nuts, berries, this book is lyrical and evocative with astounding research. This is a labour of love for what others take for granted! A deep fascination for an extraordinary subject! Practical, wise, knowledgeable, and tackling one of the most important matters for our society. On the button Colin! You are a gift to our world.  

Animal Dreaming Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Oracle Card Deck Review: Animal Dreaming Oracle Cards by Scott Alexander King, published by Blue Angel Publishing, boxed 44 cards with guidebook. www.animaldreaming.com

"... And ask now the Beasts And they shall teach thee; And the Fowls of the air, and they shall teach thee; or speak to the Earth, and it shall teach thee." Book of Job 12: 7-8

Portraits of Australian species with Interpretations for inspirational readings. Divided into 4 elemental sections of Fire, Water, Earth and Air, the cards have excellent artwork by Karen Branchflower, a title of the animal depicted, a one word message and what elemental position is has been given. In the top, usually right hand corner is a symbol, suitable for a tattoo artwork. This image was channelled to the artist and represents both the animal and its message.

The Healing Power of the Sacred Woman

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Healing Power of the Sacred Woman - Health, Creativity, and Fertility for the Soul by Christine R Page MD, paperback with b/w illustrations of 384 pages, $20.00 Kindle: $14.17 Published by Bear & Co

This information is comprehensive. It is also ideal for a young woman, as a gift for for a special event, maybe the onset of menstruation or a teenage birthday. It provides background of the international history of women, of goddesses across the world, there is also information on chakras, meridians, astrology, women's sexual organs and hormonal systems, sacred sexuality and women's cycles, sacred sites and more. Rituals are suggested, Ritual 1: for cleansing and purification, revitalising the womb with dragon energy, Ritual 2: health advice for alcohol, chemicals, obesity, exercise, etc., smoking, pesticides.  author received her medical degree at the University of London and is now living in California and provides many examples from her own practice. Ritual 3: surrendering into love with mother cow. Ritual 4: receiving inspiration from the Queen Bee, a channelled message from the Queen Bee. Ritual 5: giving birth to new waves of consciousness. The author is a qualified medical doctor. 

Kabbalistic Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Kabbalistic Tarot - Hebraic Wisdom in the Major and Minor Arcana by Dovid Krafchow Published by Inner Traditions Paperback $14.95 www.jewishbohemian.com

Though a slim volume of 132 pages, the explanation is sufficient to perform readings using this method that the author considers is just an introduction. The information in the book includes the tarot's historical roots in terms of the Kabbalah. Krafchow is known as ‘the Jewish Bohemian‘ and has designed what I suggest is a very good teaching module for those who want to include a Kabbalistic perspective in their tarot readings.

Chakra Cards

Mind Body Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Chakra Cards for Belief Change - The Healing InSight Method by Nikki Gresham-Record, published by Inner Traditions/Bear & Co. Boxed set of 56 cards plus instruction book, UK: £14.95, US: $19.99 https://nikkigreshamrecord.co.uk

The cards cover the main 7 chakra centres of the subtle body, with one card to represent each of the main chakras. These are followed by 7 further cards with aspects of each, to create balance and harmony using the basis of the Healing InSight Method. This was developed by the deck's creator, Nikki Graham-Record who is a spiritual healer, counselling psychologist and teacher of Reiki and Qigong. 

Energy & Spirit Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Energy & Spirit Oracle by Sandra Anne Taylor, boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook, published by Hay House. US $22.99 / Can $29.99 / £15.99

Sample card reading: 27 animal totems. Animal energy and powers. 27 animal totems. Animal energy and powers. 

Upright. This card reveals the presence of some powerful animal totems who want to share their unique energy with you. (Totems are natural objects or animals with which you feel a deep energetic connection) Any animal can become your totem if you see it repeatedly or if you feel a strong resonance with it. They bring spirit messages and bestow special energies that are unique to the animal. On this card, the leopard represents great personal power and grace. The owl shares wisdom and clairvoyance. Deer ‘medicine’ brings new perceptions and enhanced physical senses.The fox vibrates with sexual energy, fertility, and feminine expression. The hawk bears messages about your life purpose and visionary powers. From insects two elephants, the world is filled with endless examples of helpful energies from nature. Be open to their many blessings. 

In Dreams Oracle Deck & Guidebook

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Deck Review: In Dreams Oracle Deck & Guidebook by Boris Indrikov. Published by US Games Systems Inc. Boxed set of 41 cards and Information book.

Card Sample: No. 36 Dream Earth: Material World. Talk about your dreams. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. Mary Pickford. The Russian artist, Boris Indrikov’s futuristic artwork is influenced by European Renaissance paintings (14th & 15th century). He wanted to create a simple and accessible oracle deck! There are 41 cards, 4 categories of 10 plus a Joker. The 40 cards are also divided into 4 suits of Air (blue), Fire (red), Water (green) and Yellow (earth). Don’t expect ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to your questions. 

For the colour chart, use the link:   

https://www.indrikov.com/wp-content/uploads/SYSTEM_IN_DREAMS_eng.jpg?fbclid=IwAR2axjAGbJq9kxf1wJ0chTt8XhqoLiRyWdB_1xzm7L39l_sMr8UJsJo6UFU

Gateway of Light Activation Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Gateway of Light Activation Oracle by Kyle Gray, Boxed set of 44 cards and booklet. US: $19.99  CAN: $25.99  UK: £15.99 Published by Hay House. Artist: Jennifer Hawkyard. 

Words from the box lid:  As above, so below. So within, as without. Connections to heaven and Earth through the Stargate of your heart.

From the card base: I come forth from within the light of Source. Thank you for standing at the forefront of my heart and mind. Thank you for activating the ancient wisdom of my soul. I welcome the support of heaven, Earth, the stars, light beings, and beyond. And so it is.

A star gate is a portal, a window, a gateway to connect with divine guidance, whether from your higher self or from Otherworldly beings that offer a mirror to what is already within you. Each card is a gateway that uncovers a message and is a tool to remind you of your power and knowledge. You will be guided to choose a card which will switch on ancient wisdom. This is the activation, the awakening to your spiritual ascension and the unlocking of your power. 

Ancestor Spirit Oracle Cards

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Ancestor Spirit Oracle Cards by Jade-Sky, illustrated by Belinda Morris, boxed set of 43 cards and guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing, £17.99

The deck provides 43 different ancestor possibilities from many different countries, times and cultures, providing wisdom and learning. The guidebook provides information on how to use the cards. Each card has an image, title, subtitle, ancestral reading, channelled message and a divinatory meaning. 

Wisdom of the Golden Path Oracle

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Wisdom of the Golden Path Oracle by Toni Carmine Salerno, artwork by Yuehui Tang, 45 cards and information booklet in pack Published by Blue Angel Publishing. 

You are invited to 'see things from a higher perspective' and receive personal guidance and also use the cards to read for others. There are positive messages and affirmations. Toni Carmine Salerno has produced a large number of card decks through the Blue Angel publishing house of Australia. He is an author and has also produced mind body spirit CDs and is an artist in his own right. 

Esoteric Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Esoteric Tarot - Ancient Sources Rediscovered in Hermeticism and Cabala by Ronald Decker 312 page paperback with line drawings Published by Quest Books, Price: £14.99 

The author, Ronald Decker, has provided detailed historical research, comparisons with various early decks and their uses. Ancient texts are explored: we visit China where dice with pips, such as dominos, become paper cards with pips; via Persia, India, Russia and even consider possible links to Mongolia. The life and works of the Hermetic teacher and tarot designer, 'Etteilia' (Jean-Baptiste Alliette) is provided along with the information that Casanova forbade the use of the cards and threw them on the fire because they revealed

Dream Goddess Empowerment Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dream Goddess Empowerment Cards by Kelly Sullivan Walden, published by Blue Angel Publishing, 55 printed cards in a box, size 4.5cm x 10cm. 

Each card carries a goddess name and function and a 30 word message. The instructions are to choose a card and meditate upon the message before sleep or to close your eyes, breathe deeply, shuffle, and imagine you are basking in a field of unconditional love with wise female energies surrounding you. Read the card and imagine the goddess is whispering the message into your ear. Only 20 words per card. I missed card artwork! Ideal for beginners! I am sending one of these in the post with my Xmas cards!

Examples of text: 

Living Shamanism Book Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Living Shamanism - Unveiling the Mystery by Julie Dollman Published by Moon Books - Paperback Price £8.27 Kindle Price £6.11 177 pages. 
The author, Julie Dollman, trained in the core shamanic practices of the Q'ero Indians of the Peruvian Andes, and is a graduate of the Four Winds Society. She introduces the reader to her personal understanding of shamanism and specific practices are described by the Four Winds Society and of Peruvian shamanism. We are offered practical methods to uncover our 'core wounds', to help us to let go of our past hurts and find the 'right relationship' with others, ourselves and our environment.

The Wild Goddess Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Wild Goddess Oracle - Divination and Ritual for Living an Empowered Life by Amy Zerner & Monte Farber. Set of Oracle Cards & Guidebook. Published by Voyager Press. US $30. UK £18. Can $39.

These are 52 cards with a guidebook in a high quality presentation box. The card images of the cards in the book are full colour and extra large. Amy Zerner provides the artwork with beautiful paper collages and Monte Farber provides the excellent accompanying book text. It is a follow up to “Goddess Guide Me”. This oracle can be used for self reading or to read for others. It is ideal for self development and described as a “portable temple” and a “spiritual power tool”.

Wisdom of Hafiz

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Car Deck Review: Wisdom of Hafiz - An Art Oracle Deck with Poetic Renderings by Daniel Ladinsky, Art by Silas Toball, Oracle by Angi Sullins. Published by US Games Systems Inc., on 11th July, 2022 Boxed set of 45 cards (9cm x 13.5cm) and full colour guidebook. $23.95 : £17.99 

“We’re all just walking each other home.”

Sufi poet Hafiz takes centre stage with the theme of this charming deck with a Persian influence. Cards are presented in a magnetic closure box, the cards edged with gold leaf. Information is provided on Hafiz, and how this deck was created, how to use the deck. Each card has an image, number and title. The guidebook provides additional subtitle and 60 words of good advice for each card. 

Whispers of the Ocean

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Whispers of the Ocean Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield, published by Blue Angel Publishing, Boxed set of 50 Cards and Guidebook, £17.99

How relevant this topic is! Ideal energies for an oracle deck! Oceans are the life blood of our planet, of the goddess Gaia upon which we all live and have our being. Three quarters of the surface of our planet is composed of water. The oceans produce a quarter of our precious oxygen supplies. We must care for our seas and not pollute them. Save the oceans! 

The guidebook provides information about the relevance of our oceans. Water is a symbol for our collective unconscious and helps us to imagine our emotional depths. The oceans are our ancient mother as all life is thought to originate in the seas. Under the oceans are mountains, volcanoes and trenches and a huge number of life forms that are yet to be discovered. When we connect with the wisdom of the ocean, we learn to appreciate and understand the immense importance of water and the beauty and wisdom that lies there. 

Tarot Nuages

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot Nuages By Gniedmann, published by US Games, 79 cards with accompanying booklet. £17.99 19th April 2022

Based on the Marseilles Tarot - you will be able to read from these cards if you are a tarot reader, so don’t be put off! This is a terrific deck! Witty, creative, unusual, snazzy! You can give a serious reading, but make your clients laugh when applicable! I’ve used these cards and been able to draw my clients’ attention to the funny motifs within the cards! 

This is a concept deck, a story that takes place within a turreted, royal town that is both ancient and modern, real and imaginary, fun and serious, tarot archetypes and fantasy people! The Majors have their titles and number and image, and we find in the booklet, names for these strange looking characters. The Minors are Wands, Chalices, Swords and Coins with Court Cards of Page, Knight, Queen and King all with new Nuages names. 

Witchful Thinking

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Witchful Thinking - The Wise Woman’s Handbook for Creating a Charmed Life, by Zoe Howe. Quality paperback, all text, no images, 278 pages Published by Llewellyn Books. US $18.99 UK £14

Zoe Howe is known as the ‘Rock’n Roll Witch of the Soho Radio station! This is a compilation of her family traditions and her collection of solitary witch advice. It incorporates folklore, discovery and play, and the old ways of the nature knower, and several major archetypes are provided. Important rules of the ethical witch are included, and examples are provided from other well known witches who give extra guidance. 

Spells, rituals and protections, and information on how to build an altar, cast a circle, work with moon and planetary energies, seasonal activities and personal empowerment, healing and divination methods, plants, chakras, and crystals, expressing your authenticity, and heaps more meat! It’s good value for money. For the solitary and developing witch, I am recommending Witchful Thinking! We all need a charmed life!