Tibetan Shamanism

Mind Body & Soul Ezine book review: Tibetan Shamanism - Ecstasy and Healing by Larry Peters PhD published by North Atlantic Books. Paperback 208 pages £15.24 Kindle £11.39 

I recommend this as reading for anyone who has a serious interest in shamanism in general whether they be a beginner or not.
Larry Peters has been awarded many academic accolades for his work with indigenous peoples and is the world authority on the Tamang Nepal tradition with twenty years of dedicated study and research. In addition he is an initiated practitioner. He has worked with indigenous Shamans in Nepal, Mongolia, Siberia and China and in this book he presents new and interesting perspectives on the last four indigenous Tibetan Shamans who lived in exile in Nepal. They are no longer alive so the information gathered by Dr Peters is beyond price to posterity. The indigenous Shamans from Tibet have survived as a respected tradition in outlying areas. As Buddhism has been the religion of the area for over a thousand years, shamanism has incorporated many aspects of the dominant culture.

Liber T aka Tarot of the Stars Eternal

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Liber T by Roberto Negrini and Andrea Serio. Published by Lo Scarabeo. RRP UK £22  EU €25

This is a tribute to the Thoth Tarot written by Aleister Crowley with art by Frieda Harris (1938-1943). Crowley was influenced by Samuel Liddell Mathers and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This stylish, art deco style, published in 2007, is a complex esoteric deck, fully illustrated, and ideal for experienced readers. There are astrological and Kabbalistic influences. 

Some Majors have the titles, I Magus, VIII Adjustment, XI lust, XIV Art, XX Aeon, XXI Universe. Justice is VIII and Strength is XXI 

Lynda Stevens - An Interview

Introducing my readers to Lynda Stevens. Please tell us something about yourself Lynda: "I work as an artist and am engaged in creating abstract mixed-media works on canvas using materials ranging from glass fragments, clay and paper with acrylic, and metal foil, in layered landscapes. I work on paper too, creating collages. I see this path as a constant search 'for the pearl of Great Price', an image of wonder and beauty.

"My first degree was in English and Italian literature, but I graduated in 198 and there were 500 graduates to every job! I used my time to get two further qualifications in Art and I am actively involved in the 'alternative' Budapest scene where I exhibit with a group of life drawers, and take part in monthly creative events in the ruined pubs here, and I work outside with the Budapest Montmartre group in the summer. 

The Gospels' Veiled Agenda - Harry Freedman

Mind Body & Soul Book Review: The Gospels' Veiled Agenda - Revolution, Priesthood and The Holy Grail by Harry Freedman, published by O Books, paperback 182 pages £11.99 http://www.harryfreedmanbooks.com/

Dr Freedman here examines the life of Jesus and his mission which has parallels, connections and shadowing in the Old Testament. For instance, Isaac carried the wood for his own death on the pyre - and Jesus carried his cross to his crucifixion. There was a decree for all boy children to be put to death in the OT but Moses was saved in the bull-rushes - and a similar decree occured in the NT but Jesus was taken to Egypt for safety. Moses fasted 40 days and nights, as did Jesus. Many incidents in the lives of Adam, Noah, David, Joseph, Isaac, Elijah and others, find parallels in the life of Jesus, where there are similar roles or similar statements.

Creature Teacher Cards Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Creature Teacher - Animal Wisdom For All Ages by Scott Alexander King, illustrated by Sioux Dollman, boxed 45 cards and guidebook. www.animaldreaming.com

We can learn from other species and their intelligence, beauty and skills can provide us with guidance and inspiration that can enrich our lives. Wild and domesticated species are detailed with imaginary unicorn, dragons, etc., included.

Each card has an animal title and 3/4 word message and a hand painted image. The Guide book contains excellent and extensive information on each card. These are round cards and information on how to use them is provided. Spreads suggested are a one card reading and a three card reading. 

Universal Prophecy Cards

 Mind Body & Soul  Ezine Card Deck Review: Universal Prophecy Cards by Julie McKenzie published by Animal Dreaming Publishing. 

Simple and minimal instructions on how to clear the cards, ask the question, shuffle, choose, bless, and seek meaning. There are gold leafed edges on these high quality cards which are read upright only. There is a card titled The Golden Prophecy which is a master card of the deck. Each card has a title, an image, and a few words of advice. Sample card titled 'colour' with the  image (right) and words of advice: Visualise rainbow colours surrounding you as you breathe in their healing energy. From a calm mind and peaceful heart, the truth you seek will emerge.

Spreads suggested are Single Card Draw - 1 card, Message from your Beloved - 6 cards, Golden Bridge Layout - 10 cards, Yearly Layout - 12 cards, Prophecy Layout, in two parts, 13 cards.

It’s helpful to have the title, image and information on the cards! 
The author is a medium and specialises in children's books. 

Review Wendy Stokes www.wendystokes.co.uk

Book Extract - Homecoming - Reclaiming and Healing Your Inner Child

The wounded inner child contaminates intimacy in relationships because he has no sense of his authentic self.

The greatest wound a child can receive is the rejection of his authentic self. When a parent cannot affirm his child’s feelings, needs, and desires, he rejects that child’s authentic self. Then, a false self must be set up. In order to believe he is loved, the wounded child behaves the way he thinks he is supposed to.

Witchcraft - David Salisbury

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Deep Heart of Witchcraft - Expanding the Core of Magickal Practice by David Salisbury Published by Moon Books 251 pages £12.99 

David Salisbury comes from a place of being – from having lived the forces that he writes about, from interacting with them on a daily basis in his life. I was very impressed when I glanced at the table of contents, and the very “simple” manner in which this book is organized – the five elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit), the Gods, Deep Ritual In Witchcraft, Spinning the Wheel, and Putting it all together.

The Enchanted Tarot Review - 25th Anniversary Edition

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Enchanted Tarot - 25th Anniversary Edition. By Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. Published by Race Point. £19.99 http://www.theenchantedworld.net/

Over 250,000 decks of The Enchanted Tarot have been sold since first printed in 1992 and this is the prized '25th Anniversary' deck - not to be missed - as it is a very reasonable price for a boxed deck of 78 individual fabric artwork images plus a full colour book and a plum velvet bag!

Hieroglyphic Words of Power

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Hieroglyphic Words of Power - Symbols for Magic, Divination & Dreamwork by Normandi Ellis. Published by Bear & Co. US $20 : Can $24.99 : UK Kindle £8.99 and quality paperback with b/w illustrations £13.99 

Dr Normandi Ellis is an award winning author, mentor, minister, environmentalist, and archpriestess with the Fellowship of Isis. She is also the author of Awakening Osiris (translation of the Egyptian Book of the Dead) and Imagining the World into Existence. You are learning from a real expert here! You get your money’s worth! 

Rev Dr Karen Tate Book Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Goddess Calling by Rev Dr Karen Tate - Inspirational Messages and Meditations of Sacred Feminine Liberation Thealogy is published by Changemaker Books eBook: £6.99 Paperback: £9.99 Website: www.karentate.com

This book has been glowingly reviewed and praised by Jean Houston, Barbara G Walker, Szuzsanna Budapest and many other ‘greats’ of the women’s spirituality movement of our time. I opened it with considerable excitement to drink in it its beauty and riches and enjoy its poetry, delight and magic. The author provides here a useful manual to explore the many aspects of the Sacred Feminine and to access inspiration, encouragement and empowerment, not just on a personal level, but also to create a “Wisdom Circle”, a community in which rituals can be held to further explore this dynamic and transformational spiritual path specially for women.

Tarot of the New Vision

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review - Tarot of New Vision by. Pietro Alligo with artwork by Raul and Gianluca Cestaro. Published by Lo Scarabeo. £25.00

The ornate artwork, inspired by Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, is very enjoyable. This is a classy Tarot deck that will impress clients. The images describe the standard scenes shown from the back, so a great deal of information is available from these cards which aid intuition and help flesh out readings with a new perspective. The art creators are brothers. Several animals have prominence, owl, swan, monkey, turtle, lamb, etc. Ask ‘What is my purpose?’ There are two spreads suggested, The Cards of Meditation for journaling on a card each day, and The External and the Internal Cards. 

It would help to have a good knowledge of the RWS cards but having that, I developed a far broader understanding of potential situations than I had before. I like this deck. It is available from Lo Scarabeo and is included in the Total Tarot Collection, numbers 44 and 45. 

Dreams of the Goddess

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Dreams of the Goddess - Discovering the Divine While You Sleep by Scarlett Ross, published by New Page Books 222 pages paperback 

By the author of Nostradamus for Dummies, this is a 'discovery journal' style workbook with exercises, rituals, meditations and with space at the end of each chapter to record thoughts and experiences. The USP for this book is not just for understanding dreamwork but for focussing on dreamwork that is devoted to the feminine aspect of deity, and to listen to what they say to us while we sleep at night. Scarlett Ross is a teacher and workshop facilitator with 18 years of working in the field of metaphysics. She has something new to contribute to dreamwork in this unusual and interesting method of dream therapy. A brilliant topic for goddess lovers and also for dream enthusiasts. 
Review by Wendy Stokes   https://wendystokes.co.uk

The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Walker's Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs by Tristan Gooley, quality paperback and Ebook available, 428 pages, published by Sceptre Books. £9.99 

I had watched Chris Packham's TV programme of the dwellers of the tropical forest, and as I live on the edge of one of England's oldest forests, I fell in love with the thought of being at one with the cosmos, connected to the land, and understanding the ways of nature. Tristan Gooley's Walker's Guide is a rich source of guidance in how to enjoy the outdoor experience. For me, the best parts were the sun, moon and stars, and the section on birds and trees. Whatever the season, whether coast, mountain, lake or plain, this book will put you in touch with some wonderful secrets which will make your walks wonderfully fascinating. For intimate knowledge of clouds, rocks, shadows, soils, temperatures, water, woods, winds, plants, animals and more!             Review: Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk 

Colours - June McLeod

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Colours of the Soul - Tranform your Life Through Colour Therapy by June McLeod, 260 pages paperback £11.99, Kindle £6.99. Published by O Books. 
     For anyone interested in colour, this book covers the topic well, and who isn't interested? We choose clothes, vehicles and decor, but what effect does colour have on our life, and if we choose a particular colour, what does that say about us? The book provides exercises so is more of a work book. It explains what colours mean, the science of colour, how we can choose the best colours for ourselves, choosing foods of particular colours to improve health, colours that relate to the chakra and aura systems, art, etc.

Michael Meacher

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Destination of Species - The Riddle of Human Existence by the late Michael Meacher MP Paperback: £9.99 251 pages Author’s blog: http://www.michaelmeacher.info/weblog/

Michael Meacher is a New College Oxford and LSE graduate, a leftish Labour politician who almost became our Prime Minister during the Blair years (which I would have supported). Environment Minister from 1997-2003. He is a columnist for the Guardian newspaper and The New Statesman, has authored a book about the plight of elderly people in mental hospitals and here he examines the origins of the Universe, why we are here and where we are going. He examines a huge number of theories and perspectives, including the Big Bang, the formation of our planet, ideologies about an intelligent Creator, our development as human beings and what the future is likely to hold and why.

Erotic Fantasy Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Erotic Fantasy Tarot by Joseph Viglioglia  Published by Lo Scarabeo Pack of 78 cards plus multi languages information insert. £18.99 

The little white booklet insert is in English, Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Setting the scene for this very saucy Tarot deck are a few paragraphs about Eros, the world of our imagination, sex and ourselves, and these are followed by keywords and action suggestions for the Majors, where beautiful unclothed women are mainly featured, there are a few males and some ambiguously gendered archetypes. The Minors are King, Queen, Knight, Knave of Chalices, Pentacles, Wands, and Swords. The spread suggested is the 3 Card, ‘Erotic Relationship’. 

The Chocolate Lover's Message Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Chocolate Lover's Message Cards by Rosie Shalhoub, published by Animal Dreaming Publishing in a magnetic flip top box with 70 cards and instructions on how to use them. 

I enjoyed these cards! Let's get together and have some fun while we learn something about self- development.

Tantric Love Letters

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Tantric Love Letters by Diana Richardson Published by Manta Books Paperback: £12.99  221 pages

The author, Diana Richardson is a leading authority on tantric sex and has written several books on the subject (some with her husband, Michael). She trained with the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh Community and the Barry Long Foundation. A qualified lawyer and therapeutic massage teacher, she conducts 7 day workshops in Switzerland on Tantra with her husband. Also authored by Diana Richardson 'Tantric Orgasm for Women', 'Tantric Sex for Men', 'The Heart of Tantric Sex' and 'Slow Sex'. 

Tarot for Lovers

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Tarot for Lovers by E W Neville. Published by Schiffer Publishing £13.99

The retired author, Ed Neville hails from Southern California and spent 28 years working in top management in government whilst combining studies on the Occult, Astrology and Tarot. This book was first published in 1987 - but don’t be disheartened - people haven’t changed, and the information is just as good today as it always was! 

Love is so extremely important throughout our life, from cradle to the grave, but fraught with so many serious difficulties and who, as a reader, hasn’t had numerous questions about relationships? If relationship questions are your weakness, then this is the Tarot book for you! Covering the Majors, Minors and Court Cards, you can not only read for others but read for yourself! 

True Love Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: True Love Oracle - Attract & Create the Love You Desire by Belinda Grace, Boxed set of 36 Cards and Guidebook, published by Rockpool Publishing US $24.95: UK £18.99.on 8/12/2022 

New levels of understanding, confidence and trust are promised! With beautiful high colour artwork by Lori Banks, these cards are enjoyable. We all want to be loved and to love others in order to be emotionally fulfilled. It is difficult to feel satisfied with your life without affection and respect. The cards carry an image, number and title. In the guidebook, you have twenty words of advice for each card and 1,000 words of extra meaning. Also included, are instructions on how to use the cards, guidance on specific issues, questions, information for a 3 card reading for singles and for partnerships. There are meditations, mantras, a reparenting method, and a reintegration of your divine feminine. 

I Ching Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: I Ching Oracle Cards by Lunaea Weatherstone, published by Lo Scarabeo, 64 cards with multi lingual instruction booklet. £15.99

Lunaea Weatherstone has exceptional credentials - she is a Pagan Priestess and ex-owner of Sage Woman Magazine, author of Tending Brigid's Flame and a contributor to several books and card decks.
You can sense the power of these cards when you see the fabulously gold embossed black card box. It looks classy and speaks of luxury. This deck is well produced and excellent value! The I Ching, also know as The Book of Changes, is a Chinese philosophical system, one of the oldest books of philosophy in the world and thought to be over 4,000 years old. Originally, the oracle was divined with yarrow sticks, coins or stones, but these cards make a suitable and easy way of working.

Arcanis Animal Tarot

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Arcanis Animal Tarot by David Depasquale. Boxed set of 78 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP US $24.99 : Can $33.99 : UK £22.00

“Animals are referred by many cultures as moral guides, sacred guardians, and door to the spirit world.”

XXI The World - Upright: Completion, New Beginnings, Fulfilment. The World card is a sign that the end of something big is in sight. You’ve achieved what you’ve been working towards, and you feel accomplished. Though you’ve faced adversity, you have come out as the victor, and your hard work and dedication will be recognised. You feel a deep sense of purpose and have found your place in the world. If you haven’t quite reached the end yet, know it is within reach once you tie up those loose ends. Enjoy the fruits of your labour, be at promotion, a marriage, the birth of a child, or graduation. Your contentment is well deserved. Reversed: Lack of Achievement, Loss of Focus, Inability to Complete. The reversed World card signifies that you have some unfinished business to attend to. You may have been on the cusp of finishing something, but then became hesitant, or distracted. You didn’t follow through, which resulted in disappointment and a lack of closure. You need to jump back into the game and complete your goal. You will likely feel frustrated at having to start up again, and will need to make some changes to your approach, but know that in the end, the task will be worth finishing. Proud of his accomplishments, the World sits balancing the Earth, symbolising the fulfilment of his quest to find his place in the world. 

The Dream Weaver’s Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Dream Weaver’s Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid. Illustrations by Joel Makamura. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP US $24.99 : Can $33.99

“You are more than you know.”

There are two types of dreams: Dreams that are nightly, unconscious, and those that are conscious aspirations, hopes, and ambitions. This Oracle is about the second type. Information is provided in the guidebook on how to work with this deck, such as choosing a place within your home to keep special for readings. There is a prayer, an invocation offered to begin. Hold a question in your mind. There is a suggestion as to how to ask the right question. These cards are always upright, never reversed. You can choose a single card reading, a Two-Card or a Three-Card reading. How does it serve your highest good? 

Positive thinking! A good reminder. Taking a card a day! All good advice! Marvellous images. 

Soulful Woman Guidance Cards Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Soulful Woman Guidance Cards - Nurturance, Empowerment & Inspiration for the Feminine Soul by Shushann Movsessian and Gemma Summers. Boxed set of 48 cards and guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing.£17.99

Written by qualified psychotherapists who teach the path of the sacred feminine. The cards encourage empowerment and authenticity. 26 different artists work are featured, contributing 48 illustrations of women's faces using computer graphics, multi media and paintings. Each card has an image, a number, title and card affirmation message. The guidebook provides a message for each card plus information on how to use the cards by using the words 'I am'. There is a suggestion of a one-card reading and a 3 card reading. Symbols are the faces of women, flowers, moon, geometric designs, eggs, birds, butterflies, hair and spirals. 

The Sword and the Grail

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Sword and the Grail - The Story of the Grail, the Templars and the True Discovery of America by Andrew Sinclair.

This book describes the formation of the Templars and the fortunes of the survivors after the inquisition in the early 1300s. Rosslyn Chapel was built as the Grail temple with many indications of possible Templar treasure buried there. Could America have been discovered almost a hundred years before Columbus by Venician Zen brothers and St Clair family, who arrived in Nova Scotia and New England? The St Clair family history is fascinating, from its earliest time - by a healing well in Normandy - to become the Earls of Orkney and other high offices in Scotland. 

The Tarot of Curious Creatures

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: The Tarot of Curious Creatures by Chris-Anne. Published by Hay House. Boxed set of 79 cards and guidebook. UK £18.32 : US $26.99 : Can $35.99

Crazy, weird, eccentric, whimsical, all the wildest adjectives suit this tarot deck - and what a pack! 78 different characters all with a story, and a message of advice and encouragement. How do you feel about animal heads on human bodies, and wearing tasteful fashion? There is more than a hint of  power animals in this deck! These are photo realism people, computer graphics to make you laugh and have fun. You will find your Curious Creature Guide, meet them on Pathworkings, enjoy some new layouts, working with Major, Court Card and Minor 'interesting' messages. 

The creator, Chris-Anne is an experienced card deck designer. Her other card decks are: Lightseer’s Tarot, The Muse Tarot, and The Sacred Creator’s Oracle. 

Galactic Guides Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Galactic Guides Oracle  - Be guided by the love, light and magic of the galaxy by Victoria Maxwell. Boxed set of cards and guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. Illustrated by Ellie Grant. RRP US $24.95 : UK £18.99 

We have had spirit guides, power animals, all kinds of angels, and now we have….  Galactic Guides…. Fun, easy, and totally out of this world! Are you affected by the alignment of the stars, by moon phases and retrogrades? Personifications of galactic energies are here for you starseeds with haunting figurative images. 

Trendy and fashionable for the young seeker. I would choose this Oracle as a gift for a young imaginative person who enjoys a lot of creativity and where some maturity prompts are a valuable asset.  

Reflective Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Reflective Tarot (featuring the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot) Pocket size, Boxed set of 78 pocket sized cards and short information in the little white booklet with extended introduction by Stuart R Kaplan. Published by US Games Systems Inc. $22.95

Sample: Seven of Cups - Strange chalices of vision. Divinatory meaning: Fairy favours, images of reflection, imagination, sentiment, things seen in the glass of contemplation, some attainment in these degrees but nothing permanent or substantial. Reversed: Desire, determination, project, willpower. 

Tarot of the Abyss

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of the Abyss by Ana Tourian Boxed set of 80 cards and guidebook. Published by US Games Systems Inc. $22.95

Sample: “The rider stands tall on her two flying swans, brave and full of determination. There is no fear as she guides these regal feathered birds. She knows that fear will not help her and any wavering could bring about an accident. So, she guides her steed with steady hands, aware of the power hidden in the wind. She knows it’s useless to go against the wind: Instead she harnesses it so that her journey will be swift and easy on the swans. The rider balances herself with care, taking note of her surroundings, and also her charges. These are wild animals, and at any moment they could go their own way, to pull in the opposite direction. This Tarot Major encourages us to take action. It brings the potential for success. The Chariot appears in your reading, know that now is not the time to procrastinate or let yourself be distracted. Set your goals and maintain your focus. There are many things that can distract our attention on a day-to-day basis. Remain steadfast and know that the road to success is often filled with obstacles. It’s all about how you approach them. It’s your strategies, your tenacity, and your courage, that will ultimately allow you to realise your goals.” 

Tarot of A Moon Garden

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of A Moon Garden by Karen Marie Sweikhardt. Boxed set of 78 cards and full colour Guidebook and layout for Wheel of the Year Spread. Published by U S Games Systems Inc. $31.95

Marvellous! Purple gilt edging on these cards is a delight, and they have highly ornamental artwork! These are 78 borderless paintings - all the better to see the beauty of the flora and fauna, mythic creatures, angels and fairies, and natural settings. And, if the images alone don’t thoroughly excite you, the write ups on the cards definitely will. These are an unusual size, long and thin and easy to shuffle and deal. The written explanations are divided into Renderings, Readings and Ritual, providing 250 words for each card. The Appendix provides Garden Runes, Garden Recipes, and a recipe for Honey Mead. 

Oracle of the Birds

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Oracle of the Birds by Jeanne Ruland, illustrated by Petra Kuhne. Boxed set of 46 cards and guidebook. Published by Inner Traditions/Findhorn Press. RRP US $25.00 : Can $31.50 

Lift your gaze to the sky. Be unique, free, and yet connected!

This oracle deck is a collaboration, with assistance from Schirner Verlag who completed the work that was started by the late Jeanne Ruland, so this card deck could be described as Jeanne’s swan song. 

Sample card! Robin- joy, sound and singing. Robin flutters into your life, and invites you to open your heart to joy and happiness. With its companions, it warbles, Hear its tunes in the forest to increase love and enjoyment. If you have chosen this card, join in the merry chorus. Funny, cheerful, and joyful, at the top of your voice, walking, walking. Magic feathers, beautiful, delicate, red feathers, cover my neck. Feel the light reach into your vocal centre and fill it with power. Speak, sing, or raise your voice. Awaken, your sound, full of joy, and express what resonates within you. More meanings: self expression, raising your voice, singing aloud. Affirmation: Self expression conveys my joy of life, I raise my voice to show what makes my heart sing. In addition, the reader can add their own understanding. Robin! A Territorial bird, often a loner but with the most amazing and wonderful song for such a small bird, and so friendly, it will sit at your feet if you are a gardener! 

Motherpeace Tarot Deck Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Motherpeace Tarot - A Way to the Goddess through Myth, Art and Tarot by Karen Vogel and Vicki Noble published by U S Games Systems Inc. 

     This Tarot deck was originally self published but has sold in excess of 150,000 sets. There is information about the history of the tarot and the history of the goddess. The book explains how to use the deck, and information on sacred space, focus, meditation, shuffling, deep breathing, candles, cloths, bags, etc.  Call upon the goddess! One can draw one card asking 'What if I took this particular action?' 'What can I learn from this situation?' to see what the answers might be! Work, close relationship, creativity and spirit life are possible topics. Helper cards can be added. Artwork by Lily Hillwomyn calligraphy and original drawings, Cassandra Light provided the card back designs.

Influence of the Angels Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Influence of the Angels by Jody Boginski Barbessi, published by US Games Systems Inc. $26.95 
Boxed set of 80 gilt edged cards (size 5.25" x 3.5") and explanatory booklet. Each tarot card bears a classical angel image pertaining to a tarot card plus two aide memoire cards for minor arcana, suit and number meanings. Card faces bear an image and title. The book provides information about each card with an angelic message of an affirmation or cautionary advice, blessing or prayer, the symbols of each card are explained with direct and shadow meanings. All information on how to get the best from the cards and a reading are included. Spreads suggested are a 5 Card Influence of the Angels, and a 4 Card Heart of the Matter. Two sisters, Jody and Karen designed the deck. A particularly beautiful Card Deck. I enjoyed working with these ornate and elegant cards. They have a depth that provide excellent readings - a deluge deck! 

Tarot for Magical Times Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Tarot for Magical Times By Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig. Published by AGM Urania. 160 page full color explanatory book £10.21 

‘Enlightenment is man’s emergency from his self-incurred immaturity.’ Kant

Astrologically, we are influenced by the planet Pluto which entered the constellation of Capricorn in 2008. It will occupy this position until 2024 during which time we will experience a process of cultural and personal transformation due to the breakdown of organisational structures, dogma and habits. Previously, when this planetary configuration occurred, it was the time of the Reformation and the Age of Enlightenment. Tarot for Magical Times focuses on this precise issue and uses the card of the Tower to play a central role in representing this planetary position.

The Mythic Tarot

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

This book is a marvellous substitute for a workshop designed for the Mythic Tarot deck by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene. Readers gain knowledge of themselves and can use this knowledge to interpret the cards for other people. Guided fantasy and colouring exercises of the Major Arcana help develop a closer relationship to the archetypes, and details of each element. Astrology signs, myths and divinatory meanings are provided plus questions to help with more accurate readings. A record of your work is used to chart your progress. The mythological references to each Major and its divinatory meaning with full 500 word explanation, followed by the card image are provided for you to colour with space for notes and the thoughts and experiences in the guided fantasies. 

Greek Mythology Reading Cards Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Greek Mythology Reading Cards - Wisdom from Ancient Greece by Alison Chester-Lambert, illustrated with digital collages of classical artworks by Richard Crookes, published by Findhorn Press. Box comprises of explanatory booklet plus 50 cards.

Each card depicts a different Greek deity and the booklet has adequate explanations of each. The illustrations are majestic, enjoyable with photos and collages of paintings and sculptures from ancient Greece. These deities have been waiting in the wings to be consulted by us as they were consulted by the ancients, for guidance and advice. Since ancient times, the gods and goddesses have been implored for support at times of difficulty. Athena will provide strength for a task, Hera for the home, Eros to acquire a new love, Zeus for confidence. Sleep with them beside your bed for inspiration.

Crystal Visions Tarot

 

Mind Body and Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso Published by US Games Systems, Inc Website: www.crystalvisionstarot.com  
Jennifer Galasso studied art, graphic design and psychology and has produced a very enjoyable deck with a young female energy. Her fantasy artwork is also available as greeting cards, prints and figurines and her illustrations have been published in anthologies and magazines.

The title ‘Crystal Visions’ was taken from a music CD of the songwriter, Stevie Nicks, and the flowing beauty and elegance of these songs is reflected in the delicacy, femininity and enchanting quality of the card’s artwork. The symbol of the crystal ball is also detailed in several of the images within the deck and provides an

The Winged Enchantment Oracle Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Winged Enchantment Oracle Deck written by Lesley Morrison, art by Lisa Hunt. Published by US Games Systems Inc. 39 cards with booklet insert. 

Sample reading: Robin - Hello, I am Robin with the song of renewal. I am ancient, bringing forth the spring from the chill winds of winter. I reassure you that the seasons are turning and winter turns to spring. It is time to rejuvenate, time to awaken! The hibernation of your talents and dreams have no place in Robin’s medicine that cleanses like the rain. I am flowing forward like the river and I sing your wake up call at sunrise. Keep your world going no matter how thick the ice is formed. You are the caretaker of your own soul. Renew yourself! You are a new beginning. You are invigorating. You are upward growth. You are Robin.

Golden Tarot Review - Kat Black

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Golden Tarot by Kat Black Published by US Games Systems Inc £21.20 quality box with 78 cards and 198 page explanatory book. Website: http://goldentarot.com

Originally produced online where it gained publicity and recognition, this very beautiful card deck is produced to a very high standard and edged in gold leaf. The illustrator has used paintings dating from (1200-1500), a little known period known as International Gothic Style of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. Many are owned by European churches. Tapestries, silks and brocades, carving, gilding, landscapes of hills, castles and crowns, gothic arches, stained glass, palfreys, talbots and flags, ornamentation and fine detail are the enjoyments of this deck. Classes of feudal society and aspects of human frailty are shown. The Rider-Waite symbolism is the foundation for the card concepts. The deck is for use more for personal insight and review than psychic fortune telling.  

Moon Goddess Diary 2024

Moon Goddess Diary 2034 for the Northern Hemisphere by Nicci Garaicoa, published by Rockpool Publishing. Price £9.99 ISBN: 9781922579560

A beautiful gift and a very elegant diary, suitable for all women. We have, to begin the year, a mission statement from the diary’s creator, Australian Nicci Garaicoa, and a message from Grandmother Moon. The diary is interactive, with a seasonal goddess self-care tool kit with a chosen goddess, her colours, sounds, body movement, crystals, plants, scents and additional exercises, advice and tips. Moon goddesses are detailed with full colour artworks. All positive messages of empowerment. Moon phases are included. 

There is a ritual to close the year and prepare for 2025.

Heavenly Bloom Tarot Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Heavenly Bloom Tarot Deck by Noa Ikeda, Boxed set of cards and guidebook, published 10th Sept 2022 by US Games Systems Inc. $ 23.95 : £25: 

This is a Tarot deck based on a mythological fantasy storyline. It is nicely produced with rose gold card edges. I would think it is a deck for young people, as the many figurative images are very stylish, with young slim women in fabulous costumes, and some with a very Eastern stereotyped beauty. There is a computer game feel with enigmatic images, some are international, with a strongly female energy, and some figures in motion. I also think the deck would be most suitable for experienced Tarot readers or those with high intuition.

Sample card Knight of Laurels: Eula stays true to their grounded and practical mindset. Upright: Study and practical. This Knight exhibits perseverance and determination to travel a steady path towards their ambition. Reversed: Overly stubborn and conservative. There may be a feeling of being stuck in a routine. Live life a little, don’t be afraid to dream.

Cat's Eye Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Cat's Eye Tarot by Debra M Givin DVM Published by US Games Systems, Inc Price: £16.99 

The 78 cards of the major and minor arcana are represented in this novelty deck which has a white booklet within the pack that offers card titles and concept keywords, an explanation of the upright card symbolism and an interpretation for each card. Each of the cards is painted by Debra M Givin, the deck’s creator, who is a qualified veterinarian and cat specialist practising in Portland, Maine since 1982.

The card sizes are traditional and the meanings have a traditional flavour. The major arcana cards are emphasised by their purple colours, the minor arcana’s colours and symbols are: Wands, represented by orange (creative energy), reptiles and flashy reddish gingers; Cups by red (emotional energy), fish and sweet, black and white cats; Swords by blue (intellectual energy), birds and the talkative Siamese and Pentacles by brown (earth energy), mice and solid, practical tabbies. The art-work tells a story and is without mystifying esoteric symbolism. The card backs depict a long-haired tabby cat’s face with green eyes.

The Wisdom of the Tao

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Wisdom of the Tao Oracle Cards by Mei Jin Lu. Box contains 45 full colour cards plus a guidebook. Published by US Games Systems Inc. £25.00

The Tao is an ancient knowledge of how to live life with wisdom and calmness. This is the first oracle card deck to incorporate the teaching of Tao masters, the elements, and zodiac animals. You are instructed to pick a card for inspiration and empowerment or to consult the cards when a decision is required.

Tree Angel Oracle

Mind Body Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Angel Tree Oracle Deck - The Ancient Path into the Sacred Grove by Fred Hageneder with illustrations by Anne Heng. Published by Earthdancer (an Inner Traditions imprint).  A boxed set of 36 cards and an explanatory booklet. Visit: www.themeaningoftrees.com

I liked these cards very much. Ecology is an important aspect of both ancient and New Age spirituality. The more we know and love the natural world, and trees especially, the more life becomes meaningful to us. These cards help us to forge a relationship with the world around us as we live our life each day. The forest and its trees are a metaphor for the soul. Tree spirits and nature spirits are an ancient tradition and this deck brings alive the myths and ancient knowledge of the past and adds modern wisdom to each tree card, described as the ‘Wildwood of the Soul’.

Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot Deck

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot Deck by Matt Hughes, published by US Games Systems Inc. 80 cards and instruction booklet in pack.

"A tool for meditation, inner reflection and divination."

Two extra major arcana cards have been added to the traditional tarot deck. These are The Well and The Artist. These two cards reflect the personal journey of Matt Hughes.

The faces of every card carry gold embossing which provides the deck with a very glamorous beauty and this special aspect adds an interesting ingredient to the readings. Each card carries a simple yet beautiful coloured drawing in soft pastel colours presented in a gold frame. The artist is self taught, and the cards have an Art Nouveau/Pre Raphelite and Symbolist energy, similar to The Age of Illustration. 

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. 

Celtic Tree Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: The Celtic Tree Oracle - A System of Divination by Liz and Colin Murray, illustrated by Vanessa Card. Pack includes a Hardback book with instructions and advice and divinatory meanings, plus cards, size 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size plus a writing pad to record information about your readings, in addition to a record sheet for 13 card readings and instructions about the Ogham alphabet, tree lore and Celtic traditions. 

The Secret History of Christmas Baking

The Secret History of Christmas Baking - Recipes and Stories from Tomb Offerings to Gingerbread Boys by Linda Raedisch, ISBN 978-0-7387-7235-6, RRP $17:99. Published by Llewellyn Publications. (8 Sept, 2023)

This is a magical exploration of the sometimes dark and always intriguing history of some of our most beloved baked Christmas treats. Many have surprising origins with many twists and turns in their development into the festive delights that we enjoy today. 

The 300 pages of this book are delightfully crammed with recipes, and also crafts! Good old fashioned wholesome crafts like making your own Christmas star shaped cookie tray or a paper angel! Homemade marzipan and how to make your own candied peel to name just a selection of treats. All the instructions are easy to follow and offer the relevant historical information of each.

Gathered from all over Europe and sometimes dipping into the ancient exotic cultures of Persia, Arabia, and Egypt, Linda Raedisch delivers everything you need to get you in the mood for the season. Written with wit and passion, it is an unexpected page turner.