The Fourfold Path to Healing

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Fourfold Path to Healing - Working with the Laws of Nutrition, Therapeutics, Movement and Meditation in the Art of Medicine - A Unique Approach to Medicine that Addresses the Fourfold Nature of Man by Thomas S Cowan MD, Sally Fallon and Jaime McMillan. Published by New Trends Publishing.

The Fourfold approach covers nutrition (healing the physical body), meditation (described as healing the mental body, though in most instances this is background information and advice), therapeutics (what is described as healing the lifeforce body), and movement (described as healing the emotional body). With non traditional allopathic material that has influences from Rudolph Steiner, and a non industrial approach to health, the book covers with each of the Fourfold topics: infectious disease, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diseases of the adrenal cortex, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, women's and men's diseases, weight loss, depression, back pain, arthritis, neurological diseases, and provides advice on how to be a patient, cooking, exercise, and other useful tips on how to live a health based life. 

The Secret Scroll

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Secret Scroll - by Andrew Sinclair. With colour photos and hand-drawings, acknowledgements and notes. Introduction biography of the author by the author. 218 pages. 2002

I received this book in the post with a request for an honest review! It begins with a beautiful story from 1330 and of the heart of Robert the Bruce, being taken to Jerusalem for burial by an ancestor of the author. Much of the St Clair family history goes back far beyond 1,000 years to the lands of the river Epte in Normandy. We read of the Gnostics, and the connection between the Templars and Freemasons, hidden knowledge, mysticism, hermetic and cabalistic knowledge, and how the Kirkwall scroll of Orkney, now in a Masonic lodge on an island in the North Atlantic, holds the key to many of the greatest mysteries, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Garden of Eden, and the Grail itself and how geometric designs were learnt from mosques in the holy land. The remains of Templars were often interred in the position of the skull over crossed leg bones, a position which I found extraordinary, like much else in this book. 

The author connects the Christian Templars with the Freemasons who are not Christians. I was shocked that the author criticised Jacques de Molay for “ruining his sect by ordering it to surrender and confess” even under excruciating torture, peine forte et dure! I notice the author has changed the title of the Order from The Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon to the Order of the Temple, thereby cutting out both the oath of poverty and duty to Jesus Christ. This says a lot about the intention of the book and the way it presents the lives of the Templars especially, and the emphasis of the text on heresy whilst ignoring the New Testament!

Angel Wisdom Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review:  Angel Wisdom Tarot by Radleigh Valentine. Boxed set of 78 cards and guidebook, published by Hay House UK £18.32 : US $24.99 : Can $33.99 

Dedicated to Archangels Uriel and Gabriel with gratitude for endless epiphanies. “Thank you Angels for guiding my life every day.” 

Sample Card: Strength XI Archangel Ariel, the Lioness of God is connected to the Earth and its animals. She inspires you to have confidence and sensitivity. This card represents power and courage through kindness and compassion. You can conquer your challenges. Have faith and truth in yourself. It asks you to have a soft touch with words and actions. Your sensitivity is a gift that can navigate you through troubled times. You can stand up for yourself, coupling assertiveness with dignity, grace and willpower. Forgive yourself when you get something wrong. Have the courage of your convictions. 

Runic Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Runic Tarot - Valhalla, the Realm of the Gods. By Jack Sephiroth, Zhang  and Jaymi Elford. Published by Lo Scarabeo. £34 

Like seeing through a glass darkly, you will love these mythical Viking styled photographic computer generated warriors, strong, masculine, dressed to the nines and looking very exciting indeed though with muted and shaded colouring which adds to the mystique. 

Wands, horns, short blades, and shields are the suits; the Court Cards are Page, Knight, Queen, and King. For the spreads, we have Odin’s Sight with 4 cards, Norn’s Spin which has 3 cards and Magical Action, 4 cards. These cards are not predictive but will help access a moment of clarity that sheds light on our inner world and the way we approach life. 

Folk Lore Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Folk Lore Tarot - Guidance for Today from Ancient Storytellers’ Wisdom by Rowan Ortins. Boxed set of 78 cards and Guidebook. Published by U S Games Systems Inc. $24.95

Card Sample: Temperance XIV Upright: balance, harmony, moderation, priorities. Reversed: imbalance, frustration, excess, addiction. One of the most well-known elements of Chinese culture and mythology is the Chinese dragon, also called long. These legendary creatures are associated with power, strength and good luck. Chinese emperors often use the dragon to symbolise their imperial authority. Other important and successful people have often been compared to these noble creatures as well. Dragons are believed to be able to control aspects of the weather, especially rainfall. Different colours of Chinese dragons carry additional symbolism. For example, blue dragons are said to represent nature, peace and tranquility, red dragons represent fortune and happiness. The Temperance card reminds us to strive for balance and harmony in every aspect of our lives. The symbol is that of Aquarius, and this is the philosophy of balance and the watering down the elements and emotions that are too strong. It is no surprise then, that this card shows the symbol of Aquarius, the zodiac sign of the water bearer. The sign represents thoughts, ideas, and intuition, and encourages us to think and stay calm instead of acting on our impulses. ♒️ 

The Lover’s Path Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Lover’s Path Tarot by Kris Waldherr. Boxed set of 78 cards and Guidebook. Published by US Games Ststens. Inc. RRP: £25.83 

The card container is a drawer pull box with a pack of quality produced cards inside. The Oracle comes with a little white booklet with information on how to use the cards, the importance of love and good relationships, and the basic meanings of this specific deck. There is a Lovers Path Spreadsheet of good strong plasticised paper. The art is inspired by Kris Waldherr’s visit to Italy, the Renaissance, art, architecture, books, countryside. 

Enjoyable mythological and historical love dramas are featured in this Tarot. Each Major is retitled and highlights a romantic story. The Minors are divided into 4 story suits. Suits are Arrows, Staves, Coins and Cups.  Ideal for romantic readings, bearing in mind the traditional problems associated with love and its related traumas. Do not give bad news unless you tell your Enquirer how to deal with their problems (this information is not included). 

Mind Mapping

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Mind Map Book by the late Tony Buzan published by BBC Books, 320 pages.

Tony Buzan is the leading authority on mind mapping and if you are a student, creative, business person, a child or learner of any kind, whatever your speciality, this is the book for you! In full colour too so it is marvellous value for money!

Tarot Cards of Modern Goddesses

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Tarot Cards of Modern Goddesses by Cecilia Lattari, artwork by Petra Braun. Drawer pull box containing set of 78 cards and full colour guidebook. Published by Rockpool Publishing. UK £19.99 

Sample Card: Crone of Cups “The Crone of Cups is she who has full control of her emotions. She has lived a lot and now knows how to control that which has destabilised her in the past. She can be someone who doesn’t show what they feel because her gazes are forward-looking, broad and rational. Often she represents people who have roles that listen and care, such as psycho psychologists, doctors and healers. She prefers not to show her vulnerability, but knows well that this too can be a great strength. Here, Yemaya is the water of a lake, calm, with the defined borders, reflected in the sky.”

These cards are dedicated to goddesses and help with female empowerment in each goddess myth, archetype and ancient divinity. All celebrate the fearless spirit of women. Multi cultural card deck with figurative artwork featuring women in all kinds of lively and colourful roles. suits are Wands, Swords, And Pentacles, with Court Cards titled Page (child), Knight (adolescent), Queen (woman) and King (crone). Each King is shown as a Crone, a goddess of complete wisdom. Each Major Arcana card is associated with a classical goddess plus a woman of our time, the Minors are ordinary but inspirational women, made divine through skill, work, or other contribution. 

Grand Lenormand

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Grand Jeu De Mlle Lenormand also known as the Astro Mythological by Mlle Lenormand) 54 cards with instruction booklet. Published by Grimaud. Card size: 127 x 90mm
Each of the traditional playing cards are represented as hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades which offer elements, numerology and other symbolism. Two extra cards are included as significator for a male or female querent. The 52 cards are 4 decks of diamonds, clubs, hearts and spades. The 52 cards are divided into 5 areas: 
The Conquest of the Golden Fleece; The Trojan War; Hermetics/Alchemy; the Unexplained; and the Zodiac. 
The cards are further divided:
The Top has 3 areas -
Left - a playing card image. Central - a constellation. Right - a letter and underneath some have Kabbalistic gematria. 
Middle - a pen and ink image, renaissance and mediaeval in design. 
Bottom - 3 areas of smaller images:
Left, Central - botanical images with sometimes several different flowers. Right - another image.

Mythic Oracle

Mind Body and Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Mythic Oracle - Wisdom of the Ancient Greek Pantheon by Carisa Mellado with artwork by Michele-lee Phelan. Boxed 45 card and information booklet set.

Greek gods and goddesses reflect our own human lives and the cards are designed to guide us through life cycles. They reflect the archetypal hero, Odysseus and his epic journey, from departure to initiation and eventual return home. We use this to assist us in our journey through life. We begin with an awakening, experience challenges, overcome difficulties. We must go down into our deepest level to discover new perspectives, our illusions need to be broken, our convictions clarified. We will integrate this new self into the world of the future, mastering both, our inner life and our outer world.

Mlle Lenormand - Time-Life Books

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card deck review: Mlle Lenormand by AGM Urania are a deck of 36 cards based on the renowned 19th century card diviner, Marie Anne Lenormand of Paris. This is a special edition for Time-Life Books. The cards have no writing or numbers, just pictures on

the card faces which have a French 1700 ambiance (for instance, man on a horse with chateau in the distance and a lady in full French gown). Some cards have playing card features including court cards and each card carries a number and fancy M for Marie in a cartouche. These cards, known as the 'Blue Owl' were first produced in 1920 and originate in the Biedermeier period. 

Runes Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Review: Runes Oracle Cards by Bianca Luna with artwork by Cosimo Musio. The box contains an instruction book (in English, Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portugese and Russian languages) and 24 cards.

This deck was commissioned by Lo Scarabeo and I enjoyed the excellent paintings. Runes are the ancient alphabet of the Nordic people and each image is a symbol which has meaning. There is information about the author, and instuctions on how to read and divine with the cards and how to prepare yourself for a reading. Each card is detailed with information about its ancient meaning, a key word for quick reference, the image portrayed on the card, what kind of energy the card has, and a suggested meditatation on each card. 

There are several spreads offered, The Milestone is a very simple one card reading. The Celtic Cross uses four cards, The Spread of the Three Wise Men has three cards, Spread of the Psychic has four cards. There is useful information about meditation, such as a Classic and a Focused Meditation style, and how to use the cards as a talisman. You can charge a card with power so that you can leave it by your bedside while you sleep and it will give you the power you require. 

Blue Bird Lenormand Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Blue Bird Lenormand Fortune Telling Cards by Stuart R Kaplan. Published by U S Games Systems Inc. Pack includes 36 cards and little white information booklet.

Dali Tarot Universal

Mind Body Soul Tarot Card Review: Dali Tarot Universal.
Artwork by Salvadore Dali, Text (192 pages). Published by Taschen. £42.95

The Salvador Dali Tarot Book is a prestigious Jubilee edition paperback of quality full colour reproductions of the 78 cards in the Dali Universal Tarot deck. It contains detailed interpretations for each card, information about layout and method of choosing and reading, the sources and inspiration of the images and further information about Dali and his work with the Tarot.

No Place for a Woman

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: No Place for a Woman - The Political and Spiritual Power Abuse of Women Within Catholicism by Debra Maria Flint. Lantern Publishing & Media. 2024. RRP £18.99 Released in April 2024. 

This book has many reviews by eminent theologians and it has several quotes including one from the current Pope Francis. 

The text is well written and knowledgeably researched. It ranges wide in its references, and digs deep into the patriarchal heart over the long era of Christianity. It explains how the New Testament has been manipulated to disfavour women and to promote men into positions of power. It also includes a personal experience by the author that shows that today, church prejudices towards women is continuing. 

This is a powerfully insightful - and highly valuable book - that is suitable for all Christians to read. 

A penetrating and a profound and provoking account of the unjust and manipulative sexual mores of the Roman Catholic priesthood. 

Impactful and original, new material. This book will radically change your perspective! The sequel is on its way! 

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.

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. 

The Language of Letting Go

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie. 

A book of 365 advice style meditations provided on a daily reading basis. Melody shares her recommendations for letting go of anxiety, despondency, needyness, frustrations, and other common problems, replacing them with confidence, joy, self understanding and positivity. Each daily meditation is followed by a one sentence prayer. AA and other similar programmes for recovery from addictions, codependency and compulsions are the foundation of this book. 

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

Healing into Life & Death

Mind Body & Soul Book Review: Healing into Life & Death by Stephen Levine. 

This is a marvellous book as it takes us through many aspects of how different people approach death, and the healing that can take place preparing for this transition. It's moving, wise and caring. And heartwarming in its ability to articulate very difficult concepts. The author is very experienced in this work having studied with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and run a free helpline for those approaching death. He was also the Director of the Hanuman Foundation Dying Project. What is revealed is the peace and joy that can be achieved by coming to terms with the inevitable, and some who were preparing to die, managed to live, and have a rich and rewarding experience, knowing who they were and what they wanted to accomplish at the end of their life. 

Talking Story

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review - One Woman’s Quest to Preserve Ancient Spiritual and Healing Traditions by Marie-Rose Phan-le. Published by North Atlantic Books. RRP US $18.95 : Can $22.50 

“God turns you from one feeling to another and teaches you by means of opposites, that you need two wings to fly not one.” Rumi

“What is good is bad!” Author’s mother’s philosophy. 

Goddess Spirit Oracle Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Goddess Spirit Oracle Deck. Writer & Artist, Rachael Johnson, published by Blue Angel Publishing, 44 cards with accompanying Guidebook. Card size: 12cm x 17cm £18.99

Women (and girls - though none older than middle age) and of varying nationalities feature in this deck by full time U.K. artist and designer Rachael Johnson, now residing in Australia’s Gold Coast. The card deck is divided into 7 Chakra Energy cards, 11 Arcana Goddess cards, 7 The Septuple, and 8 Lunar Energy cards. Many of the goddesses mentioned in this oracle helped Rachael Johnson to create it and we are instructed to follow our own intuition when using the cards, whether connecting to feminine power of the Lunar Energy or honouring and connecting to the Arcana cards by placing them on your altar. You can also draw a card and keep a journal of your thoughts and experiences, or use the cards for divination. 

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.

 

Kenya - My Story Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Kenya - My Story by J. L. McKinney. Published by Michael Terence Publishing. (Release date 12th July, 2024)  RRP: £12.99 

This is a true and moving story of Jeanette’s life in Kenya - but who goes on holiday to Africa and decides to stay to start a business? Jeanette was always an adventurer, like Voltaire’s Candide, she lives life to the maximum! Who could believe that she survived three years in the sleazy, seedy and sordid backwaters of an African Mafia hell hole? She did because she is resilient, strong and caring, and had love in her life, however misguided it was! 

Enthralling, entertaining and exciting! Shocking and disturbing! A sequel is being prepared! 

A Guide to Sacred Activism

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: A Guide to Sacred Activism By Andrew Harvey  Paperback £10.99  Published by Hay House Author website: http://www.andrewharvey.net/

Andrew Harvey is 2011 winner of the prestigious Nautilus Silver Award for Social Change and is the founder of the international Institute for Sacred Activism and the Academy of Sacred Leadership. He has taught at Oxford and Cornell and other prestigious universities. He is known as a modern day visionary and mystic but, for me, his role is close to that of the Old Testament prophets; urgently warning, kindly admonishing and desperately pleading to prevent planetary suicide. 

The Spirit of Nature Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Spirit of Nature Oracle - Ancient Wisdom from the Green Man and the Celtic Ogam Tree Alphabet by John Matthews and Will Worthington. Published by Eddison Books Ltd. Boxed set of 25 cards plus book. Deck previously known as "The Green Man Tree Oracle".

“It is wise to listen to the voices of the trees for they tell us much that we might otherwise forget” Tacitus.

Pieces of bark or stone with letters from the Celtic alphabet known as Ogam have been used for divination for 1,600 years. Information about this 'secret' alphabet, sacred groves and the Green Man are provided in the companion book.  Each card carries an image of one of the sacred trees of the Celtic people, with the title of the tree and the Ogam letter it represents. For each tree, a divinatory meaning, tradition and lore are supplied. 

In Between Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: In Between Tarot by Janine Worthington and Art by Franco Rivoli. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

We have the Before Tarot and the After Tarot which add to the understanding of the RWS deck. This one focuses on the energies between the cards and how they link together, and relate to the cards either side of the one chosen. They are idea, for single card readings, and for single card meditation. There are zodiac, numerology alchemical and pagan hints. Wands are fire, Pentacles are Earth, Swords are Air and Cups are Water. 

Rainbow Tribe

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Rainbow Tribe - Ordinary People Journeying on the Red Road by Ed McGoo - Eagle Man. Published by Harper San Francisco.

The author, Ed McGaa known as Eagle Man is a Oglala Sioux, born on a reservation with the number 15287 who joined the marine corps and became a fighter pilot. He holds a law degree from the University of South Dakota and is the author of many books on spirituality and philosophy. This book is dedicated to several First Nation teachers who the author admires “to the rare warriors with special courage to go out to the lonely edge - the chasm of change - where the detractors are many and the supporters are few.”

Who are the Rainbows? “Rainbow people work in cities and towns. Some are housewives raising their young. Rainbows work, thrive, vote, pay taxes, abide by laws, and our drug-free, abstain from or rarely touch alcohol, and do what almost everyone else does legally in this land. They also do ceremony and have found a closer connection to the creative entity all around them. 

Loftus: The Hall of Dreams Extract

 

Chapter III. The House of the Dead

“There had stood a great house in the centre of the gardens, where now was left only that fragment of ruin. This house had been empty for a great while; years before his—the ancient man’s—birth. It was a place shunned by the people of the village, as it had been shunned by their fathers before them. There were many things said about it, and all were of evil. No one ever went near it, either by day or night. In the village it was a synonym of all that is unholy and dreadful.”

~ William Hope Hodgson, The House on the Borderland

Gilded Reverie Lenormand

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Gilded Reverie Lenormand Gold Edged 'Expanded Edition' by Ciro Marchetti published by U S Games Systems Inc. 47 cards with explanatory book.

The card faces have a contemporary computer graphic presentation, a number and playing card information. Added to the 36 Lenormand deck, the author has added 8 special supplementary cards with information on how to use the extra cards in a reading. There is a simple Nine-Card Spread with sample reading, The Fortune-Telling Day Spread with 9 cards with sample provided, The Chocolate Box Spread with 18 cards and sample. I find the images are easy to connect with and inspire my readings. I like these cards very much and appreciate the extra cards in the Expanded Edition. If  I had to use one word, I would say 'glamorous!' 

Dog Speak Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dog Speak Cards - How To Learn Your Pup’s Body Language Published by Rockpool Publishing. Pack of 24 self explanatory cards RRP US $14.95 : UK £12.99 Released 4th July 2024

Each of the cards has an image and a title. They are divided into 2 suits, one is How to Teach Your Dog This behaviour, such as Sit, Stay, Lie Down, etc., and What You Should Do If You See This, such as Eating Grass, Chasing Tail, Panting, etc. 

On the back of the cards are explanations in 150 words. 

Helpful tips in card form. Designed to be given as a gift to new dog owners. 

What Would Britney Do?

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: What Would Britney Do? pack of 24 cards. Published by  Rockpool Publishing. RRP US $14.95 : UK £12.95 29th August 2024

Each card carries an attractive artwork of Britney Spears and a title. On the back of the cards is the information about the artwork, and a 30 word life advice/guidance. 

Sample: Own It Take charge of everyone and everything in your domain. With a cast of 44 dancers, magicians, clowns and acrobats Britney really was the ringleader of her very own circus. She called the shots and commanded the stage through this amazing performance.

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! 

Tarot Illuminati Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot Illuminati – The Light Within by Erik C Dunne, published by Lo Scarabeo 

The digital artwork is extremely ornate and very elegant and includes some interesting symbolism with strong archetypal energies. This is certainly the most stylish and glamourous deck I’ve seen and for those who like to meditate on tarot cards, the images invite you to step within and experience the profound and magical landscape. I especially like the colouring. Working with the cards, I found them the most inspirational of the card decks I have in my extensive collection. I found that when I used large spreads I felt quite mind-blown due to the degree of power which is generated from these cards. 

Tarot Medieval Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot Medieval - The Mysteries of the Initiates Path by Caitlin Matthews with illustrations by Wil Kingham. Boxed set of cards and full colour book. Published by REDFeather (subsidiary of Schiffer Publishing) May 2023 UK £27.99 : US $29.99

A magnetic flip top box opens to display a comprehensive book and 78 cards. Size: 13.5 x 10.5 cm. Caitlin Matthews has translated, edited and provided additional material to revive an original, lost Tarot deck by Francis Rolt-Wheeler. The artwork is produced by Wil Kingham from originals by Christian Loring. 

A fascinating story begins with the highly praised Christian Loring who is a specialist in medieval art, and knowledgeable about Qabala. She meets with the esoteric teacher and L’Astrosophie magazine publisher, Francis Rolt-Wheeler to produce a Tarot deck but during WW2 it is becomes lost. 

Mystic Sisters Oracle Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Mystic Sisters Oracle Deck by Emily Balivet, published by US Games Systems Inc. Boxed set of 51 cards and instruction booklet. 

Learn of the Mystic Sisterhood of Goddesses and mythological  archetypes. They will reveal to you powerful feminine wisdom and will asist you to meditate, sing and accept, develop relationships, and move forward in your love and power. 

Each card has a name and image, and there are a few keywords in the book for each archetype and 200 words for each sister. All images are figurative, pleasant and appeal to young women especially. Spreads suggested are: a Single Card, a Two Card, a Three Card and a Five Card Spread. 

The Philosopher’s Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review - The Philosopher’s Tarot - An Apprenticeship in Philosophy with SEREPTIE. Published by Repeater Books. Boxed set of 78 cards and instruction book. UK £19.99 : US $24.95 : CAN $27.95 

Male and females are in equal measure in this deck that is based on the traditional Rider-Waite tarot system, so the deck can be used as a standard tarot or with added philosophical, intellectual and radical thought from the likes of Nietzsche, Simone Weil, Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, Kierkegaard, Plato, Foucault, Schopenhauer, Hegel, Kafka, Kant, Simone de Beauvoir and others equally well known thinkers, and some less well known. Excited? I am! 

Your Spirit Animal

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: How to Find Your Spirit Animal - Connect with Your Animal Helper for Guidance, Strength and Healing by David Carson, quality paperback, 206 pages, £10.99

This is a marvellous book for those who want to connect to the natural worth through other species, and they are here in every variety across the globe; the four legged, winged, crawlers, singers, growlers, of every kind, many of which are endangered and need our support!

50 of our planet's unique and astounding creatures are features, and ways to contact them, relate and feel at one with them through exercises, meditations, visualisations, ceremonies. When you have made your choice, the author explains the Quest of the Shaman, the process of working with these energies in dreams, for healing, to make altars, create sacred space.

In ancient times, other species were honoured and admired. Connecting with other species is vitally important for their survival and for the planet's wellbeing. Snake, mole, turtle, hawk, cat, whatever you are guided to, will help and support you in some way. Start at the beginning and work through each creature to fully experience the beauty of the species in the book. 

Zodiac Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Zodiac Tarot by  Cecilia Lattari & Ana Chavez. Drawer pull quality box of cards and full colour guidebook. Published by U S Games Systems Inc.  £27.50 Jan 2023 

We are made of star dust! Sample card. Queen of Cups. The Queen of Cups is the manifestation of the soul of water. She loves  unconditionally, Deeply sensitive and receptive, she knows how to listen, and has exceptional empathy. She is pure of heart and doesn’t let herself be influenced by the judgements of those she encounters, because she can see the soul. At the same time, however, she can feel overwhelmed by emotions if she does not learn to set clear boundaries to protect her heart. She is the true embodiment of maternal strength. Keywords: ability to listen, healing, unconditional love. The guidebook provides information on how to prepare for a reading, and how to use these cards. It includes an introduction to the Tarot which is based on Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. The Major Arcana cards, with Roman numerals, are connected to 12 Zodiac signs and 7 major planets which are shown on the card images. In addition to the 4 elements, the Minor Arcana cards are divided into fixed, mutable, cardinal signs and decans. Each card is linked to a specific time in the astrological calendar, all revealed in the text. 

Discovering the Lead Codices

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Discovering the Lead Codices - The Book of Seven Seals and the Secret Teachings of Jesus by David & Jennifer Ellington. 

The authenticity of the lead codices is a controversial one and there are those who say that the finding of the codices is a deception! If you are fascinated by the life of Jesus, this is a book that will entertain you and you will be, in parts thrilled, and in others disappointed. The book details a few high profile archaeological discoveries that have proved to be forgeries.

Was the Ark secreted away into a cave in Jordan near mount Nebo or was it a New Ark aka a New Covenant? Did Peter possess secret Nasorean knowledge for which he holds the keys? Did the eight pointed star symbolise Melchizedek to whom did Abraham show obeisance? What is the significance of the House of Jesse? Who were the Hebrew Christians? Who were titled “the poor”? What were the mysteries associated with the Temple of Solomon? Does the W letter shin represent the shekinah or female wisdom energy? 

Zodiac Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review - Zodiac Tarot by Lee Bursten and Luca Raimondo. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 2004 

There is another deck of this title by US Games so be sure you get the one you are wanting! Luca Raimondo is also the artist on Olympus Tarot and Pagan Tarot. Tarot plus astrology, both meanings on each card. cardinal signs are depicted in daytime, Fixed signs are night scenes, and Mutable sign are at dawn or dusk. The 7 planets are shown as a grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, son, daughter, and child. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are expressions of social change. The Golden Dawn method of numbering is used. Cups are shown as Waves, Pentacles as Stones, Wands as Torches, Swords as Clouds. 

This deck is featured in parts 64 and 65 of Total Tarot The Definitive Step-by-Step Tarot Course.

Seeking Faery

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Seeking Faery - An Introduction to the Hidden World of the Fae by Emily Carding, with illustration by Siolo Thompson. Published by Llewelyn US $18..99

Pixies, Will o’the Wisp, the Sidhe, gnomes, and all the wonder of Faery land is here. Their crafts, behaviour and their extraordinary kingdoms are described and beautifully illustrated to helps you to honour and develop your relationship with these otherworld creatures. The book is aimed for beginners, but Faery exponents will also find new enjoyments here.

Ancient myths, history and folklore, poems, journeying, visions and meditations, two dozen voice and movement based exercises, Arthurian and Holy Grail connections, glyphs and symbol gateways, the moon directions and elements, the sacred landscape, wells, springs and guardian spirits, Faery etiquette, offerings and shrines, how to find your Faery ally and enjoin with a Faery tree, how to connect with nature, and Faeries throughout the year, are all wonders that are included, with a Faery vow and a Faery blessing. 

The Gospel of Barnabas

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Gospel of Barnabas by David Sox. 

Written just a few hundred years ago, this book describes many events that are standard to the canonical gospels, but for the most surprising story of Judas suddenly has a change to his face and body and becomes exactly like Jesus in appearance. Then Judas is arrested, tried and dies on the cross instead of Jesus. 

Jesus is said to be a prophet, similar to Mohammed and the book is thought to be a way of discrediting The New Testament and the life and death of Jesus. It wasn’t written by Barnabas who was a Disciple of Jesus,  Jewish Levite from Cyprus, and leader of the early church in Antioch, where the word Christian was first applied. Barnabas introduced Paul to the Jerusalem church and he defends the claims of Gentile Christians and becomes a missionary in Asia Minor and titled Zeus. The two separate and Barnabas, founder of the Cypriot Church. 

Flower Therapy Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Flower Therapy Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue and Robert Reeves. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook £13.99.

Enjoyable high colour cards featuring flowers from across the world. How to use the cards, how to clear them, consecrate them, invoke angelic protection, and how to ask a question. Choose a 3 card spread or multiple cards! Each card is explained with 100 words of information on insight and healing. Gold leaf edging on mine, enjoyable high colour photo quality card images! Hay House is always good value and excellent quality card stock. The cards provide guidance for yourself and others. A latin and local name are given for each flower and a slogan of advice. Friendly, easy, take them to the coffee bar to share the readings with friends and family. 

Review: Wendy Stokes www.wendystokes.co.uk

The Future of Healthcare

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Guiding Philosophy for the Future of Healthcare: It’s Not What You Think… (Actually It Is What You Think!) by Nancy J Gordon PhD Paperback (106 pages) £8.99 Published by Ayni Books Author website: www.nancygordonwellness.com

Dr Gordon is a psychoneuroimmunologist and has worked for 22 years as a national wellness consultant, lecturer and coach for individuals and corporations. With tools and techniques that monitor thoughts and emotions, she helps people to become the best they can be and she has worked with US Olympic swimmers on mental well-being. She creates a wellness programme to meet  individual needs. She provides education and training in Universal Laws, stress reduction, ergonomics, self-care, teamwork, work-life balance and anger management. She has written many papers, articles and books on enabling and empowering people.

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. 

God’s Gold

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: God’s Gold - A Quest for the Lost Templar Treasures of Jerusalem by Sean Kingsley. 

Author of “Barbarian Seas”, “Shipwreck Archaeology of the Holy Land”, and Co-Author of ”The Pirate King”, Sean Kingsley has an unusual background as a marine, but here he chases the golden candelabrum, silver trumpets, and the bejewelled Table of the Divine Presence which were plundered from Herod’s Temple by Vespasian and Titus in AD70.  The Colosseum in Rome was said to have been built with the proceeds. These Temple treasures are well described and termed, God’s Gold, and there are descriptions from the Bible about the beauty, extent and reasons for the treasures! But where was Solomon’s Temple, as it could only have been a small affair despite the Bible’s description, and when this first Temple was sacked by the King of Babylon, the wealth and the people were carried away.

Servants of the Grail book review

Video of Philip Coppens speaking about the creation of sacred space

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Servants of the Grail - The real-life characters of the Grail legend identified by Philip Coppens, published by O Books. Paperback 325 pages £11.95. Author website: www.philipcoppens.com

The legend of the Holy Grail rose to prominence at the very end of the 12th century but the origins of the story are far older than  Wolfram von Eschenbach was the poet who first described the legend. The late Philip Coppens traces this mystical story through many countries, the Middle East, Germany, Wales, Ireland, Spain, France, England, Egypt and Greece, to name a few! Was it a cup, a stone, a person, a code, an initiation, a secret knowledge, a cult, a doctrine or a sacred Brotherhood? Original texts are examined and many aspects are researched, including the Kabbalah, Cathars, astrology, Hermetic doctrine, numerology, the bardic tradition, spiritual quests, paganism, the Madonna and cathedral building.

Shamanic Wisdom Keepers

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Shamanic Wisdom Keepers - Shamanism in the Modern World by Timothy Freke, published by Godsfield Press.

Each chapter features an interview with an authority on on a specific firm of traditional shamanism, such as Jamie Sams (Cherokee and Seneca), Malidoma Patrice Some (West African Dagara), Miguel A Kavlin (Amazonian), Haleakala Hew Len (Hawaiian), Lama Khemsar Rinpoche (Tibetan Yungdrung Bon), Andy Baggot (Celtic), Aiko Aiyana (Santo Daime), Martin Prechtel (Tzutujil Mayan), Ernesto Alvarado (Apache), and Lorraine Mafi-Williams (Australian Aboriginal), with poetry, prayer and colour plates.

A promotional coffee table book! Look at the photos and dip into the text. Many of the stories are similar but have many differences. 

Earth Magic

 Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Earth Magic - Ancient Shamanic Wisdom for Healing Yourself, Others and the Planet by Steven D Farmer, 265 pages published by Hay House. 

Our lives have become detached from nature and this book provides a way to relate once again to its beauty, meaning and importance. It helps us to appreciate, watch, value, learn from the seasons and cycles of life. Our 'sacred assignment' is to be a steward of this planet and to care for all species. The price of civilisation is one of consumerism, addictions, pollution, global warming and extinction of species. Ancient tribal spirituality honours the Earth. It has the capacity to heal through the rhythms of the drum, through dance and meditation, through ceremony, storytelling and ritual and through connecting to the Otherworld. The author develops contemporary shamanism around philosophies and practices, giving ancient knowledge a modern approach. We are provided with philosophy and exercises which enhance our understanding of the natural world and how we can work ecologically to heal our life. 

Climate, Psychology and Change

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Climate, Psychology, and Change - Reimagining Psychotherapy in an Era of Global Disruption and Climate Anxiety compiled by Steffi Bednarek. Published by North Atlantic Books. 

“Psychotherapy in a time when the familiar is dying.”  

This academic book was written during the CoVid epidemic. It is in the form of communications, conversations and presentations between eminent international professionals, such as humanitarians, activists, and healers in the psychology sector. Described as a ‘gateway’ book, it is ideal for students, as a gift, and for those who work in the mental health fields who are interested in future health, community and culture. It draws our attention to the rapid changes and various crises that take place in our fragmented world and that these larger problems are not covered by psychology training but are part of everyday dreams, concerns and aspirations. 

The Fey Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Fey Tarot by by Riccardo Minetti and Artist, Mara Aghem Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

This is a fairy style tarot deck, where the enchantments of nature and human life meet. It is based on Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot but bring new creativity and meanings to the readings. The Major Arcana card of Death is depicted as a young fairy sitting with a chess board, looking straight at the reader because the White King is surrounded by Black Pawns. The White Pawn represents Hope is some distance away but behind her is the egg, symbol of rebirth. There is lots of action in these cards, with suggestions of what is happening to the Querent and possibilities for outcomes. 

The William Blake Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The William Blake Tarot - of the Creative Imagination by Ed Buryn, published by REDFeather, Boxed set of 79 cards and full colour accompanying booklet. Illuminated 3rd Edition RRP £31.99 

Time is the mercy of Eternity: without Time’s swiftness which is the swiftest of all things: all we’re eternal torment.

Sample Card: Man of Poetry “To justify the ways of God to Man”. The shedding of protections and pretences. Clearing away darkness to boldly reveal the truth. Applying foresight and generosity of spirit to challenging circumstances. Overcoming your ego to act as a master of spiritual expression. Taking the authority to assert how things will be done. Possessing mature and well tested vision, but a tendency to be rigid. In the creative process - when you see the whole picture of your project, you can take charge to boldly direct it towards achieving its divine potential.

The flip top magnetic closure box is solid and strong. The card stock is excellent quality - and have gold leaf edges. The artwork is excellent by poet, mythologist, and mystical artist, William Blake with incorporated modern ideas by Ed Buryn..