Vlad Dracula Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Vlad Dracula Tarot created, written and illustrated by Travis McHenry, boxed set of 78 cards plus book. Published by Rockpool Publishing. US $ 25.95 : U.K.: £21.99

Gold leaf edged cards in a red and black box with gold lettering. Card size: 2 and a half inches by 4 and a half inches. 

After a visit to Romania and hearing stories of Vlad the Impaler (1431-1476) the author developed an obsession with the character, his exploits, and the times and place in which he lived.

Tarot Apokalypsis Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot Apokalypsis, published by Lo Scarabeo, text by Kim Huggens, artwork by Erik C Dunne. Boxed set of 79 cards and full colour hardback book 464 pages. £27.99

Who are you today in the Land of Apokalypsis?

This is the follow up to the award winning Tarot Illuminati, which was the first collaborative tarot deck between these two great tarot specialists, Kim Huggins and Erik Dunne, and is produced by the prestigious Tarot publishing house, Lo Scarabeo. It offers rich symbolism, astrological and kabbalistic meanings, and takes us across the world to ancient myths. To this deck, a new card has been added, creating 79 card deck.

The Kuan Yin Transmission

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Kuan Yin Transmission by Alana Fairchild, 55 printed text cards in a box £16.99, published by Blue Angel Publishing. Card size: 4.5cm x 10cm. 

For use for the self, not for readings for others. Cards carry a text of 30 words. An ideal gift of short aphorisms for a young person embarking on life! Choose a card and read the short text. I miss artwork on cards. 

Examples of text: 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Tarot 78 cards and guidebook Headless Horseman edition by Nick Lawyer. Published by Red Feather Publishing, RRP 29:99

What a wonderful way to honour the Irving Washington classic gothic novel of 1822 "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" and the season of Autumn as well as the art of Tarot all in one hit of a magical creation - if it emitted a pumpkin spice aroma as it was opened it would be too much!

As it is, it is perfect. 

Nick Lawyer is a genuine lover of all things Halloween as can be seen by his "grim" but gorgeous artwork which can be found on his Instagram page. Only seconded by his love of the classic novel The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

which he reads every October with his family as an Autumn tradition of their own. The passion shows through in this stunning deck. The artwork is a clever blend of the classic RWS Pamela Coleman Smith style along with striking use of colour and symbolism that weaves the dark mysteries of the story and its famous characters seamlessly with the classic RWS Tarot. 

The Hoodoo Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Hoodoo Tarot - 78-Card Deck and Book for Rootworkers by Tayannah Lee McQuillar. Drawer pull presentation box containing card and book. Published by Destiny Books. US: $35 CAN: $ 43.99 UK: £17.50

American occult and esoteric syncretism is combined with native species plant lore, and words from the Judeo-Christian Bible, alongside personalities drawn from history, myths and storytelling. They all feature in this fascinating deck of cards. I liked the personalisations. We are introduced to selected characters that I found I got to know through my imagination as much as their introduction by the deck creator Tayannah Lee McQuillar.

Seeking the Spirits of Palo Kimbisa

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Seeking the Spirits of Palo Kimbisa - Exploring the Mysterious World of the Afro-Cuban Religion. Tata Rodriguez as told to Sophia Kelly Shultz. Published by Schiffer Publishing (2021). $16.99 ISBN: 978-0-7643-6090-9 

'The law of the jungle!'

There are several branches of the Palo practice - Nriycomba, Briyumba, and Kimbisa. These are oral traditions. Kimbisa developed 150 years ago from the Bantu people of the Congo who came as slaves to America. It includes influences from Franciscan, Freemason and Afro-Cuban philosophy. It is related to primitive Spiritism practices such as Candomble, Umbanda, and Santería. 

Tabula Mortem Spirit Board

Mind Body & Soul Ezine  - Tabula Mortem Spirit Board - Communicate with the Beyond by Judas Knight, Jerome VanDyke, Jacob VanDyke, and Jordan VanDyke. Published by US Games Systems Inc. 5th August 2021 Boxed set of board, pendulum and instruction book. $21.95 : £21.99 

This is a modern spirit board used to contact the spirit world. The box contains a fold out board, 16 inches x 16 inches, and a pendulum with a 12 inch chain. Full instructions are provided in the accompanying book on how to use and store the board and pendulum, to use incense and candles for readings, with recommendations to make notes for this communal activity. There is a poem for blessing the board, a grounding meditation and information on how to make an offering to the Lwa. Information is given on the origins and history of the planchette/ouija (wee-gee) board, with explanations of the process, what happens after death, of superstitions related to the board, and warnings of Lwa, elementals and shells. 

Journey to the Dark Goddess

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review:  Journey to the Dark Goddess – How to Return to Your Soul by Jane Meredith Published by Moon Books  Paperback: £12.99 Author website: http://www.janemeredith.com/

Jane Meredith, a Goddess practitioner, writer and ritualist, provides a valuable method to relieve depression and grief by integrating a darker part of our life which is repressed to our detriment. The ancients provided a map in the form of myth. Life wisdom is achieved in confronting death before it happens. The Goddess was the one who wove the thread of life, cast on, and struck down, and She is the one to guide our journey to a life review - and to wholeness.

I. Lucifer

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: I. Lucifer -Exploring the Archetype and Origins of the Devil by Corvis Nocturnum, published by REDFeather Publishing $19.99 Full colour! ISBN: 978-0-7643-3919-6 

Evil must be faced and named. Carl Jung. 

There are many books of this title! I liked this book and the subject matter though my first reaction was negative as I thought it might be a promotion or an excuse for the worst of human mentality, however, I have been convinced by the importance of the subject matter. The author has produced a thorough study of all aspects of myths, archetypes, symbols, and related ideas and behaviour pertaining to this subject. The reader is provided with creation stories, poems, quotes, paintings, and other instances and examples, including dark gods, named as Satan, the Devil, Lucifer, etc., those who perform evil, such as sociopaths, and questions of our own possible forbidden and repressed desires. 

The Witches' Almanac

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Witches' Almanac

A wonderful example of a Book of Shadows for the budding witch, pagan or occultist with recipes, tree lore, moon phases, charms, spells, secrets, reviews, diary events, quotes, places of interest, music, poetry, gods and goddesses, astrology, garden planting, incantations, reminiscences and personal learning. Sketches, photos, drawings, etc.

Delightful and useful spiritual journaling!
Review: Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk

Shining Tribe Tarot Review

Mind Body and Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: 

Shining Tribe Tarot (previously Shining Woman Tarot) by the late Rachel Pollack is a wonderful tarot deck of 78 illustrated cards, inspired by international myths and stories, shamanic journeys, esoteric traditions, tribal art and other creative enjoyments. There are standard tarot, Native American, Kabbalistic, prehistoric rock art, fairy tales and other influences. There are scenes from Greece, North America, Malta, Ireland, England, France, Denmark and the Netherlands. 

The original title of 'Shining Woman Tarot', refers to the last card of the major arcana, usually titled 'The World'. The image is a celebration of life and appears in several images throughout the card deck, such as, 'The Tower', '3 of Stones' and 'Awakening'. Images of animals occur, such as the turtle (tortoise), toad, snake and fish. Some of the traditional tarot titles have been changed, such as 'Tradition' and 'The Hanged Woman'. There is the ‘soul's journey’ through the major arcana from birth to enlightenment. The four suits are descriptive of human experience in all its varied forms. Wands (fire) are trees: Cups (water) are rivers: Swords (air) are birds: Pentacles (earth) are stones. Each card is given a poem and a write up in the accompanying book. 

Chicken Soup

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: 'Chicken Soup for the Soul - Stories that restore your faith in human nature' By Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen published by Vermillion in the  Books That Change Lives Series, this is one of the Chicken Soup series, a 300 pages paperback, 8 million copies sold from the self-help and inspirational category.

Druidry & Meditation

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Druidry and Meditation By Nimue Brown Paperback £11.99 172 pages

Nimue Brown is a Druid celebrant, a Pagan Federation volunteer and has completed her OBOD (Order of the Bards, Ovates and Druids) training. She has been involved with the Druid Network and is a founder member of the West Midlands’ Druid Gorsedd, Bards of the Lost Forest, has run a closed ritual group, a folk club and is an experienced workshop facilitator and meditation teacher. She facilitates meditation groups within the UK Druidry community and has written this insightful and stimulating book on the use of Western style meditation for group and individual Druid practise. She includes passive and active exercises to deepen experience and awareness, and provides philosophy to aid personal and spiritual development and an understanding of the sacred.

Hush Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Hush Tarot by Jeremy Hush, published by US Games Systems Inc. £20 Boxed set of 78 cards and guidebook. Card size: 5” x 3.5”. 

Image: 4 of Wands: Celebration of accomplishment. A time of celebrating and remembering all those who have helped along the way. It has not been always smooth, but you handled the thorns and now reap the beauty.

I like this deck and its connection between animal and human life, portrayed by the pen and ink artworks of Jeremy Hush from Philadelphia where he is the curator of Convent Gallery where he has his studio. The only spread offered is a four-card ‘Self Binding Influence’ layout. In the booklet, both upright and reversed meanings are provided. The Majors have keywords, and 50 words of upright and 50 words of reversed meanings, the Minors have 30 words of each. I think that a beginner might struggle a little,  but an experienced reader will find the artworks have intrinsic meaning and are inspirational. 

Writing a Life Story - Sara-Beth Watkins

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Telling Life’s Tales – A Guide to Writing Life Stories for Print and Publication by Sara-Beth Watkins Published by Compass Books 134 pages paperback £9.99 

So many ordinary people want to write a memoir, an autobiography or life story but do not know where to start. The market is competitive so you must be well informed in order to give yourself a very good chance of writing a really readable, enjoyable and interesting book.  This primer provides the best start for a total beginner. The author is a tutor at the Open College and teaches creative writing. She has 20 years’ experience as a freelance writer, has written three fantasy e-books and two other books for

Communal Meditation

Building community is about more than just interacting with a few, like-minded people. Real communities span age groups, and have diversity as well as areas of commonality that enable connections. Shared meditation can be used to provide some common ground and bring otherwise disparate people together.

Coming together to share a specific interest creates a good foundation for a community. Performing a communal activity can build bridges because issues of wealth, class, race and also religion become secondary to the work in hand. So much of our life does not encourage us to mingle with people outside our normal sphere and so our communities readily reflect too much of what we already know and think rather than opening new doors.

Sacred Geometry - Francine Hart

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Sacred Geometry Cards For the Visionary Path By Francene Hart 64 colour cards and 146 page b/w book Published by Bear & Co Price: £33
Author's website: http://www.francenehart.com/

This deck can be used with the Sacred Geometry Oracle Deck by Francine Hart or alone. Each card bears an original water-colour painting by this visionary artist who specialises in geometry and mandalas and lives in Hawaii where a place of quiet retreat inspired the design on the reverse of the cards (an artwork entitled 'Sunset Activation'). The card images were inspired by Spirit, geometric, science and celestial patterns, shape and form, wave and vibration, crop circles and chakras. Many bear fairly abstract images of creatures of sea, land and sky, including the human form. The cards can be read in upright and upturned mode and the reading upturned is an amplification of the stated upright value. The intention of the cards is for guidance, balance and encouragement. 6 spreads are offered, including a 3 card titled 'Synergy', a 4 card titled 'Earth

Deep Equality

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Deep Equality - Living in the flow of natural rhythms By Jocelyn Chaplin  Paperback: £9.99 Author's blog: http://jocelynchaplin.wordpress.com

Feminist philosopher and psychotherapist, Jocelyn Chaplin, is a popular speaker and teacher and is the author of Love in an age of Uncertainly and Feminist Counselling in Action. In this latest book, she describes how we can only achieve fairness and justice in society by aiming for rhythmic rather than hierarchical behaviour.

Our earliest and most ancient memories are related to the rhythms of the planet, the flow of the tides, the patterns of the movements of the sun and moon and of our own heartbeat and other bodily rhythms. By increasing our awareness of these natural pulses we can improve our wellbeing. If we can flow in harmony with our energy levels and circumstances, we can be happier and healthier and experience more gentle and enjoyable relationships which offer true understanding and kindness.

Fatima Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Fatima Oracle Cards are a 32 card pack inspired by the Portuguese vision of the Virgin Mary in 1927. They are published by Lo Scarabeo have a little white booklet in five languages and are described as 'this rare and beautiful period deck'. These look like block prints in plain colours and have the traditional size of Lenormand. 

I would use these cards alongside another deck and would suggest these cards are suited to an experienced reader. 

Review by Wendy Stokes. Visit: wendystokes.co.uk 

Body Healing Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Body Healing Cards - Connect with the Soul of Your Organs written by Ewald Kliegel with artwork by Anne Heng. Set of 56 cards and guidebook in a magnetic flip box. Published by Findhorn Press. US: $30 Can: $37.50

These cards carry channeled messages to increase your awareness and appreciation of your physical body and assist in listening to your health and wellbeing. Through the guidance of the cards, our health can be protected and improved.  

Reiki Card Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Reiki Techniques Card Deck - Heal Yourself Intuitively by Bronwen & Frans Stiene Boxed set of 45 cards and 18 page booklet £15.99

The card deck is designed for both experienced and non-experienced Reiki practitioners who are interested in self-healing. The cards use traditional and non-traditional methods of Reiki and are simple and easy to use. Each of the 45 cards carries a self healing idea, most of which can be used anytime and anywhere. The card backs bear a different simple sketch and a title. Overleaf is the instruction for the self healing method. Some titles are: Courage; knowledge; grounding; listening; clarity; compassion; gratitude; surrender; illumination; remembering; tranquility; flexibility.

Soul Rescuers!

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: A 21st Century Guide to the Spirit World by Terry and Natalia 0'Sullivan, published by Thorsons.

Taking ideas and beliefs from world religions, the work of the Soul Rescuer is described with Natalia's autobiographical background experiences, poetry and other texts. All about death, spirits, ghosts and haunting, poltergeists, etc. Soul rescue around the world, Spiritualism, possession, psychic protection, etc. How to heal the past, mediumship, bereavement, dreams, dowsing, an entire range of topics. 

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!

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! 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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..