The Marian Conspiracy

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Marian Conspiracy - The hidden truth about the Holy Grail, the real father of Christ, and the Tomb of the Virgin Mary by Graham Phillips. 

Ex BBC presenter, lecturer and magazine editor, Graham Phillips, is also a researcher and author of over a dozen books that find answers to mysteries, including ‘Act of God’ and ‘The Search for the Grail’. He was given access to the Vatican Archives to write this book. It exposes the many myths about the tomb of Mary the Virgin, her early life, the life of Jesus, the dates of the gospels, etc. At the end of every chapter in a useful condensed summary. The author takes each part of the New Testament, historical records which may or may not be accurate or true, and finds whether there is any evidence. Much of the material is not new but based on exposing inaccuracies possible within the accepted truths of biblical lore. 

The Chalice of the Magdalene

Mind Body Soul Ezine Book Reviews: The Chalice of the Magdalene - The Search for the Cup that Held the Blood of Christ by Graham Phillips, Paperback and Kindle formats, Published by Bear and Co.

Was the Holy Grail a cup used at the Last Supper by Jesus and his disciples? Was it able to perform miracles? Did Mary Magdalene collect the blood of Jesus in this cup when he appeared to her following his death on the cross? Was there a relic known as the Marian Chalice taken to Rome by Constantine's mother, Helen? Was a cup smuggled from Rome in 410 AD according to Olympiodorus? Was it brought to Britain for safe keeping? This book focuses on the journey of this grail. It identifies Arthur and the place where the Holy Grail is now. 

Magdalene Mysteries

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Magdalene Mysteries - The Left Hand Path of the Feminine Christ by Seren & Azra Bertrand. Published by Bear & Co. 

Mary Magdalene, as we know from original and earliest sources was a Jewish woman who assisted Jesus and the apostles with their finances. She had seven demons driven from her by Jesus, and was at the foot of the cross when he was crucified. And she is reputed to have been the first person to see the risen Christ. Even this last point about her life is debatable. Women were not considered reliable witnesses, especially one who had been affected with 7 demons. As a Biblical persona, she has been confused with Mary of Bethany, and Mary of Egypt, hence the accusation of prostitution - a terrible slur against her name. 

This book is a NewAge/Fertility Goddess genre paperback. It’s about a pagan Mary Magdalene, coupled with assumptions and corruptions, and it’s about a different kind of Jesus to the one that is prophecies and documented in the Old & New Testaments. For 1,400 years, Mary Magdalene suffered a gross injustice, as she was accused by the Papacy of prostitution. There is nothing in the New Testament to associate her name with this way of making her money. Was Jesus a pimp living off immoral earnings? It is highly unlikely that this Mary was a prostitute, as Jewish women and the entire society were extremely sexually oppressed. At the time, with Roman soldiers in the city, disease would have been rampant amongst prostitutes and they would have been violently driven from the city. 

The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary Book Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Visions of Ven Anne Catherine Emmerlich, published by Tann, 385 pages.

Anne Catherine Emmerlich (1774 - 1824) was an eminent German Roman Catholic nun who was at first refused her wishes to join the convent as she was poor and uneducated. She was a mystic and had the marks of stigmata and lived alone in a tiny shack. There was controversy as to whether she bore the true marks of the crucifixion on her body and she was assisted in the writing and translation by Bretano, a matter than was questioned as to its authenticity.

Emmerich was a visionary of the life of Mary the Mother of Jesus. Women were only briefly mentioned in the New Testament and much of their life is unrecorded, so this gives a highly possible understanding of a women of Mary's time. 

The Bloodline of the Holy Grail

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Bloodline of the Holy Grail - The Hidden Lineage of Jesus Revealed by Laurence Gardner. 

Kicking off, by page 4, the author is drawing attention to how far our society has degraded from the Grail ideology. The author promises to set out the Grail Code - which is one of service - of conscience, and therefore the grail transmits a true religious message across the world and across the generations. All credit to the late Laurence Gardner for recognising and teaching this ancient and vital knowledge. 

The late Laurence Gardner (died 2010) was a controversial character, a writer, researcher and one time stockbroker. He believed that the Ark of the Covenant produced monoatomic gold, a white powder that has superhuman healing properties; that aliens from other planets brought us religion; that the origins of Judaism lie in Egyptology; and that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, had children and their offspring are in the House of Stewart. He worked closely with HRH Prince Michael of Albany, Head of the Royal House of Stewart, aka Michael Roger Lafosse who has been entirely discredited. 

The Shaman’s Dream Oracle Reviews

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Shaman’s Dream Oracle, a collaboration between Alberto Villoldo and Colette Baron-Reid, illustrated by Jena DellaGrottaglia, published by Hay House. RRP UK £18.99 : US $29.99 Can $39.99 Boxed set of 64 cards and guidebook. 

Sample card! Covenant. Number 7. Commitment to a sacred contract and the greater good is required now. This covenant is an insurance agreement that needs to be renewed or cancelled or torn up. It is an opportunity that is full of promise, but can you sign and seal the deal and commit to it? The contract has been elevated to a sacred covenant which must be founded on truth. Not your truth, or anyone else’s truth, but objective truth which is a greater truth that takes the destiny of all into account. The covenant is not about your agenda, and spirit is invited to come to the table as guarantor. You must assess what you sign up to. Your integrity must not be compromised. You must be transparent, honest and fair. Nothing hidden from view. State your commitment and purpose witnessed by spirit. 

Mystical Shaman Oracle

Mind, Body and Soul Ezine: Mystical Shaman Oracle Boxed set of 64 cards and guidebook, by Alberto Villoldo, Colette Baron-Reid and Marcela Lobos, published by Hay House, US $39.99 : CAN $53.99 : UK £31.99 

Before there was time, before language, there were sacred symbols".

Magnetic clasp box with prestige packaging. This has some impressive credentials. Dr Alberto Villodo is a medical anthropologist with a special interest in shamanic healing of the Amazon and Andes regions. He is co-founder of the Four Winds Society with co-author, Marcela Lobos. Colette Baron-Reid is founder of Oracle School and this card system is a blend of shamanic and the mystical. The cards are illustrated by Jena DellaGrottaglia, and each card depicts a symbol from what are said to be African, Aboriginal, and Andean ‘petroglyphs’ for instance an arrow, a heart, a blade, a circle, a snake, a coyote, a crow, a drum, an eagle, fire, a mountain, a hummingbird, a jaguar, lightning, the moon, the owl, the rainbow, a rattle, a spiral, a staff, the sun, etc. I would like to have had more information about where these petroglyphs are found!

The Priestess of Light Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Priestess of Light Oracle by Sandra Anne Taylor & Kimberly Webber. Boxed set of 53 cards and Guidebook. Published by Hay House. RRP UK £16.99 : US $21.99 : Can $28.99 

Sample Card: 44 Harvest - Gathering of Blessings. The Priestess of the Harvest gazes at an ear of corn, with great reverence and appreciation for the sustenance provided by the soil, a sacred blessing from Mother Earth. There is a project where you devoted much effort, and you are about to reap the rewards. You have planted, nurtured and will reap the fruits of your labour. What work is yet to be done? Consider  the best course of action and make that a priority. Remember to notice how cause-and-effect work in your life. Even as you are harvesting, the blessings of past actions, you are planting the seeds of future outcomes. Ready yourself for your harvest, also know that your thanks and gratitude for the gifts will seed the energetic fields with even more joyous results. Affirmation, I worked joyously on my achievements and goals and I continue to plant, and to nourish my future. I appreciate all the support and sustenance that the universe offers me. 

The Wandering Star Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Wandering Star Tarot written and illustrated by Cat Pierce. Boxed set of 80 cards and guidebook. Published by Hay House. Nov 2021UK: £22

“Gather Knowledge. Love deeply. Soak in joy.”

Sample: 3 of Cups: The air is positively crackling with possibility! Pleasures, flirtations, and frovoloty beckon. They beg you to indulge a bit – to leave cars behind, laugh, heartily, and enjoy the lighthearted energy that is costing through you. You have worked hard and been very diligent, and you deserve a moment of fun. Seek out friends and family members, who are light and easy and help raise your vibration. Avoid and put up a boundary against people who drain your precious life for us. This is the time to emerge. The bear is positively crackling with possibility! Pleasures, flirtations, and for Valatie Beaconsfield. They beg you to indulge a bit – to leave cars behind, laugh, heartily, and enjoy the lighthearted energy that is costing through you. You have worked hard and been very diligent, and you deserve a moment of fun. Seek out friends and family members, who are light and easy and help raise your vibration. Avoid and put up a boundary against people who drain your precious life for us. This is the time to energise and soak in an abundance of earthly delights… So be careful not to overindulge! Too much of a good thing can also text the spirit. A day without laughter is a day wasted.

Wisdom of the Elders Oracle Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review:  Wisdom of the Elders Oracle by Shawn Leonard, Published by Hay House. Boxed set of 44 cards and guidebook. RRP UK £14.99 : US$21.99 : Can $28.99 

Sample card: 29 Sacred Journey Transformation. Butterfly teaches us that we are on a sacred journey. We have a unique and individual path, with distinct challenges. Sometimes we must struggle, but in the end, we achieve spiritual growth. Butterfly will change and evolve, and will be beautiful because of that transformation. This is symbolic of the sacred journey where we gain immeasurable levels of wisdom and knowledge. The gift we earn through the hardships are that we become more spiritual. What can you gain from this lesson? What can you learn from this experience?  Changes are inevitable. Embrace the teachings of butterfly and transform effortlessly. Take note of the cycles and patterns. Are you currently in an egg stage, possibly giving birth to some new area of life? A caterpillar phase, requiring a major decision to be made? Are you presently wrapped in a cocoon nurturing and developing the changes taking place? Or have you reached your metamorphosis where you are being called to break out of your shell and show the world your true self?

Mystical Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Mystical Tarot by Giuliano Costa, published by Lo Scarabeo, 78 cards plus information leaflet in pack. £17.99 

This Mysticaly Tarot provides images that open a magical door that brings the mystical world into our ordinary lives. There is no wrong way to interpret the cards. With foundation meanings provided on the Major and Minor Arcanas, there is a succinct message for all but the Court Cards. We are encouraged to use our own innate abilities to interpret these cards which offer new and advanced symbolism. There are no reversed meanings provided, but the reader has the opportunity to include these as the card backs are suitable for a reading that includes reversals. 

The Storyteller’s Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Storyteller’s Tarot by David Pasquale. Boxed set of 78 cards and Guidebook. RRP £18.99 Published by Hay House

Sample card! Five of Coins - The Snake. Legend tells us that the snake had four legs but it attacked humans. The Jade Emperor gave a command to cut them off. The snake made amends, and gave his body to traditional medicine after he died. He was then rewarded with a place in the zodiac. Snakes are determined creatures, private and reticent. Snakes are wise, but easily stressed and require their own space and time. Upright: adversity, and worry, misfortune, isolation. Reversed: spiritual poverty, recovering from financial loss, isolation. This card can mean that financial loss is currently a reality or  important in your life has been lost, a job, a home or financial stability. You may be wondering when help is going to arrive, but you must ask. 

California based David Pasquale is a character designer in the animation industry and his characters are highly individual and enjoyable to work with. 

Pagan Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Pagan Tarot. By Gina M Pace. Published by Lo Scarabeo

Created in 2004 by an American Wiccan priestess, the modern Wiccan style deck is for balance in spiritual and material worlds, remember this in your readings with this deck, and that it is designed for pagans too. Though we might have specific beliefs, the real nitty gritty is leading a functional daily life. We need personal fulfilment, get our needs met, have aspirations, financial and health concerns, and we also focus on developing good relationships. The balance is in achieving many aspects of our lives without excess and with ease. 

Santa Muerte Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Santa Muerte Tarot - Book of the Dead by Fabio Listrani, pack of 78 cards published by Lo Scarabeo.

A celebration of Santa Muerte, Calabera Catrina, and Dias de loss Muertos, combining Mexican and Pre-Columbrian cults, using skeletons, skulls, graves, knives and other symbols. This is a philosophy where death is a part of life, from the moment of conception, death is a possibility and an inevitability. The acceptance and knowledge of death provides equality, honesty, and democracy. It can be the land of the transitory, the ephemeral, the rebellious, the outcasts, the inferior and the free. It can be both sensitivity and insensitivity. It honours those gone before, their sacrifice, their wisdom and their survival energy. In their memory we celebrate our ability to transform and rebirth anew all that life offers us in connection, love, passion, desire, immediacy, and freedom. 

Manga Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Manga Tarot by illustrator Anna Lazzarine and author, Riccardo Minetti. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 2006

Stylish and glamorous graphic artwork accompanies this deck. Manga is a popular Japanese art form that is featured in magazines and novels and this has inspired this astonishing deck. You are instructed to find a quiet time to choose a card that reflects you. Then shuffle and randomly choose a second card that will hold the answer to your situation. It worked for me! 

Each card has 2 novel characteristics. The cards have a dominant colour that pertains to the seasons which are shown by a glyph. The colours are yellow (for chalices, water, emotions), blue (for swords, air, intellect), green (for pentacles, earth, nature) and pink (for wands, fire, personality). We have some instances where males can represent females and vice-versa. The Court cards are Prince, Princess, King and Queen in that order. The deck has a powerful female energy with some Majors retitled and moved to new places to reflect the greater power of the female. 

Merlin

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Merlin - Priest of Nature by Jean Markale. Published by Inner Traditions. Translated from French into English by Belle N Burke.

Jean Markale is the pen name of Jean Bertrand, a Celtic scholar and teacher. He used original material to question the many stories that exist about this mysterious character; Did Merlin ever live? Was he a magician? Was he a major player in a royal court, such as Arthur’s Camelot? Can a person with a magical persona be psychoanalysed?

All Markale’s books are well researched, comprehensive and deeply passionate as he channels in his writing, a deep love of his subjects! The literary and historical texts are examined in detail. Merlin is an enigmatic and compelling character, a spell caster, poet, fool and shaman, a man who lived after the time of Arthur in sixth century Scotland. He is an archetypal divine representation of the rustic madman who resides in a sacred forest clearing as a hermit living with the fairy queen, Vivian or Gwendydd, the Lady of the Lake, at his side as his companion. Markale does not shy away from controversial subjects such as ‘sacred’ incest! Merlin is a person who lived close with nature, knowing the animals, plants, the springs and deities of the forest. His philosophy is relevant for today. It is one of universal brotherhood, enlightenment, a respect for nature, a love of his companion, and one who sees and speaks truth and justice.  

Mantegna Tarot

'Let the virtues direct you, the Liberal Arts guide you and the Muses inspire you'. 

Mantegna Tarot – Medieval Cosmology prepared the World for Human Understanding. This pack contains 50 lluminated cards and 25 additional cards which support them for the purpose of a card game. Published by Lo Scarabeo with tarot influenced artwork by the esteemed Bulgarian artist, A.A Atanassov who based the cards on the work of Venetian painter, Andrea Mantegna (1431 - 1505). A little white booklet contains instructions for ‘The Chessboard Game’ of 20 cards. The information provides card interpretations in English and 5 European languages.  

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Legacy of the Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, Magnetic box set of 78 cards plus guidebook. Published by Llewellyn Worldwide. U.K. £25.00 : US $29.99

The accompanying book is titled ‘Gateway to the Divine Tarot’ and it begins with an extensive storyline; a setting of the creation and potential destruction of our planet and the change to civilisation that is coming. Those who are prepared and survive the Great Change - the ‘remnant’ will rebuild. The kingdoms of air, fire, water and earth must be in health. The Legacy Project is decreed by the Emperor’s Council and all knowledge and achievement is preserved within a capsule. 

Tarot of the Angels

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of the Angels by Giordano Berti. Published by Lo Scarabeo 2007. RRP £29.99 60mm x 120mm. 

Angels take precedent in the artwork and the philosophy of this very interesting Tarot deck which teaches us of forgiveness and mercy. It also helps us to develop an awareness of goodness and beauty and provides a warning of wrongdoing and other evils. So focus your mind on angels when preparing and shuffling and look for the angels’ messages in the cards. In every circumstance, we can choose to take a caring or uncaring path. The right and best decision is the most loving for both self and others. 

Tarot of the 78 Doors

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Tarot of the 78 Doors by Lo Scarabeo 

So often in life, we feel a path is closed to us, and further movement in the direction we wish to go is blocked, therefore we are prevented from the particular development that we desire.

This is a fantastic deck for recognising where obstacles occur, and how we can open those areas - or stay where we are! A door, gate, bridge or other transitional space provides opportunities to move in many directions. If we decide to move forward, we will sometimes find the door is open, sometimes we need to seek help to open a closed door, and sometimes we need a key. Who might the guardian be that supervises the threshold and who might warn, challenge, invite or support us on the new path and its difficulties should we wish to take it.  

Viceversa Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Viceversa Tarot by Massimiliano Filadoro and Lunaea Weatherstone, artwork by Davide Corsi, first published in 2017 by Lo Scarabeo, pack contains 78 double sided cards with booklet instructions in 4 languages including English.

"The world is always in movement, turning in circles, and starting with, and returning, to itself" Microbius.

The word ‘viceversa’ means ‘the other way round’: one could say ‘on the one hand… ‘ and ‘on the other hand’. Janus, Roman God of Doorways is the inspiration for this deck. He guaranteed passage between the worlds and is an insightful introduction to the entire area of tarot and divination. He is one of the oldest and most mysterious of deities. He has two faces, one which looks to the past, the other to the future. One is self reflective, the other looks to the outer world. He protects the invisible and what is hidden.

Land of Giants Oracle Deck

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Land of Giants Oracle Deck by Steven Hutton boxed set of 42 cards and guidebook, published by US Games Systems Inc. £21.67

Sample Card Nurturing: caring, family ties. A holly-sprite enlists water carriers to aid a struggling sapling, seeing it as one of his own. A family member (distant or close) deserves some recognition and support at present or might have subtly asked for help in the past but failed to make an impression. This card could equally apply to the reader: if help is needed are you being explicit enough? Are you being too stoic and thus suffering alone? Reversed Meaning: Nurturing has both positive and negative connotations: it is possible to nurture resentments for what fate has done (or not done). This card’s reversed orientation speaks of someone angrily dismissing life’s gifts in favour of focusing instead on what is missing or felt to be owed. 

Calandra Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Calandra Tarot by Michael Calandra, author. Trish Sullivan. Boxed set of 80 cards and guidebook. Published by US Games Systems Inc. £23.33

Sample Card: The Moon. Keywords - illusion, dreams, fears, intuition. Two pillars stand in the darkness as clouds fill the sky, covering the starlight and only allowing the moon to shine through. She stands serenely between these pillars, belladonna threatening her way. The lunar glow reflects off the rays of her headrest forms a crown upon her head. The owl tattoo on her chest represents the western in her heart. As she waits, she has joined by two wolves. One is tame and calm, hanging back slightly, at peace with what may come. The other, growling and baring its teeth, looks ready to pounce. The pair symbolises the animalistic duality dwelling within us. In darkness, the mon casts shadows making the trees look like monsters, the simplest of deceptions striking listen to your heart which will protect you. Pay attention to your intuition. Don’t rush in until you have all the facts and have had time to gauge the motives of those around you.

Star Maiden Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Star Maiden Tarot by Hannah Kirchen, boxed set of 78 cards and full colour guidebook, published by US Games Systems Inc. £29.17

Card Sample: XIV Temperance. Upright - The angel of temperance pours water between 2 cups, a flow that represents the flow of life. Temperance asks you to seek balance and harmony in whatever difficult situation you find yourself. Temperance urges you not to resist. Following flowing guidance, step into your higher self. Reversed. Reversed - Temperance symbolises an imbalance to the flow of life. Assess all the different aspects of your life and see if there is an imbalance taking place. Speak up for what you need, but also do not take advantage of others. Notice how much energy you are putting into various aspects of your life. Are they putting back into you or draining your energy? 

The star maiden is named after Astraea, the Greek Goddess of Justice who was sent to the heavens by Zeus to become the constellation of Virgo, the Virgin. She holds the scales of Libra and has responsibility for spiritual and physical life. To honour her, we work to improve ourselves.

The Gospel of Aradia

Mind Body & Spirit Ezine card deck review: The Gospel of Aradia by Stacey Demarco, artwork by Jimmy Manton. Boxed set with 36 cards and a 112 page guidebook. Published by Blue Angel Publishing £15.99

"The angels of one religion are the devils of another!"

Cards carry a title in Latin, an affirmation, a poem and a message. 

The story of Aradia is the story of the 'strega' the weaver of magic, mystery and enchantment, empowerment and creativity that can assist the self or others. 

Aradia was lost and wandering through the countryside, hungry and cold. An old woman finds her and invites her to share her meagre meal. The woman has an injured leg and Aradia prepares a poultice and shows the old lady how to make it and use it and she sings a song of healing. In the morning, Aradia is gone, but the woman finds her leg has healed. As she touches her shawl, three gold coins fall to the floor. She looks out the window and her old cow is young again and her old horse is strong again. Vegetables, herbs and berries have been planted in her garden.   

Shamanic Medicine Oracle Cards

Mind Body & Spirit Ezine Card Deck Review: Shamanic Medicine Oracle Cards - Barbara Meiklejohn-Free & Flavia Kate Peters. Artwork by Yuri Leitch. Published by Blue Angel. 

These are two very experienced oracle card deck creators and book authors, and I recommend this deck to beginners and experienced readers. It is a deck that I would suggest is best read for oneself. It is a reasonably priced concept deck. The deck is associated with ancestors, nature and the mystical traditions. With influence from shaman based culture, this deck provides insight into your life and possible current circumstances. The artworks add to the words in the instruction book. I especially like the popular Earth based relevance to today’s ecology. 

Dark Grimoire Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dark Grimoire Tarot by Giovani Pelosini and artwork by Michele Penco. Published by Lo Scarabeo.  

A Middle Ages Grimoire, the Necronomicon, styled Tarot deck! Hammer House of Horror meets your darkest side! The backs are H P Lovecraft image. No reversals (hardly needed)! 

You will find black magic is woven through these cards and nightmares will be generated as the unconscious mind is programmed by these gruesome images. 

For those who love to be disturbed, for those drawn to necromancy, and for those whose wish is to summon demons. Beware! It’s a life of death situation with every turn of the cards! 

Tarot of the Elves

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review - Tarot of the Elves by Mark McElroy and designer, Davide Corsi. Published by Lo Scarabeo

Elves are mythological spirits that, like fairies, can be harbingers of change. This Tarot deck tells the complex story of the hero of the elfen folk, Prince Alberich and his extraordinary quest. The story is about those he meets along the way, and their part in the narrative. His is a search for four relics, a sword, a cup, a wand, and a pentacle as these precious objects lie at the heart of the Elfen kingdom. Each Major card has a new title, a named persona, and their part in the storyline. There is a lot to learn about these cards and a story to apply to the Querent. 

The Elf Oracle has a recommended 3 card spread to discover what an upcoming change might mean for you. You lay out 3 Major Arcana cards face down, turning each one face up. The first card represents the current situation which is interpreted literally, emotionally and metaphorically. The middle card is the most important. The numerical value of this card is its only relevance. Starting at 0, the number shows little or slow change up to 21 which is considerable, and possibly sudden and unexpected change. If the number is an even number, the change will be auspicious, if an odd number, it could be an averse situation. The third card reveals what is likely to happen and then the three cards are assed altogether at the end of the reading. If another card is required to clarify the reading, for the lesson to be learnt, one can be drawn from the major Arcana only. 

Etteilla Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Etteilla Tarot - The Book of Thoth published by Lo Scarabeo 

A delightful medieval style tarot deck, the Book of Thoth was the first deck that was made exclusively for divination and the author claimed it was the legendary Egyptian Book of Thoth, a magical text from the God of Wisdom and magic, created in 2,170BC!

The deck was later also known as The Grand Jeu de Oracle. In 1789 the French occultist, Jean-Baptiste Alliette, known as Etteilla, created this deck. He claimed he had resurrected an authentic Egyptian tradition, and based this deck upon it. Of course, we know now that the Tarot is not Egyptian in origin.  

The Ring Cycle Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Ring Cycle Tarot - Based on Richard Wagner’s The Ring Nibelung, created by Allegra Printz with illustration adaptions by Arthur Rackham. Set of 78 cards and guidebook in quality presentation box. Published by Schiffer Publishing, U.K. £40.99 : US $45 

Richard Wagner’s musical drama features the old Norse and Germanic pantheon and the story of a deadly and cursed golden ring of unlimited power. Characters and plot are taken from source material, and are adapted for this intriguing deck, which retains much of the drama, excitement and interest of the original storyline and is combined with the extraordinary and magical artwork of Arthur Rackham. 

The cards carry an image,  umber and a title and a subtitle from the story. There is information on each card’s background, and a divinatory meaning with reversed card meanings. The Divinatory meanings in the book are concise! I would say excellent. There is a lot of information to take in about the storyline, and if I had to make a criticism, it would be with the fonts that are difficult to read. 

The deck is dedicated to Ludwig J J of Bavaria…  “The so-called “mad” King, whose patronage financed Wagner‘s completion and initial production of the monumental Ring of the Nibelung.  In supporting art over war, Ludwig II left us a profound and enduring legacy of music and myth.”

Mists of Avalon Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Mists of Avalon by Rose Inserra, illustrated by Nadia Turner. Published by Rockpool Publishing. Boxed set of 36 cards with guidebook. 

Sample card: 12 The Holy Grail - Life Force, Wisdom. Be a beacon of light by walking the path. Shine bright with your magical soul, for all to see, feel, know and grow. The message is that there are new opportunities and beginnings presented to you. Be open to receiving the flow of life’s gifts. This is the time of conception, new beginnings, new love, birth, and a new cycle of life. Follow your personal soul quest, without losing sight of what holds the most value for you.

 

Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot Published by Lo Scarabeo. 2019 re-coloured. 

This is a first ever, intuitive style Tarot deck, and is easily accessible and suitable for all levels, from expert to beginners. It was being developed during the Victorian era. All cards are illustrated individually and are easy to read.  The Rider-Waite Smith Tarot was created by Arthur Waite who wrote a foundational book, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot. He produced a tarot deck and requested in 1909 the line artist, Pamela Colman Smith fully illustrate with line drawings and full colour each of the 78 cards. They were members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. 

In this deck, we see Strength at VIII and Justice at XI as a change from previous tarot decks, such as the Marseilles deck. We can view the 22 Major Arcana as stages on our life path, the Court Cards as individual people and the Minors as daily events. 

This deck is featured in the Total Tarot Course Collection in magazine numbers, 2 & 3.

 Visit: https://totaltarotcollection.com

Animal Totem Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson with illustrations by Eugene Smith. Published by Llewelyn Worldwide.

"Each animal is a teacher, imparting wisdom beyond words. May their lessons guide you on your way."

This is a workbook that connects animals to the tarot and has with space for writing experiences on the animals wisdom detailed in the cards. The book provides information about power animals and animal guides, totems, archetypes, elemental energies and how to perform a reading with these cards. Each major arcana card represents an animal and has a channeled message from each animal, plus information about the meaning of the card and its message when it appears in a spread. Each card carries information about Business & Career, Family & Relationships, Health & Well- Being, Card- of-the-Day and Journal Prompts.

Simply Deep Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Simply Deep Tarot by Chanel Bayless with artwork by James Battersby. Published by Schiffer Publishing. Boxed set of 78 Cards and Guidebook. RRP US $24.99 

Sample card: Ace of Cups - keywords: Gratitude, Refreshment, Compassion. Upright: Unconditional love is overflowing in your life. Let peace fill your heart. This is the beginning of an emotional journey in which you will be called upon to learn a higher form of love, evolving outside of physical intimacy. Reversed: Smothering isn’t good for either party, as it feels like forced affection. Love may be conditional, or this is a negatively energised relationship that outweighs any benefits.

Here we have a Tarot with vibrantly painted images by an Irish artist. The 78 cards come in a magnetic fliptop box with the guidebook. Detachment is suggested for readings without bias, prejudice or emotion. A preparation method is given for highly individual personal readings for yourself. No spreads are suggested, but shuffle the deck and ask your question, lay down one card as an answer. Look up the meaning provided in the guidebook. And look at the card - what do you see immediately? What personal meaning does it have for you? What does it remind you of? Write these answers down. An example of a one card reading is provided and there are a variety of exercises. I like the method presented in this Tarot. 

Silver Witchcraft Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card a deck Review: Silver Witchcraft Tarot by Barbara Moore, artwork by Franco Rivolli. Published by Lo Scarabeo. 

Each major Silver Witchcraft card has a definition and keywords. The images are highly individualised Anne add to a reading. Milestones, turning points, lessons and warnings of events to come that are outside our control.  Insight and understanding of our situation is what we seek in the Tarot card reading. This deck provides bridges and connections, and like RWS can be used for divination or meditation. I like Barbara Moore! Intellectual and down to earth. 

Card decks also by Barbara Moore: Steampunk Tarot, Mystical Manga Tarot and Triple GoddessTarot. 

This deck is profiled in  the Total Tarot course collection in magazine numbers 42 and 43.

Visconti Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck review : Visconti Tarot - An Extraordinary example of Renaissance Art, published by Lo Scarabeo. 

From the distinguished specialist card publisher, Lo Scarabeo, this is the perfect gift for a tarot enthusiast! These are most beautiful images from the earliest known tarot decks (1300s) - known as Visconti-Sforza. They are displayed in museums across the world or owned by privileged private collectors. Tarot experts think that the tarot was probably designed for education purposes, not for divination: this was a development that occurred later, most likely in the 18th century. These cards offer beautiful works of art which can be appreciated by using a jeweller's eye glass to see the detail. 

Egyptian Star Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Egyptian Star Oracle by Travis McHenry. Published by Rockpool Publishing. Quality drawer pull box with set of 36 gold leaf edged cards, companion book and golden eye of Horus pendant. 

This is an authentic 5,000 year old Egyptian styled deck with artwork, translations, and spells with source material from the Pyramid and Coffin Texts. There is information about the Calendar with readings based on 10 day periods. There is more detailed information about the calendar and the stars of the night sky from the author’s book on the topic “Cult if the Stars”. 

Before Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card deck review: Before Tarot by Corrine Kenner with artwork by Eon and Simona Rossi, published by Lo Scarabeo. 

Based on the images of the traditional Rider Waite Smith deck, Before Tarot anticipates the time beforehand, the circumstances, situations, actions and behaviours, and even the possible conversations that are taking place. 

Tarot of Ascension

Mind Body & Soul Ezine card deck review: 2012 Tarot of Ascension by Pierluca Zizzi with artwork by Michele Penco and published by Lo Scarabeo at £17.99 

This is the end of the world as we know  - and is a gateway to transformation! As each soul reawakens, all humanity will also Ascend. This is a pack of 78 tarot cards (size: 7 x 12.5cm) and an instruction leaflet in 5 European languages which gives information on each card. 

Starman Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Starman Tarot by Davide de Angelis, published by Lo Scarabeo. 

The amazing artwork of this deck was inspired by the late musician David Bowie. There is so much going on in every card: they are busy images that I am looking at through a jeweller’s eye glass for fine details, of which there are many in every inch of these cards. I think a beginner will find it easy to work with this deck because the images are immensely inspiring, and experienced readers will also enjoy their mind expanding quality. I don’t usually like modern art, but I like this art by Davide de Angelis very much. You get 78 amazing artworks with this deck. The art has a high energy, has lots of colour and design, is colourful and attractive, and there is lots of ideas and action. There is lots happening in every card to produce a good reading. 

Goddess Power Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review.: Goddess Power Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid. Pack contains 52 cards plus guide booklet. Published by Hay House. £30.99 Card size: 15cm x 20cm. 

"Who could we become if we reclaim our power".

Each card in this deck represents a Goddesss from across the world. It is packaged in an elegant box which will make an impressive gift.

The author, Colette Baron- Reid, is an oracle card specialist who has designed many decks to her credit. She has a TV show in the US. The booklet provides information on how she created this deck. There is also useful information for the reader on how to prepare for a reading, to create a sacred space, and it supplies a prayer to recite before a reading. Upright and inverted readings are both provided. Each card is numbered, titled and subtitled, and the guidebook provides information about each goddess. There are several spreads suggested: 3 card spread, 4 card Special Guidance, 4 card Full Moon Spread, 4 Jewels.

Shaman Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Shaman Tarot by Massimiliano Filadoro, Sabrina Ariganello and Alessia Pastorello. Published by Lo Scarabeo.2010

The path of the shaman is to heal the world, care for other species, live in harmony with others, to see sacredness in water, stones, trees and all nature, and trance to travel the Otherworld for messages of wisdom and compassion. The time is right to be working with these energies! 

All Major and Minor cards have new titles, eg., Dance of the Sun, The Mother of the Worlds, The Hunter of Demons. Elements are are renamed: Drums are Earth Pentacles, Bows are Air Swords, Bones are Fire Wands, and Stones are Water Cups. There is a fifth element of spirit. Court cards are Shaman, Ally, Spirit Mother and Spirit Father. 

Barbieri Zodiac Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Barbieri Zodiac Oracle, published by Lo Scarabeo, text by Barbara Moore, artwork by Paolo Barbieri, 26 cards and information in multi lingual booklet. £14.99 

With emphases on the constellations, planets and elements, (and a house spread) this astrology deck is interesting and the artwork is very glamorous. All decks use synchronicity, and this deck emphasises its importance. The cards have exceptional individual artworks featuring exotic body art, extended rams' horns, slim young naked women and young men with muscles. The cards are given titles and a symbol. In the booklet, the cards also are given a number, an element, a key phrase, relevant dates and a short message. The cards are divided into fire, water, earth and air, and cardinal,  fixed and mutable energies. Information on how to use the cards and 5 techniques are provided. If you are looking for a sexy oracle deck, you will love this artwork. Though the booklet provides adequate information for each card, if you have knowledge of astrology, you can expand on the information provided about each card to make your readings individualised and more entertaining. I love Pauli’s artwork - first class!

Tarot Botticelli

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Golden Botticelli Tarot is published by Lo Scarabeo with images by the Italian Early Renaissance Florentine painter, Alessandro Filipepi known as Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510) with tarot artwork by A A Atanassov.

It is a most fabulous deck with 78 gold embossed and decorated card images that will delight all who see them. Included in the pack is a little white booklet in English and other European languages. There is a 7 card suggested spread titled The Star of Solomon with a sample reading. The lwb contains a few words on both upright and reversed meanings. The backs do not reveal whether the cards fall upright or reversed.

This is an opulent and glamorous tarot deck, one of Lo Scarabeo's specialities. When handling these cards, I feel a sense of reverence they carry power within their production. If this is your only deck, you will need no others! 

Earth Wisdom Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Earth Wisdom Oracle Cards by Barbara Moore and Cristina Scagliotti, 32 cards published by Lo Scarabeo (Llewellyn) with multi lingual information booklet, £14.99

These cards have a Celtic and Irish influence which honours the Earth, landscapes, spirits of plants, stones, water, and other species who share their wisdom for our readings. Ask a question in the here and now, not for the future. For self use, one card at a time, you should get the greatest sense of each card before choosing another one. Imagine you are in the setting of the card image. Meditate on the scenery around you, and when you feel connected, ask your questions and listen for responses. A delightful deck! 

Nature and ecology are becoming a part of the spiritual path and this Oracle connects with ecology and gentle, positive healing energies.

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

The Crystal Spirit Talking Board

Mind Body & Soul Review: The Crystal Spirit Talking Board - A Spiritual Power Tool for Light Workers by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. Published by REDFeather Publishing. RRP US $34.99  UK £32.00

The box contains a fold up board (mat), a transparent acrylic indicator, and a guidebook with full instructions. Around the board 5 wheels of crystals, the moon, letters, words and numbers. Details are provided in the guidebook on how to use it. 

There are 15 master crystals, along with moon phases, numbers 0-9, 8 directions, letters, and words of power. These represent symbols with meaning and for, a grid of wisdom that provides answers within the guidebook. These stones are created through millions of years within Mother Earth, they hold great power to help us connect to our higher self. I visited my local gemstone shop to buy the required crystals, and these helped with readings, but the spirit board works well without real crystals.

John Bauer Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: John Bauer Tarot. Published by Lo Scarabeo and Llewellyn. 78 cards with multilingual lwb. RRP £25 

Based on paintings by prolific Swedish artist John Bauer (1882-1918) whose fantasy art of nature, fairies, sprites, trolls, and other magical forest and landscape enchantments has an Art Nouveau influence. He studied art while a teenager and was quickly accepted into the Royal Academy. His wife was a model for several cards, such as the High Priestess, the Hermit, and others. Elements are Chalices, Pentacles Wands and Swords! John Bauer, his wife and son all died in a boating accident. 

Both Majors and Minors have full artwork. Ask open questions, with what and how. I love these cards, the art is ornate and magical. My readings with this deck are laced with all kinds of wonders! You will be transported! The deck is marvellous for the artwork alone. Be aware of the light and dark within the energies. These cards are included in the Total Tarot Course Collection which gives a clear and meaningful write up for Major Arcana especially.

Thelema Tarot Review

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Thelema Tarot by Renata Lechner and Jaymi Elford, published by Lo Scarabeo. Card size: 7cm x 12cm. 

These cards have no white border. The artwork is fantastic, enjoyable and highly stylised. They have a New Age and Renaissance style, with slimline pretty young females with long flowing hair and long flowing dresses, and romantic males, good looking and sexy! 

I think it appeals to a young set. The cards speak, each card will state 20 words about who they are and what they represent. Each image is evocative and could tell a story, but what story would it be? I think a fairy story! Contemporary re-interpretation, based on Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

The word ‘thelema’ originates in the Greek meaning ‘intention’. The insert is in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. A 6 pointed star on a soft green backing does not reveal which way the cards are laid.