Review: Crystals, Plain & Simple

Crystals, Plain & Simple
Author: Cass and Janie Jackson
Hampton Roads Publishing Company

Description: 135 page book

Crystal, Plain & Simple is an excellent beginner's guide into the world of crystals. Many topics are covered in the pages of this book, so don't expect in-depth coverage, but there's enough to peek your interest and steer in the direction of discovery.

I became interested in crystals a few years back. The idea that these stones have special properties and abilities is fascinating. My collection of both crystals and the knowledge of their specialties have grown over the time I've spent with them. This guide will be placed upon my shelf for quick and easy reference to various crystals.

The topics covered by the authors are:

• What are crystals? - "Most crystals are of mineral origin - though modern usage of the term "crystal" includes amber, pearl, coral, and a few items that are not mineral in origin."
• Crystal Legends and Folklore - "Sardonyx was used in India and Persia to protect against the evil eye, ..."
• How to Bring Crystals Into Your Life - covers choosing, cleansing, purifying, bonding, and charging
• Crystals for Psychic Development and Divination - covers a few crystals and methods
• Crystals for Visualization and Positive Thought - covers how a few crystals can help
• Crystals for Meditations - covers the best crystals for process
• Healing with Crystals - covers healing properties of a few crystals, touches on chakras, and other healing methods
• A Gallery of Crystals - presents information on a variety of crystals
• Crystals in Everyday Life - offers practices to include your crystals into your daily life
• Crystal Correspondence - covers birthstones, zodiac, anniversaries, and good luck charms
• Growing Your Own Crystals - instructions to grow your own crystals

"Amber - This material has been used for healing throat problems since at least Roman times. It is most effective for curing throat disorders but also for relieving respiratory problems and any related pain. Amber also helps to relieve depression."

"Hematite enables the user to disconnect from everyday material affairs so that they may then connect with the unseen and develop great psychic powers."

I recommend this book to anyone interested in beginning a journey into the world of crystals and their special qualities.

Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser.)

A Shamanic Healing Oracle Reading

As I wrote the review for the Shamanic Healing Oracle Deck, my mind drifted, and my writing took me deeper into the three example cards presented in the review. Instead of discarding what went beyond a simple review, I decided to create this second post on the deck. The sample reading below examines the three cards, the simplicity of their meanings, and their versatility in answering your presented question.

The author, Michelle A. Motuzas, suggests taking a quick scan of the cards before you begin interpreting the cards individually.

My quick scan observations: Two cards contain the sun. The center symbols of the first two cards are similar, while the first has three extensions, and the second has four. The first card contains a balancing of the elements: Sun - fire, Moon/stars - spirit, Rain - water, Ground - earth, Symbol - air. The second card contains rune glyphs - defense, gateway, and journey. The third card feels warm and happy.

The Movement into Balance card urges you to find balance in the energy and emotions you put out into the universe and that which you receive from your outer world.

The Inner Journey speaks of acceptance of all journeys. We each have a path to follow. Although those paths may cross, we are seldom at the same step. By accepting this, our energy will be of healing rather than a judging nature.

As you grow in your Psychic Development, you will be more aware of the energy of others. Allow these energies to flow like water. You should neither absorb them nor block them, but allow them to be.

A clear overall message presents itself in these three cards. By finding balance, you'll gain insight and understanding of your journey, and become more connected with those around you.

But there's more to see here. Your insights will vary depending upon the question asked during the reading. Below, I've added a few examples of different questions, using the same three cards.

What should I know about my relationship? You may be struggling to find a balance within the energies and emotions between you and your partner, but it is important to see that you may be at different stages in your life journey. Allow yourself to accept this. You can grow together, but don't expect to be on the same level or path every step of the way. Acceptance is important in your relationship.

What should I know about my current job? You may find you have many tasks to do throughout the day and many personalities among your co-workers, but a balance needs to be made within the energies of your workplace. You each have a job. You each have a goal, along with your own personal life energies at play. Gaining the ability to let the energies flow, rather than trying to stop or even becoming a part of the collective energy, the atmosphere will be calmer.

What should I know about my current writing project? Something is out of balance. Do you have one-dimensional characters with a thriving plot? Is your story full of intriguing characters with nothing to do? You may need to sit back and take a moment to look at each of your characters and explore their journeys separately in order to see the whole story. The energies of the characters should blend, but also bounce off one another, while each strives toward and through their own story journey.

Review: Shamanic Healing Oracle Cards

Happy Holidays!

Review: Shamanic Healing Oracle Cards

Shamanic Healing Oracle
Author: Michelle A. Motuzas
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description: 44 cards and a 120 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size: slightly larger than 3 X 4 1/2 inches



"Discover for yourself and others the energies surrounding situations in life that can hinder or assist you along your path of self-awareness and healing."

The Shamanic Healing Oracle deck is a collection of artwork produced by the author as part of her Shamanic practice. The images are simple, yet vibrant. Each card contains a gold frame, along with other bordering décor, a simple image, and a numbered keyword. The keywords are self-explanatory, making it even easier to put this deck to use.

Here you see the seventh card, the Reunion of Souls. Notice how the framework eases you into the image. Above and below the main picture are multiple symbols, among them a setting sun and the infinity sign. A bird perches upon a branch, while another sours upward to join it.

The basic meaning of this card is the reunion of souls, just as the keyword indicates. Some believe that before our souls come to earth, we make agreements with other souls to help us along our journey. Lessons, challenges, and even love relationships are presented within these contracts.

The appearance of this card signifies an instance when a contract or agreement is being kept within your life; a moment when two souls cross paths, or even join together, fulfilling the obligation set in the map of your human journey.

The author does not delve into the individual symbolic nature of the deck. In the Preface, "The symbols and images used in this deck have originated through many of my own personal life experiences, but also borrow from universal symbols harking back to early man and cave drawings."

The guidebook gives a brief preface on the author's interpretation of Shamanism in regards to this oracle deck. "...Shamanism is regarded as "endeavoring to connect with the energy of all living things.""

The section on How to do Readings for Yourself and Others covers grounding, shuffling, laying out the cards, doing a quick scan, and reading the cards. In a short Oracle Layout section, the author offers three layouts with interpretation examples. The rest of the guidebook is devoted to each card, including a color image, the card title, and a passage about the card's meaning.

The Shamanic Healing Oracle Deck would be a wonderful gift for someone just getting started in the Oracle world. It would also be a nice addition for an avid collector or reading. The simplicity presented with this deck makes it great for anyone on your holiday list intrigue by the magic of divination and personal growth.

Inner Journey - "Not all who wander are lost." Each of us is on a specific journey in life. "Do not judge another's journey--always respect where another person is on their path."

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

A Shamanic Healing Oracle Reading

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: Tarot For One

Tarot for One: The Art of Reading for Yourself
Author - Courtney Weber
Red Wheel/Weiser, 2016

Description - 243 page paperback book

"Tarot and mirrors share the same role: they reflect truth."

Tarot For One will take you on a journey through the tarot, bring you closer to understanding the cards and yourself, and offers exercises and examples to practice your craft.

Weber begins her book with an introduction to the tarot and self-reading, covering such topics as tarot history, how self-reading is different from other readings, the practice of pulling a card a day, and more.

"You are the central character in your own personal myth."

"The twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana depict the great myths we personally lead."

The second chapter focuses on the Fool's Journey: the story of tarot and your place in it. Weber gives an overview of life experiences associated with the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana, along with character examples and exercises to help you discover your own Fool's journey.

"In Back to the Future, Marty McFly travels back in time in his Fool's journey, and his Empress moment appears when one of the first people he meets in his journey is his mother as a teenager."

In chapter three, the court cards are described from the angles of Character, Traits, Experience, and Reversals. The multiple exercises help you to get in touch with these characters, dispelling the awkward nature most readers have in understanding the court cards. She also offers a technique to reveal if the card is referring to you or someone else.

The numbered cards of the minor arcana are explained from suit to numerical value in chapter four. Exercises range from what the numbers are trying to tell you, to mini picture books in each card, to pulling the whole deck together for a reading, with multiple example readings.

Through exercises and example readings, chapter five assists you in recognizing the voice of tarot by looking at the different ways one card can reflect on different situations, and then by comparing deliberately pulled cards against random pulls - your viewpoint versus the Tarot's opinion. She also suggests some decks may prefer one topic over another and offers an exercise to unlock the voice of your deck.

"The first thing to note: you do not have to read reversed cards."

Chapter six suggests there are six potential ways to interpret reversals and provides explanations and examples of each situation. A technique is offered to determine which of the six ways is to be used in the reading of the reversal. Instructions on using reversals in yes or no questions are also presented.

The main theme of chapter seven is what's missing from your Tarot readings, such as no cups and/or no court cards. It also looks into working with the tough cards, both the 'good' and 'bad' cards of the deck.

Reading for yourself is not always a good idea. Chapter eight covers situations and solutions for these times.

"When we are worried, we are blinded by our fears that things will not turn out in the way we want. Any cards we pull that do not relate to our desired outcome will look like bad omens and will make us feel worse."

Weber offers a wide variety of twenty possible spreads in chapter nine, from the traditional Celtic Cross spread to unique spreads, such as a spread to determine how long a desired outcome may take with ideas of the events surrounding the outcome.

Throughout the book, Weber insists the cards respond to your own reflections, making it important to form your own interpretations, rather than blindly following the meanings offered by others. Suggested meanings should be used as guidelines, not rules.  Even your own interpretations should be looked as guidelines as you move along in your tarot journey.

"Our intuitive responses to the cards will change and evolve-sometimes even within a single reading."

I recommend Tarot for One to anyone just beginning their tarot journey.

In my experience, reading for yourself is a great way to explore the tarot and develop the skills necessary to read for others.

I would also recommend it to experienced readers who enjoy discovering new techniques in their process.

Tarot for One offers a number of approaches to the tarot which were new to me, and I'm guessing would be new to many readers. This one is definitely not a repeat of the other tarot guides out there.

Courtney Weber is a Wiccan priestess, writer, Tarot advisor, and activist. You can discover more about the author of Tarot for One and creator of Tarot of the Boroughs at her website: www.thecocowitch.com.

Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser.)

Review: The WayCard Oracle

The WayCard Oracle
Author - Martha Winona Travers
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description - 33 Cards and a 96 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size - 3 X 5


"The WayCard Oracle will help you identify energy clusters, or archetypes, that are presently active and influencing emotions, thoughts and actions." ~ C. Michael Smith, PhD

The guide book begins with a preface written by C. Michael Smith, PhD. The short introduction includes a Table of Correspondences, a cheat sheet for the card meanings. A how to use the cards section offers a five-card spread designed for the cards - Patterns. And, it gives a quick overview of using three cards, one card, multi cards, and yes or no questions. The rest of the book is devoted to card meanings, two pages per card. The book closes with a short conclusion, which offers a circular cycle of the cards in order from the Radiance to the Return.

"The WayCard Oracle reveals hidden knowledge about your journey and helps you travel more lightly."

The WayCard Oracle is a very simple, straightforward oracle. There's nothing fancy about it. The fronts and backs have identical images. The back has a green background while the front is white. The card consists of, in most cases, a single keyword associated with a stepping stone in the journey of life.

Focus - "When you pull this card, you are being asked to carefully and honestly examine your own thoughts. What are you creating every day? Notice in any given moment where you place your attentions."

Faith - "When you pull the Faith card, you are being guided to place your trust in the Radiance that exists in all things, that is with you in every moment and in every place. Faith does not come through effort, it comes through quiet. Faith does not need to be acquired or gained; it already exists within you."

In working with the cards, I used the Patterns spread and received some interesting and insightful guidance. The spread consists of five positions: present, past, future, shadow, and light. The book provides you enough guidance to give you a good platform for a reading. Overall, I was impressed by the message supplied by the cards and the author's interpretations. 

This deck would make a great gift for someone interested in a starter oracle. A seasoned reader may also find the simplicity of the deck interesting and refreshing.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.


(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: Let Your Spirit Guides Speak

Let Your Spirit Guides Speak
Author: Debra Landwehr Engle
Hampton Roads Publishing Company

"...a major problem in all our lives: we keep looking to other people for answers, which may give us a quick fix but eventually leaves us disappointed, frustrated, and seeking once again."
"...So, if that's the problem, what's the solution?
Turning inward and asking for the guidance that's designed specifically for you."

Let Your Spirit Guides Speak provides guidance into understanding and listening to your spirit guides. The author alternates between her own words and words received from her spirit guide, Ella.

Engle shares some of her experiences with her Spirit Guides. These alone, for me, made the book worth the read.

One of my favorite stories involved her guide answering a mundane question with a single word. How many times have you asked yourself a question, only to receive a simple, straightforward answer a moment later? Sometimes this arrives by words within your own mind. But isn't it exciting when it comes from an outside source, such as words in a song or voices on the television? These wondrous events are very likely offered by your spirit guide or some other higher source.

My other favorite story was of the Lady in the Blue Dress. Engle shares her experience of meeting a higher version of herself. I found the whole concept to be fascinating, although I haven't had much luck creating such an experience of my own. But, I'll keep trying.

Engle offers suggestions and advice for communication with your own spirit guides. I personally didn't find anything new in this part of the book.

She goes over such advice as:

• Ask for a close parking space to ease into communications.
• Use the technique of auto-writing to connect.
• Your spirit guide will always be positive, never negative.

These are all things, I've read in most Spirit Guide books.

Engle poses questions to her spirit guide and then transcribes her responses. For me, the transcriptions seemed slightly stilted. But, one can't control the words offered by your spirit guide. Of course, that's not to say there wasn't wisdom within this part of the text.

"Your purpose and identity are not your job or where you live or what you own. Your purpose and identity are to extend divine love. You do these things in a way that's different from everyone around you because you have unique skills and abilities. But in the end, your purpose is love. Hey, that's our purpose too! Let's work together, and we can extend it faster and more effectively. We respect and admire you, and we are honored to call you our friend."

Let Your Spirit Guides Speak offers a nice introductory into communicating with your Spirit Guide.

I would recommend this book to anyone just getting started with connecting with their Spirit Guide. But, I'd also recommend it to someone already experienced, but looking for a light read and enjoys hearing of others experiences with their Spirit Guide.


Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.



(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser.)

Review: Carry Me Crystals

Carry Me Crystals
Authors - Joanie Eisinger, Elizabeth Jarvis & Peter Jarvis
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description - 44 Cards and a 96 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size - 3.5 X 2.5

“Gems are precious and each one can assist you on a spectacular journey to enlightenment."

Carry Me Crystals is a multipurpose deck with the focus upon crystals and their energies. You may choose to carry the crystal card of your choice around with you throughout the day to absorb its energy. You can follow the guidance displayed on the reverse side of the card. The deck makes a great oracle. It can also be used for chakra clearing ~ each card is coded with a color dot to represent the chakra association of the card.

Carry Me - Each card features an image of a crystal, which may be used to draw energy from just as you would with an actual crystal. When I carry a crystal, I place the stone in my pocket. The same can be done with these cards, but you may want to take into consideration your work activity and situation. The cards are made of good stock, but I'd still be worried over the issue of loss and/or damage. If you have a desk job, you could place your chosen card at your desk.

Choosing a Crystal - One method of choosing the crystal would be to flip through the images to find the one which feels right for you at that moment. Another option is to choose the best message, from the reverse side, to aid you in gaining the energy you need for the day.

 

Oracle Deck - To demonstrate this possible option, I asked the cards: "What do I needed to focus on at this moment?" Shuffle and select a card as you would with any deck. I received the Jade.

The guidebook suggests the Jade can be used to heal emotional wounds. On the side with the message, the fourth dot (green) is filled in. The stone represents the Heart Chakra.

So ~ I need to be focusing on emotional wounds - my fear, my sadness, any sense of betrayal I may be feeling at this moment.

Chakra Clearing - The Jade can be used to clear the Heart Chakra. The guidebook suggests placing this card near a magnet for ten to fifteen minutes to magnify its energy. Then, place it upon your heart chakra, center of your chest, to draw out your emotional pain.

Guidebook - In the short introduction, there is a chart which identifies the markings of the Chakra(s) for the deck. The bulk of the book covers each stone, its related Chakra region, and how to use its energy. There's enough information given to get you started with this deck.

However, I did feel the information provided was sometimes vague and glossy. If you want more in-depth information on Crystals, many sources are available out there in both books and on the internet.

My personal favorite is Healing Crystals - a wealth of information and you can buy crystals from them at great prices. I love this place.  

Carry Me Crystals would be great for someone looking to get started working with Crystals.

The deck also makes a great tool for those experienced with Crystals, providing a new method of choosing your crystal for the day. If you don't have the physical crystal, then you now have a crystal card version to experiment with.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: Astrology Plain & Simple

Astrology Plain & Simple
Author: Cass and Janie Jackson
162 pages - Paperback Book
Hampton Roads Publishing Company

“There is nothing simple about astrology.”

The authors, Cass and Janie Jackson, take astrology and reduce it to a level anyone can understand.

Fun Fact: "The astrological signs that begin with Aries and continue through Pisces are known collectively as the signs of the zodiac. These names are derived from groups of stars that we know as constellations. Most of these constellations were thought to represent animals...hence the names: Aries, the ram, Taurus, the bull..., and so on. The Greeks called these constellations zodiakos kyklos - 'circles of animals' - which translates into the English word 'zodiac'. "

Is this the only book you’ll ever need, as stated on the cover?

If you want to learn about astrology, understand the zodiac and a few other related astrology topics, and learn to understand your birth chart, then yes this is the only book you’ll need.

If you want to explore beyond the basics, you’ll need to go further in your studies.

After a short introduction, the book covers:
• The Zodiac – includes a table of the signs, their corresponding animal or symbols and dates.
• The Signs of the Zodiac – the main characteristics for each Sun sign.
• Genders, Elements, and Qualities – explains these additional categories in relation to the signs.
• The Planets – explains their meanings and how they relate within your birth chart.
• Your Rising Sign – gives a brief explanation of finding your rising sign and each signs characteristics.
• Moon Signs – explains finding and interpreting your moon sign.
• Houses of the Zodiac – explains what each house represents.
• The Aspects – defines the different aspects and their relation to the planets.
• Chart Interpretation – gives steps to start your interpretation and touches upon predictive interpretation.

Overall, this book will make a nice addition to my bookshelf. I can't wait to sit down with my own birth chart and conduct my own interpretations.

Astrology Plain & Simple would be a good book for an astrology novice, or a quick guide for an advanced astrologer.


Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.



(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser.)

Review: The Avalonian Oracle

The Avalonian Oracle
Author: Jhenah Telyndru
Illustrator: Emily Brunner
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 2016

Description: 46 Cards and a 128 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size: 3 3/8 x 5 1/8

“Woven from threads of Welsh mythos, British legend, and Celtic Druidism, The Avalonian Oracle is a transformational journey through the sacred landscapes of Britain and a gateway to the Holy Island of Avalon.”

“The Avalonian Oracle is comprised of seven card divisions representing different phases of the spiritual journey and echoing the seven circuits of the walkable, three-dimensional labyrinth carved into the slopes of Glastonbury Tor.”

I have little experience in the area of the Celtic and the ways of Avalon, of which this deck is based, but the guidebook seems to cover anything you may need to use this deck.

The guidebook covers:
• An Introduction covers how the deck can be used, its structure, the seven divisions, and touches upon sight and synchronicity.

• Chapter 1-7 explains each division and its cards, including card description, keywords, quest, divinatory meaning, and affirmation.

• Chapter 8 presents seven spreads designed for The Avalonian Oracle

The deck is beautiful and includes card titles.

The Five Seeds of Wisdom - "The stages of the Priestess Journey here, depicted as the Pathway to Avalon, is a reflection of the unfolding of the soul's inner wisdom - the seeds that lie in the heart of the apple, the very fruit of that wisdom. We begin the process by Calling the Barge, by speaking our need and intention to the Universe, that we seek to arrive on the shores of Avalon - the Island of Healing and Wholeness."

The Calling the Barge guides you to embrace your true needs, to ask the universe to assist you in your journey, and to step forth onto the path.




The Nine Morgens - "Nine sisters rule there by right of birth over those who come to them from our lands."

The Lorekeeper guides you toward creation. She urges you to release the past and be present.

"The page, the canvas, the ground, the present - all are blank and filled with potential."

The time to create is now, pick your materials and create your future.

“The Thirteen Moons of Avalon is a system for deepening our connection with the yearly cycle by harnessing lunar energies to assist us in our understanding of our inner process.”

The Moon of Distillation represents the First Full Moon when the Sun is in Sagittarius and is associated with the herb Yarrow.

The Moon of Distillation guides you to allow change to take place in your life, to push toward your goals past all obstacles, embrace the wisdom gained in your journey, and to relinquish expectations of the outcomes, for the path shall change as you move forward.

Although these cards were picked randomly with my focus mainly on the images, an important message appears here within these three cards. A message which speaks directly to me, and I'm guess to a few of my readers.

Embrace your true path, allow your creativity to flow with no boundaries, and allow for necessary change to occur as you navigate toward your true goals.

If you're looking for another divination tool, a way to gain access to hidden pathways, or to learn more of the Avalonian Tradition, you'll find yourself delighted with the Avalonian Oracle.

I believe this deck would also make a wonderful meditative tool. Can you imagine stepping into the Calling the Barge card?

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.



(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: Tarot Unlocking the Arcana

Tarot Unlocking the Arcana
Author: Angelo Nasios
239-pages - Hard Cover Book
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 2016

A new voice and perspective on Tarot: Angelo Nasios shares his accumulated knowledge in Tarot Unlocking the Arcana.

At 239 pages, this nice hardcover book covers a lot of information.

The book begins with a preface, an introduction, and a summary of the book’s section. In brief, what you will discover within this book is:

1. An introduction to the Tarot – an explanation of what makes up the Tarot deck, the purpose of the Tarot, myths, ideas on how it works, and suggestions to picking your deck.
2. How to get started with the Tarot – covers all the basics including wording and activating your question, a short overview of all the cards, reading reversal with examples, and more. 
3. Attributions to the Tarot – including astrology, elements, and numerology.
4. Tarot History, Religion, and Philosophy
5. Tarot Spreads – a collection of 20 spreads, including the popular Celtic Cross
6. Sample Readings – predictions of past news and media topics
7. Tarot Education and Taboos
8. The Minor Arcana – description, symbolism and meaning, and in the reading meaning
9. The Court Cards – elemental and astrology associations, along with description, symbolism and meaning, and in the reading meaning
10. The Major Arcana – an overview of each card and the in the reading meaning

Overall, this is a great book for beginners. It could also supply experienced readers with a fresh perspective of the Tarot.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Diving Deep - Gaia's Vision Oracle

A few weeks ago, I posted a review of Gaia's Vision Oracle Cards. To demonstrate the magical qualities of this deck, I decided to post a sample reading for you.

Question: How can I become more in tune with life and experience a more relaxed, productive creative life?

My first impressions of the card:

The collage of many different flowers forming a larger flower made me think, "Stop and smell the roses." Allow yourself to be in the present.

A face peers out from beneath the foliage, appearing demon-like. Dig deep, uncover your demons and abolish them.

The white light radiates outward. Allow your light to shine, to rise to the surface.

A bird stirs within the center of the large flower. Soar to your greatest heights.

Message Received: Allow yourself to be present. Don't be afraid to face your demons. Soar into greatness.

The companion book gives this card the keyword, Contemplation. It suggests looking within and examining the pieces from all angles. Take the time to examine the situation before taking action.

Overview: To be more in tune with life and relaxed within my creativity, I need to take a moment to look within. Face my demons; examine them from every angle before abolishment. But, most important, be present in my daily life and allow my natural light to radiate.

The best part about Gaia's Vision Oracle Cards is the Kaleidoscope style. With each reading, and with each reader, the images seen will vary. While I saw the demon in the foliage and the bird in the center, another time, I may not see these images, therefore changing the message of the card. Another reader or viewer may be blind to the two images I saw during this reading. You will see what needs to be seen.

Have a blessed week!

Review: Gaia's Vision Oracle Cards

Gaia's Vision Oracle Cards
Authors: Doris Diamond & Susan Starr
Photographic Art by Doris Diamond
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 2016

Description: 40 cards and a 24 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card size: about 3.5 by 5 inches.


The Gaia's Vision Oracle Cards took me back to my childhood, to time spent gazing through a Kaleidoscope. The artist layered nature photos and created images of magical scenes. With this deck, all you need are the cards and your own imagination to dip in and receive guidance from the Earth Mother, Gaia.

The guidebook is slim, but it covers all you need for this deck. The Introduction covers how to use the cards and shares thoughts on the creation of the cards and their meanings. Possible meanings for each card are covered in the bulk of the book. The Appendix offers suggested questions and nine sample themed spreads.

Above, in the lower right corner, you see Sparkleburst.

My mind screams 'Fireworks'. A burst of energy emerges from the card. Things are about to happen quickly. I get the sense of chaos with purpose. There's no time to prepare at this point. Allow the sudden energy to guide you to the final destination.

The guidebook gives this card the keyword, Emergence.

Your awareness opens to an alternate universe. Your passions ignite, awakening within you. With so much activity, it's not surprising your light will shine upon those around you.

In the lower left, you see Regal Strut.

You are in your element. Confidence radiates out from your body. Each feather represents an admirable trait, a gift, a talent.

The guidebook gives the card the keyword, Pride.

In working with this deck, I found the selected card brought new insight into the situation of the moment.

As a divination tool, I personally wouldn't choose this deck.

I recommend this deck as a guidance tool to further reflect on what's going on in your life. They would make nice daily prompts for your journal. They could also bring guidance and a clear view to the situation at hand, allowing you to see it from a slightly different perspective.

Gain guidance from Earth Mother, Gaia. Grab your copy from Schiffer Publishing.



(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: First Light Tarot

First Light Tarot  - Dinah Roseberry

First Light Tarot
Author: Dinah Roseberry
Images: Hubble Telescope
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 2016

Description: 66 cards (22 Majors, 22 Insights, 22 Spread Cards), a 95 page guidebook, and a laminated Reference Card in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card size: 3.5 X 5 inches


The First Light Tarot is an amazing deck of cards. The images will take your breath away and ignite your imagination.

The author speaks of Light Beings. She has created a set of cards with images to connect you to them and allow their guidance to come into your life.

"Vibrations are the basis of all life," the Light Beings told me.

"What," they said, "Would you do if you had a system to assist you in making the correct determinations?

The First Light Tarot is not a normal deck of Tarot. The system may not appeal to everyone, but the cards can be used in multiple ways. From card reading to meditation, most will find a way to gleam insight from this deck.

The cards are divided into three types: 22 Majors, 22 Insight Cards, and 22 Spread Cards.

The Majors can be used as a traditional Tarot Major Arcana Deck. The Major cards include the card number, name and a keyword in the upper right, and in the lower left, three keywords. These cards represent the important issues in your life, the big events.

The Insight Cards can be used as an oracle deck. The cards include a number association, card number and name in the upper right, and in the lower left, the key concept. These cards represent your daily life.

The cards can also be used as a 44 card deck in a traditional spread style. The Spread Cards assist in creating a visual spread to follow. You may also use the Insight Cards and Spread Cards with any Tarot deck or Oracle Deck.

Meditation is another option with the cards. The images work wonderfully, allowing your mind to enter space and receive guidance from a higher source.

The Guidebook is divided into two parts.

The first part gives insight into the creation of the deck and the many uses of the deck. There are sections on the Spread Cards, the Universal Spread (a special spread for the deck), Astrology Signs, Numerology, Meditation, and Reading Process.

The second part covers the Majors and the Insight Cards. Topics covered on the Majors are Card Number/Name, Descriptor, Keywords, Astrology Sign/Meaning, and Advice. Topics covered on the Insight Cards are Number Associations and Advice.

The Reference Card gives a snapshot into the cards. The Majors include Card Number/Name, Descriptor, Keywords, Astrological Sign/Meaning and Quick Advice. The Insight Cards include Card Name/ Descriptor, Key Concepts, Number Association/Meaning and Quick Advice.

In working with the cards to this point, I've received good, precise readings. The cards have a nice vibration to them. With any reading involving a new deck, I first jotted down my own thoughts before looking up the suggested meanings in the guidebook. I didn't always agree with the author's interpretation, but that's part of adopting a new deck. You must make it your own and follow your own instincts. The author establishes the playing field, but you create the game to play.

I recommend this deck for anyone who has ever yearned to see deeper into space. Do you look up and wonder what else is out there? Do you feel a strange pull toward the stars and moon? This deck was made for the sky watcher and the star gazers.

Discover the First Light Tarot. Grab your copy from Schiffer Publishing.


(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

7 of Swords - A different perspective

I pulled my card for the week - January 25 thru January 31 - and received the 7 of Swords. As usual, I jotted down my thoughts at first sight.

"carrying burdens, but these are not your own."

As many of you know, this is not the normal interpretation of this card. The Seven of Swords is a thief. He grabs what he can and tiptoes away, usually undetected. The card can represent you as the thief or it could be a warning of something being taken from you.

It's important when reading cards to follow your intuition, even if it goes against all that you know.

I'm very aware of what the card is referring to in my life. I feel this is a message for me to step back from the current situation. The battle is not my responsibility. It is not my fight. I need to hand those swords back to their owner and walk away.

When selecting a card for the week, the energy of the card can affect a multitude of people. The energy can touch a person individually. But it may also show itself on a larger scale, affecting a community or country, a public figure or situation.

In reflection of my interpretation of this card's energy for the week, here are some questions you may ask yourself.

Am I carrying burdens that don't belong to me?
Have I taken on a problem that has nothing to do with me?
Have I allowed myself to become distracted by someone else's challenge?
Am I really helping in this situation, or am I interfering?

Have a blessed week!

Your Personal Year Card and WORDs for 2016

When did people start setting WORDS instead of goals for the New Year? It seems I'm behind the times, yet again. This sounds like a great idea, let's see what I can come up with. You're welcome to follow along and create your own words for the year.

I'm picking three words, using three methods of inspiration.

I decided to start with my Personal Year Card to get some insight on the energy surrounding me for the year. For this, you add your birth month+birthday+current year, and reduce to a number below 23, which is then matched to a Major Arcana Card.



This year I find myself in the Personal Year of 13  - the year of DEATH. The energy of this card is about transformations, the letting go of something old to make room for something new, and endings opening the way for new beginnings.




I chose the Wisdom of the Oracle, a gift for my December Birthday, for my second source of inspiration. My random pull produced the number 13 card. (Right? I was a little surprised, too.) The Fork in the Road is all about making a decision, choosing a path, and moving in a new direction.


Another birthday present, the Under the Roses Lenormand became my third source of inspiration. I pulled two since they are read in pairs. I was pleasantly surprised by the cards pulled: the Letter/the Journal. I believe we can take this at face value - Journal/Book Writing.

So, what have I chosen for my word of 2016? Change, Forward, and Create.

Change - allow and embrace all changes in life and within self.
Forward - move forward, making necessary choices along the way.
Create - allow time and intuition to guide you in your creations and remember to enjoy the journey.

What words have you set for this year?