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.)