Temporary Leave of Absence

I'm sorry for my recent absence. Life got a little away from me. And now, it is Christmas time at the Post Office. So, I'm officially updating you all with my temporary leave of absence for the year. I actually planned on putting up this notice in November, but I lost track of time. Sometimes, life takes a turn, and we are not always ready to follow.

It will most likely be a few months into the new year before my return. I plan to establish a better routine for the blog with better content. Throughout this year, the main topic has been reviews. The main reason for this has been lack of focus in putting together better posts for my audience.

If reviews are your favorite topic, don't worry, there are more to come. But, I do hope to focus on more of the topics that began Tarot Guidance. The world of Tarot and other divination practices stay dear to my heart and I'd still like to share my thoughts and insights with you all.

Till next year, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.

God bless you all.

Review: Magical Dimensions Oracle Cards and Activators

Magical Dimensions Oracle Cards & Activators
Author: Lightstar
Schiffer Publishing, 2017

Description: 44 cards and a 72 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure and a built in cleansing symbol.



The Magical Dimensions Oracle Cards and Activators are indeed magical and quite different than anything I've experienced over the years of dabbling with various Oracle decks.

These cards can be used as Oracle Cards or as Activator Cards. The cards are categorized into main frequency types: Angelic, Elemental, Galactic, and seven Chakra Portals.

The guidebook covers an introduction, an overview of card categories, cleansing and care of your deck and a prelude to layouts. There are six suggested Oracle Card Spreads, suggestions for Activator uses, and three Activator Layout Suggestions. The rest of the guidebook is devoted to the Card Interpretations.

One page is devoted to each card, with a full color version of the image and card number. The card's title is given along with a few keywords, a connection to a particular sacred color ray, followed by a Celestial Interpretation and an Oracle Interpretation. The author also suggests working with companion crystals and essential oils to enhance the frequencies of the cards. Suggestions for the types of crystal and oils are provided for each card.

Let's take a look at the Challenges card above. It looks to be a very busy card to me, pure chaos. The woman is dressed for battle in her high boots and long fur coat. In her hands, she holds a powerful sword, a tool to sweep away all that chaos. But, she's not alone. A man wields a similar sword assisting her in the fight against the clutter.

"Celestial Interpretation: Challenges resonates to freedom from fears, negativity, and blockages. Residing in a denser dimension can cause the lower self to succumb to fear-based emotions. ...."

"The Oracle Interpretation: If you are feeling blocked, afraid, or stuck, assistance is on the way . . . so hold on and don't succumb to negative thinking. ...."

"Companion Crystals: Iceland Spa, Lapis Lazuli; Companion Essential Oil: Black Pepper"

I recommend this deck for anyone looking for something different.

Grab your copy from Schiffer Publishing.

Note: this is an updated version of a previously published deck in 2015. I'm unaware of what has or has not been updated and/or revised in this deck.


(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: Ostara Tarot

Ostara Tarot
Authors: Molly Applejohn, Eden Cooke, Krista Gibbard & Julia Iredale
Schiffer Publishing, 2017

Description: 78 cards and a 112 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

“The Vernal equinox, Ostara, wakes the city after winter. Through 78 stunning Tarot cards and an accompanying guidebook, delve into the fantastical world of traditional symbolism and contemporary themes that will return you to the wilderness and explore the feminine.”

The Ostara Tarot is one of those love it or hate it decks, but with a twist. You may find you like one suit and hate the rest of the deck. You may like the whole deck except one suit. There's a reason for this breaking apart of interest within the deck.

Four talented women have formed a group and created a deck together. They each took a suit, and then split up the Major Arcana cards. This gives you varying styles throughout the deck. Below, I think you'll quickly see the startling effect of the styles.

I also found some of the cards difficult to classify with its suit. Above, you see some are relatively obvious, like the Swords and Pentacles. Can you tell which suit the bottom two corners belong to? The left is Cups and the right is Pentacles. Of course, this issue can be overcome by simply becoming more acquainted with the deck.

I really do love these cards. The talent that went into this deck is extraordinary. Even the backs make you stop and stare. Yes, there are a few I don't particularly like, but I like the majority of the deck. And, I do favor two of the artists over the other two, but again that is a style issue.

The Guidebook has a brief preface and the rest of the book is devoted to the individual cards. There's a full color image on one side, and card information on the other page, including Card Title, Keywords and Card Details of both the upright and the reversal. At the bottom of the Major Arcanas, the illustrator's name is given. And at the end of the guidebook, there's a brief section on each artist and her assigned suit.

"In this deck, you will discover a journey that loosely follows traditional Tarot symbolism, while also exploring themes of wilderness, surrealism, and feminine intuition."

I'm not sure if I would recommend this deck to a new reader of tarot, but then I can't really say that one couldn't pick it up and go with it. The world of Tarot and Oracle cards seem to get more entangled as we move forward in our journeys. So, I can't see why one couldn't learn this deck from the ground up and gain an intuitive connection worth exploring.

Take the Seven of Swords, for example, which is pictured above. For an experienced reader, it is easy to see the Rider-Waite influence in this card. But even new eyes could decipher what this little rascal is up to.

The Six of Cups could get tricky. "Six cup-bearing figures stand around a surfacing whale." Now, I'm not saying it doesn't, it may, but what does that have to do with childhood, memories, or innocence?

With all that said, I'm in love with the deck and look forward to getting to know it and all its hidden bits.

Grab your copy from Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Review: Beautiful Creatures Tarot - Second Edition

Beautiful Creatures Tarot - Second Edition
Author: J. R. Rivera
Artist: Jasmine Becket-Griffith
Schiffer Publishing, 2017

Description: 80 cards and a 168 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card size: 3 1/2" by 5


Two years after the publication of the Beautiful Creatures Tarot, the creators have decided to bless us with a Second Edition. The new cards and guidebook have some minor upgrades. Will these changes be enough to make it worth purchasing the second edition? Maybe. If you are a collector, you will definitely be buying these. A reader? You may be happy with what you have.

Let's look at what's so different in this second edition.

Four brand new images, new card backs, and purple edging will be at the top of the list for the collectors.

"For this second edition Tarot deck, the traditional groups and titles of the traditional Tarot have been applied to each of the cards."

Although many of the Major Arcanas use the traditional names, many do not. As you see with the position fifteen, the card is the Habit rather than the Devil. And, the position sixteen is called the Decadence rather than the Tower. There are a few more Major Arcana cards which do not follow the traditional names.

You do have the original elements and the traditional Court Card titles for the rest of the deck. Keywords have also been added to the cards, directly under the titles. The first edition cards were glossy, these are not. But, they are the same size and are on good stock.

The guidebook is fully colored and has a few more pages. There are six additional spreads and an Astrological Game. And, the Court Card pages are more descriptive.

These cards are beautiful, both versions. I'm proud to have both decks. But, I do like the second edition better, mainly because of the traditional groups and titles.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Review: Fortune Telling by Tarot Cards

Fortune Telling by Tarot Cards
A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Tarot
Author: Sasha Fenton
Red Wheel/Weiser, 2017

Description: 224 page book

"Lay your future out before you with tarot cards. Once you know how to interpret them, you can understand yourself and others better and be able to accurately predict what’s going to happen in the future.”

Note: Fortune Telling by Tarot Cards by Sasha Fenton is a reprint of a 2002 version.

Fortune Telling by Tarot Cards is exactly what it says: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Tarot. There are many of these types of books out there, but some are better than others. For me, this one feels like one of the good ones.

After a short introduction, the book is divided into three parts.

Part One: Tarot and Fortune Telling

The author covers the History of Tarot and then Guidelines, Ritual, and Procedures. And then, you get some extra bits with chapters on the Arcanas and the Court Cards. It's not really what she shares but how she shares it that I enjoyed. In fact, the author's voice has a great deal to do with my enjoyment of this Beginner's Guide.

One of the areas covered in the Arcana chapter is the suits. The author shares a story she uses in her beginner workshops.

“You are fed up with your job. The job is unsatisfying … This is a Swords matter, as it shows something needs to be done.”

“Finally, you find the job you want. The pay is good… The practical side of this looks good, and practical matters are related to Coins.” – The author uses Coins when referring to Pentacles.

The Court Card chapter makes it clear we all have trouble with their interpretations, and gives a few ways to attempt to interpret them, and then makes it clear how randomly these may work once, but not the next time.

“The Court cards usually give beginners a great deal of trouble, because there are no clear cut rules for reading them, and while many tarot experts have tried to lay down various rules none can really be relied upon.”

Part Two: Card Interpretation

The Major Arcana includes Card Title, Image, Keywords, Key Ideas, Upright Meanings, and Reversals. Some of the cards also include an Additional Suggestions Section.

(Note: Although the Waite Deck is used for illustrations, the author has put Justice in the No. 8 position, rather than the No. 11 position.)

The Star - "This card is truly the Star of hope, as it brings hope, faith, and optimism to any part of the spread that it touches."

The Minor Arcana is divided into chapters by Suit, and includes Card Title, Image, Keywords, Upright meanings, and Reversals. Again, some of these include an Additional Suggestion piece.

Six of Coins - "Sharing out money and resources."

The author ends this part with a chapter on Linking Cards. She goes over various methods to help link the cards to form a comprehensive reading.

Part Three: Reading the Cards

In Preparing Your Deck, the author gives methods for using Upright and Reversals in a reading. There are two chapters focused on Spreads - General and Focused. Other Areas covered include: Timing Events, Energies of the Cards (the Elements), and Failed Readings (the Why and useful alternatives). 

The book ends with a Quick Card Lookup, which includes Quick Clues to the Majors and the Minors and the Cards Categorized by Concept.

I highly recommend this book for beginners.

As a seasoned reader, I found both the information and the author's voice refreshing. I will be keeping this one on my shelf.


Grab your copy of Fortune Telling by Tarot Cards at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser)

Review: Claiming Your Power Through Astrology: A Spiritual Workbook

Claiming Your Power Through Astrology: A Spiritual Workbook
Author: Emily Klintworth
Schiffer Publishing, 2017

Description: 128 page Spiral-bound workbook

I’ve been trying to complete this workbook, so I could give a full review, but yet again I find myself in the world of Astrology and not enough time to do the exercises justice. I'm at the halfway point of the book. I'm jumping in to give you a quick review, so you can grab your copy and get started. That’s how sure I am that you are going to want this one.

“You are about to embark on a journey, one where you will be provided with the opportunity to step outside yourself – to view your life through the lens of the cosmos.”

Claiming Your Power Through Astrology gives you everything you need to help you to discover who you are, where you are going, and what you might expect to experience in this lifetime. You will need internet access to grab a copy of your Natal Chart Navigator. You may also need a copy machine if you wish to use the exercises more than one time. The rest is following along, step by step, and filling in the worksheets. It’s not a fast process, nor is it an easy road to follow. You will most likely need to reference the example exercises at the back of the book. All you have to put in is a little time and effort, but the results are amazing.

Section One - Exploring Your Natal Chart
As you read through the Chapters, you’ll learn about each topic and move into an exercise. The author guides you with clear instructions and examples at the back of the book. Remember to have patience as you move along. Sometimes, you may feel as if you are wandering around, a little lost, but keep following along. You end the first section with a nice little bow, pulling it all together and gaining a glimpse of the plans you made before you arrived here for you journey.

“Piece together all the information you have decoded in the previous exercises – gain the awareness needed to understand yourself through the cosmic perspective.”

Section Two - Aligning with The Cosmos
Each chapter brings more knowledge of the planets, their effect on your life, and the best way to align yourself for the best life possible. From relationships to life lessons, there’s much to learn in this section. I can’t wait to get started on this second section of the book. It’s sure to be an enlightening endeavor. Flipping to the back and final exercise, you’ll be producing an official Natal Chart, which looks to bring everything you’ve learned from beginning to end into one tidy chart.

Personally, this workbook has taken me to a level of astrology I wasn’t even aware of existed. Years ago, I signed up for a predictive astrology course, but to be honest it’s still sitting on my computer, pretty much untouched. I have to pick and choose where to put my energy and this one just never made it to the top of the list, although it continues to be on my list.

No one was there to hold my hand and guide me forward. With this workbook, the author is there by your side, easing you forward and walking you through step by step.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

Learn more about Emily Klintworth and her mission “to provide easy do-it-yourself astrology books that empower and support you on your path” at www.AbsolutelyAstrology.com.

Enjoy your Spiritual Awakening!


(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Review: Midlife is Not a Crisis

Midlife is Not a Crisis: Using Astrology to Thrive in the Second Half of Life
Author: Virginia Bell
Red Wheel/Weiser, 2017

Description: 264 page book

"Midlife Is Not a Crisis combines astrology, inspiration, and wisdom about aging to empower people to live more fully in the second half of life."

I absolutely love Astrology. But, I have to admit this is one of my interests which holds me to the sidelines. I've read quite a bit on the subject, but have yet to completely understand the system of it all.

Midlife is not a Crisis! I wish this book had arrived sooner. I'm nearing the end of my Midlife Cycle, which according to the author is from ages 37-45.

The book covers much more than the Midlife. After a brief introduction, Virginia Bell explains the six Cycles of our power years and gives an overview of astrology on the basis of the birth chart. You don't need to be an astrology genius to follow along, thank goodness.

The rest of the book is divided into chapters on each of the cycles. The author shares personal experiences and stories of public figures throughout the book.

Honestly, I've been trying to get through this book for a while now, but I haven't made it to the end. I've scanned over the pages in order to be able to offer this short review. I'm sure your wondering why? Is it that bad?

I keep halting in my reading to grab a copy of my natal chart to discover what the text meant for me. For example, "The sign and house where we have Saturn is where we are cautious, slow, and often stuck; it's an area that doesn't come naturally or easily. As a result, we have to work on it, which is why we often become proficient in that area." Could you read that and not go searching back through the initial Astrology Overview of the book with the information from your natal chart to find out what it means to you?

Astrology is astronomy brought down to earth and applied to the affairs of men. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I guess the most important thing I can tell you at this point, which the author voices in her own words, is:

You don't need any prior knowledge of astrology, but I have included an overview of the basics. It comes with a warning: astrology is seductive and can become addictive. You will enter a magical realm, one filled with mythology, archetypes, and stories that can capture your imagination, open your mind, and shake up your beliefs.

Enjoy!

Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser)

June Theme - Take Responsibility and Control

Well, I hope everyone made it out of those icky waters of the Six of Swords. It really wasn't as simple as I'd hoped it would be, moving through those issues, but we made it. And now, it's time to shake it off and take responsibility for what has passed and what is before each of us. It's time to take control of our lives.

June brings the Knight of Pentacles, an example of courage and faith in oneself. He has arrived after a long journey, and yet he and his horse remain strong and ready to work, ready to be everything he's meant to be.

"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future."  ~ George Bernard Shaw

The bright yellow in this card makes me feel warm and confident of the progress we'll make in June. All we need to do is settle in and get to work. The type of work you engage in during June will depend on you, but for the most part, I'm guessing you know by now what's before you.

What is the one thing you keep avoiding? Improving your relationship, writing a novel, learning to paint, researching retirement, or even decluttering your house? And, if you're like me, there are probably multiple jobs before you. Just take it one step at a time and don't overwhelm yourself.

June presents an opportunity to practice the Five-Minute Rule. Sometimes it's hard to leave life behind in order to do what's really important to you. Try telling yourself that you only have to get five minutes of work done, that's all. You'll be amazed how many times after five minutes you'll be working away with no thought of time or those other duties and making progress on your real work. This is a great method to overcome procrastination.

"He is responsible, hardworking, uncomplaining." ~ Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Rachel Pollack

We faced our fears in April, moved forward in May, and now it's time to take responsibility and control of ourselves, to be our own truths. It's so easy to blame others for the wrongs of the past, and even the missteps of our day to day activities. But, we really are in charge of our own actions and responses. But, of course, we've all made it through this part of the journey during the last two months. The important thing is to stay here, right here and now, in the present.

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Let us make the most of June and progress forward in our journey. Best wishes to you all.

May Theme - Move Forward

Ah, after spending April lost in our fears, isn't it nice to see some movement. I know the theme last month was to face your fears, but how many of us lost our way and got stuck and let that fear bear down on us. Well, I did even with the knowledge that it was coming. So much for being forewarned! But, I made it through, as I'm sure you all did. And, congratulations to those who stood tall and faced the fears head on.

So, as we move into May, there will be a shift. I actually began to feel this a few days early. But, I'm sure the decision to take a week off had a lot to do with the uplift in my feelings.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene

The Six of Swords brings with it some sorrow, despair, and turbulence, but it's the devil you know. It's the past that keeps nipping at your heels, interrupting those happy thoughts, or just brings your fears into speaker volume. You know what I'm talking about, those ghosts of the past, the skeletons. Of course, it may not be a distant past, but one you've just stepped out of.

You've escaped your cage of fear. It's time to move forward, through the difficult time. Whether you're at the edge of the situation or many years beyond, the important thing is to move passed it, into a new future.

If you've been with the difficulties for a long time, you may not even recognize them anymore. But, if you quiet your mind, I guarantee it will start screaming at you. It's that one (or more) thing you carry with you, day in and day out. You keep moving but it's there slowing you down.

"Though we carry our troubles with us we have adapted to them; they will not sink us or bear us down." ~ Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Rachel Pollack

As you move through the month, remember every ending leads to a new beginning. It's time for us to see what's right around the corner.

Good luck in your travels.

A Few of My Favorite Things Spread

A couple of weeks ago, Ellen of Greylady's Hearth shared this spread on her blog. She picked it up from Magpie Tarot. I felt it was a spread worth sharing further. And, feel free to continue the chain of sharing, or try the spread in private.

You need to separate the cards into piles: Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Major Arcana. The fifth position is optional, but it does pull the spread together nicely. Shuffle each stack and pull a card for the following questions:

Wands: Where does my confidence shine?
Cups: What brings me joy?
Swords: Where do I feel wise?
Pentacles: What makes me feel safe & secure?
Major Arcana: Which underlying energy will make it all possible?

For an additional bonus: the Quintessential Card - Overall Theme of the Reading - You can visit an earlier post for a more detailed explanation on how to do this. Basically, you add the numerical values of the cards, reduce to a number between 1-22, and match the number with its Major Arcana Card.

My Results:

Wands: Where does my confidence shine? Queen of Wands - When I'm in control of my circumstances and aware of the next action which needs to be taken. Totally me. As long as I know what I'm doing, why and when, I can do just about anything I go after.

Cups: What brings me joy?  6 of Cups - Sharing knowledge and skills obtained in my past with others. Love this. When I write a story, my past is right there with me, between the lines, within the words. Not enough to be a biography, but enough to give it direction, a little spice.

Swords: Where do I feel wise? Knight of Swords - When I am active and committed to a concrete goal. If you can see it, you can be it. So, true. If you can put the flag post in the ground, all you have to do is work as hard as you can to reach it.

Pentacles: What makes me feel safe & secure? 3 of Pentacles - Using my skills, talent and knowledge to create, with the chance to share with others. True. There's no safer place to be than lost in your own creations, as long as you remember to come up for air every now and again.

I love how all four of these seem to sync with who I am and what I want to do with my life. It also gives me a needed push to get back on track. All I've ever wanted to do is write and share my creations, my novels and stories with others. So, I need to get committed and in control. :)

Now...
Major Arcana: Which underlying energy will make it all possible?  Justice - Balance, maintaining a proper balance and calmness in my commitments. Most of you are aware of my many interests. Between those and normal day to day obligations, I find it difficult to establish a good balance. Perhaps that should be my first goal: to establish a balance, create boundaries.

Bonus...
Quintessential Card - Overall Theme - Lovers - Choice - a life decision - deciding which path to follow. All of it comes down to picking the path I want to take. Where do I want to be in a year? Or, 5 to 10 years down the road? That is the question which needs answered, and then the goal will be clear and the balance will come.

Hope you all don't expect me to answer that here and now, lol. I have a vague idea, but it's not clear enough to narrow it down to a single goal. Guess I need to work on that.

Hope you enjoy the spread.

April Theme - Face Your Fears

Rider-Waite Tarot

As we leap into April, you may find yourself coming to a standstill after your March successes. Isn't it crazy how we second-guess ourselves the closer we get to triumph, the closer we get to being happy?

Notice, the woman is not bound at the legs and the swords do not cage her in. She can leave this situation any time she wants. The problem is she can't use her eyes to see, or her arms to help guide her out. But, if she really wanted to leave, she would find a way - tiny steps forward, or even a shout for help.


"The clue to this card is the blindfold - symbolizing confusion, oppressive ideas, isolation from other people in similar situations; what political liberations call mystification' - keeping people down not by direct force, but by training them to believe in their own helplessness." ~ Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack

The bondage in this card is self-imposed. Your own thoughts are confusing and trapping you in a situation, in which you see no apparent way out. In order to move from this situation, you must face your fear, see things clearly, and make decisions based on an understanding of what's really going on.

"Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it." --Judy Blume

Some of us spend so much time looking into the past, readjusting it to what should have been that we fail to see today. A paralyzing fear takes hold when we try to adjust what we do today, and what that action will bring tomorrow. The fear of the unknown brings us to a standstill, so instead of moving forward and being present, we feel stuck in one place, in one routine.

In March, we focused on starting something, striving toward success. We found success, along with failure, but we kept going. You may have hit a wall, realized what success might bring, uncovered a fear you wasn't even aware of. Don't stop, push past the fear and keep achieving and failing.

April brings us the energy of fear, but it doesn't have to stop you in your tracks. Identify the fear, give it a name, and face it head on. Always remember, fear is usually of something of which does not exist at that moment. Our imagination creates the worse possible scenario in order to keep us safe. This is an automatic action of the brain, but you can adjust it, reinvent its reaction, and remove the feared scenario. Imagine something wonderful developing from your action.

"Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones." --Thich Nhat Hanh

Activity for April: Write about your fears, about the imagined scenarios which stop you in your tracks, and delve into why you may be creating such scenes. And then, write about what you started in March, why you began, and what you hoped to accomplish. See your fear for what it is, your imagination, and continue toward success.

Good luck in your journey.

Review: The Empath's Quest: Finding Your Destiny

The Empath's Quest: Finding Your Destiny
Author: Bety Comerford and Steve Wilson
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description: 112 page hardback book

"There's a method, a plan, a synchronicity to the universe that all falls into place when one understands how the plan works."

"Understanding the love and energy behind your destiny, acquainting yourself with your own personal timeline, releasing the geometry that moves you forward on that timeline, and knowing how it all works together will assist you to make better choices, to overcome the difficulties in life we all experience, and live the life you were meant to live.

The title, Finding Your Destiny, gives the reader false hope of finding a step by step method within the covers of this book. But, with that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I have a better understanding of the energies around us and the possibility of a timeline, a plan we set before birth.

"Everything that is described in this book has happened to one or both of us. Nothing is made up. The realizations, the lessons, the situations are those we have lived through in our own personal journeys."

The Empath's Quest: Finding Your Destiny is a creative non-fiction featuring Alex and three woman of differing experiences with spirituality and energy, along with extra inserts by the authors exploring the lessons further.

The journey begins on a plane and follows the group during a trip to Arizona. From the moment the engines start, Alex reveals realizations of past experiences and new lessons learned by the group.

With each of his revelations, a spark jumped within my soul. I have gained a better understanding of my own experiences. I often feel the need to block the energies swirling about me, but after reading this, I now understanding it is better to manage the chaos and learn lessons from the experience.

Throughout the book, the authors share more knowledge on the lessons revealed by Alex, such as the Higher Aspect of Manifestation, the Higher Aspect of each element - air, fire, water, earth, energetic exposure, Surrendering to Your Timeline, and more.

"You know you've reached the higher energy when things in fold without effort on your part."

I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about energies, manifestation, and your destined path. No matter where you are in your own journey, you will find something here to help you move through your day, through your life.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.


(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

March Theme - Strive Toward Success

Today's Journey Tarot

As we step into March, we find ourselves filled with ideas and hopes of finding success. You may have decided to try something new this month, take a class, write a poem, or maybe you are nearing the end of a long project. The Six of Wands (Fire) brings with it the energy of likely success. No matter where you direct your energy the possibility for success is high this month.

Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out. ~ Robert Collier


In the Rider Waite Tarot version, a man celebrates his victory with pride, while a crowd cheers him in his accomplishments. In the Today's Journey Tarot version, a runner is supported by a crowd, urging her toward the finish line.

Rider-Waite Tarot

Some see the Six of Wands as the card of Success, but notice the runner has not yet made it to the finish line. The rider may not be returning, but headed out to begin his journey. 

The Six of Wands is more of beginning, of continuing, than it is of completion. You've set upon the right direction, but there is work to do to actually arrive at success.

Think of the young scholar on his graduation day. Yes, he's achieved success and is recognized for his accomplishments, but this is only the beginning of a long journey set toward a larger success, a larger recognition.

Action is the foundational key to all success. ~ Pablo Picasso

So, as we step into this new month, expect success in your tasks and goals, but remember you must put in the work and sweat to make it to the finish line. Raise your arms in victory at each small breakthrough, but then gather your energies for the next step, and then the next.

Good luck in your journey.

Review: Today's Journey Tarot - A Traveler's Guide

Today's Journey Tarot: A Traveler's Guide
Author: Expanding Dimensions
Expanding Dimensions, 2013

Description: 183 page companion book

"Open yourself to the Tarot and allow it to be your guide on Today's Journey."



The Today's Journey Tarot was published in 2011. My review of the deck appeared in October. Years later, the authors decided to create an expanded companion book. I received a complimentary copy in 2014, but never got around to reviewing it. So, here it is, my review of Today's Journey Tarot: A Traveler's Guide.

Today's Journey Tarot: A Traveler's Guide takes this updated version of the Tarot to a new level. While the little white book included with the deck gives you plenty to get you started, the Traveler's Guide gives you a more in-depth journey.

Key 0 Beginning - The simplest action can lead to the most profound discovery.

The bulk of the guide gives detailed explanations of each card, giving equal attention to both the Keys (Major Arcana), and the Minor Arcana. The card sections include a black and white card image, followed by the card Name, a short phrase of wisdom and its primary concepts (keywords). The authors give a detailed description of the card and a commentary on the card's meaning, colors and symbols. A suggested interpretation is given, followed by a meditation statement, and a daily reading phrase.


The rest of the guide is divided into sections on spreads, answered question on the Tarot, a Tarot Reader Code of Ethics, Meditation, and Numbers, Colors, and Symbols. The guide closes with biographies of the members of Expanding Dimensions.

Key 21 Completion - Every ending is a new beginning.

A Traveler's Guide is a great addition to the Today's Journey Tarot deck. I recommend it to anyone who loves this deck and wants to explore it a little deeper from the viewpoint of its authors. If you are just getting around to grabbing this deck, I suggest the purchase of the companion book. It will be a great tool to get you started and further explore your journey.


Grab your copy at Amazon.

Further explore the Deck and its Authors at Today's Journey Tarot.

(Review Product supplied by Expanding Dimensions)

Review: Tarot by Design Workbook

Tarot by Design Workbook
Author: Diana Heyne
Red Wheel/Weiser, 2017

Description: 176 page coloring/workbook


"Color and Learn Your Way into the Cards"



Adult Coloring books have become a huge trend over the last few years. I guess it shouldn't surprise anyone to see one set to the theme of the Tarot. But, Tarot by Design is much more than a coloring book, and it's not just for adults. The Tarot by Design Workbook is designed for anyone interested in the Tarot, whether beginner or novice.

"Geared toward an enjoyable and intuitive understanding of the basic meanings of the tarot through coloring, brief word prompts and short rhythmic phrases, Tarot by Design Workbook aims to make the foundational learning of tarot a pleasurable task for beginners and others who would like to deepen their connection with the symbolic images."

Tarot by Design features original color-in images of all 78 Tarot cards, each accompanied by a unique learning page. The learning page contains the card title, keywords for upright and reversal meanings, and a section for your own notes and personal doodling's. For the Major Arcana cards, the page also contains a short phrase to help in the learning process. At the end of the book, there are ten blank pages for your own personal journaling or collaging, with a framework art piece provided.


Keywords: "Disaster, Calamity, Emotional Upheaval, Disruption, Sudden Change"

Reversal: "Fear of Change, Lies, Imprisonment, Narrow Avoidance of Disaster"

Phrase: "A storm came out of nowhere and tore our stronghold down, in fear & lamentation we tumbled to the ground..."

Keywords: "Happiness, Wishes Fulfilled, Comfort, Luxury, Satisfaction, Getting What One Wants"

Reversal: "Dissatisfaction, Greed, Materialism, Poor Lifestyle Choices"

Blank pages for your own personal journaling provide a creative area to do readings, focus on a single card, or even design your own version of a particular card.



"Unlock the mystery and magic, secrets and symbolism of the Tarot through this informative, yet fun teaching tool that engages both intuition and intellect."

I recommend the Tarot by Design Workbook to anyone who enjoys coloring and has an interest in the Tarot. I can't wait to get some color on these pages. What fun!

"Don't feel bound by any set of rules for making your color choices."

I would like to add to the author's words stated above. Don't feel bound by any rules at all. Have fun and play with this workbook. Allow your intuition to flow as you set upon this wonderful journey. If something pops into your head as you color, write it down, sketch it out. You will find a new world of possibilities within the pages of this workbook.


Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser)

Review: Body Cards

Body Cards
Author: Courtney Putnam
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description: 35 cards and a 95-page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card size: 4 x 6 inches

"Your body is your map your muse and your medicine."


"We hold deep wisdom in our bodies-in every muscle, bone, blood vessels, nerve fiber, and cell."

The guidebook begins with an introduction on the body, chakras, and the art. There's a section on how to use the body cards, which includes relating to the cards, selecting the cards, four spreads, and interpreting the cards. The bulk of the book covers the cards and closes with a bibliography and list of the cards by associated chakra.

Body Cards offer you a tool to check in with your body. Some believe, when your body aches, it is trying to reveal something to you. The migraine, the aching shoulder, the upset stomach - these may all be more than physical conditions. They may also be messages regarding your emotional state, stress levels, and overall well-being. Start listening to your body. Use Body Cards as a guide to reveal more about what it is saying to you.

The first card in the deck is the Amygdala. You may be wondering what this is, but the guidebook supplies you with this information, giving you location, function, and a unique fact about the body part. The area of the body the card is exploring is often marked by a pattern. In this case, you see a heart at the area above the center of the eyes.

"Location: The amygdala is a group of nuclei located deep in the brain in the temporal lobe. Function: As part of the limbic system, the amygdala is involved in emotions and decision-making and is linked to our pleasure and fight-or-flight responses. Unique Fact: When the amygdala is not functioning well, we may experience depression, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and aggressive behaviors."

The guidebook also covers: the artwork title, an art meditation, the associated Chakra, and what the card means in a reading.

"If the amygdala has arrived in your reading, pay close attention to your relationship with inner peace." "The message of the amygdala card is this: when you cultivated peace within yourself, you radiate that message of peace to the rest of the world."


To heal or improve the function of the body part, activities are provided: working with color, essential oils, and creative projects.

"Create a collage in which you explore the nature of bother inner and outer peace..."

"The lesson of the pituitary card is all about taking a burden off your shoulders by asking others for help."




"If the stirrup bone is appearing to you, this may be a sign to take your fingers out of your ears."

Body Cards will help you listen to your body, but will also set you upon a journey of creativity with its activity suggestions.

Body Cards is a great deck to do a quick body check after a full tarot reading.

Grab your deck at Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Review: Gaian Tarot

Gaian Tarot
Author: Joanna Powell Colbert
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description: 78 cards and a 184 page guide book in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size: 4X5¾ inches

"Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves"

This is not a new deck to the Tarot world. When it first came out, I itched to order, but never got around to it. So many decks!

The Gaian Tarot first appeared in 2010 as a self-published deck. Its popularity drew Llewellyn into the scene, but then the deck disappeared. Schiffer Publishing has brought it back. I'm not sure if there are any differences between the published versions. Excited to see this deck arrive in the mail, I'm pleased with the product. Not only are the card images intriguing, but the guidebook puts a slightly different light on the Tarot, as the author looks through the perspective of Gaian.

The deck is a traditional 78-card Tarot deck, with a few changes of card names, image perspectives, and a different shade on the interpretations.

In the Major Arcana, the name changes include: the Fool is the Seeker, the High Priestess is the Priestess, the Empress is the Gardener, the Emperor is the Builder, the Hierophant is the Teacher, the Chariot is the Canoe, the Wheel of Fortune is the Wheel, the Hanged Man is the Tree, the Devil is Bindweed, the Tower is Lightening, Judgment is Awakening, and the World is Gaia the World.

In the Court, the Pages become Children, the Knights become Explorers, the Queens become Guardians, and the Kings become Elders. "Instead of reflecting the class-based society of Renaissance Europe, these cards correspond to the stages of life: childhood, early adulthood, mid-life, and old age."

In the Minor Arcana, the suits correspond to their elements and are represented by alternative images. The changes include: Air (Swords) are represented by feathers, clouds, birds, butterflies, flutes, pens, and books; Fire (Wands) are torches, candles, bonfires, and hearths; Water (Cups) are rivers, fish, rain, beaches, shells, boats, and wells; and Earth (Pentacles) are gardens, forests, mammals, crafts, and drums.

"When used for divination, the Tarot can be viewed as a spiritual weather vane. It can tell you which way the wind is blowing in your life at a given moment. But only you can set your sail and choose your course."

The majority of the guidebook covers the cards, divided into two sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

The Major Arcana begins with a brief overview and then dives into the cards. Each card is presented by its title, which is followed by the traditional name if the title has been changed. Then, you have the soul lesson or the theme of the card. A brief description of the card is given, along with what the card means in a reading and its shadow side (or reversal meaning). Headlined as Deepen Your Understand, the author covers themes, symbol meanings, journal questions, and an affirmation.

The Minor Arcana begins with a brief overview, which includes Elements, Numbers, and People. The number or court groups are also given brief overviews. Each card is presented by title, a card description, the card in a reading, the shadow side (or reversal meaning), and an affirmation.

The guide closes with a section on Working with the Cards, which includes short sections on reading the cards intuitively, a card a day, the art of asking questions, reading the shadow side of the cards, variations on the three-card reading, and ten unique spreads.

The guidebook alone is worth the purchase of this deck in my opinion.

I loved the sections on symbols, which cover the majority of the items appearing in each card. In the Gaia the World card, a halo surrounds Gaia's head. "Halo: In religious iconography of many cultures, a sacred or holy figure is indicated by a radiant or bright circle around the head and shoulders. Some say it is a depiction of the aura, or energy field that emanates from the being."

The journal questions are also a wonderful part of the Major Arcana section. The Gaia the World includes: How am I blessed?, What cycle is reaching completion in my life?, and more. But, these could also be used as questions for tarot readings, a springboard in the creation of your own spreads, and/or even the beginnings of freewriting or mind mapping activities.

I found the short section on Numbers in the Minor Arcana intriguing. "The Gaian Tarot's number system was inspired by Teresa Michelsen's work. She views the minors as containing three sets of three-card mini dramas, with the 10 as a card of transition." The author goes on to explain these sets and how they correspond with the Seeker's journey as he grows and matures.

As with most guidebooks, this one touches upon many areas, but doesn't necessarily dig deep enough, but there's only so much room in these guidebooks. I would love to see this author put out a book of more in-depth on her views of the Tarot, but there's plenty here to spark your interest and get you going with the Tarot.

The cards in this deck are gorgeous and amazingly detailed. "Many of the scenes in the deck are based on sketches from my nature journals and photos I've taken of local landscapes."

While the cards are almost too large for my hands, I believe smaller would have taken away from the images. If it becomes a huge issue, trimming could be done. As you can see the blue boarder could be taken away to rectify issues of size. But so far, I'm able to manage the cards while shuffling.  And, the energy emitted from the deck is amazing. I'm extremely happy with my overall experience with this deck.

9 The Hermit: He sits at a stone table, journaling by the light of a lantern, while sage burns by his side. He gazes up at the wise owl, while experiencing a vision, which he collects in his journal. The vision almost seems to be produced by his connection with the owl. The image is a wonderful scene of reflection. The author gives this card the Soul Lesson of Sacred Solitude.

Card description: "The Hermit retreats from the company of others to replenish his soul in solitude as he communes with the natural world. He listens to the calls of the birds as he writes and sketches ..."

In a reading: "Your spirit is crying out for a time of sacred solitude. You need to withdraw..."

Shadow side: "Some people are afraid of being alone, fearing what they might do or not do if left to themselves. ..."

Themes include: Solitude, Withdrawal, Silence, Guiding light, etc.

Symbols include: Lantern: Light of wisdom and knowledge; Journal and pen: Reflection, introspection, knowledge, learning, wisdom; Owl: Strength in silence (noiseless flight), night vision, guidance, wisdom; and more.

Journal Questions include: How do I feel about the aging process? What are the elements of a great retreat? What kind of healing does the Hermit offer me? and more.

Affirmation: "I retreat from the world in order to refresh my spirit."

In the Ten of Fire, "a forest fire is raging, the smoke and ashes released into the air. To our "civilized" minds, a fire is terrifying.... But forest fires are a natural part of the cycle of life..."

The ten themes are transitions, transformation, endings and beginnings.

In a reading: "Does it feel like your dreams have gone up in smoke? Are you overwhelmed or burdened by loss? Remember that new seedlings grow and flourish in the ashes of a spent fire. You must release your passions and your energies, whether; or not you want to, worthier or not you think you're ready. It's time."

Shadow side: "You can only focus on the devastation and loss, and see no hope for the future...."

Affirmation: "I release what is finished, and clear the way for rebirth."

The Gaian Tarot is a wonderful deck for any tarot enthusiast, from master to beginner.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)