The Magic of Tarot

If you’ve been searching for a modern, accessible introduction to tarot, “The Magic of Tarot: A Modern Guide to the Classic Art of the Cards” by Leanna Greenaway and Beleta Greenaway is a perfect place to start. This comprehensive guide blends the classic roots of tarot with practical, everyday applications, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and those looking to deepen their tarot practice.

The Greenaways take the reader on a journey through the timeless symbolism of tarot, while framing it in a modern, easy-to-understand context. They cover the essentials—from the meanings of the major and minor arcana cards to practical advice on how to do your own tarot readings. What sets this book apart is its balance between traditional interpretations of tarot and how it can be used today for personal growth, insight, and spiritual development.

One of the highlights of this book is the authors' emphasis on using tarot as a practical tool in daily life. Whether you’re navigating a life decision or seeking clarity in relationships, this book provides relatable examples and offers ways to incorporate tarot readings into your routine. The Greenaways believe tarot is not just for spiritual work, but also for personal empowerment, self-reflection, and insight into everyday challenges.

The book goes beyond rote memorization of card meanings and focuses on helping readers develop their intuition. By combining classic card interpretations with intuitive practices, the authors encourage a personalized approach to tarot. This makes it particularly appealing to modern readers who are looking for a way to blend structured knowledge with personal insight.

Along with tarot’s practical uses, the book delves into its mystical aspects. For those interested in the more esoteric side of tarot, “The Magic of Tarot” connects tarot to deeper spiritual practices, including how tarot can serve as a tool for personal transformation and spiritual growth. The Greenaways touch on tarot’s ties to magic and metaphysics, providing a holistic approach that embraces the mystery of the cards.

What makes this book truly stand out is its approachable tone. Leanna and Beleta Greenaway have crafted a guide that is easy to understand while maintaining the depth necessary for readers to grow with the practice. Their approach, which blends modern insights with classic tarot knowledge, ensures that readers will find the material accessible but still rich in tradition.

Whether you are new to tarot or have already started your journey, “The Magic of Tarot: A Modern Guide to the Classic Art of the Cards” is a valuable resource. The Greenaways provide a guide that is insightful, modern, and practical, all while staying rooted in the deep symbolism and power of tarot. It is a great tool for those wanting to explore tarot for personal reflection, spiritual growth, or simply as a way to gain deeper insights into life.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back often for new book reviews, videos and magical content!

 Today I'm reviewing The Ultimate Guide to Channeling - Practical techniques to Connect with Your Spirit Guide by Amy Sikarskie, Founder of Spirit School.

Author Link

Book Link

Release Date - January 18, 2022

I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This is a larger sized soft cover book. It isn't going to fit in your carry along bag, but it will fit in a full size backpack. The cover is slightly raised and has a lovely color. The pages are glossy and have some very small fonts on the initial pages but does enlarge as we move through the book.  It does revert back to the smaller font in some of the pages which could be a bit annoying. The color scheme is a lovely shade of calming purple, blue and green which I love.

The introduction page is beautiful. I love the color and the message. It is really one of the best descriptions of channeling I have ever seen. I love that the author states that we can channel in all sorts of ways. Music, singing, dancing and even through art. Not many make this distinction and I feel that it should be put out there more often. I always feel closer to the mystical realm when I'm singing and dancing around my circle. I can feel the energy come through me and messages are often received in this state. To me, that is channeling.

This book is divided in sections. In part one we have the Art of channeling, explaining exactly what channeling is. Part two is preparing to channel and part three is the act of channeling. Here the author talks about working with guided meditation, using tools and how to advance the work of channeling.

On page 30, the author mentions using the ancestors as guides in your channel experience. I believe these ancestors can be those we are directly related to, or those who may occupy the spaces that we're channeling in. Finding that connection can greatly increase the effectiveness of your channeling. Similarly working with mother earth, the elements or other beings such as spirit animals or archangels can direct your channeling to a specific place. Using this connection opens up the information locked in these areas and can greatly improve the effectiveness and accuracy of your channeling experience. 

The section on the charka is, in my opinion, one of the highlights of the book. The author provides in great detail each chakra and how it impacts your channeling.  The connecting with the energies exercise is extremely detailed and really effective. Take the time to go through the 60 minute version. I found a few reconnecting videos (not related to this book) that are great for just rolling through each of these and making sure everything is in alignment before beginning your channeling sessions. I'll include some chakra resources at the end of this article.

The entire book places focus on how to work with your team of support in the meditative process. From selecting who you will be calling on to establishing boundaries and guideline, the process is deliberate and fully explained. The author provides exercises for setting up your space and then connecting with those energies to help further the channeling experience. I felt the "Let Your Energy Flow" exercise on page 126 was very well done. With more chakra work and relaxation techniques the author gives us the tools to move the energy in our bodies. This chapter has several exercises to help get your energy moving in the right direction for the best experience.

I've always been fascinated by automatic writing. To me one of the ways of connecting with other sources of energy is with this technique. I studied Edgar Cayce for years and was really amazed as his ability to lay down and enter a trance state and then have someone write down his comments. While not a traditional automatic writing technique more of a dream state or trance state channeling/divination session, I found that if we could write from our dreams automatically this would certainly be the way to do it. But back to the book, this author gives us an overview of automatic writing, how to light trance write and then provides exercises to connect with the process. I think the inclusion of the message from the Council of Light was a great addition to the chapter.  I really enjoyed this. When you try it out, come back and tell me how you did. 

Resources

Chakras Explained

 Today I'm reviewing The Ultimate Guide to Energy Healing - A beginner's Guide to Healing Your Chakras, Aura, and Energy Body by Kat Folwer.

Book Link

Author Link

Release Date - Feb 1, 2021

Let's start with a review of the physical book. It is an oversized book. For folks with small hands, like mine this may be a challenge to take on the go.  It will take a larger size bookbag or backpack to take with you. It is a smooth paperback with a lovely smooth cover. The images on the outside and within are vibrant and beautiful. I loved looking at it. The font size is great! Easy to read, even for these old eyes and I found it to be easily read from contents page to index without issue.

The book is broken down into three parts.  The Basics, The Preparation and Energy Healing Techniques & Exercises. The beginning includes a guide for using the book and an opening meditation which was really nice. I found the direction to be helpful and purposeful. Something that I think most of these types of book miss before delving into the book.

I found the sections on understanding your anatomy and the break down of each Chakra to be very informative. I think that many begin this type of healing with out fully understanding the process of Chakra energy and how to work with it. Knowing where these points are located and how they interact with the Auric Field is critical for any real work in using healing energies. The author also takes us through tools to use for this work such as crystals, light, water and sacred geometry. Something I feel very connected to. Line art, and geometry have been looked at from a magical perspective for thousands of years. From indigenous tattoos to wall art, we can find examples of sacred geometry across cultures around the world. 

Part two offers several exercises to prepare us to work with this energy for healing. From breathing meditations to setting up a sacred space, the author provides a step by step guide for getting the most out of this healing experience. I found the setting expectations section and the part on what to expect to be especially helpful for beginners. 

Finally part three gives us the exercises to begin our healing experience. I found the visualization section to be one of the most beneficial. Understanding the white bubble of light and how to use it to create a safe space for yourself is something that can be used in a mindful way as well.  Think about all the times in the every day grind that you're pushed to the edge. Remembering that bubble and pulling yourself back inside when you need is a great way to refocus stress and anxiety in order to return to the now, and be able to go on with your day. Sometimes my bubble includes the following verse - "I'm walking, and I know I'm walking.  I'm sitting and I know I'm sitting.  Right now, I am sitting. Nothing else is happening right now.  Just sitting/walking"  

The book continues with some more focused healing practices and a few to move you from beginner to intermediate to advanced. I was really in love with the section on the pendulum work. As one who connects greatly with earth energies and the magnetic pull on us, I can tell you that working with this energy will aid you in so many ways. This book has a step for you no matter which level of healing you are on. 

Overall I think this is a great book to have on the shelf of any energy healer. It is easy to read and offers a number of exercises to help move you through your healing journey. I do recommend taking the time to check out this book.

Blessings

Sosanna

Today I'm reviewing The Magickal Tarot- Guidebook and Deck by Robyn Valentine.

Book Link

Author Link

Release Date - Jan 4, 2022

As many of you know from my previous posts, I'm not a huge Tarot reader. I found years ago that my attention span and my dyslexia prevented me from being able to accurately connect with the imagery on most cards. I literally needed to count the swords to even get a grasp on what was showing up.  My divination preference align with oracle readings. I will say however, I don't need cards to read someone. Usually that info is all right there for the taking.  You just need to be ready to see it.

Now on to the review.

The deck comes as a boxed set with the box as the "dust jacket" if you will, for the set. The book is a tall, but narrow paper back with a smooth cover. The font is small, smaller on the author/content pages and does pose a small issue when trying to make out the words for these old eyes of mine. 

The book is broken down by the major arcana and gives a brief background and correspondences of each. These come after the introduction chapters which include an overview of the major arcane, how they relate to magic and how you can relate to them.

As you go through the section on the major arcana, the card image is displayed on one page and the "stats" if you will, on the other along with some magickal work sprinkled in.  If we look at The Empress card for example we see a full page view of her card along with the author's description on the facing page. She includes a section on the lunar phase, the energies and directions on how to leverage the energy of this card in magic. For this card, the author provides us with a fertility spell called "egg candle".  She provides detailed instructions on getting the most from the spell.  For me, I'm just going to sit this one aside.  I don't need any more babies up in here.  (laughing)

The art on these cards is just adorable. I love the artists take on the traditional cards, changing them, updating them but not losing the original design. I can tell who these cards are in relationship to the Rider-Waite deck, of which I am the most familiar.  Sometimes an artist takes so much license with changing the deck that it looks nothing like the original and I'm at a lost for what we are actually looking at.  The illustrator is Stasia Burrington and her work can be found here.

The book does not mention the minor arcana as a separate chapter.  They are included in the deck, but the focus of the book is harnessing the magical energies associated with the major arcana and using it to manifest the intent of the reader. 

Overall I think this is a nice deck and accompanying book. I like the way the author guides you into the energies of each of the major arcana. I like the way the spells are written out in an easy to understand and easy to follow. The packaging was a bit awkward, like many of the book/box desk combos. I wish publishers would stop with that. Find a new way. I'm tired of my deck falling out every time I open the box.  

If you're looking for a new deck to incorporate into your magical work, and want a place to get started, I recommend checking out the Magickal Tarot by Robyn Valentine. It is a unique interpretation of the Tarot that I believe you will enjoy.

Blessings!

Sosanna

 Today I'm reviewing Green Witch Magick - Essential Plants and Crafty Spellwork for a Witch's Cupboard by Susan Ilka Tuttle.

• Book Link
• Author Link
• On-sale Date: November 16, 2021

The author begins by telling us sage advice on the use of herbs. I highly recommend reading this before getting started in using herbs. There are a great number of herbs that are perfectly safe in moderation. We need to take note when we're using a new herb and make sure we are very familiar with the herbs we use regularly. Mint for example can cause irrigation of mucus membranes and skin while lavender can cause constipation and increased appetite. Learn about your herbs and be sure to work with them in a safe manner.

    

Part I of this book is all about becoming a witch. The author guides us on stereotypes and stories about witches as well as what it really means to be a witch. She talks about Witchcraft and how paganism and the practice of Wicca differ.  When I came upon the section titled, Celebrating Diversity in the Witch community, I expected to read about LGBT or People of Color instead it was about natural born witches vs. solitary witches. She does however discuss cultural appropriation in a previous section and mentions the use of the terms "spirit animal" or "animal totem" specifically. Part 1 wraps up with a bit of history on the Green Witchcraft and gives an overview of the sabbats and other magical practices including, animism, crystal work and working with natural altars.

Part II of this book gives us 13 essential plants for our cupboard. I won't delve into each of these in this review. I do want to give the general overview of what to expect. The author gives us a sort of dating profile for each plant. There is a section on name and family as well as its correspondences. Lavender for example is in the Lamiaceae family and corresponds to Mercury, Gemini and Virgo.  It represents the element of Air and is said to transport you with its aroma to another time and place. We then are given its medicinal, culinary and magickal uses as well as a list of projects that are included in the book to incorporate the use of the plant into our spell work.

Part III of the book teaches us about herbal remedies and provides recipes for creating these remedies as well as steps for our magical workings. Included is a section on gardening, foraging and herbalism. From mint infused oils, to lip balm, the recipes in this book are simple to follow and easy to understand. The author takes the time to explain the different cooking techniques as well as the differences in carrier oils that are essential to understanding and creating a usable final product. 

The chapter on herbs in divination was my favorite. She reviews different divination practices and then provides recipes on oils and sprays to help impower your magical practice. Color magic, cleansing bouquets and simmering potpourri are included, which I found very useful. Filling a room with fragrances can be a wonderful way to represent the element of Air or even to act as an offering to the deities you work with. 

Over all a great introduction to working within the realm of green witchery. I found it to be a well researched and presented book with a good deal of information. I think that this book would be useful for the beginner and seasoned which alike. I do not have a background in hedge witch or kitchen witchery but I found the recipes easy to follow and the sections on each of the plants very easy to follow. I would recommend this book for a house warming or graduation gift. I think that it would be a great addition to your magical library.

I hope you found this review helpful. Be sure to check out these authors and please feel free to provide any feedback or ask your requests in the blog comments or directly to me via the chat button at the bottom of the page or via email.

Namaste

Sosanna

 Today I'm reviewing The Thrifty Witch's Book of Simple Spells by Wren Maple. 

• Book Link
• Author Link
• Author Instagram Link
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022

I'll start by reviewing the physical book.  This is a slightly larger size book that would fit well in a backpack or gym bag. It is paper back so be prepared for bent pages. The book has 160 pages with full color illustrations and includes a nice index. My only complaint is that the font is really small. I found that it was easy to ready with reading glasses but would have liked it to be a bit larger.

The book begins with some basic witchery 101. You can find out which witch is which in a section called "Types of Witches".  Its a very generalized overview of the types of witches that seem to be the most popular. I find myself, that there are many "cross-witches" if you will. Not everyone falls into a neat little box for organization. My recommendation here is to learn all you can about all types of magic and don't feel like there is something you can't do just because you're not that "kind" of witch.  As the author points out on page twelve, find your own way. Do what feels right, when it feels right.

The next few sections talk about the witch's "stuff". The author covers, herbs, crystals, and other magical tools and techniques. She does a good job breaking through the hype and giving a very basic overview of the tools of the trade. She moves into chapter two with tips on working the magic. Techniques, tips and tricks for things like personal motives, environmental considerations, including how to create your own witchy space for magic work. 

Chapter three is where the real magical work begins. The author spends the rest of the book sharing over assorted chapters all types of spell work.  From Protection & Deflection to Abundance & Healing, the author provides step by step instructions to complete the spell, potion or talisman in a simple and safe manner.  Even spending some time on self love and the importance of self esteem/protection in today's modern world.

This book is very cis female focused. There are spells for reproductive heal that focus on the vagina and on period cycle support. That's not to say that this book could not be enjoyed by witches of all gender perspectives, I did want to point this out as it could be triggering for some.

One of my favorite sections of this book is the section on Banishing & Binding Magic. Ward spells are some of the most power magic out there and I think that sometimes we think we have to bind someone (control their energy) as a way to project ourselves. But, back to banishing, keep these spells close to you, they do come in handy. I really like the spell on page 111 to banish toxic digital energy.  We could all use a bit of that from time to time. 

The book closes with sections dedicated to Sleep & Relaxation Magic and then Psychic Spells. The falls right in line with the over all message I got from this book which is self care. There are some great pieces in here for combating nightmares and even creating a jar for inner peace as well as to increase psychic ability. I think these are missing in a lot of magic today. 

Overall this is a great beginner's introduction to the world of magical spells and talismans. There isn't a great deal of history related to the source of these but it does offer some spells that you can do right now, with what you have in your house to get into magic immediately. I think this would be a great book for a heredity witchling or perhaps a teen getting started in the craft.

I hope you've enjoyed this review and find it helpful.  Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message if you have questions.

Namaste

Sosanna

 Today I am reviewing - "In Focus - Runes" by Jan Budkowski.

• Book Link
• Author Link - I was unable to locate any link directly to this author's page. If you find something, feel free to message me and I'll update the page.
• Release Date - November 30, 2021

 

 Today I'm reviewing Real Talk Tarot illustrated by Juanita Londono Gaviria.

Deck Link

Illustrator Link

Release Date: October 5, 2021

I'll start with a physical review of the deck and accompanying book.  The set comes boxed and is of average size. It could easily be tossed in a tote bag or backpack.  The book is a small soft cover book with some pretty small fonts.  Even with my reading glasses on, it was a struggle to read the thin, tiny font. The book has no index but it does offer a short introduction in the front as well as a few spreads for those beginning their reading adventures.  

It also offers a quick reference guide. This is a list of all the cards in the deck (which are the traditional Rider/Waite deck) with a couple of keywords for each. For example, the Fool has the words risk and beginnings.  The magician has the words action, manifestation and ambition. The 10 of cups has family and happiness. I found this to be extremely useful addition to a tarot book. Not many think about this aspect and I believe it can help guide a beginner on how to work with the Tarot.  The card description section has the traditional upright and reversed meanings just as a typical deck with the addition of a short phrase before each section. On the chariot card the words are "you're going places, baby" and the emperor card has "father knows best".  Again I thought this was a cute way to update the deck and provide a fresh look at a familiar topic.

The main changes here in this deck are the illustrations. This is a completely modern take on the Tarot and our illustrator has taken the liberty of changing what we would expect in a traditional deck and flipped it on its head. For example, our death card (one of the most popular in the Rider/Waite deck) is riding a bus about town! Some of my favorite cards were the Justice card which feature a woman of color blindfolded with the scales of justice just to her left and right. The chariot card which again features a woman of color, this time with earbuds and a road running from top to bottom with cards, a bicycle and an airplane around her. 

Over all a cute whimsical deck that brings a bit of creativity and modernization to our traditional tarot. This is a great set for the novice and advanced reader alike. It offers a fresh look and a fun way to explore the mysteries of divination. 

I hope you have enjoyed this look at the Real Talk Tarot. If you use this deck or have any feedback feel free to contact the page.  Leave a comment or reachout over chat/email.

Namaste

Sosanna

 This is a review of Astrology Embroidery by Maya Hanisch. 

• Book Link
• Author Link
• Release Date November 9, 2021

Very different from my standard reviews, today I have a book on a craft. This book has been created to teach the magic of embroidery using the signs of the zodiac as inspiration. First I'll review the physical book.  The books is a large soft cover book with easy to read fonts and great graphics. I wouldn't expect anything different with the author being an illustrator. There is no index but this book really doesn't need one.

The artist/author takes the time to help the reader learning the individual stitches that are used in the book. The layout of the book begins with the teaching section with each stitch outlined and then goes into showing how they are used with a set of pages for each sign.

The book doesn't stop there! There is a section for smaller creations that I simply adored!  The cat and the knowing hands were my absolute favorites!  I plan on putting these on one of my jean jackets!

The back of the book even has templates that can be used with tracing paper or a photocopier to make the job easier!  

   

Over all, simple book with brilliant designs and a great introduction for witchy folks into the journey of embroidery. I could see using the knowing hands on a gris gris bag and chanting your incantations with each stitch!

If you try this out, let me know! I'd love to see your creations!

Namaste

Sosanna