Showing posts with label cards. Show all posts

Conscious Creativity - A Review

 Today's review is Conscious Creativity - Cards for thinking outside the box, by Philippa Stanton.



This was an interesting review. I've been asked to review many media types. From short stories, to novels to oracle and tarot cards to now this. I' don't really know how to categorize it. As you sit down with this deck, don't expect it to be like any other deck you've ever had. At least I have not found it to be like any other. The box is colorful and the small book included seem to be much the same as any other boxed set of cards.  However that's where the similarity ends.



Under the first few pages, the author tells us that there isn't a definitive way to use the cards. The author recommends taking cards at random from the deck and connecting with the image or the words. The interesting thing about this deck, is that the imagery doesn't appear to have any real connection to the message on the back or the other cards in the deck.  When we think about the Angels and Ancestors Oracle deck, for example, these cards are all related to the ancestors of human kind and the assorted angelic beings from the heavens. In the case of this deck, the images are more random.




In the booklet the author tells use that the suits are - Circles, Squares, Triangles, Lines, Textures, Nature, Reflections and Shadows. Each suit then contains thirteen colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Purple, Pink, Aqua, Brown, Black, White and Metallic. 

In the final pages of the book,  each of the suits are listed with pictures. There are 104 cards in this deck with 2 jokers. To me, it's a pretty big deck. Without the connection of what they are all based on I felt it to be a bit cumbersome to work with.



I spent some time reviewing the card images and working with the messages on the back and that too was a bit disconnected. I can see why this author told us that this was a way to think outside of the box. These cards are not on the same table as the box.  (laughs)



Overall a great new take on working with the randomness that is our life in general. I personally, found these cards a bit of a challenge to work with. If this is something that you have experience with or if you have other feedback feel free to leave your message and I'd love to have some engaging dialog on this.

Namaste

Sosanna


Ancestors and Angels - Sacred Ones Three & Warrior Symbols

Today I'm exploring more into my new oracle deck Angels & Ancestors by Kyle Gray, art by Lily Moses. I wanted to start with a smaller part of the deck and become familiar with the it. Not just memorize the author's meaning of the cards but really fully connect with the intent of the card and what it says to me. 

We'll be going back to the deck and pulling four more cards one of the Sacred Ones cards and three Warrior Symbols. I hope you enjoy.


Sacred Ones

Spirit Fox

The Spirit Fox tells us to Trust your talents in changing times. This is the time to stay alert, change is coming. A fox knows what it is like to be hunted. They live in varied areas from urban to wild and even in the barren cold of the north and the heat of the desert. They survive by staying alert and watching what is around them. When we see this card in our spread we should embrace the fox medicine and remember to be present and alert for there is something that requires our attention coming. Trust our inner knowledge and we will prevail.


Seer

The Seer card tells us to See beyond the Current Situation. She is an intuitive being channeling information on what is happening now. Allowing us to see that our intentions can and do change the future. We can use this knowledge to not only change but create the best future for us.  When this card is pulled take some time to focus on what you can see coming and make the path better for yourself and those around you.



Warrior Symbols

Eagle

The Eagle card tells us to see from a higher perspective.  Look at thing from different angles and see from all points of view.  The eagle is a powerful courageous guide that is able to view their domain from high in the clouds. It is able to see all around and is able to make decisions based on that wide view. When this card is pulled take a moment to stop and take the higher road, look at the situation from a different place. There may be something you're missing.




Snake

The Snake tells us to shed old skin.  Cast off the old and show your true colors.  Unleash your gifts and talents to the world.  The medicine of the snake is said to allow one to reach the highest spiritual potential.  The snake sheds it's skin and it left with brightly colored scales as it grows and changes.  When you see the snake in your draw take some time to think about what may be limiting you, what needs to be left behind in order for you to become a better version of you!



I hope you have enjoyed my take on these cards from the suit of  The Sacred Ones and Warrior Cards.  I'd love to have your feedback or questions. Post your comments here or sent a private message and we can certainly have a chat.  There's a button on the right of the page that will start an IM conversation with me if you choose.  

I have a few slots open for new clients, so if you're interested in that click the "become a client" link at the top of the page.

Namaste
Sosanna

Titania's Fortune Cards - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Titania's Fortune Cards by Titania Hardie.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 429,000 views.



As always I'll start with a general review of the physical book.  The card pack I was sent had a few issues.  First, the book was directly attached to the box for the deck. This makes it hard to read in my opinion.  I would have to rip it off the glued box in order to read it as a book.  Folding the box in 1/2 to read the book is nearly impossible as the spine is extremely wide and does not fit in the hands well. Secondly the deck fits into a slot cut in the left side of the box cover.  When you open the box the deck is sitting on top of the book, instead of being nestled safely in the cover.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book
 Two things in my opinion that hurt the overall presentation of this deck.Though a small deck in comparison to other decks I have reviewed, this deck only has the image on the card which means the reader will need to commit their meaning (as outlined in the book) to memory.  There are no written words on the card to trigger the memorization so as opposed to many decks that offer an idea based on the scene in the card; here you'll need to read the book a few times to be able to successfully read the cards.  A note should be made here the type face in this book is extremely small.  Most of the cards definitions take up 1/2 a page so I'm confused as to why the decision to make the font so small was made.  If I were to release an updated version, I would increase the font size to ease in legibility.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The book begins with an explanation of Madam LeNormand's famed cartomancer of the 19th century. The author provides us with the impact it had on their lives and then jumps directly into the card layouts. The Cross, 7 & 9 and even a 19 card layout are provided along with examples of how to read them.

There is a quick overview section that provides a thumbnail view of each of the card's face and a brief sentence on each.  Each offers the "see also" that directs the reader to the full description of each card.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Each full description card page includes information on how to interpret the card based on how it falls in the spread as well as its meaning. The Cross card for example is said to be the card of destiny. It goes on to say that you are looked after and your road is in the hands of the gods.  If it falls by the heart, you're destined for love; if by the garden destine for a job.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Over all an interesting deck with meanings that are only revealed in the study of the book. The images are muted but legible and offer the reader the opportunity to learn what the pairings are telling them.  Not my favorite deck but not the worse I have seen by far.

I found several YouTube videos dedicated to this deck.  Here's a couple to choose from.




I also found this introduction as well.




The Antique Anatomy Tarot - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Antique Anatomy Tarot by Claire Goodchild.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.


To add to my growing list of Tarot and Oracle card reviews, the set I'm looking at today is completely different than any other I have encountered.  I am well aware of those who collect these cards for their artistic worth however, I have never seen a set quite like this.  I'll give you the low down, in just a bit.  First let's talk about the packaging.  Tarot cards generally come in some sort of box or enclosure that would allow the reader to keep the cards safe from harm.  Each set generally is accompanied by a book or pamphlet to instruct the reader on how the author intended the cards to be used. The Antique Anatomy Tarot is no exception.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The books is a soft cover book with a cover to match the beautifully illustrated cards. While there is no index, the author does provide is with a brilliantly illustrated contents section which leads into the introduction and a brief history of Tarot.  We're introduced to the Major and Minor Arcana, Numerology and Astrology of Tarot in the first few pages.  We are whisked through the elements of the tarot including a list of which cards fall into which elements and then leading into how color impacts a reading.  


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


On pages 14 - 17 the author provides detailed information on how exactly to use the cards.  Journaling, spells work, dream interpretations, mediation and spreads are presented with instruction on how to move forward in their individual works.  One of the most important steps, in my opinion, and often overlooked by new readers is detailed in the section called "Caring for your Deck".  The author provides instructions on initiating, cleansing and storage of your deck.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The final chapter in the basics section is called (drum roll please)  The Spreads!  What we've all been waiting for. As with most Tarot decks, this author has also provided several spreads that are outlined in detail.  A single card draw, the Three Card Spread, the Moon Cycle Spread (this one was new to me) and finally the Celtic Cross spread. Each one with individual attention paid to the card location and name as well as a sentence or two about the placement and expectations for the reading.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The remainder of the book focuses on the cards themselves. This is the point when I call out the amazing illustrations on these cards. Sourced from creative commons works, these cards are suitably for framing.  Overall, an amazing set of cards which I totally recommend!

The Spells Deck - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Spells Deck by Cat Cabral and illustrations by Kim Knoll.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck

Author Links
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Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 429,000 views.

Over the last few years, I've noticed that the publishers are beginning to send me more oracle, tarot and fortune telling decks to review. This month alone I have three brand new decks to review and two more on the way.  I always post about how a book feels in my hands.  As these decks are intended to be functional tools, I'll be providing a similar review. The texture of a card, the look and feel of the it and the general "feel" when held, is a very personal experience.  So as always, your mileage may vary.

The very first thing I noticed about this set was the box feel. It has that same soft suede type feel that is present is so many new soft cover books these days.  The box of these cards slides out from the bottom. Luckily I was quick and caught it before it dropped out completely and tossed the cards all over the floor.  Initially, not a good start.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


The pamphlet inside is 16 pages long and provides an introduction to the deck and a "how to use this deck" section, both around 100 words.  The majority of the pages are dedicated to explaining the wheel of the year, the phases of the moon and the magical days of the week.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


The cards themselves are pretty plain as far as art is concerned.  A lot of text, a small icon of the card and the category printed at the bottom.  Unlike other decks with elaborate art and specific spread associated, this deck has a minimalist approach to design and suggests the one card draw from each of the eight categories technique. It recommends selecting a card and random and allowing your intuition to do the rest.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


Each card is written clear concise wording and provides an appropriate tone for each.  In the category of Intuitive awareness, we find the Hecate card.  The icon for this card is a sun cross. The author instructs us to take two purple candles into a secluded place or at a crossroad, light the candle, one off the other and then circle the path three times with our "torches" lifted.  We are asked to look into our minds and listen for the words of Hecate to impart her wisdom unto us and grant us the courage to overcome our obstacles.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


The author describes this deck as a witch's divination tool and a guide to ritual magic for all practice levels.  She gives us an overview of witchcraft in general and offers a the reader a way to begin the magic by working with the Initiation card.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


This card provides a brief incantations for dedicating oneself to the pursuit of witchcraft for a year and a day with the following chant times three:

"I'm proud to be a witch, a weaver of magic, guided by nature, a child of Divine Spirit. I choose to walk the wild path of the craft. Blessed be!"


While others may scoff at a self initiation or perhaps think less of someone who walks the solitary path, I have but four words for the initiate -  So mote it be!

Over all this is a pretty good deck.  At first I thought, wow, a spell deck?  What the in world?  I was thinking this was going to like an oracle deck or a tarot deck.  But no.  This is like Hooked on Phonics for Witches.  (You know you remember that program) This deck provides a great deal of knowledge even thought the design of the box itself is a bit lacking in my opinion.  A great gift for a witchling or a newly initiate of the craft.  For the more seasoned witch, the deck offers a new way to look at the symbolism we have worked with for ages as well as an assortment of oil blends, spell work and much more.

I highly recommend.



Sacred Geometry of Relationships Oracles - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Sacred Geometry of Relationships Oracles by LON.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Author Links - Link
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Release date: September 17, 2019

Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.

I have to start by saying the imagery in this deck is absolutely stunning. Each card presents a view of sacred geometry in a rainbow of colors. The cards are slightly over sized in width which makes them a bit more of a challenge for someone with small hands to shuffle.  The instruction book is larger than the cards which makes it a bit more cumbersome for putting in a bag to toss in a backpack or purse, however they both fit nicely in the box provided for taking your readings on the road.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The book begins with an overall introduction of the deck with a visual affirmations and instructions on deck preparation.  The book provides five draw or deck layouts with one for a quick one card draw and a more advanced seven card draw along the gender binary.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The appendix contains a brief glossary as well as a overview of basic numerology, color symbolism and symbology. The stand out on these cards is the art.  I cannot tell you how beautiful these cards are. I really was drawn to number 21 - FREEDOM card. It refers to being about to change or move freely. I was even more stuck by it when I found that my deck contained two of these cards.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Overall a beautiful deck with a strong accompanying guide. I highly recommend checking out these.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Only Tarot Book You'll Ever Need by Skye Alexander and Mary Shannon


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover


Author Links - Skye Alexander
Author Links - Mary Shannon
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link - Skye Alexander
Amazon Author Link - Mary Shannon
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link - Skye Alexander
Good Reads Author Link - Mary Shannon
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.


As always I'll start with a review of the physical book.  This book came to me as a soft cover a little larger than standard size.  This makes it a little clunky for reading on the go.  The cover is textured and brilliantly illustrated with the Tarot suits on the front cover.  The pages inside are very smooth without any texture and it supports a decent size index for the subject matter.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Cover


My one complaint about soft cover books is the way they always tend to bend open after only a couple of uses. I much prefer hard cover books due to this.  On the reverse however, (pun intended) the book lays beautifully on a table or other flat surface.  This makes it a breeze when laying out your own tarot cards or using the book as a reference while practicing your reading skills.

This is one of many books I have reviewed for this author.  You can find more here.

This author takes us through learning the Tarot in seven chapters.  She gives us the basic history of the Tarot and what is contained within.  Each section is illustrated and in chapter three we are giving instructions on connecting to the unknown and how to develop and trust your intuition.  Something so many of us could really use a refresher on, be tarot or life in general.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

As with most, she jumps into interpreting the major and minor arcana, then breaks down the suits for us in an easy to understand format. Because this book isn't for a specific deck, the author references the names and imagery on the cards to help the reader follow along.  Some authors will tend to over complicate this section by making them too wordy or use a $100 word when a .50 word will do.  This author lays out the information in an easy to read format which I believe will benefit the novice and versed reader alike. She then dives into tarot spreads and how to use the read those spreads in chapter six.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Finally she wraps up with using Tarot in your everyday life. Using it for your own spiritual guidance or creating your own deck and spreads.

Over all from start to finish a fantastic look at  the Tarot from all levels.  Giving you everything you need to get starting in working with one of the most popular divination tools on the market today.


In Focus - Reiki - Your Personal Guide - A Review

Today I'm reviewing  In Focus - Reiki - Your Personal Guide by Des Hynes.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson



Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page


Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch.  I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft.  I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.

I'll being with a review of the physical book.  Overall a good sized book to toss in a bag or backpack for reading on the go.  The cover is vibrant and colorful.  The book includes a set of oversize cards in an envelope in the back cover that review the principals of Reiki.  Over the years my work with Reiki, I have always kept a copy of the principals near where I can see them each day.  Even if you do not work with Reiki, I find these to be a way to lift the spirit and help you manage a stressful day.



This book is dedicated to healing and after the brief introduction at the beginning the author delves directly into getting the reader up to speed on its fundamental use for this practice.  Each chapter address specific areas of focus such as Common Causes of Illness as the very first chapter and then broadens into understand self healing from the physical to the spiritual realm.

Chapter four takes us directly into self healing. I mean we can't love anyone else if we can't love ourselves, right?



While providing the steps for us to work to find the KI within ourselves this book offers meditations, mantras as well as tips and tricks to keep us on track in our Reiki practice.  The author even provides personal stories called out to help us understand the process and fully come into our own as Reiki practitioners.



The chapter on healing others includes detailed illustrations to show exactly where each position would be and how we should be providing the connection to our clients be they adult, children or our furry friends.  The principals of Reiki are amazing to me.  I love the fact that we only deal in the here and the now.  Just for today, I will let go of anger.  We're not worried about the past, the past is gone. We're not worried about the future, it isn't here yet.  Just for right now, right now I will let go of worry.  We can bring these principals into all aspects of our lives as we even address doing our work honestly, just for today.   While all are important the fifth, resonates with me on a personal level.  Today I will be kind to every living creature.  To me this speaks directly to not only the pets I have in my home but to what food I eat or what car I drive.  I am vegan so I do my best not to harm any living creatures to the best of my ability.  After all, how can you have a calm, centered life, if you are feeding on the suffering of others.  No matter how big or small those others might be.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


The author continues with sections dedicated to the chakras and auras leading directly into angles and guides. While maybe not the go to for everyone, I found these sections to be highly enlightening and worth the time to read, even if you do not agree with specific language of the text.  For example, some may not wish to work with angels due to their Christian influence however, I do not believe that it is necessary to always associate angels with a specific religion or deity.

Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson


This book is filled with grids, inspirational quotes and antidotes as well as direct process for cleansing auras.  Overall this is a great book for the beginner and offers some new ways of looking at Reiki for the seasoned pro. The addition of the cards in the back are a great way to focus on specific principals at a glance and still benefit from the authors experience with the subject.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson