Showing posts with label deck. Show all posts

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

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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!

Amenti Oracle Feather Heart Deck & Guide Book - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Amenti Oracle Feather Heart Deck and Guide Book by Jennifer Sodini.  Illustrated by Natalee Miller.



Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Amenti Oracle

Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author 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 over 412,000 views.

Starting as usual with the physical attributes of the book, I have to say this is one of the softest books I have held.  The deck comes inside a covered box with the soft cover book laid on top. The book is a bit smaller than I would like but understandable considering the delivery.  The print is a bit small for my 50 year old eye and working to hold the book open was a bit of a struggle. But I did manage to be able to hold it, although awkwardly.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Amenti Oracle


The art on the cards is pretty amazing. It seems to be a cross between 1920's pop culture and 1990's flash.  The author gives us the background of the inspiration for the deck and includes a personal note on how it impacted her.  There are five options for reading the cards, from a standard one card draw to the more elaborate "As above so Below" draw.  The majority of the book is of course, definitions of the cards.  They are the 42 Ideals of Ma'at. I won't list them out here but I can say I found a special connection to "I live in Truth" and "I speak with Sincerity"

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Amenti Oracle


I generally have a difficult time with giving a fair evaluation of Tarot and Oracle cards, but the author helped me out quite a bit with a simple definition of the two. I had not really considered this until reading her piece on it.


"If the tarot serves as the blueprint of the spirit in structure and the archetypal elements that encompass the universe mind or consciousness, the oracle may be viewed as something of a Rorschach test, a peek into the subconscious mind and the language of dreams."

That indeed sums up exactly what I find when I use oracle cards and the approach I'm taking in working on my own deck.  I'll be publishing my own creation dedicated to the Goddess Hecate in the not too distant future.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Amenti Oracle


Overall this is a really nice deck. The art is fun and whimsical at times and feels very bold and modern. The descriptions are easy to read and the author provides an excellent backstory for the cards. I think this is a nice set for any oracle collector or devotee of Ma'at to have in their collection.






The Vardo - The Deck

On the back part of the Vardo, we decided to add a cute little deck.

Hubby started out by framing in the floor and setting the sides.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
 Hubby used a hammer and chisel to cut out the groove to hold the lattice in place.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
 Two sides complete.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson


Going forward we may add a small gate to the side and some fold down steps.  For now, Strange Magic is ready to roll!  I hope you've enjoyed our journey.