Showing posts with label tarot. Show all posts

The Magic of Tarot: A Modern Guide to the Classic Art of the Cards by Leanna Greenaway and Beleta Greenaway

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!

The Magickal Tarot - Guidebook & Deck - A Review

 


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

Real Talk Tarot - A Review

 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



Ancestors and Angels - Guardians

 Today we're 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.

For this section the author has created a group called Guardians and Messengers consisting of twelve different cards.  Today I'll start with ones I have identified as the elemental guardians.

Guardians

The Air Guardian represents the element of air, which is all about thoughts, thinking and the mind. It helps us to overcome any thoughts that have come back to haunt you.   It tells us to shift our perception. This direction tells us that if we stop and look at our situation from a different perspective our entire reality will be shifted. 
When this card is pulled it is an opportunity to change our way of thinking. Sometimes the mind can play tricks and this gives us a chance to rethink what we have encountered and evaluate our decisions. It guides us to open our minds and see the world in a new way.




The Earth Guardian tells use to stay rooted and grounded. The author depicted this guardian as a non-binary energy.  It tells us to take time to connect with energy of the Earth. Feel supported by the strength and integrity of the ground.  Take a grounded approach to the world around you. Stop and take a deep breath before proceeding with actions or decisions.  When the Earth Guardian appears it reminds to to take care of the planet but literally and figuratively. Relax, ground yourself and then proceed.





The Fire Guardian tells us to ignite our passion and connect with our deepest desires. Though some fear the this aspect we should embrace it.  Even as a wild fire ravages a forest, it leaves behind the most fertile ground from which new life will grow.  This energy reminds us to embrace our desire and burn away any old hangups that may be stopping us from moving forward.  When we see this card we are reminded that the fiery energy of passion is not only in physical love but also in our drive and dedication for all things.  From the spark of a first kiss to closing a big deal, we are passionate beings and should embrace that.





The Water Guardian tells us to connect with our emotions.  As any water sign will tell you, water is all about connecting with your emotions. Being sensitive and dreamy is something to be embraced.  Water is what our very bodies are made of.  It lives within us at our core. This reminds us that emotions run deep within our being.  The waters can help you unlock intuitive powers and abundance.   When this card is pulled, remember to stop and connect with what you're feeling. Close your eyes, take in a breath and really concentrate on what your energies, your emotions are telling you about your situation. 




These four cards are really beautiful. I enjoyed learning about them and I feel I will keep them in my deck. I was really pleased to see the author add a non-binary card. We we know from many historical sources there were angel spirits that did not have gender. I found this to be extremely timely and makes this a very modern deck. I love the image on the Air Guardian card. 

Next week I'll be going back to the deck and pulling a few more guardian cards for us to examine.  I hope this has been helpful and I thank you for joining me.

Namaste,
Sosanna

Modern Divination - The Tarot

 The Tarot has always fascinated me.  I have completed numerous reviews over the years on Tarot decks of shape and fashion for this blog. I have even participated in a Tarot card project where I was cast to represent several of the cards. My favorite by far was recreating The Star card. (image below)


Photo Credit  - Renee Sosanna Olson


The Female Mystic Project was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed researching the card I was to represent and trying to convey that messing in the photo.

So what is Tarot?  Tarot is a deck of cards separated in two main groups (Minor and Major Arcana) used for the purposes of divination or fortune telling. The earliest mentions of tarot dates back to the French 1400's.  With the rise of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn in the 1880', Tarot traveled across the English speaking countries where it eventually found it's way to the creation of the Rider-Waite Deck we are all so familiar with today. 

By Pamela Coleman Smith - a 1909 card scanned by Holly Voley (http://home.comcast.net/~vilex/) for the public domain, and retrieved from http://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot (see note on that page regarding source of images)., PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17299744

The table below from Wikipedia shows the progress of the Major Arcana cards from their creation up to the Crowley and Rider-Waite decks.



The process for reading cards varies from reader to reader. Even the guidance on obtaining cards has its own set of mystery and superstition. Do you buy a deck or should it be gifted (or even stolen). Should anyone else touch  your cards? Should they live in a wooden box or velvet bag?  A quick Google Search will let you know that EVERYONE has an opinion on this. (LOL)

So what about the act of reading? Each reader has their own process for preparing for a reading as well as providing that reading for a client. There are as many variations are there are Tarot decks. One process isn't the be all end all process for using this tool. Amazon returned over 7000 results for a search on this single product.

To get some insight on what a reader's thoughts are, I contacted Alexis, The Bonesong Witch to share her process with us. She is a reader of Tarot and a hunter of  Irish Totems.

Here are her interview questions.


Q: How did you get started?

A: I found I had a penchant for it, when I picked up a deck and started practicing with the Tarot. There was an immediate bond, and I've had a relationship with Tarot for 25 years now. I see Tarot as both and entity and the spirits of the earth. I actually started off reading Totems for people. That came from an exploration of Native beliefs by way of a dream/vision I had while meditating. I met with Native leaders that were in the Virginia Beach area at the time, and was taught their way. I then dug into my own ancestral past, and found that totems are a part of nearly every indigenous culture in the world. I am careful not to present my was of totem-hunting as native to the Americas. Rather, I do work with the spirits of the land in which I was born, as well as those of my ancestry.

Q: Explain your process for getting started with a reading.

A: Usually, I will cleanse the space with dragon's blood resin or a blend that I order from Tree of Life Apothecary in North Carolina. I may or may not light a candle, depending on the situation, and I ground. I cannot emphasize how important grounding is when working with Tarot or with Totems.

Alexis - The Bonesong Witch



Q: How does the information come to you?

A: I just "know" something that I didn't. I know that's a strange explanation, but my accuracy does come from the fact that I allow Tarot to "tell" me things, and then I give that information directly. I have a geis to only tell the truth, and not skirt around what I see or know to be truth from it. So far, I've never had a person tell me that what I told them wasn't spot-on. When it comes to totem readings, I spend more time exploring each of the person's directions and allow the totems to speak for that direction.

Q: What other information would you like to share with my readers?

A: I'm happy to answer any questions they may have, or help new tarot readers or totem hunters, as well.

I want to take a moment to thank Alexis for participating in our this exploration of divination via Tarot.  You can reach out to her via her website or via email.

Divination for the Ages & a Giveaway

 Everyone has a gift of divination. A sixth sense that tells us when something is not quite right. Many believe that these gifts are something that happens randomly and by chance. To me, I think this is not quite true. I believe that we have the ability to not only see these gifts but also to enhance them. 

My research for this piece began with a simple list of methods of divination. Every possible thing you can think of can be a method of divination. I believe that we all posses the "powers" to "see" things. Our use of technology and (though it is quite radical) the food we eat impact our ability to connect to the spiritual world. 





Over the last few years I have spent countless hours working on my craft. As we are exposed to more television and media we lose contact with our natural abilities into the magical realm. Finding time to cut away from these distractions and focusing on your talents will lead to a stronger connection to the supernatural. Keeping your mind and body healthy and strong will only intensify this connection.

Practice makes perfect. This is completely true for magic as it is for the mundane. We take the time to water our plants, talk to them and watch the grow. We take out our brushes and paints, to create a wonderful creation time and time again. This is what we also need to do for our gifts of divination.

There are many ways to "read". Some of our more common types would be tarot card or oracle card readings. These are conducted by an intuitive who chooses a type of card and then lays them out in a specified layout to provide insight into questions asked by the client. The most common type is a past, present, future layout.  Locating a reliable reader, with a strong connection is key to having a successful psychic experience. If you're interested in tarotmancy, I highly recommend The Bone Songs Witch. You can find her Facebook page here.  She has an uncanny ability to get to the heart of the reading and provides a solid reading.



Photo 1 - Sacred Geometry of Relationships Oracles                    Photo 2 - The Antique Anatomy Tarot


Scrying is another common form of divination.  These are conducted as either water scrying - usually done with a bowl of water; fire scrying - usually done by gazing into a log fire but can be achieved using other sources of fire light such as a candle. Mirror scrying is another form. Traditionally an obsidian stone is used to gaze into in order to receive the message. Modern psychics use an assortment of mirrors including some amazing handmade creations available online. 

These mirrors can be simple or ornately designed. Some amazing creations are available on the market including these examples from Primitive Witchery's website.  You can also find more on their Facebook Page.





At a very young age I noticed that sometime I was able to "see" things about people that others could not. I would see shadows across the body indicating an illness or injury or a darkness behind their eyes showing deception. At times this was so frightening for me I would leave public spaces to hide their negativity. I found ways to "turn it off" if you will so that I could go about my daily chores without being completely exhausted at the end of the day. 

Today, I very rarely do in person readings. This type of reading is similar to Psychometry, but does not require me to physically touch the item. 

My photo reading are available to purchase on Facebook and are delivered either via email or messenger. My process is once an agreement is made, a photo is sent to me without any explanation. I will then mediate on the photo and provide any information that comes to me.  I have found everything from medical problems to marital problems. It all depends on what the image is willing to share.  There are even times when the photo has nothing to say to me.  If that happens I usually reach out to the client and ask for a new photo.

So what I'd like to do now is offer a giveaway for three readings.  Enter to win one of three readings in the Rafflecopter link below. I'll choose three people to win a free reading!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


(Blogger, Rafflecopter, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. Readings are for entertainment purposes only and should not replace qualified medical/professional advice - Void where prohibited by law.)


Here are some assorted videos on different types of divination.













The Astrological Guide to Self-Care - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Astrological Guide to Self-Care by Constance Stellas

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book



Author Links - Link
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 identify as a magical Buddhist. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I believe in spiritually and holistic wellness.  I find that we can heal the world if we just sit down and and listen to the breath.  I believe that magic, science and nutritional well being are the cornerstone to a well rounded holistic life. I have recently updated my site from Confessions of a Modern Witch to my new page To Live Whole.  I welcome you to come along for my journey of health, wellness and self exploration.

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 438,000 views.


As you know I'll be switching over to reviewing only e-copies of books shortly.  I will miss handling the books but the amount of trash that I had piling up for all the shipping was just overwhelming.  I will be doing a giveaway for the remaining physical books that actually arrive as well as asking my publishers to provide giveaway copies shipped directly to my winner's homes going forward for all giveaways.


Looking at the physical book, this is a really big book. The cover is brilliantly colored and has a assorted illustrations of the zodiac on the front and back.  This book isn't a take along book. Due to it's size I would lean more toward a library or coffee table setting for this piece.  The type face is fantastic. Sticking with the size of the book the publisher has presented the copy with clear to read fonts in a bold color that is extremely easy on the eyes.  The pages are smooth to the touch and dedicated to words are there are no illustrations inside at all.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The book begins with self care.  I'm seeing this topic being covered more frequently in my reviews. I think the industry has finally learned that we cannot pour from an empty cup and granted us some space to take care of ourselves in our busy magical lives.  This author has dedicated the first three chapters of this book to this exercise. I applaud this change and really appreciated the suggestions within. Chapters four through six, Part II,  take us on a journey of caring for ourselves with the elements. Earth, Air, Fire and Water are given the same treatment with an overview of the basic mythology, the astrological symbols and the signs and seasons associated. Each section then gives us ideas on how to apply self care to ourselves based on that particular element.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


As we get into Part III we start looking at the signs themselves. Each chapter from here to the end of the book is dedicated to each specific sign. In reviewing mine I found some really great information.  I also found it odd that there were so many references to eating fish.  I'm a fish! Why would I eat one?  LOL  I did find a lot of these things I already do.  My bed is full of pillows and my home is indeed a retreat.

Overall a fun book to read, it is a great conversation starter and I can see how it would be enjoyed by many.




Tarot for Self-Care - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Tarot for Self-Care: How to Use Tarot to Manifest Your Best Self by Minerva Siegel.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care
Author Links - Link
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 429,000 views.



As always I'll begin with a review of the physical book.  This is a hefty book.  I was sent a hardcover to review. The pages are easy to read and have clear plain illustrations.  It has a strong index and takes a different approach to most "How To" tarot books.  The book is divided into three sections, the introductions, self-care and the cards and how to optimize self-care.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care


The author starts us off with a basic introduction into self-care, leading off with a paragraph dedicated to debunking the buzzwordiness of self-care. She provides a list of the types of self-care currently out there, including mental, physical and spiritual. As we move through the section she continues to provide insight on the methods for creating a magical mood for divination as well as a crash course on reading the cards.  From self cleansing shuffling techniques the author provides a great list of the dos and don'ts for manifesting a strong positive energy for the reader and provides several options for leveling up your tarot experience.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care


As we move into part two the author breaks down each of the cards for us in great details. She provides a basic interpretation of each card and a list of specific self-care card activities for each. The author also includes (which is often a pain point for new readers) the reversed information as well.

One of my favorite cards is the Star Card.  She tells us the Star card speaks of hope and deep rejuvenation.  She explains that this card reminds us to hold tightly to our ideals and find comfort in them.  She tells us the card is reminding us to have faith that brighter days are head.  She then provides the following self-care activities:

Mind: De-stress by avoiding busy, bustling environments that can overwhelm your senses.  Instead of going to a loud, wild concert, visit an art museum.
Body: The Star calls for rest. Have a movie marathon at home, and give yourself permission to relax.  Pop a bowl of popcorn, invite friends if you'd like an put on a favorite film series.
Spirit: Invite loving, happy feelings into your life with rose quartz. Meditate with this crystal or carry it in your pocket.


The book is filled from cover to cover with this exact set up for each of the Major and Minor Arcana.  From the Fool to the King of Pentacles, each card is represented with the same outline. After 200 pages dedicated to this, the author then moves into part three.  This section helps us look to optimize our self-care practices.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Tarot for Self-Care


With sections related to meditation, crystal work and working with the shadow self, the author provides the reader with a way to delve into their own psyche and find within themselves the path to a higher existence through positive affirmations, meditations and dedicated self-care.  She provides a section dedicated the card relationship to the zodiac and had this to say about yours truly.

Pisces (February 19-March 20):  The Moon
The Moon tarot card is all about diving deep below the surface to get to the soft, tender heart of things, making it the perfect match for the emotional nature of the Pisces.  Pisces dislikes superficiality and thrives in uncharted waters. Reserved, The Moon represents the Piscean tendency to get caught up in worrisome what ifs and become anxious.

She goes on to talk about the self-care for the Pisces:

The loving Piscean heart is beautiful and something to be treasured, but you often get swept up in emotions and ideas. Other people's baggage, moods, and grief can affect you on a deep level. Setting emotional boundaries will help protect your heart.  Book a rejuvenating Reiki session to balance your energy. You'll feel more centered and in control.

Overall I found this book to be well worth the time to sit down and take a few days to fully review each card.  I took it from the single card daily pull but I can see how using the section on spreads could indeed help one use the tarot as a full fledged life coach.  Each card offering to the reader a way to pull themselves up by the proverbial boot straps, if you will and take each new day as walk to bigger and better things!

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
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.


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!