DECK REVIEW: Celebration of Love Oracle Cards

Celebration of Love Oracle Cards     
Eva M. Sakmar-Sullivan
2009
http://www.schifferbooks.com
ISBN #: 978-0-7643-3183-1
USD $24.99


The visionary art of Eva Shakmar-Sullivan apears on greeting cards, CD covers, & in a beautiful oracle deck. Dominated by images of dolphins, angels and unicorns the cards are conveyed in beautiful shades of blue and purple accented with bright colors that seem to pop off the cards (yellow, orange, white, etc ...). The Celebration of Love Oracle Cards are quite beautiful and they have a serene and peaceful energy to them. The paintings used for this deck were painted with acrylics. The colors are vibrant, yet also calming. Other creatures, such as fairies, are also present so this is a deck that will please lovers of angels, dolphins, unicorns, and fairies.

There are 60 cards in the deck measuring 3 1/2" X 5" that are housed in a sturdy laminated cardboard box containing a guide book the same size as the cards. Serving as the card back is the image for the card, "Grounding" (see above for card back). This deck is not meant to be read in reverse, therefore the cardback is not reversible. The guidebook is a 96 page paperback. Each card is interpreted and also contains a separate "Special Message." Using this deck I found it to have a lovely energy and it has given me encouraging and supportive readings.  Each card is titled across the top and there is also a sub-title across the bottom that presents the user with a general overview of the meaning of the card.  All cards have a dark blue background.

For the most part, images are rendered in portrait orientation.  However, unlike the vast majority of decks, some card images are presented in landscape orientation that takes up approximately two-thirds of the card's surface, but the entire card itself is still labeled in portrait orientation.  An example is "Cheerfulness" here to the right where we can see a group of unicorns out for a romp on the night of the full moon.  Some may think that having both portrait and landscape oriented images in the same deck would make for a strange looking layout when using conventional card spreads such as any 3-card spread or the traditional Celtic Cross, for example. However, I find that it adds an interesting dynamic to the reading and if you pay attention you can catch extra little nuances in the manner in which images spatially relate to one another. 

The card stock is of excellent quality:  firm, well laminated, yet cards shuffle easily.  The laminate feels very thin, does not cause the cards to stick together after a few shuffles to break them in (even in the humid environment of the Texas Gulf Coast so that's really saying something!), and I believe this deck will hold up well with years of use.

I would highly recommend this deck to beginners or to someone who may be well-versed in tarot, but does not feel comfortable with oracle decks.  For the beginner this is a nice deck because the card interpretations are short and you can choose whether or not to memorize them.  An introductory section on how to cleanse and bless the cards to prepare them for their first use is provided in the guidebook.  A meditation is also included that can be used with whichever card is of the most interest at any given time.  The cards are illustrated in the guidebook in black and white at approximately 25% of their full size with a few appearing as large as 75% of their full size, which is great for beginners who wish to study the book first prior to using the cards. 

Each time I use the Celebration of Love Oracle Cards I am filled with a sense of peace.  It is obvoius to me that the art was created from a place of love and with a desire to spread positive energy on to others.  Anyone who enjoys helpful and uplifting messages will love this deck.  If you're a lover of dolphins and/or angels, I am sure you will find this deck to be quite lovely and enjoyable to use.

Blessings,

Nefer Khepri, Ph.D., R. M-T.

http://www.magickal-musings.com

IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

DECK REVIEW: King Solomon Cards

King Solomon Cards
Itzhak Mizrahi
Orna Ben-Shoshan, art & design desigttp://kabbalahinsights.com/products/king-solomon-cards
Self-published version
USD $46.00 Quantity & combination discounts are available


Although published by US Games, if you are interested in collecting decks as I am, you will want to dish out the extra cash and treat yourself to the self-published version of The King Solomon Cards (available from the link above) for several reasons. The cards come housed in a sturdy wooden box with a metal hinged lid and metal latch (gold color for all). There is a clear sticker on the lid with the title of the cards and this makes it look like the title is printed directly on the wood. The base of the box has another clear sticker that has the publishing information. The colorful label you see in the picture slides right off the box. I am trying to keep mine in good condition so I keep it around the box when the cards are not in use.

Within the box you will find one 3 X 5" 54-page guide book. The cards measure 3 X 4 3/4" and there are 36 cards, plus four extra cards you can use as amulets to bring you various blessings. The base of the interior of the box is lined with felt and the cards come wrapped in a bluish lavender silk cloth. This is a VERY nice packaging job and if I could package my own deck in any way I wish, I would choose this method myself.

The cards have a nice laminate on them. It's not stiff so the cards are easy to shuffle, yet the laminate is good enough that the cards will stand up to years of shuffling. Each card is numbered, 1 - 36 and the interpretations in the guide book contain the same numbers so it's simple to find each card that appears in a reading. The photo here shows you the color of the cloth, the guide book (lower left), the deck of cards, and the four bonus cards (lower right). The cards have a dark blue border and the card backs are light aqua-blue.

 The artwork by Orna Ben-Shoshan, is characterized by lovely bright colors. Rendered in the same whimsical style as her 72 Names of God deck, the cards are illustrated with figures in surrealistic dream-like settings and landscapes.

Personally, I find the deck to have a very nice "feel" to it. It has good energy and I was able to start using it for readings right out of the box. It did not require cleansing or charging prior to use. Readings are concise and the authors recommend you draw only one card for each question and that you do not approach the deck with the same question twice in a week, which is really good advice for any type of tarot or oracle deck.

The card interpretations are provided on four levels: Situation, Person, Advice, and they each also have an inverted meaning in case they appear reversed in a reading. Interpretations are short and to the point. This is a good deck for beginners as the system itself is quite simple to grasp and the deck provides insightful readings.

 The guide book concludes with several examples of spreads, which are as follows:

· Single Card Spread

           · 3-Card Spread
          · 4-Card Spread
          · Adding a Card to Clarify

This is a delightful set of cards and personally, I really enjoy using them, and I hope those among you who decide to purchase this deck also enjoy them. Note that this same deck is also published by US Games and is available on Amazon, but it is only packaged in a typcal tarot-type cardboard box and does not contain any of the nice extras that you get with the self-published version. The photos for this deck review are of the self-published version, only.
 
Blessings,


Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.
http://www.magickal-musings.com
IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

COTD: Sage of Cups

COTD:  Sage of Cups:  Regenerator

From The Voyager Tarot by James Wanless, Ph. D.

The Sage of Cups corresponds to the Knight of Cups.  There is a lot of water imagery on this card.  Cups are ruled by the element of Water and Water governs our emotions, healing, creativity, nurturing, and love.  The title of “Regenerator” indicates that this card represents someone with healing abilities.

For today’s draw I am focused on the man on the right-hand side of the card who is pouring water from a vase.  The manner in which the collage was done (and folks, this deck was created way back in the day before Photoshop so all these cards were collaged by hand with scissors & glue!) this man appears to be much larger than the mountains and river below him.  Is he a god?  I don’t know, but I have always felt he represents some form of a higher power.  The water he pours appears to land higher up in the mountain range and may actually be the source of the river.  The water represents healing energy and the man is sending this to the earth’s waters so that the healing energy can permeate the entire earth and affect every single living thing, for every life-form on our planet needs water in order to survive.

 So, once again we’re seeing the theme of new, higher energy coming in and resulting in renewed balance and healing.  Open yourselves up to the healing energy that is coming in today simply by saying aloud or to yourself over a glass of water, “I freely open myself to receive the healing energy that is coming to the earth today.”  Say this three times.  Drink the water.  Give thanks.  It is done.  Simple as that. 

Go out and make it a great day!

 Blessings,

 Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.

http://www.magickal-musings.com
IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com


Card of the Day: Fool-Child from The Voyager Tarot

COTD: Fool-Child
From The Voyager Tarot by James Wanless, Ph. D.


Well, it’s the start of a whole new beginning for our planet, energetically speaking. After the energy began to flow on 11/11/11 it shall continue to come to the earth via the Galactic Gateway until 12/21/12, at which point the energy transference shall be complete, according to information given to me by Archangel Michael. So, ...it stands to reason that for today, the first week-day of the new beginning that we’d receive a card about just that – setting out on a brand new journey.

I really love The Voyager Tarot. This is one of my go-to decks and the one I always use for my Past Life Karmic Tarot Readings at my site. I love it because of all the collage elements. Something always sparks my intuition in each card and often the symbols I zoom in on have additional personal meaning for my clients, as well.

Fool-Child is all about embarking upon a new path, taking chances, not being afraid to go where no man has gone before. Explore, try new things, don’t be afraid of what others may think of you, and discover what your true path is and where it is leading you. The energies are now in place for many who do not know their purpose to discover it. As a result, large changes may occur in your lives if you come to the realization that your current path is not the correct one. Remember to be patient with yourselves. Open up to the energies that shall continue to flow to the earth over the next year and realize that the changes will occur in their own good time, at the RIGHT time.

The image that stands out to me today from this card is that of the arms in blue sleeves reaching upward at the base of the picture. For some reason this is making me think of the Beatles and when they first came to America and were shocked to be met by so many screaming fans at their plane. Most of America didn’t know them, but then they went on the Ed Sullivan Show and the rest, as they say, is history. They began a major revolution not only in music and songwriting, but also in popular culture. The hands reaching upward on this card reminds me of them and how positive their music is. This image is a reminder that if we all start reaching upward more we will absorb ever increasing amounts of the special energies around us at this time and that they will open the door to many new and wonderful opportunities.

Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.
Magickal-Musings.com
IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com



Archangel Michael on 11/11/11

NOTE:  This message from Michael was originally published in my Newsletter, "Magickal Musings."  If you do not recieve my Newsletter and would like to, simply email me at IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com (note this is a new address for me) & I'll be happy to send you a copy & place you on my mailing list.  The colored lines come from my Newsletter & Blogger is not allowing me to remove them.  Sorry about that.

Archangel Michael's Message for 11/11/11

Dear Ones ~

The time is now at hand & I am here to be sure that you are adequately prepared.  The day known to you as the date November 11, 2011 is the day the Galactic Gateway opens to allow for a much higher frequency of energy to reach the earth.  The Galactic Gateway opens each time humankind is given an opportunity to advance upon the path of spiritual evolution.

Allow me to stress that NOTHING SPECIAL NEEDS TO BE DONE.  You do NOT need to pay anyone to “help” you connect to these energies.  The Source/Creator/God makes these energies FREELY AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO SEEK WITH A SINCERE HEART.  Open yourself to being receptive to the energies by following the information in this publication.   Do this NOW as you are reading.

Once you have stated your willingness to receive, the energy will come to you at the proper time on your part of the planet on 11/11/11.  Have no fear.  You WILL receive it.

11/11/11 will be a day for healing for all the earth. I ask each of you to light a white or green candle & dedicate it to healing your planetary home.  This is a grand opportunity for each of you to help heal all the damage that humankind had done to your world.  Word the intention/prayer in your own way, your own words, & call upon the Source of ALL to surround & permeate the earth with healing energy & LOVE.  The earth will then receive the healing she so desperately requires.

Once done, feel free to light additional candles for your own personal intentions.  Then look to 12/21/12 when the grand transformation shall be complete & the earth & humanity will enter into a higher state of being.

In Universal Light & Consciousness,

Michael.



Card of the Day for 11/11/11: The 9 of Water!

COTD: 9 of Water,
From “The Gaian Tarot,” by Joanna Powell Colbert

Well, would you look at this! You won’t believe me, I know, but I did choose this card completely at random without looking at the deck, I swear it! Here we are finally at the pivotal date in the earth’s history: 11/11/11 and what card comes to us for today? The 9 of Water, which in other tarot decks is the same as the 9 of Cup...s, otherwise known as The Wish Card!

I’m excited, aren’t you??? Today’s THE day and here we have the Wish Card to greet us for today. The 9 of Cups represents fulfillment, plenty, abundance, and yes, it can indicate over-indulgence at times (overeating or drinking too much are two examples). Look at the image on this card for a second. You see how the woman here is standing within a dark cave. She faces the cave's entrance and sees all the light streaming in. She opens her arms to receive this light. This is amazing because, according to Archangel Michael (you've seen his message for today here earlier this morning) this is exactly what you're supposed to do today. Open yourselves up to receive! The 9 of Cups usually indicates that there are super wonderful energies surrounding you now and that now is the time to focus on wish manifestation!

How to do this ~ a simple exercise for today and today ONLY as it is 11/11/11. This is something I’m doing myself in about an hour since I’m in CST zone & so 11:11 AM for me is just under 2 hours away.

Get pen & paper. Make a list of your fondest wishes. They can be big or small. The only requirement is that they be important to you. Write them down. They do not have to be in order of preference so you can list them as they occur to you.

When you’re done you can get a candle if you want or some incense, that’s up to you. You can do this either at 11:11 AM/PM your time or any time today, but no later than 11:11 PM your time.

Face east, the direction of the rising sun. In most ancient cultures the east is the direction from which blessings flow to us because that’s where the sun has always risen and the sun brings light and life to our planet.

Enter into prayer or focused thought. Direct your thought to your higher power, whomever or whatever that may be, or if you don’t have one, just address the universe, that’s fine. Anything today will work because the energies that are coming through are universal.

Read off your list and also, and this is IMPORTANT: do NOT use the word “want” for your wishes, as in, “I want a new car.” Look up “want” in the dictionary. It means, “to lack.” So, when you tell the universe/God/Whomever that you want something you are really saying, “I wish to lack this in my life.” Instead, use the words, “I wish for,” or, “I desire to…” For example, “I desire to travel to England for a wonderful 2-week trip with my husband & daughter sometime in the next 2 – 3 years.”

Be specific. The more specific you are with the wording of your wishes the more likely it is you will receive exactly what you ask for. List time frames, as in the example above. This way the universe knows that it has only up to 3 years to grant me my wish for that trip to England (one of my actual wishes, by the way).

Once you’ve read your list, re-read it, but this time preface EVERY wish with the phrase, “Universe/God thank you for granting me my wish of . For example, for me one would be, “Universe/God, than you for granting me my wish of traveling to England with my husband & daughter sometime in the next 2 – 3 years.” Do this for every wish on your list. Then you’re done.

If you’re using a candle for this, cleanse your candle of any unwanted energies it may have picked up in manufacturing, shipping, or sitting on the store shelf (unless you’ve made it yourself, then none of this is necessary) by rubbing from the middle out to both ends, including the wick. Imagine gray smoke leaving your candle. Your candle may get warm or it may tingle or even feel lighter in your hands than when you first picked it up.

Then, focusing on your name & date of birth, place your energy into the candle by rubbing from both ends toward the middle, don’t forget to include the wick. Do this 3 times, at least, or until your candle feels “right” to you. It may again get warmer or tingle or even feel heavier because you’re placing energy into it. Light the candle prior to reading your list and place your list under the candle (be SURE the candle is in a SAFE candle holder appropriate for the size and shape of the candle you’re using!), and allow the candle to burn itself out. When it goes out if there’s any wax remaining you can bury it somewhere on your property or if you rent and have plants, you can bury it in one of your plants.

Let’s all go out today and focus on making our fondest wishes come true!

Wishing you the greatest and most abundant of blessings today & always,

Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.
Magickal-Musings.com
IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

FROM ARCHANGEL MICHAEL ~


"WISHING YOU ALL A BLESSED 11-11-11:

In order to receive the energies coming through to the earth today, simply state your intention to be open & to receive in your own words. You do not have to pray to anyone specifically. If you feel more comfortable doing so, that's up to you, but makes no difference as this energy comes   directly from The Source and is therefore universal. Remember to note your clocks at 11:11 AM and 11:11 PM your own local time. In every time zone on all parts of your planet that is when the largest bursts of energy shall come forth. Many of you will feel absolutely nothing while others may be quite affected today (but in a good way, I assure you). Just remember, the most important thing is to be OPEN TO RECEIVE. The energy will come to you and unfold in its own good time, in YOUR own good time, and you will be able to embark upon your life's path knowing you are part of a better and brighter tomorrow.

With All Love, Healing, & Compassion to Earth and All of Her Inhabitants,

Michael."

 Channeled by Nefer Khepri, 11-11-11
http://www.magickal-musings.com/

COTD: Child of Earth

The Child of Earth,
From “The Gaian Tarot,” by Joanna Powell Colbert

Children in the Gaian Tarot correspond to Pages.  They view the world with wonder and represent new things coming into being or into your awareness, messages, and learning.

The Child of Earth (in other decks Earth corresponds to Pentacles) is in the process of discovering the world around him so he views everything with the wonder of a child being exposed to new things for the first time.  The apple holds great fascination for him as he breathes in its scent and feels its solidness and weight in his hands.  The apple tree standing behind him represents a firm foundation, something that is lasting.  The tree was there before the Child of Earth was born and with any luck shall remain long after he has crossed over.  The tree is permanence and stability.  The rabbit is the familiar of the spring goddess, Ostara or Eostre, and his role is as conveyor of messages between this side of the veil and the other. 

The Child of Earth suggests that now is a good time to reevaluate your diet or the type of foods you eat.  Perhaps a move to more natural foods is called for at this time.  The Child of Earth also suggests you search for that child-like wonder within you.  A fresh perspective is being called forth.  It’s time to see the world through new eyes so you can appreciate all of the potential that surrounds you at any given moment.

If you'd like a reading, you can order one from me at http://www.magickal-musings.com

Also, I am notifying everyone I'm changing my email.  Please add my new address to your online contacts so mail from me doesn't end up in your spam folder:  IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

Many Blessings,

~ Nefer

Card of the Day for Nov. 8 ~ The Sun

COTD:  THE SUN
From “The Gaian Tarot,” by Joanna Powell Colbert
Self-pubished, also mass published by Llewellyn, 2011.

I take one look at this card and I think, “HAPPY!”  A woman dances in a garden filled with sunflowers and other flowers of the yellow persuasion as a huge yellow sun shines behind her.  Her red dress symbolizes that she's full of active energy. 

The Sun is a card of the major arcana; and, as such, it embodies the universal spiritual energies of Happiness, Health, Success, and Attainment.  It’s one of the most positive cards of the entire tarot deck, no matter which deck you use.  I love The Sun because every time it comes up it’s telling me that no matter what may be going on, things are going to be brighter.  You just have to believe.

The Sun ushers in a great deal of energy today.  Today’s a great day to go out and get things done that you’ve been putting off.  If there are thing around the house that have been crying out for your attention, today is a great day to set some time aside to handle those matters. 

As we head ever closer to 11/11/11 I feel the cards will reflect this and we’re going to be seeing cards that have to do with new energies coming in, like The Sun, which heralds a time of success and happiness for us all.  Please be sure to open yourself up to the energies that will be coming to the earth on that day.  If you’re not sure how to do this, send me your email address & I’ll send you a copy of my latest newsletter.

I'm including the lyrics to one of my all-time favorite songs as it sum's up the energy of this card well & it's also set to my iPhone to wake me every morning as it immediately puts me in a postive frame of mind.  You can find the video at the end of today's blog entry ~

"(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" ~ Duran Duran

 "Now the time has come
 The music's between us
 Though the night seems young
 Is at an end
 Only change will bring
 You out of the darkness
 In this moment everything is born again"

"Reach up for the sunrise
 Put your hands into the big sky
 You can touch the sunrise
 Feel the new day enter your life"

"Reach up for the sunrise
 Put your hands into the big sky
 You can touch the sunrise
 Feel the new day enter your life"

"Now the fireball burns
 We go round together
 As the planet turns into the light
 Something more than dreams to
 Watch out for each other
 Coz we know what it means to be alive"

"Reach up for the sunrise
 Put your hands into the big sky
 You can touch the sunrise
 Feel the new day enter your life"
 

Let’s all go out and make it a GREAT day today!

 

CARD OF THE DAY: The Seeker

COTD: The Seeker
From: The Gaian Tarot, by Joanna Powell Colbert

The Seeker is known as The Fool in most tarot decks. Here The Seeker stands on the crest of a hill overlooking a lush valley. Instead of the usual little white dog there is a fox with her that seems to be guiding her footsteps. The Seeker appears to be at the start of a marvelous journey that will take her to new places and exp...ose her to new experiences.

The energy for today is very helpful in that it is motivating us to get out there, get things done, because in a bit something wonderful is going to happen and we need to get the mundane out of the way so we can fully enjoy the changes that are about to occur. Of course, I’m talking about 11/11/11 and the new energy that shall be coming to the earth on that day opening the door to the spiritual transformation that will occur on 12/21/12. The Seeker embarks upon a brand new journey not knowing where she will go & having no way to anticipate what she will experience. This applies to all of us now. All who are open to receiving the energies of 11/11/11 shall be just like The Seeker embarking upon a journey to new vistas. Who knows where it will take us, but the imagery on this card promises that it shall be a journey rich in experience. Is your bag packed?

Connecting to Prosperity Angels

Let's face it.  Things are tough all over. Many more of us are now working our butts off only to just barely have ends meet. The world economy is apparently in quite a bit of trouble. Countries like Greece and Iceland have gone bankrupt. It's quite scary to watch the news (then again, the news has always upset/scared me).

I have found that the simpler a method is, the more effective and immediate the results.

I have discovered from a variety of sources a very easy method for inviting the Prosperity Angels into your life, and yes, they do exist. I can personally vouch for them as they've helped me many times.

copyright Noel Cornelia

Prosperity Angels are mentioned by Karen Paolino on her blog (http://karenpaolino.blogspot.com/2009/04/calling-on-prosperity-angels.html) in a post from 2009, and I believe that Doreen Virtue also discusses them in one or more of her books, but can't be 100% certain on that since I read her books, then give them away so I have nothing to reference here on that. If you google "prosperity angels" you can also find mention of them in many places on the internet.

When you are in need of money, the Prosperity Angels can help. Karen Paolino has  a prayer I'll include at the end of this article. What I shall share with you is my personal method for contacting the Prosperity Angels. What you do is to simply write them a letter.

I bought a $12 blank journal that has a picture of an angel on the front & back covers, plus a tiny angel on the lower right-hand corner of each lined page. When I have a specific need & I'm unsure as to how I'll be able to manage it, I write the Prosperity Angels a letter. A recent example from 2 months ago goes like this:

Dear Prosperity Angels ~

I'm having computer problems. The motherboard of my HP laptop keeps overheating & I fear that soon my entire computer will fry. I cannot run my business without a computer & it's important that I have my own & not have to share considering how many hours a day I often spend working. Please manifest for me the money I need to buy a brand new HP desktop, and if you can swing it, I'd love one of their new models - the kind that no longer requires a tower because everything's up in the monitor. I think that would be so cool. Oh, and I would also like a 21" monitor, if you please. I very much appreciate your help, Prosperity Angels. Thank you in advance for the money that allows me to buy the new computer.

Love,

Nefer Khepri.

copyright Cyra R. Cancel

Now, if you need a certain amount by a certain date (rent money, for example, or to pay the bills) please be sure to note the date in your letter so the Prosperity Angels know that they have a limited time to work on this for you.

This is a nice, easy method, and believe me, it WORKS. So why not write the Prosperity Angels today? Perhaps as comments to this blog entry you can all post how the Prosperity Angels have helped you.

Here is the prayer from Karen Paolino's site:

"Angels of Prosperity and Abundantia, please help me to bring peace, balance and an increased flow of abundance into all aspects of my life, especially my finances. Help me to be open so I may receive whatever I need and more. I am open and willing to receive unexpected miracles, help and ideas of inspiration so I may experience financial freedom. Thank you for your loving support." ~ Karen Paolino, 2009.

May the Blessings of the Prosperity Angels Be Yours ~

Nefer Khepri

http://www.magickal-musings.com
IsisRaAnpu@aol.com
IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

Candle Magick Class!

ANNOUNCING *** CANDLE MAGICK CLASS ***
 
taught by me, been practicing Wicca since 1980, professional since 1997. 

I am for the first time ever making my method available over the internet to all who care to learn the proper & most successful manner to perform candle work. My method is based upon years of book reading, learning from other practitioners, plus trial & error that has resulted in a method that works well for myself & for clients around the world.

I believe in empowering others & this is why I'm offering the class.   I feel that everyone, if they are so inclined, ought to have access to easily understandble information in order to help them to perform candle magick for themselves & their loved ones. 

You will receive my information on how to cleanse, charge the candle & all materials used with it (herbs & oils), information on properly wording your intention so you are more likely to receive what you ask for, plus more. 

I shall also be creating a group on Facebook for all those who join the class. You will be added into the closed group automatically by me where we can freely discuss candle magick. You will be able to ask myself & others questions, and have all of your concerns addressed at any time. 

You will receive all this for a one-time payment of $45. The class will begin in a week, but if you can't make it, never fear. Once you send payment I'll send you the materials & add you to the group. You can then catch up & everyone will help you.

In order to participate in the group you will need to have a Facebook account.  You can easily create one at Facebook.com if you do not yet have one. 

Here is a secure PayPal payment link for the class, and again, this is a ONE-TIME fee to cover my time. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Z3M7A7WJXV3WW

I hope you'll join us :)

Many Blessings, & wishing you all a Most Blessed Samhain/Halloween tomorrow,

Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.
http://www.magickal-musings.com
IsisRaAnpu@aol.com
IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

BOOK REVIEW: Contact Your Spirit Guides, by Asandra

Contact Your Spirit Guides

Asandra
Schiffer Publishing
http://www.schifferbooks.com
ISBN #: 978-0-7643-3719-2
Paperback, 8 ½” X 11”, 132 pp.
$29.99

In a nutshell,  Contact Your Spirit Guides provides you with all the information a person would need in order to establish and maintain contact with their spirit guides.  I should know.  I’ve been channeling and working with my spirit guides since 1980.  Back then books on metaphysical/new age subjects were not as numerous as they are today, nor as easily available.  I grew up in Waukegan, Illinois and back in 1980 there were no new age bookstores near me.  Amazon and ordering over the internet did not exist.  My method for contacting my own spirit guides was slowly and painstakingly developed over a period of approximately 3 years through the process of trial and error – mostly error.  How I wish I had this book back then!  Life would have been so much easier.

Now, all within the pages of a single book is all you need to help you contact your own spirit guides.  Asandra is a respected professional medium who shares her personal approach with us.  Many books exist that offer a particular approach to a goal and I never give them my endorsement unless I’ve tried the author’s approach and found it to work for me.  This is the first such book I can fully endorse because the method that Asandra discusses is pretty much the same method I use.  I have received many emails over the years from a wide variety of people asking me if I’ve read a certain book and asking me what I think of the author’s approach or method.  Most of the time I have to suggest to the person that they use their own best judgment.  Just because one author’s method doesn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else.  The method outlined by Asandra is simple, it’s direct, and I believe it has universal appeal no matter what your preconceived notions or walk of faith may be.  You will find this book to be highly useful.

In addition to the book there are 24 cards that are attached at the back of the book on perforated card stock.  They consist of simple, but colorful geometric shapes and each has a number and a title.  The interpretation can be found at the back of the book.  These cards are to be used in order to receive a message from your spirit guides through these cards.  So, even if you are unable to establish contact with your spirit guides right away using the method outlined here, you can at least begin using the cards.  I found them to be very insightful.  In fact, the first reading I did for myself really surprised me, but not until three days later, as I received the exact same message from a friend who had no idea I was seeking guidance regarding that topic.  Her words were literally the same as the interpretations to one of the cards in the book.  I doubt I shall ever forget that experience.  It not only validated to me what I’ve always known – that spirit guides often speak to us through the mouths of others if we’re unable to directly tune into them; but, the experience also validated the cards to me as being a viable tool for connecting with spirit guides and receiving higher guidance.

The book contains a set of 24 cards.  The cards measure 4 1/8” X 5 ½”.  They are perforated and rectangular so be sure to bend the cards along the perforations prior to carefully pulling them apart or you could tear them.  What I did to mine was to give them a slight trim with a paper trimmer.  I trimmed off the very edge of every card, along each side to eliminate the tiny ridges created by the perforations.  Then I took a corner rounder (I’m a scrapbooker so I have these tools just laying around my house, for those who don’t, I ***highly*** recommend the Personal Trimmer and the Corner Rounder by Creative Memories) and used it to round the corners, which really helps in shuffling.  Card images are reminiscent of mandalas, are multi-colored, presented against a white background.  The images are not near the edge of the cards so trimming is easy.  You don’t run the risk of trimming off part of the image.  The card number and title appear on each.  The card back is a geometric pattern against a purple background. 

Asandra discusses establishing sacred space from which to conduct your spirit guide session, methods of tuning in and focusing, but what I really appreciated about her approach was that throughout her book she reiterates the importance of calling upon spiritual protection first, before attempting to establish contact.  I have a page at my site on how to contact spirit guides (if you google “contact spirit guides” my page comes up as Number 1) that attracts a lot of people.  I have been contacted by quite a few who attempted to contact their spirit guides without first calling upon some form of spiritual protection.  BIG mistake!  They end up attracting something that isn’t a spirit guide and then have a difficult time sending it back.   If you take NOTHING ELSE from this book, do come away with this:  ALWAYS invoke spiritual protection FIRST, and this is even if you are in regular contact with your spirit guides and have a session every day.  I cannot stress the importance of spiritual protection enough.

For those of you who are interested in channeling, each chapter concludes with a channeling session with Asandra’s spirit guides.  I found these sections to be quite interesting and for many, I believe, the channeling sessions will answer a lot of questions people have about spirituality in general. 

Contact Your Spirit Guides is very well-written and is easy to read.  The information within each chapter is presented in a clear and organized manner that makes reading the book very fast.  The author does suggest you read the entire book before attempting to contact your spirit guides and this is because important information is contained throughout the book.  There is no fast, easy, or short-hand way to contact your spirit guides.  Just like anything else worth having you need to work for it. 

One more thing – contacting spirit guides requires two things:  repetition and patience.  You simply cannot rush the process, mainly for two reasons.  Spirit guides were once people just like you and I.  They often retain some of their personality they had while living.  Therefore, some spirit guides, like mine, are chatty, while others may be shy and reserved.  Depending on the personality of your spirit guides, they may start communicating immediately, or it may take quite a few attempts before you sense anything.  Also, do not be surprised if one or more of your spirit guides turn out to be animals.  That’s really an animal totem spirit, not exactly the same thing as a spirit guide, but when you open yourself up for spiritual communication and if you have one, they often do come forward with a message or just to let you know that they are with you.  In the end, just like with any other skill, practice makes perfect.  Even if you do not sense, feel, see, or hear anything during your sessions, please do not give up.  The payoff is tremendous and is well worth the wait.

Contact Your Spirit Guides is a wonderful contribution by an expert in the field of mediumship who has been generous enough to share her expertise with the general public. I do hope you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and purchase this book for yourself.  You may even end up purchasing a few copies for like-minded friends, as well.

Blessings,

Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.

http://www.magickal-musings.com

IsisRaAnpu@aol.com

IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

Book & Deck Review: The Alchemy of Tarot book and The Kingdom Within Tarot deck.

The Alchemy of Tarot
Juno Lucina
2011
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
www.schifferbooks.com
ISBN #:  978-0-7643-3710-9
USD $34.99
Paperback, 174 pages, 8 1/2" X 11" X 1/2"

 ~ also ~

The Kingdom Within Tarot                                                                

Juno Lucina: guide book
Shannon ThornFeather: cards
 2011
ISBN #: 978-0-7643-3711-6
USD: $34.99
6" X 11 3/4" X 1 1/2" hinged box, magentic closure

 I chose to review these two titles together because they are firstly, by the same author, and secondly, the book, The Alchemy of Tarot, is fully illustrated with all the cards from The Kingdom Within Tarot. 

 Printed on glossy paper throughout and containing full color, full sized images of all cards from The Kingdom Within Tarot, The Alchemy of Tarot is a real treat for the senses.  The book not only is gorgeous, but the feel of it is very rich.  It’s heavy due to the glossy paper and a book lover’s delight.  The Alchemy of Tarot is also packed with useful and helpful information regarding Qabalah, astrology, and the connections they have to tarot.

The Alchemy of Tarot reads like a thorough introductory course on the subjects of tarot, qabalah, and astrology.  Through a discussion of archetypes, the Elements, natural cycles, and the cosmology of the fallen savior, Juno Lucina constructs a foundation from which the study of tarot can be taken to a deeper and more profound level by anyone with a sincere interest in the subject matter.

The cards of the major arcana of The Kingdom Within Tarot contain the actual image of the planet with which each card is associated. The planet is always depicted somewhere within the card’s imagery.  The symbol of each card’s astrological association is also included within the card’s imagery.  The images of each have been very well designed and thought out in order for the image to portray the energies of the associated planet and astrological sign.  Every card has colored spheres in the upper left and lower right-hand corners that convey in color the path associated with each card on the Qabalahistic Tree of Life.   This deck was obviously quite an undertaking for both author and artist.

The Alchemy of Tarot includes a thorough discussion of every card in The Kingdom Within Tarot deck.  The categories of information about each card include the following:

•  Name of card & corresponding astrological sign and/or planet
• Qabalistic path on the restored Tree of Life
• Qabalistic letter:  the meaning & the English translation
•  Astrological interpretation
•  Elemental information, including ruling planet & associated minor arcana card
•  Key phrases for easy reference
• Key phrases for easy reference
• Qabalistic symbology

 The entire discussion of the Qabalistic Tree of Life follows the work of Charles Stansfield Jones (pen name: Frater Achad), who was the star pupil and initiate of Aleister Crowley.   Juno Lucina provides good background information on his reworking of the Tree of life and discusses its basis in Egyptian mythology.  All major arcana cards are located on their individual paths of the Tree of Life and the coding system of the colored spheres that identifies each card’s placement on the Tree of Life is discussed.  A full color page image of all the major arcana cards and their placement upon the Tree of Life is included for easy reference. 

There is an extra card of the major arcana included, so the majors total 79 cards.  The extra card is entitled, “The Kingdom Within All”, which represents change and infinite possibilities (see right). 

 Court cards (see left) are the next section of The Alchemy of Tarot.  They consist of Pages (the Daughter archetype), Princes (the Son archetype), Queens (the Mother archetype), and Kings (the Father archetype).  Three methods of interpreting court cards are provided.  At first this may seem daunting to read through it all, but for any of you who have had any trouble reading court cards prior to this book, I urge you to read this section carefully.  You’ll be very glad that you did.  Personally, the manner in which Juno Lucina provides the information helped to clarity some issues for me and now I find I no longer have any difficulty with court cards since I now use this system for all of my tarot decks and I find it works for them all.   Each court card is interpreted in terms of the level of power or ability to manifest change that it represents, its associated zodiac sign and their energies, and finally as representing actual individuals and the sixteen basic motivations that drive a person to take action based upon the Meyers-Briggs personality types that is in turn based upon the work of Carl Jung. 

In The Alchemy of Tarot each suit of court cards conveys the mythic cycle of a fallen savior archetype.  The Pentacles present the story of the Oak and Holly King with Father Time as the King, the Virgin Mary as the Queen, The Oak King as the Prince, and the Newborn King as the Page.  The suit of Wands presents the story of Jesus Christ as the King, the goddess Eostre as Queen, Dionysus as the Prince, and Mary Magdalene as the Page.  Cups are represented by the Green Man (King), Gaia (Queen), Sir Galahad (Prince), and Faerie Puck (Page).  The Sword court cards consist of the Aztec god of death, Mictlantecutli (King), Hecate (Queen), Lord of Misrule (Prince), and Persephone (Page). 

 Within the pages of The Alchemy of Tarot the minor arcana is discussed in terms of its Qabalistic associations with the Sephiroth of the Tree of Life that corresponds to their number, so all tens are associated with Malkuth the tenth Sephiroth upon the Tree of life, nines are associated with Yesod the ninth Sephiroth, and so on.  The stories of the characters that comprise the court cards unfolds in the imagery of the Ace – ten and images of the characters upon the court cards also occur within other cards of their associated suits.  Astrological associations of the minor arcana cards are also discussed.

The Alchemy of Tarot concludes with sections on the associations between each card and each astrological house including several tables of key phrases identifying planet and sign correspondences.  Spreads include the Key Spread, Triangle Spread (also in the guidebook to the deck), a 10-card Cross Spread (also in the guidebook), and an astrological-based 13-card Kingdom Within Spread.  Health questions and health associations of signs and planets are included.  Timing and the tarot is also discussed.  Using the tarot in order to find lost items and regarding world events are also covered.  A method is included for using this tarot deck for personal spiritual development based upon the story of the sacrificial savior and The Fool’s journey through the major arcana.  Pathworking spreads include:  Single Seed Spread, ‘Till We Have Faces Spread, Death & Resurrection Spread, Hero’s Journey Spread, and of course The Alchemy of Tarot naturally concludes with a Tree of Life Spread.

Well-written and thorough, The Alchemy of Tarot presents the reader with a real education in Qabalah, Astrology, ancient mythic cycles and, of course, tarot.  The Alchemy of Tarot contains a great deal of information and once I was finished reading the book cover to cover I felt as though I had been through an intense course on tarot, astrology, and Qabalah.  I also found that I had a much better understanding of astrology and Qabalah than ever before so I came away from this book having learned some valuable new information.

Now, on to the tarot deck ~

The Kingdom Within Tarot comes with its own guidebook that is also written by Juno Lucina.  The included guidebook includes reversed card interpretations while the larger and much more expansive The Alchemy of Tarot does not.  The guidebook is a compilation of just the basic card interpretations.  Qabalah and astrology are not discussed.  Clearly, the guidebook is designed for ease of use intended for users who wish to start using the cards quickly.  Spreads include the Triangle Spread, The cross Spread, and concludes with a brief summary of yes/no questions and timing in tarot.  The guidebook is concise, to the point, and designed to make the deck immediately useful.

The cards measure 3 1/2" X 5" and are printed on sturdy card stock that is well laminated so they will withstand years of shuffling.  The artwork is characterized by the use of bright, vibrant colors throughout and the cards are borderless.  The minor arcana cards are all fully illustrated and depict scenes from the lives of the characters depicted on the court cards.  The card back is completely reversible and contains an image of the Tree of Life, Sephiorth, planets, and an anthropomorphic sun.  The interpretations of the cards are traditional.

Users of The Kingdom of Tarot deck do not need the book, The Alchemy of Tarot, in order for the deck to be useful to them.  However, I do strongly urge users of The Kingdom Within Tarot to also purchase The Alchemy of Tarot because it presents a more complete and thorough analysis of the cards and contains helpful information on the Tree of Life, Astrology, and how this all works together with tarot as a coherent system. 

Packaging of The Kingdom Within Tarot consists of a 6" X 11 3/4" X 1 1/2" box with magnetic hinged lid and recessed storage areas for the deck and guidebook.  The cards themselves may be a bit unwieldy at first due to the amount of lamination and their size, but after a few uses they do loosen up and become much easier to shuffle.   The guide book measures 7 3/4" X 5 1/2" and contains 176 pages and places where you can write your own notes, something I always very much appreciate in a tarot book. 

Together, The Alchemy of Tarot and The Kingdom Within Tarot are an outstanding contribution to the field of tarot and I found both the book and deck to be enlightening and enjoyable.   Both the book and deck have a permanent place in my collection. 

Many Blessings,

Nefer Khepri, Ph. D., R. M-T.

http://www.magickal-musings.com

IsisRaAnpu@aol.com

IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com