Musing Mystical

Riding the Cosmic Cycle, by Cariabella

Riding the Cosmic Cycle:
How Navigating the Wheel of Fortune Makes You the Magician

Working with the Tarot can clear subconscious blockages and catalyze deep spiritual growth, ultimately leading to personal fulfillment and the manifestation of your material desires.

To achieve this spiritual awakening, we can view the Major Arcana in two distinct phases. First, the cards from The Magician to The Hermit represent the conscious goals we strive to reach. Second, the cards from The Wheel of Fortune to The Moon represent the profound process of shadow work.

In this article, we will explore how navigating the lessons of The Wheel ultimately leads us back to the mastery of The Magician—which is precisely where our journey begins.

We’ve all been there. You wake up on top of the world, ready to conquer the day. Then, an unpleasant interaction occurs—someone speaks to you rudely, or a sudden crisis disrupts your reality—and your mood plummets. You spend the rest of the day ruminating, replaying the scenario until you are mentally and emotionally exhausted. Just like that, a single external moment has hijacked your consciousness and drained your vital energy.

When this happens, you are being tossed around on the chaotic outer rim of The Wheel of Fortune.

Many people spend their entire lives reacting to the spin of this wheel, completely unaware that this chaotic rotation is actually the first step in necessary shadow work and inner transformation. The ultimate goal of the self-awakening paradigm is to move from the helpless spinning of the Wheel to the absolute mastery of The Magician.

But how do we bridge that gap? The secret lies in a precise, three-step psychological and spiritual process of assessing and balancing the four core elements of our psyche.

Step 1: Accept the Reality of the Spin

The first step is a shift in perspective. The Wheel of Fortune represents the eternal truth that change is the only constant. It illustrates a simultaneous descent and ascent: as the wheel rotates, what is on top moves downward, and what is below moves upward.

This continuous flow is governed by a hidden spiritual law woven into nature, famously spelled out by the letters on the wheel itself: ROTA TARO ORAT TORA ATOR (“The Wheel of Tarot speaks the Law of Hathor”).

Look closely at the card’s symbology:

On the right, a yellow serpent descends, expressing divine will in action. It reminds us that everything happening to you is happening for a reason—to make you grow spiritually.
On the left, Hermanubis ascends, symbolizing the evolution of human consciousness from lower to higher states.

Every time you stop fighting the external rotation and instead choose to overcome the event, your consciousness expands and you become stronger from within.

Step 2: The Four-Element Trigger Audit

When something happens that triggers you, the instinctual response is to react blindly. The spiritual path demands that you pause, recognize the trigger, and analyze how it is affecting the four classical elements within your psyche.

On the Wheel of Fortune card, these are represented by the Hebrew letters of the Tetragrammaton (Yod, Heh, Vav, Heh) on the outer circle, as well as the four mystical creatures in the corners. Carl Jung beautifully mapped these four elements onto the foundational cognitive functions of the human mind.

When a crisis hits, perform a sudden audit of these four areas:

• Earth (Sensation / Final Heh): How is your connection to the physical world? Are your five senses overwhelmed? Is your body physically tense or grounded?
• Water (Feeling / Heh): What does your emotional landscape look like? How is this event threatening your internal values or interpersonal relationships?
• Air (Thinking / Vav): Is your logic and intellect spinning out of control? Are you trapped in an obsessive, rationalizing mind-loop, or can you look at the problem with objective analysis?
• Fire (Intuition / Yod): Have you lost your connection to your higher vision and inspiration? What do your gut feelings and spontaneous understandings tell you about the future possibilities of this situation?

By stepping back to observe and categorize your reaction, you take the first step toward self-consciousness—the objective, directing part of the mind.

Step 3: Step Into the Center and Run the Alchemy

At the center of the wheel rests the symbols for Mercury, Sulphur, Water, and Salt—the universal mechanics of alchemical transformation. Water, in particular, represents dissolution: the necessary breaking down of our rigid ego structures.

To move from the spinning rim to the still center of the wheel, you must consciously undergo the four primary psychological phases of Carl Jung’s alchemical Magnum Opus (Great Work):

Nigredo (The Blackening): You confront your Shadow. Instead of distracting yourself from the trigger, you face the painful breakdown, the darkness, and the repressed trauma head-on.
Albedo (The Whitening): The stage of purification and catharsis. You bring objective detachment and balance, sorting through your inner polarities.
Citrinitas (The Yellowing): The dawn of higher consciousness. You become illuminated by wisdom, insight, and true spiritual awakening.
Rubedo (The Reddening): The final synthesis where conscious and unconscious aspects permanently unite, culminating in the realization of the True Self.

The Result: Becoming The Magician

When you balance the four elements by undergoing this rigorous alchemical process, you achieve the metaphorical “Fifth Element”—the unified, awakened Self. This state of integration is represented on the Wheel of Fortune card by the Sphinx seated majestically and immutably at the very apex of the wheel.

By mastering the elements, you step off the wheel of reaction and step into the card of The Magician.

The Magician doesn’t get tossed around by external circumstances because he possesses absolute mastery over his mind. You unlock the iconic posture of the Magician: one hand raised aloft holding a wand toward the heavens, the other pointing down to the earth.

You embody the ancient Hermetic axiom: “As above, so below.” You realize you are a divine conduit—a messenger through whom higher spiritual energy flows down into material reality. You possess the active agency to direct cosmic energy to manifest your desires.

The Endless Cycle of Renewal

This spiritual alignment is never a static, “one-and-done” achievement. It is a lifelong, ongoing practice. This continuous evolution is vividly illustrated by the Ouroboros—the serpent biting its own tail clasped around the Magician’s waist.

It reminds us that creation, destruction, and renewal are eternal. To stay in your power, you must continually shed your old skins, letting the ego dissolve so your highest Self can be perpetually reborn.

Stop fighting the spin of the wheel. Embrace the rotation, audit your triggers, run your inner alchemy, and step into your true power as the conscious creator of your reality.

Witch’s Magickal Spellbook, by Priestess Moon

Witch’s Magickal Spellbook: Transform common plants into tools for love, luck and renewal, by Priestess Moon
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208985, 224 pages, July 2026

Spellwork AND stickers? I could hardly contain my excitement when I first laid hands on Witch’s Magickal Spellbook: Transform common plants into tools for love, luck and renewal by Priestess Moon. This is the first interactive grimoire I’ve ever come across, and my inner child was thrilled to have a space to journal, keep pocket notes, and raid the cabinet to make my own potions.

While my happiness might seem touched with a flight of fantasy, this book is the real-deal when it comes to witchcraft. Author Priestess Moon has been practicing Celtic paganism for just about three decades now. Her creations–Witch’s Magickal Spellbook, Medieval Herb Sigils, Deadly Apothecary Oracle, Making Magick Oracle, Enchanted Spell Oracle, and the Enchanted Unicorn Oracle to name a few–aid readers in connecting with their intuition. She writes on her website, “I paint magickal energy into the artworks and write the cards and books based on life experiences, metaphysical concepts and extensive research.”¹

I definitely could feel this when I opened this spellbook! The designs are so enchanting and potent; the connection to the natural world coming through just from the front cover filled with plants, bugs, vegetables, and a lovely crow. A wooden pentagram encircled by a wreath with a crescent moon takes center stage. Admittedly, this theme of black, red, and tans isn’t the palette that I usually am drawn to, but quickly I discovered within the pages there was so much room for personalization. For instance, right on the first page is a place to insert your own photograph and name, instantly claiming the grimoire as your own.

Priestess Moon begins the books with an introduction to spellwork, providing information about kitchen witchery and working with the fae. She goes on to explain how to work with the content, writing “Think of this book as a buffet of spells you can pick and choose as you need, such as love, luck, or protection.”² She provides a brief overview for preparing for spellwork and shares some helpful tools too. Before readers move into the actual spells, there’s an opportunity to spin a wheel that casts a circle of protection around them. I love this hands-on feature in the book!!!

There are eight categories of spells: prosperity, love, luck, healing, protection, finding joy, spiritual renewal, and sticky situations. All of the specific spells within each category are detailed in the table of content, making it easy to browse for the right one based on your magical need and current ingredient availability. Examples of the spells are Grapefruit Money Spell, Magick Plum Pill for an instant pick-me up, Blueberry Magic Ice for boosting your immune system, and Ginkgo Clarity Charm to gain insight about a confusing situation. There’s quite a bit of variety, and no spell is too complex, making it suitable for magic practitioners of all experience levels.

For each spell, Priestess Moon shares a manta along with the scientific name, healing properties, and magical uses of the main ingredient. There’s also a framed illustration. The spell page gives a short intro for the spell, lists the ingredients, and then shares the method aka what to do. Following each spell, there’s two lined pages for journaling and a seal to place the sticker for the spell, affirming that the work is done. For me, it’s this aspect of the book that sets it apart from other spellbooks. I love that I can write directly in it and keep my notes about the spell right in the book. And I also really, really enjoy placing the sticker at the end. Yes, I am one of those people who enjoys both checklists and marking my milestones! Lol.

As for the general vibe of the grimoire, I’d call it whimsical gothic.The contrast between the aged parchment backgrounds, intricate black-and-white ornamentation, and vibrant botanical illustrations that give the pages a sense of personality and magic. It feels simultaneously antique and accessible, as though a modern witch has lovingly reimagined an old-fashioned botanical journal. Skulls, ravens, crescent moons, candles, butterflies, and elaborate decorative frames go on to add a slightly mysterious, macabre quality too. Plus, the typography reinforces this mystic atmosphere, with elegant, elongated serif headings reminiscent of antique publications, complemented by smaller, traditional book-style text.

The book concludes with a bonus spell for inviting the seven archangels into your home for seven days. I definitely plan on doing this next month when I move into a new space! And there’s also a spell envelope that Priestess Moon suggests recording the spells and dates you performed them so that you can look back 12 months later and see if they’ve been successful. I love this idea and am so happy there’s literally a piece of paper and envelope directly in the book! Yet again, such a unique small touch that really makes this a fun book.

Overall, Witch’s Magickal Spellbook is a hands-on, interactive grimoire that not only provides plenty of kitchen witch spells but also space for the reader to make notes, document their process, and journal about the experience. There’s such a great value in being able to write directly in the book. Not only is it practical because you have all you need right there, but it’s also playful with the inclusion of dozens of stickers to use throughout! All in all, I’ve been having a lot of fun with this book in addition to success with the spells Priestess Moon has shared. I highly recommend it for those who are looking for a fun way to engage with this spellcraft!

Witches’ Forbidden Herbs, by The Seed Sistas and Silva De Majo

Witches’ Forbidden Herbs: A Practical Guide to Infamous Plants for Magic and Medicine, by The Seed Sistas (Fiona Heckles and Kaz Goodweather) with illustrations by Silva De Majo
Watkins Publishing, 978-1836810544, 304 pages, June 2026

I read a lot of books where cunning women use herbs for a variety of things: protection, healing, love, and more. I’ve picked up the basics such as Belladonna’s sweet flavor and that flying ointment has long been associated with witchcraft. But this is where my knowledge came to a heed. In the spirit of expanding my magical repertoire, I dove into Witches’ Forbidden Herbs: A Practical Guide to Infamous Plants for Magic and Medicine by The Seeds Sistas (Fiona Heckles and Kaz Goodweather) with illustrations by Silva De Majo, and I have been steeping (perfect herbal reference, right?!) in all that I’ve learned! My heart lit up when I read the words “re-wilding of the psyche”³, as the authors write in the introduction, and from here on I knew this book would be illuminating.

The first thing I want to say is that I love the format of this book. It’s chunky yet easy to hold in one’s hand. The flexible binding allows me to push down the pages to make note of things I want to remember quickly for reference. And, most of all, the illustrations keep me engaged! This isn’t the first time I’ve delved into herbalism, but too often books have an overload of text without any meaningful real-life imagery to connect with. How am I going to bond with a plant if I can’t even visualize it? And yes, I can Google, but that distracts from my reading immersion because then I’m on a rabbit hole for something else!

This book is more akin to a field guide, which is exactly what I would want when I’m studying nature. It’s even illustrated to look like pictures are taped in! It makes me feel like I’m reading someone’s beloved scrapbook filled with their plant magic and medicine. I then learned that The Seed Sistas have published another book, The Sensory Herbal Handbook, which shares techniques to understand plants without relying solely on memorized lists, and I was like “They get it!”. Especially given that so much plant wisdom has been passed down orally, it’s so refreshing to engage with the material beyond just charts, associated properties, and a list of uses.

But I digress! The book begins with an introduction from The Seed Sistas, sharing their magical intent and mission along with the ins and outs of what readers can expect. They write:

“This book is written for anyone who feels a calling to the feral and who is interested in the revival of forgotten knowledge. It is for those of us who want to restore the wild traditions – to be touched by the sacred power plants and fungi of our lands. It is for those who sense the existence of other realms and who wish to learn to trust their intuition and be guided by the plants. And it is for those of us who want practical tools for working with the forgotten gifts of the otherworld and who wish to explore a new paradigm around altered states of consciousness and health.”⁴

Check. Check. Check. Hi, It’s me. 😀 Needless to say, I dove right in. Divided into three parts, the pacing of the book is quite nice. First, The Seed Sistas give an overview of plant medicine, specifically poisons and altered states. There’s also coverage of witchcraft and how working with plants can become a practice of reclamation. I found The Seed Sisters’ backstory very interesting as well as their take on malevolent magic and hex removal. There’s also information about how astrological influences plant medicine as well, covering harvesting times to plant correspondences. I appreciate this bridge between Earth and the cosmos.

“Part II: Connecting to the Witching Herbs” begins with inspiration for connecting with plants, including smoking them, doing spellwork with them, drawing them, and simply yet profoundly tending to them. After this, the book turns to the heart of the topic: the Solanaceae plant family. More commonly known as nightshades, The Seed Sistas provide an overview of tropane alkaloids contained in the nightshade family, detail the alkaloids affect the central nervous system, discuss doses, and the potential of overdose, all while masterfully weaving together science, history, and mythology.

This all leads readers into chapters on “the magical three”⁵: henbane, datura, and belladonna. One by one, The Seed Sistas do a deep-dive on these three plants. There is just the right amount of information, and as mentioned previously, it’s all arranged in an engaging way thanks to illustrations and formatting that make the information easy to digest. From the removal of henbane as an herbal gruit used to flavor beer due to the Beer Purity Act to the way datura can be drawn on for sex magic, there was so much fascinating material into not only these plants but a wider collective experience that is possible or missing because of the exclusion or inclusion of these plants in our lives.

The Seed Sistas really offer a well-rounded approach to getting to know these plants. Yes, there’s the practical harvesting advice but there’s also insight into the plants’ divas. Readers learn the history, mythology, and magic of these plants. And while I initially avoided ever connecting with these plants because of their poisonous nature, I see now how misaligned this sentiment was, primarily based on fear and misinformation. It’s lovely how The Seed Sistas don’t shy away from the dangerous aspect–they give plenty of warnings and cautions about how these plants can be misused–but yet still make them so inviting and accessible for readers.

The final section, “Part III: The Flying Ointment”, really had me wishing I could somehow buy the compound The Seed Sisters so kindly with great detail share how to create yourself. However, it does require a 13-moon harvest cycle, along with herbalism skills that are way out of my reach right now. Made with 13 ingredients, The Seed Sistas have crafted this recipe over years of trial until it finally felt right. This section details the history of flying ointment followed by a nice overview of all 13 ingredients. There is guidance for preparing for flying along with different ways to use the ointment, such as meditation, divination, connecting with ancestors, and sacred sexuality to name a few.

While I am not in a position to physically tend to these plants right now with two very little children dominating my household and no outdoor area to grow plants, I have been inspired by this book to get to know these plants. I think my next step will be journeying to meet the plant divas and form my own relationship. I am so grateful for all the wisdom The Seed Sistas have included in these pages. I mean, a full-on tried and tested recipe for flying ointment, in addition to decades of wisdom of herbalism? It’s truly priceless! And something I am glad to have in times where ancient history is being replaced by AI-generated content. Ugh! Did I mention there’s a hex for rapid materialism in the book too? Once again, The Seed Sistas just get it!

I highly recommend checking out their website too. I felt super connected to their personalized attire and way of writing that is honest, open, and relatable. They also have prerecorded workshops on their site too for those who want to learn more!

Overall, I really connected with Witches’ Forbidden Herbs. The Seed Sistas brought to life these plants for me in a way that grounded their potential use in reality rather than just superstition, fear, and secrecy. One day I might have the privilege of tending to these plants, but for now, this book serves as a guide for expanding my relationship with them energetically, which in itself feels exciting! Herbalists, witches, and magic makers will all have something to gain from this wonderful content. This will definitely be a book I continue to recommend when the topic of the nightshade family arises!

From Dissolution to Dominion: How the Mechanism of Death Builds the Emperor Within, by Cariabella

At first glance, the Death and The Emperor cards appear to stand in total opposition. One represents destruction, decay, and the terrifying unknown; the other embodies order, stability, and supreme authority. Yet, a deeper look into their psychological mechanics reveals a profound truth: the mechanism of Death is the engine that transforms human consciousness into the divine sovereignty of The Emperor.

1. The Alchemy of Change: Death as the Tool of Rebuilding

The core theme of the Death card is radical transformation. Tarot study invites us to willingly undergo this shift because change is the ultimate mechanism of growth.

What exactly must change? Everything that no longer serves you.

• Internal Dynamics: Habits, limiting beliefs, negative thought patterns, and outdated mindsets.

• External Environments: Unfulfilling careers, toxic relationships, and overbearing family dynamics.

• Sensory Inputs: Not just the food you put in your body, but the purity of the air you breathe, the ideas you consume, and the chatter you listen to.

If we keep repeating the same behaviors, we will inevitably harvest the same results. “Death” signifies the deliberate dismantling of the old self. Most people fear change and passively wait for their external environment to fix itself. True mastery belongs to those willing to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of inner expansion. When a situation no longer serves your evolution, you must move—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Notably, the card’s most intimidating figure—the skeleton—serves as a stark reminder that all physical forms eventually decay. It reveals that beneath skin, wealth, and social status, every human shares the same underlying foundation. Beyond a symbol of mortality, the skeleton represents the core reality of any situation. Crucially, this skeleton wears armor, symbolizing the courage to remain vulnerable while enforcing firm boundaries.

Another important aspect of the Death card is The Four Figures, which represent the spectrum of human responses to radical change:

• The King (Rigid Ego): Lies fallen beneath the horse. When overwhelmed by change, an inflexible ego collapses into psychological breakdown.

• The Priest (Structured Belief): Faces Death directly. His robes and doctrine reflect how established frameworks of faith help us confront the terrifying unknown.

• The Maiden (Partial Resistance): Kneels while turning her head away. Her ego is softer than the king’s, yet she still hesitates to fully surrender.

• The Child (Pure Acceptance): Faces Death openly, offering flowers. Free from a rigid identity or fear, the child accepts change fluidly and naturally.

How you respond to life’s crucible is your choice—but navigating this process of dissolution is precisely how you forge the foundation of The Emperor.

2. Clearing the Ground for Authority

While Death breaks down outdated structures, The Emperor represents the ordering principles of the conscious mind that shape how we master the world.

Every experience is eventually imprinted upon the subconscious mind, dictating who we become. Through the Emperor’s power, you gain the ability to consciously direct how you perceive and respond to life.

The Emperor is the self-conscious mind using reason to correct misunderstandings derived from surface-level experiences. He acts as:

• The Definer

• The Law-maker

• The Regulator

Because the subconscious faithfully executes whatever blueprints it receives from conscious perception, you literally create your own reality.

The Security System Analogy:

Imagine owning a breathtaking, luxurious home, but having no doors or security system. Anyone can wander in, trespass, and cause damage. The Emperor is your psychic security system. The stronger his authority, the more protected your inner sanctuary remains against negative external influences.

3. The Path from Death to Dominion

The transformative work of the Death card echoes Brené Brown’s insight:

“I am never more courageous than when I’m embracing imperfection, embracing vulnerabilities, and setting boundaries with the people in my life.”

As we undergo this alchemy, we balance our reactions and uphold boundaries aligned with our ethics—rather than reacting out of a desperate need to feel seen or heard. We move deliberately through relational dynamics: knowing when to move against, toward, or away from external forces.

Etymologically and esoterically, The Emperor means “he who sets in order.” He embodies authority, executive power, and the source of law. He takes the raw, dissolved materials left in the wake of Death and builds a structured, harmonious kingdom upon them.

To achieve spiritual and psychological dominion, you must embrace the mechanism of Death:

• Surrender outdated cellular and mental patterns.

• Master the forces of change rather than resisting them.

• Allow your old identity to dissolve.

When you consciously let outdated prejudices and ego-driven ambitions die, your subconscious mind uses that clean slate to rebuild your very physical and mental makeup. As St. Paul noted, “I die daily.” Through the deliberate death of outdated self-conceptions, a higher version of the self is continuously resurrected.

The Oracle of Forgotten Witches, by Balázs Tátrai with illustrations by Lilla Bölecz

The Oracle of Forgotten Witches, by Balázs Tátrai with illustrations by Lilla Bölecz
Watkins Publishings, 978-1-83681-042-1, 192 pages, 60 cards, August 2026

There is something deeply compelling about potent magic of the past. The Oracle of Forgotten Witches by Balázs Tátrai and illustrated by Lilla Bölecz, invites readers to encounter tales of mystery, exploring the enduring relationship between witchcraft, folklore, and magical power.

This deck expands upon the content introduced in Tátrai and Bölecz’s earlier collaboration, The Book of Forgotten Witches: Dark and Twisted Folklore Stories from Around the World. While familiarity with the original book can enrich the oracle experience, the deck offers its own system for exploring these figures through personal reflection and creative storytelling, so you can definitely work with it individually.

The structure of the deck is quite interesting. The 60 cards in the deck are divided into 10 suits: Curse-bringers, Shape-shifters, Survivors, Avengers, Mesmerizers, Well-wishers, Alchemists, Revenants, Nature Witches, and Fate-turners.

The guidebook details the general energy of each type, noting how Mezmerizers “See through every trick, even those you use to deceive yourself.”⁶, while Nature Witches help readers to “Find your pace in the intricate web of nature and society.”⁷.

Then within each of the 10 suits, there are 6 cards: witch, familiar, spirit, deity, magical item, and magical place. You can tell which the card is from by looking at the symbol on it. The cards also feature a keyword too, which is helpful for learning to read with the cards.

And in case the variety of suit types didn’t tip you off, this deck has a range of energies! This makes for some elaborate readings that don’t shy away from darker elements. The Oracle of Forgotten Witches makes room for vengeance, curses, death, and other unsettling aspects of folklore. This provides an opportunity to engage with the complexity of magical traditions rather than reducing the witch archetype to a purely comforting or nurturing presence, which OFTEN happens with oracle decks, so I really enjoy working with it for this reason.

Bölecz’s illustrations beautifully complement this darker atmosphere. Her artwork brings to life through visual language enchantment, mystery, and hidden realms. The cards feature richly atmospheric colors, intricate details, and a distinctly gothic vibe. The black borders and black-edged cards further contribute to the deck’s shadow element, inviting all energy into the oracle conversation, not just the bright and shiny aspects of witchcraft.

It’s very cool how the imagery extends beyond portraits of witches to include mythical creatures, spiritual beings, enchanted objects, and fantastical landscapes. This diversity encourages readers to consider how the setting, symbolism, and accompanying keyword of each card contribute to its message. Additionally, the illustrations serve not only as visual representations of the stories they’re related to but also as imaginative starting points for personal interpretation or storyweaving (more on this to come).

As for the guidebook, Tátrai offers an amazing balance of esoteric knowledge and spiritual guidance. Each entry shares the category, key words, an overview of the historical relationship the card has to witchcraft (whether it’s how an item is used or the mythological origins of a tale), a whisper from the card, which is as though is it speaking directly to the reader, and finally reflection questions. While I haven’t read The Book of Forgotten Witches, it seems like Tátrai has done a great job distilling and condensing vital information and transforming it into oracular guidance.

Tátrai also includes various spreads readers can do with the deck. In addition to the standard one-card and three-card readings, he also shares Hecate Spread and Magnum Opus Spread. The latter is very interesting because it uses a card from each suit to lead readers through the alchemical process of transformation. The final spreads are focused on storyweaving, both individually and collectively.

And I think the storytelling element is my favorite aspect of this deck! The Storyweaving Spread that encourages readers to create their own folktales using the characters, objects, and places depicted on the cards. By examining the narratives that emerge, readers can explore the symbolic connections between the stories they create and their personal experiences. Through its combination of storytelling and symbolism, it offers an opportunity to reflect on what these elements of witchcraft might reveal about your own relationship with intuition, autonomy, and the unseen. There’s even a spread for collective storyweaving, which I look forward to doing with friends!

When using the cards for storyweaving, you get the chance to imagine yourself on a journey, encountering the cards and developing your own sense of how they fit together. Is Spinning Wheel an opportunity for rebirth or something to avoid pricking your finger on? Is your encounter with Deer Woman meant to help you embrace your wild nature or lead you down a path of seduction? While you can go by the guidebook definitions, it’s also an opportunity to expand your senses and practice discernment: what do you feel about the energies and the tale being told?

Here’s an example of a storyweaving I recently did:

My first encounter was with Sirona, a well-wishing deity, who offers vitality by connecting to the life source, encouraging natural medicines like laughter and water to boost one’s overall health and well-being. I felt immediately rejuvenated when I pulled this card, especially because I had felt a little melancholy and out of sorts. It was a sign that following my intuition to take the magical path was giving me the restoration my soul needs.

Believe it or not, the second card I pulled was The Sibyl’s Grotto, also within the suit of well-wishing, though this is a magical place. It felt amazing to venture further into this healing journey to enter such a sacred space, especially since I specifically went to my special spot for solitude (my favorite Barnes and Noble cafe) in order to have some alone time to refresh my energy.

BUT ALAS, here in the grotto, I encounter Strzygon, a vampiric spirit from Polish folklore that indicates too much attachment to material things and people. Alone, I must reflect on these unhealthy attachments draining my energy and rectify them. I am grateful for the extra vitality that Sirona has given me and the healing properties of Sibyl’s Grotto during this process,

Here, Louhi, a Finnish deity filled with wrath, comes to show how I can use my anger constructively to sever these ties. She reminds me that it’s okay to speak up for myself and anger can be a reminder of where my boundaries have been over-stepped. As I release a primal scream, bringing forth all that I’ve held inside, suddenly a magical object appears before me: Grimoire.

The Grimoire is filled with spells from my heritage, reminding me of the special knowledge passed down through time that links me to those who have come before and those who will come after. I am but one link in a long line of ancestry, never alone yet still with my own unique purpose.

With this revelation, I am graced with the presence of a new familiar: Moon Spider. The guidebook reminds me, “We can’t escape all the hardship in our lives by shutting ourselves off from the world completely. Some form of human interaction is vital for our mental wellbeing. To grow as individuals, we need to express ourselves, share ideas and listen to others.”⁸

This storytelling session showed me that I can regain my vitality by taking time for myself in healing spaces to do the inner work of examining my attachments and where I might need to speak up more, express my true feelings, and address imbalances by acknowledging my anger. I have the resources and spells needed to do this with sovereignty. When I am ready, I can remerge to communicate and connect again.

Overall, The Oracle of Forgotten Witches offers an imaginative exploration of the witch archetype, bringing together the wisdom of folklore, the symbolism of alchemy, and the transformative potential of storytelling. Tátrai’s narrative approach and Bölecz’s atmospheric illustrations create a richly developed magical world that encourages readers to engage with all aspects of witchcraft. For those drawn to the mysterious figures who inhabit the magical margins of history and mythology, this oracle provides an intriguing opportunity to encounter their stories and discover what they might illuminate within our own lives.

I recommend this deck to those interested in mythology, folklore, shadow work, and storytelling. Its layered structure and accompanying stories make it especially suited for those who want to learn more about cultural narratives and historical experiences that have shaped our understanding of the witch. Connecting with figures associated with curses, survival, vengeance, and transformation, alongside healing, connection, and inner wisdom makes for a comprehensive reading.

Witch’s Homestead Oracle, by Hadas Knox and Giada Rose

Witch’s Homestead Oracle, by Hadas Knox and Giada Rose
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468452, 160 pages, 44 cards, October 2026

There is a particular kind of magic that emerges when the ordinary rhythms of home become sacred: tending a garden, preparing food, watching the seasons shift outside the window, preserving what has been harvested, or simply noticing the plants and creatures sharing the land with us. Witch’s Homestead Oracle by Hadas Knox, with illustrations by Giada Rose, builds an entire divinatory world around this expression of witchcraft.

It’s truly beautiful to tap into this essence, but to be honest, I didn’t know what to make of this deck when I first opened the box. I absolutely love Giada Rose’s illustration style, which is undoubtedly what drew me to the deck. But despite enjoying household magic, I was getting a bit paranoid it had a “trad wife” essence glamourizing the domestic routines instead of liberating the spirit. But the more I worked with this deck, I discovered what this deck really is: a portal to a world where the witch’s spirit is brilliantly alive and thriving in home and hearth, keenly attuned to the rhythm of life, whether it be seasonal tasks, rest vs activity, or creation vs. destruction.

“The homestead is more than sun-dappled routines and kitchen witchery. There is a second life there – quieter, more urgent. After the bread is baked and the jars are sealed, the witch returns to herself. A candle flickers. A journal opens. She writes by the fire, aching and alive. The same hands that gather eggs also ink spells into the margins of well-loved books. This is where outer and inner lives meet, intertwining like ivy across old stone.”⁷

Allowing myself to slip into this magical landscape, I opened up to embrace the wisdom of this “ever-shifting spirit of time, memory, and season”⁹ presented in Witch’s Homestead Oracle, which feels like a living magical landscape. This deck feels very fantastical with its mysterious farm, blending cottagecore imagery with themes of nature, domestic life, folklore, and mystery. Yet within the depictions, I still was able to glimpse parts of my own path, living in a small condo in modern day, unfortunately lacking my own Hutch, Livestock, or Secret Staircase.

The Victorian theme also gives the deck an interesting edge, and I feel like I resonated with it more once I understood Knox’s style by looking at her Instagram. First of all, it’s just an incredibly curated profile. She makes the cards’ artwork into very funny and very relatable images, and it was through this way of relating to the cards that I started to feel a connection. Knox is a pretty cool witch, and she’s got her own unique vibe, which is depicted in her eclectic humor and vintage style. Never so much has discovering the creator of the deck given shape to my relationship with it, but to me, this speaks to how imbued it is with her authentic energy.

Indeed, this is not bright, whimsical homesteading, such as my initial worry about the “trad wife” element. Knox’s Instagram describes her as a “haunted house dweller” and that essence, of being attuned to the spirits and secrets within the walls, is more aligned with this deck’s energy. That slight darkness makes the concept considerably more interesting. Suddenly, the farm feels less like an idealized escape into rural life and more like a place that has accumulated memories, stories, work, loss, abundance, and mystery over time.

And Rose does an amazing job bringing this atmosphere to life with her illustrations. Her artwork finds special meeting points between nature, femininity, and witchcraft, with the imagery speaking to the way landscapes and homes can themselves function as oracles. The colors are vivid, arresting, and cozy all at once. The textured, painting quality is reminiscent of illustrations in storybooks, leaving plenty of room for the mind to wander beyond the scene at hand.

For the interior home illustrations, the slightly imperfect lines, shadowy interiors, and vintage furnishings give each scene a nostalgic, lived-in feeling to the scenes on the cards. Meanwhile, the images depicting scenes from outdoors bring to life the enchantment of nature, the beauty in the seasons, and magic of the elements. Together, the indoor and outdoor illustrations create a cohesive visual world in which the witch’s homestead encompasses both the sanctuary of the home and the living landscape surrounding it. I also just adore the purple gilded edges of the deck!

As for the guidebook, Knox has a poetic way of bringing to awareness aspects of the inner world readers can explore. Each entry has two parts: the meaning and the story. The meaning section is not overly divinatory, rather Knox poses questions for the readers for further exploration and contemplation.

Knox weaves together the special essence of the image on the card, ranging from the Hayloft to Tea Kettle, and conveys their meaning in a comforting, gentle way. This is a great deck for sinking deeper into the present energies at hand, noticing what is bubbling up to the surface for acknowledgement or swirling around you in need of tending. One of my favorites, Nightgown, reads:

“To don the nightgown is to slip into the realm of rest, dreams, and the unique power of liminal time. Sleep is not blankness, but a veil thinned by darkness, where healing stirs and messages rise. What memories, emotions, or energies might your garments hold?”¹⁰

Mmm, so potent! Then the story aspect of the guidebook ignites the imagination, aiding readers in putting themselves into the scene. Written in second-person (“you”), Knox brings to life the scents, feelings, and inner knowing that comes through the encounter depicted on the card. Here’s a sample from another card I love, Quill & Ink:

“Quill scratches and worn wood notwithstanding, your writing desk is sacred. You’ve placed it beneath the dormer window, which always catches a cool breeze and the most golden morning light. An inkwell rests atop your desk, beckoning like a dark mirror. Pages are everywhere: half-written sheets beside the inkwell, discarded drafts curled on the floor, some crumpled in frustration. Your cat has made a bed of them, purring softly among stacks of unshelved books.”¹¹

Transport me, please! Because my reality is a hyper toddler shouting and jumping on the bed, while my happy baby babbles and tries to get up to join her brother. For a few delicious minutes, this deck brings me into a different world, allowing a special part of me a reprieve as it sinks into the delicately crafted homestead of Knox and Rose. I love all the realms this deck moves me through.

Overall, Witch’s Homestead Oracle offers a vision of witchcraft rooted in a solitary connection to the rhythms of nature and features of the home life: the feeling of the sunlight or moonlight shining in the window, the plants that need picking or cooking or canning, the festivities or responsibilities of daily life. Most of all, this deck is a way to reconnect with the inner witch within who tracks these patterns, even if subliminally, in the modern world, and needs a moment to pause, breathe, and embrace these liminal places created for our spirits to rest, contemplate, and rise again from.

For witches who find magic in gardens, kitchens, creaky stairs, jars on pantry shelves, herbs drying from rafters, and the quiet repetition of everyday rituals, this is your type of oracle deck! And even if you don’t typically consider yourself a homey witch, such as I initially felt, the magic of immersion is powerful with this deck. You might not initially recognize yourself in its imagery, but I feel confident that you’ll discover new aspects of yourself in the unfolding scenes. I will continue to return to this deck for daily card pulls, journaling, altar work, and sabbat celebrations.

StarDreaming, by Maureen B. Roberts

StarDreaming: Letters From a Mystic to a Science Fiction Author, by Maureen B. Roberts
6th Books, 1917704623, 200 pages, August 2026

What happens when two people meet at the intersection of intellect and intuition, skepticism and mysticism, outer space and inner worlds? In StarDreaming: Letters from a Mystic to a Science Fiction Author, Maureen B. Roberts offers an intimate record of a relationship that seems to exist within all of these tensions at once.

StarDreaming centers on Roberts’s correspondence with Australian science fiction author Damien Broderick during the mid-1990s. Roberts, whose background encompasses depth psychology, Jungian thought, shamanic psychotherapy, mythology, and spirituality, approached their connection through an intensely symbolic lens. Though we don’t read Broderick’s side of the correspondence, these letters become the story of two people attempting to understand one another, meeting between two different ways of interpreting reality.

Between 1994 to 1997, Roberts experienced a series of powerful dreams, including one with Broderick himself that piqued her interest in him; she came to understand the dream as foreshadowing the emotional pattern and eventual trajectory of their relationship. Even knowing things probably wouldn’t end great, Roberts dove into the relationship with an open mind and open heart.

What followed was years of thoughtful correspondences that range from day to day things going on in Roberts’ life at the time to metaphysical discussions to romantic conversation. Here’s an example of the range:

“At the heart of myth is the archetypal essence of human nature, the transcendental centre and circumferential whole of the Jungian “self”, which is coextensive with the cosmic and experientially indistinguishable from God. If myth is inclusive by virtue of its holism, so then is its unifying core self, which transcends the polarities of matter and psyche, inner and outer, Nature and technology.”¹²

To vulnerable confessions like this:

“All the men I was involved with before you were conventionally good-looking as well, personality-wise, idealised versions of my idolised father, and as I’ve mentioned before, part of my breaking free from this complex has come through finally learning to love aman who’s not in the least like my dad, so perhaps I’ve made some progress.”¹³

It’s so fascinating to see things from Roberts’ perspective, navigating her inner world during the evolution of her relationship with Broderick.

Readers familiar with Jung will recognize many of the ideas woven throughout the letters: projection, archetypes, synchronicity, individuation, the unconscious, and the meaningful symbolic life. Yet the book moves beyond Jungian psychology into questions of precognition, spirituality, reincarnation, shamanism, paranormal experience, literature, and philosophy.

Science fiction becomes another realm where these mysteries are explored, as Broderick was a science fiction writer, while Roberts was an enthusiastic reader. Robert introduces readers to the idea that rather than being completely separate from mystical experience, speculative fiction becomes a place where humanity has long experimented with ideas about consciousness, identity, alternate realities, transcendence, and the unknown. While I rarely knew the science fiction book she was discussing, I loved how she interwove themes, for instance:

“All of this is of course the essence of synchronistic phenomena as eruptions of archetypes into the phenomenal realm. Predictably, then, Strieber’s aliens reflect the evolution of consciousness, that is, Jung’s proposal that ruling dominant age, thereby bringing about what he called a ‘metamorphosis of the gods’, such that (in Strieber’s words) ‘we know that their appearance depends more on the understanding of reality through which a given culture perceives them than on any objective insight into their true nature.”¹⁴

I mean, we got aliens, consciousness, and Jungian psychology. How cool, right?!

It’s fascinating to read her letters because Roberts can move from intellectual discussion into emotional vulnerability, from literary analysis to spiritual speculation, from psychological interpretation to the complicated realities of loving another person. She has a wide range of interests but her thoughts are absolutely fascinating.

The book’s range is broad, occasionally moving quickly between personal experience, psychology, philosophy, literature, science fiction, and mystical speculation. Those comfortable following connections between seemingly different territories are likely to find this quality part of its charm in reading Roberts’ letters.

I really enjoy epistolary structure of the book, which makes the experience of reading it particularly intimate. Since these were Robert’s personal letters during the time, decades later they still retain something of that immediacy that comes from passion–the amorous and vexing feelings all in one shimmering within the subtext. You get this glimpse into Roberts’ heart and soul, which feels a bit voyeuristic at times but completely enthralling.

And while readers never get to read Broderick’s responses, I do not feel this diminishes the book in the slightest. Ultimately, the style reinforces what StarDreaming truly is: one person’s attempt to understand what that relationship awakened within her. As someone who has long kept diaries of lovers and saved especially meaningful conversations, I just think there’s such beauty in this publication. The thought that a meaningful catalyzing relationship could yield such insight is inspiring, and it’s very entertaining to witness this small glimpse into a formative time in Roberts’ life.

While most readers will never experience Roberts’s precise circumstances, many will recognize the experience of meeting someone whose presence rearranges the internal landscape. Some relationships arrive not because they are destined to remain forever, but because they expose something previously hidden. They reveal projections. They activate wounds. They challenge assumptions. They introduce new ideas. They force an encounter with parts of the psyche that might otherwise remain comfortably unconscious. Within these letters, we see how Roberts moved through these activations, finding meaning in the process.

Love, in StarDreaming, does not guarantee compatibility. Spiritual significance does not guarantee permanence. A relationship can matter profoundly and still become conflicted. Meaning does not necessarily require a conventional happy ending. I think this is a beautiful lesson that is imparted, amid the many intellectual, emotional, and spiritual conversations taking place.

Those who are interested in exploring the idea of destiny, soul connections, synchronicity, and signs will enjoy reflecting on what might have brought Broderick and Roberts together, as StarDreaming presents a romance that is psychologically complex. This is a meaningful example of how connection may feel fated while still demanding discernment and how a dream may reveal significance without providing simple instructions. Sometimes, the goal is not a unified relationship; transformation itself may be the purpose.

Ultimately, Roberts invites us into the liminal territory where dreams intersect with waking life, intellectual understanding meets intuitive knowing, and another person can become both companion and catalyst. Some relationships change the course of our lives because they last. Others change us because they awaken something. StarDreaming is an exploration of the latter and of the mysterious inner universe that opens when we are willing to take our dreams seriously.

I highly recommend this book for those interested in Jungian psychology, dreamwork, synchronicity, paranormal experience, science fiction, shamanic perspectives, and spiritually transformative relationships. Roberts has given those with mystical inclinations a real gift by sharing her letters. There are so many avenues one can explore within the content–discovering new sci-fi books, understanding Jung better, contemplating the role of dreams in our lives–that I am sure each reader will take away something special from this book.

The Divine Pendulum Oracle, by Joan Rose Staffen

The Divine Pendulum Oracle: Play, Learn, Transform, and Live Authentically, by Joan Rose Staffen
Independently Published, 979-8307160886, 156 pages, 42 cards, July 2026

For those who have ever been intrigued by pendulum divination but felt uncertain about how to move beyond basic yes-or-no questions, Joan Rose Staffen’s The Divine Pendulum Oracle: Play, Learn, Transform, and Live Authentically offers a welcoming way to deepen the practice. Blending pendulum work, intuitive development, spirituality, creativity, and colorful artwork, Staffen creates a system designed not simply to provide answers, but to encourage readers to develop a more active relationship with their own inner guidance.

This oracle is composed of 42 Intuitive Charts cards created to be used alongside a pendulum. Rather than limiting pendulum work to binary yes-or-no responses, these charts allow practitioners to explore a broader range of possibilities and questions relating to healing, creativity, work, spiritual development, and everyday life. Staffen presents the pendulum as a tool for accessing intuition and higher consciousness, with the charts acting as a framework that helps give that intuitive exploration direction and structure.

The charts are very specific too, which is GREAT for uncovering insights. Staffen has really provided a variety of ways to enhance your divinations with the pendulum, which can feel surprisingly open-ended if you’re not sure how to guide it. Learning what to ask is often just as important as learning how to read the movement itself. Staffen’s chart-based approach helps bridge that gap. Instead of staring at a swinging pendulum and wondering where to go next, readers are given a method that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and increasingly nuanced questions.

Here’s a list of some of the pendulum charts she provides with a few items on the chart (there’s many more options for each one covered below):

∙ Support Team (Family, God, Goddess, Psychic, Sponsor, Teacher, Therapist)

∙ Self Care (Dance, Books, Be Still, Yoga, Support Group, Music, Personal Inventory)

∙ Enhancing Psychic Skills (Mentor, Journal, Gratitude List, Pray, Record Dreams & Analyze, Altar)

∙ Psychic Identity (Clairaudient, Diviner/Dowser, Mystic, Witch)

∙ Flower Essences (Borage, Circus, Tomato, Violet, Olive)

∙ Creative Blocks (Fear of Failure, Past Life Trauma, Lack of Time, Addiction)

∙ Vitamins and Minerals (Healthy Goods, Vitamin C, Calcicum, Iron)

There’s just SO MANY detailed charts that my readings have gotten incredibly accurate with the pendulum.

Another thing I absolutely love is the design of these cards. Staffen’s colorful paintings are integrated throughout the deck, featured on the back of each card, giving the system a lively, expressive energy that distinguishes it from more technical books on dowsing. She has described painting as deeply connected to her own spiritual and creative process, and that relationship between art and intuition becomes part of the philosophy behind the oracle itself. I love how you can flip the card and discover yet another way to connect with the card by gazing at her gorgeous abstract art and tuning into the energy it evokes.

Her accompanying guidebook introduces each card’s topic and painting. Staffen also shares some wisdom related to the topic, along with the opportunity and challenge present, action to take, and questions to ask, if you’re not sure how to approach the chart.

The guidebook also shares information about using the pendulum in general, such as where to purchase one or how to make it yourself, centering yourself, and spiritually preparing for the experience. If someone is not sure which chart to begin with, there’s even a list that one can use the pendulum on to decide. And the real bonus is that ALL the charts featured in the beautiful cards are also included in the book too!

While many of the charts cover deeply personal and spiritual topics, there’s a sense of play and creativity to the deck that makes it very inviting. Spiritual development can sometimes become overly serious, with practitioners worrying about whether they are receiving the “correct” message or interpreting a sign properly. Staffen instead encourages experimentation. Learning the pendulum becomes an ongoing conversation that can evolve as the practitioner becomes more comfortable with asking questions, recognizing patterns, and trusting their responses.

I also like how this method encourages strengthening your connection to inner guidance rather than simply predicting outcomes. There’s a lot of room for people to personalize the guidance they receive and take actionable steps in their life to make use of what comes through in the reading. Staffen encourages readers to use the practice for daily guidance, self-reflection, creativity, spiritual connection, and helping themselves recognize potential solutions to challenges instead of following it with deterministic information.

Staffen’s focus on higher consciousness, placing the practice within a spiritual worldview rather than presenting the pendulum merely as a decision-making device, also brings a special energy during the readings. This emphasis reflects her larger body of work. An author, artist, psychic healer, and intuitive coach, she has spent decades exploring practices that include pendulum divination, meditation, energy work, and other spiritual healing modalities. The Divine Pendulum Oracle feels like a culmination of those interests, bringing together divination and creativity in a particularly visual form.

For those who often turn to tarot or oracle cards, this method of hands-on divination is a great way to switch up your style. The targeted answers in the chart are A TON of fun to do with a friend or partner. My husband and I have enjoyed using the charts when we need clarity, guidance, or to just open up conversation. We loved discovering our psychic identities! And we also enjoy the Love and Romance Chart, which has things like Bonding, Trust, Tantric Practice, Let Go, Risk, and Open Your Heart on it to provide some insight on what we might want to explore next in our relationship. The charts are definitely a wonderful conversation starter! I could see them also being amazing for group bonding exercises too.

One of my favorite charts in the deck is Prosperity Problem Solving. The top of this chart lists obstacles (Anger, Unworthiness, Inertia, Lack of Passion about Life), while the bottom lists solutions (Positive Attitude, Meditation, Books, Forgiveness, Affirmations). I think this dual-sided chart is a great way to hone in on what the true issue is when it comes to our abundance.

Overall, The Divine Pendulum Oracle aids readers in cultivating an ongoing practice of asking, listening, experimenting, and discovering. The pendulum becomes a focal point for a larger process of self-inquiry that invites the practitioner to consider what their intuition may already be trying to communicate. Staffen reminds us of the value in approaching divination with openness and curiosity, noting it’s not only about seeking answers about what happens next but also a way to learn about ourselves.

Experienced diviners may find themselves particularly interested in the chart system as another method to incorporate into an existing practice, while newcomers benefit from having a concrete structure with which to begin. There is also plenty here for readers interested in oracle cards, intuitive coaching, creativity, or energetic practices who may not previously have thought of the pendulum as their preferred divination tool to explore.

Staffen has created a truly wonderful deck filled with thoughtful consideration of the charts and imbued with a vibrant spirit through her artwork. This is hands-down the best pendulum deck I’ve ever worked with!

Celtic Elemental Tarot, by Ayn Cates Sullivan and Belle Crow duCray

Celtic Elemental Tarot, by Ayn Cates Sullivan and illustrated by Belle Crow duCray
Findhorn Press, 979-8888502808, 320 pages, December 2025

Ayn Cates Sullivan’s Celtic Elemental Tarot, beautifully illustrated by Belle Crow duCray, is a richly layered and thoughtfully crafted deck that offers far more than a standard tarot experience. Rooted in Celtic mythology, Arthurian legend, elemental wisdom, and spiritual symbolism, this deck invites readers into a living world of mystery, landscape, and sacred imagination. It is both a divinatory tool and an immersive journey into one of the most enduring spiritual and mythic traditions of the Western world.

From the moment the box is opened, the care and craftsmanship behind this set are evident. The presentation is elegant and substantial, with a sturdy lift-top box that feels designed for long-term use rather than disposable novelty. Inside, the deck is housed with intention and visual beauty, creating the sense that one is opening a treasured keepsake rather than simply another card set. The cards themselves are printed on quality cardstock with a satisfying weight and finish, durable enough for regular readings while still easy to handle and shuffle.

One of the most striking aesthetic choices is the use of bold white borders around the artwork. In many decks, borders can feel distracting or unnecessary, but here they serve an important visual purpose. They frame each image like a sacred icon or illuminated manuscript panel, allowing the artwork to stand out with clarity and reverence. The contrast between the vivid illustrations and the clean white space gives each card a timeless, gallery-like quality. Rather than limiting the images, the borders elevate them.

Belle Crow duCray’s artwork is one of the great strengths of this deck. Rendered with grace, symbolism, and meticulous attention to detail, the cards are filled with natural beauty, mythic presence, and spiritual atmosphere. Animals, plants, landscapes, seasonal cues, and sacred objects all contribute to a visual language that feels deeply connected to the land and to the unseen worlds of Celtic lore. The illustrations are not merely decorative—they are initiatory. Each card contains layers that reveal themselves over time, rewarding repeated use and contemplative study.

Especially impressive is the subtle integration of astrological symbolism throughout the deck. Rather than mechanically repeating familiar esoteric correspondences, the creators have reimagined these associations in ways that better reflect the card meanings and the Celtic worldview. This gives the deck an originality that feels intelligent rather than arbitrary. It demonstrates a willingness to honor tradition while allowing it to evolve through another cultural lens. Readers interested in astrology, symbolism, or comparative esotericism will find much to appreciate here.

The structure of the deck also offers fresh insight. While remaining recognizable to tarot readers, the system expands the Major Arcana into categories such as allies, challenges, virtues, and cosmic forces, while the Minor Arcana follows the elemental suits of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. This elemental framework feels especially natural within a Celtic context, where land, weather, seasonal cycles, and the powers of nature are central to spiritual understanding. The result is a deck that feels coherent, purposeful, and alive.

Sullivan’s guidebook deserves special praise. At 318 pages, it is substantial enough to function as a standalone spiritual text in its own right. Far more than a booklet of keywords, it provides mythological background, symbolic interpretation, practical guidance, and multiple card spreads that encourage ongoing exploration. The inclusion of varied reading methods makes the deck highly usable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Whether one seeks a daily draw, deeper pathworking, or a more ceremonial spread, the book offers meaningful ways to engage.

What makes Celtic Elemental Tarot particularly compelling is the depth of its atmosphere.This is not a superficial “theme deck” that borrows Celtic imagery for decoration. It feels informed by genuine reverence for the mythology, history, and spiritual imagination behind its source material. There is a palpable sense of place throughout the deck—the hills, forests, waters, and ancient stories of the Celtic lands seem to breathe through the cards. For those with ancestral ties to these traditions, the experience may feel especially resonant. For others, it offers an inviting gateway into a wisdom path centered on nature, courage, sovereignty, and sacred relationship with the world.

This deck will appeal to tarot readers, pagans, myth enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and anyone drawn to earth-based traditions. It is equally suited for divination, meditation, seasonal ritual, and devotional practice. It adds depth to readings not by complication, but by richness—bringing history, symbol, and spirit into meaningful conversation.

Overall, Celtic Elemental Tarot is a stunning achievement. It is beautiful in construction, profound in symbolism, generous in teaching, and deeply evocative in spirit. Few decks manage to feel this expansive while remaining practical and accessible. For anyone seeking a tarot deck infused with mythic intelligence, natural spirituality, and artistic excellence, this is a remarkable and welcome addition to the tarot world.

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, by James Burgess and Julia Sophia

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto: The Impact of the Astrological Outer Planets, by James Burgess and Julia Sophia
Weiser Books, 1578639182, 208 pages, July 2026

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto by James Burgess and Julia Sophia is a thought-provoking exploration of these three outer planets, presenting them not simply as forces of disruption or transformation but as interconnected expressions of a unified spiritual consciousness. Going beyond familiar cookbook interpretations, the authors invite readers into a richer philosophical framework that “adds profound new layers to the ever-evolving field of the collective consciousness and reveals that even the universe itself is a work in progress.”¹³

I will admit that this book hooked me from the start. First of all, these transpersonal planets do not get enough attention. Many astrologers love to throw the baby with the bathwater out and focus exclusively on the traditional planets, while modern ones often resort to psychologizing the planets, thus focusing on personal attributes to describe their energy, which overlooks their transpersonal nature. By looking at these planets through the lens of wisdom teachings, these authors bring a better way to incorporate these planets into our astrological gnosis.

Following an introduction that lays the foundation of the book, “Part 1: The Planets” dedicates a chapter for each one. These were quite insightful, detailing the symbolism, discovery and historical events surrounding the planet’s detection, highlighting how the planet’s energy is a reflection of the times. From there, the authors weave together a meaningful explanation of how the planet relates to the word they equate with it (Uranus – freedom, Neptune – creativity, and Pluto – evolution).

“Part II: The Transits” then covers the conjunction, square, and opposition of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto to the traditional seven planets, Chiron, and the angles (MC, IC, ASC, and DSC). In regard to these slow-moving transits, the authors write:

“Transits by the outers are “gifts from the gods”: they are portals in time that invite us into a vacuum of everything that was, is, and will ever be. We are granted access to an alternative space that offers new scripts and accelerated possibilities for shaping a different reality.”¹⁵

I enjoyed reading through the descriptions of the transits that I’ve experienced, such as Pluto transiting my natal Mars, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Venus during its time in Capricorn from the start of 2008 to the end of 2024. I think consulting this book before meeting with an astrology client is a great way to expand your perception and generate inspiration for the reading; likewise, those who use astrology more personally would benefit from a wider understanding of the energy of these meaningful transits.

One thing I really enjoyed about this section is how the authors focus on the astrologer’s responsibility to not fall into doom and gloom when it comes to interpreting a planet in the chart. I have seen this happening SO MUCH recently, especially in astrocartography where some readers make claims such as “I would never send someone to a Pluto line” or “Going to a Mars line is bound to cause accidents.” The outlook provided by the authors is grounded yet filled with light, focusing on the meaningful experience that is possible rather than malefic superstitions.

“Part III: The Holy Trinity” presents the triad of Freedom (Uranus), Creativity (Neptune), and Evolution (Pluto) working together in the soul’s unfolding based on the unique energy of The Trinity Point, which can be calculated by finding the midpoint of the three outer planets in the chart, and its opposite degree, The Unity Point. This fascinating contribution to astrology intended to deepen spiritual self-understanding and provide another lens through which to interpret the natal chart.

The authors share how to get the calculations for this special 3-planet midpoint. I BELIEVE I did it correctly, but it was a little confusing with the degrees since there’s 60 minutes in a degree rather than the usual 100 base used to find an average. My Trinity Point came out to be 19’44 Sagitarrius. Though, the authors note the Trinity Point could also be one of the two trines to the average degree, noting “the other two can be seen as wings that offer support and wider context to the chosen Trinity Point itself.”¹⁶

The way you determine which point feels more resonant is by reading the Sabian Symbols for each degree. And it is through this Sabian Symbol that we come to know both our Trinity Point and Unity Point. I found it absolutely fascinating to meditate on how the Sabian Symbols reveal more about my spiritual path in life.

The Trinity Point symbol is “In an old-fashioned northern village men cut the ice of a frozen pond for use during the summer.”, while the Unity Point is “A modern cafeteria displays an abundance of food, products of various regions.” The Unity Point actually cracked me up because my whole life I’ve LOVED buffets and being in a cafeteria. Working with the Sabian Symbols ended up taking me on a whole side quest of looking at all the planets and angels in my chart, which made for a really interesting afternoon reflection. And since then, I’ve been calculating the Trinity and Unity Points for my family and friends telling them about this!

Overall, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto is great for those seeking a deeper symbolic, esoteric, and philosophical dimensions of chart interpretation. Those interested in evolutionary astrology, archetypal astrology, or integrating spiritual practice into their astrological work will find much to contemplate. Meanwhile, practitioners looking for fresh perspectives on the outer planets, rather than repeating familiar interpretations, will enjoy how the fresh conceptual framework presented invites reflection and experimentation. This is absolutely a book that will be kept in my “often referred to” section of my astrology library!

Replenishing the Subconscious: The Psychological Magic of The Hanged Man and The Empress, by Cariabella

Working with the Tarot extends far beyond simple fortune-telling: it offers a profound psychological roadmap. By using its symbolism, we can clear deep-seated subconscious blockages, foster genuine spiritual growth, and align our inner energy to manifest both spiritual fulfillment and real-world abundance.

Within the structure of the Major Arcana, the early cards reflect the conscious goals of our initial awakening, while the later cards walk us through the raw, intense terrain of shadow work. Bridging these two realms is a crucial evolutionary step: learning how the surrender of The Hanged Man clears subconscious interference, making way for the radiant, unlimited creative power of The Empress.

The Gardener of Your Inner Sanctuary

Imagine discovering that the master gardener responsible for cultivating your lush, fertile inner world—The Empress—is actually The Hanged Man.

At first glance, no two archetypes seem more opposed:

• The Hanged Man: Suspended upside down in solitary stillness, bound to a scaffold of living wood.

• The Empress: Seated regally on a plush throne, surrounded by flowing water, golden wheat, and boundless nature.

Far from being contradictory, these two cards form a potent esoteric formula. The Hanged Man represents the deliberate surrender of egoic force, while The Empress is the fertile subconscious mind that blossoms once that forcing stops.

The Mind as a Garden: Weeds and Seeds

In Tarot symbolism, The Empress embodies the subconscious mind in its pristine, unburdened state—the rich matrix from which all ideas take physical form.

The subconscious does not rationalize, critique, or evaluate. Like fertile soil, it blindly accepts whatever seeds are planted—whether rooted in scarcity or abundance—and automatically multiplies them into deeply ingrained habits, visceral beliefs, and outer life conditions.

Cultivating this mental landscape requires balancing two simultaneous actions:

1. Pulling Weeds: Clearing unresolved emotional blockages and toxic mental habits.

2. Planting Seeds: Consciously introducing vivid visual and emotional patterns of what you wish to create.

Why Force Fails

You cannot plant a delicate rose in a patch of untamed weeds and expect it to bloom. Similarly, trying to force a “prosperity mindset” through mechanical affirmations while holding hidden fears about survival will yield zero results. Clearing old blockages and incubating new outcomes must happen together.

Jung vs. Case: Two Approaches to the Inner Soil

During the early 20th century, two influential thinkers addressed the mechanics of the creative mind: Carl Jung, pioneer of analytical psychology, and Paul Foster Case, renowned occultist and Tarot authority.

While both agreed that creative imagination bridges the conscious and unconscious, their approaches highlight a compelling dialogue between psychological exploration and structured spiritual technique.

Carl Jung: Navigating the Primordial Unconscious

Jung viewed creative imagination as the living language of the psyche—a direct pathway into the collective unconscious.

• Active Imagination: Jung advocated for directly entering inner imagery rather than remaining a passive observer. By stepping into a relaxed, reflective state, one can engage in conscious dialogue with subconscious archetypes and figures.

• The Play Instinct: Jung asserted that genuine creation springs not from intellectual effort, but from the uninhibited play instinct driven by inner necessity.

• The Visionary Mode: Beyond personal experience, Jung identified a visionary mode of creativity that reaches deep archetypal layers, allowing the individual to channel universal human motifs.

• The Path to Wholeness: Ultimately, this process serves individuation—integrating repressed or hidden aspects of the self (the Shadow) into conscious awareness to achieve psychological synthesis.

Paul Foster Case: The Deductive Logic of Manifestation

Case approached creative imagination as a precise method for systematically reprogramming the subconscious mind.

• The Empress as Subconscious Matrix: In Case’s system, Key 3 (The Empress) symbolizes the subconscious capacity to generate new configurations from stored memories and impressions.

• The Process of Conception: Case mapped this through Tarot symbolism: The Magician (conscious focus) projects an intention into The High Priestess (subconscious memory pool), yielding The Empress (creative gestation), which brings the idea into form.

• Deductive Reasoning: Because the subconscious operates deductively, it draws specific, real-world manifestations from broader, underlying principles.

• Mental Architecture: By consistently holding clear, positive images in the conscious mind, one systematically restructures subconscious programming.

The Mechanics of The Hanged Man

True transformation is rarely a straightforward march forward; it often demands a radical, intentional pause. This is where The Hanged Man enters the work.

Suspended from a tree, looking out from an inverted perspective, The Hanged Man offers an antidote to the human habit of doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.

When stress or conflict hits, our default reaction is to double down—we replay arguments, nurse grievances, and try to muscle external circumstances into changing. This mental looping pollutes the mind, poisoning the fertile soil of The Empress. The emotionally sensitive subconscious latches onto that anger or panic, storing and multiplying it across our life experiences.

Putting the Method into Practice

1. How to Clear the Soil (Surrender)

When negative emotional loops surface, assume the posture of The Hanged Man. Refuse to engage with the drama. Consciously declare: “I am not playing this game.”

Hand the situation over to your higher self or universal intelligence, trusting that stepping back creates the space for resolution. With practice, this deliberate detachment starves the subconscious weeds of their energy.

2. How to Plant New Seeds (Incubation)

Once the noise has quieted, evoke the emotional state of what you wish to create. If you seek financial vitality, cultivate genuine gratitude and delight over even small amounts of money coming into your life. Celebrate that feeling and hold it. You are giving your subconscious explicit, emotion-backed instructions on what to multiply.

The Alchemy of Transformation

You cannot fertilize the subconscious mind while your ego is panicking, micromanaging, and running in circles. Trying to overhaul your life through raw willpower alone puts the cart before the horse, leading only to internal friction and burnout.

The Hanged Man provides the breakthrough. By stepping back, inverting your perspective, and surrendering false control, you stop polluting your inner soil. Only then can you step into the sunlit garden of The Empress—resting securely on her throne, planting clear intentions, and allowing her natural, effortless fertility to manifest a transformed reality.