Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Word Witchery, by Katie Ness

Word Witchery: Walking the Path of the Poetry Priestess, by Katie Ness
Moon Books, 1803417064, 304 pages, November 2025

Does writing or reading make you feel inspired? Have you ever felt an immense relief, joy, or catharsis from penning your feelings? Or perhaps you’ve artfully woven together your sentences to create a soulful tale that took on a life of its own? Well then, you might just be a word witch! Part spiritual history, part poetic grimoire, Word Witchery: Walking the Path of the Poetry Priestess by Katie Ness explores the ancient power of the spoken and written word as a form of magic, inviting modern readers to reclaim the tradition of “word witchery” as a mystical art.

“Poetry and the written word as a vessel of devotion is a universal act of worship around the world that helps us not only make sense of the signature of all things and commune with the elements within it, but to make the intangible tangible and to recognise how sacred it all is.”1

Divided into three parts, this book is a great mixture of theoretical and historical material and hands-on suggestions for magical workings. “Part 1” begins with an introduction to Ness’s path as a word witch. She then delves into the power of the spoken word, highlighting the importance of storytelling and word craft through time. Ness shares her insights on what it means to be a poet and word witch who weaves magic through text., words as spells, and poetry as alchemy. There’s even an invitation to connect with Minevera through ritual.

In this first part, she also takes readers on an excavation of magical poetry, showing how the use of language to “invoke or manifest an outcome in a magical way”2 has been done for thousands of years. The longest section, “The Lost Voices of the Feminine Divine”, highlights lesser known women with a talent for word craft: Bullutsa-rabi from first millennium BCE in Babylon, Anyte of Tegea from 3rd century Arcadia, Gangasati from 13th century western India, Zhou Xuanjing from 12th century China, Gwerful Mechain from 15th century Wales, and many, many more. There’s a fluidity to “Part 1”, as it roams through time and space, as Ness guides readers through different cultures who have used this form of magic.

“The writing of poems is an alchemical process. Concrete words can frame more ephemeral thoughts and emotions.”3

“Part 2” is dedicated to readers creating their own word witchery practice. Ness covers a wide range of poetry-inspired topics readers might be called to write about: devotionals to deities, to celebrate sabbats, connecting with the phases of the moon, spellwork (love, healing, protection, abundance), shadow work, dream work, and even magical crafting (talismans, stitching, and more!). For all the chapters, Ness provides directions to follow, including ingredients and tools needed, which I felt gives readers more freedom to then just focus their creative energy on creating their poetry rather than having to come up with the entire spell or ritual from scratch.

My favorite type of poetry Ness suggests in “Part 2” was tarot poetry. I’ve been on a huge tarot kick recently, so this was a very neat way to further integrate the tarot wisdom I’ve been absorbing. I decided to do the “Five Card Tarot Poetry” exercise Ness shares where you do a reading and then write one sentence for each card, creating a short poem. I decided to do this, pulling five cards to divine what the rest of 2025 holds for me.

Card 1 – Judgement
Card 2 – Ten of Pentacles
Card 3 – King of Pentacles
Card 4 – Queen of Swords
Card 5 – Knight of Pentacles

I release the burden of self-blame,
rising anew in a fiery blaze.
My family bonds are deeply rooted,
I am building my legacy.
Fortified by my strength and resources,
I am recognized for my abundance.
What stands between me and fulfillment is easily sliced away,
while boundaries safeguard my peace.
A time for methodical new beginnings,
I move ahead strategically.

Okay, so it turned out more like an empowering poetic affirmation, but the process of creating this poem was quite fun and tapped me deeper into my creativity, affirming my reading in a new way. And this just goes to show that you don’t necessarily need to be an incredible word smith to embrace the process of using language, word, and speech for magical purposes. Whether it’s manifestation or divination, honoring a sacred deity or tuning into the Wheel of the Year, it’s much more about the process than the final product. Ness teaches readers how to discover their unique expression.

“Poetry and spell casting exist in the liminal realms, they are gatekeepers to portals within our subconscious mind, space, time and the aether; heightened ways to harness and manifest our seeds of potential.”4

In the final section, “Part 3”, Ness brings the book full circle by closing with a ritual honoring Brigid. She also shares writing prompts for further exploration.

One thing I really appreciate about this book is how Ness reinforces that word-based magic was once a living spiritual practice, and that it’s still possible for us to tap into this for ourselves. The history she shares, particularly the forgotten ancestry of women who wielded language as their wand, made this path of word crafting feel grounded for me. Ness shows the power of language is not just mystical lore, but a real, ancient tradition that can be reclaimed within our own spiritual practice. There’s a long lineage of female voices in magical traditions, and accepting Ness’s invitation to reconnect with this path is aiding me in finding my own voice as a source of power.

Overall, Word Witchery is an inspiring read for anyone who senses that writing, poetry, or spoken word is a magical practice in itself. Ness offers a bridge between ancient traditions and contemporary spirituality, reclaiming the role of the word witch and poetry priestess through thoughtful research and practical ritual readers can do. If you’re someone who loves diving into the power of language, healing through creative expression, or working with feminine spiritual energy, this book is perfect for learning how to weave your own worlds with words.

Making Tarot Magic, by Briana Saussy

Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into Action, by Briana Saussy
Weiser Books, 1578638763, 248 pages, December 2025

Have you ever done a tarot reading and found yourself wondering how to actually act on the messages the cards revealed? Maybe you journal or meditate afterward, yet the practical steps still seem to allude you. Perhaps your readings have begun to feel a bit passive, keeping you circling in the “what ifs” or lost in contemplation. Enter Making Tarot Magic by Briana Saussy, a guide that reminds us tarot isn’t just a tool for insight, but a catalyst for real transformation.

Where before there was only fate, after a good reading there should be freedom.”5

Weaving together the arts of divination and magic, Saussy reframes tarot reading as an opportunity for ritual and intention work. Readers learn how to use each tarot cards’ energy for real life healing, love, protection, abundance, and more. While many tarot books teach how to read the cards, Saussy’s focuses on what readers can do with that information to practically apply it in the world, reminding readers they can make moves to either lean into or shift the story of the cards, and use magic to do it.

“A tarot reading told you a story…and told you what you needed to do to change the story, to give it a better ending, to create more spice, adventure, and depth.”6

As an experienced diviner, Saussy has organized the book into chapters based on top topics people most seek advice about: love (marriage, romance), prosperity and abundance (personal wealth), career and business success, healing, court cases and legal issues, fertility/pregnancy and manifestation, baneful work, and protection and divine blessings.

For each intention, she provides an introductory overview, special considerations to note in regard to the Major Arcana and suits, descriptive meaning for all Major Arcana and Court Cards plus corresponding magical techniques and intentions, short meaning of the Pip cards (Ace-Ten), and then tasks for further development and relevant spells.

I absolutely LOVE how Saussy goes through each chapter and provides a different interpretation of the cards based on the specific intention of the chapter. Too many tarot books give only one general interpretation for each card, leaving it up to readers to apply the energy of the card to the specific focus of either the reading in general or the card’s placement in a spread. The way Saussy goes above and beyond interpreting each card through a different lens is both an enlightening way for readers to see the mutli-faceted nature of the cards as well as a quicker way to find a more specific answer to your question by focusing specifically on the relevant interpretation.

And on top of this there’s a magical component too, of course, which opens a whole other doorway to interacting with one’s reading too. For those new to either tarot or magic, Saussy provides a great foundation in “Chapter One: Tarot and Magic Basics”. Topics covered in this chapter include how to work with tarot cards, specifically focusing in on how they relate to magic, reviewing magical intentions, exploring different magical techniques (candles, incense, spirit work, lodestones), magical timing, color magic, how to deploy and dispose of magic, and personal concerns (things that carry the DNA of a person).

One thing I will note though is that Saussy doesn’t go too much into how to do all the different magical techniques. While she lists them in chapter one, there’s not much guidance on how to actually do textile magic; the information given more describes how it involves working with knots or fabric. For those who have no idea how to work that type of magic, me for instance in regard to textile magic and sacred vessels (witch bottles, mojo bags), I would need more specific spells with exact ingredients and instructions. So while Saussy can point readers in the right magical direction, there’s definitely going to be a bit more work to do for follow up.

This might just be because I read the books back to back, but I think Tarot Spreads by Meg Jones Wall would be a great compliment to Making Tarot Magic because it teaches readers how to intentionally structure their readings to get to the heart of their question. While I absolutely love all the different interpretations of the tarot based on the overall topic that Saussy provides, I initially felt like I could only one-card pulls that corresponded with my intention to then draw on the magical insight Saussy provides for the card in the relevant chapter.

It wasn’t until I thought to put to use what I’d learned in Tarot Spreads about creating spreads that I started to see how I could layer different topics from Making Tarot Magic (ex. Healing, romance, and divine messages) into one reading. And once I started doing this, I became enthralled with mixing together the different messages from Saussy’s perspective in this book.

Here’s an example of one of my readings I did to find a way to feel unstuck. I had been creatively blocked and worrying about money. I wasn’t in a state of flow. I crafted my own spread with the intention of reading each card from the corresponding chapter in Making Tarot Magic:

Card 1 – How am I holding back my own abundance?
Four of Coins from “Chapter Three: Money, Honey! Part One: Personal Prosperity, Wealth, and Abundance”.

“The querent refuses to give up the best part of themselves and so does not have as much security or abundance as they otherwise might.”7

Card 2 – What messages are there from the divine that can help me overcome this?
King of Pentacles from “Chapter Nine: Full of Ourselves: Safeguarding Vital Energy and Opening to Divine Empowerment and Blessings”.

“There is a need to connect to family members, ancestors, and history. Personal history, world history, history of place–any or all of these are relevant now.”8

Card 3 – How can I apply my creativity to create a new path?
Three of Cups from “What Are You Expecting? Fertility, Pregnancy, and the Work of Manifesting”.

“Female friends will come around to support and bless someone so that they may go forth and be fertile.”9

Overall interpretation: I’ve been spending too much time on my own, in my head, declining social invitations, and being a bit of a grump, which is to say I haven’t been sharing myself with others much. This reading reminded me that I light up when I am around people I love, especially my good friends who have been there through thick and thin throughout the years.

Wouldn’t you know the next day one of my good friends invited me over and I gave into a day of pure relaxation. I didn’t think about work, food prepping, or the upcoming holidays. We watched Wicked, sang and danced to Taylor Swift’s new album, and got caught up on life with each other. And I was absolutely rejuvenated! It felt like a clean slate. My reading ended up being spot-on in what I needed, and I’m glad it gave me the awareness I needed to accept my friend’s invitation instead of pushing it off for the sake of productivity.

Overall, I’ve very much enjoyed Making Tarot Magic for the variety of card interpretations. For those with a magical background, there’s a lot of room to apply your craft in regard to tarot readings. Saussy provides not just tarot insights, but a magical roadmap for creating meaningful change, gifting readings the opportunity to transform their reading into practical real-life action.

Whether readers are seeking to work magic related to their relationships, healing, manifestation, money, career, legal matters, or protection,this book gives you the tools to discern the messages of your readings more clearly and then utilize magic to pave the way forward. Saussy’s guidance helps readers move from “what the cards say” to “how I can act with the cards’ energy?”. This is truly a gift of freedom, as readers ultimately hold the cards and have the ability to do what they will with the information presented. Saussy’s lists of magical ways to work with each cards’ energy is a truly a useful addition to any magician’s book collection.

Seeds of Light Oracle Deck, by Danielle Venables and Stephanie Wicker-Campbell

Seeds of Light Oracle Deck, by Danielle Venables with artwork by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell
Muse Oracle Press, 9780645885095, 140 pages, 48 cards, November 2025

Seeds of Light Oracle Deck by Danielle Venables with artwork by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell is a colorful deck that invites users to connect with their intuition and cultivate personal growth through its evocative imagery and thoughtful guidance.

Danielle Venables is an author, mentor, akashic guide, and mother. As a spiritual midwife, Venables’ work focuses on soul purpose, holistic success, conscious leadership, and motherhood initiations. She has guided hundreds of women on their journey of empowerment since the birth of her daughter in 2019. She feels that this personal event ignited her own spiritual awakening. With this deck, she wants to “plant seeds of light.”6 You can learn more about her on her website.

“It is her goal, and soul mission, to plant seeds of light across the planet and activate the remembering of the divine light within every soul here at this time and to ultimately see the very fabric of society shift into more peace and harmony.”10

Stephanie Wicker-Campbell is a gifted illustrator and artist who combines artwork in a way that is simply out of this world. She has illustrated numerous oracle decks, journals, and book covers in rich hues and beautiful renderings. Here are some of her other publications reviewed previously.

What interested me about this deck was the name and the idea that we are all planting and harvesting “seeds of light.” As a lightworker in a modern world, I can use this special oracle for tapping into divine wisdom, and so can you!

To test the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and my friends loved it!  Here is a short recap of a few of the cards drawn by the ladies in the group and their response to the guidance:

TB had a question about a relationship.
She drew the card Let Go. She smiled when she read “Trust that what’s meant to stay in your life will stay, without you trying to control and hold it together.”11

KS wanted to know how to best support her daughter, who is struggling.
This is her card: Sovereignty. The guidance included a note to be mindful of being overly generous or overextending yourself. She knew exactly what that meant and thanked me (and Venables) for the guidance.

LK asked a question about a financial matter.
Her card was Integrity. She was really challenged by the questions posed in the guidebook and the admonition to “consider whether your actions align with your values and vision.”12

The guidebook is carefully structured to make finding the guidance for each card easy, as Venables lists each card in alphabetical order in the Table of Contents.  For each card, she features a full-color photo of the card, lists the name of the card, a few key words, and then guidance.

She wraps up the written wisdom with what she calls “Integration” and lists two or three questions for more insight. I really love these questions, as it takes the guidance to a more personal level. You can journal your answers to the questions or just ponder the ideas presented.

Venables includes several spreads as well as a section on how to work with the cards. She covers the basics of setting the scene, shuffling, and allowing the cards to speak to you. Venables also presents the concept of reversed cards, how to read them, and gives several examples of interpretations of reversed cards.

In the back of the guidebook, she includes a short appendix, which lists the types of senses or “clairs” that everyone uses to tap into spiritual wisdom. This is one of the best descriptions of this topic that I have seen. 

One of the most striking features of the Seeds of Light Oracle Deck is its vibrant, uplifting artwork. Wicker-Campbell masterfully blends gentle pastels and radiant colors to convey a sense of hope, healing, and possibility on each card. The illustrations are modern yet timeless, with symbolic elements that encourage contemplation and connection. The back of the cards features a decorated frame that feels like a portal to higher guidance. One can use this image for meditation or gazing for more wisdom.

The card stock is of high quality with a smooth, matte finish, making shuffling easy and enjoyable. The deck is packaged in a two-part box that is both sturdy and beautifully designed, reflecting the care and intention behind this divination tool. The inside of the deck box reads:

“When you move in unwavering devotion to the desires of your heart, you can move mountains with faith alone.”13

Overall, Seeds of Light Oracle Deck is a heartfelt, radiant companion for anyone seeking guidance, inspiration, or a deeper connection with their own inner wisdom. Its combination of beautiful artistry and thoughtful messaging makes it a valuable addition to any spiritual toolkit.

Venables’ words are positive, encouraging, and compassionate.  Yet, the questions she poses invite introspection and accountability. Whether used for a daily card draw, in-depth spreads, or creative journaling, this deck truly plants seeds of light for personal and spiritual growth.

I plan to keep this deck on hand for my own daily card adventures and utilize it to close out client readings. The thoughtful questions Venables poses will be a great addition to my readings and discussions with clients and friends.

The Dragon Rune Oracle, by Kieron Morgan and Isedon Goldwing

The Dragon Rune Oracle, by Kieron Morgan and Isedon Goldwing
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537290, 108 pages, 28 cards, August 2025

The Dragon Rune Oracle is a rich and imaginative system that blends Welsh and Celtic myth, dragon lore, and runic symbolism into a divination tool designed to deepen one’s  connection with primordial dragon energies. Created by Kieron Morgan with rune design by Isedon Goldwing, this oracle aims to help practitioners communicate with dragon guides, receive counsel from ancient dragon clans, and even tap into the voice of Tiamat, the  Queen of Dragons.

One of the best aspects of this deck is the guidebook itself. The deck includes a 107-page guidebook that lays a strong foundation for working with dragon magic in a grounded and structured way.

Morgan provides an impressively comprehensive framework for dragon-based spiritual practice, beginning with preparations for entering ritual space and moving into methods of calling, communicating  with, and releasing dragon energies. He outlines what to do before, during, and after a  reading, and offers contextual lore on the Celtic veneration of land, sea, and sky—an  animistic worldview that situates dragons not as fantastical creatures but as ancient  intelligent forces woven into the fabric of creation. The writing is both accessible and reverent, making the system feel alive and usable for practitioners at any level. 

The organization of the deck is also noteworthy. The runes, each created by Goldwing, are elegant, angular symbols that feel simultaneously modern and archaic. They are  presented through the lens of several dragon clans, each representing a unique energetic signature and philosophical lesson. Cards like Sha’oren (discernment, Akashic memory),  Ratanen (chaos and infinite possibility), and Kaegos (balance through transformation)  illustrate the breadth of perspective offered by these primordial beings.

The spreads included in the guidebook are thoughtful and surprisingly profound in practice, and in my own readings the messages that surfaced, particularly those attributed to Tiamat and to  personal Dragon Guardians, carried a clarity and emotional resonance that felt deeply  authentic.

Where this deck also truly excels is in its metaphysical architecture. Morgan draws heavily from  Welsh and Celtic lore, weaving subtle threads of bardic tradition, ancestral magic, and  poetic inspiration into his descriptions. The runes feel connected to a lineage that values wisdom, transformation, and communion with the unseen realms. The book’s section on  glimpsing the dragon’s realm—a mist-filled, luminous space between worlds—was  especially evocative, providing a mythic backdrop that enhances the reader’s intuitive  engagement with the cards.

However, the artistic choices for the deck itself present a mixed experience. The cardstock is excellent: smooth, sturdy, and comfortable in the hand. The rune symbols are clear and beautifully rendered. Yet every card features the same cloudy gray background with identical lighting, coloration, and dragon-silhouette overlay. While aesthetically pleasing in isolation, the repetition across the entire deck can make the cards feel visually flattened during readings.

The richness of the lore, full of sea-dragons, sky-dragons, deep-ocean  clans, fiery transformative forces, and the ancient cosmic presence of Tiamat, cries out  for more variation in imagery, palette, or environmental cues. Even subtle changes in color tone, texture, or clan-specific motifs could have helped reinforce the distinctions so  thoroughly articulated in the guidebook. 

There are also symbolic omissions that feel like missed opportunities. The guidebook  references the Dragon’s Eye rune, yet this powerful symbol does not appear as its own  card. Likewise, the Welsh druidic symbol Awen, representing the triple rays of divine  inspiration and a central motif in Celtic bardic tradition, seems perfectly aligned with the deck’s thematic focus but is absent from the card set.

Including Awen, or even additional  cards honoring key Welsh mythic figures such as Cerridwen, Gwion, or archetypes of the  Maiden-Mother-Crone, could have further anchored the system in the cultural and  mythopoetic soil from which it draws inspiration. More references to the Celtic triad of  Earth, Sea, and Sky, which are so foundational to indigenous Celtic cosmology, would also have  added coherence and depth. 

Despite these artistic and symbolic limitations, The Dragon Rune Oracle remains a  meaningful and insightful tool. The clarity of Morgan’s writing, the strength of the rune  system, and the structure of the guidebook itself create a pathway into dragon wisdom that  feels both reverent and grounded. The spreads are thoughtfully constructed, the energy work instructions are practical, and the tone of the entire system encourages a sense of  respect and reciprocity between practitioner and dragon guide. For those seeking to  deepen their connection to Welsh and Celtic metaphysics, or to explore dragon magic in a structured and spiritually authentic way, this deck offers a valuable entry point. 

For me, working with the deck produced moments of genuine resonance. The messages  that emerged in readings were potent, often arriving with a sense of mythic clarity— reminders of sovereignty, creativity, personal transformation, and the untamed forces within. While I wished for more visual variety and a fuller embrace of Celtic symbolic traditions, the underlying system is strong enough that the deck still functions beautifully  for meditation, divination, and spiritual communion. 

I recommend The Dragon Rune Oracle to readers who feel called to dragon magic, to  practitioners of Celtic spirituality, and to those seeking a structured yet intuitive approach to working with primordial beings. Its guidebook alone is worth the investment, and with mindful practice, the deck can become a powerful companion on the path of mythic exploration and personal empowerment.

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron, by Cyndi Brannen

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron: Spells, Spirits, Rites & Rituals, by Cyndi Brannen, PhD
Weiser Books, 157863881X, 256 pages, July 2025 

Entering Hekate’s Cauldron by Cyndi Brannen, PhD, is a thorough, evocative exploration of Hekatean witchcraft that stands apart from most contemporary works on the goddess. Brannen, already well known for her contributions to modern Hekatean practice, brings an  academic precision and a deep personal devotion that gives this book both authority and soul. This beautifully structured volume blends scholarship, spirituality, and ritual praxis into a guide that is both accessible to newcomers and profoundly enriching for seasoned practitioners. 

What immediately drew me into this book was its depth. Brannen approaches Hekate not  simply as an archetype or historical figure but as a living, multidimensional goddess whose presence is felt in the liminal spaces of nature, psyche, and spirit. Her writing is grounded  in research—mythological, historical, and ritual—but also shaped by decades of personal devotional practice. This combination gives the book a tone that is both reverent and confident, offering readers a clear and coherent path into relationship with Hekate without sensationalism or oversimplification. 

One of the best aspects of Entering Hekate’s Cauldron is its organization. Brannen builds the reader’s understanding gradually, beginning with foundational mythos and historical context before moving into ritual structure, devotional work, and spellcraft. The sections exploring Hekate’s epithets are especially compelling. Brannen treats these titles not merely as poetic descriptors but as gateways into the goddess’s distinct powers and personalities. Her method of using the epithets for divination and for discerning which  aspect of Hekate is present is refreshing, innovative, and deeply rooted in traditional magical sensibilities. For practitioners seeking a nuanced relationship with the goddess, this section alone is invaluable. 

The practical material is another highlight. Brannen includes recipes, ritual components, correspondences, and offerings, each framed within a culturally respectful and historically informed understanding of Hekate’s cult. Her instructions for crafting sacred  items, preparing devotional foods, and working within the cauldron as a metaphysical space are presented with clarity and care. These recipes and rites feel both approachable and potent, offering readers tangible ways to bring Hekate into their daily or monthly spiritual rhythms.

Perhaps what resonated with me most was the way the book illuminated Hekate’s  presence not only in ancient myth and ritual but also in modern life. Brannen’s discussions  of symbolism (the crossroads, torches, keys, dogs, serpents, herbs, and moon) encouraged me to reflect on how these signs have appeared throughout my own  experiences. The book sparked a sense of synchronicity, revealing connections I had not  previously recognized. In many ways, reading this book felt like being led step by step  toward an encounter I had long sensed but never fully understood. 

Brannen writes with the voice of someone who has walked this path sincerely and  extensively. Her explanations of liminality, shadow work, and spiritual sovereignty are  clear, articulate, and grounded in both academia and lived devotion. The tone is warm yet authoritative, offering guidance without prescriptive rigidity. She emphasizes personal discernment and encourages practitioners to build a relationship with Hekate that is ethical, reciprocal, and authentic. 

The book is also visually and structurally well-designed, with thoughtful interior formatting  and an intuitive chapter progression. It is evident that great care went into arranging the  material so that readers can deepen their understanding progressively as they work  through the text. Whether used as a study manual, a ritual guide, or a devotional  companion, it adapts beautifully to the practitioner’s needs. 

Overall, Entering Hekate’s Cauldron is one of the most comprehensive and meaningful  works on Hekate currently available. It bridges scholarship and witchcraft seamlessly,  honoring both the historical tradition and the living, evolving nature of modern Hekatean  practice. Brannen’s approach is mature, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine reverence,  making it an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to cultivate a deeper relationship with  the goddess. 

For me personally, this book opened the door to a new level of connection with Hekate. It clarified aspects of her mythology that I had only glimpsed, illuminated her symbolism in  ways that felt personally relevant, and provided a framework for approaching her with  respect and understanding. By the time I finished the last page, I knew that Hekate would  become part of my own spiritual practice moving forward. 

I highly recommend Entering Hekate’s Cauldron to witches, spirit workers, scholars of  ancient religion, and anyone seeking to explore the mysteries of a complex and powerful  goddess. Brannen offers a guide that is both academically rigorous and spiritually  transformative—a rare combination, and one that makes this book truly exceptional.

Memento Mori, by Red Wheel/Weiser

Memento Mori: 36 Cards to Embrace Life, by Red Wheel/Weiser
Red Wheel, 1590035860, 36 cards, October 2025 

Memento Mori: 36 Cards to Embrace Life is far more than a simple oracle deck; it is a  contemplative, visually arresting meditation on the universal human experience. Rooted in  the ancient maxim Memento Mori, Memento Vivare— “remember that you will die, do not  forget to live”—this deck offers a uniquely balanced fusion of mortality and vitality.  This 36-cards set invites readers to reflect on the  fragility, beauty, and sacred ordinariness of life through art that is both haunting and deeply life-affirming. 

The first thing that struck me about this deck was its powerful intentionality. Each card  depicts a skeleton—no identities, no hierarchies, no distinctions. Whether a gardener, a  healer, a wanderer, or a childlike rabbit figure, every being is rendered with the same bones beneath the surface. This symbolic leveling highlights the truth at the heart of memento mori: regardless of where we come from or where we believe we are going, we walk the  same path from dust to dust, from life to death. Rather than approaching this with heaviness, the deck uses that equality as a basis for solidarity, compassion, and the celebration of the present moment. 

The artwork is one of the deck’s greatest strengths. Against a cool, subdued gray  background, evocative of ash, stone, and impermanence, vibrant  florals, botanical elements, and richly hued natural motifs are used to create striking visual contrast. The result is a language of opposites brought into harmony: the starkness of bone beside the lushness of life, the quiet of the grave beside the riotous bloom of flowers. Each  card feels like a small fine-point sketch brought to life, full of delicate linework and a painterly use of color that softens the subject matter while also imbuing it with unexpected  warmth. 

The simplicity of the messages is another defining feature. Phrases such as “Hold Space”, “Be the Light”, and “Your Path Is Open” guide the reader toward grounded, practical wisdom.  More than offering predictive statements or metaphysical abstractions, the deck focuses on actionable invitations to presence, kindness, connection, and courage. In a world oversaturated with noise, these short declarations feel like distilled clarity, acting as gentle reminders to inhabit the only time we truly have in the present moment.

The companion text on the introductory card expands on this philosophy beautifully. It  acknowledges death not as something to fear but as something to understand, presenting death as a teacher that encourages us to savor our days more deeply, to notice our habits and attachments,  and to remember that each moment holds the potential to shape the legacy we leave  behind. By embracing the transient nature of our existence, we are invited to live with  greater intention, to love more freely, and to let go of what is unnecessary.

Structurally, the deck is remarkably user-friendly. Its 36-card format feels intentional and  uncluttered, giving each image the space to speak for itself. The cardstock and printing quality, demonstrated in the richly detailed fronts and the elegant skull motif on the card backs, reflect a high level of craftsmanship. The minimalism of the guide materials also supports the deck’s overall theme of nothing extraneous, only what is essential. 

One of the most compelling aspects of Memento Mori is how it frames mortality not as an  imposed limitation but as an invitation. The presence of skeletal figures reminds us that beneath our stories and differences, we are united in our origin and our eventual return to  the earth. Yet the abundance of flowers, animal life, and symbolic objects illustrates that  within that shared trajectory, there is infinite complexity, possibility, and meaning. This interplay makes the deck both meditative and inspiring—a rare duality in oracle systems.

From a practical standpoint, the deck is wonderfully versatile. It works beautifully as a  daily draw, offering a reflective touchstone for mornings or evenings. It can also support  journaling practices, shadow work, grief processing, meditation prompts, or simply  moments of grounding during stressful days. Because the messages are concise, the  cards can be integrated easily into readings with Tarot or Lenormand, adding emotional or  philosophical depth without overwhelming the spread.

Ultimately, Memento Mori: 36 Cards to Embrace Life is a deck that succeeds in delivering  exactly what it promises. It reminds us of our mortality without morbidity, guides us toward  joy without triviality. It reveals the inherent beauty of being human, not in spite of our impermanence, but because of it. For anyone seeking a tool that blends introspection, artistry, and soulful presence, this deck is a powerful companion. 

For me, working with this deck was a quiet yet profound experience. Its imagery  encouraged a sense of reverence for the everyday—an awareness that even the smallest  details of life, from a wilted flower to a fleeting moment of gratitude, carry meaning. It deepened my appreciation for the present and reinforced the truth that to remember we will die is, paradoxically, to remember to live fully. 

I highly recommend this deck to spiritual practitioners, introspective readers, artists, grief  workers, and anyone who is navigating the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. It is a beautiful tool for grounding, reflection, and reconnecting with  the essence of what it means to be alive.

Tarot Spreads, by Meg Jones Wall

Tarot Spreads: How to Read Them, Create Them, and Revise Them, by Meg Jones Wall
Weiser Books, 1578638550, 240 pages, July 2025

What’s your reading style? Are you a spread person or more of an unstructured reader, asking questions and pulling cards as you go along? I’m definitely more of the second type, as the typical past-present-future spread has always felt too vague and the Celtic Cross feels like too much to do for most readings, unless I’m really digging into something. If I do use a spread, it’s most likely one I’ve found online, usually for a specific zodiac season or related to the Wheel of the Year.

To be honest? I hadn’t really considered the spread as a vital part of a reading, focusing on the cards themselves, until reading Tarot Spreads: How to Read Them, Create Them, and Revise Them by Meg Jones Wall, which has given me so much more agency and empowerment in structuring my layouts and reignited my excitement for tarot readings! Within this book, Jones Walls does a deep-dive into an often under-appreciated aspect of tarot reading: the spread. From discussing the way spreads work to how to read them effectively, readers get the opportunity to learn how to read them effectively, create their own, or adapt/revise spreads to best get at the heart of the question at hand.

Jones Wall frames the spread as something that can be a personalized structure, capable of being customized and amended, rather than a rigid formula. With Jones Wall’s advice, readers can move beyond copying other people’s layouts and begin designing spreads that truly serve their unique questions and reading needs.

“What I’m saying is that a well-crafted tarot spread, regardless of its length of specificity, can deliver a very accurate, powerful, and useful reading, no matter the complexity of the situation or question. It’s all about learning how to work with the structure that the spread provides, and understanding the relationship between the cards, the positions, and the overall flow of the reading.”14

Divided into five parts, Jones Wall chronologically leads through the book, beginning with a heartfelt introduction in which she shares her journey to creating custom tarot spreads. Her empathy for others and insight to some of the struggles readers face at times is evident, making her a compassionate guide on this reading journey. Throughout the book, Jones Wall does a wonderful job of assuaging concerns, acknowledging the potential for disappointment readers face, and boosting the confidence of the reader by letting them know it’s okay to experiment, make mistakes, and do what feels right, regardless of what this book or any other has to say.

Plus, much of the content is written in an answer and response style, which adds to the feeling of being in dialogue with Jones Wall. I really like her style, as it makes for an engaging read. She has an uncanny knack for knowing just what the reader might ask next, keeping the flow of the book moving swiftly and intuitively. Truly, any question that popped in my head while reading was immediately answered within a few pages!

“Part One: Before We Begin” is an overview of tarot, which answers questions like what tarot is and how it works, along with providing a short description of the Major Arcana, numerology of the tarot, suits, and more. “Part Two: Reading Spreads” covers tips for reading cards, such as what to do if you don’t understand your reading and how to read reversals. While much of these two parts is tarot basics, I still appreciated Jones Wall’s unique perspective on the topic; every reader has their own little nuggets of wisdom, and I always enjoy hearing what insights they’ve picked up through their tarot journey.

In “Part Three: Writing Spreads”, Jones Wall teaches the art of creating your own spreads. She covers topics like why and when we might choose to create a spread ourselves, what to include in a well-written spread, and provides three different methods for crafting spreads, aptly named The Way of the Magician, The Way of the Hierophant, and The Way of the Priestess. She even offers advice for writing spreads in collaboration with others.

As much as I enjoy writing, the editor in me was thrilled to see a whole next dedicated to editing your spread. In “Part Four: Revising Spreads” Jones Wall offers insight on when to revise and when not to revise, as well as sharing where editing might be needed: adding a position, removing a position, switching the wording of a position for more clarity, etc. Along the way, in both “Part Three” and “Part Four”, Jones Wall includes examples and exercises for readers to see what she’s talking about in action as well as practice it for themselves.

Finally, “Part Five: Spreads for Every Occasion” provides tons of spread ideas that readers can use for inspiration to edit, tweak, or revise on their own. Jones Wall includes one-card spreads, three-card spreads, Celtic cross, zodiac spreads, Wheel of the Year spreads, and a bunch for different themes (love, creativity, self-reflection). For those who are a bit nervous about starting from scratch in creating a spread, the spreads in chapter are perfect as a starting point!

Tarot Spreads has really gotten me back into my tarot practice, which was feeling a bit stale; the content was exactly what I needed to feel confident in my connection with the cards again. The idea of a spread as a static, unchanging, and something that must be followed precisely for the “right results” is something I never questioned before, assuming that I couldn’t deviate from the layout formation of the cards. Yet Jones Wall made me see that making your own spreads is an opportunity to use my creativity, hone my intentions for the reading, and commune with the cards more fluently. And this has me excited about tarot again after a year-long hiatus!

It might sound silly, but I honestly needed to hear that you don’t have to use the spreads “as is”. And I like that Jones Walls teaches too how to tweak layouts, adjust prompts, and make spreads your own while also emphasizing that it doesn’t need to be overly complex. It’s okay to create a layout you enjoy and then shift it as-needed depending on the circumstances. The whole process of creatively engaging with the spread through creating, revision, and focusing on what’s most important to know for the reading helps me slow down and be more intentional in my readings. This process of making the spread myself seems to have boosted my intuitive development as well as my overall reading skills.

Overall, if your tarot work has felt stuck in limited popular spreads often promoted in guidebooks or you’re tired of screenshotting card layouts content creators are putting up, Tarot Spreads offers a fresh and much-needed pivot. Jones Wall provides readers with the language, structure, and confidence to ask: “What does this reading need right now?” and “What layout will serve that question best?” For those seeking to move beyond standard spreads, stepping into more creative and personal layout designs to deepen the link between intention and card placement, this book is a must-read.

While it’s absolutely suited for beginners, even intermediate or expert readers would gain something from this book because it’s a topic that most tarot books don’t spend much time delving into. The use (or not) of a spread is something readers don’t often consciously focus on, opting for their usual spread of choice or a premade one for reference. Tarot Spreads is a gateway to discovering how to make your readings more personalized, clarifying the intentions and focus for the reading, and speaking with the cards in a way that feels resonant. There’s so much possibility that’s unleashed when you embrace creative control of the spread!

The Witching Stones, by Nicholas Pearson

The Witching Stones: The Lore and Craft of the Essential Crystals, Gemstones, and Minerals to Empower Your Magic, by Nicholas Pearson
Weiser Books, 157863833X, 288 pages, October 2025

The Witching Stones by Nicholas Pearson is a captivating journey into the world of folklore, magic, and the sacred significance of stones. Known for his expertise in the field of crystals and their metaphysical properties, Pearson takes the reader into the historical, cultural, and spiritual roles that stones have played in the traditions of witchcraft and magic. Pearson offers readers a comprehensive blend of knowledge and practical guidance, making it an essential addition for those intrigued by both the mystical and the historical aspects of stone lore.

Nicholas Pearson has studied and worked with minerals and crystals for almost thirty years. His relationship with gems and crystals began when he was a small child. Pearson is an author, teacher, Reiki master and energy healer, who uses magic and flower essences in his practice.  He loves to show how crystals can change lives and believes he serves as a bridge between science and spirituality. Pearson appears on numerous podcasts and workshops around the country, including a tarot and divination workshop in Dallas which I attended a few years ago. Learn more about Nicholas Pearson on his website.

In this extensive work on witching stones, Nicholas Pierson has put together a guide to the 14 stones which he attests are integral to witchcraft. What follows are thirteen chapters, each one devoted to one magical stone, with the exception of amber and jet, which he combines into one chapter. He explains this pairing:

“Two particular stones that were prized by magicians and priests of prehistory, amber and jet are both organic gems of fossil origin. Because of their similar luster, comparable weight, and being found in the same kinds of environments they have developed parallel imagery as complementary stones. At several points in history, they were regarded as the same or remarkably similar substances.Today these stones have come to be known as the gemstones of the high priestess, priest, or priestess.”15

Pearson structures The Witching Stones in a way that is both accessible to newcomers and enriching for seasoned practitioners. The book begins with an exploration of the mythology and history surrounding stones, tracing their importance from ancient times through modern practices. Pearson weaves together stories from various cultures, showcasing the universal reverence for stones as sources of power, wisdom, and protection.

Next, Pearson provides detailed descriptions of individual stones, their mythology, their properties, and their traditional uses in magical and healing practices. Each chapter is well-organized, often including practical exercises, meditations, and rituals that readers can apply in their own spiritual work. This information comes under a heading that the author calls “Craft.”

Near the end of the book, Pearson recommends that the reader enjoy the book in the order in which he wrote it:

“Working through the chapters in order represents a symbolic journey of crafting the witch’s soul, of embodying magic inside and out. . . The role of the witch is to stand at the threshold of the material and the magical, learning from and partnering with the spirits of place. Let the landscape reveal its magic to you and surely you will know the witching stones residing there.”16

My favorite chapter was “Lodestone: Stone of Attraction and Direction”. Like all curious students, learning about stones and their properties is interesting, entertaining fun.  I was unaware that lodestone had magnetic properties. Pearson explains, “The earliest evidence of magnetite comes from Mesopotamia, where it was used alongside other iron ores to fashion weights and cylinder seals more than 4000 years ago.”17 Because of its magnetic qualities, lodestone has been used in magic and medicine for millennia. This stone is useful for “attracting” all types of desires:  love, money, health and happiness.

Pearson includes a lodestone manifestation and attraction spell, as well as a spell to reverse or stop unwanted attractions. He also includes a spell for when you may have lost your way and want direction or inspiration.  All of the spells are easy to conduct and most include simple ingredients.

I also really enjoyed the chapter on Jet and Amber, as I have been a fan of amber for many years. Did you know that you can create a necklace of amber and jet, representing the ultimate power of the witch? Pearson shares the history of this claim in both myth and literature.

Pearson writes in a clear and inviting style and makes complex concepts understandable, without oversimplification. His prose is educational and entertaining.  He includes five pages of notes that include references to each chapter, as well as a four-page bibliography.

The cover is beautifully designed with embossed, varnished letters and photos of three stones. On the back cover, his author photo is varnished and embossed. Inside the cover pages, the book features beautiful four-color photos of all fourteen stones. Each is shown in chapter order, which makes these photos a great reference tool. 

Overall, The Witching Stones by Nicholas Pearson is an enlightening and practical resource for anyone interested in the intersection of stones, folklore, and magic. Pearson’s expertise, combined with his passion for the subject, shines through in every chapter, making this book a valuable companion for both study and practice. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this book invites you to discover the ancient mysteries and enduring power of the stones beneath your feet.

“The witching stones are magic embodied. They are the tools for casting spells and carrying out rituals to commune with gods and spirits. They are part and parcel of the witch’s cabinet, the materia magica of the secret art.”18

I’ll be sure to keep The Witching Stones on hand for reference for client readings and follow up notes. I can see myself using and recommending many of the spells and potions he describes. I often recommend specific crystals or stones to clients and this book will be a valuable resource to share.

Hallowed Ground, by Mark Norman

Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards, by Mark Norman
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537002, 207 pages, May 2025

I am writing this on Mischief Night, knowing that tomorrow on Halloween, children, accompanied by parents, will go door to door in costume asking for candy, with the warning that to not be given any might be met with a trick. Scary costumes, carving pumpkins, seeing ghosts are all part of Halloween. Many call this time on the calendar Samhain, believing that this is when the veil between our world and the other world is the thinnest. What began as folkloric stories and rituals in many cultures have become what we today embrace as Halloween traditions.  

In Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards, Mark Norman, a noted folklorist, delves into the essence of folklore and how the church incorporated many pagan symbols and beliefs as it was growing in strength and power. Norman explains that folklore is a shared activity of common beliefs and experiences, neutral to many, without attachment to a particular religion or belief system.

“Folklore is about community. We are all members of folk groups – gathering places where people can enjoy shared interests.”19

That “folklore is neutral,”20 is the sentiment at the heart of the book.

Unknowingly, when I visited Lincoln Cathedral in Lincoln, England where my husband attended university, I, a lover of gift shops, bought a replica of the Lincoln Imp to hang in my home in New Jersey. The Lincoln Imp, a footlong grotesque creature that is part human and part animal, sits in the Angel Choir of the Cathedral which was built in the late 1200s. At the time it was not uncommon for churchgoers to see such an image built into their place of workshop. Seen as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil, the Imp was sent by Satan to cause mischief in the cathedral but it was turned into stone by an angel. The story of the Imp sprang from area folklore which Norman writes about in the chapter “Meeting the Devil in the Church”. 

Images of folklore in a cathedral I could somewhat understand. But magic and witchcraft in the churchyard seemed harder to accept. Norman explains, “The adoption and combining of older festival and celebration time with the Christian calendar has obviously fed into this dynamic.”21

I was aware of the efforts of the early church to incorporate pagan rituals into services in order to have the new converts more easily accept their rituals. The birth of Christ (December 25) occurred around the time of the Winter Solstice, when the light begins to return to the Northern Hemisphere. Easter coincided with Ostara, the time of fertility with those rabbits and eggs. As Norman states:

“The observation that all this leads to is that there are many connections between the Church, or Christian religion, and magic.”22

Another thing I was surprised to read is that while village witches and healers were almost always illiterate, most had a good working knowledge of the Bible and that clergy would sometimes seek their advice. Norman goes on to share about how many books of spells and charms feature biblical characters or psalms.

The book is filled with stories and examples from Babylonian times to modern day. Separated into seven chapters, readers can delve into the construction and role of the church, spectral figures in the courtyard, flora and fauna, pagan symbols in the church, superstition in the church and churchyard, and more. A multi-page bibliography provides the reader with resources for further research and reading. 

Norman often returns to the understanding that folklore doesn’t seem to prove or disprove anything. In the chapter titled “Spectral Figure in the Churchyard”, for example, he writes that “science cannot definitively prove or disprove the existence of ghosts, whatever they may be.”23 Instead, folklorists are “in the best position to examine some of the ways in which spectral apparitions have been recorded on hallowed ground, and what their meaning might be.”24

One could not wish for a more experienced author on this subject. Mark Norman, a folklorist, has one of the leading podcasts in the field (The Folklore Podcast). Based in Devon, England, he is curator of the Folklore Library and Archive. His other books on folklore are varied in subject matter: Dark Folklore, Folklore of Wales, Telling the Bees and Other Customs: The Folklore of Rural Crafts, The Folklore of Devon, Black Dog Folklore, and ZOINKS!: The Spooky Folklore Behind Scooby Doo.

Overall, Hallowed Ground will especially appeal to readers fascinated by the intersection of religion, mythology, and cultural history. Those who enjoy uncovering the layers of meaning behind long-standing traditions, whether rooted in pagan ritual, Christian symbolism, or village superstition, will find Norman’s work both enlightening and accessible.

I recommend this book for folklorists, historians, spiritual seekers, and lovers of ghost stories. Norman brings folklore to life with this engaging storytelling, inviting readers to  view sacred spaces through a new lens and revealing how centuries of belief, magic, and myth continue to shape our collective understanding of what is truly “hallowed ground.”

Karma Healing, by Yael Eini

Karma Healing: Unblock Your Life on the Soul Level, by Yael Eini
Findhorn Press, 979-8888502594, 192 pages, April 2025

Karma Healing: Unblock Your Life On the Soul Level by Yael Eini is worth the read. This book took me a few months to work through, not because of the complexity, because of the paradigm shifting concepts that Eini provides. Not just ONE paradigm, but multiple paradigms. While I read through Karma Healing, I also practiced the exercises she recommends and provides. However, I had to work through it slowly, to allow my understanding and awareness time to process the information. 

One of the biggest paradigm shifts I encountered occurred early in the book (chapter 3) when Eini says:

“The soul is in our body, but the soul is not our whole body (just as the brain is not our whole body). While it is within us, it also exists in the world of souls. A soul is not a linear thing; it is energy and frequency.”1

She further explains:

“One day I met a medium who told me I was running too fast; that my soul was tired of the race and wanted me to slow down. This was the first time I had an experience of “splitting.” Apparently, my soul is not me, and there are things I do that are incompatible with my soul.”2

This concept of “splitting” has stayed with me since I read it. I often think about how my mind has an agenda. And now I understand that my soul ALSO has an agenda. And sometimes they do not align.

Fortunately, Eini provides exercises that help delineate these two concepts within our existence, and how to WORK with the mind and the soul through this process. Eini provides clear guidance on how to use representations, and how to interact with them in a beneficial way. 

I read this book prior to experiencing a Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique session. Karma Healing was pivotal in understanding many of the experiences of the session, especially the differentiation of the soul, the higher-self, and the mind. Not only did Eini’s explanation help understand and differentiate these, she also helped with understanding the concept of karmic vows/curses (Eini, pg 143-162) and how to dissolve them.

These concepts played a large role in the healing portion of the session. I believe that because my subconscious had already been introduced to the concept of karmic vows/curses, my soul was ready to provide the vow that it was carrying. I learned that I have uttered this same vow in my current life, too. Eini’s introduction to this part of the healing played a vital role in my soul recognizing, processing, and working toward releasing this vow. 

I truly appreciate the time that Eini takes to explain the foundational concepts behind her work. Without a solid grasp on the quantum fields, the subconscious, karma, past lives, and karmic constellations, this book would be a difficult read; however, Eini makes spectacular work of breaking down these ideas, showing how it all relates, and guiding the reader on a journey of learning how to work with the soul to move forward on a healing journey. 

I highly recommend Karma Healing to those who are seeking to heal, whether just beginning the journey or those who have been working on it for years. Other books that pair well with this book would be Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss and Shamanic Healing for Toxic Relationships by Stefan Limmer. 

Our souls are wondrous things. And being a part of the healing process is a gift that our minds and bodies can give to our souls.