Musing Mystical

Tarot in Other Words, edited by Cassandra Snow

Tarot in Other Words: An Essential Anthology by Leading Queer Tarot Writers, edited by Cassandra Snow
Weiser Books, 1578638445, 208 pages, May 2025

As a professional tarot card reader and teacher, writer, and theatre maker, Cassandra Snow is well versed in the art of creating. In this book, Tarot in Other Words, Snow has pulled together well-known queer Tarot writers with a view to showcasing their unique perspectives on tarot through essays.

The introduction is robust, with many pages devoted to Snow talking about the hows and whys of matching tarot with queerness and providing historical links between the two. She explains, saying:

“This isn’t a history book, but I do want to bring some lesser discussed history and trivia to the table that ties queerness and tarot. One of the biggest reasons I think of tarot and queerness together is this: for a lot of cultures, such as the Romani and other oppressed groups forced into nomadic lifestyles, fortune-telling using cards and other tools was and is to this day survival work… We take it up for survival, and to feel as free as we can while we earn money to survive.”¹

Snow’s dedication to showcasing queer writers in the realm of tarot is both timely and necessary, as queer voices in any context are currently undergoing a type of censorship. I’m not going to delve into my personal feelings on that topic specifically as it has no place here, but one could take my writing a review about queer voices as a hint as to where my allegiance falls.

The anthology separates essays into two sections: in part one, we read writings about “Finding Ourselves in the Tarot” and in the second part, the writings are focused on “Finding the Tarot in Ourselves”. Snow says that she found the essays received “…fell into one of two camps: personal storytelling that highlights the powerful ways tarot can move through and transform us, and instructional materials highlighting techniques and opportunities for you to look at tarot in new and inclusive ways… Even that attempt at classification and noticing the overlap plays with the theme of fluidity, being, and what we owe to each other that are so important in both queer and radical theory.”²

Nothing excites me more in the realm of tarot than learning how others use the cards and interpret them. Of the dozens of books I have on the subject, there are a few that I consistently reach for. Snow’s book, with this amazing collection of insights and personal experiences with the cards, has been added to that short list. “The High Priestess as Black Femme Memory” by Junauda Petrus is a beautifully sensual piece devoted to the High Priestess, one of my favorite cards, and after reading it, I don’t think I will look at that card the same way. *fans self*

There are spells, card spreads, recipes, and meditation prompts. There is an in-depth how-to on building altars and suggestions on what could be included on that altar. There is an essay by Maria Minnis that links lichens with tarot, specifically the suit of Cups, and uses the symbiotic nature of lichen as a focus to illustrate how everything is connected. This book is an absolute feast for the soul and opens the cards up to new ways of thinking and viewing ourselves, no matter who/what we identify as. I have never felt so seen as I was reading this book.

I love the variety of voices in this collection, and the different ways they approach the cards. The idea of reciprocity within the craft of reading tarot is something I haven’t seen discussed so thoroughly before. The essay “Queering the Numbers” by Meg Jones Wall is one of my favorites as she tackles the heteronormative system of numbers as applied to tarot. In this essay, Jones Wall takes the reader through the usual numerology meanings and expands on them, inviting the reader to look deeper and challenge the typical meanings of the numbers. This was definitely one of the more jarring parts of this book, as I realized I was still subscribing to the traditional numerological concepts as it refers to the minor arcana. This essay gave me an opportunity to explore what information I already possessed was still relevant for me as a reader in this context, while making space for new interpretations and meanings.

Whether you identify as queer or not, if you read tarot, pick up Tarot in Other Words. There is literally something for everyone in this collection of essays and the different viewpoints illustrated within make this a fascinating read.

The Ukrainian Tarot, by Tania Andrushko

The Ukrainian Tarot: Flower of the Magic Fern, by Tania Andrushko
REDFeather, 0764370170, 192 pages, 78 cards, September 2025

The Ukrainian Tarot: Flower of the Magic Fern by Tania Andrushko is a 78-card tarot deck and companion guidebook rooted in Ukrainian legend, myth, and cultural heritage. Created with the intention of inspiring peace and love for humanity, Andrusko has imbued this deck with the soul of Ukraine. The title highlights the Magic Fern is a metaphor for illumination emerging from darkness, a theme which is carried through the imagery and wisdom of the deck.

“This magical flower is said to bloom only once a year, on the shortest night of the year, bringing good fortune to whoever finds it. As the legend goes, this flower can be found only in the darkest of forests in Ukraine, and only if your heart and intentions are pure.”³

This deck follows the traditional tarot structure (22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana) but its imagery, themes, and storytelling are firmly grounded in Ukrainian culture, history, folk lore, ritual, mythological figures, and symbolic motifs. At the beginning of the guidebook, Andrushko shares her story about what inspired her to create this deck. While it is specifically focused on Ukraine, her intention is expansive: helping others remember who they are and the valuable role they have in the wider collective.

Andrushko then introduces readers to Svarog’s Circle, a circular calendar based on Slavic mythology. With solstices and equinoxes marking key points in the year, this cosmological system is much like the Wheel of the Year in modern Pagan traditions, yet it has a deeply rooted mythology and history that is incorporated into the deck. Andrushko explains how she has reflected the directions of Svarog’s Circle within the traditional elemental suits and provides a table of the themes for each numbered or Court Card in the Minor Arcana. There’s also guidance on how to do readings and three spread options shown.

After reading the introduction information in the guidebook, I felt I had an overall sense of the deck’s structure and energy, so I was ready to dive into doing a reading! I decided to keep my first one simple and do a one-card pull in regard to the energy I should focus on for the day: Hierophant. While the traditional version of this card features The Pope or a High Priest, Andrushko’s version is a homely crone, a Ukrainian healer. Instantly, I felt a deep connection to the woman on the card; her magically infused cottage in the background of the card feels warm and inviting, while her eyes shine with acceptance and wisdom. The guidebook reads:

“The Hierophant is one who reveals the sacred mysteries. She is a healer and a shaman. Drawing from the ancient skills of her ancestors, she can come to know the past, present, and future. She can interpret dreams about life and death, warn against evil people, and ward off misfortune. These are powerful women who know God’s will and know how to speak in God’s way.”⁴

First of all, I just LOVE how Andrushko hasn’t followed the typical script when it comes to portraying the tarot cards. Second, I appreciate how she blends in Ukraine culture to the tarot archetype while still making the overall message applicable to all readers.

It’s interesting how Andrushko doesn’t stick to the traditional cards, changing cards to better showcase the wonder and beauty of Ukraine. For instance, Wheel of Fortune is Fortune’s Wheel, The Devil becomes a Witch, and Judgement is Call. The traditional meanings of the cards take on a new dimension with Andrushko providing an infusion of spiritual and cultural insights from Ukrainian values too. It’s always refreshing to work with the tarot from a new perspective!

For each guidebook entry, there’s an image of the card, key words for the feeling of the card, a question to ask yourself, an action to take, and the essence of the card. At the bottom, there’s even a space for notes! How cool is that? You can write in this guidebook! Plus, it’s nice and big (5.63 x 7.63 inches), so there’s plenty of space for your own thoughts.

While Hierophant happened to be more spiritual, there are a variety of aspects of Ukrainian culture that come through in the guidebook descriptions. For instance, King of Fire tells the story of Ivan Mazepa, a hetman whose passion for science, art, and education lead to many cultural initiatives. There’s also insight on sacred embroidered clothes for 2 of Air, decorative Easter eggs (Pysanka) for 9 of Water, and the significance of horses in Ukrainian folklore for 8 of Fire. From textiles to holy days, the deck shares the full spectrum of what makes Ukraine special.

As for the artwork, there’s a peaceful and tranquil quality to the essence of this deck. There’s no specific symbol that represents the suits, rather each card has its own image. The effect of this is that readings become visual stories, allowing the readers to absorb the imagery, let it flow through them, and then see how all the artwork comes together to provide meaningful insight.

Furthermore, instead of drawing from the familiar tarot archetypes, the imagery reimagines the cards through the lenses of Ukrainian mythology, cosmology, customs, history, and more. Many of the cards do have people on them, whether this be a deity or symbolic figure, as well as featuring animals or trees, or simply items important to the culture. This image makes readings feel like a journey deeper into the heart of Ukraine’s spirituality rather than abstract divination.

Admittedly, I decided to work with The Ukranian Tarot purely out of curiosity. I have no Ukrainian ancestral connections, nor do I know anyone from this region. Nevertheless, this deck has immersed me in the tapestry of the rich soul of Ukraine, teaching me all about the cosmology, history, folklore, and more. I find the readings from this deck to be very illuminating; there’s a combination of spiritual protection as well as practical realism that comes through. It’s very interesting to get tidbits of cultural knowledge alongside a divinatory reading.

Andrushko has created something truly incredible. Whether you have Ukrainian heritage that you wish to strengthen through working with this deck, or you’re simply culturally curious, this deck has a lot to offer. The reframing of the traditional tarot energies make for powerful readings, as well as spiritually infused energy of Christianity, Svarog’s Circle, and Slavic deities. I recommend it for those looking to expand their tarot readings, bringing in new spiritual insights for guidance, reflection, and growth.

Lieselle’s Eternal Tarot, by Lieselle Elliot and Sean Frosali

Lieselle’s’ Eternal Tarot: Trust Your Voice and Then Learn to Trust the Journey, by Lieselle Elliot and Sean Frosali
REDFeather, 076436975X, 224 pages, 78 cards, September 2025

With countless tarot decks now in circulation, each offering new themes, artwork, and layers of symbolism, it can be easy to forget the quiet power of returning to the basics. There is something enduring about a deck that honors tarot’s foundational structure, where meanings are clear, imagery is intentional, and the essence of each card is distilled rather than overcomplicated. In this simplicity, readings often become sharper and more resonant, allowing intuition to speak without distraction. Lieselle’s Eternal Tarot: Trust Your Voice and Then Learn to Trust the Journey is just this type of deck, reminding readers that when the core of tarot is respected, its wisdom remains timeless and deeply effective.

Created by Lieselle Elliot, a tarot reader with over 20 years of experience reading for clients, this deck taps into the heart of tarot’s eternal nature. Likewise, Sean Frosali’s illustrations capture the essence of each card’s rich symbolism and history. Together, their intention for this classic deck is “empowering you and nurturing your intuitive abilities.”⁵

The first thing I enjoyed about this deck is the hardy box with a lid that gently folds back to reveal the cards inside. This is one of the best exterior deck designs I’ve ever seen. The cards are slim but sturdy, making it easy to shuffle. And the gilded edges certainly add a nice touch to the overall aesthetic.

The inspiration from the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck in the Major Arcana is present, but each card is definitely imbued with the creators’ unique perspective on the cards. For instance, The Fool features a faceless jack-in-the-box floating in water, featuring a leashed dog and flowers as the design of the box. Above the sun illuminates the scene. Meanwhile, The Star shows a woman looking down into her cupped hands, which are submerged in water and holding a star. Above her seven other stars shine and there’s a vessel on each side at the top. With the imagery alone, readers familiar with the RWS would definitely be able to figure out the card. Though, each card is also labeled at the bottom and numbered at the time.

The Minor Arcana is designed in Pips style, only showing the suit symbols and no scenic artwork, with the name of the card at the bottom. To some degree, this design means the reader must know the interpretations of each card when doing a reading or be prepared to look it up in the guidebook, as there are no visual clues. However, there is a mantra at the top of each Minor Arcana card that does give some insight into the overall meaning of the card.

Reading in a Pip-style system definitely requires a different kind of engagement with the cards, and I appreciated the opportunity to try it out since it’s not my usual deck style. Without visual narratives to guide interpretation, I noticed I had to rely more on number, suit, elemental energy, and inner knowing to shape the message.

This absence of imagery strips the reading down to its basics, asking the reader to meet the cards halfway and participate actively in meaning-making rather than passively receiving it. While this approach can feel challenging at first, in the end, I felt it resulted in clearer, more precise readings, as the symbolism is distilled to its core and my own inner voice becomes an essential part of the divinatory process.

And this said, the guidebook is also a wonderful reference. It begins with a message from the creators, a brief history of tarot, and overview of numerology, sharing the numerology meaning and tarot application for numbers 1-14. There’s also a few pages on the elements of the four suits, covering the associated qualities and symbolism in tarot for each one. Initially, I was surprised there was no guidance about spreads, but later on I did find a few suggested ones at the very end of the guidebook. So take note, if you’re someone who likes to use the spread suggested by the author, that it’s in the back.

The guidebook information differs for the Major and Minor Arcana. For the Major Arcana, Elliot provides information on the card’s imagery, noting the key symbolism, and then shares the card’s meaning with a list of interpretations for its significance. There’s also an overview at the end as well as a reversed meaning provided. For the Minor Arcana, there’s the same style of providing the meaning with a list of interpretations, the numerological significance, and the overall meaning for both upright and reversed.

I really like how the guidebook is styled for the most part. Elliot makes use of bold text to emphasize key interpretations and then further explains them. All of the explanations are pretty by-the-book common interpretations, but it’s formatted in a way that makes it easy to absorb the meaning of the card. It’s for this reason, I think the guidebook is PERFECT for tarot beginners. It lays out the message of each card with precision, making the esoteric very accessible.

The only downside of the guidebook’s format is each card entry begins on the page right where the other one left off. This makes it a bit tricky to look up the card as you kind of need to flip through to see where it’s at. I definitely prefer when an entry for a card begins on a new page, so this took some getting used to when reading.

Overall, Lieselle’s Eternal Tarot is a powerful tool for connecting with the foundations of tarot. The charcoal imagery lays the symbolism bare, allowing one’s attention to focus on the essentials. There’s no extra fluff in both the artistry and the guidebook definitions, making this a wonderful resource for those who are seeking sleek and refined readings.

I recommend working with this deck when seeking clarity. Just like the King of Swords, this deck “signifies authority, intellectual power, and the ability to lead with truth and integrity.”⁶ Those who enjoy the traditional RWS but are looking for a modern twist will most appreciate this deck.

Charm Casting, by Tina Hardt

Charm Casting: Divining with Trinkets, Trifles, Baubles, and Bits, by Tina Hardt
Weiser Books, 1578638720, 208 pages, November 2025

Charm Casting: Divining with Trinkets, Trifles, Baubles, and Bits by Tina Hardt is a great start to anyone’s charm casting journey. This form of divination is so much fun and it brings a lot of whimsy to your craft! If this sounds up your alley then this is the book for you, my dear friend!

This book was a very fun read. Hardt encourages developing your intuition through play, encouraging creative spiritual exploration. She teaches not only how to build your charm kit but also how to apply the wisdom of the reading to different areas of life. All throughout, I enjoyed the prompts, charts, and checklists. (I always love books that allow you to write in.)

Hardt really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what else I could be adding into my charm casting bag. She encourages readers to personalize their charm set by selecting objects that resonate uniquely with you She also gives very thoughtful tips, such as not adding glass items to your charm casting kit. I made this mistake with a small glass cat charm I had, and it ended up getting chipped in the process of my readings. We live and learn! But having Hardt’s warning prior would have been beneficial.

This said, the information covered will come in handy for beginners and for those who are way past the beginner stage of charm casting. You may find yourself reading and going “Why didn’t I think of that?!” because I sure was! This book is a very quick read too. It dives right in with all of the useful information you need to build up and read your kit, coming up with meanings, what charms you should add, how to store them, where to find these charms, how to read them and so on. I was very impressed with the knowledge Hardt has packed into this book.

I also found myself learning about other items that can be used for charm casting, such as Go stones. I wasn’t familiar with what those were until I read this book. But apparently the black and white pieces that make excellent yes and no charms! Hardt gives many great ideas for themed kits too, ranging from people, to themes (ex. love), and to even sports. All of the ideas for different themed kits really got my creative juices flowing on creating some different sets for myself. Currently, I only have two basic sets I use but the ideas given to me opened up a world of possibilities.

Another interesting concept presented by Hardt is to let the pieces you’re bonding with to “perform” for you. I have struggled to connect with some of my charms, but hard reminds readers, “You’re the director.”⁷ This helped me get clarity on some of my more elusive charms that I’ve been trying to understand their meaning for sometime. Letting them perform really helped me understand them more.

Overall, Charm Casting is a fun and engaging read. It helped me understand a lot more about charm casting, with Hardt going in depth and providing a lot of helpful advice and information. She has done a great job encouraging readers to trust their intuition and build their own personal relationship with their charms. Beginner or not, if you’re a charm caster you’ll appreciate Charm Casting, especially if you’re ready to jump in and practice right away as a hands-on approach is best suited for this book.

Road Show Wisdom, by Dreamopedia

Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck, by Dreamopedia
Sacred Scribe Publishing, 979-8990956049, 180 pages, 41 cards, October 2025

Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck by Dreamopedia is truly beautiful inside and out. These oracle cards were definitely built to entertain. This deck includes forty-one cards, all with beautiful watercolor portraits. Cards such as The Silt Walker, The Ticket Collector, The Fire Eater, The Magic Lantern, and many more bring to life the vivacious nature of a circus, providing a unique oracle energy.

I love the theme of this deck: old circus/roadshow aesthetics. This is all thanks to the book The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. (If you know what I’m talking about, excellent taste in books. If you don’t, I HIGHLY recommend this book. It was one of my favorite reads when I was in middle school, and I still love the book to this very day.)

These cards are so detailed and lovely. The box is small but the details inside are stunning, revealing a carnival scene once you take all the cards out of the box. The lid has a spider-like looking clown juggling; this artwork is of the card called Juggler.

This deck is full of life and whimsy, which I absolutely love. The cards are large but they shuffled with great ease. At first, they felt awkward in my hands, but I got used to the feel of them after a few uses. The illustrations are colorful and extremely detailed. I’m a sucker for a deck with lovely artwork, as I’m an artist myself. Each card was a new treasure for me to discover.

The guidebook it comes with was also awesome and very detailed. I loved the fancy font that was used. Each card has a story behind it with words written so wonderfully that it was easy to picture what was being read in my mind. Dreamopedia is not only a great artist but has a great knack for writing as well. The content is easy to read and it really fits the whole vibe of the deck itself.

At the beginning of the guidebook, Dreamopedia explains how the cards are divided into eight stages and explains how this “reflects different facets of personal development, encompassing observation, planning, growth, and reflection.”⁸ It is then explained how this structure provides additional guidance in regard to the progression of sequence, more generalized theme, guidance about where you’re at within the journey, and a creative metaphor for exploration.

For each card, there’s a rhyming poem, a bit of circus history that gives context to the card, and the card explanation. What’s unique about the explanation is that Dreamopedia uses numbered lists, so there’s more than one meaning, providing a multi-faceted insight to the question at hand, though they all blend together within the common theme. There’s also an invitation at the end of the entry, detailing what the presence of the card signifies and the opportunity available as a result.

I spent over three weeks with this deck and I’ve really fallen in love with it. This deck has brought a lot of excitement into my life with all of its charm and whimsy. My first reading with it I pulled out The Mermaid. The mermaid on the card is beautiful. The message of just simply following curiosity really did reveal things that were hidden beneath the surface. Curiosity killed me just a bit. Without going into detail with my personal experience, oh boy this card really was an eye opener, in the most over the top manner.

The three words that best describe the deck’s attitude: mysterious, moving, and free. I have to say out of all the decks I’ve reviewed, Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck really got me. The first week I used this deck it wasn’t my typical lighting fast connection. This one had a bite to it. The more I used it and attuned with it, it became more friendly.

My second card I pulled was The Hot Air Balloon. This card stuck out to me because I have a huge fascination with hot air balloons, but the message hit me deeply. The need to release but also balance and control. I pulled this card at a significant time because I cut ties with my toxic mother. It was hard but I know this will be the best for me in the end. One of the card explanations reads:

“To rise, the balloon must shed weight. This suggests letting go of attractions or limitations to reach goals.”⁹

Overall, I really enjoyed bonding with Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck, and I can’t wait to see how it helps me in the future. Dreamopedia has really brought to life the energy of the circus, bringing creativity and inspiration to divination.I recommend it for those who are looking for a bit of novelty and fun in their oracle readings.

Plant Spirits Oracle, by Laura Aversano and Nadine Gordon-Taylor

Plant Spirits Oracle, by Laura Aversano and illustrated by Nadine Gordon-Taylor
Bear & Company, 9781591435303, 40 cards, 128 pages, November 2025

Plant Spirits Oracle by Laura Aversano with illustrations by Nadine Gorgon-Taylor is a captivating and spiritually rich oracle deck that invites users to connect deeply with the wisdom and healing energies of the plant kingdom. Combining beautifully illustrated cards with insightful guidebook messages, Aversano’s creation is a great companion to her book The Divine Nature of Plants.

Laura Aversano is a medium and medical intuitive who has studied plant medicine and worked with the spirit realm for more than thirty years. She has written three books and lives in New York City with her cats. You can learn more about her on her website.

Nadine Gordon-Taylor is an intuitive artist who holds both MFA and doctorate degrees in art. She has taught for more than 30 years through lectures and workshops. Her artwork has been shown in galleries and collections around the world. She owns a gallery called Third Eye Arts in Peekskill, NY. She has created three oracle decks and contributed to several other decks. Learn more about Gordon-Taylor through her website.

This deck includes 40 full-color cards, including 30 plant spirit cards and 10 shamanic healing cards. Each card is a miniature art piece, depicting a plant or scene within a unique frame. The borders are also decorated with birds, moonscapes, wildflowers or angels. The back of the cards features a bright, yellow calendula flower. At the bottom of the flower is the face and arms of a tiny green creature. (On the calendula card, you can see four plant spirits, including this one, which is being held aloft by one of his spirit friends!)

A visually striking deck, each card features mystical and ethereal illustrations that capture the essence of the plant spirit it represents. The artwork is both vibrant and subtle, balancing the physical characteristics of each plant with elements that suggest their spiritual qualities. The cards are of good quality, with a smooth finish that makes shuffling easy. The box and accompanying guidebook are sturdy and thoughtfully designed.

Aversano includes an introduction, how to work with the cards and a brief discussion of plant spirits and elementals:

“In healing with plants, we are working with the vibration as well as with the spirit. The spirit gives the plant its healing qualities and will also share with you, both verbally and nonverbally how to heal with it. Plant spirit medicine works vibrationally, both in your body and within the many layers of your auric field.”¹⁰

She also shares communication tips for working with plants and with these cards. To further assist the reader, Aversano has included a prayer channeled from each plant’s spirit to help you discover your personal connection to the divine plant kingdom.

The ten shamanic healing cards are included to guide you even deeper on your journey into sacred connection with Nature’s plant world. She includes topics such as Relationships, The Past and Gratitude within these special cards.

The card called Creation really spoke to me, as I pulled it one morning during the holiday season. The card features two people facing each other, holding hands. Two parrots are shown at the bottom of the art piece. A beautiful pink flower adorns the top of the card, looking almost like a round, stained glass window.

Aversano invites me to look deeply at all of my relationships, including those with my own “inner dialogue.”¹¹ What strikes me as I look at the card now is the idea that the two beings could be mirror images. I welcome this invitation to meet myself and see another layer to this card.

Laura Aversano’s guidebook is more than a simple set of card interpretations. Each plant spirit is accompanied by spiritual guidance and practical suggestions for integrating the card’s teachings into daily life. Aversano’s background as a medical intuitive and medium shines through in the depth and compassion of her writing.

What truly sets Plant Spirits Oracle apart is its emphasis on the direct relationship between the user and the plant spirits. The interior of the guidebook reads “a journey through the magic, medicine and wisdom of the natural world.”¹² Rather than focusing solely on traditional meanings or folklore, Aversano encourages personal reflection, meditation, and even ritual work with the cards. This makes the deck especially appealing to those interested in shamanic practices, herbalism, or plant-based spirituality.

This oracle deck is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper connection to nature, whether you are a seasoned intuitive, a beginner oracle reader, or a lover of plants. It can be used for daily draws, meditation, or as a companion to other divination practices. Its messages are gentle yet profound, offering guidance for personal growth, healing, and spiritual exploration.

Overall, Plant Spirits Oracle by Laura Aversano is a beautifully crafted tool for those wishing to engage with the plant spirits. Its combination of soft, ethereal art, heartfelt writing, and spiritual insight makes it a valuable addition to any oracle deck collection. Whether you are seeking inspiration, healing, or a new way to commune with nature, this deck offers a pathway to deeper understanding and connection. She shares this with the reader:

“The plant does not have to be in your actual physical space to give you its medicine. It might take a while for you to feel connected, but once you do, you will begin to notice a shift in your body. . . . Allow the plant spirit to take you on journeys into other worlds as well as deeply into yourself.”¹³

The Modern Fortune-Teller’s Field Guide, by Tom Benjamin

The Modern Fortune-Teller’s Field Guide, by Tom Benjamin
Crossed Crow Books, 9781964537450, 306 pages, October 2025

The Modern Fortune-Teller’s Field Guide by Tom Benjamin is a comprehensive manual designed for both aspiring and seasoned fortune tellers. Blending traditional wisdom with contemporary practices, the book aims to equip readers with the tools, techniques, and ethical considerations necessary for navigating the world of divination today.

Tom Benjamin has more than twenty years of experience as a tarot reader and teacher. From his popular YouTube channel (TheFoolsJournal) to his online workshops, Benjamin loves to share his tarot knowledge. He has written two workbooks for tarot students: Tarot on Earth and Your Tarot Toolkit. Learn more about Benjamin on his website.

The guide is thoughtfully organized, beginning with a brief history of fortune telling and its cultural significance. Benjamin then discusses fortune telling today and how it has changed over time. Step-by-step instructions, sample readings, and troubleshooting guidance make the book accessible to novices, while deeper insights and advanced techniques will appeal to experienced practitioners.

Benjamin explains that this is not a “how to book”, but rather a book about himself as a fortune teller or tarot reader. He shares his own experiences and teaches us about reading tarot along the way. His classes are based on this same type of strategy. He says that there are lots of basic tarot classes online and he doesn’t want to compete with those.

The book is set up as a field guide and even looks like an old tome that has been weathered and used over time. The font he uses for headlines is like an old newspaper linotype and each chapter starts with a page printed in white type on black. I enjoy these black pages for each chapter, because it makes it easy to find chapters! However, the white type is set in a serif typeface that is a little light and hard to read on the black background.

I was drawn to this book because of the reference to fortune telling and I decided to jump right in. The chapter called “Kill Your Darlings” really captured my interest. In this section, Benjamin discusses ideas and beliefs you may hold dear about reading cards. He dissects them and invites the reader to ponder these questions:

“What are things you fundamentally hold to be true about divination? What would happen if you change them — even just for an experiment. You might find it alarming, but you also might find it freeing…. What things do you have to have for your readings to be successful? A certain crystal? A particular cloth or incense blend? What would happen if you changed it up or tried not using your usual thing at all?”¹⁴

In the chapter “Seeing like a Fortune Teller”, Benjamin talks about how he “started his YouTube channel by doing readings for fictional and historical figures.”¹⁵ What a great and novel approach! He then invites the reader to grab a tarot deck and play solitaire with the deck for 5 minutes. Then read the cards in front of you when the timer goes off. Again, what a wonderful exercise!

The chapter entitled “Learn Me Something” is a great treatise on learning in general and how we can all be more like little kids by being totally open to new information and new tools and techniques. To demonstrate, he takes a deck of playing cards, makes up an entirely new spread and shares his take on numbers and suits. At the end of the chapter, he has the audacity to say that “you are capable of doing the same thing!”¹⁶

Benjamin also includes a chapter on putting your own thoughts together for workshops, including how to create it, how to share your own wisdom, and how to use visual aids. He shares a basic outline for a four-part class that is structurally sound and looks interesting.

The chapter on advice is priceless. He talks about taking on the problems of the people for whom we read and offering “advice,” even when most people aren’t going to listen or act on it. As Benjamin says:

“A lot of times, people just want to vent. They don’t need a list of instructions; They want to be heard. Giving unwanted advice is a sure way to cause moderate to severe rage among our friends. Again, I know because I’ve done it. A lot.”¹⁷

He ends the book with his chapter “How I Read”, and he saved the best for last! Rather than giving keywords and brief card descriptions, he provides lots of information about the history of each Major Arcana card, some myths about the card and its symbolism, and his own interpretations or feelings about each card. Benjamin then discusses the Minor Arcana suits and the meanings for numbers. He sums up how he works with the Minor Arcana:

“It’s worth knowing the primary tool I work with is its element and number. Everything else (artwork, keywords, impulse) comes after I consider the element and the number. This isn’t right or wrong, good or bad; It’s just how I do it.”¹⁸

The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making complex concepts approachable for beginners. The book emphasizes the importance of ethical practice, personal boundaries, and adapting ancient arts for contemporary audiences. I love the sample spreads and footnotes he adds to some chapters. This guide acknowledges diverse cultural traditions and encourages respect for different backgrounds and belief systems. Benjamin adds a section for further reading and reference at the back of the book, as well.

Overall, The Modern Fortune Teller’s Field Guide is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the art of divination with tarot cards. Its blend of historical context, practical guidance, and modern sensibilities makes it a valuable addition to any reader’s library. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to refine your craft, this book offers thoughtful instruction and inspiration for your journey.

I plan to keep this book on hand for classes I teach as well as recommending it to new students for their own personal library. The information Benjamin shares is like the culmination of an afternoon spent at a coffee shop, going over his life story, getting a reading and making a new friend.

The Runes and Roots Oracle, by Nicolette Miele and Adrienne Rozzi

The Runes and Roots Oracle, by Nicolette Miele and Adrienne Rozzi
Destiny Books, 979-8888502471, 144 pages, 36 cards, November 2025

Runes and plant magic speak the same old language of the earth: one carved into symbols, the other rooted in leaf and stem. Both arise from close listening to cycles, seasons, and the subtle ways meaning reveals itself through form and growth. Beyond simply a divination tool, The Runes and Roots Oracle by Nicolette Miele and Adrienne Rozzi is an invitation to delve deeper in this ever-flowing realm. Rooted in Norse mythology, witchcraft, and plant wisdom, this oracle deck asks the reader to step into a mythic–imaginal world where symbols are alive, the land speaks, and knowledge is earned through relationship rather than immediacy.

At its core, the deck’s purpose is clear: to reunite runic magic with the living intelligence of the natural world. Each rune is paired with a specific plant ally, emphasizing particular energetic, psychological, or spiritual dimensions of the symbol. These pairings are not merely illustrative but deeply intertwined.

Horny Goat Weed, for example, accentuates the erotic and creative fire of Kenaz, foregrounding the rune’s generative, catalytic force; meanwhile, Lavender is paired with Wunjo, which together “gently remind us that within each of us, there is a sanctuary where we can always find solace, peace, and the magick of simply being.”¹⁹ In this way, the deck operates as a fusion of esoteric knowledge and embodied, earth-centered wisdom.

Roots in Feminine Power and Norse Cosmology

A strong current of feminine spirituality runs throughout the deck. The creators draw deeply from the mythic presence of the Norns, the weavers of fate, and from Mother Nature herself as an animating intelligence. Rather than offering a detached system of meanings, The Runes and Roots Oracle asks the user to engage with the spiritual and cultural background of Norse cosmology, combined with western esotericism and plant magick, as a living worldview.

This mythic engagement is reinforced through the spreads provided in the guidebook. Larger layouts such as the nine-card Yggdrasil spread or Loki’s Unveiling the Shadow four-card spread encourages deep psychological and spiritual inquiry, while even simpler three-card spreads (past, present, future) are framed through the lens of the Norns and the unfolding of Wyrd. The result is a deck that consistently gestures beyond fortune-telling toward participation in a living mythos.

There are 24 cards that feature the traditional Elder Futhark as well as an additional 12 Bind Rune Aett, which are created by combining two or more runes together. The intricacy of the plant correspondences with runes make for very layered, thoughtful card meanings.

The Booklet as Initiatory Text

The accompanying booklet reinforces this initiatory tone. Rather than functioning as a purely reference-based manual, it is structured as a frame narrative: the reader encounters Yggdrasil, engraved with runes, and meets the Norns themselves. This narrative device subtly shifts the reader from consumer to seeker.

The booklet includes a unique ritual for cleansing and binding the deck to the user, underscoring the idea that this oracle is meant to be informed by one’s relationship with the deck. Notably, the rune and plant entries are not numerically ordered, requiring frequent consultation of the index. While this may be mildly inconvenient for beginners, it also feels intentional—less a flaw than a design choice that favors intuition and familiarity over efficiency, particularly for those already conversant with the runes.

Later sections of the booklet, especially those dealing with bind runes and ritual work, further emphasize that this is not a deck designed for instant clarity. It is something “found,” like a relic pulled from a crone’s library, that must be studied, lived with, and slowly understood.

Card Imagery: Ancient Pages, Living Symbols

Visually, the cards resemble pages torn from an ancient spell book: parchment, papyrus, and aged engravings layered with symbols. Each card features a combination of imagery surrounding the central rune and its plant ally. There is a palpable nostalgia here, reminiscent of 16th-century pen-and-ink manuscripts, which harmonizes beautifully with the booklet’s suggestion that this deck originates from a witch’s cottage hidden deep in the woods.

User Experience and Learning Curve

My immediate impression of the deck was one of admiration, especially for the thoughtful integration of plant wisdom into the runic system. The imagery is vivid and layered, inviting contemplation rather than quick interpretation. That said, the cards themselves contain few descriptive keywords. Unless one is already familiar with rune meanings and/or herbal correspondences, readings often require repeated reference to the guidebook.

This becomes particularly noticeable in larger spreads, such as the nine-card Yggdrasil or the twelve-card Web of Wyrd, where grasping the gestalt of the reading can be challenging without significant prior familiarity. With time and repeated use, however, the deck clearly becomes more intuitive, suggesting that this slow unfolding is part of the designers’ intention.

In this sense, The Runes and Roots Oracle does not present itself as a tool made for the user so much as a tool the user must grow into. Its wisdom is not delivered; it is cultivated. In a similar spirit of cultivation, the plant wisdom of the deck may be taken as purely symbolic or ritualistic. However, the oracle also invites the user to put the deck’s plant lore into actual practice–though first advising the user to approach herbalism with due care and caution.

Final Thoughts

The Runes and Roots Oracle is a richly textured, deeply intentional deck that rewards patience, study, and mythic imagination. By uniting runic magic, plant allies, and feminine cosmology within a narrative framework, Miele and Rozzi have created something that feels less like a product and more like an inheritance, an artifact from a living tradition.

This deck will likely resonate most strongly with practitioners of witchcraft, those already familiar with the runes, those with an interest in plant correspondences, and readers drawn to slow, initiatory forms of divination. For such seekers, The Runes and Roots Oracle offers not just answers, but a relationship with symbols, with nature, and with the whispering roots of fate itself.

Sacred Mysticism of Egypt, by Fotoula Foteini Adrimi

Sacred Mysticism of Egypt: The Ancient Path of Heka Initiation, by Fotoula Foteini Adrimi
O-Books, 978-1803417127, 296 pages, August 2025

“What happens when we consciously enter the vortex of etheric energy placed deliberately by the ancients? We might find that we are never the same. This book takes us on a journey through time and space, through dimensions and different realities, through self-acceptance and self-love, to lead us back into our infinite spirit, where the source of magic exists.”²⁰

The quote above summarizes the intention of Sacred Mysticism of Egypt: The Ancient Path of Heka Initiation by Fotoula Foteini Adrimi. This book stirs within the reader a longing for return to what is inherently known in all of our being–that we are more than our corporeal form defined by self-imposed limitations and continually seeking its true nature as a being of light and citizen of the cosmos. This book calls the reader back to that true nature and provides the tools and understanding that stimulate a deeper memory that we have done this work before.

“Eons ago, a great civilization existed on Earth, in which human beings were aware of their spiritual nature. This civilization exists as soul memory and initiates deep longing towards harmonious spiritual living in a supportive community. The foundations of this extraordinary civilization were built on the spirituality of the Living Light, which provided the fundamentals for the Golden Times of ancient Egypt, described with the term Zep Tepi, “The Initial Time”²¹

This book is organized into twenty-one chapters and contained within three sections. A page of references and an always helpful glossary conclude the book. The introduction provides insight into the way in which the book is organized and the “why” behind this choice:

“The ancient Egyptians loved the number three..the most famous of these trinities is Osiris as the Father, Isis as the Mother and Horus as the Child….. Ausir (Osiris) is the first king, The heart is the foundation of the Living Light teachings….In the first part of the book I talk about Creation and Un-Creation , the journey of incarnation into a physical self and ascension into the infinite spirit… In the second part, we meet the Teacher of the Living Light, the ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis or Iset… Finally, Horan (Horus) is the spiritual warrior, who meets and overcomes the forces of chaos that keep him stuck. In Part 3, we encounter Horan as the falcon who has mastered its flight in the physical and spiritual realms.”²²

“Part 1: The Golden Times Foundation Teachings” takes the reader on a journey of the Egyptian cosmology and consciousness of their spiritual workings. The palpability of energy and self-awareness flows through the writing, each chapter embedded with the author’s channeled information, the Egyptian subtle parts/bodies of self and opportunities to explore through personal engagement the teachings. We learn that an important part of Egyptian spirituality was in cultivating the Sahu (body of spiritual light, we all are in our true form), embodying that Living Light and thus, becoming one with all of the cosmos and living in harmony. This section, in particular, lays a suitable foundation for the teachings moving forward through the text and does a nice job of coalescing the intention that Ancient Egypt was seeded by the wisdom of Atlantean adepts and the further connection back to the mysteries of the star system of Sirius.

“Part 2: Initiation as a Channel of Heka” offers three chapters discussing three specific initiations: “Chapter 12: The Seven Gates of Awareness”, “Chapter 13: The Light of Atum”, and “Chapter 14: The Wisdom of Thoth”. In this section, the reader is introduced to the Egyptian concept of magic–HEKA.

“”the Living Light” energy that I and my guides refer to was known as HEKA, translated as “The Divine Invisible Power that rules all”. Another translation is “The mystical Divine power that creates the manifested world.””²³

The chapters contained within this section provide the reader with examples of how the principles of awakening the Sahu (Living Light) are activated through initiatory practices. The rituals are gifted from the author and enable the reader to use them as a means of self-initiation on their path. The author’s own experiences are shared, laying the seeds for curiosity and deeper exploration for the reader.

“Part 3: Mystical Esoteric Practices of Ancient Egyptian Spirituality” completes the journey of awakening the Living Light. The ethics of the work are called forth in the teachings of Ma’at (both as Goddess and principle of ORDER) and the importance of the time within the Duat (the Egyptian underworld) needed to emerge as the Living Light are some of the highlights.

“We embark on a journey of spiritual resurrection and rebirth. We follow Iset inside the Great Pyramid and meet our Divine spirit. We Astro-travel to the world of the dead and walk a journey of self-renewal. This spiritual work parallels what happens when we die, enter the spirit realms, and reincarnate. Like Ausir (Osiris), we reincarnate as Horan (Horus), the one who becomes aware of being the spirit in the body.”²⁴

This section is filled with deep wisdom as well as rituals and spiritual practices that enhance and have built one upon the other in the reading of Sacred Mysticism of Egypt.

Would I Recommend?

If you are drawn to the mythos and practices of Ancient Egypt and are curious about the spiritual practices of this unparalleled civilization, Sacred Mysticism of Egypt: The Ancient Path of Heka Initiation is definitely a read you will not be disappointed in. Adrimi has taken very complex practices and ideologies and managed to write in a form that is both coherent and usable, creating imagery and energy flowing from page to page that is nothing less than divinely inspired.

About the Author: Fotoula Foteini Adrimi

Fotoula Foteini Adrimi, BA(Hons), MSc, is the director of the ISIS School of Holistic Health, an international school of healing arts, spiritual development, and inner transformation through vibrational energy work, enlightened teachings, shamanism, and meditation. She is part of the global network of Shamanic Teachers under Sandra Ingerman. Fotoula lives and works in Glasgow, Scotland, has taught in Germany and the Netherlands, and has led spiritual pilgrimages to Egypt. Her first book, The Golden Book of Wisdom: Ancient Spirituality and Shamanism for Modern Times, is an Amazon UK bestseller. You can learn more on her website.

Self-Love Astrology Journal, by Agustina Malter Terrada

Self-Love Astrology Journal, by Agustina Malter Terrada
Red Wheel, 1590035828, 112 pages, December 2025

Astrology is often spoken of as a map that charts possibility, purpose, timing, and transformation. But at its heart, astrology is an invitation to come home to yourself and look at your inner landscape with compassion rather than criticism. Astrology teaches how to understand your patterns not as flaws, but as sacred design; it leads you to remember that who you are is not an accident, but a constellation of wisdom, experience, and potential. Self-Love Astrology Journal by Agustina Malter Terrada is a tool for this cosmic journey.

This interactive, guided journal is designed to help readers explore their natal chart and learn to manifest with the energy of the zodiac. Divided into three chapters, each section provides creative activities and exercises, ranging from journal prompts to rituals to attune readers to astrological energies.

The first part of the journal, “Discovering the Seed”, is an overview of astrology basics. While there’s some space for journaling, such as drawing your own natal chart and figuring out your elemental composition), it’s mostly a great source of reference. Malter Terrada shares information about the evaluation of astrology, the elements, the planets, the lunar cycle, and the twelve houses, signs, and moons. There’s even a page featuring Taylor Swift’s birth chart with insight into her planetary placements. This section would be very useful for beginners, as it presents easy to integrate summaries of foundational astrology.

The next section, “Walking the Path”, is the heart of the journal. The journal prompts Malter Terrada shares in the second chapter, moving through the whole zodiac to manifest something from start to finish, is an illuminating process. Consciously working with the energy of the zodiac in this way strengthens both the goal one’s working towards by giving it a natural alignment as well as one’s own astrological knowledge.

This section moves from Aries, Phase 1 through Pisces, Phase 12, guiding readers through the energy of the zodiac. For each sign, there’s an introduction page with an affirmation, dates of the season, element, and a few key words, along with an illustration of the symbol. This is followed by a profile of the sign that features the ruling planet, complementary opposite, aligned traits and off axis traits. There’s also a glyph of the ruling planet, sketch of the constellation, and a muse. These pages are very helpful for familiarizing oneself with the sign.

As for the content of each zodiac section in the journal, they differ depending on the energy of the sign, but there’s PLENTY of journaling space. Malter Terrada has a knack for inspiring prompts and meaningful reflection. And the layout of the journal seems to beckon the reader to start writing!

And the coolest part is how there’s such a wonderful flow to the journal. Malter Terrada essentially invites the writer to take one concept/goal/intention and work with it through all the energies. So during the Taurus phase, deemed “materializing”²⁵, energy is being invoked to turn the idea into substance, which includes journaling about how to “feed” your purpose and then root it in for growth. Later in the zodiac, Aquarius, deemed “disseminating”²⁶ is the energy that then brings forth what is finally created outward for others to connect with through networking.

While it might seem logical to start with this journal during Aries season and then move through the year, I have been easily applying it to some current goals I have. I’ve noticed that moving through the journal, some of my goals seem to progress to the next stage quickly, while others sometimes take a bit more time. The nice thing about the journal is that even if you go through it once, you can always refer back to the prompts to keep the cyclical energy of the zodiac moving for manifestation. Plus, the rituals for each zodiac sign are very neat and can definitely be done repeatedly through time.

The final section, “Living in the Oasis”, is focused on integration and reflection. Malter Terrada invites writers to journal about the tools they called upon during the process, reflect on the twelve phases and summarize each, and then bring the energy to conclusion.

As for the aesthetic of the journal, the pages feel dynamic and inspiring. The full-color pages of the zodiac signs really catch your attention, while the journaling pages feel warm and celestial. There’s amazing organization and structure to each page, providing a sense of clarity and spaciousness. Assorted fonts keep the pages interesting with each font thematically fitting for the content of the page. The additional illustrations and decorative elements, such as small gold stars and ink sketch illustrations, add the charm of celestial beauty. It’s a good blend of mystic feeling with modern design.

One thing to note is there isn’t too much open blank space for in-depth journaling. While there’s a good amount of room to answer prompts and do exercises, there’s a lot of text sharing astrology knowledge or guiding the reader through the process of working with each zodiac signs’ energy. Nevertheless, the formatting of the journal makes for effective recording of one’s thoughts. Sometimes there’s a box to draw a picture, other times there’s bullet-pointed (in the form of cute stars) lines for making a list. There’s a range of creativity for journaling, yet it’s very structured without a ton of space for free writing, which those who prefer a guided writing process will enjoy.

I really appreciate how Malter Terrada has brought astrology to life with this journal, which structures the energies of the zodiac into a format people can engage and interact with. Sometimes astrology can feel a bit impersonal and technical, but the approach of this journal provides a deeply human touch. Encouraging introspection and energetic connection, this journal is a compass towards a higher purpose through the ever-flowing astrological wheel. It’s perfect for inviting astrological awareness into one’s daily life or moving through a transitional life phase where some cosmic direction is beneficial.

For those newer to astrology, this journal is an inviting first step in learning one’s chart and the energy of each zodiac sign. Meanwhile, those with some astrological knowledge will appreciate how the journal adds dimension to one’s astrological perceptions by encouraging the exploration of one’s chart and current intention/mission/goal through the lens of phases each astrological sign represents.

Overall, Self-Love Astrology Journal is a great tool for connecting with the energy of the zodiac, especially for the purpose of manifestation. For those who enjoy hands-on praxis, this journal is a wonderful way to explore astrological energy intentionally and record reflections, feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Malter Terrada has created a well-designed, meaningful process for readers to work through, giving writers a creative outlet for emotional processing, intention-setting, and spiritual connection. I definitely will be tracking my intentions and goals through the astrological phases for more alignment from now on!