Musing Mystical

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Author Archives: Alanna Kali

About Alanna Kali

Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.

Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot, by Lorraine Anderson and Tijana Lukovic

Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot: A journey through Mabon and Samhain, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208748, 128 pages, 78 cards, August 2026

There is something inherently magical about the transition into autumn: the world seems to slow down, the days grow shorter, and nature begins its beautiful process of letting go. It’s my favorite time of the year! Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot: A Journey Through Mabon and Sanhaim by Lorriane Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic captures the season’s liminal quality beautifully, inviting readers to experience the traditional tarot through the shifting energies of autumn.

This 78-card tarot deck is a continuation of the beloved Seasons of the Witch collection. Anderson reimagines the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system through the themes of Mabon and Samhain when the Wheel of the Year turns to the darker times. Harvest, gratitude, balance, transition, release, shadow work, death, rebirth, and the wisdom that comes from turning inward all become part of the reading experience, fostering new insights within the structure of traditional tarot meanings.

From the second I held this deck, I felt a magnetic pull towards it. The energy was just radiating the essence of fall. And while I am enjoying the end of summer, this deck has gotten me so excited for the shift of summer into autumn. For me, this is the magic of the Seasons of the Witch collection; the decks really foster an alignment with the season.

As soon as I opened the box, I was absolutely taken with the gilded orange edges filled with captivating images that are much more relatable for me than the traditional RWS imagery. The artwork by Tijana Lukovic highlights the warmth and coziness of Mabon with the mysterious, rustling atmosphere associated with Samhain. The palette of warm oranges, reds, browns, and autumnal golds makes the deck feel like stepping into a crisp October evening.

Shuffling through the deck, there are golden leaves, pumpkins, candles, woodland settings, witches, spirits, ghosts, and shadowy figures, which transport readers into the liminal space of autumn. There’s spookiness, enchantment, solace, and magic all within the artwork.

I see cards with a woman grieving, women together doing a spell, a woman gazing out the window reading a book, and one simply enjoying a steaming cup of something delicious I’m sure. Essentially, I see many versions of myself in the deck, which is why I feel like I resonate with it so readily.

Yet at the same time, there’s an otherworldly, fairy-tale-like quality to the deck that invites a feeling of whimsy too. This dance between the mundane and the mystical, where daily ritual becomes a portal for wider connection is so apparent in this deck. Lukovic just has a truly remarkable ability to capture the soulfulness of each season. I can’t get enough of all her expressive images!

Further reflecting the autumn energy is the revisioning of the suits, which puts the tarot cards into a different archetypal perspective. Cups become jack-o’-lanterns, representing emotional warmth and light in the darkness; Wands become broomsticks, emphasizing cleansing and sweeping away what is no longer needed; Swords take the form of branches, connecting the suit with resilience and nature’s wisdom; and Pentacles become mirrors, turning attention toward self-worth, material relationships, and the reflection between our inner and outer worlds.

Anderson also makes some changes to the traditional tarot terminology to further immerse the reader in the seasonal world of autumn. For instance, the Sun becomes Sunset, the Moon becomes The Waning Moon, the World becomes Descending Into Winter.  The last change to the traditional RWS design is reimaging the Court Cards. Anderson calls Initiates (Pages), Seekers (Knights), Shepherds (Queens), and Keepers (Kings). According to the guidebook, this terminology will continue for all of the Seasons of the Witch tarot decks. These changes give the familiar tarot symbolism an entirely new atmosphere while maintaining recognizable connections to the familiar system.

All of the deck descriptions I’ve mentioned can be found in the guidebook, which is quite informative. Following an introduction by Anderson, there’s a page with themes for autumn, along with a passage about the seasons as archetypes. Anderson offers guidance for working with the deck, including how to do cleansing and dedication, situations to use the deck beyond the time of Autumn, and combining tarot with oracle cards. I especially appreciated her method for reading reversals with the deck, which was an emphasis on the card rather than an inverted meaning. From here, Anderson shares spreads for readers. They range from one-card pulls to a full 10-card spread to get to know the deck.

As for the cards’ guidebook entries, all of them follow the same format. First, there’s an image of the card followed by a description of the artwork. This is very valuable because it highlights the imagery, giving readers’ perspective they might have otherwise not noticed. This is followed by a divinatory message, which I noticed aligns with the message from the traditional tarot card represented. The final section of the entry is a list of additional meanings for the cards; this is very helpful for expanding the message for readers to consider alternative possibilities.

As an example, I was doing a one-card pull and drew The Autumn High Priest. This is one of the cards that differs a bit from traditional tarot, making it much more resonant and approachable for me. The imagery shows women whispering counsel into the ear of a woman veiled in a white gown. The description reads, “The presence of each of these women emphasizes community, tradition, and the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student.”1 What a wonderful framing of the energy!

Anderson does go on to explain the energy, mentioning how it relates to the traditional Hierophant card, while also keeping a nature-based, spiritual connection present in the message. The additional meanings include things such as honoring seasonal practices that keep us rooted, working within a hierarchy, formal study or initiation into a new discipline, and family influence on one’s love life. The different ways this card can be read allow for plenty of flexibility, allowing for readers to apply the essence of the card to find meaningful insight into their personal situation.

All in all, for readers who already love the Seasons of the Witch oracle decks, Autumn Tarot feels like a natural expansion of the collection. Though, it also works beautifully as a standalone deck for anyone who loves seasonal spirituality, witchcraft, nature-based practices, or tarot with a strong archetypal atmosphere. For those who find spiritual meaning in the turning of the Wheel of the Year or simply love the introspective magic of autumn, this is a beautiful invitation to slow down, look inward, and listen to what the season has to teach us. I love it so much!!

Tarot of the Unconscious, by Aliza Einhorn

Tarot of the Unconscious: Uncovering the Hidden Link Between Psychoanalysis and the Cards, by Aliza Einhorn
Weiser Books, 157863895X, 224 pages, June 2026

Tarot of the Unconscious: Uncovering the Hidden Link Between Psychoanalysis and the Cards is a very niche perspective on the tarot, examining how to read tarot through the lens for self-reflection, drawing on the work and legacy of Sigmund Freud. As a depth psychologist, I was intrigued by this approach, especially since most decks focus rather on Carl Jung’s work, leaning into archetypes, synchronicity, and the collective unconscious. I was curious to see the intersection between Freudian psychology and tarot wisdom.

To me, the Freudian approach to the unconscious is messy, intimate, and quite uncomfortable at times, if I’m being honest. But Einhorn delves into this unconscious realm with ease. Showing how the cards can reveal internal contradictions, compulsions, grief, projection, and other emotional truths, the tarot becomes a tool for examining and reflecting on your own unconscious mind.

“A far more personal approach exists here: Freud’s notion that your unconscious is a reflection of you.”2

This book is a merging of Einhorn’s two worlds as a tarot reader and trained psychoanalyst. Throughout the book, she often references experiences from her training or teaching. I was actually a little surprised by how interconnected the material was with Einhorn’s world: I could feel the New York buzz, envision her encounters, and hear her teaching her tarot students. This was a nice personal touch, making the book much more than simply route descriptions of the cards.

Tarot of the Unconscious begins with an introduction where Einhorn explains the background of the tarot, Freud, and how she discovers they converge. She writes, “I began to feel that Tarot and psychoanalysis were a natural pair, like garlic and olive oil, like New York City and the subway system, like Freud and the mysteries of the psyche.”3

I like this quote because it highlights Einhorn’s style of writing: grounded with emotional realism. This is refreshing in a realm that can quickly get heady yet esoteric. Her approach is perfect for initiating readers into this realm of psychological honesty without getting submerged in the depth or losing the plot; she keeps things engaging yet brings accountability to the work.

The book then turns to the cards themselves. Beginning with the Major Arcana, Einhorn examines each one through an overarching lens of psychoanalysis and Freud. For all of them, she draws in Freud’s work, biography, or personality to highlight the card’s message. With the Devil, Einhorn discusses Freud’s “legendary cigar-smoking habit”[/efn_note]page 74[/efn_note], while for the Moon card readers learn about Freud’s interest in omens. I’m not going to lie, it’s a LOT about Freud, so I do caution readers with this because if you’re not really into learning about him then this book could be a bit….. much!

Einhorn also provides meanings for each Major Arcana card both upright and reversed. Additionally, there’s a tarot spread for every card too.

This general format continues on in the next section focusing on Minor Arcana cards. Similar to the Major Arcana, there’s plenty of tarot studies from Einhorn’s personal experience. What’s different in the guidance for this section is that for each card Einhorn offers what she believes Freud would say about the card. So, readers are still getting plenty of insight into his work with this fanciful and creative twist.

The card’s meaning, upright and reversed, is also explained along with a spread to be used for a specific type of self-reflection.The Four of Cups spread is to shine light on what you dare not see, while the Six of Swords spread is for when “all you need is a way out of town.”4

Now here’s another interesting thing about Einhorn’s Tarot of the Unconscious method: the Aces and Court cards are read differently, corresponding to their element. I’m not going to give away her special method – you can read the book yourself for that! But I will say that it’s an interesting approach that also leaves plenty of room for your own free associations with the cards too.

The final section includes additional ways to work with the cards. Einhorn covers journaling in a tarot diary, creating your own spreads, and a telepathy game to aid readers in sinking into the stream of their unconscious.

While I did enjoy reading this book, by the end I was kind of over all the Freud facts. His work was interesting but he has never been my favorite psychologist, and Einhorn brings back every single tarot card (except Aces and Court Cards) to him which got to be a bit overzealous. This said, I did appreciate learning more about psychoanalysis and the history of the time it emerged. But I would have appreciated more of Einhorn’s insights from her own practice and teaching tarot; I guess I should go check out her other books for that!

Overall, Tarot of the Unconscious is an interesting approach to the cards. Einhorn’s passion for both tarot and Freud is very apparent on each page, and she certainly has a unique perspective when it comes to seeing parallels between the two. I’d recommend this book for those interested in exploring a psychoanalytic lens when reading tarot or those who are seeking ways to work with the tarot for self-reflection. There is good material on how symbolism and psyche come together through reading the cards; the deck serves as a mirror for unconscious material, filled with a symbolic language for emotional excavation.

2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar, by Patsy Bennett

2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar, by Patsy Bennett
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468444, 736 pages, July 2026

For anyone who enjoys beginning each day with a glimpse into the cosmos, 2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar by Patsy Bennett offers a delightful daily calendar filled with astrological insights and practical guidance, providing a moment for reflection. I consider this a little “astrological snack” because this page-a-day calendar delivers bite-sized wisdom that helps readers connect with the ever-changing rhythms of the planets one day at a time.

Each daily entry features concise astrological guidance based on the current planetary influences, lunar phases, and significant celestial events throughout 2027. Bennett has a talent for translating astrology into everyday language, making the calendar equally enjoyable for longtime astrology enthusiasts and those who are just beginning to explore the subject.

Bennett does a great job weaving astrological knowledge into digestible pieces that build understanding over time without ever feeling overwhelming. The guidance is encouraging and upbeat, inviting readers to observe how the day’s energy may unfold and to make conscious choices rather than treating astrology as a fixed fate. Here’s an example from September 24th, 2027, “Seek Balance”:

“You’re likely to feel like letting off some steam. Everything in moderation!”5

I really appreciate the consistency and structure this day-to-day brings. I can’t be the only one who sometimes loses track of the date, right? So having this in a place where I can connect with it each morning is nice. The top of the page has the date and day of the week. To the left is the glyph for the current zodiac season, and to the right is the constellation of that sign. The astrological message,which is somewhat horoscope-esque, is front and center: there’s a main directive with a sentence of insight. And below that is the current sign of the moon and any significant transits that day. (Also, if you notice the image of Feb 6, eclipses don’t have the main directive!).

Call me a Luddite, but I love this analog way to connect with the current transits rather than opening up an app in the morning. Spending a few minutes each morning is a nice little ritual, grounding me into the current astrological energy. I like seeing the constellation illustration, immediately knowing where the moon is, and becoming aware of any significant planetary aspects that day.

It’s worth noting though that Bennett doesn’t provide any information about the meaning of the planetary aspect or energy of the moon in each sign in this day-to-day calendar. Newbies or those inexperienced with astrology can definitely still use this calendar based on Bennett’s advice for the day. But if you’re not familiar with the terms and interested in learning more, then I would recommend her 2027 Astrology Planner Calendar because that provides more foundational information for those new to astrology.

For those comfortable with the terminology though, this little calendar is a true gem! I rarely keep track of all the small transits, such as Sun trine Mercury or Pluto sextile Venus, so having an on-hand reference for what’s going on with the planets that day is very helpful, especially when flipping to the new page is a low-effort ritual to easily build into my morning.

In this way, the calendar also is a great way to enhance your astrological awareness, building your cosmic wisdom through praxis. You can read a ton of books on the topic, but it’s when you start intentionally tracking the movement of the planets and what events actually transpire that you gain a more nuanced perspective of astrology. Over the course of the year, the calendar helps you to naturally become more familiar with planetary movements, zodiac influences, retrogrades, eclipses, and lunar cycles simply by engaging with the brief daily observations. 

Overall, beautifully organized and easy to use, 2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar is the kind of resource that earns an annual place on a desk, kitchen counter, or bedside table. Bennett’s organization and translation of the transit is perfect for navigating the year with greater awareness and intention. Whether you’re an experienced astrologer or simply curious about how celestial rhythms influence daily life, this calendar offers an uplifting and engaging way to gain a bit of cosmic perspective every day.

2027 Astrology Planner Calendar, by Patsy Bennett

2027 Astrology Planner Calendar – Northern Hemisphere, by Patsy Bennett
Rockpool Publishing,1922786349, 160 pages, May 2026

I’m a huge believer that the best way to learn astrology is by being aware of the current transits and keeping a day to day record of events. Oftentimes it’s hard to really understand the bigger patterns happening due to the influence of the planets until we connect the dots over a period of time. 2027 Astrology Planner Calendar – Northern Hemisphere by Patsy Bennett is perfect for this, blending practical scheduling with astrological timing.

Admittedly, my initial thought was that red wouldn’t have been my choice of color for a planner I was going to work with so closely for a year (I’d have preferred a more celestial blue or purple! But navy blue is the color of the 2026 one, so I guess Bennett wanted a different color this year. I *can* be open to change!!)

Once I got past this aesthetic preference, I did start to appreciate the durable cover, flexible spine, and pink bookmark ribbon. Bennett begins with a nice overview of the year, grounding readers in the major astrological transits. She also highlights for everyone how to use the planner, including an overview of moon sign energies and description of the astrological aspects. There’s also a page noting the dates of the retrograde periods for Mercury, Venus, and Mars this year. This general guidance makes the planner translatable for those who are new or still learning the basics of astrology, allowing the wisdom of the planner to be accessible.

The planner begins with December 31st, 2026 and moves through January 2, 2028, encapsulating all of 2027! At the start of each zodiac season, Bennett gives an overview of the astrological energy in play, highlighting the major events, and provides a special forecast for those who have that sun sign. It’s nice to have the “announcement” of the sign switching built into the format of the planner, rather than a mundane one that never delineated such a meaningful event!

As for the planner portion, there’s a big blank space for two days or one day with lines and a general calendar below (best to look at the images in this review for explanation!). The clean layout balances usable planning space with just enough astrological insight to make each week feel connected to the larger cosmic picture. At the top of the blank space for the day is a general horoscope-esque advice and at the bottom is the sign of the moon and any significant planetary aspect. For instance, April 4, 2027 at the top reads:

“This is a good day to make a commitment to someone, and also for formulating long-term, positive plans. You will enjoy relaxing and allowing your mind to unwind, so ensure you find some space for yourself.”6

The planetary aspects for this day are Saturn trine Jupiter and Moon in Pisces. And, oh, there’s just so many things I love about all these details! First, as someone who embraces a lunar life, having the moon sign right there in a planner is so useful when making plans. Do I really want to go rock climbing with the moon in Cancer, or might it be best a few weeks later with the moon in Capricorn? If you consider things like this, as I do, then you’ll love having it written right there without having to pull up an app!

Then the even more nuanced astrological energy comes through in the transits too, which I often tend to… not pay attention to in my daily life. Without this planner, I am not always paying attention to the transits, such as when the Sun trines Pluto or Mars is sextile Jupiter, but with the planner laying it out so clearly so me, I have so much more astrological awareness in my daily life, which is valuable because now I actually pay attention to and gain insight into those days where the planets are interacting.

For those who truly love aligning with the planets, this planner has all you need. And the additional little snippets of advice by Bennett are a true bonus. Sure, I can translate the aspects myself, but it’s nice to have someone else give the guidance, making my mind not work as hard. And it’s truly a gift for those who are just learning astrology because they can gain the insight through Bennett while also seeing how the transits shape the guidance for the day.

The planner really helps everyone consciously align their goals, projects, and personal growth with astrology. And it’s so nice that the astrological guidance is practical rather than prescriptive, helping us all understand certain energies without becoming overly technical. In this way, the planner allows intentional living and personal reflection, deepening one’s astrological awareness and harmony with the year’s celestial rhythms.

Overall, 2027 Astrology Planner Calendar – Northern Hemisphere is a thoughtful blend of planner and astrological companion. Whether you’re setting weekly intentions, structuring daily life, or simply hoping to become more aware of the rhythms of the sky, Bennett offers an approachable resource that makes weaving astrology into everyday life both simple and enjoyable. Those who already enjoy tracking moon cycles, manifesting with lunar phases, or planning rituals around planetary movements will especially appreciate having everything gathered in one place.

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson, Tijana Lukovic, and Rose Giada

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468487, 28 pages, August 2026

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar is so much more than a place to jot down appointments, activities, and events. It is a beautiful companion for living in rhythm with the seasons. Created by Lorraine Anderson and brought to life through the enchanting artwork of Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada, this calendar transforms an everyday organizational tool into a yearlong spiritual practice.

Admittedly, while I love living in harmony with the seasons, I am also a structured planner. This calendar combines both the natural rhythms and day-to-day reality with ease. Official holidays worldwide (UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, etc.) are joined by sabbats and moon phases, making it especially useful for those who live a dual life of mundane and magical dates. And alongside the nicely-sized calendar grids for appointments and reminders is a monthly ritual that offers a way to ground and connect with the season.

Each month features breathtaking full-color artwork that captures the dreamlike, folkloric aesthetic fans of the Seasons of the Witch oracle series have come to love. Lukovic and Giada’s illustrations feel both timeless and contemporary, blending mystical symbolism with lush natural imagery. I always feel like I could step into the setting when I gaze at them. And I love how whenever I look up at the page, I can imagine myself, calm and settled in the scene depicted. As someone who adores their artwork, it’s a real pleasure to see it larger in this 12 x 12 inch calendar!

Within the calendar’s monthly frame, there’s also one ritual for each month. Looking through them, they’re all very easy to perform without needing an excess of materials; Anderson keeps this simple, allowing for readers to integrate the seasonal energy at their own pace.

Some examples of the monthly rituals include a summer berry milk bath, honest journal reflection, ritualizing the sunset, deep cleaning, communing with an every day familiar, making a fennel digestive soda, and creating a poinsettia vessel. As you can see, there’s a full spectrum of ritual, giving readers a variety of ways to make their daily life inspired and attuned to the energies around them.

And just this one act of sacred devotion to focus on each month is enough to keep my inner magical fire going, despite the many obligations that scatter my energy and pull me in different directions. I feel more aligned with my witchcraft practice, which tends to ebb and flow depending on the time and attention I have available, by weaving Anderson’s rituals into my month (I know this from having the 2026 version of the calendar!). And I think she does a wonderful job of matching the seasonal energy with the ritual for each month.

Fans of Anderson’s oracle decks (me!!!) will recognize familiar themes of self-reflection, seasonal wisdom, and personal transformation woven in the calendar. However, no prior experience with the oracle series is necessary; this calendar stands alone as a quite magical household item. Even those simply looking for an aesthetically stunning wall calendar will appreciate its blend of practical planning and quiet inspiration.

Additionally worth noting, Rockpool Publishing has continued its commitment to environmentally responsible production by eliminating single-use shrink wrap and using FSC-certified, responsibly sourced paper. These details align beautifully with the earth-centered philosophy reflected throughout the calendar itself.

Overall, in the midst of my focus on plans and productivity, the content in the 2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar invites me to slow down, tap into my inner knowing, and cherish the magic of each day.  It’s both a practical and pretty thing to have hanging in a room. The combination of the imagery with the monthly ritual gently reminds me to appreciate the moment and attune myself to the different phases, elevating the humble wall calendar into a daily ritual of connection. For anyone seeking to weave mindfulness, seasonal awareness, and beauty into everyday life, I highly recommend this calendar!

Tarot Divinatorium, by André Sanchez

Tarot Divinatorium, by André Sanchez
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208470, 176 pages, 76 cards, April 2026

Art lovers rejoice in the stunning Tarot Divinatorium by André Sanchez! This elegant deck, designed to honor the history of tarot, transforms the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) structure into a lavish visual language of art, symbolism, and beauty. Through intricate digital collage and classical art aesthetics, Sanchez invites readers into a time “where gentle noblemen and women await your queries with open hearts and reassuring insights.”7

At first glance, the deck is breathtaking. Rich gilded borders frame each card like museum masterpieces, while layers of Renaissance and Baroque imagery create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and surreal. Rather than simply reproducing Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic scenes, Sanchez reconstructs them using fragments of historical paintings, religious iconography, botanical motifs, and celestial symbolism. The result is a deck that feels luxurious and elegant.

What’s even cooler is that Sanchez had depicted classical paintings into every card. On the border, there are two paintings, representing the positive aspects (left side) and negative aspects (right side). These painting vignettes give readers a whole other layer of symbolism to work with, as you can go learn about the painting/artist, research it, and look at that too for further intuitive insights. For those who love art or art history, this is an amazing element of this deck; it’s something I’ve never seen done before.

I find it very fascinating to think about the time and dedication Sanchez put into creating this deck, meditating on the different meanings of the tarot cards and finding not just one but two paintings to represent the polarities of the cards’ meanings. It’s so neat to see these little paintings within Sanchez’s own original artwork, bringing such fascinating layers of meaning to the deck. This is definitely one of the most creative interpretations of tarot that I’ve seen.

Looking at this deck gives me the same feelings I felt walking around Philadelphia Museum of Art just the other day: awe and inspiration. The energy of this deck is regal, majestic, romantic, opulent, contemplative, and sacred all at once. There’s a luminous, timeless feeling that comes from gazing at the tarot archetypes depicted with Sanchez’s artistry, with each card hinting at hidden wisdom and every frame inviting closer inspection. I like how Sanchez didn’t do all borders the same way, so placement of the painting vignettes varies, giving the eyes an adventure of finding the little details. I could gaze at these cards all day long!

As for the guidebook, it’s well illustrated, colored, and easy to hold in one’s hand. For each entry, Sanchez provides insight into the meaning while also explaining the card’s imagery for further clarity. He also shares information about the left and right vignette, so readers know the paintings depicted and gain knowledge about how it represents the message of the card.

There’s a headlined subtext for each card too, which is useful for those who want quick guidance. For example, it reads “New Spiritual Power”8 under the Magician, and “Exciting Invitations”9 under the Knight of Cups. I appreciate these quick descriptions because they make it easy to piece messages from spreads that have multiple cards.

This goes to show that while there’s a lot of artistic complexity and symbolism within the deck,  the guidebook distills it quite nicely, making it accessible for all readers to find meaning. The familiar RWS framework ensures that experienced tarot readers will immediately recognize the narrative and symbolism of each card, while newcomers could still comfortably learn the traditional system without feeling overwhelmed. The imagery expands upon the original card meanings rather than obscuring them, making the deck equally suitable for intuitive readings and deeper symbolic exploration.

One of my favorite cards in the deck is The Devil. In the card, a semi-transparent veiled naked woman looms standing on a crescent moon with a black goat at her heels and snake wrapping around her leg. She has black wings and a crown of black and red flowers. Looking at it carefully, one notices black candles burning on each side too. Sanchez highlights all these symbolic elements in the guidebook entry, writing:

“There is an energy of obsession and jealousy surrounding this situation: the need for others to be obedient and bow to your will and the need to control. An element of weakness when faced with temptation is indicated.”10

Very potent! And the paintings associated with it are Portrait de Bacchus by Peter Paul Rubens (positive aspect) and Temptation of Saint Anthony by Joos van Craesbeeck (negative aspect). I really enjoyed going and spending time looking at these images as well.

Overall, this riveting deck is filled with avenues to explore. Sanchez preserves the symbolic integrity of the RWS system while presenting it through a contemporary artistic lens rooted in classical mastery and beauty. The result is a tarot deck that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. This is a collector’s deck that is equally capable of serving as a practical reading tool.

Whether displayed as an art piece or used for daily divination, Tarot Divinatorium offers an immersive experience that reminds us tarot is not only a system of symbols but also a visual language capable of transcending time through artistic legacy. Readers who appreciate fine art, layered symbolism, and intricate design will enjoy this deck. There’s so much to explore, and it’s a very compelling deck to work with time and time again for inspiration, creative appreciation, and discerning wisdom.

The Four Selves Oracle, by Toni Savory and Carrie Paris

The Four Selves Oracle: Pathways to Integrating Shadow and Light, by Toni Savory with illustrations by Carrie Paris
Weiser Books, 1578638933, 160 pages, 36 cards, June 2026

The Four Selves Oracle: Pathways to Integrating Shadow and Light is one of the more psychologically nuanced oracle decks to recently be published. Created by Toni Savory and illustrated by Carrie Paris, the deck is built around the idea that each person contains four interconnected aspects: the Physical Self, Conscious Self, Subconscious Self, and Superconscious Self. Rather than focusing solely on affirmation or spiritual uplift, the deck explores the dynamic relationship between shadow and light, helping readers identify emotional triggers, unconscious patterns, and pathways toward integration and wholeness.

“Quite simply The Four Selves Oracle is a gateway for you to understand yourself in ways that allow you to take action and do the work to become and embrace the true divine source within you and around you.”11

The structure of this deck is unique; it definitely took me a little time to get used to working with it. First, there’s two significator cards: Self (13) and Shadow Self (15). Of the 36 cards in this deck, 16 of them are light cards (belonging with the Self significator), 16 are shadow cards (belonging with the Shadow Self significator). The light and shadow cards are all paired, so each light one will have a corresponding shadow card and vice versa. Then the other four cards are neutral ones, intended to balance the reading.

Now, before the Savory even gets into the layouts, readers learn the poisonings in the deck. Depending on the layout, the card could be in a light or shadow column and conscious, physical, and subconscious position layer. There’s a nice big color-coded visual of this in the guidebook, which helps with understanding the placements.

It seems like there’s a lot of moving parts, but once you begin working with the deck regularly, things become more intuitive. The intention behind it all is for the cards to support one another, bringing a holistic approach to the deck, as each card is reflected within ourselves. I find this approach so novel since even if there’s a common theme to the deck, most oracle readings focus on the individuality of each card. The layer in this deck makes for a much richer reading than any deck I’ve worked with before.

The guidebook description of each card provides the card type, keywords, mantra, core meaning, imagery, and guidance for it in the position of conscious, subconscious, and physical. Also listed is the card’s counterpart and insight on how the cards reflect each other. To become more familiar with the deck, I found it very helpful to go through the guidebook and read the corresponding pairs, reflecting on the wisdom and letting the information coalesce a bit prior to even doing readings. This approach made me feel more comfortable with the cards once I did start doing spreads.

Interestingly enough, the layouts are not even presented in the guidebook until the second part, following all the oracle meanings. The first suggestion in this section is to do a pull of either one, two, or three cards and simply work with the mantras. I found this VERY useful for familiarizing myself with the deck and every time got uncanny guidance that was reflective of what was going on for me internally at the time.

The other spreads continue to build on the different facets of personal exploration the deck can be used for, from releasing triggers to checking in with the four selves, and culminates with a 36-card grand tableau. I have yet to do this full deck spread because I am saving it for when I really want some big guidance, but I love having it available to me with this deck.

Visually, the deck is colorful with plenty of symbolic richness.. The imagery is dreamlike, archetypal, and slightly surreal, featuring portals, mirrors, moons, gardens, vortexes, and liminal landscapes. Rather than depicting literal scenes, the artwork functions as a symbolic language that invites contemplation and intuitive interpretation. The aesthetic feels mystical without becoming overly ornate, giving the reader plenty of imagery to gaze at while not getting too overwhelmed with small details. The imagery does a good job of providing visual structure for the complexity of the deck rather than be a source for predictive insights.

And this brings me to my final thoughts on the deck. Many of us go to oracle decks for predictive guidance or affirmation-focused messages, so this focus on introspective reflection and shadow work might not initially be a comfortable realm for our readings. The deck certainly requires more time learning than the majority of oracle decks.

But this is what makes The Four Selves Oracle so exceptional. Instead of asking for universal guidance from the oracle deck, this card brings to light the parts of ourselves that hold wisdom. Bridging both spirituality and psychology, the guidance is both meaningful and practical. It’s a comprehensive tool for those looking to better understand the multi-faceted self and delve into the patterns, triggers, and deeper emotions that are best explored through tools such as this deck. Savory acknowledges that growth requires confronting difficult emotions and unconscious habits and the structure she’s created with this deck is excellent.

I highly recommend this deck to those who enjoy shadow work, depth psychology, journaling, or therapeutic spiritual practices. While the deck does take some time to get used to working with, which makes me want to recommend it more towards advanced readers, I do think there’s more than enough information to begin working with it at any level. Allow time for your connection with the deck to grow is my advice. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but slowly, as I took the time to learn the structure of the deck, the readings became more clear and potent. This has now become one of my favorite decks to turn to for when I’m doing inner work.

Kate Forsyth’s Hedgewitch Oracle, by Kate Forsyth

Kate Forsyth’s Hedgewitch Oracle, by Kate Forsyth
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208136, 144 pages, 44 cards, May 2026

Hedgewitchery is a nature-based magical practice centered on cultivating a deep relationship with the land, the seasons, and the liminal spaces between the ordinary and the mystical. Rooted in folk traditions, it encourages practitioners to develop intuition, mindfulness, and a strong connection to the natural world through observation, herbal wisdom, divination, and everyday acts of magic. Kath Forsyth’s Hedgewitch Oracle celebrates this craft, sharing wisdom and beauty in the cards.

Kath Forsyth’s Hedgewitch Oracle is a 44-card oracle deck centered on magical herbs, folklore, and the hedgewitch tradition. Raised close to the Earth, Forsyth shares her knowledge about herbal magic, plant spirits, and folk witchcraft. Her skills as a storyteller ground the herbs in a wider context, inviting readers to truly develop an allyship with them.

The deck itself is absolutely gorgeous. The cards have a feeling of naturalist botanical art, where the plants are depicted with the accuracy and detail of a vintage field guide or herbal compendium. Every leaf, flower, and stem appears carefully observed rather than stylized, showcasing its natural vitality and essence.

There’s a beautiful simplicity to the cards, as they’re all natural with no ornate symbols or extravagant patterns. The magic in the cards comes from the wildlife featured, giving the deck an animistic feeling. Meanwhile, the gentle energy of the cards still lends a bit of whimsy while remaining educational, contemplative, and rooted in traditional plant lore. The vivid colors and engaging detail make for an attractive addition to an altar space.

The depiction of animals or insects in nearly all the cards evoke the old belief that plants, animals, and spirits exist in relationship with one another. Plus, the animals are symbolic, adding to the layers of meaning for each card, such as an owl on the card Apple representing wisdom and the lady bug in the card Verbena for blessings. This is definitely a great deck for bird lovers, as there’s many cards with them!

As for the guidebook, Forsyth shares guidance on how to use the cards and provides a few spread options. The cards are grouped into four categories, which is indicated by the background color of the card’s image. They are as follows:

❁ Pink – Herbs for love, tenderness, strength and tranquility

❁ Yellow – Herbs for friendship, happiness, optimism and vitality

❁ Green – Herbs for fresh beginnings, healing, intuition and transformation

❁ Black – Herbs for banishing, guarding boundaries, mystery and shadow

This mixture of categories makes for a varied deck, offering meaningful insight into different facets of life. Each entry has the name of the herb, its scientific name, and the key word at top. Forsyth provides a one sentence meaning for the card and then a section about the wisdom of the card, which tells the historical use and folklore. The final section is “Spell of the Day” where Forsyth shares a magical way to use the plant, often including an incantation.

Most of the spells are easy to do with things on hand, though some might require a bit of material gathering. For instance, the spell for the card Comfrey suggests taking a bath with comfrey-infused oil and mineral salts, while the dandelion card calls for a yellow candle. What’s nice about the spells though is how Forsyth encourages collecting herbs from the wild. This isn’t something I usually do, but it has spurred me on to take more interest in where these herbs might be found locally, which will obviously differ by region.

And while Forsyth does offer a message for each card, in the style of a traditional oracle deck, I’ve found this deck to be more useful for the spellwork aspect than divination. I also think readers could definitely use the guidebook to enhance their herbalism knowledge without even needing to work directly with the cards. Though, it is so fun to do spreads and see if any themes emerge in regard to the different card categories. Sometimes, I even divide the cards into categories and specifically draw a card from one based on the type of magical support I am seeking.

So far all my readings have felt very aligned. A few days ago, I felt a bit of negative energy in my energy field, so I decided to pull a card. I got Sage, which Forsyth has given the keyword “Purification”12 The meaning for the card reads:

“Every now and again you need to stop and take a moment to reflect on your life and yourself, take stock of what is beneficial to you and let go of anything that may be doing you harm.”13

I resonated with this, and it encouraged me to be proactive in assessing where the negativity was coming from and creating a boundary. The spell Forsyth shares is creating a smudge stick and using it while repeating an incantation. I plan on doing this soon!

Overall, Kate Forsyth’s Hedgewitch Oracle is great for readers who enjoy herbal magic, nature-based witchcraft, and working with plant allies. Forsyth’s approach to plants as both a folklorist and hedgewitch brings a unique combination: readers get the practical knowledge along with magical lore. By weaving spiritual practice into daily life, this deck fosters a sense of grounding and belonging, reminding us that magic is not separate from the world around us but woven into the rhythms of the living earth. I love the reverence she holds for the natural world as well as the enchanted well she invites readers to perceive these herbs.

The Book of Astrological Returns, by Theresa Reed

The Book of Astrological Returns: Your Complete Guide to Every Life Cycle from the Sun to Pluto, by Theresa Reed
Weiser Books, 157863900X, 240 pages, May 2026

Okay, astrology lovers! A new must-have read is here: The Book of Astrological Returns: Your Complete Guide to Every Life Cycle from the Sun to Pluto by Theresa Reed. I’ve truly never seen another book detail returns in this way, covering everything from Solar and Lunar returns to outer-planet cycles like Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. It is the comprehensive guide we all need, providing step-by-step guidance and informative interpretations for discerning the energy of our planetary returns.

Did I immediately print out multiple return charts to analyze? Absolutely. Has my astrology practice been enhanced tenfold? You betcha! Am I now obsessed with a new astrology niche topic? You know it! And I am so utterly grateful for Reed for sharing her wisdom allowing for this deep-dive without having to take a course or attend a workshop. Seriously, I’m astounded by the generosity of her spirit, as this material truly takes one’s astrological knowledge to the next level.

Reed begins with a personal introduction to this topic and advice on how to use this book. “Part One; Astrology Basics: What You’ll Need to Know” then moves into the essential information needed to understand a return chart. Reed covers the components of the birth chart, explains what returns are, and then details her method for reading return charts. She gives special attention to the ascendent and moon, detailing the significances for all of the twelve signs. And then she adds an extra layer of interpretation, which is looking at the transit to the natal chart at the moment of the return. The final section in this part “Putting it all Together” is aimed at integration.

I would consider myself an advanced astrologer, and I had no problem following along with the technique Reed describes. I found her clarification of the methodology to be extremely effective, and therefore I feel even a beginner to intermediate astrologer would be able to make use of this book. Since I don’t usually give too much insight into returns, aside from looking at a general solar return chart around my birthday and occasionally checking my lunar return chart for more insight into the themes of my month, I found delving into this topic to be very engaging. As in, it took me over a month to write the review because every time I picked up this book I started to pull up charts, apply Reed’s methods, reflect on what happened during certain returns/transits, look at my current ones, and just overall go on a deep-dive.

And while there’s some books on solar returns, lunar returns, and Saturn returns, this is the first book I’ve encountered that goes beyond the popular returns and offers insight into all of the planets PLUS the lunar nodes and Chrion, which just feels like an exquisite bonus. Reed truly expands the lens to include all return cycles across a lifetime, emphasizing that astrology is cyclical and evolving.

“Part Two: Every Return from the Sun to Pluto” goes chapter by chapter through all the planetary returns, from the quick lunar return to the long-spanning Pluto return that we will not ever see in our lifetime but is significant from a historical point of view and can lend insight into the energies of our current times (Reed does an excellent job delving into the recent Pluto return of the United States).

For each return type, Reed has the same general chapter format. She provides an introduction to the return, offers an interpretation of the planet (luminary, node, dwarf planet – you get it!) in each house, covers easy and challenging aspects to all the other planets, and offers next steps to further understand that specific return. She also examines charts (there’s plenty of real life examples through the book) and offers astrocises (exercises for the reader to do) along with cosmic tips. 

While it does require having a general astrological foundation (Reed doesn’t cover much about aspects, houses, how transits work, etc), the overall system she shares is pretty workable, especially with the question prompts she presents in the “next steps” section. For instance, when looking at a Mercury return chart, she leads readers through look at if Mercury is joined by other planets, examining the ascendent and where its ruler is in the chart, noting the moon sign and where the moon is, noticing the houses ruled by Gemini and Virgo, and so on. At this point the reader does need to utilize their own astrological knowledge to bring forth the interpretation, but the guidance makes it easy to move methodically and really get a full picture of the return chart.

My favorite thing about this book is Reed’s openness and writing style. She’s constantly sharing her own life experience and has a great sense of humor. Her storytelling brings the material to life, making the reader flow and feel like chatting with a friend as you learn. Her approachable, down to earth way of relating makes her a stellar author (I would absolutely check out her other works too, such as The Cards You’re Dealt and Twist Your Fate). Plus, she picks interesting things to talk about! With carte blanche creative prowess, the charts she picks out as examples are engaging. She examines the return chart of Toni Morrison, Al Capone, Elizabeth Taylor, and more. 

As for Reed’s approach to astrology, it is more modern, which is fine by me! She doesn’t shy away from future forecasting, as we are indeed looking at the returns to see what’s ahead, but there is no Hellenistic predictive rigor (thank goodness). Instead, she takes a more psychological approach, using empowering language to frame the potential of transits and returns realistically. No, she doesn’t shy away from potential disasters (you should read about her recent Mars return!), but she also doesn’t heed fated calamity. The explanations are practical, leaving room for plenty of personal potential. I like when she writes:

“One of the things you’ll often hear me say is that astrology is theory. (In fact, I said that earlier in this book!). You can gaze at the stars all day long and predict how things might unfold, but sometimes, the outcome is different than expected. Human interpretation is funny that way.”13

I really resonate with this perspective. Who truly knows? The best we can do is examine the charts and be open to what emerges!

Overall, The Book of Astrological Returns fills a gap in astrology literature by bringing all the planetary return cycles into a cohesive framework that can easily be applied for readings. Rather than going to multiple books to gain insight on returns, Reed has created a one-stop-shop with a generous amount of astrological wisdom. The content is a reminder that astrology is not static; the planets are always moving and looking at the return charts is a great way to expand on timing techniques, understand our life cycles, and bring more awareness to the interplay between our current astrology and life experience.

I HIGHLY recommend this one for all levels of astrologers, especially those with intermediate skills and beyond, for the creative inspiration it will provide in regard to the many returns you will experience in life. This is one of those astrology books that is going to be referred back to time and time again.

Yoga Mudra Oracle, by Emma Wertheim and Stephen Denham

Yoga Mudra Oracle, by Emma Wertheim with illustrations by Stephen Denham
Sirius, 1398849863, 128 pages, 44 cards, March 2026

I am a huge proponent of connecting to the body’s wisdom, specifically through touch and movement. This concept is even what I wrote my master’s degree thesis on: the importance of including a kinesthetic approach to education. Yoga has been a steady practice for me to connect with my inner wisdom, but I don’t always have time to do a full series of poses. As soon as I saw the brightly colored Yoga Mudra Oracle by Emma Werthheim with illustrations by Stephen Denham, I was instantly intrigued! What insights might this deck reveal and could I embody it through my body?

The answer is yes, and it has beautiful messages too! This is a hands-on deck, quite literally offering mudra poses as well as meaningful guidance. This deck contains 44 mudra cards and a 128-page guidebook designed to bring ancient yogic hand gestures into contemporary spiritual practice.

While most oracle decks work through symbolism, intuition, and reflection, Yoga Mudra Oracle adds a physical component too with each card and invites readers to form a specific mudra with your hands while contemplating its message. Instead of simply receiving guidance, you’re asked to participate in it through gesture, breath, and awareness, deepening divination through embodiment. Needless to say, I’m obsessed!

For those new to mudras, Wertheim describes them as this:

“Yoga mudras are simple, sacred postures from an ancient yogic tradition. They permit you to redirect, shape and “seal” the flow of pranic energy within the body, which can unite us with cosmic intelligence and help manifest change on a physical and soul level.”14

An example of working with a mudra is at end of a yoga session when you put your hands together to “seal” the practice. I love the idea of intentionally encapsulating the energy within ourselves, creating a connection between mind, body, and spirit.

The artwork in this deck blends hand imagery, bright color fields, spiritual symbolism, and luminous energy depictions. The pair of hands on the cards are outlined in white, making it easy for the reader to copy the same pose. The aesthetic has a feeling of serenity, spaciousness, and energetic alignment. There’s a feeling of “containment” in each mudra, perfectly holding the energy of each gesture in a balanced way that brings the sensation inward for the reader to experience.

In addition to the mudras, there’s often a symbol that adds further intuitive resonance for the reader to gaze at while working with the card. I feel like this deck is perfect for both meditation as well as creating an altar space. It’s as though the dynamic energy of the mudra on each card gently radiates outward, infusing the reader with its energy through visual contemplation. The deck is also easy to hold in one’s palm and shuffles quite easily. I very much enjoy simply holding the deck and feeling its spiritual energy.

Rather than be numbered, at the bottom there is the name of the mudra. It’s up to the reader to find the entry in the guidebook for further oracle insight, but the entries are listed alphabetically, so it’s pretty easy to navigate. There’s also an index at the back if you don’t want to flip through and prefer finding an exact page number. While most of the mudras in the deck are traditional yoga ones, there are a few non-traditional ones that Wertheim intuited; she notes which ones these are so readers are aware when working with the deck.

The guidebook begins with an introduction by Wertheim, where she talks about her interest in mudras and the study she’s put into working with them. She then provides a very interesting introduction to mudras, explaining the vitality of the hands and ancients of this practice. I was fascinated to realize how “Similar to foot reflexology, all areas of the hands are thought to connect to corresponding organs, glands, nerves, and meridians throughout the body.”15. She presents mudras as an accessible way to work with energy, which is perfect for those of us who don’t always have the time for a longer practice.

Wertheim lays a great foundation for beginners in the guidebook too. She explains how to prepare your hands for mudra, how long to hold them, and what to do if one doesn’t resonate or your hand can’t hold the shape. She covers chakras. And there’s even guidance on preparing to work with the deck (cleansing, how to consult the deck, and layout options). All throughout, Wertheim’s tone is gentle and encouraging. While she’s clearly sharing her passion with readers, she also encourages everyone to do what works best for them, pausing to stop and enjoy the experience. I appreciate her dedication to making this deck useable for all, as well as her heartfelt consideration for readers’ experience.

As for the entries in the guidebook, they’re beautifully crafted. The title is in big letters and there’s an image of the card. Beneath is a subtitle, further explaining the card and keywords or symbolisms. It is here that Wetheim notes if the mudra has been intuited too. The opposite page explains the mudra—what it calls you to do or invites into your energy field. There’s also directions for how to do the mudra, which is helpful for people like me who like specific instructions. Finally, Werthiem includes an affirmation. Occasionally, there’s also a quote that reflects the energy of the mudra.

The first card I pulled when working with this deck was Naga Mudra, subtitled Goddess Rising. Instantly, I felt the activation just looking at the card. I had just come from meeting with a long-time spiritual mentor for the first time in person. I had connected with a great group of people and was really feeling my divine feminine leadership; I was still tingling from the experience. Aptly, this card immediately brought awareness to this fire burning within, noting “The energy is rising through your chakras now”.16 Wertheim further writes:

“The symbols used in this card—such as Naga (the snake goddess—represent wisdom, fertility, and creative force. The ancient Egyptians ankh symbol is known as “the key of life”. Fire represnts the pure fire of insight and the awakening of potent energy within you.”17

Not only did it feel aligned to draw this card, but it was so amazing to have the mudra to ground the energy. Holding the mudra channeled this energy throughout my body, infusing my spirit with it and embedding it in my physical form. Instantly, I was hooked on the power of mudras!

While all can enjoy the experience of connecting with their embodied wisdom through mudras, I highly recommend this deck to those who enjoy meditation, yoga, energy practices, or are seeking a unique oracle deck. This deck is a great one for attuning to the energy of the present moment, and I’ve enjoyed pulling a card before creating a ritual space to set the tone and find center. Pulling a card, holding the corresponding mudra, and sitting with the guidance for several minutes turns a reading into a contemplative practice.

Overall, Yoga Mudra Oracle does a wonderful job combining sacred mudra practice, oracle wisdom, and uplifting artwork to create a thoughtful spiritual tool that feels both modern and rooted in ancient traditions at the same time.  The alignment that comes from working with the mudras is sensational. And Werthheim’s inspired wisdom is perfect for a gentle reading, one that encourages you to slow down and enter a contemplative state. This deck isn’t so much for knowing what’s to come but rather honoring what is appearing in the moment. The physical component with the energetic resonance makes for an impactful reading!