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.

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.”1

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”2 under the Magician, and “Exciting Invitations”3 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.”4

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.”5

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”6 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.”7

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.”7

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.”8

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.”9. 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”.10 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.”11

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!

The Egyptian Alchemy Oracle, by Steve Denham

The Egyptian Alchemy Oracle: Timeless Guidance from the Ancient World, by Steve Denham
Sirius, 1398858072, 128 pages, 49 cards, January 2026

My favorite books and decks are ones where you can tell the author had a spiritual calling to put forth that work. From the moment I opened The Egyptian Alchemy Oracle, I knew this was going to be one of those special decks.​ This 49-card oracle deck by Steve Denham opens a pathway of wisdom or inner awakening and spiritual refinement based on the 7 Hermetic principles detailed in The Kybalion, a text written by the “Three Initiates” in 1908. Denham writes:

“Sifting through this manifesto, which harks back to the esoteric knowledge of ancient Egypt and purports to articulate the energetic laws that govern the universe, nature and human existence, I realized I had become privy to something quite extraordinary.”11

While The Kybalion was written in the 20th century, in the introduction, Denham explains how this Hermetic alchemy was popular during the Hellenistic era (323-331 BCE) during which Hermes Trismegistus contributed much to occult wisdom. Inspired by this Hermetic philosophy, Denham added his own creative touch, developing 7 intuitive messages for each of the 7 principles as well as meaningful artwork, to create this deck.

Visually, each card is laced with meaning. The artwork blends mystical compositions–images of the earth and space that highlight the limitlessness and expansiveness of universal mystery–with digitally layered sacred imagery. There is a symbolic arched gateway featured on every card, serving as a portal to the realms beyond. Denham explains, “the archways are like ‘keyholes’ or ‘doorways’ through which hidden worlds and dimensions become accessible.”12

The name and number of the card is detailed at the bottom. Each principle has its own symbol and color too, allowing readers to distinguish the card type quite easily when working with the deck. Even the back of the card has significance, which Denham describes as a “Master Key”13 symbolized by the crossed keys of Hermetic alchemy.

While the cards themselves are tantalizing and engaging, it was really the guidebook that illuminated the full spectrum of use for this deck. In addition to the details already shared, Denham also teaches readers how to use the deck, likening it to a magic carpet ride through dimensions. He shares spreads and guidance for interpretation as well. My favorite part of Denham’s reading approach is inviting the reader to bring in love to engage with the principles, infusing the deck with this potent energy to be the “eighth” key.

The rest of the guidebook is sorted by principle. At the start of each one, Denham shares an overview of it and how it comes through in The Egyptian Alchemy Oracle. Just like the deck itself, all the pages of each principle are color-coded, making it easy to flip through and find the card message you’re seeking. The entries all feature an image of the card, a description of the card, a one-sentence directive, and questions to reflect upon.

The messages are definitely metaphysical. This is a deck to contemplate a meaningful philosophy and see how the principles can inform your current situation. Compared to other oracle decks, this one invites more cerebral engagement, though gazing at the cards can also lead to a symbolic awakening too.

I think readers who are dedicated to working with this system long-term would reap the most benefit, as it feels like an initiatory deck to me. Yes, there’s an intuitive aspect to working with the cards where you can do a daily draw, but the deck also operates as a unified symbolic worldview to explore over a period of time. There’s many facets and dimensions to it that could honestly take years to explore, particularly if you want to go deep into the alchemical symbolism.

As for me, I apparently am doing some intense energy work relating to the fifth principle: Rhythm. Every single card I have pulled (and I’ve done at least 6 one-card draws) have been Rhythm ones! Specifically, I’ve pulled the card “Change Your Rhythm” multiple times.

This card relates specifically to the “connection between being and breathing”14. I find this really interesting as, embarrassed as I am to admit, I’ve developed a bit of a nervous tick recently from being so stressed. The only way I’ve found to be more conscious of it and ease it away is through pausing to breathe, which I never would have thought to do if I wasn’t pulling this card over and over. For this card, Denham writes:

“To expand what you are seeing and feeling – stop, come to stillness, change your rhythm.”15

The question posed for this card relates to habitual behavior and negative thinking too, further revealing that I need to focus on my breathing to overcome the perpetual loop in my mind, causing me enough distress to have an unconscious tick now, which is popping my jaw by the way! Attuning to the principle Rhythm is a great reminder to let things flow. I can release control, be present, and shift the way I move through my life.

I am looking forward to eventually exploring the other principles more deeply, but for now, I am trusting that working with this one specifically and intentionally will have the most meaningful impact.

Overall, The Egyptian Alchemy Oracle opens new doorways for readers to explore metaphysical realms and discover a map for transformation rooted in a seasoned spiritual framework. Those who are interested in Hermetic philosophy, particularly The Kybalion, benefit from the integrative ways Denham has provided fine-tuned interpretations of the principles to carry messages through this deck that can be practically applied to one’s life. Working with this deck has grounded the symbolism and esoteric wisdom in a new way for me, making it much more engaging and able to be contemplated and connected with.

While the traditional oracle reader can certainly glean meaningful insight from this deck, I recommend it more for those seeking a more structured system to immerse themselves in. The combination of alchemy, symbolic initiation, and contemplative depth overlaps naturally with the kind of integrative spiritual work those who are interested in metaphysical discourse and soulful transformation will gravitate towards. Those who are philosophers at heart will enjoy Denham’s insightful presentation of the 7 Hermetic principles and appreciate the initiatory nature of this deck.

Paranormal Perspectives: PARA∙NORMALITY, by Kieran Stanislaw Mace

Paranormal Perspectives: PARA∙NORMALITY: Normalising the Paranormal, by Kieran Stanislaw Mace
6th Books, 1917704119, 128 pages, March 2026

It’s hard enough to figure out how to “live” accordingly to secure our basic human needs, but try throwing in paranormal encounters too that leave you questioning the nature of reality and just what the heck is going on! This is the predicament Kieran Stanislaw Mace shares Paranormal Perspectives: PARA∙NORMALITY: Normalising the Paranormal. Written with honesty and emotional sincerity, Mace shares his life journey and all paranormal moments that finally lead him to embrace the veiled reality existing concurrent to our own.

This book sits somewhere between a spiritual autobiography, paranormal testimony, and exploration of consciousness. Mace writes candidly about his life, not only the pivotable moments but the mundane day to day that blend together his on-going paranormal experiences with ordinary life, showing they are not two different paths, but a unified life journey. From his childhood trauma, including a near-death experience after a hit-and-run accident to the bullying, grief, and years of suppressing experiences that made him feel alienated, he brings forth a dialogue about the paranormal with this book.

Just how do you live with such extraordinary experiences happening when you are not sure how to define the events or who to turn to for advice? Unsurprisingly, you struggle quite a bit! And this is what makes this memoir quite captivating. This is NOT a book about a famed professional who “just knew” from the get-go how to converse with the entities on the other side of the veil; this is the story of a person thrown into the turbulent flow of life, a near-death-experience in childhood, earning an education, holding down a job to pay bills, finding love, having children, and still navigating the paranormal circumstances that have plagued him since childhood.

Despite Mace experiencing visions, synchronicities, hauntings, out-of-body experience, intuitive knowings, and encounters with spiritual entities, he had to fit into accepted reality. With this book, he works to break down the stigma of the paranormal and showcase how these experiences could truly happen to anyone, even an ordinary guy like himself. Mace doesn’t set out to prove anything, he just is sharing his own perspective and opening up a door for readers to reconsider the boundaries of reality.

Here’s an excerpt that I think characterizes Mace’s internal dialogue, intention for the book, and experience quite well:

“My observation supports the idea that negative energy affects the activity around us, just like during my grumpy teenage years, the sadness of losing my cat, or the anger of a miseducated manager. Maybe if I could switch my energies to emit positivity, perhaps that could affect the world in a different way. After all, every particle in the universe vibrates, bound by an energy that unifies to hold this universe in place. If we can change the frequency we emit, what happens? ‘Lie down, Kieran, you are not meant to question these things.’ That is what my programming said. When people begin to question the world that is laid out for them, they are often labelled as weird and people choose to move to sit at a different lunch table. Why is it so scary that people are forced to look down?”15

By presenting all his shortcomings and obstacles along the way, Mace’s intimate, earnest, emotional vulnerability becomes fodder for spiritual exploration of others. He is consistently reflective, offering possibilities rather than hard facts, inviting dialogue rather than argument. And for this, Mace brings to light an important aspect of paranormal experience: many people privately experience phenomena they fear discussing due to ridicule or social pressure. In having the courage to say, “I went through this”, “At times my mental health was not good.”, “I was lost and confused.”, others gain the ability to be more forthcoming about their own journey, a reminder that they are not alone.

Overall, for readers interested in psychic phenomena, hauntings, alter states, spiritual entities, and more, Paranormal Perspectives: PARA∙NORMALITY will be resonant. Mace’s memoir-driven spiritual writing and paranormal narratives rooted in personal transformation is an interesting read. Mace being so forthcoming about his experience makes for a great addition to the Paranormal Perspectives series to further provide food for thought to readers with an interest in this subject.

Ancient Spells and Incantations, by Enid Baxter Ryce

Ancient Spells and Incantations: Echoes of Magic Through the Ages and Across Cultures, by Enid Baxter Ryce
Weiser Books, 1578639026, 208 pages, April 2026

A few months ago, I was reading BonaDea’s Book of Everyday Enchantments by Patricia deSandro about creating your own enchantments. DeSandro explained how this produces an energy that was unique to the situation for which we were doing the spell. In contrast, she also talked about how when we use spells written by others, especially those used by many in a ritual fashion, we tap into the lineage, ancestry, and magical potency of those who also have worked the spell. This is something that stuck in my mind, a reminder that there’s magical depth and breadth to be discovered by seeking out ancient spells, chants, and hymns.

Did I personally have the time to do this though? Absolutely not! And it is for this reason that I was quite excited to read Ancient Spells and Incantations: Echoes of Magic Through the Ages and Across Cultures by Enid Baxter Ryce. This curated archive of magical memory draws from grimoires, church records, letters, and ancient fragments across cultures to create a nifty collection of magical texts to have on hand. The way it reads is like a poetic collection of historical magic, allowing readers to flip through and discover enchantments that otherwise likely would have been lost to time.

“As we marvel at these ancient magical words, we think of our ancestors. Thanks to them, scraps of papyrus, shards of pottery, secret books, and whispered recipes will still show themselves to those who seek them.”1

To write this book, Ryce utilized a variety of sources. She dove into libraries, archives, along with museum collections and databases. There’s a whole list of the magical texts shared in the book for those who are seeking to do their own research. Ryce explains how she consulted scholarly and popular books about ancient magic and also read about the context the magical spells were written, which are shared in the extensive bibliography. Some of the works she translated herself, but for languages she wasn’t familiar with, she used digital resources to translate that were then checked against scholarly translations.

I found her overall process interesting, about which she writes, “To create these contemporary interpretations, I stayed close to the intended meanings of the ancient incantations. After translating, I revised the language and rhythms, aiming for clarity, simplicity, and poetic impact.”16

There are five chapters, each focusing on a magical theme: manifesting and prophecy, love and lust, protection, healing, and curses, bindings, and vengeance. Additionally, Ryce includes an introduction about the written history of magic, which aptly sets the stage for what’s to come.

Aside from the general theme, there’s no real organization to the order of the spells, but there is a nice flow. Most of the spells are applicable to modern life, while others are just fun to read, such as the Mayan “Cure for Red Spider Monkey Gums (Pyorrhea)”. There’s incantations for protection from witches, as well as a spell to conjure the devils to bring love to you. There’s no telling what the next page will bring once you flip it!

This said, Ancient Spells and Incantations is definitely better suited for those with an eclectic practice that feel comfortable working with a wide range of deities across time and space. In just a few pages, the entries move from Thebes in the 12th century to China in 1200 BCE to Egypt 2nd Century BCE. There’s texts from the Scottish Highlands to traditional Yourba. In another few pages, a Babylonian text, Buddhist text, Lakota proverb, and Akkadian Magic Literature all come together to create quite an interesting mix.

All that Ryce shares is the text itself, so there’s no context about how these verses would be used in spellwork based on the lineage’s time and place. So for each chapter, it’s almost like reading a bunch of poems (in many ways that’s what spells and incantations are, right?!) related to a theme.

In regard to actually using the text, readers would have to be okay with creating their own rituals. For this purpose, Ryce includes a chapter towards the end called “Beginning a Magical Practice” where she covers working with words and objects, traditional spellcasting objects and color meanings, powerful places, and names and numbers.

Her guidance, along with my own background, would definitely be enough to piece together a ritual, but for those who prefer to create deep bonds with the lineages they work with before delving into ritual or spellwork, this book might better serve an anthropological curiosity. Similarly, for those who prefer spell craft with step-by-step instructions, this book might feel a bit too literary. Given Ryce’s multidisciplinary background in art, film, poetry, there’s no doubt her artistic sensibility has shaped the book to be a potent creative force in its own right. It can easily be enjoyed without having to perform any of the magic within.

Also worth noting, in an age where people can be quick to condone cultural appropriation, this book does not claim to be of any lineage. Ryce is a scholar, a seeker, and archivist. It’s clear she appreciates the living thread of magic woven through human history within these texts. While most of the book is simply the spells or incarnations, when Ryce does share information, her tone is always reverent, informative, and devoted to preserving the sanctity of the text. This book is done in service of magical history, allowing for these texts to be seen and valued in our modern world.

Overall, Ryce’s collection of incantations and spells inspire contemplation, bring a special energetic atmosphere to spell work, and invite intuitive connection with the past. Drawing from many traditions, Ancient Spells and Incantations is a offers snippets of occult history still relevant and useful for spellcrafting today. I quite enjoy the variety of content and I am impressed by Ryce’s artistic process in the creation of this book.

Whether you want to imbue sacred objects with these spells or chant them outloud for your magical workings, the content gives a potent, ancient foundation to start from. I’m so glad Ryce has brought these spells and incantations to print, translating them for the modern reader and lifting them out of the dusty archives of the past to fill the spells with fresh energy. A very cool and unique read!

Friendship Oracle, by Helena Elias

Friendship Oracle: Celebrating Connections, by Helena Elias
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468061, 36 cards, 128 pages, May 2026

Friendship Oracle by Helena Elias is a beautifully tender oracle deck that centers something often overlooked in spiritual tools: friendship as a sacred force. This deck brings connection, mutual care, emotional reciprocity, and the quiet magic of growing alongside others to the realm of divination–something new for me even with over ten years of reading experience!

I was immediately drawn into this deck because of the artwork. Elias hand drew each one on digital canvas, and the level of detail is truly impressive. The deck is a nice blend of enchanted femininity, cottagecore mysticism, and emotionally rich whimsical illustration. Flower crowns, natural textures, fairy wings, flowing dresses, and woodland imagery evoke a whimsical energy, honoring the beauty of the natural world.

All the imagery feels soft, nurturing, and deeply heartfelt. I love the warm, glowing color palettes, which lean into luminous golds, rose pinks, forest greens, deep burgundies, and moonlit ambers. Women and nature are one in this deck where flowers, forests, animals, and celestial imagery aren’t just decoration; they mirror the emotional tone of each card.

Many of the people are depicted in a semi-realistic fantasy style, featuring delicate detailing, glowing skin, flowing hair, and expressive faces that capture the emotional expansiveness this deck offers. Many of the cards emphasize a sacred sisterhood relationship filled with emotional intimacy, care, and connection between women across ages and identities, which is just beautiful to see come to life during a reading.

As for the guidebook, Elias provides a great perspective on friendship. For each card, there’s a meaning shared and a sowing intention ritual that offers a nature-inspired way to integrate the energy of the card. For instance, the sowing intention for the card Reach Out reads:

“Seek out flowers, paying attention to any buzzing bees nearby. Take time to exist in the present, and see if watching the bees and their path brings anyone to mind.”17

I thought that was such a great idea for tuning into who might need you to reach out! Similar to this buzzing advice, the whole guidebook feels thoughtful and intentional. There’s a good mixture of self-care mixed into the relationship-tending oracle advice too. As most know, it can be hard to figure out what to do when a friendship hits a bump in the road; sometimes the balm is more time alone, while other times it requires extra attention to heal. This advice in the guidebook covers the range of phases friendships move through, offering meaningful guidance for reflection.

At first, I wasn’t sure what kinds of questions to ask, as I don’t usually do readings about my friendships. Romantic life? Definitely. Career and money? Quite often. Family life? For sure. But my friendships?! Rarely! But then I started to think about my different friendships and get curious about what insight the deck has to share. Each reading so far has been very energetically spot on and informative for me. Here’s some examples:

I recently got back in touch with a woman who was my best friend from the age of 10 through 25–one of closest friendships I’ve ever had in my life. During our mid-twenties, life pulled us apart, placing us on different paths. There was never a fight, just relocations that reoriented our lifestyles: new friendships, new jobs, new relationships. Despite thinking about her regularly, nearly ten years had passed since we talked; with each passing year it seemed harder to bridge the gap. But then when I found out her mom passed away last month, I reached out. We ended up having a great conversation about where we are in life now, opening a doorway to a renewed friendship.

I decided to pull a card about this situation with her, and I got Soulmate! Here’s part of what Elias has written for this card:

“This is a reminder to honour those friendships that make your soul feel at home. You may be entering a time where you need each others’ strength and unconditional support. If your guiding star has been distant, perhaps this is the moment to reach out, to remind them that their light still shines in your sky.”18

This message was so validating that I did the right thing in rekindling our friendship. It highlighted for me just how valuable this rare such a soulful bond with another person is, and that I should embrace it once again.

Another reading I did was about a friend that I have known for decades but I don’t feel a deep connection to recently; our friendship seems based more on convenience than shared passions or interest. The card I got was Seeker. The first sentences of the guidebook entry made my jaw drop:

“There are times in life when our connections do not bear the fruit we anticipated. You may be at a point where you need to look outside your current garden of friends – not seeking to replace but instead to connect with those who match your current life path.”19

This message really resonated with me. I still value, love, and and appreciate this friendship, but it’s also okay for me to expand my circle to find those who feel more aligned.

Overall, Friendship Oracle feels like a refreshing addition to the oracle space. Its heartfelt messages, visually enchanting cards, and spiritual focus on the healing power of human connection make it a one-of-a-kind deck. Elias reminds us that friendship is not something casual, but rather the roots of some of our most sacred bonds that require reflection, honesty, communication, and renewal.

This deck is perfect for journaling with, doing relationship check-ins, or even working with in a community-centered spiritual practice such as a women’s circle. The emotionally nourishing and mystical nature of the deck revives the spirit and brings a clarity to our defining relationships. I really would love to see more decks from Elias!!