Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

The Vedic Tarot, by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

The Vedic Tarot: East Meets West, by Dwina Murphy-Gibb
RedFeather, 978-0764368202, 288 pages, 81 cards, September 2024

Dwina Murphy-Gibb has created a masterful tarot deck with influences from the Vedic, Irish, Qabbalistic, and Rider-Waite-Smith traditions in The Vedic Tarot: East Meets West. From the brightly colored illustrations to the wealth of information presented in the guidebook, this deck is a feast for the eyes and wisdom for the soul.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Dwina Murphy-Gibb was educated at Hornsey Art College in England. Her published works include three books of poetry, three novels, and numerous short stories. In addition to two plays, she has also produced a few independent films. You can learn more about Murphy-Gibb on her website.

What interested me most about this deck was the reference to “East Meets West.”  Murphy-Gibb shares that her first deck of cards was a deck of playing cards. This was due to her grandmother’s disdain for tarot cards. Her first tarot deck was a Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck, followed by the Etteilla and Aquarian decks, among others. The symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck shines through in this deck, although some of the names and symbols of the cards have been changed.

Murphy-Gibb changes The Fool to The First Traveler, and Death to Changes, among others. She also adds three cards to the major arcana: Oogenesis, Arbor Vitae, and Supreme Soul. So that she doesn’t interrupt the traditional numbers of the major arcana, Murphy-Gibb gives these three cards special numbers.

For the minor arcana, she utilizes the suits of Cups, Wands and Swords, but transforms Pentacles into Shields. In an example of how the RWS symbology is seen, the Five of Shields in this deck features a couple huddled outside of a building with stained-glass windows. The shields on most of the cards are round, much like pentacles in other suits.

Each card features the name of the card, a symbolic drawing, the Hebrew letter, the Sanskrit name, the Ogham tree/symbol, and the musical instrument applicable to the card. In the guidebook, Murphy-Gibb gives detailed information regarding each of these correspondences. There are also two charts in the guidebook that present tables of the information from all of the correspondences for the major arcana. Here are just a few of the correspondences that she assigns to The Lovers card in one of the charts:

Musical note:  D-natural
Hertz:  587.33
Chakra: Sacral1

Murphy-Gibb begins the guidebook with the story of how The Vedic Tarot was created:

“This Tarot is really an illustrative book that explores secrets of four ancient languages: Vedic Sanskrit, Irish Ogham Tree Alphabet, and Hebrew, as well as English and the influence of sound or music in the spheres and in the chakras of the body.”2

Next, she explains how each of these play a role in the story of man and tarot. She divides the major arcana into three sections of archetypes, powers, and the Eight-Fold Path.

After the extensive guidance and wisdom provided for both major and minor arcana cards, Murphy-Gibb presents Part 2. This section includes how to work with the cards, correspondence tables, and several spreads, including one she learned from a Gypsy Queen in her youth. This spread includes “the making of a mandala by interlocking the cards,”3 and makes use of only six cards.

Next, Murphy-Gibb presents glossaries for Sanskrit, Hebrew/Qabbalah, and Ogham terms.  She also includes resources for further reading, including online sources.   

I decided to test drive the deck by drawing three cards, keeping in mind Murphy-Gibb’s advice:

“The querent does not need to ask a question, because the answer will be apparent to them during the reading, or the subconscious question they have not dared to ask will be answered.”4

I drew these cards: Three of Swords, Knight of Swords and Knight of Cups. The information in the guidebook is so rich and multi-layered and it is easy to become overwhelmed. I decided to scan the pages for each card and came up with these three bits of guidance:

  1. “I am not lost, but rather replace it with the wonder of being somewhere else.”5
  2. “I may choose to challenge laws without breaking them.”6
  3. “There is joy in “the finding of a direction, not the seeking of it.””7 

This guidance helps me greatly with a situation in my life. I am also going to look up music with violins, C-sharp notes, and/or music that soothes the heart chakra, in keeping with Murphy-Gibb’s guidance. 

This deck is presented in a large, sturdy box, printed in rich colors of scarlet, gold, and black.  It features a magnetic flap that secures the box and opens to reveal space for the guidebook and two deep wells for the cards. These cards are printed on nice cardstock, which is so heavy that the box requires you to cut the deck in half to store it.  The cards have a black matte edging, and the back of the card is a unique design, which Murphy-Gibb describes as: “a combination of the Trishula, Shiva’s weapon, the Damru, his drum and the lyre.”8 She also accents the image with a sun, a snake and three worms across a moon, because she finished the artwork for the back of the cards on a Worm Moon. 

My favorite card in this deck is the Arbor Vitae.  This card is numbered 0-8 and comes before the Justice card in the major arcana for this deck. The visual is a tree with a feminine face, a small tree in her heart and curling roots. The musical instrument for this card is the bell. It is so calming and beautiful. I plan to keep it on my altar for a few days and drink in its powerful love vibes. The last line of the guidance says it all:

“Everyone wants to feel useful, and taking care of the little things is a service to the Great Mother and our own fulfillment. Undoing the wrongs by taking right action is the greatest medicine of all.”9

The Vedic Tarot would probably be best for a seasoned tarot reader or tarot scholar.  The rich layers of guidance, the multiple correspondences and the combination of Vedic, Sanskrit, Hebrew, and Irish myth and lore might be too difficult for a novice to take in. 

However, if beginners wanted to initially focus on the Divination section and then build up to adding the information in the other portions, this would be a great addition to their tarot collection. I plan to keep it on hand for personal readings and utilize the guidebook for additional information for client readings.

With this deck, we can continue our quest for knowledge and, as Murphy-Gibb says:

“We can begin remembrance of who we really are and start learning to fly.”10

The Council of Horses Oracle, by Sandra Wallin

The Council of Horses Oracle, by Sandra Wallin and illustrated by Kim McElroy
Bear & Company, 9781591434931, 40 cards, 192 pages, October 2024

In their wise and colorful deck, The Council of Horses Oracle, Sandra Wallin and Kim McElroy weave together guidance from our equine helpers with stunning artwork.

Sandra Wallin studied science and education, and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ecopsychology. In her work, she pulls experience from three decades as a psychotherapist, teacher, and mentor.  Along with her work with horses, Sandra utilizes modalities such as Psych-K and Bruce Lipton’s Biology of Belief to work with women who are ready to walk a new path. Though she has studied with many amazing people, Wallin says her most influential teachers have been horses, whom she credits for taking her (and her clients) beyond her belief ceiling to a place where all things are possible.11

Illustrator and artist Kim McElroy has always been drawn to horses and began drawing them as soon as she could hold a crayon. McElroy combines her artistic talent with her love of horses and more than thirty years working with these beautiful creatures.  She has co-created another deck and guidebook, as well as a journal on horses.  Learn more about her at her website.

I was excited to open this deck because horses have always been of interest to me. As a child, I loved riding horses on my uncle’s farm, and I was born in the year of the horse.  When I met my husband more than twenty years ago, I gained a friend who worked with horses for more than twenty years at racetracks around the country.  Our granddaughter is also an accomplished horse rider. 

Sandra Wallin and Kim McElroy have combined their knowledge and experience to create a beautiful deck with wisdom that is both intuitive and practical.  The guidance provides a message, a story from the author’s experience, wisdom from the horses and questions to be used as journal prompts for more inner work. Each card’s guidance includes four to five pages of information and ends with a recap, which is called “The Invitation”. This short section sums up the key idea from each card. 

Wallin presents the deck with a short introduction and then shares how to work with the deck, including key questions to ask, how to get to know the cards, and different spreads to use.  She shares this information about how the art and words work together:

“There is a union between the art and the writing, which is akin to the synergy that happens when the horse and human come together. When you work with the cards in this way, it is like being with horses in their paddocks, pastures, and fields, smelling their sweet breath; feeling their footfalls on the ground beside you; and seeing yourself reflected in their fathomless eyes.”12

Wallin even provides three sample readings that show how to do a reading with the cards, as well as how the client responded to the guidance shared. 

One friend, whom I’ll call “C” drew the card Aenbharr and shared that this card and its guidance was a confirmation to follow her intuition and take herself on a new adventure. She further shared that she had really felt stuck or stymied recently and that she kept feeling that she was missing out on the magic in her life. This card and the invitation that it included held a challenge to let go of old beliefs and habits that were keeping her from “rediscovering the magic that exists within the world,”13 as the guidebook entry for the card reads.

To give the deck a trial run, I took the cards to my Friday Coffee & Cards group. Each of my friends chose a card and the smiles on their faces as they read the guidance was all I needed to see.

It is interesting to note that Wallin drew the artwork for this card; she is also credited with co-creating the artwork for another card with Kim McElroy.

Another friend, “D” drew the card Al-Buraq and shared that as part of her recent retirement, she felt she was simply going through the motions. There was no surprise that the questions posed by this card asked her to reflect on what she might need to change in her life, what she might be taking for granted, and what limits she might need to overcome. She wrote down the questions and said she would use these as journal prompts for exploration and growth. She particularly related to the Message for Humankind for this card:

“Believe in the reality of what you envision or experience regardless of what the external world might negate.”14 

The cards are standard oracle card size and printed on heavy, glossy card stock.  The cards are easy to shuffle and will stand up well to repeated use. For the back of the cards, McElroy chose a beautiful piece of horse art that seems to gallop off the card. It is framed by clouds and light rays and also features a burst of light at the horse’s heart center.

The guidebook is printed in black and white, with a thumbnail of each card shown with the guidance.  The guidebook is easy to navigate, as it is arranged in alphabetical order.  Wallin also includes a Table of Contents.

The Council of Horses Oracle would be great for horse enthusiasts or anyone who has an affinity for horses.  The guidance really transcends the subject matter and can be applied to daily life quite easily. If you want to do a quick reading, you can select a card, take note of the key words, and then jump to the “Invitation”, which recaps the wisdom shared by Wallin.  I intend to keep this deck close by to end client sessions and refer to it for my own encouragement. 

The Flowerwise Oracle, by Leigh Podgorski

The Flowerwise Oracle, by Leigh Podgorski and illustrated by Kait Matthews
RedFeather, 9780764367694, 208 pages, 44 cards, April 2024

In her first oracle deck, Leigh Podgorski has combined a lush garden of beautiful flowers, diverse feminine forms, and guidance from Mother Earth to create The Flowerwise Oracle.

Previously, Podgorski has written plays, screenplays, and novels.  Her play We are Still Here premiered in 2000 and went on to run in various theaters throughout California. Western Song, her latest novel, is being made into a movie.

Illustrator Kait Matthewswas an original member of the cast of Podgorski’s play We are Still Here.  After running an art gallery in San Diego, she now works as an artist and illustrator. She previously illustrated Clarity Tarot.  Matthews also creates murals and other artwork for businesses.

I was drawn to the beautiful flowers and tagline of this deck: “Empowerment through the ancient wisdom of the feminine spirit.”15 From the first time I opened the warm mahogany-colored box, I was captivated by the flowers, the penetrating feminine faces, and the rich, jewel-toned colors. Each face is different with many different cultures and ethnicities included. The background is the perfect color to highlight the face, and each flower is featured in a unique way.

“All the flowers of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.
-Indian proverb”16

Podgorski is very generous with the information she shares in the guidebook, beginning with a preface that shares a history of flowers in general, a short section on how to use the deck, and a list of each of the flowers in the deck with a keyword. The guidance spans four pages or more per flower and includes the Latin name, key words, history, habitat, and myths. Finally, there is a small section for guidance, which she labels “The Flower Speaks.”

I loved that the guidebook is arranged alphabetically, and each entry also shows a small image of the flower in full color.

Each card also features either a raindrop or a sun. This enables the card to be used for a quick answer by the reader, as the sun represents “Yes” and the raindrop is “No”.

To test drive the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and each woman selected a card. One friend drew the Acacia card, which features a beautiful blonde woman wearing a spray of bright yellow acacia flowers in her hair. The tagline is “practice courage; perseverance pays.”17 The guidance in the book further spoke to renewed friendships, long-lost love or an adventure that beckons. My friend shared that she has recently reconnected with an old friend who wants her to travel to Hawaii with her.  She took this card and its message as confirmation that she had the courage to book the trip and enjoy her adventure!

Another friend drew the Calla Lily card, which shares: “Focus on the possible; let go of the doubt; imagine the best.”18  My friend was particularly interested in the history of the calla lily, which can be traced to South Africa.  She also learned that the flower is toxic to both people and animals, so it is no longer used as medicine.  But the guidance touched her deeply: 

“There is death among us. Sadness and despair. But fear not. For among us, too, there is magnificent beauty, boundless joy and eternal hope. . . When you feel hopeless, sit by the waters. In silence, reflect. Restore. Find your sacred balance anew.”19

She then shared that she was struggling with a recent loss, and this helped her to balance and center herself. She took a photo of the card to meditate on later. 

I also showed the cards to my ten-year old granddaughter, who is quite an artist herself.  We sat and flipped through the deck; the beautiful images of women and flowers kept her attention as we scanned all 44 cards. Her favorite was Elodea, with a beautiful blonde woman whose hair floats up, almost like a mermaid. Elodea is an aquatic plant, and my granddaughter has always loved the water!

These cards are a nice size at 3.75” by 5.5”. They are printed on nice cardstock with a matte finish.  The back of the cards features an assortment of different flowers, from rich reds to stark whites and deep blues. The deck comes in a beautiful, sturdy box that holds both the cards and the guidebook and features a magnetic flap.

Podgorski includes a thirteen-page list of various sources for the guidebook.  It is arranged alphabetically and includes fantastic resources for those who might want more information about flowers and their origins and uses. It’s worth noting, she focused on her work with a Cahuilla elder and an anthropologist for this deck.

These cards would be great for any level of oracle (or tarot) card reader. Young girls and teens will also resonate with the feminine characters and the messages of hope and inspiration. The Flower Speaks section can be used for a brief message, as well as the sun and raindrop symbols for a quick Yes or No. I plan to keep this deck on hand to utilize at the close of my client readings.  I’ll close with this quote from Luther Burbank, which Podgorski shares:

“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful. They are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.  
-Luther Burbank”20

Wise Women Oracle, by Cheyenne Zarate

Wise Women Oracle: Reconnect with She Who Knows, by Cheyenne Zarate
Rockpool Publishing, 1922786055, 128 pages, November 2024

Wise Women Oracle: Reconnect with She Who Knows by Cheyenne Zarate is a captivating exploration of femininity, strength, and wisdom through the lens of an oracle deck. This deck is not just a guide but a celebration of the diverse tapestry of women’s experiences, illuminating the wild woman archetype within us all through folklore, history, mythology, and pop culture. It combines beautifully illustrated cards with insightful narratives that inspire introspection and empowerment.

“We can find the wise woman at the crossroads between compassion, empathy, and motherly love, and mystery, magic, and the creative and destructive forces of nature. When we enter her time we seek to challenge ourselves and those around us to live up to our highest potential and integrity, and share our knowledge and wisdom with our children and family and also he greater world.”20

The front of the cards are all a pretty mint green color with monochrome illustrations. The illustrations are very detailed, and there’s a lot to gaze at when working with the card. The back of the cards are all black with four white owls in the corners and a flower in the center. There simplicity of the colors scheme creates relaxing visual experience, invoking the feelings of open-heartedness and connection to nature.

Additionally, the historical range of style in the illustrations is impressive. One card features Stevie Nicks, while another depicts Psyche. From Cailleach to Cinderella, Zarate masterfully intertwines traditional mythology with contemporary themes, creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life.  Drawing from many different perspective, the cards tap into a variety of cultures, identities, and stories that the wild woman appears within, enriching the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of women’s wisdom.

Beyond its artistic merit of the cards themselves, the guidebook offers practical advice for using the oracle in daily life.  Each card is accompanied by a well-crafted description that delves into the history, symbolism, and message of reflective guidance. There’s also a question for each card that prompts the reader to go within for personal insight.

As an example, this morning I pulled the card Akhilanda, She Who is Never Not Broken. The guidebook shares how Ankhilanda is a Hindu goddess who “tells us that the liminal space where we don’t know how to move forward is an empowering place.”21 Zarate shares in the “Symbolism” section how Akhilanda rides a crocodile, and the same way crocodiles clench their prey in their jaws, spinning it until the prey is disoriented and drowns, Akhilanda does the same for us to strip us of our ego’s illusions and false identities and out-dated attachments. In this way, we are given the opportunity t “alchemize our pain and insecurities into greater wisdom and beauty.”22

The question for this card reads:

“How can I vulnerably and compassionately embrace my brokenness so I can reinvent a self that is stronger, wiser, and more beautiful within?”23

Meanwhile, Zarate’s writing in the “Reflection” section encourages readers to remember their infinite potential and courageously choosing to discard the versions of self that have become stagnant. She notes that when we allow ourselves to fall apart and be reinvented, our new self now contains the wisdom and self-awareness developed from moving through a darker time.

This card was exactly what I needed to hear in the moment! The depth of the single card reading was enough to give me plenty to reflect and journal on during the day, and it was a confirmation that it’s okay to be imperfect and change into a new version of myself. There is no formula for perfection, and the best I can do is continue to integrate the wisdom I’ve accumulated and shapeshifter as needed. I’m going to be whole no matter what!

I’m so excited to continuing working with this deck in the coming months, as the messages from these wild woman is having a resoundingly transformational effect on my soul. Zarate’s choice of women and her interpretation of their wisdom is very moving. I love Zarate’s style of making it so the guidebook shares a mixture of facts about the woman along with intuitive guidance. Readers get to know the women’s historical background along with the translation of the unique medicine she has share with others.

Overall, Wise Woman Oracle is the perfect deck to reconnect with one’s wild spirit. Its combination of engaging visuals and thoughtful narratives makes it both a valuable tool for personal growth and a beautiful deck to treasure. This deck will appeal to anyone interested in exploring the rich, empowering stories of women throughout history and mythology. Whether a seasoned practitioner or a newcomer to oracle readings, Zarate’s work offers inspiration and wisdom for all.

The Westwood Tarot, by Yasmeen Westwood and Kalliope

The Westwood Tarot, by Yasmeen Westwood and Kalliope
RedFeather, 9780764368127, 256 pages, 78 cards, September 2024

In the rich set of 78 cards of The Westwood Tarot, Yasmeen Westwood has created a zoological treasure map for the Soul. She and the writer of the guidebook, Kalliope, have presented guidance and wisdom for the soul traveler.

Yasmeen Westwood is an artist who was born in Scotland and holds both a degree in biochemistry and a graduate degree in immunopharmacology. After working in the oil and gas field, she decided to study NLP, hypnotherapy, Reiki, and life coaching. She considers herself a “self-taught photomanipulation artist.”  After the birth of her child, she suffered from postnatal depression and began to teach herself Photoshop and other graphic techniques. She leaned into art to express herself and heal from PND. Soon, she had created her first tarot deck and went on to create four more decks, including The Westwood Tarot. You can learn more about her journey here.

Kalliope began working with the secrets of tarot in 1986 and also works with Lenormand cards. She has also written a guidebook for The Lenormand of Enchantment. She is a well-known speaker and teacher, who lives in Ontario with her husband and two sons. Learn more about Kalliope on her website.

The cards and guidebook are housed inside a box that looks like a book. The left side of the box is curved, like the spine of a book. Then the top and bottom edges of the box are painted to look like book pages and are adorned with dragonflies. It is so whimsical and fun!

My first observations of this deck were that it is larger than a usual tarot deck, more like the standard oracle deck size. The deck is printed on nice card stock and is a good weight for shuffling. The back of the cards features a lush green leaf and floral design, and each card is edged in gold. The fanciful beings on the cards offer a new dimension to tarot symbolism, which follows the Rider-Waite-Smith line up of major and minor cards.

Westwood’s inspiration for this deck comes from her childhood memories of Enid’s Blyton’s book series The Magic Faraway Tree. Each tarot card is paired with a beautiful creature that takes center stage on the card. The whimsical animals, birds, insects, flowers, and marine life are brought to life with rich and vibrant colors, symbolism, and magical touches. The guidebook offers a Spirit message from the respective characters.

Here are just a few examples:

Fool – Grasshopper
Hanged Man – Orangutan
Ace of Wands – Sunflower
6 of Cups – Dolphin

As the creator Westwood and Kalliope say in their “Welcome”:

“The Westwood Tarot beckons you to delve into the depths of your subconscious, where profound insights and revelation await. Inspired by pure intuition and decades of experience, this deck is a testament to the innate connections among artistry, intuition, and profound human experiences.”24

Next, the creators share five steps to beginning a reading: center, clear, connect, call, and close. They also give the reader a quick look at the categories that the guidebook includes for each card. A quick review of each of the four suits of the minor arcana follows, as well as an explanation of the court characters for each suit. At the end of the guidebook, Kalliope includes ideas for three different spreads.

Unlike a lot of tarot decks which have a small guidebook, the information for The Wildwood Tarot is quite extensive. The guidance spans about three pages for each card. 

To get acquainted with this deck, I drew one card daily for about a week. The first day I drew the 8 of Swords, which Westwood has creatively paired with a Canary! In its gilded cage, the canary hangs upside down, feeling trapped, although he can see a method of escape. Kalliope shares a four-line poem, provides key words for both light and shadow applications, and then paints a beautiful scene for the card. This “Scene” verbiage is more of a short narrative, explaining the background, setting, and a fable that brings to life the story of the chosen character.

After reading all the background material for the 8 of Swords, I chose to also read the passage on Career, which advised me to “Welcome workplace challenges as stepping stones to growth.”25 This was particularly resonant to me, as I have recently been feeling stuck with several challenges around growing my practice. However, when I am honest, I see that I am making steady progress. I took the rest of the guidance to heart and created this question to ponder: How am I torn between the safety of the cage and fear of freedom and success?

Later in the week, I drew the King of Cups, which shows a frog sitting against the night sky. The deck’s guidance shared that the frog “hops into your journey to facilitate a deeper connection with your emotions.”26 Kalliope says that because a frog can’t handle “toxic environments,” it just hops away.  This told me that it might be best to get out of toxic situations! I knew exactly what was being referenced in that advice! For this card, I chose to read the additional information about Wellness, where I found a suggestion to release negative emotions.

The way that the creators offer extra guidance for Love, Career, Wellness, and Finances is so helpful. And for me, the addition of the Spirit or Spirit Guide message from one of the creatures on the card is the icing on the cake. Kalliope also adds a quote from a famous person to the end of the guidance for every card.  My favorite quote was the one that accompanied the 8 of Swords and the Canary:

“I started to build a home with all the walls I was putting up for myself, but when I was finished, I realized I had built a cage and didn’t make a key. Lydia Longoria.”27 

My favorite card in the deck is the Empress. This card features a whimsical Highland Cow, which is currently my favorite creature! (Who doesn’t love those cuddly beings?) Here’s just a part of what Kalliope shares in the Spirit Guide message from the Highland Cow:

“Embrace their presence, dance in the sun, and let daisies be strewn under your feet, for you, too, deserve the beauty of nature’s embrace.”28

The Westwood Tarot would be good for any level of reader, from a novice to a more experienced reader. The cards and the guidance shared will form a good foundation for the beginner and add new insights for the more skilled diviner. I plan to keep the deck on hand for a few more weeks to see both major and minor arcana from a new perspective. I can see myself referring to the guidebook often in the future to add another layer of guidance for client readings.

Tarot of the Cosmic Seed, by Lalania Simone

Tarot of the Cosmic Seed, by Lalania Simone
Weiser Books, 9781578638611, 80 pages, 79 cards, November 2024

Drawing from a rich palette of jewel tones and a diverse collection of symbology, Lalania Simone has transformed the Rider-Waite Smith tradition into her own language in Tarot of the Cosmic Seed.

Lalania Simone is an indigenous artist, metalsmith, author and creator of tarot and oracle decks.  She has written a book called Urban Soul Warrior: Self-mastery in the Midst of the Metropolis and created two other tarot decks, including The Oracle of Awakening. She currently runs a spiritual boutique called Alchemy Ritual Goods, where services such as acupuncture/herbs, traditional spiritual healing practices, Usui Reiki, and several types of divination are offered.

In the guidebook, we learn that Simone has added a 23rd major arcana card to the deck.  This addition, The Cosmic Seed, is a brilliant card which speaks to “the seed of infinite potential. It exists in the quantum realm and can move between dimensions/realities in all directions, and through matter.”29.

Another change Simone made is renaming some of the major arcana cards, such as changing The Hierophant to The Teacher and The Fool to The Wanderer. Furthermore, she also renamed the court cards. Simone explains that she made this change “in an effort to decolonize the tarot and challenge outdated gender norms.”30

In her new royal court, the Kings are named “Mastery”; Queens are “Nurturer”; Knights are “Action”; and Pages are “Messenger.”  Simone kindly puts the traditional court name in parentheses next to the new name she has created and lists these for each of the four minor arcana suits in the guidebook.

Simone includes one spread in the guidebook, which she calls the Spiritual Growth Spread. With this layout, the querent can get an idea of “what is blooming”, any “support and/or challenges” and “outcome or further progression”.31 She also includes notes on how to use the deck and how to work with reversals. In her own words, Simone shares:

“Tarot of the Cosmic Seed is a journey into the experience of life. A vibrant and diverse spiritual tool, a bridge to the mysterious and the esoteric, as well as a guide to the everyday.”32 

Within the deck, Simone features a very diverse group of characters. For example, you will see the Hindu goddess Lakshmi on the 6 of Coins, Native American arrows on 8 of Wands, maidens in Asian dress on the 3 of Coins, a Mexican family with sombreros on the 10 of Cups, and an African princess on The Star card. For Mastery of Wands, Simone captures a gentleman in a pinstriped aqua suit that reminds me of Gregory Hines in The Cotton Club.

However, not all cards feature people. The 4 of Swords captures a beautiful velvet loveseat in rich turquoise hues with giant flowers that act as pillows. The 8 of Coins card showcases buttons, instead of coins, as well as a needle, thread and scissors.  

My favorite cards are The Wanderer, with a ballerina balancing on one foot atop a giant garnet gemstone; The Devil, which features a woman in a locked birdcage with a stag skull above her; and The Hermit, which is perhaps the most intriguing card in the deck.  The imagery on The Hermit combines a full moon, which is visible from a cave near an ocean or large sea, with a woman dressed in purple formalwear. Although she faces the sea, her head turns to look toward a lantern shining inside the cave. The visual is multi-layered with a sacred geometric pattern in the sky and crystals in each corner.  I could gaze at it for days!

To test drive the deck, I posted the backs of three cards on Facebook and asked friends to select a card and come back later for the reveal. Several women posted positive comments regarding the cards, such as one friend who selected the card 6 of Cups and shared that the message of enjoying memories and reconnecting with someone from the past really resonated with her. She had recently heard from a friend she had worked with 30 years ago. Another friend had this to say:

“This fell right in line with my own Tarot for today, 3 of Cups and 10 of Cups. I love it when the Tarot voice isn’t ambiguous but sings with clarity.”

Another friend selected the Justice card, which features a scale of gemstones with a human heart on one side and a feather on the other. I shared Simone’s guidance that states that the Egyptians believed in weighing the heart with a feather to reveal the true character of the person. My friend shared that she has “always been drawn to Egypt and actually lived there for several months years ago.” She went on to share about some physical challenges she and her daughter are navigating and how “it’s requiring me to practice balance in both thoughts and actions.”

My own journey with the deck provided me with thought-provoking words of wisdom and some incredible journal prompts. The rich colors and interesting characters will keep me coming back for more adventures with The Tarot of the Cosmic Seed.

These cards are standard size for a tarot deck, coming in at a little over 5” X 3”.  The cards are printed in a matte finish and on good quality card stock.  The back of the cards features a watercolor design of cobalt blue, turquoise, and midnight blue. Simone designed a beautiful symbol with an eye in the center and swirls and palm fronds flanking the eye. This esoteric symbol is printed in a turquoise foil imprint in the center of each card, and the cards are edged in turquoise foil, as well.  It is truly a stunning deck.

Tarot of the Cosmic Seed would be great for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of tarot and enjoys working with a diverse set of characters from around the world. It would probably be best for someone with a basic knowledge of tarot or with a foundation in Rider-Waite Smith symbols. I really enjoyed working with this deck and plan to add it to my collection of decks for client readings. My adventures with this deck are encouraged by Simone, as she offers this prayer on the first page of the guidebook:

“May this deck help you tap into your inner knowing. May it be a conduit for the wisdom of the divine within. May it serve as a mirror for healing and growth. May it ever align to the highest good of all.”33

Oracle of Heaven and Hell, by Travis McHenry

Oracle of Heaven and Hell: Harness the power of the angels and demons, by Travis McHenry
Rockpool Publishing, 1922785334, 168 pages, 72 cards, April 2024

Few oracle decks have dared readers to plumb the depths of the abyss, to dance on the razor’s edge between good and evil, as boldly as Travis McHenry’s Oracle of Heaven and Hell. In the tradition of grimoire magic, this unique deck conjures up Kabbalistic angels and their rival Goetic demons. Each card presents a dual-sided portrait: a divine messenger on one side, a primordial agent of chaos on the other. These celestial and infernal beings, bound by their opposing sigils, clash and coalesce in a cosmic dance of light and shadow, their wings and claws creating a maelstrom of energy that mirrors the profound duality inherent in the human soul. The cards’ edges, gilted in metallic blood-red, scintillate while shuffling, and the backs bear the sigil of Asmoday, the King of Demons, a potent symbol of forbidden knowledge.

Travis McHenry, a former intelligence analyst for the United States Navy and ordained Baptist deacon, traded his military uniform for the robes of a ritual magician. With a university background in anthropology and a Nile baptism initiating him into the priesthood of Anubis in 2021, he continues to explore the depths of the mysteries.

McHenry is the creator of a variety of tarot and oracle decks, including the Vlad Dracula Tarot, Hieronymus Bosch Tarot, and Egyptian Star Oracle. I’ve been using his Angel Tarot and Occult Tarot to learn the Kabbalistic angels and Goetic demons, so I was thrilled to discover that he has released Oracle of Heaven and Hell, a deck that combines the monochrome artwork from the previous ones, presenting each angel and corresponding demon on the same card, with their sigils popping in a rich sanguine red. This comprehensive deck is a wonderful resource for occultists who want to deepen their understanding of the interplay between these opposing spiritual forces.

As McHenry notes in the introduction, “There can be no light without darkness and no darkness without light.” [1] The accompanying guidebook delves into the origins of the 144 spirits featured in this deck. The 72 Kabbalistic angels, also known as the angels of the Shem HaMephorash, or secret name of God, are divine emanations whose names are derived from the 72-letter sequence found in verses 19-21 of the Book of Exodus, chapter 14, which describes Moses pronouncing the divine name and God parting the Red Sea for the Israelites.

These angels have dominion over the 72 Goetic demons, who come from the medieval grimoire The Ars Goetia, or The Lesser Key of Solomon. These spirits are believed to be derived from pagan gods, fallen angels, and other infernal spirits. According to legend, they were first summoned and enslaved by King Solomon, who forced them to build his temple. After the work was completed, Solomon imprisoned them in a brass vessel sealed with a magical sigil and cast them into a Babylonian lake. When some treasure hunters discovered it and broke the seal, the demons were released into the world. 

According to the occult writings of Cornelius Agrippa, every human is protected by a trio of guardian angels. In McHenry’s guidebook to Oracle of Heaven and Hell, each entry includes the dates and times over which each spirit holds regency so readers can discover their three guardian angels based on their birth date and time. Each demon is also said to be a servant to those born during certain date ranges.

A potential drawback for those who don’t own McHenry’s previous decks, the Angel Tarot and Occult Tarot, is that the guidebook for Oracle of Heaven and Hell does not provide pronunciations of the spirits’ names, which were included in the other guidebooks. This could present a minor challenge for those unfamiliar with Kabbalistic angels and Goetic demons. However, each card offers simplified oracular meanings in the form of one or two keywords, making it accessible to a wider audience.

I regrettably found a spelling error on one of the cards: the name of the first angel, Vehuiah, is misspelled Vehuaih. While this is a minor oversight, it’s worth noting for those who appreciate accuracy and attention to detail. Hopefully, future printings will remedy this mistake. 

When I first opened Oracle of Heaven and Hell and held the cards, I felt intense power emanating from them. It was like the angelic and demonic energies were wrestling with each other in the cards. The more I work with this deck, the more I see the angels and demons as complementary opposites, the angel representing a higher state of consciousness and the demon being a primal, instinctual response. 

To quote William Blake’s Marriage of Heaven and Hell: “Without contraries is no progression. Attraction and repulsion, reason and energy, love and hate, are necessary to human existence. From these contraries spring what the religious call Good and Evil. Good is the passive that obeys reason; Evil is the active springing from Energy. Good is heaven. Evil is hell.”30 Blake eloquently illustrates how the primal tug of war between heaven and hell sparks the Promethean fire of inspiration, the creative tension that fuels all artistic endeavors. The angels and demons represent a delicate balance between rational consciousness and primal instincts. 

The Oracle of Heaven and Hell has challenged me to develop a more nuanced approach to interpretation. When I draw a card, regardless of whether the angelic or demonic side is upright, I consider both perspectives, viewing them as complementary aspects of the message. This allows me to explore the light and shadow sides of the information I’m seeking. 

For example, card 4, which features the angel Elemiah, with the key phrase “Divine Power,”31 and the demon Samigina, with the keyword “Delay,”32 could be interpreted in the following way. Since Elemiah is associated with protection, guidance, and divine intervention, this angel’s presence indicates that the querent is being supported by a higher power and that there is a spiritual purpose for whatever challenges they are facing in their current situation.

The delays and obstacles in their path, signified by the opposing demon, might be frustrating, but may be necessary for personal growth or to help realign the querent’s path with their divine purpose. The overall message would be that a larger, divine plan is at work that involves temporary setbacks or delays, and one must have patience and trust in divine timing, as the delays may be necessary to prepare one for something greater. Even in the face of these challenges, the querent is being protected and guided by a higher power. 

One of my daily draws was particularly interesting. After drawing the “Spiritual Communication”34 card, featuring the angel Nanael and the opposing demon of “Ignorance,”35 Camio, I was startled to receive a telepathic message from Asmoday, the demon king, later that day, even though I wasn’t handling the deck or anywhere near it.

Given his sigil’s prominence on the back of every card, it’s not surprising that he reached out to me after I’d been working with this oracle. I was completely relaxed, watching TV at the time, and his communication came in like a jarring intrusive thought. He let me know that he was displeased that I was ignoring him and was demanding my attention by startling me into recognition of his presence. Remembering that the reversed keyword on the “Spiritual Communication”36 card is “Ignorance,”37 this incident brought to my attention how I can be willfully ignorant of spirit contact, either out of fear or distrust.

Be aware that engaging with this deck can open channels of communication with these entities, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who feels uncomfortable with the idea of interacting with demons. When I initially started establishing contact with these spirits (before using this deck), they informed me that calling upon one of them summons them all. The Underworld resides within us.

Oracle of Heaven and Hell is more than just a deck of cards; it’s a portal to the depths of the human soul. By confronting the duality within, you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This powerful tool offers an alchemical transformation, but it demands courage and a willingness to face your inner demons. Approach it with respect and reverence, and be prepared to emerge transformed.

Numerology Oracle, by Rosemaree Templeton

Numerology Oracle, by Rosemaree Templeton
Rockpool Publishing, 192257953X, 96 pages, 36 cards, October 2024

Numerology Oracle by Rosemaree Templeton is an intriguing exploration into the mystical world of numerology, offering readers oracle guidance to understanding and utilizing the power of numbers in their daily lives. Templeton, an experienced numerologist, shares insight that is both accessible and engaging, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of numerology.

“Just as our earth is a living, vibrating being, everything on it or in it is also living and vibrating at its own individual frequency. This includes our spirit friends — seen and unseen. Aso9i with all things in this universe, each of these spirit beings can be aligned with a number.”31

This deck really pops with its bright colors and intricate patterns. The card’s images feature intricate patterns of animals, ranging from monkeys to whales, unicorns to ladybugs. The color and animal have significances that blend together to lend another layer of meaning to each card that the reader is intended to intuitive. The number of the card stands in contrast to the pattern in big, bold, black text. The number is also written on the top and bottom of the card along with a one or two word card title. The cards are stimulating, so this something to keep in mind when working with the deck.

The guidebook is structured in a way that gradually introduces the reader to the fundamental concepts of numerology. Templeton shares how the deck came to be, a background on numerology, how to use the cards, and spreads that work well for the deck. There’s also a quick meditation offer for readers to get in a good frame of mind for reading the cards.

One thing that’s really interesting about this deck is that the numbers are not in chronological order. There are five card types: numerology, karmic, abundance, archangel, and ascended master cards. Templeton has chosen to separate numbers into these different categories based on her knowledge of the each number’s energetic frequency. This was a novel approach to numerology, and I think it makes for a real interesting oracle read.

Since the numbers do not go in order, readers need to rely on the table of contents in the guidebook to find their entry, or otherwise they can simply flip through until they find it. Every entry in the guidebook has a two-page of guidance bout the card’s message, but the focus of the messages change based on the category of the card.

The numerology card descriptions focus on why the reader may have pulled the card and actions it would be good, often involving working with or wearing a certain color. The archangel and ascended master card entries share about the energy of these divine beings, how they are showing up to support the reader, and insight on how to  work with them. The karmic cards entries focus on areas of personal development on a soul-level, while the abundance cards share the wisdom gained from the symbols of wealth depicted on the card.

Templeton doesn’t really delve into why the number is representative of each energy, rather she focuses on communicating the energy in the form of an oracle guidance. Her style writing is clear and concise, making the message of each card very easy to understand and integrate into one’s life. She often offers a practical application for the card, opening readers to applying numerological concepts to real-life situations. This hands-on approach helps to reinforce learning and encourages readers to trust their intuition as they delve deeper into the world of numerology.

Overall, Numerology Oracle is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the mystical and empowering world of numerology. Templeton successfully conveys the transformative potential of numerology as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery. With its blend of insightful theory and practical application, the book is sure to inspire readers to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the magic of numbers in their lives.

The Way of the Wealthy Woman Journal, by Taylor Eaton

The Way of the Wealthy Woman Journal: Inspiration, Practices, & Wisdom to Activate Abundance, by Taylor Eaton
Muse Oracle Press, 0645885088, 200 pages, November 2024

The Way of the Wealthy Woman Journal by Taylor Eaton is a wonderful resource designed to guide women on their journey to financial abundance and personal growth. The hardcover and golden gilded edges of this beautifully crafted journal bring the feeling of luxury and opulence into one’s creative space. Within these pages, it becomes possible to connect with your financial hopes and wishes, heal past money wounds, and step into the full radiance of wealth.

While one can work with the journal by itself, it is intended to be used together with Eaton’s The Wealthy Woman Oracle Deck. The cards provide clarity and guidance, and the journal is a sacred container to process, writer, and do the inner work to align with the card’s messages. An additional component of the financial journey Eaton provides is audio activations, which are recordings to activate abundance, that can be found online and listened to throughout one’s process of work with the cards and journal.

Eaton’s approach is refreshingly holistic, recognizing that financial success is deeply intertwined with one’s mindset and self-awareness. The journal is structured to facilitate a deeper understanding of one’s financial habits and beliefs, encouraging reflection on past experiences and setting clear, actionable goals for the future.

There are four chapters, and each has a specific focus for one’s financial journey. In order from chapter one to four the focuses are healing, trust, worthiness, and vision. Within each chapter, Eaton provides card spreads, journal prompts, money mantras, activations, and a prayer at the end. Some might feel called to move through the journal in sequential order, while others intuitively jump around to sections that call to them—whichever method feels aligned is the best way to proceed. This journal is not something to quickly move through and check off on a “to-do” list, but rather a tool to work with when the time feels right. Eaton writes:

“Use the journal at whatever paces feels right for you. The work you will do in this journal and the transformation you will undergo is sacred, deep work. Do not rush through it. Take your time. Be gentle and loving with yourself as you go through this metamorphosis.”1

I just love soaking in the heartfelt advice of Eaton! I have degrees in finance, economics, and accounting, so trust me when I say I’ve read a lot of books about money and improving one’s financial path. But none of them have ever tapped into the potent spiritual wisdom of the divine feminine to lead the way. For those of you who have struggled with your financial path within the current structure, rest assured there are most rewarding and fluid paths to success. This journal stands out with its unique blend of practical financial advice and engaging exercises that encourage women to explore their relationship with wealth through self-care, intuitive trust, and authenticity.

What makes this journal particularly appealing is its emphasis on empowerment and self-discovery. Through carefully crafted prompts and exercises, Eaton challenges users to think critically about their financial aspirations and the subconscious barriers that may be holding them back. This introspective journey is designed to foster a positive and proactive mindset towards wealth creation. The exercises are designed to tap you into your own personal frequency so that you reshape your financial journey to match your true desires.

Eaton’s advice helps to navigate the fears and doubts that arise when walking a path many have yet to remember. But she always brings journal-writers back to themselves through the process. I love this passage from the chapter on trust:

“As you take bold actions and move outside your comfort zone on your path to abidance, you may discover that you’re questioning yourself more than ever before. You may feel uncertain of what the future holds, fearful of what may (or may not) come to be, and wonder whether it would be better not to pursue the propensity your soul is yearning for. This is where trust is esential.”35

Another piece of advice Eaton offers that really stands out to me right now is the need to sometimes be still in the process of abundance activation. Finding a balance between action and non-action, readers discover that rest is just as important as forward momentum. She writes:

“When working hard than necessary, we often move so quickly that we miss countless opportunities for abundance to come to us easily. Sometimes, all we need to do is slow down and allow the money to catch up with us.”36

All of this wisdom makes for a fascinating read to illuminate new ideas as one moves through their financial journey. The multitude of ways to embrace the way of the wealthy woman, from mantras to journaling to the audio recordings, engage all the senses, bringing forth an embodied experience of financial transformation.

As for the journal’s physical details, the spine is flexible enough to open the pages wide when writing. And there’s a beautiful little pink ribbon placeholder to always find where you left off. The text is large enough to easily read, and the different fonts make it very aesthetically pleasing to read. Plus, the images throughout the book, which also appear in the oracle deck, awaken the sensuous, spiritual energy within ourselves. This journal is truly lovely visually, further connecting readers with the flowing, feminine nature of wealth.

Overall, The Way of the Wealthy Woman Journal is an excellent tool for those seeking to transform their financial lives. It not only provides practical advice but also nurtures a soul-centered approach to cultivating prosperity. It is a valuable companion for anyone on the path to financial empowerment, especially when worked with in combination with The Wealthy Woman Oracle Deck. There truly is an alternative pathway to wealth than what our capitalism culture shows us, and Eaton has opened a portal doorway for others to walk through with this journal.

Sisters of the Fae Oracle Deck, by Ashley Frost

Sisters of the Fae Oracle Deck, by Ashley Frost and illustrated by Leah Shoman
Sacred Scribe Publishing, 9798987986653, 33 cards, 80 pages, 2024

In creating Sister of the Fae Oracle Deck, Ashley Frost and Leah Shoman have combined ethereal artwork with messages from the divine wisdom of fairies. Each card is a little work of art, which has been placed inside a floral frame. I was drawn to the deck because of the fairy reference and the beautiful images on the cards. The energy of this deck is light and airy with gorgeous, whimsical images and a beautiful typeface.

Ashley Frost is a mystic, women’s circle leader, and space holder for the divine feminine.  As a bridge between worlds, Frost is a Spirit messenger and loves to help other women connect as well. She has co-created two other oracle decks and co-founded a women’s group on Youtube called Boo Babes.  She is a wife, a mom to three daughters and also loves to write poetry and sing.

Leah Shoman is a crystal energy healer, publisher, author, and deck creator, who brings guidance from Spirit to her clients and readers. She has published numerous decks and books. She also has an online crystal shop where she offers crystals sourced from around the world. You can learn more about her work here.

These cards are standard oracle card size and come with a companion guidebook. They have a matte finish that beautifully complements the images of women, fairies, flowers, and birds. The cards are a nice thickness and will stand up to repeated shuffling. I especially like how the cards and guidebook fit nicely into the very sturdy box, which has a type of double insert that provides extra support and a thin box top that slides over the cards.

I appreciate that every card is numbered because the guidebook is not arranged alphabetically. You have to look up the card in the guidebook by number by the table of contents. In addition to the guidebook entry for each card, Frost includes an introduction, guidance on how to use the cards, and three different spreads. The guidebook is printed in full color with a serif font that adds a feminine touch to the verbiage. I love Frost’s suggestion for working with this deck:

 “Work with the fae for inner child healing and embrace a joyous, limitless perspective on your spiritual journey . . . Connect with fairies to unlock soul codes and unearth wisdom.”37

One extra card is included with the deck, which I saw as a type of invocation or prayer. You can read this card before doing a reading to set the tone or invite the fairy realm to enter your space. Here is just one portion of that message:

“We send this creation into your hands with love and an intention of remembrance. We bring this to you so you may find the beauty within Mother Earth while also seeing beyond the mundane and connecting with your fairy guides.”38

To get started, I pulled a single card for myself and drew “Magnolia Mirror.”  The guidance reminded me to “look within and see what has been working as a mirror within your life and what has been triggering you.”39 It then followed with the reminder, “Triggers are mirrors and they are gifts. They show us where we are not free within our own journey.”40

I took the advice and went out on my patio with my journal. I asked the fairies to show me triggers that were robbing me of joy.  Very quickly, three situations came to mind and I wrote and wrote and then released the energy into my favorite tree. So very healing!

Next, I FaceTimed with one of my friends and asked if I could pull a card for her.  After a quick shuffle, I drew the card “Earthly Realms.”  As I began sharing the guidance from the book, my friend threw back her head and began to laugh.  She lives by a park in our little town and has been thinking about going over to walk the trails.  She says every day dawns and then ends, but she stays inside.  This was the encouragement she needed to get out and enjoy nature!

Later, when I went to my local coffee shop to pick up a latte and one of their delicious scones, the girl who took my order recognized me from my Friday cards group. She asked if I had any cards with me. I happen to have Sisters of the Fae in my bag!  She drew the card “Saffron Fields,” and as she read the guidance, I could tell she was tearing up from this message:

“The energy of the saffron is softly embracing you, giving you permission to release. Allow those tears to flow. You have been holding on to this for far too long. It is safe to let this go. Your tears are so magical. It is healthy to cry and once released, you will feel as light as an airy fairy.”41

What a beautiful message for this woman, who had shared with me on more than one occasion that she is a mom to three children, goes to school, and works full time. Quite a lot from one woman to handle! The fairies gave her permission to lay down her burdens and have a good cry! How magical!

I would recommend Sisters of the Fae Oracle Deck for both novice and experienced card readers. The guidance is so soft and gentle, yet it comes through with clear and direct messages of love and support from the fairies.