Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck by Jen McCarty, with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell, is a captivating and insightful tool for deepening one’s metaphysical understanding of the world, specifically through the teachings of Neville Goddard. Creator Jen McCarty, who also published Little Book of Neville Goddard Quotes, has dedicated herself to sharing the impactful wisdom of Goddard. This unique deck is comprised of cards that offer oracle insights based on Goddard’s teaching, further illuminating his spiritual insights and presenting the one(s) most relevant to the reader at any given moment.
“If you commit to working with this oracle deck, you will grasp Neville’s core foundational teachings, and they will assist you in transforming your limited beliefs, becoming one with your higher self, and manifesting the life of your greatest imaginings.”1
One of Goddard’s core beliefs was that human imagination is God, and therefore, individuals can manifest their desires into reality through the power of thought and belief. This belief is reflected in the title of this deck, Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck, which awakens the subconscious and helps readers to remember the potency of their mind.
The deck’s artwork is truly a feast for the eyes, which quite literally appear in quite a few cards’ imagery. Stephanie Wicker-Campbell’s illustrations are filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, each card telling its own story through a blend of mystical and fantastical themes. Blending themes of pyramids, the cosmos, and natural landscapes into surreal art, this deck opens the portals of the imagination. The imagery is not only visually appealing but also deeply symbolic, inviting users to delve deeper into their subconscious and explore the messages within.
Goddard’s teachings are vast and wonderful, yet can sometimes feel antiquated or hard to understand. McCarty’s insights based on his work, on the other hand, are very relatable to the modern day reader and serve a wonderful stepping-stone for those who seek to learn more about Goddard.
Within the guidebook, McCarty has crafted each entry with the love and care of a true spiritual devotee, offering interpretations of Goddard’s teaching that are both profound and accessible. In reading her interpretations of the cards, it’s clear McCarty really reflected deeply on Goddard’s messages, integrated them on a soul level, and thoughtfully interpreted them into oracle form for the reader. Her writing encourages introspection and personal growth, making the deck a valuable tool for metaphysical exploration.
For each entry, there’s the image of the card, a quote from Goddard, McCarty’s interpretation of the card, and occasionally a one-sentence message of empowerment.
For instance the first card I pulled from this deck was Awaken to Christ Consciousness. McCarty writes how this card “boldly asserts that Christ cannot be confined within the boundaries of historical records or external rituals. Instead, it assets that the true revelation of Christ occurs when we recognize the transformative potential of our own imagination.”2 McCarty recommends visualizing one of my greatest heart’s desires after pulling this card, as I’m in the process of a huge transformation that brings more of my higher self into the physical material world. The entry further states:
“When it appears in a reading, it serves as a powerful reminder of our true identity. We are reminded that we are potent creative forces – fractals of divine source energy.”3
And quite honestly, the reading was spot-on! I do feel like I’m going through a metamorphosis, and this card was a wonderful reminder to tap into my spiritual nature more to guide the process. I also enjoyed how McCarty mentioned connecting with Christ outside the bounds of history or ritual, as I’ve grown away from my Catholic spiritual origins yet still feel like there’s a lot of spiritual potential in forming a deeper relationship with Christ consciousness.
One of the best features of this deck is its versatility. It can be used for daily inspiration, meditation, or as a supplement to other practices like manifestation or creative projects. The cards encourage users to feel confident in their spiritual nature, prompting them to examine outdated beliefs and consciously choose to embrace their higher self by aligning their mind with God.
Overall, Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck is a testament to the collaborative creativity of McCarty and Wicker-Campbell. This oracle deck offers a harmonious balance of visual artistry and spiritual insight, making it a wonderful companion for anyone seeking to enhance their connection with the mystical aspects of life. Whether you’re an experienced oracle reader or a curious spiritual explorer, Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck is sure to inspire and guide you on your path by opening you to the wisdom of mystic Neville Goddard. This deck is a beautiful blend of spiritual guidance and artistic expression, making it a unique addition to any collection.
Creatrix Awakened Oracle Deck: Fierce Feminine Frequency Leaders by Shannon Van Den Berg, with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell, is a captivating and empowering tool for delving into the realms of divine feminine energy. Designed to support “awakening leaders and visionary creators”4, this potent deck communicates frequencies to awaken, inspire, and support the change-makers of our times as they expand into new possibilities of becoming. The guidebook reads:
“Within these cards, you will find facets of leadership, embodiment, and liberation. Each card is infused with ancient and cosmic codes, designed to activate you and guide you through initiation, breakthroughs, deaths and rebirths.”5
This deck consists of absolutely beautifully illustrated cards, each one portraying a different archetype or aspect of the fierce feminine spirit. Stephanie Wicker-Campbell’s artwork is both vibrant and evocative, capturing the essence of each theme with bold colors and intricate details. Her illustrations serve as a visual meditation, drawing the user into a deeper connection with the card’s message. There’s a beauty and intensity within each card, showcasing the spiritual fierceness of the divine feminine.
Accompanying the deck is a guidebook authored by Shannon Van Den Berg, which provides insightful interpretations and practical guidance for each card. There are three types of cards in this deck: Activation, Wisdom, and Embodiment. Activation cards focus on sacred disruptor archetypes that are essential to the awakening process. Wisdom cards provide guidance about one’s soul mission. And the Embodiment cards offer insight of the divine feminine in the form of goddesses, priestesses, and archetypes.
The Wisdom cards are very unique because they were personally transmitted by sixteen featured authors who contributed to this deck. As a result, each entry in the guidebook differs a bit, depending on the message that came through for the featured author. In the back of the guidebook, there’s a profile on each of the sixteen authors, sharing their biography and website to learn more about their work.
For the rest of the cards–Activation and Embodiment–Van Den Berg’s writing is both accessible and profound, offering users a blend of ancient wisdom and modern spiritual practices to enhance their readings. The messages encourage self-reflection and personal growth, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their intuition and embrace their personal power. For each card there is a description of the meaning, along with a journal prompt, practice to do, and mantra.
The first card I pulled from this deck was Lineage Disruptor. I immediately resonated with this card, as I’m currently living with family and feel myself doing deep ancestral work, ranging from studying ancestral astrology to having the tough conversations about positive changes our family can make. It feels exhausting at times, but this card was instant confirmation that I am making a difference. The guidebook description for this card reads:
“This card symbolizes your sacred offerings for the generations to come, marking a significant era where strides are taken to disentangle and free lineages from antiquated and harmful patterns. As a lineage disruptor, you play a pivotal role in this transformative journey, standing at the crossroads of ancestral clear and the creation of a heart-centered path.”6
This is one of the activation cards, so I feel like it was a blessing on this path, further initiating me into the current spiritual path I am pursuing. I really enjoyed further exploring the energy of the card through the journal prompts, one of which reads “What ancestral patterns do you feel called to disrupt?”7 My journal session brought me a lot of clarity about my intention in communicating with my family and ancestors. I’ve been doing the practice every morning too, and I feel like this meditation is further awakening a new awareness in my energy field.
One of the standout features of this oracle deck is its focus on inclusivity and diversity. The cards depict women from various cultural backgrounds, celebrating the universal nature of feminine energy and leadership. This thoughtful representation makes the deck relatable to a wide audience, encouraging users to see themselves reflected in the cards.
Another thing I like about this deck is how the range of different cards makes for insightful readings. While there are suggested spreads, readers are definitely able to find their own style in working with the deck too. I’ve connected with the cards by doing single-card pulls daily and doing more intricate spreads. There’s a lot of energy coming through, but I feel like each time the messages easily blend together and are transmitted with clarity and precision.
Overall, the Creatrix Awakened Oracle Deck is a powerful tool for anyone seeking inspiration and empowerment from the divine feminine. Whether a seasoned oracle reader or a beginner, this deck offers a rich tapestry of wisdom and artistry that invites exploration and personal transformation. The creators–Van Den Berg, Wicker-Campbell, and their featured authors–have truly creatively captured incredible frequencies within this deck, opening the energetic pathway through their artwork and writing to share them with readers all over the world.
This is a gorgeous deck to come back to time and time again, as the activation and potential for growth are endless within each cycle of life. I love reading this deck and tuning into the powerful divine feminine energy it activates within myself, knowing there’s countless others all over the global also sharing in global awakening and healing taking place.
A book of paradox and promise, The Intuition Bible: How and Why to Tap Into Your Inner Wisdom by Happy Ali offers an exploration of our inner experience that seeks to unlock the font of knowledge lying dormant in our embodied nature. Ali guides readers’ journeys to harness their intuitive abilities, offering practical advice, exercises, and insights to cultivate this innate skill. From offering metaphysical speculations about our place in the multi-dimensional cosmic dance to providing concrete practices designed to help us recognize and release the life-transforming power of our intuition, this book is a comprehensive guide to learning to hear and trust one’s inner voice.
For those of us who navigate the world with a primarily logic/reason-based approach, Ali admits many of his ideas will be challenging to embrace at first. Surprisingly, he even considers himself among this group; I give a lot of credit to the author for being so open and transparent about his claims. Unlike other writers who pronounce their viewpoints and theoretical frameworks with uncompromising assuredness, Ali is eminently respectful of his readers, and always seeks to hedge his claims so as not to override the reader’s own intuitive experiences.
Ali insists that the topics in this book are meant only as a gateway for the reader to open themselves up to the unique reality that is available only to them. He urges that even though higher wisdom ultimately comes from beyond the bounds of our every-day world, all intuitive experiences arise through our embodied state, and so are exclusive to each individual. His writing style is personable and encouraging, creating a sense of trust and openness that is essential for exploring one’s own intuition.
The book is divided into two parts: “Part 1: Theory and Deconstruction” and “Part 2: Instruction and Application”. While some readers may be eager to jump straight into the second half of the book, Ali provides valuable guidance in Part 1, especially for those who have questions or hesitations about the use of intuition.
Rather than addressing potential problems or concerns later, as many authors might do, Ali is up front and direct about getting the readers to engage the material with as few mental stumbling blocks as possible. He answers questions like: “How can I trust what I hear is intuition and not just my mind making things up?” and “Do I tell someone if I receive information about them?” These are just the sort of questions I had when starting this book, and I found it extremely helpful to address them before starting to engage with the practices in the latter half of the book.
A key strength of the book is its emphasis on practical application, which is the primary focus of the second part. Ali provides readers with a variety of exercises designed to enhance their intuitive skills, encouraging them to listen to their inner voice and recognize the subtle signals it sends. He also delves into the science behind intuition, offering a balanced perspective that bridges the gap between spirituality and empirical research.
As Ali moves into the exercises, he continuously urges the reader to journal about their experiences, both intuitive and mundane. This not only fosters curiosity, it also will help bring one’s attention to the patterns in one’s life and experiences over longer stretches of time. In turn, becoming more aware of these patterns works to strengthen trust and confidence in ourselves and our intuitive abilities.
Although Ali discusses a wide range of intuitive experiences–from simpler “gut feelings” to dreams to clairvoyance–all of them require attentive curiosity in order to notice and feel out the underlying patterns that lie within our own microcosm, and reflect the more encompassing patterns of the macrocosm. He asserts curiosity is an orientation that helps us overcome the limitations and blockages which can manifest from our individual belief system or the constraining judgments necessitated by logical/rational coherency.
“My favorite way to discern if the information is helpful is to notice if it encompasses love and unity or if it fosters fear and division. I don’t care so much about labeling the source of the information”7
Although it may take months, or even years, for some of us to develop sensitivity and trust in our unique suite of intuitive abilities, Ali presents a formidable roadmap for this journey. This book is a great resource for all readers, whether they’re already experienced with their intuitive nature or just taking their first steps.
Due to Ali’s very honest and open approach, even the more skeptical reader will find ways to connect with the material, especially once trying out some of the practices for themselves. Ultimately, Ali isn’t attempting to convince us to adopt certain beliefs. Instead, he urges us to open ourselves to the wider scope of experience and knowledge afforded by our intuitive sensitivity.
Overall, The Intuition Bible is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of intuition and incorporate it into their daily lives. Ali’s blend of practical guidance and compassionate wisdom makes this book an inspiring read that empowers readers to unlock their full potential.
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca is a charming and whimsical novel that beautifully blends romance and the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of a quaint small town–Boneyard Keys, FL–the story follows copywriter turned recent homeowner Cassie, who finds herself entangled in a series of mysterious and spooky events that challenge her perceptions of love and reality in her new town. She definitely got more than she bargained for when she realizes the house she just bought comes with its own ghost!
When Cassie’s power outlets unexplainably won’t charge her laptop, she heads out to find a place to work. Finding refuge in one of the town’s local cafes, Hallowed Grounds, she quickly finds herself growing affectionate for both the owner, Nick, and the perfect iced hazelnut latte he makes. As an ancestor of the founding families of Boneyard Keys, Nick has grown up among the ghosts of the town. In fact, he’s the only one in his immediate family who inherited the ability to commune with the ghosts, something he takes very seriously and reveres.
It’s a bumpy ride as skeptical Cassie begins to accept there are actuallyghosts in Boneyard Keys, even with Nick’s gentle encouragement to get to know the local ghosts. While the ghost Nick lives with, Elmer, is quite encouraging of him pursuing Cassie, Cassie’s resident ghost, Sarah, seems to have something against Nick. Repeatedly when Nick comes over, Sarah uses her method of communication, poetry magnet tiles on Cassie’s refrigerator, to say “get him out”.
While the ghosts give them the runaround, Cassie and Nick must decide what their futures will look like: Can Cassie learn to embrace the unique lifestyle in Boneyard Keys or will the ghosts be too much for her? Is Nick ready to let the past go and give love a chance, even if it means potentially being hurt again? Lucky for these two, there’s plenty of support characters, but human and ghost, to give advice, lend a hand, and help Cassie and Nick discover what they need to in order to determine if things will work out.
DeLuca’s writing shines with its warm, engaging style, and she skillfully crafts characters that are both relatable and endearing. Cassie’s experience in Boneyard Keys is both emotional and entertaining, as she navigates her way through unexpected hauntings and budding romance. While Nick’s path to opening his heart is simply swoon-worthy.
I really enjoyed DeLuca’s knack for capturing the essence of small-town life. It adds a vibrant and authentic flavor to the narrative, making the setting feel like a character in its own right with its own charm. Plus, readers get a real feel for the other residents of Boneyard Keys, making them want to learn more about their backstory and see what’s to come. I already can foresee another TWO budding romance between side characters in this book. And since this is the first Boneyard Keys book, we know there’s more to come! As someone who enjoys emotionally investing in book series, I am already quite excited to return back to Boneyard Keys for another story down the line!
One of the standout elements of the book that made it a great romantic read for me is the balance of humor and heart. DeLuca manages to infuse the story with witty dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments, which are perfectly contrasted with deeper themes of self-discovery and acceptance. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, providing just the right amount of intrigue without overshadowing the central love story. Plus, there’s a lot of fun ghost puns!
Overall, Haunted Ever After is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies with a supernatural twist. DeLuca has crafted a tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re a fan of romance, a lover of ghostly tales, or just in need of a feel-good story, this novel is sure to enchant and delight.
Be Like the Wind: Three Equines Channel Spiritual Light by Ellen Kohn is a uniquely enchanting exploration of the profound connections between humans and animals, specifically through the lens of equine companionship. Kohn, an experienced animal communicator, delves into the spiritual and emotional bonds that can exist between horses and their human counterparts.
“Spirit has demonstrated horse energy signifies one of the most powerful forces on the planet. In preparation for global transformation and healing, horse was chosen to mentor and guide humans…”8
The book is a blend of personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, offering readers a glimpse into the transformative power of these majestic creatures. Kohn’s writing is both heartfelt and evocative, painting vivid pictures of her experiences with the horses that have touched her life. She presents each equine not simply as an animal but as a spiritual entity capable of offering guidance and healing.
Kohn shares the journey of three horses–Billy, Monty, and Romeo–”chosen by the Equine Council to initiate a psychic connection”9 with her. This Council “represents a group of highly ascended beings who have spent many lifetimes as a horse.”10
Serving as a moderator, Kohn has woven together the messages she’s received via direct communication and vibration exchange with these horses. Portions of the book are written in the narrated form of the three horses united in energy, called The Tribune, while other parts are narratives of a singular horse sharing their wisdom in the form of conversions with Kohn. All the stories are written in first-person, facilitating a conversational and intimate reader experience.
The Tribunes offer a special metaphysics of this world that will most likely be novel to most readers. From the horses sharing their past life experiences (Romeo served King Philip in Spain during the mid-1500s!) to an exploration of what the soul is, the higher wisdom coming through the Tribune is a unique and interesting spiritual perspective. Here’s an excerpt from the chapter “Signs from Beyond the Veil” where the Tribune shares signs of spirit manifesting:
“Chills declare a Divine presence, affirming spiritual information from your helpers, guides, and angels. When chills appear in your energy field, they confirm what you believe to be true. An unambiguous feeling, chills infuse clarity into your awareness and faith.”11
Notably, some readers might find the spiritual themes to be esoteric, especially those who approach animal behavior in a scientific manner. But for those who enjoy the spiritual wisdom of animals, there’s an abundance of channeled messages focused on healing, love, and surrender to the Divine that are sure to provide inspiration and comfort.
One of the strengths of the book is Kohn’s ability to convey the subtleties of non-verbal communication. Her descriptions of the silent interactions and the shared sense of understanding between her and the horses are deeply moving and thought-provoking. This makes the book appealing not only to horse enthusiasts but also to anyone interested in spiritual growth and the interconnection between all living beings.
Overall, Be Like the Wind is a compelling read for those open to the spiritual wisdom of horses. Kohn’s passion for communicating the lessons channeled by her relationship with Billy, Monty, and Romeo is a true service to the world. This inspirational book would be a wonderful addition to the libraries of both animal lovers and spiritual seekers alike. The gentle communication style of the horses opens up hearts and brings a renewed sense of hope and faith.
Lucky, who is “gifted” (even though it sometimes feels like a curse) with the ability to read people to their core when she looks in their eyes for the first time. Decades of feeling ostracized due to her ESP abilities have left Lucky quite rusty when it comes to relationships, preferring her paranormal research over the company of others.
Lucky finally has her big career break after a trail of graduate school rejections and lack of investor funds for her research. A film company hires her to be the caretaker for a house that’s deemed haunted after the previous three tenants left abruptly after being tormented in the house. Lucky is determined to make it through the whole month in the house, unraveling it’s paranormal secrets along the way to bolster her career as in the field, but her usual go-it-alone attitude begins to change though when she meets Maverick, a podcaster and show host, whose work has always been a source of inspiration and comfort to her.
Lucky finds herself simultaneously bonding with the house, which develops an affinity for her, and her co-workers on the show, especially Maverick and his daughter Rebel. Meanwhile, she’s also trying to get a read on the owner of the home, Xander, to see just what’s going on here. Managing love and work can be hard as Lucky finds out, and it’s up to her to confront her past to choose the future she truly desires.
Claire Kann’s writing is both witty and heartfelt, offering a delightful blend of humor and emotion. She skillfully weaves together themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of spooky yet charming haunted locations. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Lucky’s journey of finding herself, building her career, and trying to open up to love in the process feelings genuine and engaging.
The supernatural elements add a unique layer to the story, providing both comedic relief and poignant moments. It’s a testament to Kann’s ability to blend genres seamlessly, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. As someone who loves things all paranormal, Lucky’s career ambitions and relationship with the supernatural felt authentic. There is content about the different types of paranormal phenomena and Lucky’s personal areas of focus (human-created supernatural phenomena).
Plus, the sentience of the house is really neat to experience first hand. I’ve read plenty of books where the house comes alive (The September House, Starling House) but this house’s abilities were really cool. I was fully absorbed in Lucky’s experiential process of undercovering what the house’s intentions were through the ways she managed to communicate.
Another aspect of the book that was interesting compared to other romance novels was that Lucky is asexual. While most romance books have the characters coming together in the throes of passion, in this book there was a good amount of discussion about boundaries and consent. This isn’t to say sparks weren’t flying, but I enjoyed the slower pace of there being actual open and honest dialogue around sexual expectations and preferences. I feel like it was more relatable and models what true intimacy looks like in a relationship.
For those who have ever felt the sense of being on the outside that comes with being psychic or having abilities others don’t understand, I think you’ll find Lucky quite relatable. While it’s in the genre of romance, I was moved to near tears multiple times as the book truly captures the emotional experience of what it means to have extrasensory perception that others don’t understand. From being isolated to mocked and ridiculed, it can be tough! Many of us readers have surely felt this at one point or another, so seeing Lucky find true love was especially rewarding.
Overall, Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places is a fun romance read for those who love all things supernatural. Its clever plot, endearing characters, and perfect balance of humor and heart make it a great book to curl up with this fall. I highly recommend it as a sweet, spooky read that will keep you intrigued with paranormal activity and a slow but steady relationship build-up.
Darragh Mason’sSong of the Dark Man beckons readers down a crooked, thorn-riddled forest path to meet the Devil at the crossroads. Following the haunting melody of his Pan pipes through a captivating blend of folktales, historical records, and contemporary testimonies, Mason seeks the elusive figure of the Dark Man of the Witches’ Sabbath, whose children are “the witches and storytellers.”1
Divided into two parts, this book delves into the historical context of the Dark Man, including the chilling accounts of the Scottish witch trials, and then explores the lived experiences of present-day witches who have encountered the Dark Man. Mason invites readers to sit beside an ancestral campfire, for “this is a work created in the spirit of the sagas and poems sung by our forebears.”2
Darragh Mason is an award-winning photographer, researcher, and author, best known for his work on the Djinn and the Aghori Hindu sect. He also hosts the award-nominated paranormal podcast Spirit Box. Mason doesn’t claim to be a scholar or an authority on witchcraft. “This book is for the curious and the haunted,”3 he says.
Mason asserts that the Dark Man is a spectral figure lurking in the shadows of our collective unconscious.
“Our folktales are remnants of the dreamtime memories of our ancestors, a memory of an age before the veil between the imagined and the material hardened over,” Mason says. “If our folktales are our dream history, then the Dark Man has haunted our dreams since the beginning.”12
He is the shadowy muse behind obsessive artistic expression, inspiring great works of art at a potentially destructive cost to the artist. “The Witchfather is dangerous, ruthless, and may devour you,”13 Mason warns readers. “Those who worked with him in the past were known as cunning folk for a reason, in that they could work with him and not get eaten.”14 Mason claims this book was written at the behest of Lucifer.
In many folktales, the Dark Man “is a composite figure of the Fairy King, Devil, and Lord of the Dead.”15 Mason delves into the paranormal phenomena associated with this dreadful specter, such as the infamous “Devil’s Footprints”16 and the eerie tales of black riders spiriting people away to fairy realms. One account that particularly resonated with me was the phenomenon of the “Hairy Hands.”17 During the 1920s, witnesses in Devon, England claimed that phantom hairy hands had hijacked control of their vehicles, leading to numerous accidents along the B3212 road.
This account gave me chills because of my own experience of seeing a disembodied hairy hand when I was about three years old. I lived in Florida, not England, and I have never heard of anyone else experiencing this phenomenon before I read this book. One morning, while my dad was getting ready for work and my mom was still asleep, I was sitting at our glass dining room table eating cereal, when I noticed a strange shadow on the chair beside me. I was startled by how much it resembled a werewolf’s hand, with hairy, splayed fingers and long claws. Feeling more curious than afraid, my eyes searched the room, trying to figure out what was casting the shadow, but found nothing. My father seemed oblivious to the phantom hand as he continued his morning ritual, pacing back and forth, gathering his things and adjusting his tie, so I didn’t mention it to him, and wondered if I was imagining it. Later that morning, I told my mother about the strange shadow, and she confessed that she had also seen this hairy hand, only it had appeared to her in the flesh, crawling up the wall.
Another account that struck a chord with me was that of Shullie H. Porter, a hereditary witch, who “was born dead with her umbilical cord around her neck.”18 While I wasn’t born dead, the circumstances surrounding my birth were strikingly similar. My mother described my face as purple, like a grape, due to the umbilical noose strangling my neck. Discovering that I share this rare birth complication with another modern witch, I can’t help but wonder if it might mirror the traumatic death of being hanged, perhaps for witchcraft, in a past life.
Porter was also given the same name for the Dark Man as he once gave me during a telepathic conversation. “I know who he is now,” she says. “I don’t mind saying his name—it’s Samael.”19 This revelation, coupled with our shared birth trauma, has validated and reaffirmed my personal connection to the Dark Man and the chthonic current into which he initiated me.
In Jewish folklore, Samael, the venom of God, was the name of the satanic serpent in the Garden of Eden, who impregnated Eve with Cain. In traditional witchcraft, witches are believed to be descended from the Cainite lineage of serpent seed. This is the source of the so-called witch blood, which Mason prefers to call a “fire in the blood,”20 and I love this poetic description, because I like to think of it as a bright etheric venom burning in the veins. In the foreword to this book, Peter Mark Adams, author of The Game of Saturn, further defines witch blood as “the inherited imprints of initiations and devotions undertaken within an ancestral line”21
After revealing his name to me, the Dark Man visited me in a vivid dream, clad in black and wearing a deer skull mask, bestowing upon me a pair of antlers that I felt physically fusing to my skull. Upon waking, my crown was still tingling with the sensation of the astral antlers, and I immediately recorded this experience in my dream journal. Through subsequent research, I discovered that horns are sometimes associated with the biblical Mark of Cain. This oneiric vision served as a profound confirmation of my initiation into the mysteries of the Dark Man and the witch’s Cainite inheritance of the mark of the crooked path of exile.
The magical significance and sacred power of horns and antlers is explored in an interview with Orion Foxwood, a traditional witch and Appalachian Conjure man. Foxwood says that horns “pierce the veil between seen and unseen,” and “the deer in the faery tradition is the psychopomp between the worlds.”22 With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that one of the Dark Man’s epiphanies is the deer. Mason also notes that, in the confessions of the seventeenth-century Scottish witch Isobel Gowdie, sometimes the Dark Man “would copulate with the witches in the form of a deer or other forms, and they would never refuse him.”23
The sexual initiation of the Dark Man in the guise of a lusty horned beast is significant when one considers the historical demonization of sexuality by monotheism.
“Christianity’s virgin birth to a celibate God severed copulation from female sexuality in particular, removing it from its rightful place of veneration to a place of revulsion and fear,” Mason says. “This tragedy led to the desacralization of the earth which, combined with monotheism and the demonization of the Dark Man, is catastrophic.”24
“Thus,” Mason further observes, “the vulva cave became the hellmouth, changing from a source of wonder and the threshold of creation to a place of corruption and spiritual danger.”25 The Dark Man is a wild god who reclaims the kingdom of the earth and restores the sacredness of the flesh. His sexual initiation is a primal act, a defiance of the puritanical chains that bind us. His carnal embrace offers liberation to the untamed beast within.
I was intrigued to learn that this ancient ritual union of humanity with the wilderness is still preserved in the symbolic marriage of a girl to a feral goat during the annual Irish Puck Fair, which takes place from the 10th to 12th of August, in close proximity to the pagan festival of Lughnasadh, suggesting pre-Christian roots. “The Puck Fair’s main event is the capture of a wild billy goat that is then crowned King Puck,” Mason says. “King Puck has a bride, traditionally a schoolgirl from one of the local primary schools.”26 Queen Puck, the Goat Bride, brings to mind mythical brides of the Devil, such as Lilith and Persephone.
By transcending boundaries and limitations, often in shocking or taboo ways that invert monotheistic beliefs, the Dark Man and his witches challenge a dualistic worldview, which tends to separate humanity from nature and the divine. This rejection of separation can lead to a deeper connection with the natural world and a sense of unity with all beings. “The composite nature of the Dark Man and the shape-shifting of the witches all point to nondualism and a rejection of our separation,”27 Mason says.
The primal experience of encountering the Dark Man can make it difficult to interface with modern technology. Many devotees of the Dark Man, including the author himself, have felt guided to disengage from the trappings of social media. As Mason puts it, “the Dark Man experience pushes us to protect our imaginal spaces, to maintain their integrity from the encroachment of invasive technologies and their wake.”28 This resonated deeply with me because I also feel he has urged me to limit my use of technology and abandon social media platforms. The incoherent, distracting white noise of social media fragments consciousness and interferes with our ability to hear the Dark Man’s song. His palpable presence demands that we turn within instead, realign with our intuition and creativity, and follow our soul’s purpose. As a deity of Fate, that purpose also serves his own mysterious agenda.
Whether the Dark Man appears as an eldritch black figure with a phantom hand upon the wheel of fate, or as a spectral stag, his cloven footprints leaving the devil’s mark upon virgin snow, he is an eternal symbol of the primal forces that shape our destinies. He is the embodiment of the void that lies beyond the veil of consciousness, the dark matter of the soul. Through the eyes of modern witches, we witness his presence, feel his power, and experience the profound initiation he offers.
Song of the Dark Man is more than just a collection of tales; it is a ritual, a summoning of the Dark Man into our collective consciousness. It challenges us to confront our deepest fears and embrace the unknown.
Winter Wellbeing: Seasonal self-care to nourish, sustain, and warm your soul by CICO Books is a delightful guide that invites readers to embrace the colder months with a sense of comfort and self-care. With tips for tending to mind, body, and soul, this book is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their winter experience by focusing on holistic wellbeing practices.
“With self-care practices, nourishing recipes, and ways to appreciate the season, this guide will help you revitalize and recharge your soul, even when it’s cold and dark outside.”1
This book is beautifully designed, with a calming aesthetic that reflects the tranquility it aims to bring into the reader’s life. The hardcover makes it perfect to keep out all season long on a coffee table or counter. The wide range of topics, from nourishing recipes to cozy crafts and mindful activities, are all tailored to help individuals find joy and warmth during the winter season, and you’ll definitely want to keep it within easy reach.
The first chapter, “Embracing the Season” focuses on how one can make the most of the cold temperatures that characterize this time of the year. This book honors the seasonal cycles and teaches ways to stay in touch with nature: walks in the cold temperatures, maintaining your circadian rhythm by getting enough sunlight, and embracing rest during the extra hours of darkness. It also suggests ways to bring the winter inside by creating a shrine, putting up decorations, and simplifying our surroundings. Recipes in this section include tea for the full moon and a mulled cider recipe for festive celebrations.
The next chapter, “Boosting Your Immune System” is extremely useful in the season of colds and viruses. It is filled with inspiration for how to get a good night’s rest to stay healthy, tea and soup recipes to keep illness at bay or overcome it quickly, and baths to soothe symptoms. I particularly liked reading about Oxymel Tonic, which uses honey and vinegar to ease respiratory issues.
To make it through the cold, dark days of winter, it becomes important to build in daily habits to keep ourselves nourished. Chapter three, “Caring for Your Body, Mind, and Soul” suggests establishing a wellbeing ritual to keep you focused on your self-care during the winter months. Breathing exercises, massage, and healthy drinks, such as Celery juice elixir and Gentle detox tea, and relaxing baths are some of the many things one can build into their wellbeing routine. My favorite part of this section is the DIY body-care product recipes for things like body whip, lip balm and face masks.
The final chapter, “Revitalizing, Recharging, and Renewing” integrates all the previous chapters, providing restorative exercise, conscious eating, healing teas, and breathing exercise to keep the winter blues away and sustain mental, emotional, and spiritual health during the winter months. All the self-care practices can be seamlessly integrated into daily life, encouraging mindfulness and reflection and fostering a sense of peace and gratitude even in the darker, colder months.
Overall, Winter Wellbeing is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to enhance their winter self-care routine. Its thoughtful blend of recipes, activities, and lifestyle tips makes it a perfect companion for those wanting to embrace the season with warmth and positivity. Whether you’re looking to maintain your physical health or find new ways to nurture your soul, this book offers a wealth of inspiration.
“She is what we fear most -change, hardship- and what we long for most -to make meaning from challenge, to be transformed by difficulty, to find purpose in our wending path. When we bring the descents of our lives into awareness and follow the initiatory patterns into cycles of regenerative growth, we can find the ancient mystery of our ancestral stories restorative. We may lean into the sacred patter and be empowered.”13
Although Year of the Dark Goddess: A Journey of Ritual, Renewal & Rebirth by Lara Vesta was released in May of this year, somehow it seems timely and absolutely beneficial to bring attention to this treasure. Perhaps it is the time of year and the thinning of the veils and of connection to all that is of the realm of the Underworld and has unique powers within the dark. Perhaps it is because we are in a space of evolution where challenges seem impossible and direction is not clear. Or, perhaps it is because the Dark Goddess has her way of interjecting her wisdom when it is most needed. Regardless, this book is a guide to stepping into a journey back to one’s true strength.
Year of the Dark Goddess is a rich and nuanced read that requires of the reader the courage to face those aspects of self that we tend to overlook as they are buried in the busy-ness and distraction of a less than authentic life. The scope of intention for this read is one of creating new connections to the Dark Goddess and using these as a path of self-initiation, change and growth.
This book is organized into three parts, each building upon a deepening of descent into practices that will produce change; the degree of transformation dependent on the commitment and intention offered to each action, working and ritual as the reader methodically engages the physical/mundane and the spiritual/magical.
The Prologue serves as a poignant rendering of our deepest desire to learn how to navigate the dark, and what is necessary to navigate a ceremonial year that becomes a rite of passage into wisdom, trust and transformation. The reader is introduced to this title as a “story” which we all have access to and is deserving of our intention to become the Myth-teller of our own stories.
“The story you are about to receive is a story present in all of our peoples, a story spread with many names and places, a story with a form recognizable in the hard things life brings…. When the trials descend above all, you must not lose hope. This plan has a purpose, and we have a path. Even in the darkness of the Underworld, the realm of the Dark Goddess when we have received the medicine of her story, the way is always clear.”17
“Part 1: The Dark Goddess Awaits” provides the reader with all the information necessary to move effectively through the many workings, rituals, and other self-actualizing tasks that comprise a subject which is broad and vast in its depth and use. There is a very thought-filled approach that Vesta has rendered and it is clearly evident that what has been included in each section has been proven to be effective at multiple levels.
Within the section “Essential Elements of the Dark Goddess Year”, there are tools and skills that will provide the reader as they cultivate a resonant understanding in support of self-initiation. The how-tos of the components that subsequent chapters will echo throughout the year are given reason, purpose and practical application, enabling the reader to set forth on this journey ready for what lay ahead and open to the possibilities.
These foci include: Begin with the Body, Rooting Into the Story, Earth Rhythms, Medicine of the Quarter, a Quarter Challenge, Seasonal Ceremony, and more. For example, the starting practice of each quarter, Begin with the Body serves as both a necessary anchoring in the physical that is required before extending that reach into the magickal and spiritual realms and takes the form of Herbal Infusions, Womb Wisdom For Everyone, Flower Bathing, and Plant Blessing and Cleansing, each aligned with its own specific seasonal quarter.
I especially liked the ending sections of Part 1 which includes A Ceremony of Preparation and Dedication to the Journey to the Mythic Underworld seeded by a guided contemplative to be used as the reader journeys into the Underworld.
“The purpose of imagining the Underworld prior to the rite of passage year is to familiarize ourselves with the chthonic processes we transition though in a rite of passes, to discover the resources and wisdom available in the depths and to begin to trust the representational cycles of death and rebirth necessary for transformation.”29
Having been given supportive and usable tools, the reader now embarks on the specific ceremonial seasonal work to be accomplished outlined in “Part II: The Year of the Dark Goddess”. Vesta separates the journey into quarters, beginning with the Winter Solstice through the Spring Equinox. Each of the remaining quarters moves in order capturing the Spring Equinox to Summer Solstice, Summer Solstice to Autumnal Equinox, and concluding with Autumnal Equinox to Winter Solstice. This very organic approach makes for the potential of a multitude of traditional and modern correspondences and themes to unfold as the reader follows a structured path of intention and purpose.
The final steps in this journey conclude appropriately with formal acknowledgement of all that has transpired and arisen for the reader in following their course. “Part III: Crafting Your Ritual” offers the reader guidance on reflecting on the year and integrating what has been gained of this journey into a personal rite of passage, a ritual of self-initiation. The meaning of each of the actions and callings scripted within ceremonial ritual are explained in detail, ensuring that the reader/initiate is clear and purposeful in the underlying power held in the actions taken versus simply repeating verbatim and without understanding what magick is being crafted. There is a lovely ceremony template provided following the details of the “why we do this” that is complete and effective in claiming the change that has occurred at all levels of being.
Would I Recommend?
Year of the Dark Goddess: A Journey of Ritual, Renewal & Rebirth is crafted exactly as it should be to provide the reader with rich experience, a spectrum of knowledge inclusive of many magickal disciplines and clear and direct guidance towards growth in one’s practice. This book offers the invitation to become one who creates their story of rebirth, One who weaves the magick of the many Dark Goddess through the order of the seasonal wheel. The one who courageously meets the darkest of challenges with the wisdom gained in the journeys taken in their ceremonial rite of passage.
I would recommend this book to any who follow a path of spirit, magick, witchcraft . And, it is also a title that is applicable to those looking for a deeper meaning in their purpose with every perceived insurmountable challenge. The message is one of power, strength, and hope in the knowledge that you are the great initiator of your life’s experience, reminding readers that you have the power and inner wisdom to navigate through darkness as well as times of light. To know the Dark Goddess is to be able to stand in the liminal spaces and have no fear of what lay beyond, but rather, to command its energy.
The quote below from the final page of this title’s journey is both a preview of what the reader will aspire towards in moving through the Year of the Dark Goddess, as well as a fitting closure for the potential of outcome that is held between its pages:
“And now, powerful one, initiate, caretaker of the world and wild: You rebegin wearing the mantle of the Mythteller, opening your heart to the new-old story pouring through your bones. It is your birthright , it belongs with you, to you, through you.”[efn_notepage 211[/efn_note]
About the Author: Lara Vesta
Lara Vesta, MFA, is an artist, storyteller, and educator. She is the author of Wild Soul Runes: Reawakening the Ancestral Feminine, The Moon Divas Guidebook, and The Moon Divas Oracle Book. A certified Celebrant with the Celebrant Institute and Foundation, and a former PhD student in philosophy and religion, she has spent over a decade studying ritual in diverse communities and facilitating rituals for individuals and groups in hundreds of different environments. She also has been through multiple challenging rite-of-passage transitions due to disabling chronic illness, which framed her understanding of the Dark Goddess work. In 2015 she created the Wild Soul School, an online educational community offering classes in personal empowerment, ancestral connection, self-initiation, and ritual practice.
Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz is a captivating addition to the Season of the Witch series, particularly for those who are drawn to the spiritual and mystical aspects of autumn. Filled with fall foliage and scenes of the harvest season, the card in this deck encapsulates the bountiful feelings of this season
The authors describe in their introduction how the cards in this deck “prioritize spiritual self-care, specifically care around establishing boundaries, surrendering to changes and letting go of what no longer serves.”1 This focus of shedding the old and nurturing oneself reminds me of the trees during the autumn season, dropping their leaves and going inward to make it through the dark winter season. There’s even “Falling leaves spread” the authors share too, along with other ones such as “Molasses spread” and “Maple tree spread”.
The guidebook that accompanies the deck is comprehensive and thoughtfully written. Anderson and Diaz have done an excellent job of providing clear interpretations and practical guidance for each card. For every entry, they share keywords, a one-sentence message, and then a two-page explanation of the card’s meaning.
The explanations all begin with “Your higher self chose this card because…”. I really liked this style! First, it made me feel connected to my spiritual self while reading. And second, it really delves into the “why” this card came through when it did and what it’s meant to be pointing out in that moment.
In the week leading up to Mabon, I pulled a card from this deck every day. Four times, including on actual Mabon, I got the card Reaper. It was one of those instances when it was loud and clear a message was coming through. The one-sentence message for this card reads:
“For the birth of something new to manifest the death of something holding you back is inevitable.”30
The keywords associated with the cards are “endings, sudden change, unhealthy attachments”31. It felt like I was really being asked to take stock of patterns in my life and make adjustments, even if it felt hard or like I wasn’t ready to do things a different (and more likely healthier) way. I appreciated how this deck doesn’t sugar coat things and focuses on both the dark and light aspects of the messages we need to hear for our own spiritual growth.
This balancing of light and dark, reflective of the autumn equinox is one of the best parts of this deck. This time of year is traditionally associated with gratitude, balance, and reflection, and the cards in this deck beautifully encapsulate these themes. The richer tones of this deck highlight the darkness that is beginning to descend while also honoring the joys that the light has brought, such as healthy crops to make stews, brews, and all the other autumn delights.
Some of the cards in this deck include Campfire, Corn maze, Cranberries, Foraging, Mead and wine, Pomegranate, Queen of the Dead, Scarecrow, Tea magick, Whiskey, and Wool. Just skimming through the cards and looking at the images on them gives me the fall feels–cozy moments, crispy air, and lots of community gatherings.
The artwork on the cards, created by Tijana Lukovic, is rich, evocative, and deeply resonant with the energy of the season. Each card is a work of art that invites the reader to delve into the symbolism and meaning of the card’s title. The dark hues balanced by the light perfectly capture the equilibrium of night and day that the autumn equinox marks.
One of the strengths of Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is its ability to inspire introspection and personal growth. The cards encourage users to explore their inner worlds, reflect on their lives, and embrace the cycles of change and renewal. This makes the deck not only a tool for divination but also a valuable resource for personal development and spiritual practice. Whether a reader dose a one-card pull daily or decorates an altar with the cards, there’s a lot of potency imbued in the deck.
In terms of usability, the cards are of high quality, with a sturdy cardstock that shuffles easily and feels good in the hands. The size of the cards is also practical, striking a balance between being large enough to appreciate the detailed artwork and small enough to handle comfortably.
Overall, Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully designed deck that offers both aesthetic pleasure and profound insights of autumn. It is a wonderful addition to any oracle card collection, especially for those who resonate with the energies and the themes of Mabon. Whether you are new to oracle cards or a seasoned practitioner, this deck is sure to provide inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature.
