Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage, by Thea Prothero

Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage, by Thea Prothero
Moon Books, 1803416866, 104 pages, November 2024

Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage by Thea Prothero offers an insightful exploration into the spiritual journey of pilgrimage. Presenting pilgrimage as not only a physical journey but also a transformative spiritual experience, this book is a starting point for those who feel the calling to travel. Whether you have a specific plan in mind or simply have a longing to discover a new place, Prothero will guide you through the process of planning and undergoing your own pilgrimage with helpful advice and wisdom from her travels.

“We feel a need to find something within ourselves but aren’t sure what exactly. You have grown weary of the our lives are now and want to have new experiences to enable us to find a change in outlook or gain a new perspective. You are in a conundrum and are looking for clarity. In short, a pilgrimage maybe the key to transformation, or inner growth you are looking for.”1

The engaging and informative writing style of Porthero has an expansiveness within it that invites readers from all backgrounds to explore the benefits of pilgrimage, not only Pagan readers. People from various spiritual paths will be able to relate to her insights and adapt them to their own journey. The blend of historical context, practical advice, and spiritual insight makes it an excellent starting point for those looking to discover where their soul is calling them to visit and have the courage to take the steps to get there.

Prothero begins by sharing with readers the historical and cultural significance of pilgrimage, offering readers an understanding of its place within different spiritual paths.  She explains how humans have been taking pilgrimages for thousands of years and it still continues to be a vital practice for many, from ancient Egyptians venturing to Abydos to honor Osiris to modern Muslims traveling to Mecca once in their lifetime. Pilgrimage is a pathway for deepening one’s personal growth and spiritual experiences that is adaptable to all belief systems yet also personalized and unique to every traveler.

Adaptability and flexibility are important for any journey, especially once you get further out of your comfort zone. But there’s still plenty of ways one can prepare to undertake their pilgrimage that Prothero shines light on. These include exploring the spiritual connection with the place you intend to visit through inner reflection and journaling to research and planning to feel prepared to handle the logistics of your trip. Choosing a destination, planning the journey, and preparing mentally and spiritually for the experience are all covered by Prothero, who shares her own process as an inspiration for others.

But what to do once one gets to their destination? Prothero also shares insights on how to make the most of the moment and then integrate all that you’ve undergone once you return home again. She draws from own experience of traveling to Iona, Scotland, a place that had been calling to her for decades. The description of her journey made me feel like I was there witnessing the beauty of Iona with her, a liminal space opened just by talking about pilgrimage. It makes me crave the feeling of being an explorer in an unknown land!

“On your pilgrimage, you will be crossing from the familiar into the unknown. Liminal space is one of the most important constituents of any spiritual quest or journey. It is here that we are challenged. Everything we are familiar with and our understanding of the everyday, the normal, collapses. We are free to explore the unexplored and what exists beyond our normal human experience and understanding.”2

Overall, Pagan Portals – A Guide to Pilgrimage is a great primer for anyone interested in exploring the concept of pilgrimage. The book’s practical advice makes it a useful guide for anyone considering a pilgrimage, regardless of their level of experience with travel. As an introductory text, it’s sure to stir your spirit to new lands.

The world awaits!

Sacred Spirit Oracle, by Anna Stark

Sacred Spirit Oracle: Spiritual Guidance for Your Life Journey, by Anna Stark and illustrated by Louis Dyer
Rockpool Publishing, 978-1922785961, 96 pages, 36 cards, November 2024

With a combination of otherworldly images and beautiful animal artwork, Anna Stark and Louis Dyer have created a portal to divine guidance in their 36-card deck Sacred Spirit Oracle: Spiritual Guidance for Your Life Journey.

My interest in this deck relates to my love for oracle decks that combine spiritual images and the natural world with real world guidance. And this deck did not disappoint! Stark weaves beautiful stories in the guidebook, adding shadow aspects, crystal recommendations, angel pairings, and an affirmation for each card in the deck. 

Stark begins the guidebook with a Table of Contents. She both numbers the cards in alphabetical order AND provides the Table of Contents, making it easy to find the appropriate guidance in her guidebook. Next, she features acknowledgements and thanks those who helped her create the deck, as well as those who will be using the deck. In her Introduction, Stark sets out the goal of these cards: “to support your intuitive growth and awareness of your deep connection within the universe…. to support you in shifting stagnant energy.”3

In the section entitled “How to Use the Cards,” Stark explains more about how the cards work for both divination and healing. She adds tips on how to connect with your cards and clear them between readings. She also introduces the reader to simple ways to prepare yourself and your space for readings. For the second time, she recommends keeping a journal to record your interactions with the deck. She shares three spreads for working with the deck and then discusses the Seven Rays, Seven Chohans, archangels and guardian angels, and crystals.

To evaluate the deck, I pulled a card a day for seven days. The first card I drew was 36. Third Eye Vision. This card talked extensively about the third eye, from both a historical and spiritual perspective. The main idea for me was: “If you wish to intensify or gain third eye visions more regularly, activate and decalcify your pineal gland through visualized meditation.”4 She also recommends iolite as a crystal to support this and adds Archangel Jeremiel for additional support. 

I also contacted two friends and asked if I could pull a card for them. For my friend D, I drew card 29. Open Intuition. The message includes a reminder that we are all intuitive and to trust those vibes. There was also this message, which D related to:

“You are receiving many messages but are misinterpreting the meaning. Focus on clearing your mind and resetting your psychic antenna.”5 

D explained that she had been recently asking for signs for a particular situation and was confused. This message was just what she needed to get back on track with her daily time in nature to clear her mind.

Another friend received card 6. Birth of Creation. This card featured an egg-shaped design and spoke to “A fresh start. Potential growth.”6 The guidance also mentioned the importance of trying a new routine, getting creative, and nurturing new ideas. My friend V said that this was confirming something she was already doing to prepare for 2025. She said the recommendation of the crystal kunzite was also resonating and she would pick up one on her next trip to the crystal shop.

These cards are standard oracle card dimensions, coming in around 3.5” X 5”. The 36 cards fit nicely in a sturdy box that features a howling wolf on the cover and three cards on the back. I found the cards easy to shuffle and really like the shiny varnish on both sides of the brightly colored deck. Dyer uses all the colors of the rainbow and the cosmos to create this deck.

My favorite card is 32. Shield Your Energy. It features the most amazing frog, with giant golden eyes and a quizzical look. I loved the frog’s message:

“Use the element of water to unblock your energy fields and create a smooth flow of kundalini for personal healing and growth. Find your own sacred song. Call to others who share your passions and interests where you can support and renew your inner fire.”7

Sacred Spirit Oracle would be great for any level of oracle card reader. Stark created the guidebook for easy navigation and the guidance is straightforward and easy to comprehend and use for everyday life. I plan to keep this deck on hand to use with clients as I close out a reading. I also plan to utilize the six-card spread that Stark called “Life Guidance Spread” to add another layer to my daily card pulls.

The affirmations that accompany each card really tie together the visual images and the messages in the guidebook. For example, here is the affirmation from the Frog: 

“I sing the beautiful sacred song of my heart, clear and loud for all to hear.”8

About the Authors

Anna Stark began working with tarot cards at 15 to “understand and embrace her intuition.”9 She now works as a psychic medium and energy specialist. She combines her ability to receive psychic messages with her love for history, society and the paranormal. Stark is also a kinesiologist and Reiki Master, who teaches energy healing. She came to learn about natural ways of healing to heal her own anxiety. Stark has created two other oracle decks and an affirmation deck of small cards for everyday encouragement. You can learn more about her on her website.

Louis Dyer is both a digital artist and a traditional artist, using watercolors, oils, and acrylics. At age 5, he saw a cousin drawing and became interested in creating his own art. He soon began drawing “cartoons, video game characters and nature.”10 Dyer has created the artwork for another oracle deck and has featured works in several magazines and online sites. He also teaches digital artwork techniques online. You can see Dyer’s art and learn more on his website.

Magick for Transformation, by Brandi Amara Skyy

Magick for Transformation: Rituals and Alchemy for Manifesting Your Wildest Dreams, by Brandi Amara Skyy
CICO Books, 1800653743, 144 pages, October 2024

Feeling like it’s time for a change? Brandi Amara Skyy’s Magick for Transformation: Rituals and Alchemy for Manifesting Your Wildest Dreams delves into magic as a tool for personal transformation, offering readers all they need to re-envision their lives. With a blend of practical guidance and spiritual insights, Skyy offers a comprehensive approach to harnessing the power of magic for positive change.

In her introduction, Skyy describes how the magic she teaches is non-denominational, radically intersectional, and drawn from intersectional alchemy, which in her case is a blend of the “Aztecs Medicine Wheel and the Seven Hermetic Principles.”8 While this foundation is unique to Skyy and influences the content of the book, she acknowledges diverse paths to spiritual growth and ensures the magical practices in the book can be undertaken by readers from diverse spiritual backgrounds and magical experience.

“I realized that magick is not inherently or solely Wiccan, European, or white-centric. Magick is something I could gift, be, or learn myself. And so can you. Because magick isn’t about semantics. It’s about energy. And magick can (and does!) look like you. Magick can be many things but here’s the main thing it’s not: Magick is not passive.”11

I love this quote so much because it reminds me that to make the changes I want in my life, I need to actively be pursuing the next version of myself. I can grumble about my current dissatisfaction and fantasize about “what if” things looked different, but until I began actively taking steps to transform, I was always stuck. This book was a great starting point to connect with my inner discontent, remember my own personal power to change things, and begin the journey of shifting the way my life was feeling. Skyy teaches us to be change makers, breaking the status quo of our outdated beliefs, habits, and feelings to reconnect with dreams and live more aligned.

The first section following the introduction taps readers into the present moment. Titled “Part 0: You Are Here”, Skyy shares what readers will be embarking on by reading this book and offers exercises to asses where they currently are now. She explains the concepts of magick and transformation, offering insight into how your Self “is the entry point to magick” and how transformation is interlinked with choice. I thought it was interesting to think about transformation in the way she describes, which is a skill that can be actively cultivated.

“Part I: Preparing for Your Journey” gets readers ready to make a magical transformation by cultivating their energy, intention, mindset, spiritual will, and self-leadership, among other skills needed to undergo the change. This section really puts the reader in the driver seat, reminding them of the inner strength and personal responsibility. No one else can make a change for you; readers must take an inventory of their life, notice what needs to be realigned, and then pick the direction that they want to go in. Easier said than done though, and luckily, Skyy provides many ideas about how to prepare for a successful follow through.

Throughout the book there are “Praxis” exercises where Skyy provides instructions for putting into effect what she’s been discussing, transforming the theory into practice. The many praxises include meditating, journaling, tarot reading, and working with ancestral spirits and nature. To truly get the most out of this book, I highly encourage pausing and taking the time to do the praxis before moving forward, as the book does move in a sequential format that requires readers to hone their intentions, connect with their Self, and set clear goals to take action towards.

“Part II: Your Magickal Tools for Transformation” teaches readers of all the spiritual assistance they can draw upon for the change. From the lunar cycle to the medicine wheel, Skyy reminds us that there’s greater force at work that we can attune ourselves to for natural change. She also discusses ancestors and animal allies, tarot, spirit writing, and alchemy as methods to foster transformation. The variety of methods for change makes it so readers have options to draw inspiration from, ensuring they find a path that feels right for them.

Finally, “Part III: Transforming Your Life” brings the whole process together, encouraging readers to take the L.E.A.P. (“Learn. Alchemize. Express. Praxis.”12 Skyy shares a 30-day transformation plan, which offers a detailed format for how one might choose to work with this book. For each day, she recommends specific pages to read and goals to fulfill. As much as I loved reading the book front to cover, I also love this plan! I think it would be great for those who are looking for a structure to their practice to solidify their commitment to change.

One of the best parts of this books is the way it’s designed. This is not a book of all texts; there’s plenty of bright color and varying texts to keep the reader actively engaged. Different fonts make certain things stand out, while lists and bullet points allow for easy-to-follow instructions. Plus, every page is wonderfully illustrated with images and symbolism that bring to life the text.

Overall, Magick for Transformation is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to embark on a journey of personal transformation and self-discovery. Whether you are a seasoned magical practitioner or looking for inner change and feel magic is the method for you, Skyy’s warm and engaging writing style and practical advice will empower you to unlock your potential and manifest your dreams. For me, simply holding it gave me the hope that change is possible, and I can resource myself with the tools and practices needed to get the initiation started. Working my way through has been very impactful, and I’m sure others will also benefit from the insight Skyy shares to support readers in their personal transformation.

The Bloodlands Oracle, by Amory Abbott

The Bloodlands Oracle, by Amory Abbott

RedFeather, 0764368346, 112 pages, 42 cards, October 2024

The Bloodlands Oracle by Amory Abbott beckons you to journey through uncharted natural landscapes, where dark outer terrains await, prepared to spark inner wisdom. Inspired by the geography and elements of the natural world, readers will immerse themselves in a transformative journey through rivers, cliffs, and footpaths of nature, discovering the rich symbolism of Earth’s many terrains.

This deck courageously acknowledges the full spectrum of life—highs and lows, challenges and blessings, ease and discomfort—which is reflected in the stark contrasts of the black and white aesthetic too. Delving into themes of shadow, fear, and vulnerability for readers to honestly acknowledge the energies in play, this deck provides rich wisdom that goes beyond mere niceties; Abbott takes readers beyond paved paths to explore the wild unknown. Mirroring the shifting natural conditions, The Bloodlands Oracle empowers readers to confront their wild inner nature and emerge stronger.

“For many people, darkness can be a mysterious and alluring force, a melancholy and protective space, or a place to confront fear. It takes courage to walk through the night, a bit of faith that the road will not end but arrive somewhere in the light.”13

In his author biography, Abbott describes how cartomancy helped him through a dark night of the soul. Drawing inspiration from Vancouver, British Columbia where he lives, the charcoal drawings became a focal point of his artist work. He then “began examining what the features of the land could mean to use and what they could tell us about our lives”14 and decided to mimic his charcoal drawings and create the imagery for this deck with digital tools.

The deck is a nice size to use in a reading, as it easily fits in the reader’s hand but it big enough to really see all the small details of the imagery. The box it comes in is sturdy with a magnetic flap that opens to reveal a quote on the lid while the cards are safely tucked in on the other side of the box. The deck has red edges, which is the only color in the otherwise monochromatic deck.

The deck’s imagery is both striking and evocative, drawing inspiration from the raw beauty of nature. Each card is a portal into a deeper understanding of oneself, inviting contemplation and introspection. The natural features Abbott has translated into imagery and guidance are listed in the card names: The Moonbow, The Lightning Strike, The Cavern, The Solitary Peak, The Falls, and The Stone Circle. Each card also features an element symbol (fire, air, earth, water, or spirit) that further gives insight and meaning for understanding the card’s energy.

The accompanying guidebook provides further interpretation for each card, offering support for readers on their personal journey. The entry for each card has a general meaning at the top in red text. Abbott then describes the natural feature and shares the message readers can abstract from it for reflection, contemplation, or divination. If the card takes on a certain significance when paired with another card, this is also noted. Abbott also provides the reversed meaning for the card as well.

For instance, the card I pulled inquiring about a work situation was The River. The element for this card is water, and the imagery shows a wide, winding river moving through a valley of rock. The guidebook reads:

“A river follows the path of least resistance, carving its way slowly over eons through rock and earth, carrying all that joins it to its end. . . Be reassured this card finds you in a state of consistent movement towards your goals, carrying you effortlessly where you desire.”15

I loved this reassuring message! To be honest, not all the cards I’ve pulled have been as “positive”. In the spirit of acknowledging both the dark and the light aspects of life, the card The Crown Fire has a message of “Devastation, total collapse, starting over”16 While this can sound scary, much like the Tower card in tarot, Abbott’s writing reminds of the necessity of the occasional difficulties to encourage migration, regeneration, and eradication.

Overall, The Bloodlands Oracle is a doorway to gaining a deeper understanding of the darker aspects of self through the transformative power of nature. The imagery of the natural world provides the groundedness and connection needed to see the full range of our inner nature. The many terrains of the earth are reflected aspects of our own psychic landscape, and Abbott has done a wonderful job translating the imagery into meaningful guidance for introspection and reflection. Within this deck, readers will discover the dually creative and destructive forces that are constantly shifting in both nature and themselves.

This deck is for those who feel called to explore the full-spectrum of nature. Abbott takes us to the highs and lows of our world, while also guiding readers to these peaks and pitfalls within themselves. The divinatory style of this deck encourages readers to delve into the depths of their own psyche. As a result, The Bloodlands Oracle is a valuable tool for self-discovery that reminds us of the benefits of exploring a variety of inner and outer landscapes.

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: Sacral15

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.”17

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,”18 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.”19

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.”20
  2. “I may choose to challenge laws without breaking them.”21
  3. “There is joy in “the finding of a direction, not the seeking of it.””22 

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.”23 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.”24

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.”25

The Tameless Path, by Kamden Cornell

The Tameless Path: Unleashing the Power of Invasive Plants in Witchcraft, by Kamden Cornell
Crossed Crow Books, 1959883631, 306 pages, August 2024

In recent years, there’s been a shift in how plants are used in magical practices. There have always been ways to obtain ingredients for spells or other workings, but the events during the last few years have seen many people foraging for their own elements. Without overly generalizing, it seems as though anyone with access to an outdoor space has taken advantage of that and started to grow their own herbs and such. But how many people actually forage, as in go into the woods and search endlessly for plants that grow wild only in certain spots? And how do you make sure that what you are gathering is safe and not harmful to children or pets?

Enter The Tameless Path: Unleashing the Power of Invasive Plants in Witchcraft, by Kamden Cornell. If Rachel Pollacks’ 78 Degrees of Wisdom is looked upon as the definitive book on tarot, then Cornell’s book will certainly be a top contender with respect to plants. Cornell is no stranger to plants: they currently teach classes on witchcraft, occultism, herbalism, wortcunning, foraging, and invasive species wildcrafting in their region. They also work as an apothecarist and own a small, witchcraft-oriented business that focuses on herbal remedies, ritual goods, and education. To say they are qualified is an understatement.

“What we call “weeds” have been used as remedies and food for thousands of years in the regions they were native to before being transplanted to our own soils.”25

One of the first things I questioned when I picked up this book was relevance to me personally; after all, I don’t live anywhere near the author. Looking at the table of contents quickly relieved me of that fear as I saw many familiar plants that grow in my area listed. The chapters on alchemy, planetary magic, and various methods of plant preparation are well written and provide information that will lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the connection between plants and the universe.

There are two table of contents pages: one showcases chapters divided thoughtfully into a pattern that makes sense in terms of content, and the other is a full listing of spells and recipes by weed. Both are comprehensive and well laid out, but it’s the spells and recipes that drew me in. While some of the spells seem whimsical in terms of their ingredients, knowing what can be substituted for the more arcane and less available tasks is vital. Knowing a bit of herbology and spellcraft would be useful here but isn’t necessary as long as the internet exists!

Chapter 4 is my favorite as it deals specifically with choosing the method of preparation and provides clear instruction on how to do so. The preamble for the directions is very informative and provides a ton of guidance around the processes. There is also a disclaimer regarding using words such as medicine or medicinal, as Cornell is very clear to reiterate that “nothing in this book is intended to be a substitute for medical treatment.”26 The author is very clear about personal safety and recommends being in the care of an allopathic physician should one choose to utilize herbal protocols in any way. 

Cornell goes into great detail in each section of this chapter, explaining common terms that relate to each section such as tisane and strewing blends. Most people who pick up this book will probably have some knowledge around these terms, yet Cornell goes deep into each area and ensures there are no stones left unturned. I appreciate that immensely as there is no need for cross referencing: everything you need to know is contained in one book. How convenient!

Perhaps the most interesting part of the section is the alchemical one. Not being familiar with this specific method myself, I devoured the section and made notes. I was under the impression that processes like distillation were complicated and involved so many containers and apparatus, and I was right. Probably not something I could do in my tiny apartment, but a girl can dream. I love the idea of distilling my own supplies, but the reality is I cannot. Not the first time I’ve been disappointed but at least it’s not with the book.

The Tameless Path is perfect for those who are interested in the path of herbology and want to deepen the practice. Chock full of information that isn’t readily available elsewhere unless you dig deep, this book provides clear and concise information as well as a variety of accompanying methods and recipes for a well-rounded literary journey through the land of herbology. Practical and magical, I will be gifting copies of this book to a few of my green-thumbed friends, who might be persuaded to share the fruits of their labour with me.

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.26

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.”27

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,”28 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.”29 

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. 

Palmistry, by Sasha Fenton

Palmistry: Your Plain & Simple Guide to Reading Destiny in Your Hands, by Sasha Fenton
Hampton Roads Publishing, 978-1642970685, 160 pages, 2024

In her book, Palmistry: Your Plain and Simple Guide to Reading Destiny in Your Hands, author Sasha Fenton presents an easy-to-read guide to reading palms.  She even includes a brief explanation of fingerprints. The book is written in a very conversational style with lots of drawings that support the text and make it easy to read your own palm and the hands of friends and family. This book is a reprint of a version that was published in 2009 and again in 2016. 

A professional astrologer since 1973, Sasha Fenton has also practiced tarot, numerology and palmistry for many years. She is a prolific writer, with over 120 books that have been translated into 11 languages around the world. In addition to speaking at workshops and panels in Great Britain, Fenton has also appeared on numerous TV and radio programs. Her articles on astrology have been published in many magazines and newspapers. She has also served on several boards and councils, as well as aiding in the launch of MBS Professionals LTD, a group for practitioners in the spiritual arts. Fenton currently lives in western England. 

I have always been fascinated by palmistry and was excited by the cover of Fenton’s book, which features a hand with some of the most important regions highlighted in bright, bold colors.  She even included the astrological correspondences for the fingers!

After a brief introduction, Fenton dives right into teaching us how to read hands, dividing the subject matter into eleven chapters. She begins with a masculine set of hands and a scene where you and your girlfriends are out for the evening and decide to research the guys you encounter. She covers hand size and the differences between right and left-handed people. I found this quote amusing:

“Right-handed people are in the majority; so, if you like an ordinary type of guy whose head isn’t full of artistic waffle, this is the man for you.”1

Next, she highlights details of female hands, before moving on to a “map of the hand,” which highlights different areas of our lives. She provides a brief history and shares: “the Indo-European palmistry that we use has links to the planets in astrology, but there are subtle differences between a palmist’s view of the planetary connections and that of astrologers.”2 She explains that she thinks that this difference relates to the way modern astrology has strayed from more ancient ways of looking at the planets and how they interact with life on earth.

Fenton presents a great table of the primary planets and the areas of the hand (and life) that each reflects. The rest of the chapter focuses on the planets and how each one shows up in our hands. In successive chapters, she covers the fingers, the lines on the hands, marks on the hands, and how the hands relate to love and relationships. I found this chapter really interesting!  

Next, Fenton covers the hands and markings and qualities that can point to health or illness.  She advises the reader to check out other, more comprehensive books on this topic if you are really interested in learning more.

Finally, Fenton combines all the knowledge that she has shared and brings the reader back to the restaurant scene from the first chapter. She gives you tips about bringing all the information together, in order to read a palm and learn more about the people in your life. This chapter is really focused on the “love” aspect, and she provides information about what to look for in a mate, if you are desiring certain traits and characteristics.

I decided to test what I’d learned and do a reading on my husband’s hands. Here’s what I learned:

Large hands: Doesn’t like to be rushed, enjoys quiet nights at home

Right-handed: Happy with the ordinary and may be good with hands for odd jobs 

Veins showing on back of hand: Sensitive in nature and will hear what you say 

Flexible hands: May be spontaneous and happy to go out of town on the spur of the moment

Edge of hand is thick: Not easy to shock this man

Fingers spread widely: Generous with money

Rounded fingertips and a thumb that opens widely: Friendly, helpful, social

I would say that each of these qualities is accurate for my guy! Next, I’ll look at his lines and look for more qualities and check out some of the health notes. 

Palmistry is great for anyone who wants to learn more about reading palms, hands, and fingers. It would probably be best for a beginner, as the information is very foundational and a more experienced palm reader might be disinterested. Since it is so easy to read, it would also be good for teenagers or young adults to read and use the information to analyze friends and family. 

I plan to investigate Sasha Fenton further and find more of her books and articles!

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.”30 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”31

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.”32 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.”33  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.”34

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”35

Boys Are Witches Too!, by Ted Enik and Shiloh Penfield

Boys Are Witches Too!, by Ted Enik and Shiloh Penfield
RedFeather, 0764368230, 32 pages, August 2024

I absolutely love sharing my Pagan beliefs with my son and cultivating family traditions together. However, it has been a challenge to find books that showcase other little boys being witches, as the focus is often on witchcraft being for girls. Boys Are Witches Too! by Ted Enik is a delightful children’s book that showcases the magical adventures of being a witch from boys’ point of view, inviting a sense of inclusivity to the craft, through the alphabet.

“Down through spiraling time, Witchcraft and other Pagan beliefs have always embraced this balance—it’s all around us: daylight and darkness, fire and water, summer and winter, sun and moon, and most meaningfully, the Goddess and the God. Women and men, boys and girls, can look to both Gods and Goddesses for inspiration and guidance and in doing so exercise a balanced, mutual respect.”31

Through clever storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book teaches the ABCs and various aspects of Pagan practices. E is for Elders, while V is for Veil. And for each there’s a rhyme, making this a very fun book to read aloud. Here’s an example for I, Intention:

“Intention means giving a wish a head start; It’s a map from your mind and a path from your heart.”35

This book is a collaboration between Ted Enik, who wrote the book and drew the illustrations, and Shiloh Penfield who handed the brilliant color. Enik was creative in choosing the words to use for each letter, ranging from animals (hare and narwhal) to tools within the craft (key and bells). And his illustrations show all types of little boys and girls happily participating in the craft. And with Penfield’s assistance, the illustrations are colorful, whimsical, and perfectly complement the text. The artwork brings the magical world to life and captures the imagination of readers, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.

The experience of both creators shines through in this book. Enik’s other work includes being the primary artist of the “I Can Read” series of Fancy Nancy. He also writers plays and films in addition to illustrating books and graphic novels. His expertise designing children’s book is apparent, and it’s just lovely how he includes a variety of Pagan symbols, such as the pentagram in many of the illustrations. Then Penfield’s background creating artwork for comics is reflective in the way the color of this book pops, making it perfect for young ones to read as it will maintain their attention and focus.

As a Pagan parent, I really like how the text fosters discussion. Even if your child already knows the ABCs, the different rhymes are sure to spark an interest and get your child asking questions, opening a dialogue about the craft. The illustrations especially will be of interest to older children, as they contain symbolism that can be absorbed, reflected on, and talked about with their parents.

For instance, Q for Quarters, features a child holding up a piece of paper with trees in each season in the corner, a big circle, and then images of the elements in their proper direction in the middle. This would be a great page to discuss topics such as the Wheel of the year, elements, directions, and how they all come together in a magical practice.

Overall, Boys Are Witches Too! is a real treat for children learning about the Paganism. While it’s a real treat for young boys to finally see themselves represented as a witch, all children will enjoy the fun illustrations and bright colors within the pages of this book. From teaching the ABCs to the creating dialogue about Paganism with your children, this is a wonderful book that is sure to be a delight for everyone!