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Sleep Easy, by CICO Books

Sleep Easy: Soothing Mantras and Inspirations for Peace, Calm, and a Good Night’s Rest, by CICO Books
CICO Books, 9781800654136, 144 pages, April 2025

Sleep Easy: Soothing Mantras and Inspirations for Peace, Calm, and a Good Night’s Rest by Cico Books is a beautifully crafted guide designed to foster serene nights and restful sleep. The book is a compilation of calming mantras, inspirational quotes, and serene imagery. As the introduction describes:

“Some mantras are helpful reminders to take the time to relax so you feel restored from the day’s activities. Others encourage you to wonder more and worry less.”1

The mantras included are simple yet profound, encouraging mindfulness and a tranquil mindset. Additionally, the inspirational quotes scattered throughout the pages serve as gentle reminders of the importance of taking time to relax and unwind.

One of the standout features of this book is its visual appeal. The pages are adorned with beautiful photography and innovative graphic designs, enhancing the overall calming effect of the book. The photographs range from beautiful garden scenes and landscapes to sunrises, night skies, and amusement parks. Some pages feature people walking, having fun, or just sitting quietly. Occasionally, pets are also shown too.

Each photograph is carefully chosen to complement the text, creating a harmonious blend of visuals and words that soothe the soul. Various fonts and type treatments are also utilized to highlight the mantras and quotes. Every page is different in style, font and layout, creating an interesting and visually appealing book. 

The mantras and quotes can easily be integrated into one’s nightly routine. Whether you have a few minutes or an hour to spare, Sleep Easy provides accessible prose to help you transition into a state of relaxation.  This small bedside companion is more than just a book: it is a doorway for those seeking tranquility in their lives. CICO Books has succeeded in creating a resource that is both aesthetically pleasing and practically useful. For anyone struggling with sleep or simply looking to enhance their evening routine, this book is a valuable addition to their collection.

In the introduction, the editor recommends journaling around the quote or mantra you read.  Or you can also write them down on a notecard to put under your pillow or place somewhere in your home or office to read again later. 

The hardback book’s cover features blurred bands of colors that remind me of a sunset at the seaside. The title is stamped in metallic turquoise and features a crescent moon in the same color. It is a small book, measuring 4.5” X 6”, and is perfect for the nightstand or tucking into a travel bag. The edges of the pages are also tipped in sparkly turquoise.

I recommend that the reader use a bookmark and start at the front of the book and work through the pages in order.  There are no page numbers, chapters or sections to guide you. I really enjoyed getting ready for bed and settling in to read a few pages before turning out the lights.  Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.  Aesop”2

“It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters. Epictetus”3

Overall, Sleep Easy is a gentle guide that invites readers to embrace calmness and serenity at the end of the day. Its blend of soothing mantras, inspirational quotes, and beautiful imagery makes it a delightful prelude for a tranquil evening.  Anyone can benefit from reading a few pages before bed. This book provides a serene path to a calm rest. I highly recommend it for anyone in search of soothing the mind prior to a good night’s sleep. I plan to take it on my next trip, to calm my attempts to sleep peacefully away from home.

Crystals for Everyday Living, by Philip Permutt

Crystals for Everyday Living: Bring happiness to your home, achieve your goals, and enhance every element of your well-being, by Philip Permutt
CICO Books, 9781800653757, 144 pages, October 2024

In his introduction, Philip Permutt explains that the idea behind Crystals for Everyday Living was a simple one. By reading this book, he writes:

“You will see how consciously welcoming crystals and their helpful, healing energies into your life will bring happiness to your home, enable you to achieve your goals, and enhance every element of your energy and well-being, easily and effectively.”4

Permutt is based in England and has been described by the Daily Mail as “Britain’s leading crystal expert.”  He has been studying and working with crystals for more than 30 years. He discovered crystals and their healing properties after a severe illness and several surgeries put him in the hospital. When he started using crystals for healing, his condition improved and soon he was walking after his doctor told him he might never walk again. Permutt is a bestselling author, crystal teacher, and lecturer and runs a successful wholesale and retail crystal business.

Crystals for Everyday Living is meticulously organized, guiding the reader through various aspects of crystal usage. Permutt provides a thorough introduction to crystals, their history, and their energetic properties, setting a solid foundation for readers to build upon.

The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on different applications of crystals in daily life. Permutt shares how to utilize the magic properties of crystals in your world, at home, and at work.  He goes further to feature what he calls “lifestyle crystals” and then includes his directory of over 101 crystals.

Permutt’s emphasis on practical applications sets this book apart from others. He provides step-by-step instructions on how to use crystals for various purposes, including meditation, energy healing, and enhancing one’s living space. He even includes two pages on how to use a crystal pendulum for dowsing. Each section is accompanied by beautiful, four-color photographs, ensuring that readers can easily follow along and implement the techniques in their own lives.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the use of crystals for health and well-being. Permutt explains how specific crystals can be used to enhance our lives, support emotional healing, and promote overall wellness. He also addresses the importance of cleansing and charging crystals, offering practical tips to ensure their optimal effectiveness.

Another noteworthy aspect of the book is its focus on integrating crystals into one’s living environment. Permutt explores how crystals can be strategically placed in different areas of the home to create a harmonious and energetically balanced space. Whether it’s enhancing the energy of a bedroom for better sleep or creating a calming atmosphere in a living room, Permutt’s guidance is both practical and insightful.

One of the standout features of the book is its detailed descriptions of a wide range of crystals. Permutt divides the gemstones by color and then delves into the unique properties of each crystal, offering insights into their healing potential and practical applications. He color-codes the pages, to make it an easy reference tool.  From the calming effects of amethyst to the protective qualities of black tourmaline, the book covers an extensive array of crystals, making it a valuable reference for anyone interested in crystals for your daily life.

Permutt focuses on the “lifestyle qualities” of each crystal in the directory. If you are interested in more details about crystal healing, you may want to pick up one of his other books, such as The Crystal Healer.

The book is a soft-bound book, with a cardstock cover that folds on each end to use as a type of bookmark.  The paper stock is a nice weight and has a matte finish, which allows the colored photos of gemstones and crystals to leap off the page. Permutt features a wide array of photos, including people interacting with crystals and representations of daily life. He accents the copy with colored sections to highlight important ideas. 

One of my favorite topics was the discussion of Feng Shui and how to use crystals in each of the nine areas of the Bagua Map. For example, you can place a piece of rose quartz in the love and marriage area of your home or a piece of jet in the career and life path area. Permutt goes on to share how to overlay the Bagua Map on your floor plan to diagram your home and add crystals for better balance and flowing energy.  It is a wonderful introduction to Feng Shui!

I also enjoyed the section on utilizing crystals for the workplace.  Did you know that you can hold or focus on a piece of fluorite to bring your mind back to the task at hand? Or that carrying turquoise or aquamarine can protect you when traveling to and from work? These are just two of the helpful tips Permutt includes in the section on work. 

In the chapter on lifestyle crystals, Permutt includes references to crystals for many subjects, such as relationships, children, dreams and stress. One of my favorite areas included crystals for grief. He discusses different crystals for heartache, loss and moving. For example, bowenite supports you as you move from one house to another, while “petrified wood can help you leave the past behind, making it easier for you to start your new life.”5

As support material, the author includes books for further reading, a list of resources and a glossary.  He also includes an index of crystals and a more general index. I appreciate how easy it is to find material later in this book!

Overall, Crystals for Everyday Living by Philip Permutt is a comprehensive and engaging guide that demystifies the world of crystal healing. Permutt’s expertise, combined with his approachable writing style, makes this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in incorporating crystals into their daily life.

Whether you are a novice seeking to learn the basics or an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, this book offers something for everyone. This remarkable guide provides an accessible yet profound exploration into crystals and gemstones. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore the magical world of crystals and their myriad benefits.

The Pocket Crystal Healer, by Philip Permutt

The Pocket Crystal Healer, by Philip Permutt
CICO Books, 9781800654051, 208 pages, March 2025

The Pocket Crystal Healer by Philip Permutt is an essential guide for anyone interested in the art of crystal healing. Designed into an easy to carry size (4.55” X 6”), this hardcover compact and comprehensive book offers readers a detailed introduction to the world of crystals, their properties, and their healing capabilities. As an acclaimed crystal healer and author, Philip Permutt brings his extensive knowledge and experience to this accessible and informative guide.

Permutt is based in England and is one of the UK’s leading crystal experts. He has been studying and working with crystals for more than 30 years after discovering crystals and their healing properties following a severe illness and several surgeries put him in the hospital. When he started using crystals for healing, his condition improved and soon he was walking after his doctor told him he might never walk again. Permutt has an honors degree in biology, is a bestselling author, crystal teacher and lecturer, and runs a successful wholesale and retail crystal business.

In the introduction, Permutt delves into the history and philosophy of crystal healing. He explains how crystals have been used for thousands of years across various cultures to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Permutt introduces readers to the concept of the body’s energy system, describing how crystals can be used to balance and enhance this energy.

Next, he moves into the core four chapters. The first chapter shares how one might prepare for working with crystals, while the second chapter introduces different ways to work with crystals. The third chapter contains a directory of over 100 crystals, complete with color photographs and descriptions of each crystal’s unique properties and uses.

The crystals are arranged by color into fourteen colors. I really like the way Permutt highlights the pages with a color strip on the outside of each page. This makes it easy to find the crystal you are researching. He also puts the name of the color on the bottom of the right-hand page in this chapter.

In the final chapter, Permutt shares “Crystal Remedies” for life, stating:

“When our energies are balanced, we are in a state of well-being.”6  

He gives examples of several types of crystals that are beneficial to “help in different ways to balance out our energies, removing dis-ease and maintaining or restoring health in the process.”7

In the following sections, Permutt includes remedies for physical and emotional issues, as well as for spiritual aspects and lifestyle enhancement. In each of the four sections, he begins with a few recommendations for basic situations. Then he includes an alphabetized list that includes topics from A to Z.

For example, in the section on physical concerns, he includes this note about acid indigestion:

“Hold bornite, dolomite, or peridot to your chest just above the area of discomfort. . . . Carry or wear peridot to reduce or prevent recurrence.”8

In the section called “Crystals for Lifestyle Enhancement,” I learned about specific crystals I can use for decision-making. Since I already have citrine, jade and chevron amethyst on hand, I plan to scatter these stones around my office!  

Within each section, Permutt also includes special notes that are highlighted by blocks of color.  One might recommend what to carry or wear to support healthy bones, while another one may discuss “crystals to de-stress”9. One of my favorite tips was the suggestion to “carry turquoise to ease travel stress.”10

In addition to the crystal directory, this book offers practical advice on how to incorporate crystals into everyday life. Permutt covers a variety of topics, including how to create crystal grids, use crystals in meditation, and integrate them into personal wellness routines. He also covers essential techniques for choosing, cleansing, and programming crystals, providing step-by-step instructions for each process and making it easy for readers to follow along. This section is particularly valuable for beginners, as it lays a solid foundation for working with crystals.

To further investigate the wisdom of the book, I decided to research three topics: sinusitis, snoring, and grief. I found numerous entries related to sinus problems, including wearing jade.   For snoring, there was a special note that mentioned placing pyrite under your pillow.  For grief, Permutt mentioned quite a few crystals, all of which were common and easy to obtain. He is very skilled at recommending common crystals and gemstones for daily use.

To further support the reader, Permutt includes a 3-page glossary of crystal terms and a 5-page index.  While the color-coded pages are great for finding a crystal you might want to name and research, the three sections on physical, emotional, and spiritual issues will help you pinpoint a crystal.

If you want to find other support, the index is helpful, as well. On the first page of the index, Permutt reminds the reader where to find the alphabetical listing of physical ailments. He really has thought of everything to create a crystal compendium of information for modern living.  

Overall, The Pocket Crystal Healer is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the healing power of crystals. Its accessible format, comprehensive content, and practical advice make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Permutt’s expertise and passion for crystal healing shine through every page, making this book a must-have addition to any crystal enthusiast’s library.

Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of crystal healing or simply seeking a handy reference guide, this book is sure to provide the knowledge and inspiration you need. Its compact size makes it easy to carry with you. Permutt’s clear and insightful guidance makes this book an invaluable tool for anyone looking to harness the healing potential of these natural wonders.

Micro Meditation, by Nicci Roscoe

Micro Meditation: Moments of Calm for a Happier, Healthier Life, by Nicci Roscoe
CICO Books, 180065409X, 144 pages, March 2025

Sometimes all it takes is just a few minutes to shift our energy and attention. However, when we get caught up in the busyness of our daily schedule, we often forget to cultivate these moments of calming mindfulness. Cue Micro Meditation: Moments of Calm for a Happier, Healthier Life by Nicci Roscoe, a grounding book that offers easy to do mini-meditations for all types of situations we might find ourselves in throughout the day.

“Unlike longer, traditional meditations, micro meditations break your cycle of stress in a moment, without having to spend up to an hour every time you meditate. They give you an immediate focus, taking your attention away from what is frustrating or upsetting you, and helping you feel so much better in less than two minutes—some only take a few magical seconds.”11

Nicci Roscoe, a wellness expert and life coach, introduces the concept of “micro meditation” — brief, focused moments of mindfulness that can be seamlessly incorporated into daily routines. Her approach is both refreshing and accessible, especially for those who don’t have much time to spare during the day. She offers numerous practical exercises that can be done almost anywhere, such as during a commute or while doing laundry, making meditation less daunting and teaching readers that meditation can take many forms.

The book is structured into four chapters, each focusing on different types of micro meditations: overcoming stress and challenging emotions, changing your mindset, finding your calm, and working with crystals and chakras. And while there’s ton of exercises for readers to try within each chapter, Roscoe also includes lovely introductions to the topics, real life stories of those who have benefited from micro meditations, lists that help you identify when you are in need of a micro meditation, and plenty of tips for cultivating a healthier lifestyle.

Just flipping through the book is a calming experience, especially since it’s so vividly designed with popping colors and pictures that keep your eyes glued to the page in full absorption. Illustrator Camila Gray has done a truly marvelous job framing Roscoe’s insights in pictorial form and making the reader feel extra connected to the words on the page. From demonstrating facial massages to creating colorful charts, the content is structured to be easily absorbed. The illustrations are so uplifting and absolutely magnificent at transmitting the empowering, positive tone of this book.

What I really love about Roscoe’s approach is how she incorporates the senses. As someone who could never just sit on a cushion and clear my mind to meditate, her approach is much more accessible and pleasant to engage in. Splashing cold water on one’s face, mindfully eating a few spoonfuls of ice cream, being outside in nature, smelling a flower, playing either soothing or pump up music (depending on our mood), and doing a little hand massage are all methods Roscoe recommends for bringing our attention to the present moment and reframing our mindset.

Crystal lovers will definitely enjoy chapter four, “Crystal Magic and Chakras for Mini Meditation”. Roscoe teaches how a variety of crystals can be used for different purposes, boosting one’s meditative practice with their energy. From the revitalizing energy of garnet to the nurturing energy of rose quartz, Roscoe teaches that spending a few moments connecting with crystals is a meditative practice within itself. After reading this section, I decided to put some rainbow fluorite on my desk for focus along with carnelian for creativity. Whether I’m gazing at the crystals or holding them in my hand, I notice the boost of energy they bring to my work space.

There’s also plenty of micro meditations that can be done on the spot without any additional props. I’ve really benefited from the micro meditation Boxing Your Thoughts, where Roscoe instructs you to put your worries in separate boxes and close the lid until you’re in a better space to think about them. This has helped me to focus on one issue at a time rather than feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts and anxiety.

Another exercise from the book I’ve enjoyed is Anchor Away Your Frustrations, where Roscoe guides readers to think of a time they felt happy, calm, and peaceful. With this memory in mind, you then take calming breaths and squeeze together your thumb and forefinger and imagine the picture in your mind growing bigger, along with the positive emotions amplifying. This process anchors the feeling in the bodily sensation of pushing your thumb and forefinger together, which you can then do whenever you start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or upset. This one has been useful for when I’m dealing with my two-year-old son, who is doing a lot of learning by pushing boundaries these days!

Overall, Micro Meditation is a fun, engaging read for anyone looking to incorporate mindfulness into their life without extensive time commitment. Roscoe’s compassionate and knowledgeable approach makes meditation accessible to all. She teaches so many small ways we can take control of our moods by turning inward, if only for a few moments, leading to a happier and healthier way of life. I absolutely love all the suggestions Roscoe has provided, and I know that I’ll often be flipping through this book to remind myself of simple ways I can bring more mindfulness into my daily life.

Spirit in Flowers Oracle Deck, by Gillian Kemp and Carolina Zambrano

Spirits in Flowers Oracle Deck, by Gillian Kemp and illustrated by Carolina Zambrano
CICO Books, 9781800653788, 128 pages, 52 cards, February 2025

In Spirits in Flowers Oracle Deck, Gillian Kemp has assembled ancient wisdom and myth surrounding 52 flowers from Mother Nature. From the beautiful floral illustrations to the information on color meanings, Kemp creates a deck of guidance and hope.

Gillian Kemp is an author of more than ten books, six other oracle decks, and a Love Spell Box for enhancing your love life.  She is a clairvoyant who utilizes astrology, tarot, and playing cards, as well as palmistry and tea leaves to predict the future for her clients. She is also a medium, who receives messages from those on the other side. You can learn more about Kemp on her website.

Carolina Zambrano is a graphic designer and artist. She also works as a Jungian art therapist. She loves to create art that is part of a symbolic, magical, and alchemical world. She has won awards in many Latin American countries, as well as Europe. She is originally from Colombia and now lives in Argentina. For more information about Zambrano, you can view her website.

Once again, Kemp has created a magical set of cards, complete within the two-part box set that protects the cards and showcases the beautiful artwork. Kemp dedicates the first twenty-three pages of the guidebook to her introduction, a note about flowers and time, and how to use flowers for divination. She also discusses various spreads and a way to use the cards for “Yes” or “No” questions. Sprinkled throughout the book are photos of the cards in brilliant four-color.

There’s also a list of scented and unscented flowers, as well as a spread for learning more about what the year following your birthday holds in store. Additionally, there is a future spread that makes use of seven cards.

Kemp dedicates two pages to each flower and shares additional information on the meaning of the various colors one might find for each flower. If a specific flower is recognized for an anniversary or other celebration, Kemp mentions this. Flowers for each month are also noted, as well as any superstition or custom. For example, growing Lily-of-the-valley can be used “to ward off evil from the home.”12

In addition to the numbered list of flowers in the opening pages, Kemp has provided an index. This alphabetical listing of each flower not only includes the two pages for each bloom, but also any mentions on other pages that might be relevant for the reader.

To test drive the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group. One friend drew the Amaryllis card. She shared the following:

“The deck is so sweet, and I particularly like the way she accents the flowers with insects. This adds another layer to the guidance.”

Another friend drew the Hyacinth card, which spoke of “fresh starts and positive changes.”13 My friend related that she was ready for a new beginning after recently retiring from her corporate position.

Next, I posted an invitation on Facebook for my friends to select one of three cards. Later that day, I shared the flower that had been drawn and a brief message from the guidebook.

One card was Rose, which speaks of romance and secrets, as well as the idea that someone from your past might reenter your life. A friend sent me this message regarding the guidance:

“Wow! Someone I’ve known since childhood resurfaced. Let’s just say it’s complicated. I’ve asked myself, ‘What did I intend this for?’. And the answer is being tender, understanding, compassionate and present with myself regardless, so that I am able to be that in the world.”

The second card I drew for this reading was Peony and one friend wrote to me to say that her Spirit Guide is named Peony. She took this message to confirm something for which she asked for support earlier that day.

Another friend also selected Peony, and she shared that the message rang true for her. “I love and care with every fiber of my body.  I also feel that this is my year of great change,” she said.

The last card I shared was Forget-Me-Not and another friend sent me a message that this card and its uplifting message confirmed a trip to the beach that she was about to plan. She hadn’t told a soul and felt that this message was her confirmation to go for it!

Overall, Kemp and Zambrano have created a set of gorgeous cards, complete with a treasure trove of the history, myth, and language of flowers. Spirit in Flowers Oracle Deck would be great for anyone looking for a beautiful, easy to use divination tool. The guidebook is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and understand. I plan to add this one to the decks that I use at the end of client readings; I feel that the wisdom in this deck is the perfect way to close a reading.

Manifestation Tarot, by Jayne Wallace

Manifestation Tarot, by Jayne Wallace and illustrated by Julia Cellini
CICO Books, 9781800653733, 78 cards, 64 pages, October 2024

Manifestation Tarot by Jayne Wallace with illustrations by Julia Cellini is a beautiful deck that promises to guide users on a transformative journey of self-discovery and manifestation. I was drawn to this deck by the artwork and idea of adding manifestation to my tarot journey.

As a well-known clairvoyant medium, Wallace brings her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the esoteric arts to create a deck that is both visually stunning and spiritually enriching. Wallace has written for many publications and authored four books, along with appearing on television in both the UK and America. She lives in Essex, UK.

Julia Cellini is an illustrator who works in a variety of mediums, specializing in watercolor and digital art. She finds inspiration in nature and has recently completed a series of works based on deities. She lives in Hawaii and loves exploring the flora and fauna in her tropical home. 

The first thing that strikes me about Manifestation Tarot is its breathtaking artwork. Each card is a masterpiece, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs that capture the essence of the tarot archetypes. The imagery is a blend of traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism and modern themes. For example, the Magician is pictured as female, the Hanged Man is shown in more modern dress, and the Moon features a domesticated dog and cat. 

Wallace has infused each major arcana card with rich symbolism that resonates with the themes of personal empowerment and manifestation. The major arcana “embodies a powerful archetype or lesson that can help clarify your intentions, make informed decisions, and foster a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.”14

The minor arcana delves into the “different facets of human experience, influencing our intentions, energy, and the universe’s response to our desires. Together these elements offer an approach to manifesting and the law of attraction.”15 The minor arcana features beautiful, symbolic artwork on the court cards and simple drawings of the suit symbol for all the other cards, much like the Tarot de Marseille. 

All the cards in this deck also feature the name of the card and an affirmation that recaps the main theme of the card. For example, the Seven of Pentacles shares this affirmation: “Persistence in my efforts will yield security.” The back of the cards features what Wallace calls “The Flower of Manifestation,” a rainbow-colored lotus flower which “represents faith in ourselves.”16

A four-color guidebook provides detailed explanations of each card, along with practical tips on how to use the deck for manifestation and spiritual growth. Wallace begins with a brief introduction, including how to prepare your cards for reading. She also shares tips for reading the cards, including numerous spreads for both basic readings and manifestation. She features keywords, the mantra, and relevant meanings for each card in the deck.

To test drive the cards I chose to do the manifestation Seven Day Challenge. Wallace explains this is a “great way to kick start your connection to the rule of attraction.”17 For this challenge, I separated the major arcana cards from the rest of the deck and chose one card each day for seven days. I made a note of the affirmation on the card and any key information from the guidebook.  

Each day I shuffled the major arcana cards and drew one card to be my guiding light for the day.  Wallace recommends that you say the mantra or affirmation out loud seven times that day. She explains: “At the end of the week look at the story your cards have told you. The universe has given you a blueprint of where you should be heading in life at the moment.”18

I took an index card and recorded the card and the mantra for each day.  It was interesting to see the variety and the compatibility of the messages I received. I am looking forward to trying some of the other spreads, including one she calls “The Staircase of Success,” which asks you to shuffle the cards and then lay down the cards in a stair step fashion  as “a way of seeing how your future is going to unfold in a time frame, usually a year, but it can be a shorter or longer.”19

The cards are a standard size, yet the cardstock seems a little light for durability and ease of handling during shuffling and readings. I’m guessing the cards may bend quite easily over time. The deck comes in a beautifully designed, two-part box that protects the cards and the guidebook.

I loved the beauty of the cards and the rich language of the guidebook. Wallace and Cellini have put a new spin on the tarot with this deck. This deck would be great for both seasoned tarot readers and beginners. I’ll use this deck for the next few weeks for my daily one card draw, to benefit from the rich guidance and manifestation tips. I also plan to take it to my next Friday Coffee & Cards group meeting to share with my friends.

From the Fool, symbolizing new beginnings and infinite potential, to the World, denoting the fulfillment of goals and the completion of cycles, Manifestation Tarot serve as powerful reminders of the innate power within everyone. The interpretations provided in the guidebook are insightful and encourage deep reflection, helping users connect with the core messages of each card.

“The brilliant thing about manifesting is, even if you’re a warrior or a negative Nelly, using this deck you can switch your mindset from scarcity to abundance and supercharge your manifestation potential.”20

A Year of Inner Peace, by Kirsten Riddle

A Year of Inner Peace: Find a Calmer and Happier Way of Being, by Kirsten Riddle
CICO Books, 1800653433, 144 pages, December 2024

I love the concept of Kirsten Riddle’s A Year of Inner Peace: Find a Calmer and Happier Way of Being. It’s more than a list of prompts for each week of the year, separated into seasons to get through the year. It’s suggestions to help one move through the year finding a “calmer and happier way of being.”17 Inner peace is the desired result, not accomplishing a to-do list for each season. There is soft nudging versus prodding to encourage one to go inward, slowly, with self-love.

What does peace mean to you? What would it feel like to live with inner peace? 

Naturally, the book is sectioned into the four seasons with a new weekly prompt each time you turn the page. Some activities can be done in a day, others might span a bit longer. Certain activities might be a one-and-done, while you might want to return to other activities that resonate with you throughout the season. It’s all up to you. There are beautiful mantras to support the work that you are doing. As each season has its own flavor, colors, scents, scenes, activities, and even temperatures, the rituals and activities support the time in which you are doing them. Ultimately, the goal is to support your well-being.

We know all too well about the “best laid plans,” so I particularly appreciated Riddle’s reminder that “a year is a long time, and it’s easy to skip through the seasons without noticing the changes, but this book hopefully provides some food for thought, ideas to nurture peace and love, and practical ways to make positive changes.”18

I received the book just before the Winter Solstice. Rather than wait for the first section, Spring, I dove into the final section, Winter. Being a January baby, Winter is a special season for me. In fact, it’s my favorite season. A fresh start, clean and quiet, a time to inward. A slow down after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. 

Of course, Winter is a time for hibernation and introspection, but Riddle gives the reader suggestions through rituals and activities to go even deeper. I especially loved the visualization of the enchanted veil and the activity to protect garden friends during these colder months.

Riddle recommends awakening gently in the Spring. Of course, we’re encouraged to do a spring cleaning. She also guides us to experience our own world with new eyes, as if we’ve never seen it before – our home, the gym, our daily walk to and from work. Summer prompts us to have a siesta, lend a helping hand, and keep cool. Summer encourages us to dawdle, recharge, and enjoy the sensual abundance that surrounds us. And in Fall, bring the outside in, surrender, and practice gratitude.

You can use the book in a non-linear way, that is, read the current season to get the general flavor and then try the things that you’re attracted to or move through it chronologically. However you approach the writings, you’ll be able to find some peace on every page. As Riddle writes, “Be kind to yourself and do not rush.”21

While the activities, rituals, and prompts might seem simple on the surface, they are multi-dimensional, depending on how deep one wants to go. All, though, are change agents. The accompanying visuals are done in soft pastel colors supporting the various seasons with the intention of supporting you on this journey. The book concludes with Riddle’s writing on a “Passage to Peace” and ends with a mantra for the year, “I am in control of my future; I manifest a life of love and peace.”22

This book is perfect for those interested in slow-living and cultivating a lifestyle that’s attuned to nature’s cycles. The beauty of this book makes it a wonderful item to keep on a coffee table or night stand. I recommend A Year of Inner Peace without reservation and encourage you to move through this book to experience inner peace every day of the year.

Your Book of Shadows, by Cerridwen Green leaf

Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800652968, 144 pages, April 2024

Mastering your magic takes time, focus, and dedication. Especially when just starting a magical journey, navigating the vast and intricate world of spells, rituals, and energies can quickly feel like uncharted territory. Getting to know what works best for you is a practice of trial and error, a journey where each misstep is as crucial as every success. In Your Book of Shadows: Make Your Own Magical Habit Tracker, Cerridwen Greenleaf teaches readers all they need to know about tracking their own magical practice, refining it by figuring out what did and did not work well, in order to chronicle a repertoire of the wisdom gained from magical experimentation.

Right off the bat, I was drawn to this book for the bright colors and many images throughout the pages. Each section is short and sweet, covering the necessities while creating the space to engage with the book by performing the suggested spells and rituals along the way. The layout of the content makes it easy to engage with the text as you move through the book–there’s a lot of places for your eyes to roam, helping your mind to take in Greenleaf’s wisdom through the sensory appeal of color, font style, and text organization. The design of the book makes me feel inspired, playful, and crafty!

Greenleaf begins by covering the history of Books of Shadows and their importance to a coven or solo practitioner. She then moves into how to choose and design your Book of Shadows, consecrating and protecting your Book of Shadows (as well as creating a shrine), and creating organization through a Table of Contents. She offers advice on how to select a book, decorate it, and keep it magically protected.

As one moves through the process of creating their own Book of Shadows, Greenleaf provides easy-to-follow rituals and spells  to assist with the process: a ritual of thanks, inscription rite,  pendulum spell for choosing the right book, self-assurance charm for creativity when decorating, and safeguarding spell to clear away unwanted energy from your Book of Shadows. There’s also parts on color magic (one focusing on the associations of each color and the other a correspondence chart of each zodiac sign with colors), along with crafting tips for adding pages and creating a book lock.

“… making a Book of Shadows is a very personal endeavor–let go of that fear of making mistakes. Always remember that perfection can be boring–something that is real and unique is much more appealing and special. Keep an open heart and mind, and your Book of Shadows can become a stunningly beautiful work of art.”22

Greenleaf’s emphasis on personalization is particularly noteworthy, encouraging readers to see their Book of Shadows as a living document that evolves with their spiritual journey. This approach not only helps one to build confidence in one’s practice but also makes the process of creating and maintaining a Book of Shadows a deeply personal and fulfilling endeavor.

The following chapters cover cyclical energies of nature that can influence one’s magical practice. Greenleaf first writes about moon spells, specifically focusing on the phases of the moon. For each phase, she gives an overview of the best type of spellwork to do at that time, a table of magical correspondences for the energy of the phase (days, colors, herbs, incense, essential oils, crystals, and metals), and a spell, ritual, or magical craft one can do for that phase.

For instance, Greenleaf describes how new moons are best for new beginnings and offers an incantation for new ideas, while noting waning moons are a “time to conserve our power, to turn our attention towards home and inner peace and wisdom”23 and sharing a recipe for spiritual scrub to cleanse energies from one’s home or ritual space.

Next, Greenleaf covers The Wheel of the Year. Beginning with the Celtic New Year, the high holiday Samhain, she details the eight sabbats, sharing recipes, rituals, divination spells, prayers to the god and goddess, and more. The descriptions of each sabbat aren’t too long, just an introduction, but each one contains enough information for readers to familiarize themselves with the energy of The Wheel of the Year to then further their own practice.

Now that readers have an understanding of the quick-paced moon cycle and the overarching Wheel of the Year, Greenleaf delves deeper into astrological energies. She describes the twelve zodiac signs, along with the correspondence stone for each time period. Later in the chapter, she also provides herbal correspondence for every sign too.

There’s also a very helpful table of the magical planetary hours, which shows the ruling planet for every hour throughout the week. This table is extremely useful for those who are at the level of fine-tuning their spell work to correspond with specific planetary energies, such as doing a love spell during Venus hours or an abundance spell during Jupiter hours. Greenleaf also delves into the elemental power of signs, highlighting which each element is best suited to perform certain magic.

There’s an entire chapter to tracking your magic as a solo practitioner too. Greenleaf recognizes that it can be hard to find community at times or that one might want to keep some matters private, but she still assures readers they can grow their magical practice through their personal Book of Shadows. She advises “keeping a list of personal intentions”24 as these are the key to success in magic. She shares a visualization to create an inner temple, how to make your own DIY wand, meditations for centering yourself, and a candle ceremony to invoke a deity. 

Then the final chapter is a real gem because it is filled with different correspondences to help readers discover more about subtle energies. There’s a list of trees and what else one can assist with spiritually; flower, herb, essential oil, and color correspondences; correspondences and enhancement abilities for gems, stones, and crystals; totem animal correspondences; significance of numerology; planet correspondences and colors; metal magical correspondences; and a list of magical domains and deities one can work with.

Overall, Your Book of Shadows is a compelling guide for those embarking on or furthering their journey into the realm of witchcraft, Wicca, or other pagan paths. This book serves not just as an introduction to aspects of these spiritual paths, but as an interactive tool, encouraging readers to actively engage with their practice by creating their own Book of Shadows. Greenleaf skillfully demystifies the process of starting a Book of Shadows, presenting it in a way that is both inviting and profound, providing all the essential guidance and spellwork readers need to take this step of connecting with their magical practice on a deeper level.

Wiccan Crystals, by Cerridwen Greenleaf

Wiccan Crystals: Harness the Power of Magical Stones for Spells, Rituals, and More, by Cerridwen Greenleaf
CICO Books, 1800653700, 144 pages, September 2024

Wiccan Crystals: Harness the Power of Magical Stones for Spells, Rituals, and More by Cerridwen Greenleaf is a nifty guide to using crystals for magical and spiritual goals. Greenleaf has aptly applied her decades of witchcraft experience to teach readers about magically incorporating crystals into their lives. Covering a wide range of topics, from crystal basics to the many one can work with crystals, the breadth of guidance in this book makes it a one-stop resource for those looking to boost their craft.

“Crystals each have unique vibrational energies, which you can use to connect yourself to the Earth and are associated with a vast spectrum of healing properties. One of the fundamentals of crystal magic is intention—a crystal can be programmed with your intentions and desire and will in turn magnify your intent and assist you in bringing forth whatever sort of change and benefits you are seeking.”1

In the first chapter, Greenleaf lays the foundation needed for a successful crystal practice from a Pagan perspective. She covers topics such as charging and cleansing the stones, setting one’s intentions, crystal correspondences to zodiac signs and days of the week. Greenleaf also shares about walking a Pagan path and building altars. She specifically covers what can be put on an altar for each moon cycle, which I thought was very interesting! I look forward to adding this dimension to my moon practice.

The following chapters are all dedicated a certain type of intention one might want to manifest in their lives. Greenleaf leads readers through “Sacred Space and Magical Protection”, “Witchy Wellness and Calm”, “Personal Power and Inspiration”, “Prosperity and Abundance”, “Love and Relationships”, and “Divination and Psychic Vision”.

While this book is not too long, Greenleaf has packed a ton into each chapter! Each page is something new, making it so the spells or rituals are quick and easy to do even with a busy schedule. And for every spell, Greenleaf tells readers exactly what to say, so readers of all background levels can perform them. There’s also often tables of gemstone and crystal recommendations based on the topic. For instance, there’s a whole list of crystals and their energetic properties that are good for Feng Shui, space clearing, healing, and aiding mystical abilities.

Greenleaf also offers ideas about how to use crystals to connect with angels, goddesses, chakras, and nature. I found it fascinating to see which crystals enhanced these relationships, as well as the crystals that could aid me personally in health, wealth, love, and divination abilities. There’s even a page on how to create your own wand with a table of attributes certain crystals have to harness energy for the wand’s purpose.

One of my favorite things about this book is the colorful illustrations throughout the text. The detailed drawings and photos of crystals enhances the visual appeal of this book, aiding in crystal and gemstone identification. All the pictures are clear, making it easy to recognize the crystals in the book when you’re searching for the right on in your collection, in a shop, or online.

Overall, I would recommend Wiccan Crystals to those seeking to another tool to their magical practice. Whether you’re drawn to crystals for spiritual benefits, self-care purposes, or personal growth and new opportunities, Greenleaf has provided guidance on how to easily connect with the right crystals to bring your intentions into alignment. This book is suited for beginners, as it is descriptive enough to be an introduction one can follow, or those who are familiar with crystals, but looking to further learn more about how to work with them magically.

Guardian Angels, by Jacky Newcomb

Guardian Angels: Guidance and Inspiration for Happiness & Healing, by Jacky Newcomb
CICO Books, 978-1800653726, 144 pages, September 2024

With Guardian Angels: Guidance and Inspiration for Happiness & Healing, author Jacky Newcomb shares everything you need to know about these heavenly creatures, including stories and experiences from other people as well. 

Known as “The Angel Lady,” Jacky Newcomb specializes in angels and the afterlife, including near-death experiences, past lives, and psychic children. An award-winning author, her numerous books have been translated into multiple languages. She loves to connect with people from all over the world to share her love of angels and paranormal activities. Newcomb also conducts workshops and classes around the UK. You can learn more about Newcomb on her website.

What interested me most about this book was the focus on guardian angels. I have always felt that I had a guardian angel and have felt their presence and seen evidence of their guidance and protection in my life. Newcomb also shares this belief, and she begins this book with a brief look at her life story, weaving in the role angels have played. She shares:

“My life mission was fixed. I instantly knew that my role was to document these angel experiences and spread the word. I planned to write a book of angel stories.”1

Newcomb goes on to explain that one book became two and then four and soon she had written many, many books on angels.

Guardian Angels utilizes an easy-to-follow design. There’s seven chapters on angels and a final chapter for your own journaling activities–she even includes lined spaces for writing. Newcomb begins with an introduction to explain her view of guardian angels and then goes into more detail in the first chapter.

She uses a type of Q & A format to answer questions about angels. In each chapter, there are beige note sections, marked with a pen that sports angel wings. These graphic devices pose personal questions for the reader, which can be answered in the special journal section in Chapter 8.  She also includes a “Tip” every few pages. These tips tell you practical advice or give you an activity to do to get closer to your angels or share your own angel stories.

Next, Newcomb discusses the history of angels, followed by information on the specific angels for healing, guidance, and protection. On page 52-53, she shares a chart of eleven archangels, with the name, meaning of the name, and a brief passage about each one. 

The book goes on to present information about signs from angels, angel meditations and exercises, altars and rituals, and angel stories. The list of angel feather colors on page 70 was truly amazing! My favorite chapter was the one entitled “Angel Meditations and Exercises.”  

“To reach out to your guardian Angel using meditations is simple. . . Let me share some wonderful meditations and exercises with you; They are designed to bring you closer to your guardian Angel.”25

As in the previous chapters, Newcomb includes tips, notes, and questions to guide you through the material. The one called “Guardian Guidance” was a beautiful meditation that I recorded and then enjoyed on a quiet morning. She advises having water close by and recording some of your impressions in your journal afterwards. “Practice this exercise a lot,”26 Newcomb recommends.

In addition to sprinkling angel experiences throughout the book, Newcomb also uses the seventh chapter to present “True Stories of Angels in Our Lives.”  The story about the woman who found a feather on the roof of her garage after praying for her husband’s recovery after surgery was beautiful!

The artwork that accompanies the pages of the book is a combination of beautiful angel images and graphic accents. The artwork was created by Jane Delaford Taylor and Trina Daziel.  Each chapter opens with a full page of angel artwork on the left and a lighter, softer version of the same artwork on the right-hand page where the chapter title and a brief introduction to the theme is shown.

Some of the artwork is simply stunning, such as the depiction of countless angels surrounding the earth on page 10-11.  Their wings are outspread and their hands hover over the globe in a mode of healing and protecting the earth and its inhabitants. There are other full-page, full-color illustrations throughout the book, not only of angels, but also of people. There are also lots of simple illustrations on most pages. Some are one-color line drawings, while others are more intricate graphic designs. The illustrations break up the type and add interest and variety to the book.

The two-page index is perfect for finding a passage later or looking up a specific sign or symbol. For example, I looked up “feather” and saw that Newcomb has five references to feathers in the book. Additionally, I like how the book is a paperback with a cardstock cover that features flaps on both front and back, so you can use each as a bookmark. 

Guardian Angels is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning more about guardian angels and fostering a better relationship with their own angel. Most people over the age of thirteen would benefit from the material and activities in this book due to its easy-to-read style and Newcomb’s compassionate way of relating to the reader. She shares this quote from St. Francis de Sales in the introduction:

“Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit; For without being seen, they are present with you.”27