Elemental Goddess Oracle, created by Bronwyn Millar, is a spiritual tool designed to empower individuals through the sacred energies of the five natural elements from Chinese medicine, as well as the four elements of Western energy. This exquisite deck offers a blend of artistry, intuition, and mystical insight and is “channeled from dimensions where the sacred feminine and the sacred masculine are balanced.”1
Millar is from Johannesburg, South Africa and was educated at the Johannesburg Art Foundation. She sketches from photos and then paints with oils on canvas and board. She is also a kinesiologist, who works with the five natural elements in her practice with clients. After an experience with psilocybin, Millar discovered the healing wisdom of interdimensional goddesses and began to sketch and paint her visions. She lives in South Africa.
The deck is arranged in five sections, each representing one of the five natural elements: wood, water, earth, fire and metal. In the guidebook, Millar explains the five natural elements, how each relates to specific organs and systems of the body, and how they work together to regulate the chi, or life force energy. She also explains her inclusion of the four Western elements and how these are complementary:
“Because the goddesses have emerged from different dimensions, their elemental language is complex; It is truly multidimensional. Five or four elements alone would give us less to work with and combinations of both expand the scope of what the goddesses can communicate.”2
The first goddess Millar drew was Medusa, Goddess of the Loving Eye. This goddess captures the snake-like hair of Medusa, as well as a third eye and a prayerful pose. She embodies the Chinese element of fire and the Western element of earth.
Slowly, Millar drew another goddess, and another, until she had twelve goddesses. At this point, she knew: “They were coming to this dimension from other dimensions where the divine balance is the case—and they had lessons for us about how powerful the divine feminine is when she is in her power.” 3
After she had drawn 45 goddesses, the beautiful beings organized themselves into the five areas of the natural elements and she began muscle testing for “each Goddess’s meridians, acupoints, emotions and Western elements. . . . I would then, again with very little conscious thought, write the Goddess’s accompanying text and exercises.”4
The cards are true works of art. Each card includes a goddess, which is a combination of pencil sketch and rich, bold colors. Most of the faces are shown only as a pencil sketch and it is interesting how this technique breathes real life into each of the beautiful creatures. Millar numbers each card, names the goddess, provides a brief, healing phrase and lists the Chinese and Western elements.
Within the guidebook, Millar recaps all the information shown on the card and adds key words, a paragraph of guidance, an acupoint for healing, a practice to utilize the acupoint, and an affirmation. The rich text allows you to deepen your spiritual practice and connect with the natural elements. Whether you want to select a card and only read the guidance or fully immerse yourself in the experience and add the acupoint practice and affirmation is up to you. Millar also includes ideas for spreads and ways to integrate the wisdom into your daily life.
The guidebook is organized for easy navigation, providing a table of contents and listing the cards within the five natural elements and in number order. Once you know the number of your card, it is easy to find in the guidebook, either by thumbing through the book or checking the table of contents. The cards also have a color band at the bottom to designate the Chinese element, such as red for the fire element. I really appreciate these tools to help the card reader to find the information and understand even more about each Goddess.
To test drive the deck, I allowed Facebook friends to blindly select one of three cards. Later, I shared each goddess and the message from the guidebook. The feedback was very positive:
D.A. got Goddess of Walking the Way and wrote: “Middle card is spot on! That was fun!”
M.H. received Goddess of the Forest and responded: “Thank you for this today. I chose the left card, and it was a spot-on affirmation. I was let go from my job last Thursday with no rationale and caught completely off guard. My guides have been giving me signs it was time to move on and then this happened. Meanwhile, I’ve started an online boutique and I’m doing my first vendor fair this Friday night to sell personalized crafts. This card resonated so well and literally lifted off the screen for me to pick it. Please let the publisher know they are well done.”
S.M. chose Goddess of Truest Self and replied: “Interesting this is my card. I have been becoming more into my truest self and feel that I am more authentic and in touch with God and my path than ever before.”
The cards in the deck are printed on a high-quality cardstock with a glossy finish. The cards are standard oracle deck size, and the box is a sturdy two-part design that easily houses both the cards and the guidebook. The box colors are vibrant, with turquoise accents and an orange interior. The back of the cards features a beautiful kaleidoscope design against a hot pink background. The colors of this deck are truly stunning!
I love the beauty, wisdom, and healing found in Elemental Goddess Oracle. Whether you are a seasoned reader or a newcomer to oracle decks, this deck offers a rich and healing experience. Millar has created a true gem that invites us to explore the divine feminine and the elemental forces that correspond with life itself. The combination of stunning artwork, thoughtful structure, and insightful wisdom creates a holistic tool for spiritual growth and empowerment. Millar’s passion and expertise shine through in every aspect of this deck, making it not just a tool but a work of art and a source of divine wisdom.
As Millar shares in the introduction:
“Each reader will find a different meaning in the cards. . . . The elements are merely the symbolic language that has been translated into the scripts for you. Without the elemental alchemy of the marriage of East and West, these messages would not have been as layered, and their multidimensionality is part of the hidden, yin, complexities of the feminine.”5
PJ Spur is an author, intuitive, spiritual mentor, astrologer, and hypnotist. She does tarot & oracle card readings, natal chart readings, grief coaching, and relationship healing. She also has hosted a weekly “Coffee & Cards” event with her Soul Compass Community for the past four years. Her book Navigating Grief with Grace is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.dearpj.com
The Awakening Tarot: An Elemental Approach by Monica Bodirsky is truly a deck that you will learn so much from. I was very drawn to this deck, and I can see very much why this was: Boridsky uses her brilliantly unusual and stunning watercolor artwork that is reminiscent of the 70’s. With her knowledgeable guidance through Earth-based spirituality, she creates this powerful deck that will be your framework to build you up and help guide you on your spiritual awakening.
Boridsky created this deck out of love for her divination and witchy practices, as well as her own experiences with awakening as well as being inspired by C.J Jung’s idea of external dreaming and the internal process of awakening. She is also moved to share her experiences with awakening to help others expand and grow creatively as well as spiritually. This deck will teach you how to become awakened and empowered spiritually, and you will learn to expand your consciousness with groundbreaking lessons from each of the elemental guides: water, fire, air, earth, and spirit.
The deck is very nicely packaged. There is a larger box with artwork of the Balance card. You open the box to reveal your deck in its own little box with artwork of the Nine of Air card on it.
The deck is truly perfect to help hone and understand the powers that you were given; through each card there is a lesson to be learned. The deck’s accompanying book will also guide you into “shadow work”, which is key to any spiritual awakening journey. Along with the shadow work, each card is shown on the page with both upright and reversed meanings as well as a mantra and a short message.
The guidebook is decently thick and has a lot of great information and insight. It is very easy to understand and it gives clarity and extraordinary insight. Like any normal Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) tarot deck, the major and minor arcana are included. They have similar aspects to the RWS cards, but instead of the normal suits we’re familiar with, these are replaced with each suit’s respective elemental correspondence. For example, fire is wands, water is cups, earth is pentacles, and air is swords.
I do have to say for a fact this information tracks with what I know of the traditional card meanings. Plus, there is also a helpful guide at the beginning that tells you each correlating card, along with pictures for each card with a description accompanying the image.
Each element has its own section and it gives a lot of helpful information. It includes helpful keywords, manifestations, exercises, and healing rituals, reflection questions. Also, each section is color-coded, you can see it on the side of the book, this makes it super simple to find the card you’re looking for!
The guidebook is also very beautifully written. It blew me away with how much information it provides. Compared to some of my other decks, this is the first deck I have come across with such a well-written guidebook.
The deck shuffles with great ease and the cards fit perfectly in your hands. The cards are nice and sturdy. To say the least, these cards have been crafted perfectly. Each card uniquely showcases each element in a humanoid manner combined with that element.
Four of Fire had to be my favorite card that I had pulled, it depicts a humanoid figure with a fiery-colored fox head with a human body holding a sparkler with fireworks in the background. This shows the connection between us and the elements in a completely different way. Every card has art that is as eye-catching as the next, you could just gaze upon it and get lost in its beauty and detail for a good while.
If you’re a novice to tarot and working with the RWS deck, this deck is perfect to work with. You will find the messages to be clear and easy to understand, I was able to tell instantly which card corresponds to the RWS deck without using the guide at the beginning of the book!
I’ve been using this deck for about two weeks now and I really felt an instant connection to it. I just went to pull a card for myself and this is what I got for the Visionary of Water upright, which is a court card that corresponds to the Knight of Cups in the RWS deck.
The advice given said that I have reached the highest peak of emotional growth despite feeling alone. I’m a part of a good community, my visions are appreciated, and right now is my moment to move above and beyond and share my visions with a larger audience. What stuck out the most was this part, explaining how I need to move on in my career to a more creatively challenging job. Boridsky writes:
“To assist with the complexity of integrating self-development and divination, I have created this deck and guide as a method for us to transition from potentially feeling like passive observers in our lives to becoming active, awake, and empowered participants.“6
This card was insanely on par with what I’m doing currently as I write this review.
Overall, The Awakening Tarot is for those who seek a genuine connection with the elements and themselves. If you’re interested in working with a one-of-a-kind deck with an innovative take on the normal RWS deck then this deck will most definitely suit your fancy, as the artwork is so unique. This deck is a good elemental approach to a traditional tarot deck. It is easy to understand, and it’s a deck that you’ll appreciate with all of its creativity.
Holly is a witch, photographer, tarot reader, artist, and freelance writer from Appalachia. She’s driven by her passion and stubbornness to follow her dreams of becoming a successful artist and writer. She can be found on Instagram under @hermitwitchholly.
Elemental Spirits: Building a Magical Practice in an Animistic World by Jaq D. Hawkins is a fascinating journey into the world of animism and elemental magic. Drawing on decades of experience, Hawkins presents readers with a comprehensive guide on connecting to the elements to develop a spiritual practice grounded in the natural world. She emphasizes the importance of forming a personal connection with nature, encouraging readers to view the world as filled with energy we can learn to draw upon and work in harmony with.
“When I speak of elemental spirits, the reference may refer to a wider spectrum of spiritual essences as well as more individualised spirits of different kinds. I’m basically an Alchemist and an Animist. I believe that everything that exists has a spiritual nature, including things that are manufactured. Everything is made from basic elements that begin in nature, after all.”1
In this book, Hawkins provides a detailed exploration of the elements—earth, air, fire, water, and aether—through a variety of perspectives. Most of the chapters focus on an overarching topic that delves into the perspective of each individual element. These topics include the animistic view (the nature of the element), folklore of the elemental spirits, locations to find the elemental spirits, how to perceive the spirits (actually see them), folk magic to work with the elements, formal elemental rituals (both outdoors and for specific tasks), creating elemental thought-form servitors, divining with the elemental spirits, and elemental spellwork.
One chapter that deviates from the general format delves into correspondences (astrological, alchemical, and incense), along with the numerology, including magic squares, and associations between “creatures, plants, and colours.”7 The other one covers tree lore, bird lore, holy wells, and dance.
With so many approaches to each element, readers really get to know the characteristics and energies of them. The book is enriched with practical exercises designed to help readers develop their skills, including meditation techniques, visualization exercises, and rituals that facilitate a deeper understanding of elemental spirits. Hawkins’ instructions are clear and concise, making them easy to follow for anyone looking to incorporate these practices into their daily lives.
This is a book readers will absolutely come back to over and over again because there’s SO much information! At first, I tried reading it all the way through, but it started to feel overwhelming to absorb so much at once. Instead, I decided to pick the element I wanted to focus on (air) and read the chapters on air that called to me. Hawkins writes of air:
“As an element, Air rules intellect, thought, the first steps towards creation, movement, pure visualisation, spells involving travel, instruction, freedom, obtaining knowledge, discovering lost items, and uncovering lies. It is the element of dreams and plans, goals, and inventions.”8
I learned so much from Hawkins about air!!! First, I discovered that banshees and night-elves are forms an air spirit might take. My perception of air was then expanded by Hawkin’s assertion that “it is the Air spirits who we are most likely to respond most strongly to on the subconscious level.”9 As someone with an air Mercury that squares Pluto, this makes a lot of sense about why depth psychology was my field of study.
I also realized that I work with air much more naturally than I thought I did, as Hawkin’s descriptions of folk magic with Air elementals were pretty much already how I do much of my own practice! I enjoy inventing spells on the spot through using my intuition, and oftentimes, these spells involve singing silly chants that I make up and repeat over and over again. I also regularly write out what I want and charge it.
Some ideas I received from Hawkins about other things I can do are burn a sigil and then blow away the ashes to rid myself of things and hone my visualizing skills. My next steps with air? This weekend I plan to use Hawkin’s “Spell for Inviting Air Spirits Into the Temple or Home”10 to invite Air into my office space for inspiration.
I am really looking forward to taking my time and working with another element soon—which one is yet to be determined! To be honest, I am in no rush to “finish” this book, as it’s a field guide to working with the elements that I want to truly explore and delve into over time. By far, Elemental Spirits is the most comprehensive book on the subject that I’ve yet to find. Hawkins has written a treasure trove of information!
Overall, Elemental Spirits is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of nature and spirituality through the elements. Hawkins provides readers with the tools to build a meaningful and personalized magical practice rooted in the natural world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book offers insights and inspiration to deepen your connection with air, earth, water, fire, and aether.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
Encounters with Mermaids: Lessons from the Realm of the Water Elementals by William R. Mistele is a captivating dive into the mystical world of mermaids, enchanting readers from start to finish. Mistele, a well-known author in the field of esoteric studies, invites us into a realm where the boundaries between realms blur, offering profound reflections on the nature of existence and the mysteries of the ocean. Going beyond the the common perceptions of mermaids, Mistele leads the way to long-forgotten realm of powerful elemental beings, noting:
“The undines described in this book are not half fish and half human. They are not attached to any well, lake, river, or ocean. No religion, race, or ethnic group has an affiliation with them. They do not belong to mythology or to the past. They do not need to be protected or sentimentalized. They are neither inferior nor fragile. They are not an endangered species.
They are in the form of beautiful women and are masters of the magic of water and magnetism. They embody and guard the treasures of empathy, sensuality, and love that the human race has yet to discover. In this regard, they are our teachers.”11
The book is structured in three parts. “Part 1: Nature Spirits in Our World” provides an overview of the five elements (Akasha, Fire, Water, Earth, and Air) and then a deep-dive into Undines, elemental water beings. While connection with these realms is possible, Mistele does a wonderful job emphasizing the challenges that come from opening oneself to them, writing “When going beyond the normal modes of perception, there is always a danger of disorientation.”12
Mistele offers a lot of personal advice about working with elemental beings in the astral plane along with detailing the Franz Bardon approach for readers to develop their own form of elemental communication. He covers topics such as electric fluid and magnetic fluid, mediumship, types of alternative perceptions, and the hermetic roots of the Franz Bardon system, which feels a little heady, but sets a good foundation for moving forward in the book.
“Part II: Meetings with Undines” unfolds as a series of encounters between Mistele and various mermaids, though most of the focus is on one undine in particular: Istiphul. Istiphul is a very ancient water elemental being who has mastered “the magnetic fluid”13. Mistele has been dialoging with her since 1995, detailing his encounters in vivid and poetic language. There’s a strong emphasis on Istiphul’s beauty, but Mistele also describes her physical, etheric, astral, and mental body to paint a real picture for readers.
There’s also a chapter on other undines–Osipeh, Istiphil, and mermen Ermot–in which Mistele shares his dialogues with them as well. Mistele’s encounters are deeply spiritual experiences that challenge our conventional understanding of the natural world. The undines in Mistele’s narrative are not mere figments of folklore; they are complex, sentient, and ancient beings with their own wisdom and perspectives on life. Each mermaid or merman he meets imparts a lesson or insight, often related to themes of love, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all life. These interactions are not just whimsical tales but are imbued with philosophical and metaphysical significance, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the unseen forces that shape our reality.
“Part III: Connecting to the Undine Realms” is packed with guidance to assist readers with opening their perceptions to the many forms water takes in our natural world. There’s meditations for a lake, stream, waterfall, river, ocean trench, mountain pool, and more. Then Mistele delves into the properties of water from an esoteric perspective, illuminating for readers the nature of this element. He offers ways to meet undines, ranging from psychic connection to creating art.
The additional appendices are also packed with interesting information. “Appendix A: Incarnated Mermaids” covers Misteles’ experience meeting incarnated undines, human women who embody the spirit of the mermaid. There’s many quotes from them about their personal experience living as an incarnated mermaid, providing insight into the nature of the undines. “Appendix B: Messages from Sylphs, Gnomes, and Salamanders” shares channeled messages from the other elemental realms. And finally, “Appendix C: Poems” is a compilation of beautiful poetry about mermaids and by the merman Ermot.
Overall, Encounters with Mermaids is more than just a book; it is a gateway to a world of wonder and introspection. Mistele’s approach is uniquely experiential; he does not merely write about undines but seeks to engage with them directly, offering readers a firsthand account of his spiritual journeys and insight on how to forge their own connections with these water elementals.
Mistele’s eloquent prose and profound insights make this a must-read for anyone fascinated by mermaids, spirituality, or the mysteries of water. Whether you come to the book as a skeptic or a believer, you will find yourself swept away by the beauty and depth of Mistele’s adventures in the realm of mermaids.
About the Author
William R. Mistele is an accomplished author and spiritual teacher known for his extensive work in the realms of magic, mysticism, and the study of elemental beings. With a background in both Western and Eastern esoteric traditions, Mistele has dedicated his life to exploring the hidden dimensions of reality and sharing his insights with a wider audience. His previous works include The Four Elements, The Hermetic Tree of Life, and Undines.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
In Taoism, the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are the building blocks of the universe. The elements present at birth shape our personalities and desires. Through Chinese astrology, we can attune to our own personal elemental compositions, promoting deeper self-awareness, growth, and healing.
The Chinese Five Elements Oracle combines the five elements with the twelve zodiac animals to create all sixty possible pairings. This deck was created by Indonesian-born Chinese Feng Shui consultant and astrologer Vicki Iskandar, and illustrated by Candice Soon, a self-taught artist from Singapore. It consists of sixty cards and a 185-page guidebook, representing Iskandar’s unique vision of the sixty Pillars, brought to life through Soon’s gorgeous illustrations. In her personal practice, Iskandar blends Chinese and Western astrology. Since 2012, she has shared daily astrological guidance on Twitter under the handle @5elementsoracle.
This deck is beginner-friendly, with the accompanying guidebook offering a comprehensive introduction to Chinese metaphysics, Taoism, and astrology. According to Chinese mythology, the ordering of the animal signs was established based on the outcome of a Great Race. The Rat hitched a ride on the Ox and leaped across the finish line first, winning the race and being awarded the position of first sign in the Chinese zodiac by the Jade Emperor, the Taoist ruler of the Universe.
The sixty cards, or Pillars, are divided into six cycles of ten Heavenly Stems, and the opening cycle explores the themes of Wisdom and Communication, beginning with the Wood Rat, the deck’s inaugural card and leader of the first cycle. I was born in the year of the Wood Rat, so I was thrilled to discover it was the first card in the deck when I opened the box.
Iskandar explains that the sixty cards are organized into a cyclical pattern known as the “great sexagenary cycle.”14 Each ten-card cycle begins with Yang Wood and concludes with Yin Water, while the twelve animal signs follow their traditional order: “The Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (also called Goat or Ram), the Monkey, the Bird (or Rooster), the Dog, and the Pig (or Boar).”15
Iskandar substitutes the more familiar Rooster with the Bird, often depicted as a phoenix, due to the sign’s Yin Metal elemental energy. The Rooster, with its masculine connotations, doesn’t accurately reflect the sign’s feminine nature. Iskandar emphasizes the importance of understanding the elemental composition of each animal sign rather than relying on superficial characteristics.
Intrigued by the potential insights offered by this oracle, I immediately began exploring the Pillars associated with my family, friends, and pets. I wanted to familiarize myself with the individual qualities of each sign before delving into divinatory use of the cards.
2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, and I examined the corresponding card in this deck to contemplate how this energy might be influencing the collective. The wise Wood Dragon is the first of the “Power and Authority Cards,” and according to Iskandar, it “represents tremendous strength and faith in a positive outcome, even in the midst of adversity.”16 This card advises us to lead authentic lives, act with integrity, and use our personal power and influence for the greater good.
Feeling prepared to delve into the oracle’s divinatory potential, I turned my attention to the suggested practices outlined in the guidebook. Iskandar emphasizes the importance of a clear and receptive mindset, recommending a brief meditation before each reading. She also advises against using the cards during the energetically potent periods of the New and Full Moons, which are either too Yin or too Yang, as well as during stormy weather.
Iskandar offers a variety of oracle spreads, and I decided to start with the one card draw, which is called “One with the Tao.”17
“Taoism is about simplicity, and the simplest way to ask for guidance is to draw a card from the deck, especially when you’re seeking a quick answer, an insight into a specific matter, or an affirmation from your guides,” Iskandar says. “If a card jumps out before you pick one, it’s the Tao picking a card for you.”18
Turning the cards facedown to shuffle, I was dazzled by the beauty of the card backs, which depict the yin-yang dalliance of a phoenix and a dragon, the ultimate power couple in Feng Shui. They swirl in a galaxy of color, before a backdrop of stars. The phoenix has a rainbow of tail feathers with peacock eyes, while the dragon coils around her with sea green hair and a blur of pastel scales.
I didn’t have a specific question in mind, so I just asked for general guidance from the Tao. While I was shuffling, I saw a dragon’s head appear before my mind’s eye, signifying Yang energy. After I spent some time thoroughly shuffling the deck, the Tao flipped over a card for me: “Wood Horse: Live and Love Joyfully,” which depicts a horse galloping through a forest with sunlight streaming down through the canopy of branches and leaves.
This energetic card carries the elemental energy of Yang Wood, symbolizing expansion and growth, and the Horse is a harbinger of “unbridled joy.”
“Heaven is there to guide you to a bright future, while Earth stands ready to bring you opportunities,”19 Iskandar says.
What a beautiful and reassuring message!
This versatile deck is a wonderful tool for exploring Chinese astrology, delving into natal charts, and seeking oracular wisdom from the Tao. For those eager to dive deeper into Chinese astrology beyond their year Pillar, Iskandar’s website offers a BaZi chart calculator to reveal your Four Pillars of Destiny and more.
The Chinese Five Elements Oracle is a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty. This is the first deck of its kind that I’ve seen, and it will be a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced practitioners of Chinese astrology.
Rachel Christina McConnell is a witch, tarot reader, intuitive astrologer, and writing spider. She holds an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University in the City of New York. Her short stories have appeared in Dark Moon Lilith Press and Minerva Rising Press’s The Keeping Room. Links to her publications are available here: https://rachelchristinamcconnell.wordpress.com
“The five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space are easily recognizable as forces existing around us all the time. As with the axion, we are a microcosm of a larger macrocosm, this is true of the five elements existing not only around us in the Natural world but also within us, in both physical and metaphysical terms.1
Yoga and the Five Elements: Spiritual Wisdom for Everyday Living by Nicole Goott is an interesting read that focuses on Eastern practices but can be seamlessly woven into any spiritual practice to make a deeper connection to a fivefold-structure of being. The book is separated into twelve chapters and covers from start to finish a well-structured plan of approach to the subject matter.
This thoughtful manner of disseminating information is carried out from the start with the addition of a few pages of note regarding Sanskrit and transliteration.This little addition offers accessibility to all regardless of your familiarity with the terminology commonly found in Eastern studies and practices.
Goott provides the reader background in the Introduction for her seeking of the origins of the five elements as applied to Indian philosophy. I appreciated her story of searching in Martial Arts practices, Ayurvedic disciplines, Hatha Yoga, as well as Tantric and Vedic literature. This demonstrates a well-intentioned approach rather than the cursory attempts at finding overlays and connections that may not truly be found.
The concluding sections (of more than 20+ pages) are supportive of those readers wishing to explore further and are inclusive of References, Further Reading, a robust Bibliography, Glossary and Index; something not always included as a source of quick reference for a title such as this.
Chapters 1-3, covering subtle bodies, cosmic principles, and the five elements, are invaluable resources and lay a dense and comprehensible foundation before moving out into deeper exploration of each of the five elements separately. Chapters dedicated to related concepts and knowledge can be found in “Chapter 7: Mind”, “Chapter 9: Karma”, and “Chapter 10: Space”. Finally, all that has been learned in previous chapters is integrated and put into practical application with “Chapter 11: Balancing the Elements” and “Chapter 12: Heart Consciousness”.
I especially enjoyed “Chapter 9: Karma” and the way in which Goott has interwoven a concept that has many interpretations and levels of understanding. She dispels the common thoughts around karma and proposes that it is not something over which we have no control because of the “bad “ or “good “ stuff we did. Instead she gives a very hopeful definition:
“Using the analogy of an apple tree… the causal chain begins with a seed (thought) like the seed of an apple (form). This seed is full of potential , holding within itself the possibility to create a new tree (manifested form). It may or may not germinate if the conditions required are not present….when a seed does take root, all the potential that was dormant now begins to ripen. A tree is born (results).”15
She then aligns karma with the element of fire in its aspect as the “light of illumination, wisdom and higher knowledge or insight”16. This reminds the reader of our nature as creator of our own realities and consequential scenarios.
Goott provides charts of comparison of the elements and approach throughout the book, supporting a broader perspective of mind that is not simply limited to the Vedic practices. There are exercises, questions, journaling suggestions and more to allow the reader true experiential moments of the five elements and how their dynamics change depending on the context. And, adequate reference is given to writers such as Annie Besant and the Theosophical spin on the elements, and their use.
Would I Recommend?
Yoga and the Five Elements is an important read intended to be digested, integrated, put into action and then returned to frequently. Regardless of spiritual practice, the broad approach to the fundamental organic make-up of humanity, the world we inhabit and the Cosmos of which we are a part, provide the tools for stepping more fully into who we are meant to be, especially now as we stand at a crossroads as a species that has increasingly become disconnected from ourselves and others. The quote below beautifully sums up the reasons why this book and its studies are so important, particularly now:
“We can embrace the lessons we are given or resist them. The degree to which we embrace each step along our path determines the level of satisfaction and joy we experience…the more that each of us wakes up to the realization that we are so much more than the brain’s chemical processes and imperfect body, the greater the possibility for the collective consciousness to rise to its fullest potential.”20
About the Author: Nicole Goott
Goott is a teacher, author, advisor, and spiritual healer motivated to guide others in their journey of self-discovery and how to live a joy-filled life. Born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nicole moved to the United States when she was twenty-four years old. For two decades she has studied Yoga, Ayurveda, and related healing arts practices, as well as mindfulness-based approaches to self-healing. Learn more about Nicole’s work at her website.
Robin Fennelly is an Elder within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition [www.sacredwheel.org]. She is a dancer, teacher, astrologer, author, ritualist and seeker of all things of a spiritual nature. Her writings and classes incorporate a deep understanding of Eastern practice and Western Hermetics and bring a unique perspective towards integration and synthesis of the Divine and Mundane natures of our being. She is a mother of five and lives in Eastern PA with her husband of 45+ years.
As a student of astrology for almost twenty years, I was interested to learn about Alison Chester-Lambert’s teaching style and process, which she calls The Easy Way to Learn Astrology. Within six chapters, Chester-Lambert breaks down the complex topic of astrology and offers the reader access to a Facebook group and YouTube videos for additional learning aids.
Chester-Lambert first became interested in astrology after reading Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs in the 1970s. She studied astrology at the Faculty of Astrology in London, as well as The Center for Psychological Astrology at Regents College. Later, she earned a master’s degree and took advanced studies in psychology, astrology, and astronomy. After working for over two years with a live, call-in horoscope service, she relocated from London to Tamsworth and began writing columns, doing readings, and teaching. She has founded and runs the Midlands School of Astrology and travels and lectures all over the world. Chester-Lambert has written three other books and published two decks of cards. You can learn more about her at her website.
After a brief introduction of polarities, including masculine/feminine, Chester-Lambert presents one of the most complete charts of the zodiac signs I have ever encountered. In one, easy-to-read table, she shares the yin and yang of the signs, as well as how the elements of fire, earth, air, and water interplay with the twelve signs. She also talks briefly about sun signs and how well-known astrologers and published horoscopes focus on this one aspect of the natal chart:
“So, what does Sun Sign mean? Before I answer that, I must explain that we have more than one astrology. Many astrologies. Plural. Lots of them.”1
Chester-Lambert goes on to say that each person has a natal chart with twelve houses and twelve signs and that to understand astrology, you may want to focus on more than just your sun sign. This is an important distinction since you will “want to know the psychological meaning of each of the signs and houses…. Just in case you were tempted to go straight to the signs you know and ignore the rest, let me explain that we all have every sign in our birth charts.”21
Next, Chester-Lambert takes us through the four elements of fire, earth, air, and water. She provides keywords for the four elements and then goes into each element, including the three zodiac signs that hold that energy. She then takes us on a deep dive into each zodiac sign and we learn the psychological components, qualities, and characteristics of each sign.
However, I want to point out that she goes into much more depth for each of the four elements than any other book or instructor I’ve encountered. It’s so interesting and I can see how this knowledge forms the foundation for your true understanding of astrology and the natal wheel. She spends almost 100 pages on the elements and signs.
In the last part of her book, Chester-Lambert shares the modalities (cardinal, fixed, and mutable), does a brief review of the elements, and then discusses the importance of opposite signs on the natal chart. She follows this with a discussion of the houses and how the zodiac signs travel around the wheel in counterclockwise fashion, always in the same order. I love how she relates each house to an element and a modality and provides a chart for visual reference.
Each chapter, as well as groups of related chapters, end with a review of the materia– just as you would do in a class. It is so helpful! She also gives a sample reading that is based on a woman’s query. Then she discussed The Cross, which is comprised of the AC (Rising Sign), DC (Descendant), MC (Midheaven) and IC (Imum Coeli) and the importance of the four quadrants that the cross designates. Lastly, she provides us with another sample reading of a birth chart, before telling us that we are now ready to read our own chart.
Chester-Lambert adds resources for creating your own chart online, a complete bibliography, and a detailed Index. Not only does she refer the reader to a website for getting a natal chart, but she also gives detailed instructions for creating the custom chart. Very few authors do this.
The Easy Way to Learn Astrology would be perfect for anyone who wants to study astrology, from the total newbie to a more seasoned student. I learned so much more about the psychological qualities of each element and sign, as well as the qualities of the houses on the natal wheel. I plan to take a fresh look at my natal chart and review each sign, element, and house. The information I learned about fire signs alone has given me new clues as to why I act the way I do and how to support myself and my energy levels. I will also share this new information with my clients.
PJ Spur is an author, intuitive, spiritual mentor, astrologer, and hypnotist. She does tarot & oracle card readings, natal chart readings, grief coaching, and relationship healing. She also has hosted a weekly “Coffee & Cards” event with her Soul Compass Community for the past four years. Her book Navigating Grief with Grace is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.dearpj.com
Earthy, primal, rich, and real – this is how I feel sinking into The Holy Wild Grimoire: A Heathen Handbook of Magic, Spells, and Verses by Danielle Dulsky. In this book, Dulsky has uprooted the underpinnings of harmful ideologies, created through our stories and myths we unconsciously live by according to society’s urging, to bring forth prompts and rituals that invite readers to move through a portal of death and rebirth to fully embrace their own sovereign sorcery within through magical word-craft and reconnect with the Holy Wild. For those ready to lurk in the deeper realm of mystery, potency, and power that come through embodying and rewriting the mythic aspect of the world we live within in order to expand their practice of the craft, this is the book for you!
Hopefully that didn’t all sound too intimidating! All of Dulsky’s brilliant methodology for engaging the reader’s psyche through storytelling, journal prompts, and spellwork to create their own personal grimoire are actually very clearly laid out, making this book accessible to everyone. But be forewarned there’s something about Dulsky’s writing that inspires me to play with words and discover new voices within that have yet to be explored.
The book does read at times like a long-lost ancient tale, where the dialect is just a bit different than you’re used to, as words become poetry vivid with imagery and perfectly strung together to invoke meaningful feeling. This definitely isn’t a straight-forward “how-to” manual for those seeking insight on witchcraft; hardwork and dedication is required to truly reap the rewards of the material presented, leaving room for your own creativity to emerge and guide the way.
“The time to radically revision our place in the world is now. This is the moment in the human tale when hope meets sorrow, when innocences meets wisdom, a climactic union of polarities that is birthing – and will continue to birth – a new, more heathen reality.”22
Moving through medicine the elements of earth, water, air, fire, and ether, The Holy Wild Grimoire guides readers in creating their own book of magic. Dulsky writes, “In the context of this handbook, a grimoire reflects the magick locked in our language, the spells that live and breathe in our words and symbols.”23 Moving through each element, the reader begins to craft the most personal journal of their thoughts, feelings, visions, and intuitions, reshaping their reality, reclaiming pieces of their soul that have been lost, and gaining the courage to shed habits, patterns, and modes of being – skins – that no longer fit who the reader is growing into.
These might seem like lofty goals or mere promises, but I can assure you that by moving through The Holy Wild Grimoire with an open-mind and heartfelt intention, you will notice shifts in how you relate to your own narrative and how your narrative merges with the on-going story of the world, inviting synchronicities, realizations, and connections that previously you may have not had the discerning energetic eye to notice and in the process creating new potential realities.
Each element contains an introduction to its energy medicine, a word-spell, an artful invocation, a story lantern, follow-up questions to the story lantern for reflection, an opening spell and element spells, multiple reflection questions about your experience with the element, writing prompts to attune you to the element’s presence in your life, and prompts to assist you with visioning through the energy of the element. All together this creates twelve journal entries. Then at the end of the chapter is a testament to the element, where the reader (or more like writer once you get going with this book!) goes back through their reflections, presences, and visions for the element to create the thirteenth entry, which become the verses for that element. It really is a beautiful, culminating process once you get to the verses, especially because so much has been put into the prompts to lead you to that point.
After reading this book, and making my way through the grimoire creation over the course of two months, I have a bit of advice. First, though anyone can jump right in, for the best results I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with Dulsky’s other publications, most especially The Holy Wild, which lays out more of a foundation for creating one’s Holy Wild grimoire.The Holy Wild has quite a bit of spellwork in it that some readers might find more practical and grounding. The Holy Wild Grimoire is definitely suited for those who enjoy reading and writing, and if you are someone who doesn’t readily embrace the written word or symbolic imagery, you might feel more comfortable exploring The Holy Wild first to ground this book a bit.
Second, prior to reading this book, I’d also suggest brushing up on your knowledge of archetypes, depth psychology, and the power of myths to fully embrace the content of this book. You may want to familiarize yourself with the work of Carl Jung, Marie-Louise von Franz, and Clarissa Pinkola Estés, author of Women Who Run with the Wolves, another great book for exploring oneself through stories and myth.
Finally, my third recommendation is to move slowly! There is so much packed in each element that it can feel overwhelming at times. Remember that there is no rush; you are not being timed. This process of communion with the Holy Wild will happen in natural timing that is aligned and right for you. You can skip around to different sections, work through an element for months, and only need to do the prompts that call to you. As odd as it sounds, sometimes I’d have to remind myself this isn’t a magical homework assignment, I’m not working towards an “A”, and that it’s intended to be fluid and connected rather than prescriptive and forced.
Sometimes, as I worked through a particularly dense emotion, memory, or experience, I’d put the book down for weeks at a time, not ready to move forward to the next exercise and needing room to breathe and reorient first, allowing what was unfolding to happen on its own without further conscious prompting or trying to rush forward without allowing the proper time needed to acknowledge what was going on and creating space for transformation.
This might not make sense prior to reading The Holy Wild Grimoire, but I have no doubts that if you delve into the work, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. There’s enough content in this book to last the reader years in regard to inner exploration, and the stories and prompts are something one can return to time and time again for one’s responses will surely always be changing. The potency of this book comes through what you’re willing to put in to looking within and exploring the uncharted depths of the Holy Wild.
Even if this seems a bit intimidating, there’s ways to start slowly, such as reading the hand-crafted stories, called story lanterns, Dulsky has written for each element, which are intended to open a new lens for the reader to access answers within through the imagination. I’ve found that a fun way to connect with the stories is to have someone else read them to you, so you can receptively receive their messages, though active reading too has its own merit. Once again, there’s a multitude of ways to play with this book, just like all mythological stories, and limitless wisdom that can be gained through experimentation.
All in all, The Holy Wild Grimoire is an all-in-one creative writing journey for readers to make their own grimoire, filled with personal revelations, visions, reflections, and mythology that is theirs alone. Doing the journal prompts is a deeply fulfilling and insightful process, akin to magical therapy, as the reader delves into the hidden parts of their psyche to discover a hidden richness: their own wild unknown. By connecting to these parts of oneself through the elemental energy, a whole new realm of possibilities emerges, cracking open from within the reader’s spirit to begin composting what’s no longer needed and feel comfortable sitting in the void before shapeshifting into the next vision.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
Elemental Power Tarot is a beautiful deck, which uses rustic, muted tones and hand-drawn images to create an earthy look. What is unique about this deck’s approach to the tarot is that none of the cards feature images of people — only inanimate objects and animals are featured in the images.
The author and designer, Melinda Lee Holm, explains in the book accompanying the deck that it is her intention the querent superimposes themself in the images instead of see another person there. So, for example, The Fool card depicts a winding dirt pathway that meanders out off the side of a cliff, as if the querent themself were taking this risk instead of watching it be taken by somebody else. Likewise, the High Priestess, Empress, and Emperor all depict empty, yet appropriately decorated thrones. Meanwhile, the Heirophant depicts a Buddhist meditation shrine on the side of a path.
I quite like this approach as it challenges the querent to truly see themselves in the midst of the situation at hand and not simply as a passive observer. Some of the cards seem to present environmental messages as well — the Death card portraying a bee on a skull and crossbones, and Judgement shows pollution buried underground. Each Major Arcana features both an astrological symbol and a Hebrew glyph to invite the querent towards further insight into the meaning of the card.
However, the only thing I do not like about this deck is that the cards of the Minor Arcana only show the element (Swords, Wands, Cups or Disks) in the amount of the card’s number. There is no scenic image to help discern the meaning of the card. My good friend exclaimed as she picked up the deck that she would not be able to read the cards because she’s trained in the method of reading solely based in intuitively interpreting images. So from this light, this deck is not the best choice for someone who is on the newer side of reading tarot and doesn’t the meanings memorized. Still, the accompanying guidebook is thorough and easy to read, so really anyone willing to take the time can get an accurate reading using this deck.
The book accompanying this deck is actually quite exceptional. Holm starts off with instructions on how to perform a 5-element ritual to welcome the deck into your life and initiate its prophetic power. From there she includes suggestions on phrasing questions in “tarot speak” to get clearer results as well as an intuitive technique she calls “reading the room.” Holm offers her readers 3 different simple spreads to get started: classic 3-card, 5-card and 10-card spreads. The spreads are clear and easy to follow — the 10-card is based on the classic Celtic Cross spread for those who may be familiar.
The book also includes a chart of all the Hebrew glyphs and astrology symbols used on the Major Arcana cards in the deck. This quick-reference chart is something any tarot reader would greatly appreciate, as she side-steps all the esoteric rigamarole and gets right to the point with clear, one word meanings.
In terms of the individual card descriptions, the book offers each card in the deck a symbolic interpretation, a guidance, and a challenge (though it isn’t specified, a querent might favor the challenge if a card is reversed). What is remarkable about this deck is that in the book for each of the Major Arcana cards Holm includes a section called “Apothecary” where she pairs an herb with the card and offers instruction on how to use it.
For example, The Magician: “Cinnamon activates personal magick. Sprinkle it on porridge, boil the sticks to make tea, or use it as a room freshener in potpourri.”23 This was a wonderful addition that helps to connect each reading to the realm of nature, while also learning about the uses of different herbs in energy work.
Carter is a professional Astrologer and founder of Success in the Stars Astrology. She has her Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Emory University with certificates in Women in Theology and Ministry, Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, and Compassionate Communication. Carter received the Zen Buddhist Jukai ordination from Roshi Joan Halifax at Upaya Zen Center and is a 2nd Degree Reiki practitioner.
I have used many oracle decks since I was first introduced to them three decades ago; some resonate with me and some don’t. However, the Findhorn Spirit Oracle Cards by Swan Treasure had an immediate energy to them that I had never before experienced when first introduced to a deck. I had a strong feeling that there were many nature spirits and energies present that seemed to spill out of the box as I held the deck.
Findhorn is not new to me. I had read quite a few books on this magical place in Scotland and how the nature spirits worked with the ecovillage’s founders Eileen and Peter Caddy and Dorothy Maclean on a barren landscape. With the help and direction of nature spirits beautiful gardens were created which eventually developed into a “planetary village” and the Findhorn Foundation which has a “spiritual lineage of cooperation with the subtle realms.”24
“The land surrounding the Findhorn community is indeed a blessed place, tended by a host of powerful and benevolent spirit forces.”25
Treasure worked with the subtle realms to write and illustrate this deck. The author bio reads: “Her life is dedicated to raising human consciousness through co-creative spirituality so that we can remember, experience, and awaken the beauty of being fully alive on this planet.”26
The deck was “born” in 2018 at the Co-Creative Spirituality conference at the Findhorn Foundation. The pictures on the deck came through using a “meditative technique called touch-drawing”27 using only the hands and fingernails on tissue paper placed on a board on top of colors. Spirit beings were invited to participate in the co-creation of the deck.
“The messages that have been received in connection with each of the spirit beings depicted in the cards encourage us to reconnect with our essential nature, to expand our awareness to new realities, to activate our full vital energy, and to engage our power of co-creation with the divine, opening to the joy of partnership with the subtle realms.”28
Each card image represents a spirit made visible to us in an understandable way.
The deck follows the shamanic medicine wheel and the cards within the wheel can be used as a “tool to access the support and assistance of the spiritual realms both as a path for self-actualization and for divination purposes.”29
Treasure emphasizes patience and time in getting to know the energy of the deck. She recommends at least eight weeks to connect with these subtle realms, to experience the practices of the cards, and to enter the gateways of these energy portals. She also recommends that one asks permission before entering these spaces, with words such as “Am I allowed?”30. Swan also provides details on consecrating the deck, and how to initiate opening and closing ceremonies when using the deck, all centering on spending time with these energies, not rushing, and extending respect to these guides.
The deck consists of six sets of seven cards, each set representing a gathering of spirit beings associated with the four directions of the medicine wheel plus the directions of above and below. Within each set of seven there are three “significant” cards: a guardian spirit, a turning point, and a spirit akin to an animal or flower. She offers card layouts and types of readings, including the Shapeshifter Reading, The Essence Reading, and The Chakra Alignment Reading. There is a description for each card that includes a communication from the spirit, a focus, and a practice.
The card illustrations are subtle and beautifully colored in tones that match the message of the spirit attached to the card. The Blessings card holds the appearance of a figure cloaked in white with what could be branches or hair emanating from the being’s head flowing upward. The predominance of the color green in the card is highlighted with bits of purple, the message being “let your presence be a blessing.”31
This card represents the Angel of Findhorn, who reminds us that we are living miracles. The focus of the card is on laughter, homecoming, and miracles. The practice encourages making drawings of angels and writing on them, “you are loved, I bless you”32 and signing them as the Angel of Findhorn.
The Victory card kept appearing in my work with the deck. Victory comes from the Realm Above with the message that the “warrior within uses resistance to awaken.”33 The colors of the card are various shades of green flecked with yellows, blues, and spots of red. The face of a strong figure predominates.
Victory represents the spirit of inclusivity that encourages one to “quiet down, go within, drop the survival fears that keep you enslaved.”34 The focus is on respect, balance, and contribution. The practice encourages a reflective pause.
I highly recommend Findhorn Spirit Oracle Cards. I’ve absolutely loved connecting with these cards. This deck has a very powerful elemental energy that results in accurate, heartfelt messages. It’s perfect for the springtime, as the nature spirits are in full bloom. If you do decide to get yourself a copy, I strongly suggest that you take the time to experience all that it offers as it introduces you to the unseen realms that have chosen to work with us.
Anne Greco is a non-fiction writer who writes about her life experiences and travels with humor, keen observations, and the hope that her words will remind us that “we’re all just walking each other home.” Her book, Serendipity: Chance Pilgrimages, tells the story of Anne encountering her places of power. As she reconnects with herself at each site, Anne also develops a deeper understanding and appreciation of her connection to both the seen and unseen worlds. Learn more about her work here: http://annegrecowriter.com.
