REVIEW: Spirit Of The Wheel Meditation Deck created by Linda Ewashina, Illistrations by Jody Bergsma

The Spirit of the Wheel deck is an indepth tool to assist with personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Each card displays a bold image of animals and the different symbols representing the elements and below the image there are keywords associated to the meaning of the card. The deck of 40 cards comes with a comprehensive booklet which explains the workings and the directions of the medicine wheel, a detailed prophecy and prayer is given for each card and also four example spreads are included at the back of the booklet. The cards can be used as a meditation tool, in a spread for specific guidance or even just individually for quick insight. This deck is for anyone that is wanting to discover deeper insight and understanding of themselves and their life path.

Illustrations from SPIRIT OF THE WHEEL MEDITATION DECK used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-1-57281-545-2

Review by abatha deborah

© 2014 abatha deborah www.abatha.webs.com

REVIEW: HERMETIC TAROT by Godfrey Dowson

 The Hermetic is an incredibly detailed deck embracing the Golden Dawn system which integrates numerical, kabbalistic and astrological elements. The black and white artwork is intricate and complex and offers profound and comprehensive insight and clarity.

FACTS

It's a traditional deck of 78 cards

Major Arcana

-The cards have most of the traditional tarot titles but some are slightly adapted:

eg. The Foolish Man and The Blasted Tower

Each card:

- is linked to a symbol from the Hebrew alphabet / planets / zodiac / elements

- displays the title, roman numeral and Hebrew letter at the top of the card, the original Golden Dawn on the bottom of the

card

Pip Cards

- Symbolic designs for each suit

Each card:

- is linked with astrological symbols

- displays the number and suit at the top of the card / original Golden Down titles on bottom of card

Court Cards

- Princess, Knight, Queen and King

- displays the title and suit on top of card and the associated element symbols, the original Golden Dawn title below

Suits

- Wands / Cups / Swords / Pentacles 

 

The Hermetic Tarot comes with a detailed instruction booklet which includes a thorough introduction, descriptions for each card and the symbology within the illustrations and instructions for spreading the deck.

The Hermetic Tarot is a useful tool for understanding the significance of symbology and assists to incorporate these into a reading on a deeper level. This is a more advanced deck that requires some knowledge and study but once mastered, the powerful energies of these cards are revealed and they begin to speak to the reader offering very direct and clear messages.

A reader familiar with Aleister Crowley Thoth deck will have an advantage when studying this deck and appreciate what more the Hermetic Tarot can reveal. Thoth and Hermetic Tarot complement each other well if used together in a spread.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2013 abatha deborah www.abathadeborah.webs.com

Illustrations from THE HERMETIC TAROT used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 1979, 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN 978-0-913866-92-4.

REVIEW: PLAYING CARD ORACLES by Ana Cortez – CJ Freeman

These visually arresting cards printed in four processed colours are dramatic. They have a mysterious element that invokes reflection and insight into situations.

FACTS

52 Oracle Card Deck

Pip Cards

(Cards ace through to nine)

Each card:

- Displays illustration with the suit symbols

- Reveals the lessons to learn in life and events taking place.

Court Cards

Can represent people that are part of events and circumstances that are revealed by the pips cards.

Each Cards:

- Display illustration, suit, number and title

Suits

- Diamonds – Clubs – Hearts - Spades

Each suit:

- represents one of the four essential aspects to life

- linked to an element and key concepts.

The Playing Card Oracles comes with an instruction booklet which gives “hint” meanings for each card to encourage the reader to use their own intuition. It also includes examples of two variations of a four card spread and detailed instructions to understand significance to the card positions.

Samples of entries from the instruction booklet:

Ace of Sades: Terra Incognita

Death may mean an end to things as we know them, as well as the unearthing of secrets.

Ace of Hearts: Agana

The heart may be a lonely hunter, like this bird of prey, seeking to fulfill it's basic needs. `but it is also a creature of desire, thirsting for and devouring affection, nesting where it finds love.

12 of Spades: Leah

Because Leah's domain is in a black suit, her powers are symbolic of night energy. Leah rules the dreaming, mystery and knowledge of the conscious mind.

13 of Diamonds: King Leo

This card represents a mover and shaker, who takes charge and changes things. Leo is also a big money card.

The Playing Card Oracles have a different energy that focuses very much on dynamics and can be used by anyone seeking insight from the ancient art of playing card divination.

Ana Cortez has some very informative youtube videos on working with this deck and definitely worth checking them out!

Review by abatha deborah

© 2013 abatha deborah www.abathadeborah.webs.com

Illustrations from PLAYING CARD ORACLES used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 2005 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 1-57281-525-6

REVIEW: THE GOLDEN TAROT by Kat Black

The Golden Tarot cards have beautiful medieval pictures which have been wonderfully crafted from original paintings of the period. The artwork has gentle depth and includes much symbolism. The rich golden cards radiantly enhance the artwork giving a sense of abundance and magnificence. 

FACTS

Traditional deck of 78 cards

Major Arcana

Traditional tarot titles.

Each card:

- displays the Roman numeral at the top and title at the bottom of the card.

Pip Cards

Each card:

- displays the written number and suit on the bottom of the card

Court Cards

- Page, Prince, King, Queen

- displays the title and suit on the bottom of the card

Suits

- Swords, Wands, Cups, Coins

The Golden Tarot has a comprehensive instruction booklet with description and meanings for each card and also the meanings for multiple numbers appearing in a spread. Two examples of tarot spreads are given in the booklet.

Sample entry from the instruction booklet:

Eight of Cups

Meanings: Abandonment of materialism. Putting aside financial security in the pursuit of spiritual fulfilment. Cutting off from the old and seeking a new life of order and simplicity. A journey is likely, either of body or mind. By exploring the world around you, you will discover more about yourself. Reversed: Travel for the wrong reasons. You can ran away from your life, but you cannot run away from yourself. This card could also indicate a detachment from reality – following unattainable dreams at the expense of what is truly good about your life. Multiple eights in a spread: Three eights mean activity and travel, four eights indicate important news will be arriving soon, or all information on a situation will be found quickly.

The Golden Tarot could be read by a beginner, however some experience and a knowledge of symbolism is recommended.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2012 abatha deborah www.abathadeborah.webs.com

Illustrations from THE GOLDEN TAROT used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 2003 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-1-57281-434-9

REVIEW: THE RUMI TAROT by Nigel Jackson

The Rumi Tarot is a quiet contemplative deck of cards. The messages of these cards are thought provoking leading to spiritual awareness.The interesting Arabic inspired images are within soothing green and purple backgrounds giving a healing and accepting feel to this deck.

FACTS

Traditional deck of 78 cards

Each card contains a wise quotation appropriate to the card.

Major Arcana

Traditional tarot titles

Each card:

- displays the numeral and title at the bottom of the card.

Pip Cards

Each card:

- displays the number and suit on the bottom of the card

Court Cards

- Page, Knight, Queen, King

- displays the title and suit on the bottom of the card

Suits

- Swords, Staves, Cups, Coins

The Rumi Tarot includes a detailed book which explains the concept of Rumi's teachings and mystical wisdom. Detailed explanation and meaning is given for each card. In the book is a section on spiritual development using the cards and three spreads are included.

The Rumi Tarot differs slightly from the other traditional tarot decks as the wisdom shared is of a different understanding. The deck is for anyone seeking spiritual insight with an interest in mysticism. These beautiful cards could also be used as a meditation tool to embark on an inner spiritual journey.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2012 abatha deborah 

llustrations from THE RUMI TAROT used with permission of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. Copyright 2009 by Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd. Further reproduction prohibited. 

ISBN: 978-0-7387-1168-3

REVIEW: THE LOVER'S PATH TAROT by Kris Waldherr

The Lover's Path Tarot is a powerful tool for revealing insight and understanding into relationships. Love stories from history and mythology can subtley relate to present guidance. The beautifully illustrated cards follow classical and romantic medieval art forms.

FACTS

Traditional deck of 78 cards

Major Arcana

It has some different titles but the meanings of the cards are similar to traditional tarot titles.

Each card:

- is linked to classic love stories from history (eg. Abelard 
  and Eloise) and mythology (eg. Cupid and Psyche)

- displays the Roman numeral and title at the bottom of the card / the related couples names 
  within the picture

Pip Cards

Each card:

- displays the number and the suit on the bottom of the card

Court Cards

- Prince, Princess, King, Queen

- displays the title and suit on the bottom of the card

- features classic lovers from history and mythology

Suits

- Each suite has a themed tale which is told through the series of the ten cards. The four

  court cards become profiles of the figures in the story.

- Staves – Brunnhilde & Siegfried , Cups – Tristan & Isolde, Arrows – Cupid & Psyche, 
  Coins – Danae & Zeus

The Lover's Path Tarot comes with an instruction booklet which includes keywords, detailed descriptions, meanings and reversed meanings for each card. Two examples of spreads are given, one being The Lover's Cross which reveals a thorough overview into a relationship.

Samples of entries from the instruction booklet:

III Fertility

Lovers: Cleopatra and Caesar

Keywords: Abundance, Growth and Fecundity

Cleopatra, queen of the fertile Nile, reigned as empress of Egypt for over two decade. During this time, she became known throughout the ancient world for her seductive charms, musical voice and unusual intelligence. Caesar immediately fell in love with the young queen and successfully helped her regain her throne. Together they had a child they names Caesarion. Meanings: Ruling over one's life. New marriage or special relationship. Practical action that manifests as a physical product – children, artistic endeavors or wealth. Pregnancy. Reversed: Deprivation or sterility. Feeling the lack of material resources. Limitation that overwhelms.

Prince of Arrows

Keywords: Decisiveness, Clarity and Determination

Meaning: The ability to move in an incisive way.Creating clarity from confusion.Being able to defend oneself brilliantly. Helping others with words. Reversed: Not understanding as much as one would like to. Feeling unable to stand up for oneself, inarticulate.

Three of Coins

Keywords: Building, Manifesting, Constructing

Meanings: Building of career, relationships or home. The ability to manifest material goods or business success. Cooperating with others to construct such a venture. Reversed: Recheck plans for expansion.. are they practical? Time to confer with those that may be more experienced.

This deck has a mirror effect which can give great insight into the many different relationships that exist within and between people.The Lover's Path Tarot is one that will appeal to all levels of readers.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2012 abatha deborah www.abathadeborah.webs.com

Illustrations from THE LOVER'S PATH TAROT used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 2004 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-1-57281-468-4

REVIEW: DEVIANT MOON TAROT by Patrick Valenza

Deviant Moon Tarot is an interesting surreal deck with rather extraordinary artwork. The subtlety in the detailed images gives precise insight. This deck reveals the psyche, characters and personalities of individuals giving more clarity within situations.

FACTS

Traditional deck of 78 cards

Major Arcana

- The cards have traditional tarot titles

Each card:

- displays the Roman numeral at the top of the card / the title on the bottom of the card

Pip Cards

- The cards have scenic illustrations which includes the suit symbols

Each card:

- Roman numeral at the top of each card.

- Aces: Title and suite on bottom of card

Court Cards

- Page, Knight, Queen and King

- displays the title and suit on bottom of card

Suits

- Wands - Cups - Swords - Pentacles

Deviant Moon comes with a concise instruction booklet which gives clear and direct explanations of the images and the meanings of each card.

The “Lunatic Spread” in the instruction booklet offers an excellent general reading.

Samples of entries from the instruction booklet:

XII Temperance

An angel stands by a peaceful stream patiently pouring water from her urns. Although the vessels are different in design, the mixture she creates is a potion of balance.Upright Meanings: Patience. Balance. Channeling one's energy. Combining elements for new results.Reversed Meanings: Conflict. Bad combinations. Excess.

Page of Pentacles

The scholarly page reflects upon an old pentacle he has found in a scrap pile. He has built himself with spare parts like these, and knows the value of such remarkable discovery. Upright Meanings:Young student eager to learn. Inventive mind.Reversed Meanings: One who opposes new ideas. Rebellious youth. Close-minded.

VII Cups

Seven cups are positioned in the artist's studio, where he struggles to depict them on canvas. Relaying on his subconscious, rather than reality, he interprets his subjects with imagination and skill.Upright Meanings: Imagination. Day dreams. Having thoughts of fantasy.Reversed Meanings: Realistic goals. Looking for hard facts. Believing what you can see.

This deck is recommend to intermediate and advanced readers although a beginner could read these cards due to the precise instruction booklet. Advanced readers would benefit hugely from the portrayal of characteristics contained in this deck which offers more personal details to readings.

Deviant Moon Tarot is definitely worth exploring! 

  

Review by abatha deborah

© 2011 abatha deborah www.abathadeborah.webs.com

 

Illustrations from Deviant Moon Tarot used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 2008 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-1-57281-636-7

REVIEW: DAILY GUIDANCE FOR YOUR BODY, MIND & SOUL by Chandra Kantha Singh

I had the privilege of being invited by a spiritual friend, to meet Chandra and learn about her deck of Daily Guidance cards. It was a wonderful afternoon of being inspired by Chandra's journey into the making of this deck and connecting with like minded people.

This healing and colourful deck contains 44 guidance cards, each card has a channeled message that Chandra received during meditation. There is an extra set of colour coded Chakra cards that explain the powerful influences of the energy centers, how to balance the energy and the associated crystal that can be used. There are also 4 cards on different modalities to get further practical guidance in readings.

The deck comes with informative guidebook which gives instructions on how to use the cards, clearing the energy and three examples of spreads.

Samples of Cards:

Rhythm

Listen to your breath, going in, coming out like the waves in the ocean, the ebb and flow, What goes up, must come down, this is the rhythm of life. Whatever is bothering you at the moment will pass and you will find peace again. For your body, mind and spirit, just sit still and listen to the rhythm of your breath and all will be well. Affirmation: I breath in positivity and I breath out negativity. All is well in my world.

Space Clearing

It's time to tidy up! Be it your room, office, house, garage or garden.. you need to make room for new energy. Get rid of all the junk you have been hoarding. Give your old clothes and items to charity. Clear the corners and cupboards of all the dust. Open the windows and let in fresh air. Burn incense sticks in the room or light a white candle and feel the new energy pour in. Affirmation: My life is clean, healthy and full of energy. All is well in my world.

Heart Chakra

The heart chakra is green (for healing) and pink (for love) and is situated in the middle of the chest. It is concerned with the ability to give love and receive love. If out of balance, a person could be jealous, possessive, demanding and co-dependent; or could be antisocial, cold, withdrawn, depressed and have a fear of intimacy and relationships. When balanced, one is compassionate, loving and empathetic. To balance this chakra, give someone a hug, play with animals, freely give your services to others. Crystals used to heal this chakra are emerald or rose quartz.

The Daily Guidance For Your Body Mind and Spirit is easy to use and I have found the messages to be very insightful, reassuring and practical.

This deck is a useful tool for anyone looking to find healing on all levels and uplift their spirits. I would also recommend this deck to alternative health and healing practitioners to add extra guidance into their treatment sessions.

The cards have been designed, printed and package in South Africa and are one of our few proudly South African decks :-)

For more information or to find a local stockist please view Chandra's website: www.chandrakanthasingh.com

REVIEW: TAROT OF THE CAT PEOPLE by Karen Kuykendall

The Tarot Of The Cat People is a beautiful deck with bold images, detailed patterns and eastern tones. The subtlety in the illustrations captures the nuances of mood and situations.

FACTS

- Traditional deck of 78 cards

- Cats are displayed on each card as living animals and appear in the backgrounds as sculptures, architecture,

  clothing and accessories. The cat images, body language and their expressions

  portray further details into the message of the card.

Major Arcana

- The cards have traditional tarot titles

- XX Judgement title has been changed to Rejuvenation

Each card:

- displays the Roman numeral and the title on the bottom of the card

Pip Cards

- Display illustrated scenes and suit symbols

Each card

- displays the number and suit on the bottom of the card

Court Cards

- Page, Knight, Queen and King

- displays the title and suit on bottom of card

Suits

- Swords / Wands / Cups / Pentacles

- Colour coded within the images

The Tarot Of The Cat People has a detailed illustrated instruction booklet which explains the 5 Kingdoms within the Outer Regions and gives the description, divinatory meaning and reversed meaning for each card. It also includes a Celtic Cross spread. 

 

Cats are symbolic for mysteries, instinctual knowledge and the shadow aspects of self and situations - this comes through in the cards leading to profound clarity in readings.

The Tarot Of The Cat People is easy to read as it is very expressive. Beginner and advanced readers alike would appreciate this deck.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2011 abatha deborah

Illustrations from TAROT OF THE CAT PEOPLE used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 1985 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-0-88079-078-9

Woman's Day Insight From The Goddess Tarot

Women are the builders. They build strong, stable foundations through their love and generosity. Women thrive on life and the gifts it has to offer them. They are open to abundance and gracefully accept beauty and love into their lives. They have a strong connection to earth and bring much needed balance. Women carry hope and faith into every situation.

They are receptive and know how to trust their intuition and feelings. A woman accepts that sometimes she may need to make a sacrifice and does so in order to grow or let someone else gain. Women try their best and are willing to assist when they are needed. The strength women process stems from a creative force within them and they share their courage with others.

A woman sometimes doesn't realise her own true potential and can forgot her natural creative powers. Now and again a woman will get stuck in a difficult situation where she believes that she can change or fix it. It is her pure intentions to help and care but she needs to learn that there are boundaries and how to be kind to herself as well. A woman often feels guilty when she takes “me time” but she needs time out to restore her energy and nature her soul.

Woman find much of their motivation through their communication with others. A woman is able to share, receive and express ideas, advice, teach and source answers for herself and others.

Their belief in themselves and others help them to accomplish anything they wish to pursue and they achieve their goals with complete compassion and grace.

REVIEW: THE GODDESS TAROT by Kris Waldherr

 
The Goddess Tarot celebrates the spirit of woman throughout time. The essence of woman can be seen and felt within the gentle and flowing images of this deck.

FACTS

Traditional deck of 78 cards

Cards are a little larger in size than usual tarot cards

Major Arcana

It has some different titles but the meanings of the cards are similar to traditional tarot titles. 

eg. 0 Beginnings (The Fool) I Magic (The Magician) II Wisdom (The High Priestess) Fertility (The Empress) IV Power (The Emperor) etc.

Each card:

- is linked to a mythological goddess

- displays the Roman numeral and title at the top of the card / the related goddess on the

  bottom of the card  

Pip Cards

Each card:

- displays the number at the top of the card / the suit on the bottom
  of the card

Court Cards

- Prince, Princess, King, Queen

- displays the title at the top of the card / suit on the bottom of the card

Suits

- Staves - Fire , Cups - Water, Swords – Air , Pentacles – Earth

Each suit:

- is linked with a goddess and themed in the suit

- has colour coded pictorial inner borders

The Goddess Tarot comes with an illustrated instruction booklet which gives detailed descriptions, meanings and reversed meanings for each card and examples of two spreads.

Samples of entries from the instruction booklet:

 

I Magic: Isis

The great Egyptian fertility goddess Isis is a potent symbol of the alchemic transformation suggested by this card. She alone was the possessor of the secret name Ra, the Egyptian ruling god, giving her unlimited magical powers.

Meaning: A growing awareness of the magic within yourself. A yearning to grow beyond perceived limitations. You are able to transform your life through the strength of your originality and power – all you need to do is own it. Renewed, creativity and vigor. Reversed: A need to control. Secrecy.

Princess of Pentacles

Seductive and sweetly perfumed, the Princess of Pentacles offers all of life bounties. To process them, though, desire is not enough – Constructive action must be taken.

Meaning: The ability to create opportunities for growth and beauty. A woman who personifies these forces. The ability to work hard to create prosperity. Reversed: Inertia or laziness, not taking action or responsibilities. Over sensuality.

 

Six of Swords

The woman is traveling in a boat to a better place. She has gathered six swords to take with her; these symbolise the new clarity and wisdom she processes, which will be used in her new life.

Meanings: New knowledge that helps one to move beyond current limitations. The lessening of difficulties. Travel. Reversed: More understanding of the situation is needed before it can change. Delays in departure,travel.

The Goddess Tarot is a connection to working with feminine energy and offers nurturing and serene encouragement to anyone seeking clarity on their spiritual journey.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2011 abatha deborah 

Illustrations from THE GODDESS TAROT used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 1997 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-1-57281-066-2

REVIEW: ALEISTER CROWLEY THOTH TAROT DECK

Aleister Crowley was a magician, a mystic and the founder of Thelma which is a philosophy based around the concept of true will.

The Thoth Tarot Deck is an expression of Crowley's philosophy and closely follows the Golden Dawn system.

The striking complex designs of this deck can initially be intimidating but they are powerful and insightful cards to work with.

FACTS

- It's a traditional deck of 78 cards

- Includes three versions of the Magus Card (The Magician)

Major Arcana

-The cards have most of the traditional tarot titles but some are different:

In this deck I = The Magus / VIII = Adjustment / XI = Lust / XIV = Art / XX= Aeon

Each card:

- is linked to a symbol from the 22-character Hebrew alphabet / the seven planets / the twelve signs of the

zodiac / the four elements and these links are displayed next to the title

- displays the roman numeral at the top of the card and the title on the bottom of the card

Pip Cards

- Symbolic designs for each suit

Each card:

- is linked with astrological symbols

- displays the number at the top of the card / key word and suit on bottom of card

Court Cards

- Princess, Prince, Queen and Knight

- displays the title and suit on bottom of card

Suits

- Wands – Action / Cups – Emotional / Swords – Rational / Disks – Material

This deck is an amazing visual experience!

The deck comes with a comprehensive instruction booklet which includes history, 15 card spread (very good!) and interpretations for each card.

The Thoth Tarot is an advanced deck and requires some study but once mastered the cards give great depth and clarity in readings.

Review by abatha deborah

© 2011 abatha deborah

Illustrations from ALEISTER CROWLEY THOTH SMALL TAROT DECK used with permission of U. S. Games Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT USA. Copyright 2006 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further reproduction prohibited. ISBN: 978-0-88079-308-7