Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Tarotscopes: November 2012


Hi Lovelies! It's November and time for your tarotscopes!! This month I used Inspiration for Survivors created & illustrated by Aunia Kahn with the companion book written by Russell J. Moon.
I am really excited over this deck, although not a traditional tarot (it only has 44 cards) and more of an oracle the premise is extremely interesting. EVERYONE IS A SURVIVOR! Anytime you have a complication, obstacle or situation to overcome you immediately become a survivor of that circumstance.
I will say the art is absolutely GORGEOUS & so inspirational one of my particularly favorite cards is 'Even in Chaos You Can Find Peace.' the grunge theme to it & the barren nature of the card leaves a haunting feeling that is unsettling & peaceful at the same time.
I would recommend this deck to absolutely ANYONE! Reader or not it is a VERY inspiring deck with a lot of practical wisdom & encouragement to help you get through the day. Th e only thing I would change about this deck is I wish it were numbered, for those that are not intuitive readers & would prefer to use the book it makes it a little bit more difficult to find the cards chosen for that day.
This month I will not be pulling multiple cards for each sign, instead we will give you a theme from the deck for all of November! So let's get on to the Tarotscopes!

Scorpio -  Happy Birthday Scorpio! Your theme for this month is 'We are Reflections of Each Other' this card indicates that you must look past the self and recognize that we are all interconnected through Universal Energy. To me this card may also say that you will be meeting someone or a group of people who are either kindred spirits or may help to cast reflection on your current situation. An instance of this happened to me recently where I was doing a reading for a client who, although faced with a situation of different circumstances basically had the same emotional reactions I did to my current problem. Inherently the same obstacle just with a different cast of characters, it allowed me to be more objective because I was looking at a reflection not at my own situation.

Aries - 'Every Soul Has a Story' and you need to embrace yours & the stories of those around you. Each chapter of that story helps to mold you into the person you have become, flaws & all. They are our life lessons, our gifts & whether negative or positive our blessings. Before you judge someone, listen to the story of their life, look beyond the physical & peer into their soul, read their record & then decide where they belong in your life.

Taurus - It is important that you 'Follow the Path to Joy it is Right Before You' Taurus. You are the creator of your own personal joy, everyone is void of something at some point in their life & although we may try to fill it with the material things it is not that which we crave. Rather it is the understanding & acceptance of who we are or creating a plan & making strides towards who we wish to become which aids us in creating a full heart & a blissful life.

Gemini - Remember this...'You Can Go Anywhere & Do Anything' there are no limits, only those you impose upon yourself. Now is the time to recognize your freedoms & bring your dreams to realization! Sometimes it may take a drastic change to help become who we want to be, this could be a move, a change in love or career. Either way know that you can change on a dime & still find bliss, or success...you have no limits!

Cancer - Please keep in mind that 'In Our Darkest Times We Are Never Alone' no matter how dark it is there is always someone around you can reach out to. Whether by phone, visit or even just by faith you constantly have the support. However it will be up to you to reach out, be open & share your problems don't assume that you are a burden to others by sharing your issues. You may just be the reflection that Scorpio is looking for!

Leo - No matter what you do or your situation 'Chains can be Broken' whether emotional attachments to the past or current attachments to a loved one it is possible to free yourself! There are no excuses to being held back as there is always a choice to be made or action to be taken. In this instance it may mean moving someone into your outer circle, breaking up with a significant other, leaving a career or ending a business deal or partnership. Either way this is change that comes with sacrifice, even if we fear cutting the cord it is worth it in the end.

Virgo - Your message for this month is 'May We Gain Peace & Spiritual Grounding' open your heart and mind to the spiritual connections all around you. Whether you look to deities or just the earth's own energy now is the time to embrace that link & ground yourself within it. Faith will take you through this month, much better than planning will at this point.


Libra - Stand up! 'Be a Superhero for Others Shine Light Back to Them' you don't need to find a phone booth where you can change, you don't even need to have a cool cape! Being a superhero to someone in your life could be as simple as giving them a smile, pat on the back, a shoulder to cry on or that ONE person  that your friend/family/spouse can talk to without judgment. It will be as good for them as it is for you.

Sagittarius - Try to 'Hold a Stuffed Animal & Feel It's Soft Heart' something that simple can turn your day from bad to good. A study showed that partners who hugged for five minutes a day had a more successful relationship & sense of cohesion within their environment. Right now things may feel a little out of sorts for you, sit down with your partner, pet or stuffed animal & give a hug.

Capricorn - 'Emotions are the Freedom Given to Express Ourselves' give yourself permission to go through your feelings and be honest with your sense of expression. Not everything is happy go lucky and you can't pretend that it is or just stuff your feelings because it is uncomfortable in that moment. 

Aquarius -
At some point or another 'We Must All Let Go of Hiding Behind a Mask' allow yourself to let go of false perceptions that others have about you! We all have the innate ability to become the chameleon in order to fit in within our group or to aid in smoothing over situations. Now is not the time to call upon that skill, rather shed the mask and let the REAL you shine!

Pisces - It's time to 'Get Lost in the Sound of Music' and I don't mean the movie (although it was really good) a song has the ability to calm our mind & heart. It feels as though this month will be pretty chaotic for you Pisces so be sure to have some good tunes to listen (and sing) to as you go about your business. 



*images used with permission from Schiffer Publishing LTD

Monday, July 30, 2012

August 2012 Tarotscopes


Hello Lovelies!
August is here already!!! Anyone else have whiplash? The months are just FLYING by at light speed and here I sit again your humble prognosticator with another month of predictions, omens and a review! Now I know last May I was pretty tough on the ShadowFox Tarot (by Richard &  Jennifer ShadowFox)  but I believe that the Deck of Heroes is a true redeemer, the graphics are the same as the ShadowFox Tarot but the colors come through and they are extremely inspiring. The book is fantastic (which I wasn't really surprised about) its easy to tell that Richard knows and respects the tarot but also acknowledges that it is not the end all be all of divination systems. I was VERY excited about this deck! I suggest it be one for anybody who ever read a romance novel! Inspired by the cards I have changed some of the format of the Tarotscope for this month, rather than talking about you we will be telling you about the hero! Now most of the heroes in this deck are men but it is not a slight against the females Richard explains in his book that he felt it would come across better. Which it did. Anyway, so the hero is you this month whether male or female although I may refer a lot to the 'he' it is simply part of the story for this month!



Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) – Happy Birthday Leo!!! You begin the month in the Nine of Pentacles as a hero hangs pentacles upon the wall while his lady watches on. This card indicates that you will be going through a time of self-dependence, it's all on you but it's okay, your flourishing! Mid-month brings with it the Five of Cups, where our hero stands in front of a grave still mourning his loss and unable to move forward. This card asks you to please let go of past trauma, give yourself permission to move forward, Universe is only waiting to hear that you are ready. At the end of the month you enter into The Fool! Looking ahead on a beautiful white horse our wonderful beefy blonde protagonist ventures forward beginning a new journey. Although uncertain of the EXACT path, this card tells us that you are meant to be there. This could apply to many things, a new business, partnership, romance or even a move. Either way, look at it as an adventure and an opportunity to expand and grow!


Aries (March 21 - April 20) –   The beginning of the month our hero is reminiscing about simpler times, thinking about family and love in the Six of Cups. As he contemplates the past he happens upon someone he hasn't seen in a VERY long time! What a surprise! Next our hero moves into the Two of Wands stands on the parapet looking out at the full moon thinking about what comes next. He may be moved to explore more options beyond the original plan. At the end of the month we see our hero in the standing on a wooden bridge, pike in hand, as he enters the Nine of Wands. He is on guard as you should be...the question becomes why? He must be wary of the people around him.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20) – Two heroes face off while standing on the roof of a great tower in the Two of Swords the tension between the two keeps them in perfect sync and balance. But the threat still lingers. As each hero evaluates the other fears arise and it keeps them both in a stalemate. Whichever overcomes their fears first will be declared the winner in this brilliant and deadly dance. A hooded hero stands in a red haze his arms crossed each holding long swords. His is the presence of a change that can't be reversed...he is Death. There may be fear, there may be resistance but either way he will come, and he will bring change with him. At the end of the month our hero sits upon his bed, head in his hands he looks out his door into the moonlight where the 9 Swords sit in the doorway. As he looks sightlessly towards the door instead he sees the faces, and situations that haunt him. Scenarios run in his mind of things he would have changed if only he could go back and have a do over. He must learn to release himself from the past and that no matter how much he obsessed about future issues at this point he cannot control it.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) –  A red haired hero practices his maneuvers with the staves with his black haired counterpart in the 5 of Wands. Personally it seems our hero simply needs to blow off steam and get out some aggression which is both healthy & natural...as long as he remembers to play fair! A golden haired hero stands in supplication of  the equally blond & angelic Judgment. The stairway lies beyond her and this man is bared before her all his sins, and his accomplishments. It was a last minute event that brings him to this point where he must appease this goddess and be allowed entrance. However, it is his honesty & not his charm that will get him through. Tan, dark and handsome our hero walks through his golden palace clothed in  rich greens & a large gold pentacle waist belt. his green came swishes behind him. He seems determined on his goal, he is the King of Pentacles after all. He may be an intimidating presence, powerful and has done well in business. He encourages planning, preparation & practicality to see him through to success.



Cancer (June 22 - July 22) – Our hero this time is actual the anti-hero as he leads a lady down a set of stairs by chains. He seduces his women much like any addiction or bad habit, and people who feel his chains relish them, they don't even realize they are in danger until it is too late. In the next scene our dark haired hero stands with sword at the ready, his enthusiasm is infectious! Even though he may be fearful he puts on a brave front. Many people will underestimate him because he is the Page of Swords and has a youthful air, but his keen intelligence and willingness to do what is necessary will carry him through. Our lone hero faces the odds...alone, pushed on but the strength of his convictions all he has is his with and Seven Wands to aid him. Guided by principle (and maybe a little bit of stubbornness he is willing to do what he believes is the 'right thing' even though it may not be the popular choice.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) – Sitting on a balcony the Page of Cups looks out to the sea. His face is gentle & kind, he is sincere and willing to believe when others may question. He has the strong faith and is willing to open his mind to the messages of Universe. We look at him a little later and still he sits upon the balcony staring up at a single Star that shines so bright in the blanket of twinkling lights in the nights sky. Finally he has a plan, that golden answer that puts the world back to rights, he thanks his lucky Stars and moves on with renewed hope. A red haired hero stands strong with his Wand, we recognize him as The Page, he faces a tornado with abandon enjoying the risk & confirmation of life. He chases the rush that comes with danger, usually with no contingency plan. He doesn't take the time to think things through, his thought is "I Do". 


Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) – A heroine stands in the center of a room, dressed in white flowing robes she holds a gold dish in either hand. Two heroes stand behind her, one with a rose the other a sword, her eyes are closed as she waits for the weight of Justice to be applied. She is the judge, and the jury, her decisions are quick and final although she tries to gather all the facts not everything is known to her. Our hero sits on a table one of his Four Cups toppled over, a blond woman bathes in the background at this moment he couldn't care. He is completely detached from everything that surrounds him, lost in his own world. Next our black haired hero stands upon the roof of a house, cape & hair whipping in the wind he holds his sword as if to challenge the Moon. It is time for him to slice through the dark and shed some light on issues.


Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) – Betrayed...our hero has been betrayed on the worst level, he finds his mate in bed with another man. He doesn't enter the room but rather stands outside of it to dry his tears. Not only is this man with our hero's woman but he counted this man as friend. It is Three Swords right through his mighty heart. It feels as though our hero clings to the ledge of a Tower over the next bit of time, his will to survive is stronger than this pull to release himself from the collapsing rubble that was his life. And it pays off as this hero finds himself in the possession of Three Pentacles and a new lady! Reminding him that although friendships and love may end there is always a new beginning around the corner!



Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) – Our hero looks over his parapet hung with Four Pentacles he gazes over his land with a birds eye view. He loves what he has earned and is more impressed by what you have than 'who you are' but he has worked hard for each and every item. To see others with similar success will draw him to them. Doing this though we know that he passes up opportunities to expand his horizons. In the next chapter comes our Page of Pentacles, sitting upon a stool he thumbs through the pages of his favorite book, he loves to spend time on his own, not that he is shy but he likes his own company best. He gathers knowledge like a sponge soaks up water and he is a great ally to have on your side. The final chapter (for this month anyway) for our hero is when he steps into the King of Swords looking out from his balcony into the gorgeous blue sky, his uses his trusty sword like a walking stick and holds a casual pose of contemplation. He takes his time and rarely uses the power bestowed upon him as king, respect comes to him easily from peers and he demands nothing of those around him that he would not expect of himself.

Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19) – Our hero lays in bed with his lady, their look is one of obvious love and mutual attraction. Three swords decorate the fireplace near the bed and the fourth lies beneath it. He is unguarded now, not even a thought to defend but only to love. If however, that love is threatened he will go to war to defend it. Do not doubt this deadly man. A dark haired hero walks up a set of stairs to meet the woman who holds his gaze. He cuts a dashing figure, as he walks through the Six men holding Wands on either side of the red runner up the stairs. There is a swagger to his step and a confidence only given through victory, his return is highly celebrated and he truly comes home the hero! Our man is not someone who bends easily, yes he may be in need but he won't say it and he won't let anyone help. No matter if you throw his Five Pentacles or twenty, but he will insist on talking about horrible things are and rehashing old war stories.


Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) – A king's rightful place is upon his throne and the King of Cups is not exception as he claps his hands to some unknown amusement before him. Aware that you 'can't sweat the small stuff..and it's all small stuff.' he knows that life is good. Even though life is fabulous our hero still has to do his chores and when he is chopping wood three sirens with Three Cups stop to take a peek at his *ahem* work. He knows that although these women are present he still must collect the bounty of Mother Nature and chop wood before winter, distractions just will not do right now! Our hero looks back as he walks down a watery walkway, he is about to enter a new corridor. Passion lights his eyes, excitement for the adventure and the possibilities. He is a determined man and knows he has a purpose, he wants to reach that goal even if he may not know exactly what it is just yet.


Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) – Our hero transcends from mortal to angel as he hovers above a pool of water where a woman is bathing, he supplies the water as it pours from his hands. He is both lover, sinner and divine, someone who torments himself and works three times as hard for the simple pleasures that we take for granted he is multi-dimensional but serene as he keeps balance in the midst of chaos he is the epitome of Temperance. Joy and love keep fear at bay, our hero stands with his beloved in the tide of the sea, the partners have Two Cups between them as they gaze out on the vast blue glass water before them on their island paradise. They see a kindred soul in the other and are eager to explore their burgeoning love.  They've discovered their love to be true and not their cups runneth over all Ten Cups new life has sprung from the couple's love and the family is happy!









**IMAGES USED WITH PERMISSION FROM SCHIFFER BOOKS LTD

Friday, June 1, 2012

Tarotscopes: June 2012

Hello Lovelies!
Welcome to June! It is my favorite month particularly as it is MY birthday month! Aside from that June like every other month has it's own energy although known for being a high time for weddings it is not a month just for love. It is the 6th month in the year, this number being a wholly feminine numeric representing 'The Mother' it is a time for nurturing and peace. This month I'm using the Mary-El Tarot by Marie White, this deck is ABSOLUTELY inspiring and it truly is Alchemy for the Soul!! Each card is divine and inspiring with unusual imagery such as The Fool (or King of the Monarchs as I like to call him) or the Ace of Swords depicted by a tied up bald eagle.  You can tell Marie put her heart and soul into this deck with fabulous detail and beautiful art this deck is completely one a kind and I would (and will) use it on a regular basis. I suggest this deck for everyone from beginners to long time practitioners it is a MUST HAVE!

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) – You begin the month in the Ace of Swords telling you to look up and allow yourself to reach your goals. It is the time to get super focused on plans and putting things into action. Mid-month you move into the Page of Wands this is a time of miracles Gemini perfect for your birthday month! Just be sure to keep an eye out for them! You end the month as The Empress imbuing you  with abundance and giving you the impulse to nurture those around you.

Aries (March 21 - April 20) – The Tower greets you at the beginning of June in the Mary-El depiction of the tower the fires blaze brightly in this black fortress with these burned bodies falling from its lofty height. Don't get paranoid though Aries!! Fire is the only element that causes permanent transformation, the sword forged in high heat is both beautiful and strong forever changed from it's beginnings as a simple steel bar. You will be put through the fire at the beginning of the month but will come out forever transformed! The Knight of Disks stops in during the middle of the month, usually when I think of Knights I think of large armored men on horseback but in this deck it is depicted as a child sitting upon a lounging white tiger. A depiction of innocence and friendship this card comes across as something (or someone) others may see as a danger but to you it becomes a great resource or friend! You end the month in the Six of Swords bringing divine protection and aiding you in building bridges between people who are currently in conflict.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20) You start out in the Knight of Wands inviting a fresh energy to help change your current situation. This could be a person who brings in a new perspective or a new opportunity. Either way get ready because life is about to speed  up! Temperance comes into play mid-month depicted as a tiger splashing into the water to fetch its prey this card warns that patience is key and right now may not be the best time to strike. Look for other opportunities or places to put your focus. You end the month in the Seven of Cups a solitary wolf sits, head bowed in profile the moon shines upon him. It is a relatively dark card but when I look into the eyes of this wolf it seems calculating to me, like they are biding their time and contemplating life's mysteries.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) – June begins in the phase of the Magician telling you to be careful about underestimating yourself and to wake up and use your talents already! Don't deny your potential now is the time to find your niche and stick with it! If you are already in a career you love or have found your place in life now is the time to push boundaries and make things happen. The Emperor stops in during the middle of the month a sagely man with kind eyes and a plethora of symbolic tattoos he tries to remind you that patience is key and things do not happen overnight but keep applying that focused energy towards your current goals things will come to fruition. The Knight of Swords ends the month depicted by the owl in flight he tells you to look for the truth in the situations you currently face.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) – Strength can be found in faith now is the time to be the giver of it and not the taker. Mid-month brings you to the Eight of Wands, a child is cradled in a blanket held in the arms of a lion of fire. The animal protects the child and the child lies trustingly in his arms, this child trusts just as you must trust the Universe during this time. At the end of the month you move into the Queen of Swords depicted as two crows one with an eye in it's wing telling you that now is the time for intellectual discussions and the trading of ideas.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) –  An archer rides through the sky clothed in orange on a beautiful white charger he is the Ten of Wands telling you to rise above your current situation, allow yourself to see things from a different perspective. The branches of a tree wrapped around the ankles suspended the Hanged Man, now is the time for rest and introspection Virgo, allow yourself time to relax. There is no room for fear and doubt! The King of Swords tells you to banish the words can't, won't and don't from your dictionary, allow yourself to think only in positives the last part of this month.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) – A beautiful and enigmatic white wolf stares back at you from the Seven of Wands, it's piercing green eyes are gentle and full of wisdom. It is time to master your higher self, act with valor and integrity. The Goddess Ma'at comes to you dancing sensually she is the womb of the World and tells you that now things have come full circle, success is yours, allow yourself to feel fulfilled. At the end of the month you move into the Eight of Disks two fierce lions converge over an innocent lamb these two opposing forces represent balance coming into your life. Embrace it!!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) – The Hierophant visits you at the beginning of the month telling you that now is the time to act with benevolence upon those around you as frustrating as the situation may be. You enter the Seven of Disks mid-month telling you to become the master maker of your own destiny, right now free will reigns so write out your own fairy tale story. You end the month in the Page of Swords telling you to do what is right, and act with unconditional love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) – You start June in the Queen of Disks encouraging you to create a place where people can feel safe, secure and able to share their feelings, and ideas. Don't be surprised if during this time you feel compelled to spend more time with nature, either gardening, hiking or just walking down the street. The Devil greets you mid-month this character tries to trick you into taking the easy way out even if it is not the right way. Ignore it Sagittarius, whatever you do, do NOT take that road, follow your heart and your gut when making decisions during this time. At the end of the month you run into the Seven of Swords a crow holds a green marble in it's beak whilst a white snake tries to wrestle the prize away. Use your cunning, reason and ability to innovate to aid you with work issues this month Sag, rely only on yourself don't worry about anyone else.

Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19) – A satyr sits beneath a tree about to eat a delicious red apple, no I'm not talking about Sam LaHood from the Lion the Witch & the WardrobeYo I'm speaking of the King of Disks. This faun brings with him a mastery of life and the ability to enjoy it! He imparts this same talent to you during the beginning of June. The Fool greets you mid month surrounded by butterflies he speaks of great changes and new adventures, embrace the changes that are to come! The end of the month heralds the ten of Disks gifting you with the knowledge that you have helped to change a small part of your world and now is the time to take a moment and pat yourself on your back!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)  You begin June in the Four of Wands looking up towards the top of a large barren tree it seems to go on forever! The energy it must have taken this tree to grow so tall, this card tells you to turn your creative energy into physical energy aimed toward your own growth and transformation. The King of cups greets you at the middle of June a Poseidon-like figure floats on his back holding his trident surrounded by lily pads he offers you good sleep and a knowledge of the self which releases you from the death grip and rule of the mind. You end the month with Death giving you the opportunity for profound change, to end a chapter of your life and begin anew.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) – The Ten of Swords makes it's entrance at the beginning of June a skeletal crow rides upon a skeletal horse. The crow carries with him a scythe, this seems as though it would be most appropriate for the Death card however, I find that it suits very well, this card speaks of a death but it is the death of the ego, and the death of ignorance. A release from the mental prison that these two things can create. Embrace the freedom Pisces! The Eight of Cups stops in during the middle of June telling you to open your heart and act in love not in fear. You've released yourself from the prisons, now is the time to put on the mantle of righteousness. You end the month in The Chariot a woman is led by four wolves, be prepared for potential travel opportunities, also a realization of your power.






**IMAGES USED WITH PERMISSION FROM SCHIFFER BOOKS LTD

Friday, November 11, 2011

Review: Illuminara - Intuitive Journal With Cards by Elaine Clayton


The word intuitive works on many levels, some may use the word to mean psychic while others see it as a connection between the  concious and personal unconcious. Such is the case with set of cards and the journal that accompanies it.  The  cards  have no meaning written below them, no jacks or queens, but rather the author’s own art, street scenes, dogs, birds etc. Seemingly random they all trigger different feelings, memories, thoughts and ideas. I can see where the author is going with this system and I think it is brilliant! As she quotes in her book:
“A the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” ~ Lao Tzu
This wonderful journaling book and card set is a great step in tapping into your own inner knowledge and discovering your own inner interpretive library.


*images used with permission from Schiffer Publishing LTD

Monday, November 7, 2011

Ghosts of Buffalo by Tim Shaw - Review by Katie Boyd


I am usually busy writing books myself and never get much time to read other books,until my publisher sent me Ghosts of Buffalo by my good friend Tim Shaw. I read the book cover to cover in about two hours. It is a full color book with tons of wonderful legends and historical facts regarding some of the most incredible haunted places in Buffalo NY. Tim also writes about his time as a re-enactor at well known Fort Niagara, and his experiences with the spirits that still haunt the military site. What I loved about this book was the beautiful colored pictures and being a huge history buff , I found the back stories very intriguing. I suggest if anyone loves haunted history and NY, get this book because you will not be disappointed.


Order Ghosts of Buffalo by visiting Schifferbooks.com or visit
Tim’s website theblackcatlounge.net

Friday, September 23, 2011

Review: Tarot Leaves deck by Beth Seilonen

I get to review decks all the time and I feel so blessed and priveliged to do so. I decided to share the wealth and offer a deck to review to a good friend of mine named Sue. She has been studying and practicing in divination for over twenty years and has a passion for art in all it's forms.So this was the perfect deck to give her to review. Here is Sue's take on the deck...

"The first thing that you notice about this deck is it's gentle nature, from the pastelish coloring to the graphic depictions on each of the cards. Leaves are woven into each card in some manner. This in itself lends this deck to be a bit less foreboding to clients. I was able to use this deck on a person who is new to tarot readings and not have her be intimidated cards that traditionally have harsher images. All in all it was a fun deck to use, however it does require a bit more experience and intuitiveness then other. Because of that, I would recommend this deck for experienced users."


Prepare friends, the next review is way out of the norm for this blog! I will be reviewing a book by M.C. V. Egan entitled The Bridge of Deaths. I can already tell you that it is definitely a book I would read again...but you'll find out all about it in the next post!

Till then!
Brightest Blessings,
Beckah Boyd

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Book Review: Tarot Spreads and Layouts by Jeanne Friorini

Hey Lovelies!
I've recently decided to get into some book reviews regarding the tarot and other divination devices! So I figured why not jump in with both feet right? Recently I was sent a copy of Tarot Spreads & Layouts by Jeanne Fiorini. I immediately noticed in the bio that she is a contributing columnist for the American Tarot Association. I was a mentor for this same group over a year ago so I was very familiar with the quality of readers, enthusiasts, and philosophers, I couldn't wait to read the book. Aside from that, Jeanne is also the owner of Tarotworks.com a website dedicated to offering tarot products, classes and services!
I have to say that the beginning of the book really made me smile, I hear so many people go on about knowing the meanings behind the cards and sticking to them so strictly. I have never been that kind of reader, and I've never had an issue interpreting the cards. Jeanne speaks on the importance of the card meanings, and how the meanings can change through the relativity of perception. She also discusses the 'No-No's' of tarot reading like asking something that does not directly affect you.
She also teaches creative freedom when it comes to the layouts and how to create your own fabulous ones! In one instance, she imparts a personal story that occurred during one of her group meetings, having run out of material she decided to create a Thanksgiving Turkey Spread. This story simply solidifies the fact that tarot layouts can come in any shape or size!
Rather than just sectioning up the layouts into 1, 4, or 8 card spreads Jeanne decided to go about it a little differently creating multiple spreads that deal with issues ranging from love and marriage to finances and business! I have to say one of my favorite layouts was the Chakra Spread under the health section!

Overall, I have to say this book is VERY good and I would definitely recommend it for those new to the tarot or who are feeling less than inspired with the divination system. Jeanne's love for the cards comes through loud and clear leaving you feel energized and excited to work with your deck!

Book Info: Paperback, 128 pp,  b/w Schiffer Publishing 2010 ISBN: 978-0-7643-3629-4


TO ORDER TAROT SPREADS AND LAYOUTS CLICK HERE!

Do you have a book you would like to see reviewed here? Email me at Beckahthepsychic@aol.com

*images used with permission from Schiffer Publishing LTD