Category: Reviews

REVIEW: The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread by Shannon MacLeod

So what do I think of a Tarot book that claims no memorization needed? I’ll tell you!

The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase, by Shannon MacLeod, illustrations by Beth Seilonen from Schiffer BooksSo today I wanted to share some thoughts on a new book by Shannon MacLeod. It’s from Schiffer. Beth Seilonen illustrated it. The book is The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase.

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First let me say that I had some reservations about this book. I wasn’t sure it could deliver. The back starts out with “Reading the Tarot doesn’t have to be hard! The Celtic Cross spread requires no long hard hours of study, no memorization, no muss or fuss–just lay out your cards, open the book, and begin!”

That’s a pretty big claim, y’all. Still I put aside my reservations to open the book. I have to say that it delivers what it offers.

Every card is interpreted in every position. The nuances of how a card’s meaning changes depending on the position it falls in is clearly highlighted.

The writing is crisp without a lot of filler. The illustrations are simple and direct. The table of contents is easy to navigate.

All in all, a very good book.

However, the one caveat I would have is that this shouldn’t be the only book you use. I don’t think being dependent on a book is a good thing. But to use this as a jumping off point? Yes, excellent.

Think of this as a primer for Tarot language. Just as you might “see Jane. See Jane run.” here you can “see the two of Swords. See the two of Swords in the past or as the outcome” to begin refining your own language skills.

I would recommend The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase, by Shannon MacLeod, illustrations by Beth Seilonen.

Today’s affirmation:

Today I learn. Today I increase my skills. Learning comes easily to me because I open up to the information. I am a child of the Universe therefore I am blessed. Loved and loving, I love.

Seek joy,y’all. Pass it on.

The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread: Cutting to the Chase, Schiffer

Feathers, Swords + Pens

guardian-airToday’s card is a reminder that communication comes in so many forms. In today’s world, we can phone, text, write, read in so many ways that it’s a virtual smorgasbord.

The Guardian of Air (Queen) is the woman who uses communication to her advantage. Interesting that yesterday’s card was another Queen of Air (Queen of Feathers from the Bleu Cat Tarot). We will see what tomorrow brings.

I’ve been remiss in not mentioning a Tarot app that’s out there. It’s now free and you can load it with decks (for purchase). It’s the Tarot eCards app.

I’ve got some mixed feelings about it. I love that I can have decks at my fingertips in one app. LOVE it. That’s the very best thing about it. It’s available for both Android and iPhone but I don’t know about Windows.

I am not thrilled by a couple of things. One is that the orientation is locked meaning I can’t turn my iPad into landscape mode to view it. The other is that some of the graphics of some of the decks are just not good.

I had a discussion with the owner who told me that was because of the images sent in by the artist. I have to be honest and tell you that I wouldn’t have published the decks as part of my app. The one that was the worst (and that I was told might be corrected) was the Whispering Tarot by Elizabeth Hazel. I love that little deck but on the app? I’m actually sorry I paid for it.

Other decks don’t have that problem. So check out the Tarot eCards app.

While you are checking out things, I’d love for you to visit with my friend, Jay Pryor. His 11/8 video chat is about Pronoia–a subject very close to my heart. This super short (less than two minutes) chat about the concept of Pronoia is one that I think everyone should hear.

Then, when you have more time, you can watch last night’s show. Yep, I didn’t pass out and made it through the whole hour. I did some free readings as well. I’d love to hear what you think of it. And mark your calendars for 11/18 when I’ll be doing it all over again.

Guardian of Air, Gaian Tarot, Joanna Powell Colbert

Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on!

Loopy and Naughty!

VintageEroticTarot_0FoolToday’s card is a video. What? That doesn’t make sense? See the pain meds I’m on for clarity.  As I am loopy as all get out, I’m sharing an older video view.

I did a review of the Le Tarot des Femmes Erotiques which uses turn-of-the-century erotica. These women are plump and unshaven which may turn some off. But for me? I think they represent the best of feminity. I get so very tired of the media representations, don’t you? But back to this naughty deck!

I love the feel of this deck but the Youtube review was a bit hard to do. LOL Yes, I am blushing every now and again in it. WHAT? It’s so naughty! You can get your own naughty copy from Beauty, History and Magic.

And! They now have a playing card deck available as well. 😀

Fool, Le Tarot des Femmes Erotiques, self-published

Seek joy, y’all! Pass it on.

REVIEW: Tarot Tour Guide

Tarot Tour Guide: Tarot, The Four Elements and Your Spiritual Journey
Christiana Gaudet
Jupiter Gardens Press, 2012

From the back cover:

Tarot Tour Guide offers easy tarot instruction to those just beginning their tarot journey. For enthusiasts of all levels of experience, Tarot Tour Guide presents tarot as a guide for the journey of life.

Tarot is a book of Continue reading “REVIEW: Tarot Tour Guide”

REVIEW: Tarot Spreads & Layouts

If I had one quibble, I would say that even an experienced reader can come away from this book with new insights into how to glean more from their spreads and readings.

Tarot Spreads and Layouts A User’s Manual For Beginning and Intermediate Readers
Jeanne Fiorini
Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-7643-3629-4

Fiorini is an author I like. Her articles online are full of information. She writes in a clear, approachable manner. When I heard that she had a book out with Schiffer, I was delighted. For purposes of transparency, Continue reading “REVIEW: Tarot Spreads & Layouts”

Joy, Rachel Pollack & Workshops

I do love being a joy seeker, but there are times when it is hard. Times when I want to just wallow in feeling blue or rage against the machine that seems to run the world I have to live in. I have never claimed that being a professional joy seeker is easy. And I never will.

I will claim Continue reading “Joy, Rachel Pollack & Workshops”

REVIEW: Inspiring Butterflies

P. to the S. Do you want a video review of this deck? Cast your vote in the comments, please.

Inspiring Butterflies: A 27-Day Course of Self-Discovery
Schiffer
ISBN: 978-0764339691

Here’s to another gorgeous deck presented in Schiffer’s magnetic box. Have I mentioned how much of a fan I am of their attention to packaging? Truly a great touch. And since I’ve Continue reading “REVIEW: Inspiring Butterflies”

Cats, Solomon & Erotica

As Ree Drummond, of The Pioneer Woman Cooks fame, says, “My brain is a highly imperfect place. ” And in my case, often also highly improper!

C’mon! You know the title makes you want to check out the post. 😀 I mean really? Cats and King Solomon and Erotica? What could I possibly be thinking?

As Ree Drummond, of The Pioneer Woman Cooks fame, says, “My brain is a highly imperfect place. ” And in my case, often also highly improper! Continue reading “Cats, Solomon & Erotica”