Tag: review

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.

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

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

Gorgons, Love & Affirmations

Today’s thought? Too much sturm and drang, baby. Too. Much. Everyone seems to be pissy–even me. I have caught myself being super judgmental and exceptionally mean these past few weeks.

So I pulled a card at random…

The Gorgon's Tarot, the Lovers
The Gorgon’s Tarot

Today’s thought? Too much sturm and drang, baby. Too. Much. Everyone seems to be pissy–even me. I have caught myself being super judgmental and exceptionally mean these past few weeks.

So I pulled a card at random from The Gorgon’s Tarot by Dolores Fitch (Schiffer Publishing).

Whoop.There it is.

[Tweet “Speak love or speak not at all. That’s the phrase that came to me when I saw this card.”]

This is a round Tarot (kudos to Schiffer for producing a round Tarot since they are very hard to print from what I hear.) It is in black and white with some rare accents of red here and there.

The box is one of the things Schiffer does the best. Sturdy with a magnetic closure, this box is about the size of a hardback book. The cards and LWB nestle nicely inside.

I’m fascinated by the artwork because it reminds me a bit of the art of Zentangle which I indulge in.

This deck doesn’t shy away from unusual artistic interpretations while still holding on to tradition. Here we see the man and woman looking up at the spirit. Well, she’s looking but his eyes are cast toward her.

So only one of them is really getting the message. Sounds like more than one relationship, doesn’t it?

Communication is important. Right now, for me, communication with love as the message is more important. I’m going to do my best to sit on myself for one more week. I tend to get really cranky during Mercury Retrogrades (even when I don’t know they are coming!)

Affirmation for today:

I speak love. I repeat love. I stay open to love. I turn my ears away from meanness. I offer comfort when there is sadness. I offer peace when there is anger. Loved and loving, I love each of you. Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.

Lovers, The Gorgon’s Tarot, Schiffer Publishing

P. to the S., my alter-ego, Marilu Mann, is giving away $100 in Amazon gift cards. Contest ends tomorrow. Enter here.

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: American Obscura Tarot

So what is your take on this deck? Love it? Hate it? Repelled or compelled? I love the unflinching look at our own gothic heritage. I hope others will buy this deck. I’d love to discuss it with you.

American Obscura Tarot
Misha Huntting
Self-Published
Etsy Link

Click for larger imageThis is a perfect time to tell you all how much I admire well done self-promotion. It’s not easy to do without coming across like an attention seeker. You all can probably name those who do this ad nauseum. Read my book. Read my reviews. Read my blog. Look at me. Like a toddler shouting from the yard, “Watch me, mama. Watch me.” Continue reading “REVIEW: American Obscura Tarot”

REVIEW: Time On Your Hands

Of course those that know me are roaring with laughter …why? Read the post to find out.

Time On Your Hands: A Study in Palmistry
Maiay Gray-Cobb
Schiffer
ISBN: 978-0-7643-3904-2
$16.99

This slim volume is packed with information. The author obviously has devoted quite a lot of research. I like the way the book dives right into the subject matter.

At first I was dismayed Continue reading “REVIEW: Time On Your Hands”

REVIEW:Tarot Flash Cards

Tarot Learning Cards Living Magick Card SeriesI was sent a copy of Tarot Flash Cards from the Living Magick Learning Cards(r) Series. The creator are Jadzia DeForest & Jay Greenman DeForest. This 2010 publication is 84 cards including the 78 that relate to the Tarot.

When I got the box, I was very Continue reading “REVIEW:Tarot Flash Cards”

Changing Times On Amazon!

Changing Times by Marilu Mann

I so thrilled to let y’all know that Changing Times (co-written with my best friend, Cai Smith) is now on Amazon. I’m so happy. Thanks for all of your support. I really appreciate it. Isn’t it wild that it feels even more real to see it on Amazon?

P. to the S. I totally wiped out the earlier groovy post with all the reviews and excerpt. SIGH. Head here for all the fancy-schmancy stuff including the reviews, etc. 🙂

DECK REVIEW: The Mystic Dreamer Tarot

The Fool Mystic Dreamer TarotMystic Dreamer Tarot, by Heidi Darras

The Dreamer’s Journal, by Barbara Moore

Llewellyn Worldwide, September 2008

ISBN 9780738714363

From the soft-sponged pink of the box to the muted quiet, almost diffident, cards, the Mystic Dreamer Tarot is a very feminine deck. On my first pass through this Tarot deck from Llewellyn, I was struck by all the female faces gazing back at me. The second time through, I focused on Continue reading “DECK REVIEW: The Mystic Dreamer Tarot”