R E V I E W

The Doors of Somlipith: A New Dimension of Card Reading

by Ana Cortez (Author), CJ Freeman (Illustrator)

REDFeather (April 11, 2023)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages; 52 cards

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764365037

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764365034

Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 2 x 9 inches

I am delighted to introduce my blog followers to the latest incarnation of the amazing divination deck created by Ana Cortez and her father, C.J. Freeman. If you search for “Cortez” in this blog, you will find the many posts I have written, including an interview with Ana Cortez herself.

The Doors of Somlipith: A New Dimension of Card Reading is a card and book set packaged in a beautiful, well-constructed box. The 52 cards are sturdy quality. The book is paperback, around 5-3/4 inches by 5-1/4 inches, containing 304 pages of well-organized information printed in black, red, and gold type.

This book is a true treasure trove of – in the words of the publisher – “magical symbology, ancient astrology, pyramid knowledge, natural timekeeping, geomancy, in-depth elemental and numerological perspectives, original story, a secret alphabet, mystical mandalas, innovative archetype, and more.” 

Here are a few other things I feel you need to know if you are considering The Doors of Somlipith:

• It is NOT a Tarot deck. It is a 52-card deck with many similarities to a regular deck of playing cards. However, Ana Cortez states: “You must throw out everything you have learned from other card-reading methods.”

• This is NOT an “out of the box” reading deck. There is a learning curve. If you are not familiar with the cards created by C.J. Freeman and how they are used, you will need to take some time to study and practice. Fortunately, in the accompanying book, Ana Cortex provides extremely useful instruction and examples.

• There are FOUR REALMS that correspond to the four suits found on playing cards: Ignita (Diamonds/Fire), Ethra (Clubs.Air), Agana (Hearts/Water), and Terra (Spades/Earth).

• Each Realm has an UPPER KINGDOM consisting of four archetypal personalities: Lady, Jack, Queen, and King.

• Each Realm has a LOWER KINGDOM consisting of Ace through Nine. 

I greeted The Doors of Somlipith deck and book set with a mixture of delight at seeing old friends and anticipation for new experiences and knowledge.

In this post, I am going to focus on one component of the system presented by Ana Cortez for using The Doors of Somlipith deck. 

In Chapter 9: The 36 Gates, Cortez tells us that “from the Sun’s perspective, we see only the 36 Lower Kingdom cards as markers of time. The Courts are gods and do not participate in timekeeping.” The 36 Gates are arranged by date segments such as Jan. 1-10, Jan. 10-20, Jan. 20-29, and so forth. Each of these segments is assigned a Lower Kingdom card.

Using the table provided in the guidebook, we see that today’s date – April 13 – falls in the segment that covers April 11-20. This segment is represented by the 3 of Diamonds (Ignita / Fire). For my Daily Card draw, I will be using the 3 of Diamonds paired with a card which I will draw at random from the deck. By analyzing that pair of cards, I may get a sense of what today might bring. My draw for today is the 8 of Hearts (Agana / Water).

As advised by Ana Cortez, my first step is to look at this layout as a picture, a collection of images. I look at these two cards together and sense that The Faun on the 8 of Hearts is trying to cast a spell on  (or influence) the woman holding the severed head (3 of Diamonds). The story Cortez provides concerning the latter emphasizes "the selfishness necessary with creative ambition, and the consequences, which can be most dire." What might The Faun's goal be? Read on.

THREE OF DIAMONDS: Severed Head

Let’s explore this a bit. As Cortez points out, all Threes “complete the first triplicity within the ascending sequence” . . . they “arise from the experience of the Ace and the Two.” Here we have consequences and manifestation. The keyword for the 3 of Diamonds (Severed Head) is “Ambition.” 

This is a Fire (Ignita) card. A chart provided by Cortez in the guidebook tells us that Fire represents Spirit, Autumn, South. Its qualities are “volatile, transmuting.” Among the Positive Attributes we find “courage, vitality, self-esteem, confidence…” Among the Negative Attributes we see “Egotism, insensitivity, selfishness, impulsivity…”

All days that fall within the April 11-20 range are represented by this card. It’s not unique to me, but applies to everyone.

EIGHT OF HEARTS: The Faun

This is my draw for today, April 13. Cortez tells us that all Eights are “building block” cards representing escalation and increase. Like the Three, the Eight is about “making manifest seeds previously sewn.”  

The keyword for this card is “Mischief.” The 8 of Hearts is a Water card. The chart in the guidebook tells us that Water (Agana) represents Emotion, Spring, West. Its qualities are “Yielding, penetrating.” Among the Positive Attributes we find “empathetic, nurturing, generosity, enjoyment of life…” Among the Negative Attributes we have “Self-doubt, obsession, jealousy, subconscious controlling action/judgment…”

With the 8 of Hearts we might expect energy that is strong and virile, and that can create confusion between what is real and what is illusion. The perceived order is likely to be threatened.

For those of us who are still learning, Cortez is kind enough to provide insight into what a Diamonds-Hearts (Ignita-Agana, Red-Red) pairing might indicate. Her key phrase for this pairing is “The ‘One-Night Stand.’” It’s not hard to understand how impulsivity paired with strong feelings (Ambition + Mischief) might play out. Situations suggested by this pairing are likely to be short-term but volatile and impossible to ignore.

As I post this, my day is not over, and it may yet become clear what these two cards are trying to tell me. It has been a quiet day so far, with nothing exciting or challenging taking place.

This is just one of many ways The Doors of Somlipith can be used. If you are not adverse to studying and learning how to work with a truly fascinating deck, I encourage you to give The Doors of Somlipith a try.

To read more about The Doors of Somlipith, click on these links:
https://anacortez.com/doors-somlipith-divination-with-playing-cards/

https://store.anacortez.com/products/the-doors-of-somlipith-a-new-dimension-of-card-reading

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In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

REVIEW: The Lunar Nomad Oracle

R E V I E W

The Lunar Nomad Oracle: 

43 Cards to Unlock Your Creativity and Awaken Your Intuition 

by Shaheen Miro

Book: 160 pages

Cards: 43; 4-1/4 x 6 inches

Publisher: _Weiser Books_

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1578636310

ISBN-13: 978-1578636310

_About My Reviews_

Having fallen in love long ago (2013) with Shaheen’s Tattered Nomad Oracle (see my review of that deck HERE), I couldn’t wait to get his Lunar Nomad Oracle deck and book in my hands.

EDITED TO ADD: The Lunar Nomad Oracle and Tattered Nomad decks are not identical. Some have been reworked for the Lunar Nomad deck. (zs 3 Apr 2018)

My copy of the Tattered Nomad deck is “poker size,” meaning fairly small cards (3-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches). The Lunar Nomad deck cards are larger (6 x 4-1/4 inches), so I can appreciate the art even more.

With the Tattered Nomad deck, I received an 8 by 10-3/4 inch paper insert giving keywords for each card and a diagram of how to lay out the cards for a reading. The Lunar Nomad Oracle comes with a 143-page guide filled with so much more than keywords.

I love this new “incarnation” of the Tattered Nomad Oracle as the Lunar Nomad Oracle! The cards are packaged in a lightweight cardboard box, which is then placed into a sturdier box made with one side open. The guidebook slips neatly into that heavier box alongside the box of cards. Kudos to Weiser Books for this attractive and practical presentation!

I read the guidebook cover to cover, while looking at each card as I read Shaheen’s descriptions, insights, and commentary. The care, attention, and writing style all combine to create an enjoyable, informative experience.

The idea of my Lunar Self appearing in “sudden sparks of inspiration, the stirring of dramatic gut feelings, in vivid dreams” resonates strongly with me. I would like to think that I am not burying my Lunar Self these days or allowing my Solar Self to take over. However, at one time in my life, I am certain that I did do that. I agree with Shaheen when he writes, “It is important to understand that the Solar and Lunar Self are not in opposition with each other when they are fully venerated. The Solar Self supports the Lunar Self. . . The Solar Self takes the abstract impressions of the Lunar Self and finds a way to utilize the information in a logical sequence.”

Let’s visit some of my favorite cards…

MOON (32)

Keywords: “emotion, feeling, intuition, lunar cycle, art, hidden talents, imagination, winter”

Favorite Quotes:

“The Moon offers a passage into your unconscious mind where your wisdom, potential, and power really reside.”

“Something deep within you is awakening. Make space for that beautiful moonbeam to glow and gain light.”

Mushrooms are plentiful on this card. As a symbol, mushrooms can represent longevity, an image of primeval Heaven, the souls of the dead or reborn, or life regenerated (life from death). Supernatural associations with mushrooms are also common.

TOWER (19)

Keywords: “authority, large business, buildings, places of power, school, church, enterprise, condescendence”

Favorite Quotes:

“Historically the Tower was built as a defensive structure. . . Whoever watches from the Tower is alerted to your presence before your arrival.”

“The Tower can become a shadow or a torch. What are you locking away from the world? What feelings are you trying to swallow?”

Unlike traditional Tower card in the Tarot, there is no lightening or fire hitting the central structure, nor are the people falling from the windows or parapets. Huge wings seem to me to suggest the possible beneficial nature of place of power, depending on what you are looking for or rebelling against.

STARS (16)

Keywords: “wishes, hopes, possibilities, guidance, independence, dreams, expansion, fame”

Favorite Quotes:

“In the vast expanses of the sky, an octopus floats tranquilly in the embrace of infinity. He is an emblem of mystery and intelligence. The enigmatic quality of the octopus mirrors the mystery within each of us.”

“Consider looking at your natal chart to gain more insight on the energies that are working in your life. Moving with the cosmic flow allows you to create more fluidity.”

I just love the design and coloring of this card, especially the octopus as he shoots through the sky as if sky and ocean were one and the same.

CLOUDS (6)

Keywords: “confusion, conflict, lack of focus, obstacles, worries, depression”

Favorite Quotes:

“Confusion can blow in like a deadly storm or slip silently through the cracks like an insidious smoke.”

“The Clouds may seem ominous, but avoid holding them in contempt. They are teachers of tough love. Usually they show us where we are working too hard and pushing against our own wisdom.”

I love that this illustration shows a perfume atomizer and clouds of fragrance, capable of confusing not only the eye but the sense of smell and taste. Clouds up in the sky seem far away, but clouds of smoke or perfume swirling around your head add a dimension to the card that I find enriching and enlightening.

PUBLISHER’S PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Lunar Nomad Oracle is a set of keys for unlocking and understanding your intuitive side, your "lunar self." As a nomad on the path of the lunar self, you will awaken your sense of wonder and discover your creative desires to facilitate introspection, awareness, and lasting change.

The Lunar Nomad Oracle is inspired by the traditional Lenormand system, but unlike the Lenormand, this deck comprises 43 cards and additional significator cards that are multiracial and multiethnic. The Lunar Nomad Oracle cards are rich with layers, colors, and imagery, all designed to speak to the intuitive self. The book and deck allow users to explore their inner depths, looking for clues and prompts to activate their lunar side--their creativity, intuition, and inner wisdom. The symbolism of the cards helps the user formulate a story or reading. The process will be familiar to followers of tarot, but because The Lunar Nomad Oracle does not have suits or a linear structure, readers have the freedom and fluidity to really explore the deck and add their own insights and interpretations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shaheen Miro is a spiritual nomad working with people all over the world to help them reclaim their power through intuitive guidance, energy work, and spiritual cleansing. As a tarot and tea leaf reader, he conducts workshops and presentations nationally. Visit him at www.shaheenmiroinsights.com.

Stay tuned for a deck interview!

Review: Fairy Tale Lenormand

Fairy Tale Lenormand 

by _Arwen Lynch_  (Author)

_Lisa Hunt_  (Author, Illustrator)

_U.S. Games Systems Inc._

38 cards / 2.8 x 1.2 x 4.1 inches

120 page guidebook

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

Fairy Tales + Lisa Hunt + Arwen Lynch . . . I’m already reaching for this deck. . . And then U.S. Games puts it in a wonderful little metal tin box. I’m almost speechless, but not quite. Let me continue.

From “_The Enchanted Horse_”  to “_East o’ the Sun, West o’ the Moon_”  to “_Rose Red and Snow White_”  to “_The Red Shoes_,” the Fairy Tale Lenormand carries us through many cultures, countries, and concepts, while connecting us neatly to the thirty-six cards of the Lenormand oracle.

Even if you completely ignore the Little White Book (LWB) and the fairy tale descriptions, you can still use this as a Lenormand deck, thanks to Lisa Hunt’s highly successful effort to modify her approach to the art. Her signature love of detail is still evident but has been geared toward simplicity and ease of access, in keeping with the Lenormand’s purpose.

Familiarity with the tales (as told by Arwen Lynch) simply serves to enrich and enhance the reader’s experience with these cards. For example, when I see the Garden card from the Fairy Tale Lenormand, I not only pick up the traditional meaning of “friends, festivities, acquaintances, gatherings,” I remember Oscar Wilde’s story of “_The Selfish Giant_,” whose garden remained in a wintry state until one brave child dared to enter, causing everything in the garden to bloom. The Snake warns of “cheating, betrayal, manipulation.” The image on the card reminds me of how Rudyard Kipling’s mongoose, _Rikki Tikki Tavi_, deals with evil cobras, protecting his humans from the threat.

I love the spreads in the LWB, especially the Tower Spread (based on Rapunzel) and Happily Ever Afters, a 12-card spread laid out in three fans of four cards each.

I am looking forward to using this deck alone and perhaps in combination with one of my Fairy Tale Tarot decks.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

"Fairy Tales have been teaching us timeless life lessons for centuries. Lisa Hunt’s enchanting artwork draws us into the magical world of peasants and princesses, dragons and daring deeds. By weaving imaginative myths into the Lenormand structure, Fairy Tale Lenormand helps readers connect with the cards in meaningful and memorable ways. The 38-card multicultural deck, presented in a treasure chest tin, includes extra Gentleman and Lady cards for personalized readings.

Arwen Lynch’s delightful 120-page booklet, with foreword by Lenormand expert Donnaleigh de LaRose, cleverly relates familiar fairy tales to the Lenormand meanings. Booklet includes illustrated instructions for reading with Crossroads Spreads, Tower Spreads, and Happily Ever Afters."

BASIC INFORMATION

The Fairy Tale Lenormand is based on the Lenormand system but includes 38 cards instead of 36. This is because the Fairy Tale deck contains two “Gentleman” cards and two “Lady” cards. In each case, there is a “peasant” version and a “prince” or “princess” version. Many fairy tales have a peasant becoming a prince (or vice versa), and female characters are often either a peasant or princess.

The deck of 38 cards and accompanying 120-page guidebook are packaged inside a metal tin. The guidebook contains a Foreword by Donnaleigh de LaRose and an Introduction by Arwen Lynch, who also provides the commentary for each card.

A section at the end of the booklet contains information on Fan Spreads (spreads that use the shape of a fan), a Crossroads Spread, a Tower Spread, and a spread called Happily Ever Afters consisting of three fans with four cards each.

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The art from one of the cards (#30 – Lilies) is on the front of the tin and the guidebook. The tin measures about 4 by 2-3/4 inches. The booklet is 2-1/4 inches wide by 3-1/2 inches tall and 1/4 inch thick. The card measure 2-1/4 by 3-1/2 inches.

The fronts of the cards have tan borders surrounding a full color image. Card numbers are in the upper left corner. Card titles are centered below the image, along with the name of the playing card that corresponds to that Lenormand card. Reversible card backs feature a tan background with an intricate design, a border of vines, leaves, and flowers in green and brown. An intricate green and brown design featuring mirror-image old-fashioned keyholes is centered on the card backs.

The glossy guidebook cover is made of sturdy stock. The inside is printed black on white with a couple of black and white illustrations and spread layouts (individual cards are not illustrated ion the booklet). Card descriptions include the number and name of the card, the playing card association, keywords for that card, and two pages describing the fairy tale association and how it relates to the traditional meaning of the Lenormand card.

AUTHOR

As stated on her _web site_,  Arwen Lynch “began reading the Tarot in 1980 when a friend handed her the Thoth deck. She didn’t really like the Thoth deck then (her opinion has changed since) so moved on to the Herbal Tarot which she still has in her collection of over 150 Tarot and Oracle decks.” A past president of the American Tarot Association, Lynch is also the author of several books under the pen name Marilu Mann.

ART

Lisa Hunt’s art is well known in the cartomancy community thanks to her work on beautiful tarot and oracle decks such as the Animals Divine Tarot (Llewellyn Publications), The Winged Enchantment Oracle by Lesley Morrison (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.), Ghosts and Spirits Tarot (U.S. Games), Fantastical Creatures Tarot by D.J. Conway (U.S. Games), Shapeshifter Tarot by D.J. Conway and Sirona Knight (Llewellyn Publications), The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn Publications), and The Celtic Dragon Tarot by D.J. Conway (Llewellyn Publications).

Lisa writes: “My artwork is about letting go and allowing a confluence of emotion to help paint the picture.” She is inspired by “almost anything: nature, reading (especially mythology and folklore), traveling and visiting parks and zoos, etc.”

You can read about Lisa’s technique and creative process HERE.

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

Review: Fin de Siècle Kipper

Fin de Siècle Kipper

by _Ciro Marchetti_

Guidebook: 83 pages

_U.S. Games Systems Inc._

Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 1 x 4.6 inches

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

I dipped my toe in the Kipper pond awhile back with the Mystical Kipper deck by Regula Elizabeth Fiechter, with images painted by Urban Trösch (AGM Urania). Since I love Ciro Marchetti’s art, I was delighted when I heard that he was doing a Kipper. I enjoyed following along on Facebook as he shared the process, and I have no problem testifying that the end result is stunning!

I love how the image on 5-Mature Man immediately reminded me of “The Most Interesting Man in the World” (Dos Equis commercials), and how, as I looked more closely, I saw that the man’s gaze is directed at the globe, his eyes seeming to express many different things at once.

How intriguing that the man on 22-Official Person immediately reminded me of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (1868-1918), even though he does not have the Tsar’s distinctive hair line. Number 37-Poverty makes me think of Oliver Twist, the main character in the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens (1812-1870), while 24-Thief brings to mind the Artful Dodger from that same book.

Marchetti tells us that he wanted to provide a “more realistic perspective” of the era instead of an idealization or “social propaganda.” The cards do indeed offer that realism, but they also evoke the charm of that more romantic perspective we have developed over time.

My favorite cards include 36-Distant Horizons, with that glorious wooden ship sailing over the clouds, its multi-colored sails billowing; 35-Pathway, with a setting that draws me in to the point where I can feel the ground beneath my feet; and 10-Journey (in my mind, I hurry to join the man standing by the train – surely one of those bags belongs to me!)

Guidebook / "Little White Book"

And it’s not just a bunch of beautiful cards. The guidebook is a true treasure, containing an impressive amount of information and insight -- historical, personal, and divinatory.

I completely agree with Fortune Buchholtz, who writes, “Overall, I see Ciro’s Kipper as a fun, complex 19th century novel. Like a Dickens work, it’s replete with adventure, travel and personalities, a work touched with nostalgia, romance, social life and a sense of drama.” With all that gorgeous art. Win!

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

“Ciro Marchetti has situated the traditional German fortune telling deck at the turn of the 19th century in Victorian England. In this expanded gilt deck with three additional cards, rich images tell the stories of the workers as well as the wealthy during the Industrial Revolution. Using augmented reality, via the Aurasma application, Ciro has brought the Fin de Siècle cards to life in stunning, new ways. Guidebook with interpretations by three expert contributors. Includes 39 cards.”

BASIC INFORMATION

The Kipper cards (Kipperkarten) may seem like a “new idea” to many of us, but they have been known and loved in Germany for generations. It is believed they came into being around 1900, but their precise origin remains obscure. One hypothesis involves a woman named Susanne Kipper from Berlin. The second theory connects the cards with the Kipper (Wipper) people, who traveled across the country much like the gypsies.

The title of this particular Kipper deck is “Fin de Siècle,” which in French means “end of century.” The term can be used to refer to the end of any century, but is most commonly used in reference to the 19th century, also referred to as a Victorian/Edwardian setting.

Like the Lenormand, the Kipper deck has 36 numbered cards depicting scenes from 19th century daily life. Points of difference between the Lenormand and Kipper include the Kipper having what Fortune Buchholtz calls “profound human and interior cards not found in Lenormand.” The Kipper cards do not contain references to playing cards.

Here are the standard titles on Kipper cards, with the titles from the Fin de Siècle Kipper in parentheses where different. Also, notice that the Fin de Siècle deck has 39 cards rather than 36:
1) Main Person/Male
2) Main Person/Female
3) Marriage
4) Meeting (Courtship)
5) Good Lord / Gentleman (Mature Man)
6) Good Lady (Mature Woman)
7) Good/Welcome/Pleasant Letter (Message)
8) False Person
9) A Change
10) A Journey
11) Winning/Gaining a Lot of Money (Sudden Wealth)
12) Rich Maiden/Girl (Privileged Lady)
13) Good Rich Lord/Gentleman (Wealthy Man)
14) Sad News (Message of Concern)
15) Good Results/Success in Love (Lovers)
16) His Thoughts (Thoughts)
17) Receiving a Present/Gift (Gift)
18) A Small/Little Child (Child)
19) Death/Bereavement (Coffin)
20) House

21) Living Room (Family Room)
22) Soldier/Military Man/Person (Official Person)
23) Courthouse/Court
24) Theft
25) Reaching Great Honor/High Honors
26) Great Luck/Happiness (Great Fortune)
27) Unexpected Money (Unexpected Income)
28) Wait/Expectation
29) Prison (Imprisonment)
30) Man of the Courthouse/Court Person (Judication)
31) Short Illness (Bad Health)
32) Sorrow/Grief and Adversities (Despair)
33) Nagging or Sad/Gloomy Thoughts (Concern)
34) Work/Occupation
35) A Long Way/Road (Pathway)
36) Hope or Great/Big Water (Distant Horizons)




Fin de Siècle Kipper Only:
37) Poverty
38) Toil & Labour
39) Community

Marchetti added 37, 38, and 39 to flesh out the deck.

Following a lengthy and detailed Introduction by Marchetti, the Fin de Siècle Kipper guidebook offers commentary by Fortune Buchholtz and Stella Waldvogel. Descriptions of the cards are written by Buchholtz, Waldvogel, Susanne Zitzi, and Ciro Marchetti (the writer’s initials are indicated at the end of each interpretation, so readers know who is providing the information).

Each card description has several paragraphs of information, explanation of symbols, and possible interactions with other cards. A black-and-white thumbnail version of the card appears next to its entry.

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The cards are printed on high quality stock with a glossy laminate finish and silver-gilt edges. At 4-1/8 inches by 2-3/4 inches (my measurements), they fit nicely in my hands. I am able to poker-shuffle them, but I don’t recommend it with this deck. I want to keep these cards in their current, beautiful condition.

Card fronts feature a black background with a silver frame enclosing an image. The card numbers are silver and centered in a circle at the top. The titles, also silver, are centered at the bottom in capital letters. The nonreversible card backs have an ornate frame within a frame against a black background. Centered against a purple diamond-pattern is a jester’s mask (I have seen this diamond-pattern referred to as black and gray, but in my deck, it is most certainly a dark and light purple).

The sturdy, attractive box measures 4-1/2 inches by 3 inches and fastens with a magnetic closure on one side – top-notch quality. The cards and guidebook fit perfectly.

The 83-page guidebook (2-3/4 x 4 inches) is a high-quality version of the standard “little white book” often available with Tarot and Oracle cards, bound in a stiff cover that features the 4 - Courtship card in color.

Printing inside the booklet is black and white, with tiny greyscale images representing the cards. In addition to the card descriptions, the guidebook includes a Triple Pyramid Spread by Stella Waldvogel and Susanne’s SOS Spread by Susanne Zitzi.

An added bonus with this deck is the interactive system developed by Marchetti – a set of augmented reality videos referred to as “Auras,” created to work with a free application called Aurasma. Using this app, you can point your device’s camera at any card. The app will recognize the card and play the associated video, providing information about the meaning of the card.

ART

The Fin de Siècle Kipper presents Ciro Marchetti’s scenes from the Victorian/Edwardian time period in rich, glossy color. His goal was to incorporate “the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of human social interaction” in contrast to the original Kipper style, which depicted “cozy, domestic scenes” – “an idealization also projected in much of the art of that period.” The images are realistic and detailed, with that special glow we have come to expect from a Marchetti deck. People’s faces and eyes are expressive, and the colors and lighting speak volumes.








In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

Review: Dreaming Way Lenormand

R E V I E W

Dreaming Way Lenormand

Author: Lynn Araujo

Artist: Kwon Shina

_U.S. Games Systems, Inc._

ISBN 978-1-57281-758-6

36 cards, 2.5” x 3.5” 

Box, 2.875” x 3.875”

_About My Reviews_

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

Who can resist the blend of Lenormand cards, Kwon Shina’s art (which I knew and loved from the Dreaming Way Tarot published by U.S. Games), and commentary by the accomplished Lynn Araujo? Yes, I was “predisposed” to like (love) this deck – but I think maybe you are, too!

Anyway, for those of you convinced that there were a limited number of ways the Lenormand cards could be presented and they’d all been done, Kwon Shina didn’t get the memo. Her Bear (card 15) is a person covering his or her face with a bear mask; her Fish (on card 34) seem to be flying rather than swimming, protected from the elements by a large umbrella; her Book (card 26) has an open door carved out of one side. The Fox (card 14) is draped over the shoulder of a woman as if it is her pet or part of her apparel. Exploring each card is a delight and a challenge.

Araujo’s Little White Book is written in a clear, concise style that imparts a lot of information without droning on and on. The Introduction brings us into the process and elements involved in the creation of the deck. I really like the idea of using quotations from famous people to represent each card and the quotations that were chosen.

Here is a “Daily Draw” I did for today: two cards for advice/insight into the day ahead.

I love the overall “green” vibe in this pair of cards. With the House we get a sense of “security, stability, comfort, structure, welcome” (LWB). The Tree offers “health, vitality, well-being, stewardship, ecology, fertility.” I work from my home, which is surrounded by trees. I was just getting ready to go outside and sit on our deck with my breakfast and a book.

These two cards together convey serenity and well-being, a sense of stability along with an opportunity to thrive and grow – and encouragement to help everything around me thrive and grow. So perhaps not an “eventful” day, as such, but one that allows for contemplation and a renewed commitment to stewardship.

I can certainly see myself using this deck on a regular basis, and I will be sure to share some of those readings on Tarot Notes!

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

"This charming 36-card Petit Lenormand deck offers fresh, new perspectives for this traditional system of fortune telling. Contemporary Korean artist Kwon Shina’s imaginative style of artwork provides the reader with clever visual cues that capture the mood, nuances, and inner meanings of the cards. When you look at the Dog card, you will know in an instant this card portrays loyal friendship, not a threat. If you are learning Lenormand for the first time, this is a delightful deck to learn the core meanings. If you are already familiar with the Lenormand system, Kwon’s dreamy images will inspire you to look at Lenormand in a whole new way. The 92-page booklet offers keywords, quotations and interpretations that help the reader understand the lively narrative interplay between the 36 cards. Dreaming Way Lenormand will allow you to do insightful readings that bring clarity to any situation, whether you are working with pairs of cards, the Grand Tableau or one of the starter spreads suggested in the instructions."

BASIC INFORMATION

The 36 cards in this deck follow the traditional names, numbers, and playing card associations linked with Lenormand cards. Images are printed on glossy, sturdy card stock. The cards are packaged in a beautiful, sturdy box with a lift-off lid. The “Little White Book” is particularly nice, with a colorful card-stock cover.

The cards measure 2.5” x 3.5”. The card numbers appear top and center in a circle with a white background. The name and playing card associations appear at the bottom, centered in a rectangle with a solid white background. The images extend to all corners (no borders). Card corners are rounded.

Card backs feature a row of houses and a whimsical, jester-type figure in a butterfly mask. The figure is repeated randomly in various sizes and places – in the sky, on the roof, etc. I get the impression that the figures are rising continuously from the ground into the air, pausing occasionally to pose on a rooftop. I suppose they could also be floating downward to land on the ground. Or both at the same time!

The Little White Book includes an information Introduction by author Lynn Araujo, who also provides a two-page spread on each card featuring the card number, title, and playing card association; a quotation; a description/discussion of the card meaning; and a set of keywords. This pattern is broken occasionally. There is no quotation for the Man or the Lady cards, and the Lilies card description features two quotations.

For example, the quotation chosen for 1. Rider – 9 Hearts is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” Keywords for this card are: News, change, movement, messages, discovery, visitor, opportunity.

A section in the back of the booklet titled “Reading with Dreaming Way Lenormand” offers examples of a 2-card spread, a line of five cards, and the Spiral Spread, which can be done with any number of cards (ten cards or more seems ideal).

Lynn Araujo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Lynn Araujo is Director of Communications & Editorial at U.S. Games Systems, Inc. As she tells us in the Introduction to the Dreaming Way Lenormand, “I had worked on a number of Lenormand projects (Gilded Reverie, Under the Roses, Celtic Lenormand, Blue Bird Lenormand and Maybe Lenormand) before taking on the assignment of writing this booklet, so I was well versed in the traditional card meanings. I have also studied the methodology for reading with the Lenormand system of divination.” Araujo’s clear, direct writing style is perfect for seasoned Lenormand readers as well as beginners.

ART 

Many of us are familiar with Kwon Shina’s art from the Dreaming Way Tarot (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) For the Dreaming Way Lenormand, Shina gives us evocative, often whimsical images and vignettes, some in pastels, others in vivid, bright colors. Each card provides a basic, recognizable Lenormand visual, along with subtle, often playful touches that are fun to seek and discover. For example, on card 17, the Stork stands proudly by the seashore. Closer inspection reveals a nest of eggs on the Stork’s head, emphasizing the idea of an imminent “birth” of a child, new season, or new arrival of some kind. On the Coffin card, we see a sardine can, the top of which has been partly rolled up to reveal the lower half of a girl’s body. As Araujo states in the LWB: “We don’t know if the can is being opened or closed. The person may have chosen to retreat into a dark place, away from people and problems.”

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

Review: Mystical Wisdom Card Deck

R E V I E W

Mystical Wisdom Card Deck 

by Gaye Guthrie (Author)

Josephine Wall (Author, Illustrator)

46 cards; 64-page guidebook

U.S. Games Systems Inc. 

_About My Reviews_

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

Using the word “Mystical” or “Mystic” in the name of a product pretty much ensures that I will want to take a close look at it. (Observe my Tarot/Oracle card collection featuring such titles as Mystic Dreamer, Mystic Faerie, Mystical Cats, Mystic Spiral). I’m not big on “Angel” oracles, so I was delighted to see that in addition to angelic influences, the creators of the Mystical Wisdom card deck incorporated gods, goddesses, fairies, and animal spirit guides. (My favorites are the animal spirit cards, but you probably already knew that!)

I’m also not a big fan of saccharine messages and affirmations, especially when paired with airy-fairy art that is somehow supposed to make everything okay (it doesn’t), so I am pleased to note that the Mystical Wisdom cards (while certainly inspirational and uplifting) allow for awareness and exploration of life’s complexities. As I mentioned below under “Art,” the depth of color, detail, and imagination in each of these cards is truly satisfying.

This deck is a wonderful choice for a daily card draw – either for inspiration or to answer a specific question. The deck creators also suggest a 3-card spread that would cover the beginning of the week, the middle of the week, and the end of the week. The deck also works well with Past-Present-Future-Outcome readings and the Celtic Cross. Watch this blog for a reading with this deck to appear soon!

I also appreciate the following comments, found in the guidebook: “The cards offer you choices and options. It is up to you or the seeker to determine what is right for you at the time of the reading. The universe works in mysterious ways so the timing of indicated events may occur either sooner than predicted, or you may have to wait a little longer…” I tell my clients this with every reading I provide.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

“Featuring the enchanting artwork of Josephine Wall, the Mystical Wisdom Deck provides guidance for the present and inspiration for the future. Archangels, goddesses, spirit animals, fairies and wonderful, mystical creatures deliver uplifting messages and gentle advice to help you get past all of life’s challenges and get back to joy! The Mystical Wisdom Deck includes 46 cards with a 64-page illustrated guidebook full of hope and wisdom.

Other decks with artwork by Josephine Wall: Nature’s Whispers Oracle Cards and Whispers of Love Oracle Cards.”

BASIC INFORMATION

The Mystical Wisdom card deck in intended to “provide a form of divination inspired by the gods, goddesses, angels, and animal spirit guides.”

The 64-page guidebook includes a section on How to Use the Mystical Wisdom Cards (three angel cards for guidance and protection, eight animal guides, and 35 other cards for insight and inspiration); a section on Reading the Cards with 1-card, 3-card, 4-card, and Celtic Cross spreads; a page About Gaye Guthrie; and a page About Josephine Wall. The middle of the booklet consists of a page on each card that provides the title of the card, a keyphrase (both of which appear on the cards themselves), a description of the card meaning, and a Mantra.

For example:

Card Title: GOOD FORTUNE
Keyphrase: Invite Magic In
Card Meaning: “Welcome to the magic of life! All good things are coming your way. You deserve your heart’s desires, so allow yourself to feel good now. When you send out positive energy and are ready to receive, providence gets into action. You don’t need to understand how this happens, just trust that the universe is at work and will rearrange itself to make the right things happen for you. After you have asked for what you desire, give thanks and trust that it will occur.”
Mantra: “I trust in the magic of life to fulfill my desires.”

The guidebook tells us that reversed cards or cards that fall out when shuffling “mean that you need to pay more attention to the issue connected to the message in the card” and adds, “It does not automatically come with a negative interpretation.” (emphasis mine)


APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

Printed on sturdy stock, the cards measure 3-3/4 x 5-1/2 inches – too large to “poker shuffle” (which I don’t recommend anyway) but easy enough to shuffle using other methods. The artwork benefits from this size, as well as from the lack of borders.

Card backs are pink and yellow design, reversible except for the publisher's stamp, which is barely noticeable along the side near the bottom of each card.

The booklet is sturdy, with a lovely full-color glossy cover. Illustrations inside the booklet are grayscale. Text is black on white stock, serif font, easy to read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a Lifestyle Coach and Psychic Medium, Gaye Guthrie is no stranger to the world of magic and miracles, and she is well qualified to inspire hope, comfort, and the courage to believe in yourself and follow your dreams. She is the founder of _Angel Power Exclusive_, whose mission it is “to inspire, uplift, nurture and empower the human spirit through the medium of Angels.”




ART 

Quoting from Josephine Wall’s web site: “From childhood Josephine has had a passion for light and colour, fantasy and visual story telling. . . Much of the inspiration for her mystical images comes from her close observation of nature and her interest in its preservation. Though she often strives to impart a message in her scenes, she also hopes to inspire in her audience a personal journey into the magical world of their own imagination.”

The art is almost always a make-or-break feature for me when I look at decks, and Josephine Wall’s artwork is gorgeous and so much more than “a pretty face.” Each card provides a wealth of detail, color, and imagination. From the rich, moody purple, blue, and indigo of the “Moving Forward” card to the cheery gold, yellow, and green of the “Vacation” card, Wall uses her palette with great skill, weaving into each image a story worth meditating upon.

To see more of Josephine Wall's art, visit her web site: http://www.josephinewall.co.uk/

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.

Review: Journey to the Goddess Realm Oracle Deck

R E V I E W

Journey to the Goddess Realm Oracle Deck

by Lisa Porter

_U.S. Games Systems, Inc._

39 oracle cards; 48-page guidebook

Cards measure 3.5" x 5.75"

ISBN  978-1-57281-730-2

_About My Reviews_

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

With its skillful blend of whimsy, substance, and charm, the Goddess Realm Oracle Deck is a feast for the eyes and the spirit. I found myself being drawn into individual images, feeling a connection with many of the goddesses, and thoroughly enjoying my interaction with them. Part of the beauty of this deck is that I am strongly attracted to some of the images and somewhat repulsed by others. I believe it will be beneficial for me to further explore both.

With Journey to the Goddess Realm, Lisa Porter has brought us high-powered feminine energy from pantheons in all parts of the globe, including Japan, Wales, Crete, Russia, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Egypt, India, Africa, Scotland, the Arctic, North America, Italy, and Australia. In my book, that gives her bonus points for being inclusive of many cultures. Also, I really like the snapshot Lisa gives us of the history and cultural background of each goddess and her comments on the symbolic details she has included in the images. I think this could be a great deck to use in conjunction with The Goddess Tarot by Kris Waldherr (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) and I intend to give that a try. Stay tuned for a deck interview with the Goddess Realm oracle deck as well.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

“As you journey with the Goddesses, call on these ancient deities for help with all your daily decisions and challenges. Inspiring you with their ancient wisdom, they will help you strengthen your intuition and guide you toward enhanced conscious awareness. Journey to the Goddess Realm 39-card deck includes 36 Goddess cards, three Confirmation cards, and a 48-page booklet. This pantheon of Goddesses depicted with vibrant artwork includes: Ishtar, Isis, Kali, Quan Yin, Rhiannon and others. Includes 39 cards and a 48-page guidebook.”

BASIC INFORMATION

This 39-card deck includes 36 Goddess cards, three Confirmation cards, and a 48-page booklet. The booklet is not illustrated except for a grayscale rendering of the Baba Yaga figure from Card 6. There is no Table of Contents. For each card, the booklet provides the name of the goddess, the card subtitle, a paragraph describing the goddess and explaining the illustration on the card, keywords for the card, and “shadow” meanings for the card.

Lisa Porter is a self-taught artist and illustrator. She was raised in the central wheat belt area of Western Australia, in the small farming town of Northampton. She has drawn and painted all through her life, employing a diversity of methods and techniques. Her creative explorations have also led her into many philosophical and spiritual areas.

In her Introduction to the guidebook, Lisa answers the questions “Who are the Goddesses?”, “How can the Goddesses assist me?”, and “How/Why do we use these cards?” Basically, her position is that “the goddesses are here to assist in activating your higher conscious awareness. Since your individual goddess resides in your spirit, it is necessary to reintegrate your spirit back into your body to discover your own inner goddess.” We can use this oracle to reveal exactly where our “conscious/subconscious energy field resonates the strongest.” Readings can be done with any number of cards in any layout desired by the reader, including the traditional Celtic Cross spread. Lisa notes that after using these cards for some time, we may find that we “begin to have visions, knowingness, sparks of inspiration, intuitions, lucid awareness, signs and deeper understandings of matters that once appeared confusing or meaningless.”

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The cards are printed on sturdy stock and packaged in a flip-top box. They measure 3.5" x 5.75", which is too large for people with small hands to “poker shuffle” but other shuffling methods, such as the push-pull method, will work just fine.

Card fronts feature an illustration centered on an indigo background. Each image is framed in a color that complements or matches a color in the illustration. The name of the goddess appears centered at the top of the card face in an attractive script-style font. Centered below the image are the card’s subtitle and number.

Card backs feature a mandala pattern in shades of red, orange, blue and green.

ART

Images are alive with vibrant color and symbolic details, many of which are explained in the guidebook. Many of the goddesses are depicted as tall and slim, with long, slender legs. Exceptions include my personal favorite, the Slavic grandmother Baba Yaga, who is drawn as a generously proportioned older woman flying through the air in a cauldron while smoking a pipe, and the bawdy Greek goddess Baubo, who raises her dress to reveal plump legs clad in striped stockings. All of these ladies have plenty of personality, poise, and power – just what we expect from goddesses.

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.