SPIRITUAL REVIEW - Pathworking the Tarot: Spiritual Guidance & Practical Advice from the Cards - Leeza Robertson

Release Date: 08/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Deepen your connection to the tarot cards with this book's amazing approach to pathworking. Just as using a tarot deck is a journey through a story, so is pathworking a journey of meditating. As you pathwork through the cards, you'll learn how to meditate on what is discovered in your readings. Pathworking the Tarot introduces you to three pathworking styles: intentional (intentionally selecting cards based on theme), intuitive (letting the cards guide you), and wandering (combining a little of both the intentional and intuitive styles).

Using straightforward techniques and hands-on exercises, author Leeza Robertson guides you through each of the 78 cards and the story it tells. This remarkable book inspires you to go further, deeper, and wider with your tarot knowledge and to expand your spiritual being through your experiences with your deck.


REVIEW: Having recently read one book on tarot, my interest has only increased and my thirst for knowledge needs sating, so when I had the chance to read and work my way through exercises explaining how to connect a personal relationship with the cards I couldn't wait to expand my understanding.

The book is well written, takes the reader on a journey that helps you understand the cards more regardless of which set you use and above all else helps you find ways to use them in your reading that will allow you to make connections and remember them without having to keep refering to individual pieces of paper.

Yes theres' a lot within this book and you will end up rereading multiple cards a number of times to help you get the meanings contained within but with this guide it allows you to easily take it at your own pace to help commit to memory. For me its a book I will reread a good few times and I do feel its a title that will give a lot to anyone who reads it.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: The Ancient Magick of Trees - Greogry Michael Brewer

Release Date: 08/10/19
Publisher:   Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Part field guide and part magical resource, this unique book helps you not only identify more than one hundred common trees across North America and Europe but also discover their medicinal and magickal properties. Author Gregory Brewer provides detailed information about the mythology and symbolism of trees from around the world along with an abundance of exercises and meditations suitable for Pagans of all skill levels and traditions. Highly organized and easy to use, The Ancient Magick of Trees is the only book you'll need while studying trees. Whether you're seeking the scientific characteristics of a particular species or the folk traditions and remedies associated with it, this comprehensive guide is a must-have for those who want to grow their magical practice and enhance their understanding of our unique relationship with trees.

REVIEW:  
Whilst we all know that tree's effect our every day life as well as can alter our moods, we very rarely look deeper than that often choosing to destroy rather than nurture believing that we're the pinnacle of intelligence. 

Within this title, the reader if given thoughts to question our understanding of the natural world as well as clear thoughts about how through various texts the ancients revered and understood the importance of the natural world around us. Add to this a well written break down of the various trees and their medicinal as well as magical properties and for me, its a book that is well written, has you asking questions and for me is something that is not only though provoking but a chance to get to know the natural world a lot better. Great stuff.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Morbid Magic - Tomas Prower

Release Date: 01/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Written with a mix of reverence, approachability, and deadpan wit by an actual mortician, Morbid Magic is the first multicultural guide to death spirituality and traditions from all over the world and throughout history. Discover the lore and magic of death, both on the physical and spiritual planes. Explore hands-on activities, spells, and prayers that will help you work through your own mourning process. Take solace in the personal stories and anecdotes contributed by writers from a variety of cultures and religions. This fascinating book makes death a more approachable topic, and it helps you understand and utilize the profound wisdom of cultures around the globe. Morbid Magic presents an amazing, in-depth look at how the world deals with death.

REVIEW: Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes however people are normally more willing to talk about the taxes side of things rather than death. Having recently gone through a bereavement in the family I've been coping the best way I can by working my way through it. So when this title arrived to review I was more than interested.

Taking the reader on a death tour of the world, we get to see how many cultures deal with death, traditions associated with it and presents you with a number of exercises to work through so that you see death as a part of your own cycle and helps you plan for not only dealing with the loss of those who have left you but also to give you idea's and thoughts on how to deal with what will happen after you own time.

Its well written, advice and information comes from those knowledgable of each religion and also all round tells you things in a matter of fact way. Back this up with an easy to follow journey of the world and all round its a more than fascinating read.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: The Language of Tarot - Jeannie Reed

Release Date: 01/10/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Learn how to give amazingly accurate and insightful tarot readings with little or no guesswork. This revolutionary guide, written by a tarot master with more than thirty years of experience, reveals a simple, proven system that makes reading cards in a spread nearly as straightforward as reading words on a page. The Language of Tarot presents an innovative system that treats tarot as a science. Jeannie Reed discovered that when the same two or three cards appear together, it always means the same issue in her client s life. This amazing book reveals what she learned, translating each combination for you and supplying examples that support each lesson until you are fluent in the language of tarot.
REVIEW: A book that I absolutely loved and brought the whole aspect of Tarot to the fore in lessons that were well explained, taking a lot of the mysticism and superstition out of the practice, demonstrating that Tarot is a marriage of the left and right side of the brains to interpret to help others not only see how they can work out their problems but also suggests that it is not something that is a fix all helping pass the clients onto professionals who can help them more such as a Psychotherapist.

Its well written, the book will take multiple rereads to learn the meanings of the cards alongside what their combinations can mean and for me is a book that will be of use for a long time as its also written in a very friendly manner that helps the lessons become absorbed.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: The Illustrated Besiary - Maia Toll

Release Date: 17/09/19
Publisher: Storey Publication



SYNOPSIS: From spirit animals to totems, people across cultures and through the centuries have felt a spiritual and symbolic connection to animals. In this follow-up to her best-selling book The Illustrated Herbiary, author, herbalist, and spiritual wellness guide Maia Toll explores that magical, mystical relationship and the power of animal energy to help illuminate personal habits, guide intentions, and inform actions. Following profiles that highlight each animal's most meaningful trait, Toll provides rituals and reflections that guide readers in cultivating that animal's energy in their own lives. Does the spotted skunk's ability to ward off enemies many times her size shed light on how to handle our own conflicts? Can katydid's five eyes lend a clarity of vision when we need to see the bigger picture? Thirty-six oracle cards featuring art from the book by illustrator Kate O'Hara help shape readers' meditations. From the humble house mouse to the magnificent elephant, this beautifully illustrated guide to animal spirits provides deep insights and new ways of connecting with the creatures that walk, crawl, slither, swim, and fly.  


REVIEW:  
A different take on the spiritual animal front and one that gives you exercises to help you analyze your life through animal aspects to figure out solutions as well as getting you to question yourself on a level you may never have done before. Accompanied with beautifully illustrated cards, each aspect brings something to the fore that is delightfully fresh and whilst its written from a questioning point of view, the book is friendly easy to dip into and for me, with the exercises allowed me to get a deeper understanding of various area's of my own life as well as choices I've made. 

 Its introspective, allows for your own journey and with the ability to utilize the cards as a means to get answers for problems that you're going through, makes this a title that adds something new and different to your conscious thoughts.

SPIRITUAL REVIEW: Dragon Magick: Call on the Clans to help your practice soar - DJ Conway

Release Date:  08/08/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Connect with the Boundless Energy and Life-Changing Magick of Dragons
Discover how to work magick with the mighty dragon clans in this powerful book from bestselling author and dragon expert D. J. Conway. Perfect for beginners and experienced dragon handlers alike, this impressive guide first covers the basics of dragons and magick, and then provides comprehensive information about the thirty-three clans.

Explore each dragon's personality, coloring, eye traits, and claw, wing, and scale shape. Learn about the clans' different communication styles and how they approach honor, respect, and more. Build a personal connection with your guardian dragon through meditations and spells. This marvelous book opens the door to the world of dragons and allows you to soar with them to new heights of magick.


REVIEW: Magick is personal to each user and what works for one witch may not work with another. Some choose to work with ancient pantheons, other choose to work with nature yet for some its finding that connection with the mythical that allows them to find their own way within their practice.

Here DJ explains each of the dragon clans, exercises in how to find your teacher and ally and how to develop your relationship to another plane of understanding. Its written in a way that is friendly, shows the authors passion for these ancient beings who have stories in all cultures around the world and also allows the various genus; to bring their own gifts to the fore. Entertaining and full of knowledge for anyone interested in connecting.

SPIRITUAL AND NATURAL WORLD: Llewellyn's Complete Book of Essential Oils - Sandra Kynes

Release Date: 08/08/19
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications



SYNOPSIS: Discover the Most Effective Essential Oils and Remedies for Healing, Emotional Support, Aromatherapy & Self-Care Recognized throughout history for their spiritual power, healing effects, and pleasing aromas, essential oils are must-have tools on the journey to wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Filled with tips, techniques, and hundreds of recipes, Llewellyn's Complete Book of Essential Oils shares the most important and up-to-date information about essential oils, including extraction methods, blending, perfume notes, medicinal remedies, personal care products, aromatherapy, spiritual and magical uses, chakras, feng shui, and much, much more. Detailed profiles for 68 essential oils, including: Amyris • Angelica • Basil • Bay Laurel • Cajeput • Caraway Seed • Cypress • Elemi • Eucalyptus • Fir Needle • Frankincense • Geranium • Ginger • Hyssop • Juniper Berry • Lavender • Lime • Mandarin • Marjoram • Myrrh • Niaouli • Orange • Palmarosa • Patchouli • Peppermint • Petitgrain • Rose • Rosemary • Sage • Sandalwood • Spearmint • Tea Tree • Thyme • Vetiver • Ylang-Ylang Descriptions of 12 carrier oils and 2 infused oils: Almond • Apricot • Avocado • Borage • Calendula • Coconut • Evening Primrose • Hazelnut • Jojoba • Olive • Rosehip Seed • Sesame • St. John's Wort • Sunflower Remedies for 75 common ailments, including: Acne • Arthritis • Athlete's Foot • Blisters • Bronchitis • Bruises • Chapped Skin • Colds • Corns • Dermatitis • Eczema • Fever • Flu • Hay Fever • Headaches • Inflammation • Insomnia • Jet Lag • Migraines • Muscle Aches • Nausea • Psoriasis • Sinus Infection • Sprains • Stress • Tendonitis Recipes for 100 personal and home care products, including: Birthday Perfume Blends • Bath Bombs • Bath Oils & Salts • Facial & Hand Scrubs • Hair Conditioner • Massage Oils • Moisturizers • Scented Candles • Shower Melts • Toners & Astringents • Aromatherapy Room Spray • Carpet Powder • Fridge Freshener • Furniture Polish • Glass Cleaner • Microwave Cleaner • Mold Inhibitor • Natural Pest Control • Surface Cleaners  


REVIEW:  
Whilst many think of essential oils as a way to put some scents within the house and as something a little bit hippy, if you get the natural ones rather than the synthetic (which this title explains how to get the right ones) you can do a lot from creating your own scents for perfume through to making your own bodywash alongside creating blends to help lift your mood. Its well thought out, talks you through how to select complimentary scents and also how to make your own unique oils for every day use. 

 Its detailed, its comprehensive and with so many options alongside lessons to learn within, whilst not making you an expert provides you with enough background information for you to make informed choices and a good solid grounding. All round a great read and a book that I'll be referring to time and again on my own journey. I really can't recommend this title enough.