Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
Starting as usual with the physical attributes of the book, I have to say this is one of the softest books I have held. The deck comes inside a covered box with the soft cover book laid on top. The book is a bit smaller than I would like but understandable considering the delivery. The print is a bit small for my 50 year old eye and working to hold the book open was a bit of a struggle. But I did manage to be able to hold it, although awkwardly.
The art on the cards is pretty amazing. It seems to be a cross between 1920's pop culture and 1990's flash. The author gives us the background of the inspiration for the deck and includes a personal note on how it impacted her. There are five options for reading the cards, from a standard one card draw to the more elaborate "As above so Below" draw. The majority of the book is of course, definitions of the cards. They are the 42 Ideals of Ma'at. I won't list them out here but I can say I found a special connection to "I live in Truth" and "I speak with Sincerity"
I generally have a difficult time with giving a fair evaluation of Tarot and Oracle cards, but the author helped me out quite a bit with a simple definition of the two. I had not really considered this until reading her piece on it.
"If the tarot serves as the blueprint of the spirit in structure and the archetypal elements that encompass the universe mind or consciousness, the oracle may be viewed as something of a Rorschach test, a peek into the subconscious mind and the language of dreams."
That indeed sums up exactly what I find when I use oracle cards and the approach I'm taking in working on my own deck. I'll be publishing my own creation dedicated to the Goddess Hecate in the not too distant future.
Overall this is a really nice deck. The art is fun and whimsical at times and feels very bold and modern. The descriptions are easy to read and the author provides an excellent backstory for the cards. I think this is a nice set for any oracle collector or devotee of Ma'at to have in their collection.
This year I was lucky enough to attend one of the most exciting magical festivals in the south, HexFest. This is an overview of my first night in New Orleans and the workshops I attended.
Friday - Arrival and Graveyard Tour
I arrived in New Orleans Friday morning at around 9:00 am local time. I flew Spirit Airlines (how fitting) and had a relativity good flight. It is a very economical way to travel, I managed to get a round trip ticket for the price that the other carriers one way was. The flight crew was pleasant and the plane well kept. This was my first flight in over 10 years due to an experience I had flying in a plane where I had to request a seat belt extension due to my size at the time.
My switch to a whole food plant based lifestyle has allowed me to not only conquer my flying phobias but also introduced me to an entirely new food experience. You can find more information on WFPB and my journey at Real Rations.
Spirit Airlines - On the way to Hexfest
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
I took the airport shuttle over to the hotel and met up with Sorita d'Este to begin our Nolo adventures. We ended up walking around the French Quarter, checking out shops and galleries.
Site Seeing before Hexfest
Renee Sosanna Olson & Sorita d'Este
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Tomb of Marie Laveau
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Tomb of Marie Laveau Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Tomb of Marie Laveau Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Tomb of Marie Laveau
Renee Sosanna Olson & Sorita d'Este Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sorita d'Este
St Louis Cemetery No. 1
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Renee Sosanna Olson St Louis Cemetery No. 1 Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Nicholas Cage Tomb St Louis Cemetery No. 1 Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sorita d'Este St Louis Cemetery No. 1 Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sorita d'Este St Louis Cemetery No. 1 Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sorita d'Este St Louis Cemetery No. 1 Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
You can find additional info on the cemetery here. The tour guide and the staff were fantastic. They even helped us locate the tomb of a friend to pay our respects to the dead.
Lunch
We struggled a bit finding good food for ourselves when we first arrived in Nola. Sorita is vegan and I am whole food plant based, which I set aside for the weekend and chose to simply look for vegan dishes instead. We stopped by Green Goddess before the cemetery, which had great reviews on the Happy Cow app but while we were there, they were prepping about 20 grapefruits just a few feet from us and I couldn't smell a single one. It made me sad. I should have been able to smell that grapefruit oil across the room. Instead we opted to head over to The Gumbo Shop on Saint Peter.
I have to say it was the spot I spent my entire weekend eating. They had a white bean, a black bean and a vegan po'boy that was simply amazing. I know that there was oil, but I gave myself permission to eat freely for the weekend and decided to try all the new things I could.
They have a separate menu for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. You can see their full menu here, minus the vegan options. It is just a sheet of paper laminated. I would love to see a little more attention paid to the menu and presentation. These dishes are fantastic and I think some may pass up this opportunity due to presentation. Maybe even just add them to the regular menu??
Vegan White Bean & Rice from The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Checking into the Hotel - Andrew Jackson
The main hotel was booked full so I stayed just around the corner at the Andrew Jackson. It was a beautiful hotel with a courtyard for chatting and having breakfast as well as relaxing (if you could) in the evening heat. I loved my room. I had a king size bed, which I could have added five more people to, and a huge bathroom. It was furnished with nice old furniture and even a few mirrors which I checked for ghosts!
The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
The Andrew Jackson Hotel Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
The Andrew Jackson Hotel Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
The Andrew Jackson Hotel Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Ghost Hunting - The Andrew Jackson Hotel Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Ghost Hunting - The Andrew Jackson Hotel Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
The riverboat evening was fantastic. Sorita and I road over in the shuttle and waited outside with hundreds of magical people to board the Creole Queen. It was so very hot. I chose to skip the complete black and wear something a bit lighter after my day in the sun. The boat was beautiful and the food delicious. We sat in the upper deck and enjoyed a wonderful vegetable medley, fresh salad and a wonderful vegan white bean dish. Which reminds me, I need to ask Christian who catered, because it was amazing. Our meat eating witches and warlocks had a beautiful spread which included traditional New Orleans staples as well as a beautiful looking bread pudding for dessert.
After dinner we mingled out on the deck under a beautiful Nola moon while Christian sang of the magic and mystery of Marie Laveau. Brian officiate the opening ritual setting our intentions for a brilliant weekend of magic, mischief and pedagogy.
Make your Witch Face
Renee & Sorita
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Such a Wonderful Time
Renee & Sorita Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Event Venue - Bourbon Orleans Hotel
The first day I found myself sitting outside the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans waiting for the vendors to unpack their magical wares. I ended up walking away with a beautiful piece. You can find yourself something amazing by friending up Sandra Wright on Facebook. This is the garnet and silver necklace that demanded I bring it home with me immediately.
Garnet in Sterling from Sandra Wright
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
So beautiful. I highly recommend connecting with Sandra and finding something that to speaks to you as well.
The ballroom was upstairs and the workshop rooms were downstairs. The first day was a flurry of activity. They were having the Red Dress Run on the same day and the crowd outside of some of the classrooms were a bit rowdy. My understanding is this is typical for New Orleans.
Red Dress Run Crowd outside HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
And while we're at it, let's do some Ghost Hunting....
More Ghost Hunting in the Andrew Jackson
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
The workshops I attended are below with a review and/or photos in no particular order.
The Cone of Power with Jason Mankey
This was a fantastic workshop. Jason was there bright eye'd and bushy tailed ready to lead the class. He may think otherwise but he did a great job presenting. It made me very interested in this topic considering our current political climate and I could see how we could really use some action like the witches used against Hitler.
Magic Happens
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Hekate: Unveiling the Queen of the Dead with Mulysa Mayhem
You know I had to attend this class. I have admired Mulysa for many years online and appreciate her directness and her knowledge of not only our mutual goddess but also her work in tattooing. I find that tattooing is a great sacrifice and with the letting of blood and the marking of the skin it calls out to all around you exactly who are you are. Both Sorita and I joined Mulysa's talk and found it thorough and full of insight. The packed room, also showed that not only is Hecate becoming more popular in today's pagan circles but Mulysa's perspective on the subject is sought after as well.
Magical Weapons with Sorita d'Este
The Magical Weapons workshop was fantastic. Seeing the historical illustrations related to wands, swords and knives was great. It has convinced me I need to decorate my home in daggers!
Weapons of Magic with Sorita d'Este
HexFest 2019
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Weapons of Magic with Sorita d'EsteHexFest 2019 Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Drawing Down the Moon - Jason Mankey
Another fantastic workshop at HexFest was this one. It made me, a person who does not particularly accept the idea that there are/were ever supreme beings, ask the question on my Facebook Page - Can I invoke a deity with just one person? Even my sister was surprised by this post. The descriptions of the energy felt in this process was truly magical. I have felt at times that I was lost in the ritual chant and music of the moment while participating in Rite of Her Sacred Fires. I would love to be able to harness that moment and call it back again and again.
If you haven't had the opportunity to hear Jason's perspective you can find his books here.
Drawing Down the Moon with Jason Mankey
HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
This class was truly fascinating. He provided solid tips for taking control of your own financial well-being and provide a takeaway that one only needs to put out the energy and call upon that return to have success and financial independence. He provided a look into his personal life and how he worked his magic to become the success he is today. You can find him across the web and of course at Crescent City Conjure in New Orleans.
Sen Elias - Money Magic at HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sen Elias - Money Magic at HexFest 2019 Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Sybil- Speaking for the Gods with Sorita d'Este
Always a deep passion of mine, oracles and fortune telling is to me something that is not quite magical but then not quite mundane either. This workshop provided a lot of insight on what I already felt my workings with Hecate would be from not only a magical level but also in my very public works with the Covenant of Hekate. I would like to add as well, when I played many of my role playing games, I often picked the name Sybil. This was well before my instruction on the Oracles of Delphi and any introduction into magic at all. This workshop was the exact moment when all I had been thinking about fell neatly into place and solidified my direction for the upcoming year.
Magical Sigil Dance by Laura Tempest Zakroff.
I have no photos of this class, because we stood and danced the entire time. I would have never taken this class but for Sorita's encouragement. It was the best decision of the weekend. We spent time learning about our feet and our happy armpits. It was a moment when I learned that even in this new body I have, I can be as magical as I want to be. I cannot really explain how amazing it was, but I did find a few links that maybe can help you see how much magic is in this force called Tempest. If you have the opportunity to see her preform, I highly recommend taking the time. It is something you won't want to miss. I found this great intro on YouTube.
Hekate Serpent Magic with Sorita d'Este
When I first discussing becoming a Torchbearer, a long black rat snake circled into my garage quickly as it arrived, passing through a threshold area before making its way out the door. This even cemented my decision to become more active in the Covenant of Hekate. I knew this workshop would bring some new information into a connection I had already made with the goddess. While not solely based on Hecate, Sorita provided a look at how the serpent had been included in mysticism and magic for centuries. We began the talk with a breathing exercise that really changed the entire tone of the room. We toned and centered and then were able to participate in a wonderful discussion. I even picked up some tips for serpent healing magic as well.
Appalachian Magic with Byron Ballard
This was what kicked the return of my accent into high gear. Byron Ballard, known as the Village Witch, gave a wonderful talk on working with the magic around you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and decided that I must see her speak again.
Panel Discussion — Stepping Away from the Circle: Sacred Sabbaticals for Sanity
Featuring Dorothy Morrison, Lady Rhea, Mulysa Mayhem, Sorita d'Este, and Thorn Mooney
Wonderful talk from some experienced voices in the witchcraft community. Each sharing their own personal experiences of the times that you just need to step away from the group and practice self care. The open discussion and range of experiences was fantastic to see. Overall an amazing experience to see that what we may feel is something that we are the only one dealing with, is something that many experience.
Panel Discussion - Leaving the Community HexFest 2019
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
FOOD
Take out for Sorita at The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
White Beans at The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
White Beans and Rice at The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Giant Strawberry from Rouse's Market
Photo Credit Renee Sosanna Olson
Rouse's Market
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
My Haul from Rouse's Market
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Vegan Po'Boy from The Gumbo Shop
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Notes to the Venue:
I loved the way that coffee and water was available in the hotel lobby. I thought that it could have been a bit more clear as to where the HexFest workshops were taking place. I also noticed a few people couldn't find the restrooms that easily.
While I loved how close the venue was to my hotel and to local shops, the Red Dress Run made two of the workshop presenters nearly deafened by the noise. While we cannot control what goes on outside, perhaps an amplifier or maybe a microphone to just bring their voices over the noise outside would be beneficial to the attendees.
To attendees and the venue, I would suggest a door marker that tells when a class has reached capacity. I attended several where the room monitor had to get up several times to let new arrivals know the class was full. A little sign on the door could nip that in the bud. Attendees: If you're late for the class, please skip it. I found the constant interruptions in Sen Elias' class to be on the verge of a complete distraction. Final Thoughts:
After spending a full week to digest my trip, I can say I had a fantastic time. If you're someone who is looking to spend some time with your favorite authors or maybe you want to immerse yourself in the magical city of New Orleans, HexFest is the way to do it. I found myself sitting across the table from Jason Mankey enjoying a meal, with Sorita d'Este to my right sharing an Old Fashion. I was completely "fan girl" the entire weekend. I road home watching Dorothy Morrison chat with the bus driver and having a deep conversation with Byron Ballard about the condition of our river back home in NC. Most of all, I spent the weekend with my dear Sorita. We laughed, we joked, we danced. She called me a tiny little fae! All of these interactions completely impossible without the magic that is HexFest.
You can find more information on HexFest and even register to attend HexFest 2020 here.
I'll close with a few more of my favorite photos from New Orleans.
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