The Antique Anatomy Tarot - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Antique Anatomy Tarot by Claire Goodchild.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

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Amazon Author Link
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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.


To add to my growing list of Tarot and Oracle card reviews, the set I'm looking at today is completely different than any other I have encountered.  I am well aware of those who collect these cards for their artistic worth however, I have never seen a set quite like this.  I'll give you the low down, in just a bit.  First let's talk about the packaging.  Tarot cards generally come in some sort of box or enclosure that would allow the reader to keep the cards safe from harm.  Each set generally is accompanied by a book or pamphlet to instruct the reader on how the author intended the cards to be used. The Antique Anatomy Tarot is no exception.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The books is a soft cover book with a cover to match the beautifully illustrated cards. While there is no index, the author does provide is with a brilliantly illustrated contents section which leads into the introduction and a brief history of Tarot.  We're introduced to the Major and Minor Arcana, Numerology and Astrology of Tarot in the first few pages.  We are whisked through the elements of the tarot including a list of which cards fall into which elements and then leading into how color impacts a reading.  


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


On pages 14 - 17 the author provides detailed information on how exactly to use the cards.  Journaling, spells work, dream interpretations, mediation and spreads are presented with instruction on how to move forward in their individual works.  One of the most important steps, in my opinion, and often overlooked by new readers is detailed in the section called "Caring for your Deck".  The author provides instructions on initiating, cleansing and storage of your deck.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The final chapter in the basics section is called (drum roll please)  The Spreads!  What we've all been waiting for. As with most Tarot decks, this author has also provided several spreads that are outlined in detail.  A single card draw, the Three Card Spread, the Moon Cycle Spread (this one was new to me) and finally the Celtic Cross spread. Each one with individual attention paid to the card location and name as well as a sentence or two about the placement and expectations for the reading.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Image Source - Deck


The remainder of the book focuses on the cards themselves. This is the point when I call out the amazing illustrations on these cards. Sourced from creative commons works, these cards are suitably for framing.  Overall, an amazing set of cards which I totally recommend!

The Spells Deck - A Review

Today I'm reviewing The Spells Deck by Cat Cabral and illustrations by Kim Knoll.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck

Author Links
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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 429,000 views.

Over the last few years, I've noticed that the publishers are beginning to send me more oracle, tarot and fortune telling decks to review. This month alone I have three brand new decks to review and two more on the way.  I always post about how a book feels in my hands.  As these decks are intended to be functional tools, I'll be providing a similar review. The texture of a card, the look and feel of the it and the general "feel" when held, is a very personal experience.  So as always, your mileage may vary.

The very first thing I noticed about this set was the box feel. It has that same soft suede type feel that is present is so many new soft cover books these days.  The box of these cards slides out from the bottom. Luckily I was quick and caught it before it dropped out completely and tossed the cards all over the floor.  Initially, not a good start.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


The pamphlet inside is 16 pages long and provides an introduction to the deck and a "how to use this deck" section, both around 100 words.  The majority of the pages are dedicated to explaining the wheel of the year, the phases of the moon and the magical days of the week.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck
Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


The cards themselves are pretty plain as far as art is concerned.  A lot of text, a small icon of the card and the category printed at the bottom.  Unlike other decks with elaborate art and specific spread associated, this deck has a minimalist approach to design and suggests the one card draw from each of the eight categories technique. It recommends selecting a card and random and allowing your intuition to do the rest.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


Each card is written clear concise wording and provides an appropriate tone for each.  In the category of Intuitive awareness, we find the Hecate card.  The icon for this card is a sun cross. The author instructs us to take two purple candles into a secluded place or at a crossroad, light the candle, one off the other and then circle the path three times with our "torches" lifted.  We are asked to look into our minds and listen for the words of Hecate to impart her wisdom unto us and grant us the courage to overcome our obstacles.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


The author describes this deck as a witch's divination tool and a guide to ritual magic for all practice levels.  She gives us an overview of witchcraft in general and offers a the reader a way to begin the magic by working with the Initiation card.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - The Spells Deck


This card provides a brief incantations for dedicating oneself to the pursuit of witchcraft for a year and a day with the following chant times three:

"I'm proud to be a witch, a weaver of magic, guided by nature, a child of Divine Spirit. I choose to walk the wild path of the craft. Blessed be!"


While others may scoff at a self initiation or perhaps think less of someone who walks the solitary path, I have but four words for the initiate -  So mote it be!

Over all this is a pretty good deck.  At first I thought, wow, a spell deck?  What the in world?  I was thinking this was going to like an oracle deck or a tarot deck.  But no.  This is like Hooked on Phonics for Witches.  (You know you remember that program) This deck provides a great deal of knowledge even thought the design of the box itself is a bit lacking in my opinion.  A great gift for a witchling or a newly initiate of the craft.  For the more seasoned witch, the deck offers a new way to look at the symbolism we have worked with for ages as well as an assortment of oil blends, spell work and much more.

I highly recommend.



Sacred Geometry of Relationships Oracles - A Review

Today I'm reviewing Sacred Geometry of Relationships Oracles by LON.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Author Links - Link
Beyond Words Book Link
Beyond Words Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
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Release date: September 17, 2019

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.

I have to start by saying the imagery in this deck is absolutely stunning. Each card presents a view of sacred geometry in a rainbow of colors. The cards are slightly over sized in width which makes them a bit more of a challenge for someone with small hands to shuffle.  The instruction book is larger than the cards which makes it a bit more cumbersome for putting in a bag to toss in a backpack or purse, however they both fit nicely in the box provided for taking your readings on the road.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The book begins with an overall introduction of the deck with a visual affirmations and instructions on deck preparation.  The book provides five draw or deck layouts with one for a quick one card draw and a more advanced seven card draw along the gender binary.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The appendix contains a brief glossary as well as a overview of basic numerology, color symbolism and symbology. The stand out on these cards is the art.  I cannot tell you how beautiful these cards are. I really was drawn to number 21 - FREEDOM card. It refers to being about to change or move freely. I was even more stuck by it when I found that my deck contained two of these cards.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Overall a beautiful deck with a strong accompanying guide. I highly recommend checking out these.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book

My Pocket Chakra Healing - A Reivew

Today I'm reviewing My Pocket Chakra Healing by Heidi E. Spear

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page

Release Sept 10, 2019

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.


Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


As always I'll start with a review of the physical book. This is a small soft cover book with an elastic band to keep it closed. The cover is made from a soft suede like material that always feels a little strange to me when I hold it.  I do like the size of the book.  The best books, to me, are ones that can be easily tossed into a backpack or handbag for on the go reading.  This one fits the bill.

This book gives the reader an overview of the basics of chakras as well as what the benefits to chakra healing.  It goes further to include a fantastic section on Balancing Chakras with Crystals, Colors and Reike.  The color therapy section is by far one of the best I have come across and I completely agree with the author on the section related to finding a professional Reike healer. Using your wardrobe to pull in the color therapy you need is key for a strong flow in your life. I wear red often to pull in the power of the root chakra and help bring about that energy to heal the body at a cellular level.  Red is also great for heart and blood circulation.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


The chapter on working with the breath or pranayama is something I really enjoyed. As someone with a certification in yoga much of my day is spent in a state of listening to the breath.  I have found this to be key in helping maintain a balance over my anxiety and stress.  Understanding how to do use Ujjay to find peace within is an amazing feat. It also can be neat way to bring your Star Wars loving friends into the "dark side" when they hear your breathing like Darth Vadar.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson
Photo Source - Book


Overall this is a fantastic beginner book to learning how to unblock, balance and strengthen your Chakras. I found the breath work extremely helpful and highly recommend taking the time to read this book.