October 2023 MBR The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Pagan Portals - Blodeuwedd
Jhenah Telyn Dru
Moon Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781785352126, $12.55, PB, 136pp

https://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Portals-Blodeuwedd-Seasonal-Sovereignty/dp/1785352121

Synopsis: In Welsh lore and mythology, Blodeuwedd is the wife of Lleu Llaw Gyffes. She was created from the flowers of broom, meadowsweet and oak by the magicians Math and Gwydion, and is a central figure in Math fab Mathonwy, the last of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi.

Like a gathering of flowers from hedge and field, or a cloak made of owl feathers, Blodeuwedd is a figure of great complexity. She is both Flower Maiden and Owl of Wisdom, an unfaithful wife and a representative of Sovereignty, a fallen woman and a feminist heroine, a medieval cautionary tale and a reclaimed divinity.

Yet, for all of these seeming inconstancies, the key to understanding Blodeuwedd is being able to see her as a whole. Bringing together strands of Celtic lore, Welsh literature, British folk practice, and modern devotion, with the publication of "Pagan Portals - Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty", Celticist Jhenah Telyndru weaves a solid foundation from which scholars and seekers alike can come into deeper relationship with this oft-misunderstood figure.

Ultimately, this journey to reclaim Blodeuwedd's identity as a Sovereignty Goddess who ensured the cycle of the seasons by choosing, in turn, to partner with the Solar Hero of Summer and the Otherworldly Champion of Winter, she is here revealed a transformational mythic pathway that can also guide us in the reclamation of our own sovereignty.

Critique: Fascinating, informative, thought-provoking, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Pagan Portals - Blodeuwedd: Welsh Goddess of Seasonal Sovereignty" is a prized and much appreciated contribution to the growing library of Welsh Mythology and especially commended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Pagan Goddess collections and supplemental Welsh Folklore/Mythology curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Jhenah Telyndru (https://ynysafallon.com) is an author, educator, and Priestess. Founder of the Sisterhood of Avalon, she presents Avalonian Training Intensives around North America, and facilitates pilgrimages to sacred sites in the British Isles. Jhenah holds an MA in Celtic Studies from the University of Wales, and a BA in Archaeology from Stony Brook University. She founded the Sisterhood of Avalon in 1995, and serves as Academic Dean of the Avalonian Thealogical Seminary. She hosts residential training retreats, presents internationally at conferences and festivals, teaches online workshops and immersion programs, and facilitates pilgrimages to sacred sites in the British Isles. A priestess in the Avalonian Tradition for over 35 years, she has walked a Pagan path since 1986.

Floating World Tarot
Oliver Luke Delorie, author
Mia Komatsu, illustrator
Epic Ink
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760385814, $26.99, Card Deck/Pamphlet, 80pp

https://www.amazon.com/Floating-World-Tarot-Traditions-Spiritualism/dp/0760385815

Synopsis: Ukiyo (which can be translated into English as a floating/fleeting/transient world) is the Japanese term used to describe the urban lifestyle and culture (and especially the pleasure seeking aspects) of the Edo period (1600 - 1867) in Japan. "Floating World Tarot" from Epic Ink creatively reimagines the ukiyo lifestyle through the lens of manga art and pairs it with the ancient art of tarot to create an all-inclusive kit that gives you everything you need to master this powerful divination tool.

"Floating World Tarot" features 78 tarot cards encompassing both Major and Minor Arcana, each illustrated in a unique and gorgeous manga style and an 80-page illustrated guidebook with detailed explanations, guiding keywords, and reversed meanings of each card .

With this deck and pamphlet, even the most novice of tarot users can gather the knowledge and master the ability to analyze the symbolism that comes with each archetype. Then apply that wisdom to your everyday life.

Critique: An effective and impressive blending of Japanese spiritualist traditions and the ancient metaphysical format of the Tarot, "Floating World Tarot" will be of special appeal and value to anyone with an interest in exploring the immersive world of manga art as adapted to the Tarot. Unique, inspiring, fun, "Floating World Tarot" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal and professional Tarot collections.

Editorial Note #1: Steeped in Eastern philosophy and martial arts, multidimensional creative professional Oliver Luke Delorie (www.oliverlukedelorie.com) has a black belt in self-help, penning the playful 100 Small Ways to Quit Worrying and 100 Small Ways to Manage Time, the philosophical Wabi Sabi and Shinrin-Yoku, and the inspirational Creative Manifestos, among several other books. He lives on Vancouver Island.

Editorial Note #2: Mia Komatsu (https://www.behance.net/miacomart) is a Japanese artist and calligrapher, currently based in Germany. She specializes in modern ukiyo-e style illustrations and brush-and-ink calligraphy, but is increasingly experimenting with digital art and photography. Primarily a freelance artist, Mia has designed everything from shop logos to vinyl jackets. You can see more of her art on Instagram @miacomart

Practical Crystals: Crystals for Holistic Wellbeing
Kathy Banegas, author
Viki Lester, illustrator
Leaping Hare Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780711284609, $22.00, HC, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Crystals-Holistic-Wellbeing/dp/0711284601

Synopsis: With the publication of "Practical Crystals: Crystals for Holistic Wellbeing", its readers will discover the powerful, healing and nurturing properties of 150 different crystals, and learn which ones are best to help you in a range of scenarios. Learn which and why crystals work best for a specific purpose -- and how to empower yourself to nurture your wellbeing every day with crystals.

Organised by theme, "Practical Crystals" reveal which crystals you can use for: Spiritual Wellbeing - use crystals to manifest abundant love, gratitude, and creativity; physical wellbeing - use crystals to encourage better sleep, aid relaxation, and promote good dreams; Unblocking Your Chakras - improve your feeling of balance and contentment by nurturing your 7 chakras; Connecting with Nature - sync with the four seasons and four stages of the moon cycle; Adding Magic to Special Occasions - celebrate birthdays, weddings, promotions, and more; Enhancing or Starting Your Career - boost your career or help manifest your dream job using crystals.

Critique: From rose quartz for self-love and self-care, to amethyst for tranquility and relaxation, there's a crystal to meet all your wellbeing needs and "Practical Crystals: Crystals for Holistic Wellbeing" is your instructive, inspiring, and comprehensive guide to selecting and using them. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99), "Practical Crystals: Crystals for Holistic Wellbeing" is an especially recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Kathy Banegas is the founder of The Healing Gem (@thehealinggem). After losing her mum to cancer in 2014, she looked for more holistic ways of healing and discovered the power of crystals. She created the Healing Gem in May of 2015, and in 2016, went on to become a Crystal Healing Master Teacher, Sound Healing Master Teacher and Reiki Master Teacher. In 2020, her Instagram page and shop gained popularity, amassing nearly 100k followers in one year, and starting a trend for bite-sized crystal content.

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