December 2023 MBR The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Crow Tarot Pocket Edition
M. J. Cullinane
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781646711390, $22.95, Tarot Deck (78 Cards)

https://www.usgamesinc.com/pocket-crow-tarot

Synopsis: Paying homage to the mystical energy of crows and ravens, "Crow Tarot" by M. J. Cullinane invites us to fly through the veil and connect with our intuitive powers. This pocket- sized 78-card deck is infused with the familiar symbolism of the traditional Rider-Waite(R) Tarot, making it ideal for both beginners and professional readers alike. The 128-page guidebook presents upright and reversed meanings and includes a custom Crow Tarot Spread.

Critique: Comprised of a deck of 78 cards and a 128-page illustrated guidebook, this "Crow Tarot Pocket Edition from U. S. Games Systems is impressively portable and will prove a welcome addition to personal and professional tarot readers at all levels of ability and experience.

Editorial Note: Margaux Jones Cullinane (https://mjcullinaneart.com) is a Seattle-based artist, writer, mother, and lover of all things magical, especially crows. She attended Parson's School of Design yet her unique technique of telling stories through digital collage is self-taught and has been her passion for over 10 years. Nature and its creatures are a familiar theme in MJ's work, however, having grown up south of Boston her collages are heavily influenced by the energy of the city.

Black & White Rider-Waite(R) Tarot Deck
Jody Boginski Barbessi, author
Pamela Colman Smith, illustrator
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781646711604, $24.95, Tarot Deck (78 Cards)

https://www.usgamesinc.com/black-and-white-rider-waite-tarot-deck

Synopsis: :The Black & White Rider-Waite Tarot" is a very special tarot deck that features the B/W line artwork and hand-drawn titles originally created in 1909 by Pamela Colman Smith. The 78-card borderless deck has special black foil gilded edges, and is accompanied by a 54-page guidebook with upright and reversed meanings and ideas for tarot spreads.

Critique: A tarot art 'time lost' treasure has been brought back into print from U.S. Games Systems, this new edition of Jody Boginski Barbessi's "Black & White Rider-Waite(R) Tarot Deck" is a classic edition featuring the B/W images of artist Pamela Colman Smith. Simploy stated, "Black & White Rider-Waite(R) Tarot Deck" is especially and unreservedly recommended for both novice students and experienced practitioners of Taro.

Editorial Note #1: Jody Boginski Barbessi is an artist and graphic designer. She studied fine arts at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, the school Pamela Colman Smith attended before illustrating the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Jody is also is the creator of Influence of the Angels Tarot.

Editorial Note #2: Pamela Colman Smith was born in Middlesex, England on February 16, 1878 to American parents. Her early years were spent in New York City and Kingston, Jamaica where she became proficient in folk storytelling. She studied for two years at the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York.

Crystals & Chakeras
Luca Apicella, author
Alessandra De Cristofaro, illustrator
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781646711475, $23.95, Oracle Deck (50 Cards)

https://www.usgamesinc.com/crystals-and-chakras-an-oracle-deck-for-inner-balance

Synopsis: All dedicated metaphysical students know that crystals have been used since ancient times to heal physical and emotional problems. Working with gemstones restores a balanced frequency to our chakras, the wheels of energy in certain body parts, so they can return to healthy functioning. Based on the powers and vibrations of the crystals, the colorful cards and guidebook comprising "Crystals & Chakras: An Oracle Deck for Inner Balance" provide messages to help us address issues that come up on our healing journey.

Critique: Featuring the charming artwork of illustrator Alessandra De Cristofaro, "Crystals & Chakras: An Oracle Deck for Inner Balance" by naturopath Luca Apicella (and readily available from U.S. Games Systems) includes 37 crystal cards, 7 chakra cards, and 6 helper cards, along with a 64-page illustrated guidebook. The result is a festive, inspiring, and motivating oracle deck that is a highly commended addition for personal and professional collections.

Editorial Note #1: Luca Apicella is a naturopath with 20 years of experience in teaching Crystal Therapy (Crystallogy). He founded Le Porte di Atlantide and the cultural association ATLAS. He is an expert in chakra and psychophysical rebalancing, phytotherapy and flower therapy, Tarots, symbolic medicine, Chinese medicine, and foot reflexology. Currently, he organizes courses and seminars for both groups and individuals.

Editorial Note #2: Alessandra De Cristofaro (https://alessandradecristofaro.com) is an Italian illustrator working for international magazines, publishing houses and advertising. Luca Apicella is a naturopath with 20 years of experience in teaching Crystal Therapy (Crystallogy). He founded Le Porte di Atlantide and the cultural association ATLAS. He is an expert in chakra and psychophysical rebalancing, phytotherapy and flower therapy, Tarots, symbolic medicine, Chinese medicine, and foot reflexology. Currently, he organizes courses and seminars for both groups and individuals.

Tree Keepers Oracle
Angi Sullins, author
Stephanie Law, illustrator
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781646711543, $26.95, Oracle Deck (44 Cards)

https://www.usgamesinc.com/tree-keepers-oracle

Synopsis: Long ago, before trees were used for their pulp and fiber to bind our stories, they were story protectors of a different kind. As legend and druids can tell you, there are places on the planet where the veil between worlds is thin, and the trees were guardians of these sacred spaces. During that age, if one was lucky, one might encounter a door in the trunk of a tree, known as a duirwaigh, a portal between magical worlds. The contents of this oracle were entrusted to Angi Sullins from a Tree Keeper in Lapland who guarded the ancient groves. The Tree Keeper gifted her a legacy book. The cards comprising "Tree Keepers Oracle" are derived from that tome.

Critique: The "Tree Keepers Oracle" is the collabortive work of author/storyteller Angi Sullins and artist/illustrated Stephanie Law and is comprised of 44 gold* gilt-edged cards, a 108-page lushly illustrated guidebook, and an organza drawstring pouch. Spiritual, metaphysical, beautiful, exquisite, "Tree Keepers Oracle" from U.S. Games Systems is an extraordinary and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, and community library Metaphysical Studies collections.

Editorial Note #1: Angi Sullins is the author of books, card decks, workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and on tours traveling around the world as she takes women on journeys of self-discovery.

Editorial Note #2: Stephanie Law (https://shadowscapes.com) is the creator of images that trace the boundary between dream and reality. She delves into the pictorial language of allegory, explores mythology in new contexts, chases tiny worlds of wonder from an insect's viewpoint, and highlights the beauty of growth and decay found in nature. She interweaves texture, watercolor, gold and silver leaf, ink, and creates intricate layered pieces with resin and custom designed frames. In a meld of organic patterns and familiar archetypes, her paintings pose a question on the nature of perception and beauty, and it is against this backdrop that the ephemeral guides and strange creatures dance and beckon the viewer to follow through her various series.

Unlocking The Secret Garden Oracle
Angi Sullins, author
Jena DellaGrottaglia, illustrator
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781646711499, $26.95, Oracle Deck (44 Cards)

https://www.usgamesinc.com/unlocking-the-secret-garden-oracle

Synopsis: There is a secret garden inside you, fortified by stone walls old enough to remember the moon's first name. In this magic garden, every plant, flower, insect and animal is a portal, a passageway to secret knowledge and illuminated wisdom. You already have the keys to open each portal.

"Unlocking The Secret Garden Oracle" is intended to accompany your own intuition as you navigate your way through the garden. Question-keys and answer-locks, when fitted together, open ancient passageways and doorways of opportunity, where you will discover wisdom treasure. Visit the garden to unlock the secrets still tucked away in your own potential.

"Unlocking The Secret Garden Oracle" includes 44 gold gilt-edged cards, 108-page lushly illustrated guidebook and organza drawstring pouch. It is packaged in a foil accented, magnetic hinged box.

Critique: Inherently fascinating, exotic in its truly exceptional artwork, and the collaborative efforts of author Angi Sullins and illustrator Jena DellaGrottaglia "Unlocking The Secret Garden Oracle" from U.S. Games Systems will prove a high value and prized addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical/Oracle Studies collections.

Editorial Note #1: Angi Sullins is the author of books, card decks, workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and on tours traveling around the world as she takes women on journeys of self-discovery.

Editorial Note #2: Jena DellaGrottaglia (https://www.autumnsgoddess.com/home) never had any formal art training besides your basic high school art classes. After working in many, many mediums, Jena found that she especially loved creating digital art. -- Her words: I find in the world of Photoshop there is very little you can do wrong and when you do.. the medium is very forgiving!

Tarot Of A Moon Garden
Karen Marie Sweikhardt, illustrator
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781646711383, $31.95, Tarot Deck, (78 Cards/192pp Booklet)

https://www.usgamesinc.com/borderless-tarot-of-a-moon-garden

Synopsis: With hauntingly beautiful artwork, "Tarot of a Moon Garden" delivers its arcane secrets on the wings of dragonflies, butterflies, angels and fairies. Unicorns and dolphins bring insightful messages in this borderless tarot deck that deftly weaves together tarot symbolism, mythic expression, elemental magic, and the reflective phases of lunar energy.

In the 192-page full-color illustrated companion book, Karen Marie Sweikhardt presents meditations, readings, and rituals along with descriptions of each tarot card to augment their symbolic meanings. "Tarot of a Moon Garden is comprised of 78 purple gilt-edged cards, and a 192-page, full-color illustrated guidebook, and a custom spreadsheet.

Critique: Featuring the museum quality artwork and imageries of Karen Marie Sweikhardt, "Tarot of a Moon Garden" from U.S. Games Systems is a truly ethereal, unique, and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Tarot collections.

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