January 2024 MBR The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Astrology in the Era of Uncertainty
Joe Landwehr
Ancient Tower Press
https://www.joelandwehr.com/ancient-tower-press
9780974762647, $29.99, PB, 474pp

https://www.amazon.com/Astrology-Era-Uncertainty-Joe-Landwehr/dp/0974762644

Synopsis: We live in a difficult time. The world is changing in ways that a=
re often complex, confusing, and disruptive to our lives and that can't eas=
ily be anticipated. Within such a world, there is a renewed hunger for more=
 direct access to personal gnosis, one that is not dependent on external au=
thorities. Each of us craves a reliable internal compass with which to navi=
gate a world that, in the throes of very large, seemingly insolvable enviro=
nmental, political, economic, social, racial and cultural problems, is incr=
easingly uncertain.

While astrology may not be able to directly address these global issues, it=
 can help us to cope in meaningful ways by reminding us, through an ongoing=
, ever-evolving conversation between psyche and cosmos, that we have a plac=
e and a purpose in the larger scheme of things. Out of this conversation ca=
n come not just a clearer sense of identity and purpose, and a greater capa=
city to effectively navigate one's life, but also a communion with numinous=
, sacred mysteries.

With the publication of "Astrology in the Era of Uncertainty: An Astropoeti=
c Exploration of Psyche and Cosmos", Joe Landwehr narrates the history of a=
strology's co-evolution with science, religion and culture over thousands o=
f years, and shows us how in the postmodern era of increasing uncertainty, =
astrology can provide a more direct pathway to deep self-knowledge, how it =
is possible to go beyond interpretation into a more intimate exploratory re=
lationship to a living cosmos.

Critique: Available from Ancient Tower Press in a substantial trade paperba=
ck (7.5 x 0.95 x 9.25 inches, 1.7 pounds) edition, "Astrology in the Era of=
 Uncertainty: An Astropoetic Exploration of Psyche and Cosmos" is informati=
vely enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a twenty page Bibliograp=
hy and a thirty page Index. Especially and unreservedly recommended for per=
sonal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical=
 Studies collections, "Astrology in the Era of Uncertainty" is as inherentl=
y fascinating as it is thought-provoking and will be of special value to re=
aders with an interest in astrology and New Age mysticism.

Editorial Note: The astrology that Joe Landwehr deftly weaves into the page=
s of his metaphysical science books is not that found in horoscope columns =
in your daily newspaper or in the many astrological cookbooks readily avail=
able at your local metaphysical bookstore. They are poetic way of observing=
 the world and our place within it that provides an experiential basis for =
a satisfying relationship to soul and a soulful life - a way of relating to=
 the world that Landwhr calls astropoetics. Landwehr has studied astrology =
for nearly 40 years and holds a special appreciation for its value as a ref=
lective language of soul, as outlined in his first book, The Seven Gates of=
 Soul. More can be read about Landwehr's work online at https://www.joeland=
wehr.com

Self-Love Crystals
Katie Huang
Leaping Hare Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780711290792, $22.00, HC, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Love-Crystals-Crystal-rituals-self-care/dp/0711=
290792

Synopsis: Written by crystal expert and modern mystic, Katie Huang (Love By=
 Luna), and filled with rituals and recipes to help you boost your everyday=
 wellbeing, "Self-Love Crystals: Crystal Spells and Rituals for Magical Sel=
f-Care" will teach you how to harness the mystical powers of 30 crystals, a=
nd incorporate them into your daily self-care practice.

"Self-Love Crystals" will enable you to embrace the art of cleansing, charg=
ing, and connecting with your crystals, and unearth their heart-warming ene=
rgies with: A rose quartz spell jar for self-love; A clear quartz renewal s=
hower ritual; A black tourmaline cord-cutting ritual; An amethyst crystal e=
lixir for breaking bad habits; A moonstone serenity crystal grid; A hematit=
e healthy boundaries spell; A colorful crystal chakra healing ceremony; A c=
arnelian crystal elixir for boosting confidence -- and more!

Revealing tips and tricks to help you on your self-care and crystal healing=
 journey, "Self-Love Crystals" is a sparkling guide to crystal magic is tru=
ly essential reading for every modern mystic.

Critique: Nicely illustrated throughout, "Self-Love Crystals: Crystal Spell=
s and Rituals for Magical Self-Care" by crystal expert Katie Huang is impre=
ssively 'reader friendly' and quite comprehensive on the use and utilizatio=
n of crystals for self- help/self-improvement rituals and practices. While =
also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle,=
 $10.99) from Leaping Hare Press, "Self-Love Crystals" is a primary and hig=
hly recommended core addition to personal, professional, community, and col=
lege/university library Metaphysical Studies and Crystal Magic collections.

Editorial Note: Katie Huang is the founder of Love By Luna (www.lovebyluna.=
co), a leading astrological lifestyle brand. She is also the author of Crys=
tal Zodiac and Luminous Dreams. Katie's expertise and insights on living wi=
th crystals and the cosmos make her an authority for modern mystics. Her in=
sightful work has been featured in numerous publications such as Forbes, Co=
smopolitan, Teen Vogue, and Marie Claire. One of her ventures, MoonBox, is =
a spiritual subscription box that follows the lunar cycle.

The Language of Lenormand
Erika Robinson
Weiser Publishers
c/o Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
www.redwheelweiser.com
9781578638055, $18.95, PB, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Language-Lenormand-Practical-Everyday-Divination/dp/=
1578638054

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Language of Lenormand: A Practical G=
uide for Everyday Divination", Erika Robinson has created one of the cleare=
st guides ever written for this beloved divination system. Popular in Europ=
e for centuries, the Lenormand deck, consisting of thirty-six numbered and =
named cards, has now been embraced in North America by cartomancers, tarot =
enthusiasts, oracle readers, and many others. Each card depicts an archetyp=
e (a fox, a snake, a coffin, or whip, for example) rather than tarot's some=
what more involved symbology. This makes the Lenormand system an easy entry=
 point to divination.

Widely respected divination authority Erika Robinson believes that Lenorman=
d is not just a deck of cards but also a language that, if mastered, can he=
lp you achieve self-empowerment and the ability to attain the life you desi=
re. A longtime English teacher, she helps readers become fluent in the lang=
uage of Lenormand. This clearly written, accessible guide to the meanings o=
f each card requires no prior knowledge of Lenormand, but is simultaneously=
 a sophisticated book that takes Lenormand to the next level, providing gre=
ater insights and elucidation for those already familiar with it.

Critique: A complete and comprehensive course of study that will have an im=
mense appeal and value to metaphysical students and readers with an interes=
t in divination, "The Language of Lenormand: A Practical Guide for Everyday=
 Divination" is exceptionally well written, organized and presented so as t=
o be of maximum value to the novice user and will have significant worth to=
 even the more experienced practitioner. Highly recommended for personal, p=
rofessional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical Studies=
 collections. It should be noted that "The Language of Lenormand: A Practic=
al Guide for Everyday Divination" is also readily available in a digital bo=
ok format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Erika Robinson, an African-American Lenormandist, is also a=
n award-winning blogger. She is a frequent presenter at divination conferen=
ces in the United States and internationally, and she has contributed to Th=
e Cartomancer Magazine as well as other publications. Robinson lives and wr=
ites in Southern California. She has two websites: www.lenormandwitherika.c=
om and www.erikalenormand.substack.com, and can be followed on Instagram @d=
ivine_withme

Card of the Day Tarot
Kerry Ward
Fair Winds Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760385630, $19.99, HC, 160pp

https://www.amazon.com/Card-Day-Tarot-One-Card-Readings/dp/0760385637

Synopsis: The practice of tarot can be a great source for advice, insight, =
and spiritual connection, but doing tarot readings is sometimes complicated=
 and frustrating. Multi-card spreads can be impractical, tedious, and full =
of opaque and contradictory messages that take time and practice to tease o=
ut. Enter the one-card draw or "card of the day" -- simple readings in whic=
h just one card is pulled and interpreted.

In "Card of the Day Tarot: Quick and Easy One-Card Tarot Readings For Love,=
 Work, and Everyday Life, long-time tarot reader and the resident tarot col=
umnist for Cosmopolitan magazine, Kerry Ward, offers 12 everyday one-card t=
arot rituals for a variety of questions and situations, along with simplifi=
ed interpretations of all 78 cards, to help you hone your intuition, reconn=
ect with the cards, and breathe new life into your tarot practice.

Incorporating other popular spiritual practices such as meditation, aromath=
erapy, crystal work, breathwork, and more, "Card of the Day Tarot" includes=
 a range of one-card draws, readings, and rituals that demonstrate the adap=
tability and flexibility of the one-card draw.

"Card of the Day Tarot" also includes revamped interpretations for all 78 c=
ards, offering simplified messages for each one depending on the type of qu=
estion being asked. Each card includes a life lesson, an affirmation, a rea=
ssurance, a yes/no designation, a direct call to action, and more, making t=
his an easy reference guide that will work with any tarot deck.

Whether a beginner reader still learning the meanings of the cards or an ex=
perienced practitioner looking for an easy way to bring more tarot into you=
r life, "Card of the Day Tarot" is a practical, visually stunning guide to =
conducting meaningful tarot readings in your everyday life -- without frust=
ration, confusion, or hours of interpretation.

Critique: A unique and singularly recommended addition to tarot collections=
, "Card of the Day Tarot: Quick and Easy One-Card Tarot Readings For Love, =
Work, and Everyday Life" is impressively presented and ideal for the novice=
 tarot reader and with great value for even the more experienced tarot user=
s with reference to personal lives and conditions -- be it their own or a c=
lient. It should be noted that "Card of the Day Tarot: Quick and Easy One-C=
ard Tarot Readings For Love, Work, and Everyday Life" is also readily avail=
able in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Kerry Ward is the creator of the best-selling tarot deck an=
d book Good Karma Tarot as well as Crystal Magic Tarot. She is the resident=
 tarot columnist for Cosmopolitan US and UK, as well as Metro UK and suppor=
ts a global tarot client list of 500+, to whom she sends a monthly email ne=
wsletter. She can be found on Instagram at @mytarotbella

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Midwest Book Review
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