Tarot made Easy by Barbara Moore Illustrated by Eugene Smith (Llewellyn)

It was with some delight I received the Tarot Made Easy deck to review as I like RW style decks. Also, I am always looking for new decks to use in my tarot classes. On unsealing this deck I realised it is a revamped version of Llewellyn’s Classic Tarot which I have already reviewed some time ago with a glowing report.  The only difference is that the packaging is now a nice presentation box with a magnetic clip, much better than the original, and the illustrations on the front are different, but if you have the Classic Tarot by Barbara you will not need to purchase this deck.

Anyway, as I am reviewing 3 decks today I have decided to do a New Year reading with each.    The first one with Tarot Made Easy by Barbara Moore

IX The Hermit: Reflecting on the past year, what could we have done better, did we focus on what we needed? Be careful you do not drift in to 2017 with the same old habits and values.

Eight Cups: I see this as leaving behind any negative elements that 2016 created.  As a reader I know that many of my clients had many difficult challenges in 2016, this card reflects the importance of walking away and not looking back.

King Swords:  As we enter 2017 we need to focus on our goals, both personally and as a nation.  This card for me often represents the need for truth, to be transparent, it is likely this is relating to the political world of which we have little say.  I hope that we see leaders coming forward who will represent the needs for all.

King of Cups:  This cards calls for compassion, our world is so divided right now, maybe the realisation that by being kinder really does make the world go round. For you on a personal level, do you need to reach out to someone? If emotional situations get out of hand, make them right, life is too short for angst.

Six Cups: This card reminds us to allow the flow of kindness and compassion to be part of our daily life.  I feel that we are in for a rocky ride during 2017 with political turmoil both here and abroad. If we can do our bit to keep the harmony flowing in our own circles, it will help to create a small element of calm.

Five of Cups: It was all going so well and then the dreaded 5 card pops up! A sense of loss, but what could this be?  As I am reading this with a worldwide view, could this be a decision on Brexit?  As the final card is The World, I feel this is so. On a positive note the World card for me represents unity, success and achievement, at the end of the day it looks like all will be ok.

I highly recommend these cards, please see previous review for further information.

 Modern SpellCasters Tarot by Melanie Marquis Illustrated by Scott Murphy (Llewellyn)

I love this deck, beautiful box with a magnetic clasp with borderless cards, the cards have a sense of mystic about them.  There is an essence of RW about these cards with a twist of magic and witchcraft discreetly woven in to the images, the images are glorious and a little dark. The cards are easy to read even if you have no knowledge of magic and witchcraft.  I will definitely use this with my clients although I will pick and choose who gets to have a reading with these as the images are not for everyone.

The companion book is a book of its own, packed with information and suggestion for spells.  Each card, as well as interpretations has a paragraph explaining ‘Magickal Uses’ and how to use that particular card in spell work.  Melanie has done a wonderful job with these cards, as has illustrator Scott Murphy.  I highly recommend this deck.

This is my five card reading, the centre card acts as a significator for 2017

Six Pentacles: Balance and imbalance pretty much sums up the climate of 2016, I don’t want to go on too much about the Brexit vote but I do feel this card reflects what happened and how people feel.

The Hermit:  A card of reflection, being mindful of  your choices and allowing ourselves to take time out to think, breathe and be calm.

Nine Swords: In the handbook she describes the feeling of the aftermath of a fight, of course we know this card can represent sorrow and regret, but maybe this teaches us how to deal and act with negative situations rather than ponder on them.

King of Swords: A strong person taking control, could this be in your life or on a world stage? We hope that whoever this card represents that they have the integrity the King of Swords brings to a situation.

Judgement: A major shift, rebirth and renewal, looks like the end of the year will bring a feeling of calm after a storm.

5* cards I am keeping these!!

Dreaming Way (Lenormand) Artwork Kwon Shina Written by Lynn Araujo (US Games)

I have loads of Lenormand decks, not showing off but another collection which is slowly growing.  To be honest I don’t read with them very often preferring my tarot.  The Dreaming Way cards are just so sweet, I can’t actually think of another word to describe them, the illustrations are delicate with pastel like colouring, each image simple yet full of wisdom.

I asked the cards “what do my readers need to know to create a good year”

31 SUN: Vitality, optimism and success. Build your confidence and look for signs and synchronicities to help you guide the way to success

14 FOX: False friends, get rid of them!

21 HEART: Compassion and the love of mankind also relates to being passionate about what you do.

Summing up: You are in control of how successful you want your life to be. Don’t let people who are jealous or unsupportive hold you back, they have no place in your life.  Seek out what you love, if you can find passion in your life, through a person or doing what you love, everything will seem easier.

Another 5* recommendation from me!