MORPHĒ JEWELRY

Every now and then you come across a piece that takes your breath away. After dreaming and day dreaming about the Morphē Jewelry — now Sofia Zakia — ring, it is finally here! And much to my delight, Sofia has also included the moon bunny earring I had been gushing on about in a previous blog post. I can tell you it made my day. This gesture along made my week. Looking through the contents of the package was a real treat, the rose gold embellishment on the matte black card stock is perfection. The package even thoughtfully included some really gorgeous stationary and a letter.

Wearing the Moonbunny earring and the Wandering Star ring brings me so much joy. I am extremely happy with the jewelry as well as with the ephemera that comes with it. Whenever I am not wearing it, the Wandering Star ring is housed in its box and the Moonbunny charges in my altar space. They are becoming personal talismans for self-love and clarity.

A talisman is by definition an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that when charged with intention is believed to be infused with magic. It is said to bring good luck, and is synonymous with concepts such as lucky charms, amulets, totems, and ritual tools.




These objects tend to rack up the sentimental value as we bond with them. The piece embodies our intentions and wishes. For myself personally, my accessories must be imbued with the essence of self-love and healing. Those are necessary glamours for myself to nurture a healthy outlook on life.

Once you have spent enough years of your life wasted away in internal battles with yourself, you start to yearn for positivity that tips the scales into balance. You can feel yourself aligned with the woven fabric of life and existence. Rather than having events going against you, you feel a benevolent turn of the tide and have your circumstances cooperate with helping you achieve your personal goals.

Mine is to learn to be okay with my quirks, and to celebrate life as an offering of wisdom delivered in a more compassionate package. So far, an interesting journey. It all starts within. In my case, I have personal totems to remind and delight as the winding path to the desired destination continues. In my own private time I enchanted them, and when I wear them I feel the magic influence glowing like an invisible aura.




Looking into this stunning ring, I feel a sense of calming peace from the sapphire. Its brilliance is something to behold! Rose gold is made up of two components as far as my limited experience goes: gold and copper.

Gold strengthens confidence and attracts wealth. The properties of hold help it open the crown chakra, and help to obtain spiritual wisdom. It also has protective qualities.

Gold really opens the crown chakra and is known to help the wearer who is open to wisdom obtain it from universal sources. Gold has long been hailed for its protective properties as well, which is why it's been commonly used for talismans, amulets and for making protective symbol charms to be worn on the body.

The copper in the rose gold helps improve circulation. Wearing copper can help you improve your awareness and expand your consciousness. It's particularly useful in strengthening bonds between people.



Sapphires increases and enhances intuition, mental clarity and spiritual power. A stone of spiritual healing and spiritual truth, sapphire is useful when channeling healing energies.

Diamonds symbolize purity. It brings love and clarity into partnerships and bonding relationships.

The amazing thing about these materials the ring is made out off is that we resonate with them and they have healing properties. It is so much better when you wear something that not only you imbue with intent, but has materials that resonate with you in just the right way. Suffice to say that Sofia is a jewelry sorceress.

Everybody I show this ring to has an extreme reaction of admiration. It generates an enthusiasm that is contagious, and with that I am reaffirmed that my self-love trinket is a special one. It inspires me as well as the people who come in contact with it. Now that's real magic! ❤️✨


Take a look at Sofia Zakia's web site, Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. I can't recommend her work enough! And if you find something that you resonate with, totally go for it. Her customer service is 10/10. You will be as delighted as I was!!
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NEFERTARI TAROT

When I look into this tarot, I am transported back in time to about 430 BC. I see myself walking through a temple with hand painted stories on the columns of past legacies that influence the present time, back then. Torches are lit and cast an eerie glow on the place, and now and then the gold leaf on the walls will reflect back at me. Colors, shapes and whispers. Messages shedding light!

The experience with this deck does not feel like every day tarot to me. I feel as if I am presented with some descriptive tableau of another time, giving me advice relevant to my life or that of my Querent. It comes from experience, and the experiences were very different from today’s reality. It is as if we all went back in time to ask the Ancient Egyptian elders to lend us their wisdom.

All of the cards have an abundance of gold leaf and shine wonderfully under a light at night. I would have loved to see more context in the illustrations, such as in the Moon card, which is my favorite in this deck. I get a detached sense of from the deck, the figures seem to be floating in a gleaming afterlife. Still, it means these events can take place anywhere. They are detached from the mundane world, depicted in a high resonance halo and completely immersed in an alternate state of existence. Suspended in a divine realm, the gold leaf glow feels transcendental. A peek into divinity as those in this time period experience it. A divine connection to the past!



This is a serious, somber deck. Given the culture it illustrates and the type of illustrations it uses, you spend much of your time facing life and death, and particularly moments in death. There is no chance that the original illustrators of these cards are still alive, and that leaves a pretty big impression on me. Death is looming over us pretty often, and is a subject I struggle with but work with often in my personal life. I’ve always had a bit of an unhealthy obsession with it. When I look into these cards, I feel intimidated by the looming spectra of death. It’s hauntingly beautiful!

It took me a while to warm up to this deck. I lost my first copy and happened to have a backup. I went in and blackened the edges myself, which was an instant upgrade for the deck. They look more sleek and beautiful in my opinion! The cards fan out easily and the deck is of a convenient size. You can't go wrong with this one!

If you read Rider-Waite Smith, no problem. These illustrations echo the RWS tradition. All you really need to do is look into the mirror in front of you presented in the form of a card tableau. Not long after that, these cards will sing. You can feel the warm presence of the ancients giving you sound advice for your life.





♡ What is your most important characteristic?
The Magician. This man does not look like he is from this world; his skin is blue. Then again, this deck houses the souls of those who are no longer with us. A tool of spirit divination stretches a link from now to then. Which time period you choose to delve in is entirely up to you. This deck is like a time machine.

♡ What are your strengths as a tarot deck?
Three of Cups. Even through the weirdness, it’ll provide a good way to connect with others and to commune with spirit. Rejoice in the messages contained within, this is a tool to bring people together. To unify is my goal.

♡ What are your limits?
The Devil. Some won’t be able to get past looks. Some get caught up in limitations that are self-imposed. If someone has that mentality and is stuck in it, it is because they choose to be. I am of the belief that freedom is earned. [Strong!]



♡ What are you here to teach me?
King of Swords. I am here to teach you to speak up for yourself. Disregard the thoughts that don’t bring you progress, and cut through to the truth of the matter every time. It will save you time and earn you respect from others.

♡ How can I best learn to collaborate with you?
Ten of Cups. Embrace the offerings from the afterlife to live a fruitful life. Enjoy your blessings, you’re only around for so long. After that, what you leave is your memory.

♡ What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
Eight of Cups. An oasis, a refreshing place to come to and open your eyes to a new truth. When you submerge yourself in the waters of intuition, you leave behind pre-established structures that you have created over the years that no longer serve.



♡ Which card do you want to show off?
Queen of Swords. Where there is male, there will be also female. This is a balance we entertain, and from what you are fought you will find there is not only brute strength. Logic, wisdom and clear thinking are your best assets, tools you can use.

♡ How do you see me?
Ten of Coins. I see in you a pupil that is ready to accept gifts from the afterlife, tools to better improve your life. You have amassed a vast collection, and with it you will open portals for others to find their greater truths. You are guardian of a portal, and need to honor it.

♡ How do you see yourself?
Ace of Cups. I nurture, and I offer you access to the mysteries of the universe. The cosmic universe has a lot to teach you, and depending on the choices you make, you will succeed in opening yourself up to those teachings.



I think that this is an advanced tarot deck. I wouldn’t recommend this for first time users, but I do strongly recommend it for all those of you who want something beautiful and impressive to put on your reading table. A nice spread cloth, crystals and candles are mandatory to set the mood with this deck. Don’t forget the incense!
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STARCHILD TAROT

I have been sitting on the decision to get this deck for a couple of years now. Even though I watched it on Tumblr and one of my friends was raving about it, I didn't feel like it was the right time to jump on it. Since then, this deck has had as many as three incarnations. It has changed, and each time it keeps getting progressively better. Finally, I caved when I heard they made this deck in the traditional tarot size. My hands are small and I can't handle bulky paper, so I decided to get this version.

The gilded edges are quite lovely, their shine is semi matte and the color is just right. It's a very gentle but vibrant gold tone, and I enjoy it. The pastel color palette of this deck is also very appealing. It is easy on the eyes, it looks gorgeous over a black spread cloth and it really makes the figures stand out. The card backs are almost hypnotic. I think they are one of my favorite card backs in my entire card collection. They're gorgeous! Ethereal.

Most of the cards have that transcendental ethereal feeling to them. The theme is executed beautifully throughout the entire deck. Some of the cards in the Major Arcana have come to be renamed. They are numbered, though, so you can easily figure out which one of the alternate titles is supposed to be which.




I am under the impression that there is not so much visual dialogue going on. I don't see repeated elements interacting with the figures in the cards other than desertous landscapes, sacred geometry and other celestial elements. To tell you the truth, I think this deck works best with spreads that already have designated card positions. Maybe these cards also work really well paired with an oracle deck.

I wanted to note that even though it may not be a predominant theme, I feel like this deck addresses the sacred feminine within. The figures seem to be suspended in time, frozen on the outside but awake on the inside. There is so, so much going on in our psyche. I think this deck works great for questions relating to our states of mind and emotions.




♡ What is your most important characteristic?
Three of Wands. This deck took some time to call your attention. You saw three incarnations of it go by before you decided to take the plunge and get acquainted with it. They say three time's the charm, though, so here you are. Magic at your fingertips, wisdom that sheds light into your understanding of your circumstances if only you stop to think about what it means. Wait and see what the results yield for you.

♡ What are your strengths as a tarot deck?
Queen of Cups. Compassionate understanding, thinking with a pause before reaching any logical conclusions and plans of action. Let your intuition take charge, feel your way through with your heart as your compass. It won't ever steer you wrong. It can only strengthen you. Keep exploring.

♡ What are your limits?
Page of Wands. Impulsiveness can turn to distractions. If you have too much going on in your mind and in your environment, you may not be grounded enough to tune into the frequency of this deck. To get the best interaction, match your frequencies. Your psychic sense of intuition will be fueled by concentration and grounding. Save the active energy to instead carry your plan of action out.



♡ What are you here to teach me?
Ten of Swords. Let go of your negative thoughts. They are fabrications of your mind to fill in the blanks. Even if you don't understand the logic of how something goes, this deck will not help you fill in the blanks if there is nothing to fill them with. You can work with what is really there to gain a precise understanding of what is happening.

♡ How can I best learn to collaborate with you?
The Lovers. Embrace the differences, meet in the middle. Bring something different to the table, and try to draw connection in how the different elements interact as they come together. This is a similar formula to alchemy. That bond that is formed between two people in a reading will stay. Cleanse afterwards.

♡ What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
Nine of Wands. With enough effort, something gets built up that will stand as a symbol for those that are still in the ongoing process. Seeing your comfort with cards can inspire others, but then so does leaving them to find their own path to shape to their liking. The universe has your back, you just need to stop resisting and work with it.



♡ Which card do you want to show off?
The Chariot. Wild freedom for you to trail blaze. Guided by the influence of your intuition, motivated to reach new boundaries. The test of strength comes from within to help you navigate through the natural perils of the outside world.

♡ How do you see me?
The Stars. Entering a happy period in your life, finding light in new places. Understanding the role you play in the life you live, and how the light you emanate also affects others. When it all links up together, your face lights up. The face of your sitter lights up. With a pure heart and soul you can move those that you interact with. It spreads beauty.

♡ How do you see yourself?
Seven of Swords. Dealing the difficult truths that people often don't want to accept about themselves or their surroundings. Outlining the boundaries so that people know how far they can step before they run into some bigger troubles.



Isn't this deck divine? It is taking me some time to warm up to it, but I've been in this game long enough to know its all about the journey. I am really looking forward to spend some quiet time with the cards. I am intrigued with the curiosity of how these cards will help me tune into the inside. Innerspace.
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MARSEILLE TAROT PLAYING CARDS

This project excites me. So much in fact that I needed to write about it. Ryan Edward of Inset Cards and Curiosities is bringing something major to the table of cartomancy: a fusion of playing cards and the Marseilles Tarot. The two are often read much the same way you'd read tarot, but there is a whole other school of learning that treats these pip cards as a system. The Hedgewytch Method, or cunning folk system is the one I practice... I practice the the Playing Card Oracles system by Ana Cortez, but that's a story for another day.

It is said that this deck will be published in a limited, hand-painted edition this coming May. The mass market edition is said to come in 2018. That's quite a wait! But for now, these beautiful photos can hold us over. I found out about this deck through Camelia Elias' blog Taroflexions. She teaches us how to read tarot like the devil, and I love her books and blog.







Do you love cards as well? The slight bend of the paper and how crunchy it feels when you shuffle the cards. The sound of the paper as you riffle shuffle. The familiar faces looking back out at you, or conversing among themselves. The play of light and shadow caused by the environment and by the reflection of other objects placed on the table. The reflections of light on the table.

The mirror that reflects your insides as well as what happens outside of you.

I love cards. I love them madly. Interacting with them and offering my services sprinkles purpose into my life.

I appreciate the process work as it is depicted in the photo. There is great care put into the little details, and that's something that I'm very passionate about in my interactions with cards. It is precisely those little details that end up suggesting nuances in readings. It's the most rewarding thing!

Even though the launch date is still a while away, I am really looking forward for this deck to come out. Sometimes it's the little details that grasp us.






I appreciate that these cards seem to be hand painted and hand lettered. Analog illustrations retain nuances in strokes that I haven't been able to replicate with digital tools. The color washes are very appealing. I can't wait until this deck is published! The modernized woodblock style is one that appeals directly to my interests. I always prefer the vintage to the current. The nostalgia of those times that have passed graces me with a profound appreciation for these aged trinkets. And then there is the notion of aging it all on your own, through use and mutual experiences.

Preorders are scheduled to start next week at some point, fingers crossed. Until then, I am dreaming of this deck. This hybrid was a necessary missing link, and now that there is this variety accessible, we can do anything.

Perhaps I will even be motivated to pick up a drafting pencil and work on my own deck. Its been on and off for years, and despite my best effort I can't seem to get it to work. But for now, there are ther cards to read. More embodiment to concepts sparked by the love of cartomancy and tarot.



These photos are compliments of Ryan Edward's social media pages. View his Instagram, Inset shop and Twitter. I hope that you have enjoyed being introduced to these cards as much as I did. They're beautiful cards!
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DISTANT PAST TAROT

Card decks that move me profoundly are the ones I keep in my purse and on my decks for years. With great joy I write to tell you that I found one of those decks for myself today. The Distant Past Tarot!

Cerulean and emerald jewel tones delight my eyes and soothe the path from one card to the next. I can put their stories together because they are evocative, expressive and read seamlessly. Oh yes, this is the kind of deck you can work with right after opening and shuffling. Spend some time thinking about the question, and the first time you put your cards out on the table they sing. No need to spend some time getting acquainted with the deck and giving it time to soak up your vibes. It’s instant, like love at first sight. I’m hooked!

Readings with this deck have a warm, albeit nostalgic feeling to them. I feel I am getting to know new personalities that will be giving me advice as time goes on. I feel drawn to personify them and to imagine what they would say to me if we crossed paths. This deck is being housed in one of my Wyldechilde Creations pouches. The colors go really well together and the dupioni silk lining the inside of the pouch has the most beautiful shade of teal. I'm getting the feeling this will be a great pair for inner emotional work and healing.

The card stock is buttery and sturdy linen playing card stock. I appreciate the fineness of the paper. You can bend them this way and that without warping them too much, and so they will hold up to use for years without deteriorating at an increased pace. This promises longevity and many happy years reading. If you are like me and burn through the pristine condition of your cards because you use them for work, then this deck is definitely for you!



A new workhorse to love and wear down. I am so excited to use them for my daily draws and to use them when I am on the go. I know they will impress and delight my querents because they are simply gorgeous. They have already made an impression on many Tumblr users that have spotted them being used.

I ended up selling the poker size and purchasing a standard tarot size because I had to focus so much to see the cards. They weren't legible enough for me and were going to cause problems with my eyesight. Heads up, though. I suggest you be really sure of the size you choose when you place your order. The artist behind this deck is not warm and did not give me decent customer service. She was actually dry and impersonal. I've never had this negative experience with a deck creator before, where they don't really extend themselves to you if you're not happy with your order. She didn't try to solve my problem. Even though this deck is gorgeous and I'd love to get a backup copy, I won't be doing it because I don't want to endorse the unpleasant seller. I'd much prefer to get the backup copy secondhand from someone else, though.

EDIT: A little while back Jeri Totten actually contacted me about this review.

I don't know if she was trying to get me to change my review on her or not, but she said exactly the same thing in her follow up e-mail that she said to me when I contacted her about my issue. I kid you not, word by word it was the same excuse. I asked her why she bothered writing at all when she had the exact same thing to say and then never heard back. So the customer service remains dismal. If you're just going to justify bad customer service, don't contact me about this review at all. I'm not impressed or amused by the redundancy, and frankly it doesn't change my opinion one bit. I owe my blog my most honest opinion. After so many glowing reviews, there had to be something that would eventually happen to me that would not be so great. I have a right to be as transparent in my blog as I am being.

While you may disagree with me, my experience was a negative one. She didn't extend herself to me or make me feel like a valued customer. After the excellent service I receive from the Baba Studio and other independent deck creators, I know when I am not cared for as a customer that got a product that wasn't suitable.. It did not make up for my trouble to pass the deck on  at all, which I was able to do but still took time I did not need to spend from me.

EDIT 01/20/2020:I'm really bitter about my customer service experience with Jae Larson Designs. To this date I have refused to purchase the Second Nature Tarot or to get a backup copy of the Distant Past tarot because I cannot forgive this seller for our situation with the Distant Past Tarot. Whenever people ask me what the name of the deck is, I tell them I don't know. I feel I have claimed the deck for my own and will use it until its lost, but I still wouldn't endorse her.

With that said, the cards themselves are gorgeous and we can't tie the negative entity with the glowing work. I intend to throw away the title card and attribute the cards to claim their own tarot deck name eventually.

But for now, let's read some cards.






♡ What is your most important characteristic?
Queen of Cups. This deck is dominated by blue hues, connecting it visually to emotion and introspective intuition. Think carefully, internalize the message and then deliver it with grace and compassion. Let this be your archetypal guide helping you forward and helping you connect with such a sacred tool.

♡ What are your strengths as a tarot deck?
Seven of Wands. Conflicts are directly addressed, and so are your choices. Anything that can help save you from the stress of the situation will be emphasized, but in times of stress you need to be connected to all your senses as well as quick on your feet. You don’t always count on the luxury of time to do what you need to do.

♡ What are your limits?
Five of Swords. There are times when no matter what you do, you are contradicted. Things don’t work out. Please remember that some things in life are in your control. Others are simply not. What you do have control over you certainly can influence, and what you have no control over you will just have to let go.


♡ What are you here to teach me?
The Moon. Connect to your intuition through all of the senses. Use your gift of sight to see beyond what is portrayed, into the world of departed souls and energy manifesting itself. Harness the divinity to help yourself see past the veil of the impossible and into some really amazing cosmic sights. Enlist your third eye.

♡ How can I best learn to collaborate with you?
Knight of Coins. Proceed at a steady pace, and try to be protective of those things in your control. Guard your posture and expression when you deliver the message. Be aware that others will not be viewing through the veils with you, which is why it is important for you to still be able to articulate mundane messages channeled through divine means. Digest the message and feed it to your sitters with clarity and precision.

♡ What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
Ace of Cups. True love and compassion generated to share with others, as well as your inner self. Spread the love and help others get started better understanding their feelings and impulses.


♡ Which card do you want to show off?
Seven of Swords. Trickery and good-natured pranks. Or are they? Don’t be fooled by the beautiful imagery. This deck packs a bite. Stay vigilant so you don’t miss anything directed at you.

♡ How do you see me?
Nine of Cups. Entering a happy period in your life, where you have everything you need. And then some. Amused by the surprises and the blessings life has started steadily bringing your way. Light of heart and soon light of soul as well.

♡ How do you see yourself?
King of Coins. Well groomed and opulent in image as well as presence. This archetypal correspondence signifies a well thought out deck with enough substance and assurance to help anyone venturing the spiritual and mundane realms tune in. The rewards are great, enjoy the journey.



Looking forward to breezy spring days with tea, flowers and magic.
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