President

by Administrator, posted in Movies, Politics

Long time readers of The Magical Buffet know that I have been an ineffective advocate for Zimbabwe since 2008. At the time I was able to watch BBC World News on BBC America and that happened to be during one of many tumultuous times in the country. I wrote letters, A LOT of letters, hoping to hear back from any of my elected officials. I won’t bore you with all of that. I mention it at all to say, I care about Zimbabwe and have for quite a long time now considering that I’m a middle-aged white woman born and raised in middle America and has never met someone from Zimbabwe or traveled there.

I wish I could say it’s because I’m so well known for my advocacy for the country that PBS reached out to me about the upcoming broadcast debut of the documentary “President” for the POV series. I suspect that I just got lucky. Regardless, I was given the opportunity to watch the 2021 film “President”, which follows the turbulent 2018 presidential election in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. After eight years of oppression under the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) regime, president Robert Mugabe is forcibly ousted from power in the military coup of November 2017. When Mugabe was removed from power, Zimbabwean military leaders promised they would not seize control for themselves, but rather ensure democracy in a national general election. In the context of an economic crisis, food shortages and political violence, the stakes could not be higher.

Nelson Chamisa, the new, young and charismatic leader of Zimbabwe’s opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance is challenging the old guard ZANU-PF represented by the acting president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is determined to remain in power. Chamisa, is a 40-year-old lawyer who fought against President Mugabe’s regime while he was a student activist. The more popular candidate, Chamisa draws enormous crowds while Mnangagwa is unable to fill a stadium after bussing in alleged supporters. When the election results come in, it is no surprise when Mnangagwa insists that he won, despite that the numbers never add up in his favor. When asked how sixteen counties could’ve possibly reported identical election results, the ZANU-PF’s lawyer argues that only a behavioral scientist could account for how such an amazing coincidence could occur.

Can a free, fair and transparent election that reflects the will of the people proceed?

“President” won an award at Sundance and is an Oscar shortlisted documentary, and I can see why. The film is riveting and tense. I believe a critic somewhere referred to it as a docu-thriller, and they’re not wrong, Hollywood WISHES they could write a thriller as intense as this real-life drama. The director (Camilla Nielsson) and her crew had a real knack for capturing emotion in real time, whether it was a slow blooming look of horror as a campaign leader for Chamisa watches the staff in their office rounded up by police, the eyes of the Chairperson for the Zimbabwe Election Commission glass over with tears just about to drop at a trial, or the look of shame on a judge at the presidential inauguration, the camera is there.

If you’re interested in politics, Zimbabwean or otherwise, care about democracy, or honestly, just love a good legal thriller, I cannot recommend “President” enough.

President makes its national broadcast premiere on POV on Monday, August 8, 2022 (check local listings) and is available to stream free until September 8, 2022 at pbs.org, and the PBS Video app.

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

Spirit Weaver

by Administrator, posted in Books, Magic/Occult, Mythology, Reviews, Wiccan/Pagan

What does it mean to identify as a woman? In many ways, “Spirit Weaver: Wisdom Teachings from the Feminine Path of Magic” by Seren Bertrand explores that very question. “Spirit Weaver” sets out to inspire you to tap into your feminine energy, even if you identify as male, which is a wonderful change of pace for a book like this. Everything female is celebrated and explored in this book, making it a fast-paced and intriguing read.

Inside Bertrand shares her personal experiences with her European ancestral lineage, myth and folklore, the power of home, goddesses, sacred places, lunar traditions, earth rituals, wild magic, exploring grief, the importance of feminine power, and just so much more.

“Spirit Weaver” is an oversized paperback with 200 pages and beautiful full color illustrations by Kate Monkman throughout. With its lovely illustrations, inspirational writing, and suggested retail price of $20, “Spirit Weaver” by Seren Bertrand would make a wonderful female family heirloom.

You can learn more here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

The Witch at the Forest’s Edge

by Administrator, posted in Books, Magic/Occult, Wiccan/Pagan

It is fair to say that there is no one way to “witch.” If there was, there wouldn’t be the overflowing cornucopia of witchcraft books available. Although yes, there witchcraft schools, or traditions, that are more “set” than others, overall witchcraft is a build your system. And if you’re looking for a great way to explore the options, “The Witch at the Forest’s Edge: Thirteen Keys to Modern Witchcraft” by Christine Grace is an excellent choice.

Grace has crafted a magical book that explores what in her opinion are 13 key aspects to explore for those interested in witchcraft: worldview and spirituality, communing with spirits, spiritual ancestry, intuition, cultivating spirit senses, creating ritual, hedgeriding (a means release part of your consciousness from this world and travel, spiritually into the Otherworld to engage with spirits, gather new knowledge, hone magical skills, and create change), divination, theology, a green and local craft, the practical use of magical theory, spellcraft, and magical ethics. Taken as a whole, it creates a rich cosmology for her Forest’s Edge Tradition of Witchcraft. However, what I truly love about the book is Grace’s attitude of taking what you want from “The Witch at Forest’s Edge” and not sweating the stuff that doesn’t resonate with you.

I guarantee that if you are interested in witchcraft AT ALL, you will find “The Witch at Forest’s Edge” by Christine Grace a compelling read. It is a wonderful resource for those just dipping their toe into the wider world of witchcraft or for those seasoned witches that want to see how other witches practice their craft.

You can learn more here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

10 Questions with Liz Dean

by Administrator, posted in Interviews, Tarot

Today we’re talking about all things tarot with Liz Dean, author of over 20 books focusing on tarot and spirituality and the new book “Tarot By Numbers: Learn the Codes that Unlock the Meaning of the Cards.”

1. What first drew you to tarot?

As a child, I was fascinated by portrayals of tarot and tarot readings on television – UK shows such as Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, with its opening credits showing a carousel of tarot cards, and of course Solitaire in the Bond film Live and Let Die. I loved the cards’ imagery without understanding them – so it was very much an intuitive pull for me.

2. Your latest book, “Tarot by Numbers” discusses using the number of the card as a jumping off point to doing a reading. When did you realize this was a viable way to use the tarot?

I began to experience number as symbol around ten years or so ago (I’ve been reading cards for almost 35 years); and more intensely, over the past three years. It then struck me that, in tarot teaching, this is a way for students to access the whole deck, rather than only relate the cards’ numbers to, say, timescales for future events. Numbers have particular energies, and like images, act as portals to other ways of seeing. Numbers make understanding tarot so accessible, because we all have an innate relationship with certain numbers (unlucky 13, lucky 7); that’s the starting point.

3. It seems like readers are continually finding new ways to use and/or interpret tarot cards. Do you think we’ll ever run out of tarot discoveries?

Tarot is always relevant to the times in which we live because the cards show archetypes that are a part of our human experience. We interpret these archetypes – the Fool, Empress (mother), Hermit (seeker, monk), for example, in the language of our times. So the potential is endless.

4. How do you feel about oracle decks and other non-tarot style decks?

I welcome all means of self-discovery. Often, I find that tarot students begin with oracle decks and progress to tarot. At times I work with both – pulling an oracle card at the end of a tarot reading can bring through a closing nugget of wisdom.

5. You’re British and reside in the U.K. Do you find there is a difference in the way Americans approach tarot compared to the British?

I don’t feel that there is a difference – only in pronunciation! (West coast, ‘ta-row’, East Coast, ‘tarot’). I do love the US tarot community – I’ve met so many passionate and erudite readers at Reader’s Studio in New York, the world’s largest tarot gathering.

6. What are a few of your favorite tarot decks, and why?

Of course, I love my Game of Thrones Tarot, which I co-created with artist Craig Coss. Then there’s Janine Worthington’s In Between Tarot; Modern Witch Tarot from Lisa Sterle, and the Rider Waite Smith.

7. What is your best advice to someone who wants to start learning how to read tarot?

Find a deck you love. You need to adore the colour, the imagery, and even the box artwork. Buy a deck you naturally want to touch. When you have the right deck, invest in a tarot journal. Begin reading for yourself and record your readings. You’ll get to see which cards recur for you and investigate them more deeply. Do a daily three-card reading; this builds a relationship between you and your cards. Take your time and try not to get overwhelmed with YouTube tutorials or too many tarot books.

And – when you read cards, resist the temptation to check the card’s meaning in the book. Instead, go with how the card makes you feel – look at the colour, the number, the symbols and landscapes: images stimulate imagination, intuition and creativity. Speak your impressions aloud when you’re on your own, as this energizes your reading. Tarot is a live practice, so read in the moment and don’t worry that you should know a card’s meaning. Take the Fool’s leap of faith!

8. Are there any misconceptions about tarot that you’d like to take a moment here to address?

First, Tarot has nothing to do with evil or negative ideas of the occult – the earliest cards date to the Renaissance and have Christian imagery (and these are the archetypes used in many decks today). Second, your future is not set. You have free will; tarot helps you see the influences around you, and how those influences might unfold given present circumstances. With this awareness, you become better placed to make decisions, understand relationships, communicate effectively and follow your passion.

9. What’s next? Do you have any upcoming projects that my readers should be aware of?

Tarot by Numbers is my twenty-second book, so I’ll be having a lie down with a gin and tonic. But watch this space…

10. Parting shot! Ask us at The Magical Buffet any one question.

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Not yet.

About Liz Dean:
Liz Dean (London, England) is a professional tarot reader and Angelic Reiki™ Healer at Psychic Sisters in Selfridges, London. A best-selling tarot author, Liz had studied divination for over 20 years. Liz is the author of “The Golden Tarot” (over 300,000 sold worldwide), “The Ultimate Guide to Tarot”, “The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Spreads”, “The Victorian Steampunk Tarot”, “Fairy Tale Fortune Cards”, “44 Ways to Talk to Your Angels”, “The Tarot Companion”, “The Divination Handbook”, and “Tarot Made Simple”. Liz is also one of the “Tarot Masters” included in Kim Arnold’s eponymous collection of 38 essays. In addition, she is a former co-editor of the UK’s leading spiritual magazine, “Kindred Spirit” (2011–2013), and an award-winning poet. Find Liz online at https://lizdean.info/.

You can learn more here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

Joy

by Administrator, posted in Music, New Age, Reviews

Seven years ago, new age musicians Paul Avgerinos and Kevin Braheny Fortune won a Grammy for their album “Grace.” An album, that I would like to point out, I gave a positive review at the time. I was happy to learn that Avgerinos and Fortune have worked together to release a new album that feels like the spiritual successor to “Grace”, “Joy.”

Interestingly, the titles of the tracks form a poem that is supposed to express the true nature of real joy.

Joy Is

Subtle
Content
Innocence

Rising
Simplicity
Childlike
Tranquility

Serene
Rivers of Light
Ascending

Maybe it’s because I listened to it while at work, but “Joy” had me wistfully watching the birds through my office window. Whereas the last album I reviewed, David Arkenstone’s “Music Inspired by Middle Earth Volume II” had my pulse quicken with a sense of adventure, Avgerinos’ “Joy” seemed to say, “Slow down. Take in the moment.”

“Joy” would be wonderful way to ease into your morning or with which to reflect on your day. If you’re interested, check out the video below.

You can learn more here.

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

10 Questions with Mike Nevitt

by Administrator, posted in Interviews, New Age

Today we’re talking with Mike Nevitt about his life as a full-time yoga and meditation instructor and his adorable and humorous new book “The Lighter Side of Yoga.”

1. What first drew you to the practice of yoga?
Like so many others I was initially drawn to the practice of yoga as a way to control stress and find some mental balance and calm.

2. What made you decide to become a full-time teacher of yoga and meditation?
After a while of practicing I realised that I loved what it offered more and more, it became a lifestyle and eventually I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. My move towards becoming a full time teacher was a very natural and organic process. I didn’t take any formal teacher training, just shared with small groups what I had learned. The small groups became bigger and bigger and I just became a very well-known teacher in the UK. No one ever asked to see any formal qualifications.

3. Did you always have a sense of humor about the yoga/spiritual space, or was it something that developed with time and experience?
I have a deep respect for yoga and meditation and if anything I always took myself, and the practice a little too seriously. The sense of humour thing was something that developed gradually, especially as I became more and more disillusioned with trends that were occurring within the modern yoga scene. Even though the cartoons in the book can be seen as funny, each of them contains a statement that is more grounded in truth than humour.

4. What inspired you to start creating comics about the foibles of those who practice and teach yoga and meditation?
I think it was just a rising frustration and increasing dismay with the ‘yoga scene’ As I say in my introduction to the book I did a little scribble one day of a guy disturbing everyone in relaxation by answering a call on his phone. I posted it online and it got a huge positive response. To get such a large response from people identifying with the situation was like therapy. Inspired I did another scribble and that also got a large response. So began the process of pouring out all these little scribbles which ultimately turned into the book ‘The Lighter Side of Yoga’.

5. You have a few recurring characters in your comics. Do you have a personal favorite and why?
Cosmic Johnny is my favourite character, I love him, he’s me! He’s completely out there and crazy with ideas and contemplations!

6. How do you create your comics? Do you draw it freehand, use software, a combination of both?
I draw the initial cartoon as a freehand line drawing and then take it into some paint software to add colour and text.

7. Yoga and meditation with music or without? If with, what do you like for it?
Yoga sometimes with music, usually a relaxing background mantra. Meditation is always in silence for me, absolute contemplation of breathing in and breathing out and the ‘feeling’ of the present moment. Nothing else.

8. What do you find to be common misconception about yoga?
The classic ‘You have to be flexible to do yoga and the equally classic ‘I can’t do meditation, my mind is just too busy’

9. What’s next? Do you have any upcoming projects that my readers should be aware of?
Yeah, a number of exciting new projects that I’m getting together to present to my publisher. First one is titled ‘A journey through Strange with Cosmic Johnny and Yogi Mike’ It’s basically me and Cosmic Johnny sharing our thoughts and contemplations about meditation, the mind, the universe, consciousness, time travel and the delights of a fine red wine. The second is titled ‘Running for the Swings’ which is a collection of magical memories from my childhood growing up in poverty on a harsh northern council estate in the UK.

10. Parting shot! Ask us at The Magical Buffet any one question.
Your page is amazing, why do you not have more followers?!
Obviously not everyone has such refined taste as yourself.

About Mike Nevitt:
Mike Nevitt has been a practitioner and full-time teacher of yoga and meditation for over 25 years and has led workshops and seminars worldwide. He was formerly a graphic designer and commercial artist working in advertising agencies and design studios in the UK. You can find him at The Lighter Side of Yoga on Facebook and you can find his book here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

Tarot for Real Life

by Administrator, posted in Books, Reviews, Tarot

How does he do it? Seriously, how does Jack Chanek pull it off? You may remember how much I adored his previous book, “Qabalah for Wiccans”, which in all honesty should have been titled “Qabalah for Everyone” because it was the first book on Qabalah that really clicked for me, and would work for anyone, Wiccan or otherwise. Well, he back with “Tarot for Real Life: Use the Cards to Find Answers to Everyday Questions,” and yes, he did it again.

Now, when it comes to tarot, I know a thing or two. Not to toot my own horn, but I do some halfway decent monthly single card tarot forecasts on my Patreon. Yet, there is no denying that Chanek’s ability to breakdown complex systems and present them in an accessible order is perfect for tarot. Much like when reading “Qabalah for Wiccans,” I found myself giddy with excitement in achieving better understanding. And with the book’s emphasis on real life applications, “Tarot for Real Life” really IS tarot for real life!

“Tarot for Real Life” by Jack Chanek is an absolute must for anyone starting on the path of tarot reading, but I think even an experienced tarot reader can find something to take away from this book.

You can learn more here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

Music Inspired by Middle Earth

by Administrator, posted in Music, New Age


Anyone who has ever drifted into the new age realm has heard of David Arkenstone. However, you may be surprised at how many places you have heard his Grammy nominated instrumentals, including the video games World of Warcraft and Earth and Beyond, shows on the History Channel and Discovery Channel, and even the Kentucky Derby.

Recently, his new album “Music Inspired by Middle Earth Volume II” released. It’s a follow up to “Music Inspired by Middle Earth” that debuted 20 years ago. Arkenstone has frequently looked to Tolkien for inspiration so another return to Middle Earth was destined to happen.

The music is cinematic, featuring full orchestral arrangements. The arrangements capture the feeling of the subject matter so well that I frequently found myself second guessing as to whether or not I had heard this music in the “Lord of the Rings” films. They have not, but so true to the spirit that this now has ingrained itself in my mind as the score.

If you miss Middle Earth, consider this David Arkenstone’s invitation to you to return.

Enjoy this video of “Shadowfax and the White Rider.”

You can learn more here.

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

The Beauty Witch’s Secrets

by Administrator, posted in Beauty/Skincare, Books, DIY, Magic/Occult, Reviews, Wiccan/Pagan

If you follow me on social media, it’s no secret that I love skincare and cosmetics. So you’ll understand that once I heard about “The Beauty Witch’s Secrets: Recipes & Rituals for the Modern Goddess” by Alise Marie I had to request a copy to review. Marie has created a book with a little bit of something for anyone interested in beauty.

Looking for some useful, practical advice? Want to learn to make your own skincare? Recipes for some beauty enhancing beverages? Ready to turn your skincare routine into ritual? Alise Marie has ALL that and more in “The Beauty Witch’s Secrets.” Even if you’re someone like me and settled in on a regular skincare routine, Marie offers plenty of tips and insights that you’ll want to try out and perhaps make your routine a little more magical.

Have you ever wished you could sit around and talk beauty with your fabulous witch girlfriend? Alise Marie is that girlfriend and “The Beauty Witch’s Secrets” is the start of that conversation.

You can learn more here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet

The Lighter Side of Yoga

by Administrator, posted in Books, New Age, Reviews

Mike Nevitt gets it. I’ve never met the long-time yoga and meditation instructor, but his voice, and his humor, resonates with anyone who has worked in a service industry and/or has interacted with “spiritual” communities. His comic strips, compiled into “The Lighter Side of Yoga”, is a guaranteed good time.

Nevitt’s adorable doodles tell immediately familiar stories of competitive enlightenment, tipsy yoga practice, hijinks at spiritual retreats, vegan humor, and so much more. You’ll find yourself chuckling and nodding in agreement as you read over a hundred strips. I found myself considering removing individual pages of the book just to frame and hang on my wall.

At a reasonable price, cute art, and amusing, observational humor, I highly recommend getting yourself a copy of “The Lighter Side of Yoga.”

You can learn more here.

Get your own copy here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! Https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet