Sometimes it takes a while for a review to get written for The Magical Buffet. It’s not because I disliked the product, or even because I find it particularly hard to figure out something to say. Just somehow, it happens. One of the big factors lately is just a lot of really top notch stuff keeps coming out and I find myself up to my armpits in awesome books and products (a fantastic problem to have, trust me!). Add my health issues that slow me down and the holiday season, and well, stuff takes time. It’s been forever that I’ve been meaning to share the beautiful “The Secret Language of Birds Tarot” by Adele Nozedar and Linda Sutton from Schiffer Publishing on the site, and the cold winter chills finally got me at the keyboard.
There’s a lot of stuff to talk about here, so let’s dive in and eventually I’ll hopefully remember to tell you how cold weather temperatures got me off my ass and writing this review of a truly unique deck. Let me start with, this is a deck from Schiffer Publishing, so I must again take a moment to gush about the quality. It comes in a sturdy oversized gift box that has the awesome magnetic closure that apparently all Schiffer tarot decks come with. The 78 card tarot deck features cards 5 1/2″ high and 4″ wide, which admittedly are a bit hard to handle, but frame the vivid artwork of Linda Sutton beautifully. The set comes with a slightly over 200 page trade paper back style book written by Adele Nozedar (author of “The Secret Language of Birds” and “The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols” amongst others) and features an introduction from Philip Carr-Gomm (Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids).
Much like when I reviewed “Cat’s Eye Tarot”, don’t think that some sort of cutesy bird “theme” is covering up for a lack of thought, intent, or depth on the part of the decks creators. You would be making a grave mistake.
“When the early priests and Shaman discovered what they believed to be a link between the random vagaries of the weather and the actions of the Gods, they naturally turned toward the skies for confirmation and justification of their actions.
Birds, with their flight patterns, naturally assumed the nature of messengers from the lofty realms of these multitudinous Gods, since of course birds, symbolically, come from the same place as both Gods and weather; the vast, impenetrable Above.” – Adele Nozedar
Nozedar expands from there showing how birds make compelling subjects for tarot exploration. Perhaps not as adorable as the “Hanged Kitty” from “Cat’s Eye Tarot”, (Curse you “Hanged Kitty”!) but multifaceted, sometimes cute, other times fearsome, mysterious, I think you get the idea here, right?
And just in case that wasn’t enough depth and texture for you, here’s some more for you!
“You will notice that the deck you are holding contains a lot of Italian terminology. This is not only because the artist Linda Sutton lives for much of the time in Italy, but is also in honor of the origin of the Tarot cards as we now know them.”
Nozedar goes on to say, “What we do know is that, as early as 1420, there are references to a certain ‘Game of Gods and Birds’ which was commissioned by Duke Filippo Maria Visconti of Milan.” The deck wasn’t the tarot deck we know today, it is a branch in the weird and winding family tarot tree, and so “The Secret Language of Birds Tarot” opted to pay a little homage with a touch of Italian.
This brings us how the cold weather finally prompted me to write my review. One of my favorite cards from “The Secret Language of Birds Tarot” is “The Fool”. After a chilly day of errand running my mind wandered to the beautiful, breezy, beach scene depicted by “The Fool” in this deck. The scanned image doesn’t do the art justice, but it gives you a bit of an idea of how wonderful it is. And I love Nozedar’s introductory description in the book.
The Fool - Il Matto - The Cuckoo
“At the edge of a beach, pretty much where the sea meets the shore, we see a beguiling looking young woman wearing a strapless gold sundress and a gold bangle. She’s relaxed, looking over her shoulder in a come-hither manner, effectively flirting with the camera. This girl looks as though she’s more aware of her lipstick than her surroundings – but the lipstick is good, and, in some cases, lipstick can be important especially when there might not be much else to rely on.”
She goes on to discuss the significance of The Fool and the cuckoo. Also the crocodile our beguiling woman has no problem toying with. Remember, there is always a lot more going on with any of these cards than you might suspect at first glance.
“The Secret Language of Birds Tarot” is a bewitching deck that has certainly captured me in its spell.
An Excerpt from the 25th Anniversary Edition of Living in the Light by Shakti Gawain
Most of us have been taught from childhood not to trust our feelings, not to express ourselves truthfully and honestly, not to recognize that at the core of our being lies a loving, powerful, and creative nature. We learn easily to try to accommodate those around us, to follow certain rules of behavior, to suppress our spontaneous impulses, and to do what is expected of us. Even if we rebel against this, we are trapped in our rebellion, doing the opposite of what we’ve been told in a knee-jerk reaction against authority. Very seldom do we receive any support for trusting ourselves, listening to our own sense of inner truth, and expressing ourselves in a direct and honest way.
When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive knowingness, looking instead for authority, validation, and approval from others, we give our personal power away. This leads to feelings of helplessness, emptiness, a sense of being a victim, and eventually anger and rage — and, if these feelings are also suppressed, to depression and deadness. We may simply succumb to these feelings and lead a life of quiet numbness. We may overcompensate for our feelings of powerlessness by attempting to control and manipulate other people and our environment. Or we may eventually burst forth with uncontrolled rage that is highly exaggerated and distorted by its long suppression. None of these are very positive alternatives.
The true solution is to re-educate ourselves to listen to and trust the inner truths that come to us through our intuitive feelings. Following our inner guidance may feel risky and frightening at first, because we are no longer playing it safe, doing what we “should” do, pleasing others, following rules, or deferring to outside authority. To live this way is to risk losing everything that we have held on to for reasons of external (false) security, but we will gain integrity, wholeness, true power, creativity, and the real security of knowing that we are in alignment with the power of the universe.
In suggesting that our intuition needs to be the guiding force in our lives, I am not attempting to disregard or eliminate the rational mind. The intellect is a very powerful tool, best used to support and give expression to our intuitive wisdom, rather than as we often use it — to suppress our intuition. Most of us have programmed our intellect to doubt our intuition. When an intuitive feeling arises, our rational minds immediately say, “I don’t think that will work,” “nobody else is doing it that way,” or “what a foolish idea,” and the intuition is disregarded.
As we move into the new world, it is time to re-educate our intellect to recognize the intuition as a valid source of information and guidance. We must train our intellect to listen to and express the intuitive voice. The intellect is by nature very disciplined and this discipline can help us to ask for and receive the direction of the intuitive self.
What does it mean to trust your intuition? How do you do it? It means tuning into your “gut feelings” — your deepest inner sense of personal truth — in any given situation, and acting on these feelings, moment by moment. Sometimes these “gut messages” may tell you to do something unexpected or inconsistent with your previous plans; they may require that you trust a hunch that seems illogical; you may feel more emotionally vulnerable than you are used to feeling; you may express thoughts, feelings, or opinions foreign to your usual beliefs; you may follow a dream or fantasy, or take some degree of financial risk to do something that feels important to you.
At first you may fear that trusting your intuition will lead you to do things that seem somewhat hurtful or irresponsible to others. For example, you may hesitate to break a date, even though you need time for yourself, because you fear hurting your date’s feelings. I’ve found that when I really listen to and trust my inner voice, in the long run, everyone around me benefits as much as I do.
People may sometimes be temporarily disappointed, irritated, or a bit shaken up as you change your old patterns of relating to yourself and others. But this is usually because as you change, the people around you are automatically pushed to change as well. If you trust, you will see that the changes are also for their highest good. (If you do break that date, your friend may end up having a wonderful time doing something else.) If they don’t want to change, they may move away from you, at least for a while; therefore, you must be willing to let go of the forms of relationship you have with people. If there is a deep connection between you, chances are good that you will be close again in the future. Meanwhile, everyone needs to grow in his or her own way and time. As you continue to follow your path, you will increasingly attract people who like you as you are and relate to you in a way that feels honest, supportive, and appreciative.
Shakti Gawain is a pioneer in the field of personal growth and consciousness. Her bestselling title Living in the Light was just published in an updated and revised 25th Anniversary edition. Along with Marc Allen, Gawain co-founded New World Library in 1977. She lives in Marin County, California. Visit her online at http://www.shaktigawain.com.
The Oldest Businesses Still in Business
So there are two hotels in Japan, founded twelve years apart. The oldest is Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan, founded in (get this) 705 CE. Seriously. It’s had 52 operators since it was founded.
More interesting to me was the one founded just twelve years later: Hoshi Ryokan. This place has been run by the same family, for 46 generations. Let that sink in a moment. Forty-six generations.
Robot Hummingbirds
They fly (more or less) just like real hummingbirds — no propellers, just wings. They’ve been developed for DARPA for surveillance work.
Ice Hotel — Now with Tron Suite
So if you’re an uber-fan of the movie(s) Tron, here’s a great place to take a vacation: the TRON suite, in an ice-hotel. Featuring lights embedded in the ice.
Survive the Apocolypse Home for Sale
Worried about zombies? Don’t be, with this modest ranch-style home built over a converted missile silo and bunker. Shotguns sold separately.
Sometimes Writing Letters Works
So this guy sent a bunch of published authors and critics a survey, asking them about their use of symbolism in their work, or perceived symbols in the work of others. Dry, right? Well, the guy sent the survey to people like Fritz Leiber, Lloyd Biggle Jr., Judith Merril, A. J. Budrys, Jack Kerouac, Ayn Rand, Ralph Ellison, Ray Bradbury, John Updike, Saul Bellow, and Norman Mailer. Why did he do it? Mostly to settle an argument he was having with his high school English teacher — the guy in question (Bruce McAllister) was 16 at the time. Click on the article for the fascinating replies. More than half the people he mailed wrote back.
Visualization of a Magnetic Storm
Slap on your space boots, we’re going some place super-geeky. Scientists created a visualization of a magnetic storm interacting with the upper atmosphere. As Phil Plait said it, anyone else reminded of Forbidden Planet? Full screen it for best effect.
Methane Fountains
There’s a term I didn’t expect to hear about someplace on Earth. You’d think that’d be about some icey moon orbiting Jupiter or something. But no, apparently there are plumes of methane gas bubbling up from the Arctic ocean. Lovely!
Newton’s Marked-Up Copy
Sometimes a marked-up book can be worth more than a pristine one. Like in the case of Isaac Newton’s own first-printing copy of Principa Mathematica, where he made notes about the corrections he wanted to make for the second printing. See the full digitized copy.
Hidden Pools
Because every house should have one of these. Seriously, watch the video. It’s a Bond villain’s swimming pool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7mXLqIJXHs
Kinda Big
A consortium of 40 universities and institutes will embark on a project to build the second largest human-built structure in the world (after the Great Wall of China). What’s it do? Detect neutrinos. Yeah, I know, not very exciting. But it does cool science things. The giant detector will be a stand of vertically-tethered towers, with highly sensitive optical receptors at even intervals along it’s length. Then these things will be tied to the sea floor in the Mediterranean.
In case you have trouble visualizing what this thing will look like, here’s the money shot:
Carved Books
You won’t believe how cool these look until you see the pictures. Yes, sculptures made from books.
20 Best Visualizations of 2011
I know, lists are cheap and charts are the worst. Well, consider this the best of the worst. Actually, they’re better than that sounds. These are some cool ways of visualizing information, sometimes very complex information (like an overview of the US military or every country that has every participated in the Space Race and what they did).
About John: John’s a geek from way back. He’s been floating between various computer-related jobs for years, until he settled into doing tech support in higher ed. Now he rules the Macs on campus with an iron hand (really, it’s on his desk).
Geek Credentials: RPG: Blue box D&D, lead minis, been to GenCon in Milwaukee. Computer: TRS-80 Color Computer, Amiga 1000, UNIX system w/reel-to-reel backup tape Card games: bought Magic cards at GenCon in 1993 Science: Met Phil Plait, got time on a mainframe for astronomy project in 1983 His Blog:http://glenandtyler.blogspot.com
A number of years ago I made the standard New Year’s resolution that began with: “Jeez, I’d better do something to get in shape this year.” Of course, I didn’t actually begin anything for a few months and then I decided that a daily walk would suit me.
At first I ventured out at lunchtime which provided a nice break in the middle of a hectic work day. When summer arrived it became too hot to walk at noon and, for my co-worker’s sake, I didn’t want to smell like a locker room all afternoon. This prompted me to roll out of bed a little earlier in the mornings so I could walk before going to work. It was nice and simple: old clothes, no make-up and I could throw on a hat to hide my hair.
In the beginning it was good “alone” time for me. I would think about anything and everything – big issues and non-issues. Sometimes I’d sort out problems and other times I’d find a few new ones for myself. Because I don’t listen to music while walking, friends have asked, “Isn’t it boring?” Not at all because my thinking time gave way to quiet time, and then I began to observe my surroundings – I mean, really pay attention. That’s when my walks began to deepen my connection with the natural world. What better way to honor Mother Earth than to witness her cycles on a day-to-day basis?
I discovered that spring mornings are abuzz with birds and squirrels scouting for breakfast. And that it’s rather magical when a rabbit sits up to look at me as if to acknowledge a bond between creatures of the dawn. As Earth renews herself, the vitality of life is visible everywhere. One day a tree may be sporting only tiny buds and the next day it seems to have exploded into a verdant green sphere. The month of May brings the lilacs into bloom and my neighborhood becomes awash in a fragrance richer than anything Chanel can put in a bottle
Many summer mornings bring a fresh ocean breeze that ripples through gardens where abundant herbs and vegetables are a reminder of Gaia’s generous bounty. Autumn mornings are frequently softened by thick fog that rolls in from the harbor. The Celts considered a fog, the edge of a forest or a shoreline as betwixt and between places with the potential to reveal unseen realms. On these mornings the world seems cloaked in a sense of mystical wonder that even the crows honor with silence.
At this time of year Canada geese create a spectacle as they form V-shaped ranks in preparation for their journey southward. I am reminded of the ancient bird goddess figurines of southern Europe which were marked with Vs emphasizing the Mother Goddess’s role as life-giver and provider. It’s easy to understand this connection in the ancient mind – to them the V formation of geese and ducks indicated the direction of a water source and plentiful food. I sometimes pause to watch while I ponder my connection to very distant ancestors.
In winter when the trees are bare and the snow piled high the landscape is transformed into a place of stark beauty. In this hushed wonderland I can feel a fragile and ethereal magic surround me like frosty breath. Although footprints reveal signs of busy animal and bird life, the world seems suspended in time as seeds rest underground awaiting their turn to bring forth a new cycle
Sometimes the moon accompanies me on my morning rambles. Luna’s phases are more obvious than Gaia’s and serve to remind me of the phases of my own life. I have been maiden and I have been mother. Now at the threshold of a new phase, I hope to become a wise crone.
What started as a half-hearted resolution to get in shape has blossomed into a deeply meaningful practice for body, mind and spirit. My soul is more acutely in tune with the rhythm of natural cycles and I have a peaceful sense of my place in the greater spiral dance of life. On the rare days that a walk doesn’t fit my schedule I don’t feel guilty about the lack of a workout, but I do wonder what magic I may have missed that morning.
About Sandra Kynes: Sandra Kynes describes herself as an explorer of Celtic history, myth and magic. Her curiosity has taken her to live in New York City, Europe, England and New England. Spiritually her inquisitiveness has led her to investigate the roots of her beliefs and to study ancient texts such as the “Mabinogion”. One thing she discovered about herself is that she tends to see the world a little differently than most people. She likes finding connections between things and creating new ways and methods for exploring the world, which has been the inspiration for many of her books. A life-long interest in archaeology was deepened during the time she lived in England. Tracking down remnants of stone circles and other ancient sites is a passion she pursues on return visits to the British Isles. Her 7th book with Llewellyn will be published in 2012. To learn more visit her website Celtic Soul and/or follow her on Facebook.
Most readers know that I’m a pretty big fan of author Claude Lecouteux, and that his latest book, “Phantom Armies of the Night: The Wild Hunt and the Ghostly Processions of the Undead” may very well be my favorite. In fact, it was one of my favorite things of 2011! However, in a book full of interesting history, legends, and folktales, there was one particular section that really stuck with me since I read it; “The Good Women Who Roam the Night”.
Lecouteux’s writing is dense, rich with the fruits of exhaustive research. I couldn’t hope to do a summary that would even come close to doing justice to the man’s work. Instead, let me ditch the scholarship and attempt to explain why after reading “Phantom Armies of the Night” I decided this holiday season to leave food and drink out for The Feast of the Ladies of the Night.
I’m guessing it’s an idea not exclusive to the Middle Ages, nor to the German speaking countries of the era, but there had been a belief that there were a troop of women who would roam the night. Specifically they would travel during the holy nights between the birth of Jesus and the night of Epiphany. Led by Dame Abundia and Satia, or Fraw Percht or Perchtum, these ladies would visit homes. If the households had chosen to leave out food and drink for the ladies to feast on (being sure to have all containers open), the homes would be blessed with prosperity and abundance for the next year. Needless to say, the Church wasn’t a fan of such customs. At best they considered the practice a misguided superstition, at their most assertive the Church worked to recast these Good Women as minions of Satan, eaters of babies and corrupters of households.
I’m no stranger to mythologies, religions, or folktales, but for some reason the plight of these Good Women touched my heart. Not only had they been forgotten by so many, but to potentially be remembered as something so perverted from your true nature? It seemed like not such a big deal to set out a little something and take a moment to remember them as they were intended.
1. You describe yourself as a Kitchen Witch. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, can you tell my readers what that means?
A Kitchen Witch is one who uses food, and the preparation and consumption of it to glean spiritual and personal goals. We use the power of intention and mindfulness to focus energy into food as well as awakening the innate magickal properties in food to help us along our chosen path. By putting love, joy and positivity in our kitchen and recognizing the power of ritual cooking a Kitchen Witch can create the sacred every day through simple recipes and make any meal magickal with the right tools and intentions. Make no mistake, you don’t have to be the world’s best cook and your recipes don’t have to be gourmet or high priced, just full of positive energy and joy and love! At least, that is how I see the world of Kitchen Magick. It is more about your energy than the food in your fridge.
2. How did you end up working with the Temple of Witchcraft to do “Tastes from the Temple: Kitchen Witchery from the Temple of Witchcraft”?
This book was something the Temple of Witchcraft wanted to do for a while, I’m told. However the project was put on hold until fate stepped in and put me in the right place at the right time! I had cooked for a couple of events and vended my Witchy Wares and I guess that they decided to put their faith in my abilities and know how as a Kitchen Witch. I am forever grateful that they thought so much of me!!!
3. “Tastes from the Temple” is a fundraiser for the Temple of Witchcraft, can you tell my readers a little bit about the organization?
Well, I am an honorary member of the Temple, which means I have not been through all the formal training but I am considered part of the community because I have helped out at many events and help as much as I can. The organization as a whole was founded by Christopher Penczak, Steve Kenson and Adam Sartwell. These three brilliant, kind and Magickal men grew the Temple of Witchcraft as a nonprofit charitable religious organization based in the State of New Hampshire. The Temple of Witchcraft’s goal on an individual level is to awaken the potential of the human soul to its natural gifts of psychic awareness, communion with nature and the spirits, and magick. Your readers can find out more at www.templeofwitchcraft.org
4. In what ways does “Tastes from the Temple” differ from other cookbooks?
In many ways it is a book in the true spirit of community cookbooks. The kind that old churches would put together to raise funds and unite spirits in a church or organization. But “Tastes From the Temple” has recipes from not only our immediate community but also from all over the country. Stories and anecdotes from Temple of Witchcraft members accompany every recipe so we can really get to know this community. I have taken each recipe and added a little dash of magick by including the innate magickal attributes of the foods, how and why to use them and for what magickal purposes.
5. One section of the book features recipes that highlight “Heirloom Magick”. Can you tell my readers a little bit about this tradition?
Heirloom Magick is one of my favorite portions of the book. It is what I call the idea of cooking with and for the ancestors. We can stay connected to our past loves ones through food and keep their memories alive when we cook their recipes or use their kitchen tools. This is something I really started doing this past year after my grandmother passed away. I got a box full of her old pots and pans, even a muffin tin that had been my Great Grandmother’s back in Italy. I noticed how when using these as ritual tools really helped me to stay close to, not only my grandmother, but my heritage. Recipes I had never made before started erupting from heart and everything just tasted so wonderful and full of love and tradition. I love this type of food magick so much I have even started to teach classes on it!
6. The Temple of Witchcraft community contributed many of the recipes featured in “Tastes from the Temple”, what is one of your favorites contributed from the community and why?
I think one of my favorite contributions is from Alix Wright. She is a lead minister of the Temple and a very, very dear friend of mine. Her recipe is found in the “Sweets” section of the book. It is a fruit cake soaked in brandy for up to a month. Fruit cake is not something most of us find very appetizing but this one is so very rich and a little naughty with all that brandy! To be honest it is one of my favorites because it is something I never would have thought of on my own. It is very unique and has a history and a deep affection among Alix’s family and friends. In the true spirit of Kitchen Witchery this cake is made with love and patience and gets better with time.
7. Now I know this one is going to be really hard, but what’s one of your favorites of your recipes that you used in “Tastes from the Temple” and why?
OH Yes. This is a very hard question…Hummm…I think it is a tie between the Pasta Fagioli in the Heirloom Magick chapter and the Three Bean Chili in the Witchy Entertaining Chapter. The Pasta Fagioli really rings true to everything I mentioned earlier about Heirloom Magick. When I cook it I am taken back to my childhood and cold Autumn nights after jumping in piles of leaves or walking the dog. And the Three Bean Chili is something I make all the time. It has become a staple in my home and for my friends. When I don’t have any in the freezer I make a huge pot of it to be sure that I always have some on hand. In fact, as I write this I am reminded that just yesterday my husband, Justin, asked when we were going to have some chili! It is easy, filling, healthy and comforting; wonderful for big crowds of people or for a cozy night in on the couch. I would be hard pressed to have to choose between these two!
8. Since these recipes are magical, they all magically have no calories, right?
Of course! I have magickaly removed all the calories, fat, sugar and cholesterol! HA HA! The truth is many of these recipes are healthy options and many use good old fashioned butter, sugar, cream and/or beef! The key to anything is moderation. Enjoy everything, just don’t sit down and eat the entire pan of Four Cheese Baked Macaroni found in the Comfort Foods chapter all by yourself!
9. You’re always busy doing events and writing for websites and publications. Where can my readers see you, or read you next?
Well right now I am really focused on “Tastes from the Temple”. I will be selling signed copies at Muse Gifts and Books in Marlborough, NH on January 15th. February 4th I can be found at the Robin’s Nest in Bellingham, MA for my Recipes for Romance Class. And look for my “Cooking with the Element of Air” article in the upcoming “Witches and Pagans” Magazine in early Spring. For a full list of my events and upcoming Classes visit me at www.CucinaAurora.com
10. Parting shot! Ask us here at The Magical Buffet any one question.
WOW! I get to ask you a question???? OK…What is your favorite food to cook/eat and what magick does it hold for you?
That’s tough. Due to some ongoing health issues my relationship with food has become pretty adversarial at times. These days I enjoy sushi greatly. I always liked it, but as long as it isn’t packing spicy stuff or fried stuff I can pretty much eat as much as my wallet allows. It’s tasty, fun, and we love our local place. We gave them cookies for the holidays!
If I was healthy, I truly miss delivery New York style pizza. Not only is it delicious (in moderation, of course), but it’s the food of parties, of bad days at work when you come home and don’t want to cook, and of course, of rewarding groups for hard labor (like helping you move)!
About Dawn Hunt: Dawn Aurora Hunt, known as “the Kitchen Witch”, is the founder of Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witchery. She teaches classes on Kitchen Witchery and food Magic, touring and giving workshops along the East Coast. Creating the sacred every day though simple spell recipes and kitchen rituals, Dawn has brought food Magick into the homes of Pagans and Non-Pagans alike. Through her line of infused olive oils, dips, cookie mixes, and Kitchen Witch Ware products she has shown that simple home-made foods are best for the body, mind and soul. She and her husband, Justin, live in the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts. For more information visit her website: www.cucinaaurora.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter at Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witchery.
About The Temple of Witchcraft: Witchcraft is a tradition of experience, and the best way to experience the path of the Witch is to actively train in its magickal and spiritual lessons. The Temple of Witchcraft provides a complete system of training and tradition, with four degrees found in the Mystery School for personal and magickal development and a fifth degree in the Seminary for the training of High Priestesses and High Priests interested in serving the gods, spirits, and community as ministers. Teachings are divided by degree into the Oracular, Fertility, Ecstatic, Gnostic, and Resurrection Mysteries. Training emphasizes the ability to look within, awaken your own gifts and abilities, and perform both lesser and greater magicks for your own evolution and the betterment of the world around you. The Temple of Witchcraft offers both in-person and online courses with direct teaching and mentorship. Classes use the “Temple of Witchcraft” series of books and CD Companions as primary texts, supplemented monthly with information from the Temple’s Book of Shadows, MP3 recordings of lectures and meditations from our founders, social support through group discussion with classmates, and direct individual feedback from a mentor. For more information and current schedules, please visit: www.templeofwitchcraft.org.
It used to be all I ever saw were tarot decks; tarot decks that held pretty tight to the template set by the Universal Waite Tarot Deck. Then I noticed tarot decks that meandered off that path at times, and occasionally I saw sets of runes. Then it was oracle decks, that conformed in no way to the traditional tarot, and I saw I Ching sets. It seems for every person out there awaits a type of oracle just for them! And I’m here today to introduce you to another wonderful member of this expanding family, “Tokens of Light”.
“Tokens of Light” is subtitled “66 Paths for insights and prediction according to the Hebrew Alphabet” and it was created by Orna Ben-Shoshan. Astute readers will remember that name from back in April 2011 when I reviewed the “King Solomon Oracle Cards“. Orna was responsible for the beautiful artwork found in that deck, and I’m happy to say “Tokens of Light” is perhaps an even better space for her art.
The tokens are 66 sturdy coins (made of a slightly more sturdy stock than tarot cards). One side of the coin has its number, 1-66, (The total number of 66 was derived by using 3 different aspects of each one of the 22 Hebrew letters.) and underneath it a Hebrew letter with a serial code to which the answer relates. The other side has a beautiful Orna Ben-Shoshan illustration to help you make a visual connection with the coin. The coins come with a pretty drawstring bag to use for carrying, storage, or pulling the tokens from for readings.
You don’t need to be able to read Hebrew to use “Tokens of Light”. Thank goodness! The set comes with an interpretation booklet that gives you some ideas as to what drawing a particular coin might mean, and also some different suggested ways to use “Tokens of Light” for guidance. Despite its beautiful, mysterious, occult appearance, it’s pretty freakin’ simple to use. How about one more “Thank goodness!”?
Along with the tokens, you also get two amulet coins that are not to be included in your readings, but kept close to you. One coin contains the priestly blessing for protection and fulfillment of your wishes, and the other coin contains letter combinations taken from the “72 Names of God” that will bring balance and success to all areas of life.
“Tokens of Light” is a unique addition to the expanding landscape of oracle products. To learn more about it, visit their site.
Many of you probably know, but in case you weren’t aware, yesterday was the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. This year it was our turn to host a dinner for the holiday, and so as always I turned to my well worn copy of “Fast & Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays: Complete Menus, Rituals, and Party-Planning Ideas for Every Holiday of the Year” by Marlene Sorosky. Every time I flip through her book I always come across something new, despite how many times in the past I’ve looked through the darn thing. This year, as always, her book didn’t disappoint!
Sorosky is quick to point out that traditional foods associated with Hanukkah are related to the miracle of oil. Ahhhh, the miracle of oil. Normally that makes people think of latkes, potato pancakes. We tried her Giant Potato-Carrot Latkes which were delicious and required someone to carve them at the table! However it was her mentioning doughnuts that got my attention.
I hadn’t really thought about it, but yes, fried doughnuts certainly would qualify as a food related to oil. She suggests using them to help create a Menorah centerpiece, but I thought, why couldn’t they be dessert?
Even better, I’m still on a pretty restricted diet, so instead of genuine fried doughnuts, couldn’t we use our nifty little baked griddle baby doughnut maker that our friend bought us? Jim has gotten really good at making all kinds of versions and despite the lack of frying, symbolically our dessert would be righteous. Right?
Well, I don’t know if we’ve started the next newest Hebrew craze, but I present…….
by Bob Makransky
(This essay originally appeared in the Magical Almanac Ezine. Used here with the author’s permission.)
Whenever I hear some spiritual guru proclaim that all you gotta do is “just think happy thoughts!”, it makes me want to pop him one upside the head and see how long he can keep on thinking his “happy thoughts.”
Take as an example Miguel Ruiz’s best selling “Four Agreements”, which exhorts readers to “Be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; always do your best.” The degree of profundity or usefulness of this advice is beside the point; it does a disservice to the reader. No effort was made to explain why it’s impossible to be impeccable with your word (in a society based upon lying to other people and yourself); not to take things personally (when all your social training is pointed at inflating your self-importance); not to make assumptions (in a society which discourages thinking for yourself, or thinking at all); or why it’s impossible to do your best (in a society which teaches you to cringe helplessly and wallow in self-pity). In other words, fluffy writing just adds more guilt to the burden of self-hatred which people are already carrying by making people blame themselves, rather than their hypocritical society, for their unhappiness. Fluffy writing may sound soothing because it’s simplistic; but it’s of no real help to anyone.
Who is thinking happy thoughts? The evangelizing proselytizers with their toothpaste-advertisement grins and their used-car-salesman spiels? If those people were truly happy in their hearts, would they be running around trying to make other people like them (in all senses of that word)? Being in denial is not the same thing as being happy. NOBODY (except maybe a few lamas meditating in caves in the Himalayas maybe) can control their thoughts. People can most certainly run away from their issues by distracting themselves, but that is not the same thing as controlling thoughts. It’s like masturbation was in the Victorian age – everybody was doing it while paying lip service to denial; and then feeling ashamed of themselves for being so “perverted”. Similarly, people are being lied to about “just thinking happy thoughts” – and then are made to feel worse about themselves because they are incapable of accomplishing this unattainable feat.
It’s all a lie – this “Positive Thinking” baloney, like so much New Age cant (oh yeah, that’s another one: “never say can’t!”). If you are not happy inside, then 1) it’s impossible to think happy thoughts (unless you’re in denial); and 2) thinking happy thoughts isn’t the way to change your mood in any case (it works the other way around: when you are able to control your moment-to-moment mood – or better said, relax into indifference – THEN your thoughts naturally tend to be happy). What creates your reality is your underlying mood, not what you tell yourself (not your thoughts).
The pundits of Positive Thinking have their cause-and-effect backwards. And they exacerbate people’s problems by blaming them for being unable to control their thoughts – as if society doesn’t heap enough blame and shame on people as it is … now in the New Age people have to blame themselves for being unable to accomplish the impossible. To expect that YOU – l’il ol’ nose pickin’ and pastin’ it under the furniture YOU – should be able to control your thoughts (and then chide yourself when you fail to live up to this ridiculous expectation) is completely absurd. Positive thinking is just another of society’s lies designed to make you feel crummy about yourself.
People need to be told that it’s okay if they are unhappy; that everybody in our society is unhappy, and any appearance to the contrary is just that – an appearance. This is another of our materialistic society’s dirty tricks: constantly telling people “See – those guys over there who bought our useless products are happier than you are! Go for it!” Having us compare ourselves to other people is stupid, since everyone’s karma is so different. And since our superficial society forbids us to talk openly about anything that really matters, we rarely know what anyone else is truly feeling inside in any case.
This is not to say that people don’t have to take complete personal responsibility to get themselves out of the messes they find themselves in. Just that there’s no need to feel guilty for not fulfilling society’s expectations (including being able to “think happy thoughts”), since society’s expectations are impossible to fulfill; moreover, the rewards for fulfilling them aren’t even worth it. This realization is the first step on the spiritual path.
Clue Number 1: Your image of what the spiritual path is all about is wrong – absolutely wrong. Completely off the mark. Not even close. When you finally do get “there”, you’ll realize that the things which you thought were of the essence, aren’t; and the things which are, weren’t part of your thinking at all (they were too subtle, so you overlooked them at the time). What spirituality is all about has to be felt in your heart, not conceptualized. When don Juan finally explained his teachings to Carlos Castaneda (just prior to his leaving him forever, at the end of “Tales of Power”), he told Castaneda that he had been deliberately misleading and sidetracking him all along during the apprenticeship, keeping Castaneda’s thinking mind focused on irrelevancies, and making light of the issues which were indeed the crux. This is because the thinking mind only gets in the way on the spiritual path. The thinking mind is of utmost importance in getting along in society, but it is actually a hindrance in pursuit of the spiritual, which is why don Juan averred that the best sorcerers were either completely stupid or completely crazy. Isn’t it true that in our society the most spiritual people (most open-hearted) are usually either retarded or lunatics?
Clue 2: If you find the spiritual path enjoyable, you ain’t on it. The spiritual path sucks – and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Do you suppose St. John of the Cross was just kidding around when he spoke of the Dark Night of the Soul? On the spiritual path, as in the gym, no pain means no gain. Why do you suppose that gurus such as Sri Yukteswar and Gurdjieff and don Juan (and don Juan’s teacher don Julian) were so abusive to their disciples (except for the disciples who were pretty selfless to begin with)? Why do you think don Juan recommended finding a petty tyrant – an oppressor who spits on you and stomps your self-esteem into the mud – as the most important element of spiritual training? Self-importance is not eliminated by having other people envy you or pat you on the back and tell you how great you are; or by having all your fantasies and daydreams come true. It’s eliminated by having your self-images – everything you crave and strive to uphold – trampled into the dirt.
The spiritual path lies in the diametrically opposite direction from the path society has conditioned you to travel. The spiritual path – the deconditioning process – involves prying your grasping fingers loose from everything society has conditioned you to cling to. This is not pleasant at all. Moreover, nobody is going to give you any reward or recognition for your spiritual accomplishments: depending on your karma (people who are pretty selfless to begin with have it easier than the rest of us), probably most people around you will do everything in their power to frustrate you, be jealous of you, or belittle your efforts. As don Juan told Castaneda, “A warrior has no honor, no dignity, no family, no name, no country; he has only life to be lived, and under these circumstances, his only tie to his fellow men is his controlled folly.” Anybody who is really on the spiritual path (unlike the happy-thought thinkers) is usually crucified by society and the people around them.
The point is that the true spiritual path is entered by facing things squarely as they are (not by denying your reality by “thinking happy thoughts” or otherwise running away from yourself); and then by just accepting your situation – giving up the ghost, stopping all the struggling and fuming, getting off your own case and other people’s case and God’s case. There are no shortcuts on the spiritual path. There definitely are techniques; and it is necessary to find congenial techniques which you can practice daily, to focus your intent. But there is no way to change anything by snapping your fingers or taking a workshop or just thinking happy thoughts.
To tell someone who is in great pain to “just think happy thoughts” is like telling someone without legs to just get up and walk. Deconditioning and reconditioning your mindset requires a tremendous amount of time and endurance – it’s not something you can “just do”. It’s also why magicians aver that there is no point in even considering undertaking the task until you are completely desperate. True spiritual growth is basically just a matter of exhaustion, of complete wipe-out, of coming to realize the futility of it all. But there is no way to hurry anything up. No way. The sooner you give up trying, or lying to yourself by “thinking happy thoughts”, the sooner true change will happen.
About the author: Bob Makransky is a systems analyst, computer programmer and professional astrologer. He lives on a farm in highland Guatemala where he is a Mayan priest and is head of the local blueberry growers’ association. Check out his free downloadable Mayan Horoscope software, free downloadable Planetary Hours calculator, free downloadable Primary Directions / celestial sphere mathematics textbook, complete instructions on how to channel by automatic writing and how to run past life regressions, articles, books, stories, cartoons, etc. etc. at www.dearbrutus.com.
Last December I wrote an article called “The Favorite Things Post” that highlighted a few things I liked. In honor of Oprah’s normal broadcast television show ending I called it that. Now I know Oprah has her own freakin’ network, and at least one magazine, and I’m certain she’s out there floggin’ her favorite things this year like every year, but I’m going to offer a list and call it my favorite things, and I shall fear no Oprah and here is why….
What is up with Oprah being so damn popular? I never got it. And women who like her would tell me, she’s so accessible, she’s like me. What the heck do you mean, she’s like me, I would ask. After a long, thoughtful pause I would be told she struggles with her weight. That’s it? That’s all it takes? Gather round your monitors people…..I struggle with my weight, I struggle with gray hair, and I’m in my mid-thirties and still struggling with acne! So using my rudimentary math skills I calculate that I am THREE TIMES more accessible than Oprah, and thus should be three times more popular. Oprah, you’ve had a good run, why not get some rest and leave the favoriting of things to me?
Let’s get to it, shall we? There was A LOT of great stuff in 2011 but somehow I managed to whittle it down to only 10 things.
Below is a list of My Favorite Things 2011. I tried to provide websites where you can learn more and/or make purchases. Nearly everything I talk about is available on Amazon.com. Heck, most of it is on the Amazon.com widget on the right hand side of the screen here! That said, when possible you should try to support your local businesses. I’m sure now that they know what the all mighty Rebecca has proclaimed “favorite” they are all scrambling to full their shelves with these awesome wares!
Voices of Gnosticism
Miguel Conner has this radio show called Aeon Byte where he interviews authors and scholars about Christianity, Gnosticism, and other subjects. Bardic Press had this great idea to transcribe some of the interviews into a book they called “Voices of Gnosticism”. What a great way to learn about Gnosticism! The conversational tone makes the sometimes tricky subject matter much easier to digest. If you’re looking to learn about Gnosticism, this is a great place to start!
Voices of Gnosticism by Miguel Conner: http://www.voicesofgnosticism.com/ (Right on the front page of the site is a convenient list of links of places to order the book from!)
Defense Against the Dark
There are a lot of books out there about protecting yourself from demons, curses, dark magics, etc. But this year saw the release of my new favorite in the field, “Defense Against the Dark” by Emily Carlin. Carlin is the Dean of Dark Arts for the Grey School of Wizardy but her book is accessible to magical practitioner and average joe. It leaves no stone unturned, no question unanswered. I’ve been recommending it to anyone who will listen, and now that includes you.
Defense Against the Dark: A Field Guide to Protecting Yourself from Predatory Spirits, Energy Vampires, and Malevolent Magick by Emily Carlin: http://www.e-carlin.com/index.html (The “Book” tab on her site provides a link directly to Amazon.com for her book.)
Wandlore
This year saw the release of “Wandlore”. What’s so freakin’ sweet about Alferian’s book is that it’s about more than just wands, it’s about the components of magic itself! If you’re interested in magic at all, you’ll get something out of this book. However be warned, it’s impossible to read “Wandlore” and not get the intense urge to start crafting or purchasing wands for yourself. I don’t practice magic and I found myself feeling like I really, really, needed a wand, or two, or three.
Wandlore: The Art of Crafting the Ultimate Magical Tool by Alferian Gwydion MacLir: http://www.bardwood.com/ (Right on his home page is an Amazon.com button.)
The Hole Behind Midnight
I don’t have a lot of time to read fiction these days, and honestly, I don’t really notice that it’s not in my life. But not too long ago I got the opportunity to read a copy of “The Hole Behind Midnight” by Clinton J. Boomer and I couldn’t resist. To my mind Boomer is the hometown kid made good: bartender, writer for the roleplaying game industry, and self published author, he accomplishes more in a day than I do in a month and seems to enjoy it all a lot more than I do. I had high expectations for “The Hole Behind Midnight” and I was not disappointed. This book has it all: religion, mythology, magic, violence, pop culture touchstones, classic bull in china shop detective work, and a protagonist who might be the most unlikable son of a bitch you’ll ever find yourself whole heartedly rooting for. If you’re looking for something to cut through the saccharin syrup of the holiday season, get yourself a copy of “The Hold Behind Midnight”.
The Hole Behind Midnight: A Story of the 25th Hour by Clinton J. Boomer: http://www.clintonjboomer.com/ (You can get the book in paperback or ebook from Lulu.com and for the Kindle from Amazon.com)
Phantom Armies of the Night
What can I say about this next thing besides I can’t pronounce the author’s name?! I love this GUY! I loved “The Secret History of Vampires: Their Multiple Forms and Hidden Purposes“. I REALLY loved “The Return of the Dead: Ghosts, Ancestors, and the Transparent Veil of the Pagan Mind“. And this year saw the release of “Phantom Armies of the Night” which may very well be my favorite of the bunch. It is hard to choose, a bit like asking Mom to pick a favorite. But with the themes of punishment and redemption, existence beyond death, and of course seeing the influence of Christianity over Pagan belief, “Phantom Armies of the Night” is one of the most fascinating books I read this year!
Phantom Armies of the Night: The Wild Hunt and the Ghostly Processions of the Undead by Claude Lecouteux: As far as I’m aware he doesn’t have a website. (His books can be found easily enough on Amazon.com.)
The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook
As long as we’re doing names I can’t pronounce, is it Kenaz? Keenaz? Filan? Feelan? However you pronounce the name, the author’s book “The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook” can be declared definitely excellent. I expected this book to be a relatively straight forward, kind of point a to b, perhaps vaguely how to-ish guide to New Orleans Voodoo. What it turned out to be was SO much better than that! The amazing diversity of influences that went into the creation of the New Orleans Voodoo tradition are well presented. You learn about New Orleans history, music, food, religions besides Voodoo, Voodoo, and more! I frequently tell people that anyone planning a trip to New Orleans should read it as they would any other travel guide. That you could in fact do the Kenaz? Keenaz? New Orleans Voodoo Handbook tour! Pick up this book and fall in love with New Orleans.
The New Orleans Voodoo Handbook by Kenaz Filan: http://www.kenazfilan.com/ (Like most, this book can be found at Amazon.com.)
Glen & Tyler’s Honeymoon Adventure
Last in the realm of books is another oddity because it’s fiction. Since apparently he’s declined every opportunity to pimp it out on the site I suppose it’s up to me. Did you know that JB Sanders, the guy who regularly provides Buffet readers with the fun Geek Month in Review articles, has a book? Yep, it’s true. “Glen & Tyler’s Honeymoon Adventure”. It’s a fun bit of escapism that I highly recommend. I don’t want to give too much away, but life long friends Glen and Tyler, get married, realize they’re in love, (it makes sense if you read the book), become stupidly, ridiculously, secretly control the world level of rich, and then things get really fun! Pirates, mobsters, family politics, and the quest for a decent honeymoon that doesn’t involve pirates, mobsters, or family politics are to be found! Looking to curl up and disappear into a world of wealth, intrigue, fun, and heart? “Glen & Tyler’s Honeymoon Adventure” will fit the bill perfectly.
Glen & Tyler’s Honeymoon Adventure by JB Sanders: http://glenandtyler.blogspot.com/ (“Glen & Tyler” is available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon.com, hardcover and for the Nook on BN.com, and in paperback, hardcover, and ebook on Lulu.com)
The Mystic Pyramid
Still have some people you need a gift for this holiday season? Problem solved. It’s called the Mystic Pyramid and it is made of awesome.
It’s just a lot of fun. I love it. My friends love it. It’s just great.
Deborah Blake’s Hocus Pocus
Magical Buffet readers know that I have whatever the female equivalent of a bromance is with Witchcraft author Deborah Blake. Womance? Sismance? Anyway. I talk about her so much as a writer that I tend to forget that she is a talented artist who crafts jewelry. This is particularly ironic considering she made one of my favorite necklaces. Until recently if you wanted to see her jewelry you had to travel to The Artisan’s Guild in Oneonta, NY, but recently she opened up an online Esty store called Hocus Pocus. Now anyone with access to the internet can see a small selection of her work and of course, if so inclined, buy. Blake’s jewelry is so beautiful and I’m thrilled that it’s now online for everyone to see!
My Deborah Blake Necklace. Beautiful, right?
Hocus Pocus by Deborah Blake: http://www.etsy.com/shop/deborahblake (If you aren’t getting it there, you’re driving to The Artisans’ Guild in Oneonta, NY!)
Looking for Group
Last, during this time of year when it seems everything involves dropping some cash, here’s a favorite thing that is totally free if you have access to the internet, Looking for Group. Looking for Group is a fantasy webcomic that publishes on Monday and Thursday. It follows the adventures of a slightly too good elf and a way too evil necromancer as they form into a group, have zany adventures, learn about compromise, rickrolling, and recently, taking a stand by occupying hat. The comic is archived so you can easily start at the beginning, like I decided to do this year, and if you like what you read, you can purchase the comics collected into physical books or buy prints of individual pages. If you enjoy the fantasy genre and laughing, you should give this a try.
Looking for Group: http://www.lfgcomic.com/ (You can buy LFG merchandise on the website, and physical books of the collected comics on their site, Amazon.com, and often times at comic book/game stores.)
And there you have it folks, I came, I saw, I favorited all over the place. I hope you enjoyed it. More importantly, while I have this moment to sort of talk to you directly, I want to tell each and every one of you how much your support means to me. The Magical Buffet still doesn’t do any sort of paid marketing but our readership continues to slowly grow and that’s thanks to you guys sharing our articles on social networks, telling your friends about us, and supporting me and the site when we go to events. Thank you guys, I seriously couldn’t do this without you. Also, in the spirit of the season I want to say one last thing, Oprah, don’t sue me, I don’t have any money. For reals yo.
Special Bonus! Where did Rebecca do 85% of her holiday shopping?
There’s a lot of stuff to talk about here, so let’s dive in and eventually I’ll hopefully remember to tell you how cold weather temperatures got me off my ass and writing this review of a truly unique deck. Let me start with, this is a deck from Schiffer Publishing, so I must again take a moment to gush about the quality. It comes in a sturdy oversized gift box that has the awesome magnetic closure that apparently all Schiffer tarot decks come with. The 78 card tarot deck features cards 5 1/2″ high and 4″ wide, which admittedly are a bit hard to handle, but frame the vivid artwork of Linda Sutton beautifully. The set comes with a slightly over 200 page trade paper back style book written by Adele Nozedar (author of “The Secret Language of Birds” and “The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols” amongst others) and features an introduction from Philip Carr-Gomm (Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids).
