How to Balance Your Chakras

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Materials Needed:

 

  • Two glasses of water
  • A pendulum either in copper or made from a natural stone (do not use glass)
  • Chair (in case you’d like to sit)

 

 

IMPORTANT: Drink a full glass of water before AND after. Water helps to clear spiritual toxins from our energy bodies without the process causing undesired side effects like headache, dizziness, nausea or mood swings.
chakras pixabayAsk your angels & guides to work through your pendulum. Inform them you intend for the energy to balance, clear & heal your chakras.
First, figure out the health of your chakras.
Depending on what is YES and what is NO for you & your pendulum, a YES swing means the chakra is fine, NO means it’s out of balance or perhaps even blocked. Size & speed of the swing or rotation will denote the severity of a block or imbalance.
Do this for all 7 main chakras from ROOT to CROWN, so from the base to the top.
Once you know where the imbalances are, you balance your chakras from CROWN to ROOT.
Just hold the pendulum up over your crown until it begins to move (this can cause your arm to hurt if it takes a while). It will most likely begin to swing in a NO direction if there’s an imbalance. Wait for it to stop swinging. It will stop. If the chakra is healthy, the pendulum will swing in a YES direction. It will keep swinging in an ever widening arch or circle as the energy works to further balance the chakra.
pendulum pixabyThe pendulum will arch or swing in a YES direction if a chakra is already healthy. All it to complete its swing. It will stop at some point, but don’t force it to stop because it is sending further balancing energy into that chakra.
If the pendulum moves in a NO direction, you may with your free hand stop the swing. Once you have done that, ask your angels and guides to balance and heal that chakra. Allow your pendulum to start swinging.
In MOST cases it will kind of jiggle in place for a few seconds before it slowly begins to move in a YES direction. As it sends more healing energy into the chakra the YES movement will become more pronounced.
Allow your pendulum to do the work. Do NOT stop the movement. Allow the movement to continue until it stops on its own. Once it has stopped you will know that chakra is now cleared and balanced. Then move on to the next chakra until you have completed all 7 of the major chakras.
We have chakras in every joint in our bodies and all organs possess chakras as well. If you’d like to give yourself a nice overall  healing also focus on the chakras within the palms of your hands, your fingers,  elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, heels, soles of your feet and toes.
When you’re finished, give thanks & drink another glass of water.
That’s all there is to it.
It is also a good idea if you do this in the future to purchase a pendulum that will only be for your chakras. Be sure it is made from either copper, which is an excellent conductor of energy, or some natural stone.
My favorite choices for the stone are amethyst (associated with the crown chakra), lapis lazuli (associated with the third eye chakra), and aventurine (associated with the heart chakra). It is best to choose a stone that is known to be associated with one of the seven main chakras. 　

 

Until next time, wishing you & yours many blessings!

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

Facebook Group with freebies

Twitter: @NeferKhepri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neferkhepri/

 

How to Create a Protective Ward.

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What is a protective ward? 

A protective ward, otherwise known as a “witch’s bottle,” is a jar into which you have witchs bottleplaced items from your household, plus your magical intentions for protection for your home and all who reside therein. You then bury the jar on your property or in a potted plant if you are renting.

What you need to do in order to create a protective ward.

Firstly, be prepared to dig. Wards should be buried for 2 main reasons that are just practical:

1) animals won’t mess with them

2) people won’t see them & shoot disbelief at them, thus ruining their effectiveness.

When I create a physical ward (instead of a protective Thought Form, which is a whole different thing altogether) I follow an old recipe I read in a book somewhere. It may have been in one of Silver Ravenwolf’s books now that I think back.

MATERIALS:

  • a jar with a secure lid
  • enough sea salt to fill most of the jar (if your case is severe and you’re using the 5-jar method I mention below you will need a lot of sea salt to fill all 5 jars)
  • a candle
  • a lighter
  • protective herbs like bay leaves, whole cloves, garlic, black pepper, rosemary, starclove star anise cinnamon anise, whole cloves  – any herb that when dried has sharp pointy ends will also work, as well as the super combo of frankincense & myrrh resin

The idea is as the energy attempts to enter your home the sharp items you placed into the jar cuts up the energy, thus deflecting it’s power to do any real harm. It may still get in, maybe even cause a little chaos, but it will be relatively harmless.

You can use nails, bits of glass (I will put a food jar in a plastic bag & smash it with a hammer, which is fun!), anything with sharp, pointy edges.

Mixed with that should be the following for each jar used:

  • some dirt from inside your home (a dust bunny,   cobweb dirt off the floor, crumbs off a kitchen counter). This puts the energy of the INTERIOR of your home into the ward so the energy knows what needs protecting. You can even add a slip of paper onto which you have written your street address.

Note: if you live in an apartment building I highly recommend you do include a slip of paper with your address AND the number of your apartment. When you bury your ward, instead of burying it outside, which you would do for a house or place of business – you bury it within a potted plant that you keep either inside your apartment or out on the balcony. Also be sure to keep that plant alive.

I’d also recommend some hair from each family member, including all the pets. Again, that tells the energy who needs protecting.

I sort of layer this stuff with a lot of sea salt into which I have mixed some powdered garlic, black pepper, dried rosemary, and crushed dried bay leaf – all known to keep evil away.

Now some will also say it requires fluid. Sometimes I do that, sometimes not. Again, you can take water from your tap inside your home. Some will even use their own urine. I’ve never gone that route myself because it’s just too gross for me.

Mix it all together, cap it and then get a candle & a lighter & allow the wax to drip along the edge of the lid to seal the jar. Then you bury it.

Special prayers aren’t really needed, but you can always pray to your Higher Power, or ask Archangel Michael for his protection as you bury your ward.

Good places to bury it – depending on how your house is oriented – would be, next to the front door, next to the back door, or next to the garage door – the common entrances into a home.

You bury your ward as close as you can get it to the door (some house doors like mine are surrounded by concrete).

Now, if the case is extreme (awful neighbors, for example, or a dangerous neighborhood) you will need FIVE jars and you will bury four of them at the 4 corners of your property, plus 1 at the door you use the most often.

If you are RENTING: instead of burying the jars you will place them as close to the 4 corners of your apartment as you can get them and make sure they remain out of sight so no one bothers them. Once you move out you may then dispose of them.

If problems resume at some point it is time to renew your wards. I have lived in my house 15 years now. I have replaced the wards only three times. For me, on average their effectiveness lasts for 5 years. This will differ from location to location and you will need to use your own best judgment as to when you will need to renew your wards.

Whoever moves in my house next, if they ever dig along the foundation to put flowers in or whatever, they are going to find a lot of very strange stuff LOL!

Best time to create wards: during a waning moon on a Saturday. Waning moon runs from the day after the full moon to 3 days prior to the new moon, so check an online lunar almanac.

Until next time, wishing you & yours many blessings!

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

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Twitter: @NeferKhepri

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Anniversaries.

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I created this watercolor painting using the handmade organic watercolor paints of Artistic Isle for the roses (their shop is on Etsy) & the greens of the Woodlands palette by Prima Watercolors for the leaves. I did the lettering with a Pental Fude Sign Touch Pen. I am open for commissions. Email for pricing, which is based on size & time involved in creating the piece.

I created this watercolor painting using the handmade organic watercolor paints of Artistic Isle for the roses (their shop is on Etsy) & the greens of the Woodlands palette by Prima Watercolors for the leaves. I did the lettering with a Pental Fude Sign Touch Pen. I am open for commissions. Email for pricing, which is based on size & time involved in creating the piece.

Today’s the day! Happy 24th anniversary to us!  When you love someone the years fly by.

I well remember our early years of struggling. We only had my husband’s income because I was completing my dissertation at U. Texas – Austin, & that, my friends, is more than a full-time job! Shortly after graduation we had to leave Austin for Corpus Christi – not a good move as we quickly discovered that city was a very poor fit for us. I was incredibly unhappy. We made the best of things, but since I was now far removed from all of my academic contacts & there was NO opportunity for me in CC, I was stuck without a job. I was “grossly over-qualified” for everything, as I was told a number of times. I was willing to do those jobs, but I guess those employers didn’t want an employee who had much more education than they did. I’m not the type to hold my doctorate over anyone’s head, but they didn’t know that. Most who know me are unaware I hold the highest of post-graduate degrees because I’m not into Ego & showing off. If it never comes up in conversation, I don’t mention it, except for now to make a point.

Here’s the point ~

No matter what your life plans may be, remember that Life happens to us while we’re busy making other plans, as a wise Beatle once said.

I had made plans, but then Life happened. Once I realized I was not in control & that control is actually an illusion, I began to feel better about things. Shortly after that grand realization I got lost. Literally. 😇🙏🏼😇🙏🏼😇🙏🏼 I was on my way home from a doctor’s office in a part of CC unfamiliar to me. This was in the days before GPS (gasp! IKR??) so as I drove around looking for a familiar street name I heard a voice that said, “turn right at the next light.” 😇😇😇😇 A few months prior I had begun to channel Archangel Michael & I instantly recognized his voice so did as I was told.

The voice then told me to make another turn where I saw a little shop called Angel Light tucked into the back corner of a strip mall. I figured that I could get directions on how to get back home from them. I walked in to find the owner & the assistant manager in a huge fight! As he left, she literally crumpled to the floor sobbing. I helped her into a chair & gave her a glass of water. She was worried that now she had no one to watch the front of the shop while she ran errands & gave Reiki sessions. I told her I had been looking for a job. After a 5-minute impromptu interview I was hired. I had a Doctorate, was working for just above minimum wage, but I was happy. I HAD A JOB after nearly a year of looking!

While working there I became a Reiki practitioner & a master-teacher the year after I left. This is also the place where I gave my first professional tarot reading despite having read tarot since I was 14. Prior to leaving that job I established my own website, Magickal-Musings.com where I offer card readings (Lenormand readings these days), spells that I call enchantments, & my visionary art. I established my business in December, 1997 & last year celebrated my 20th anniversary. .

Today my business is successful. It has allowed me to remain at home to raise our daughter who has never known a single day of daycare. I attended every school function & was Room Parent for her class at every opportunity.

All that because I listened to a voice in my head.

Today is also the anniversary of being hired at that shop & the day my life totally changed, not just once when I got married, but twice. May 22nd is a huge deal to me.

Hubby & I 24 years ago on our honeymoon standing in front of the lilac trees that grew in the front yard of my childhood home in Illinois. I keep this photo on my personal altar.

Hubby & I 24 years ago on our honeymoon standing in front of the lilac trees that grew in the front yard of my childhood home in Illinois. I keep this photo on my personal altar.

My point to all this rambling is this ~

Once you turn control of your life over to the Universe, just throw up your hands & say OK, this is NOT working so YOU give it a go! Wonderful things will begin to occur. They may be tiny events at first, perhaps barely noticeable, but they WILL add up & your life WILL change, & for the better. This is what happens when we give all control over to our Higher Power. It gets to work & will shape our lives into the the way we are meant to live. Stop attempting to force the issue & know things will work out for your highest good in the long run.

Therein lies the lesson.

Until next time, wishing you & yours many blessings!

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

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Twitter: @NeferKhepri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neferkhepri/

solar energy

Solar Storms Usher in Mercury Retrograde

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I won’t mince words here. There’s a whole lot of shit going on & this is what you can do to prevent it all from affecting you terribly.

solar energy

from Pixabay.com ~ copyright free images for commercial & personal use.

A canyon has opened in the Sun that is sending out tremendous bursts of solar energy that are hitting the Earth at this time (see this link for further information). This happens around the equinoxes when universal portals open that allow energy to travel inter-dimensionally. The spring and autumn equinoxes are times of spiritual awakening for many people. The solar energy that reaches the Earth at those times is not nearly as intense as it is right now. These solar storms began on March 16, 2018 and will continue on through March 26th. To add a great deal of spice to this mix, Mercury goes retrograde on Thursday, March 22nd and shall remain in retrograde through April 15th (Happy Tax Day, America! Be SURE you have ALL your paperwork in order as Mercury retrograde can adversely affect paperwork, the transfer and filing of paperwork!!!).

 

Many people are currently feeling the very real physical symptoms that the energy from the solar storm. This is also what is known as “ascension flu,” which are the physical symptoms a person will experience when their vibratory rate increases to the next level, but their physical body hasn’t quite caught up yet. Here is the checklist of symptoms:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches, body aches, stomach ache, moderate to severe joint pain
  • Confusion, disorientation, memory loss, short-term memory issues, forgetfulness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loss of sleep, insomnia
  • Very intense dreams, sometimes of a psychic nature, or really bad nightmares
  • Excessive thirst
  • Lack of appetite, or if you eat meat – a sudden aversion to meat
  • The feeling that no one understands you
  • Being unable to relate to others while in the past this was never an issue
  • The need for more “alone” time
  • Sore throat
  • Ear ringing, buzzing or whining (which – if NOT physical – is the sound of information being downloaded to you by your guides or it is the rush of energy coming into you that is helping to raise your vibration)

Coupled with all of this is Mercury Retrograde, which is when the planet Mercury appears to the naked eye to be moving backwards in its orbit. Although this is an optical illusion it is a measurable fact that during retrograde periods we see an increase in traffic accidents, airline and train disasters, and our appliances and vehicles tend to go haywire, all the while this is made more exciting by the fact that people are misunderstanding one another and arguing more than usual (note sarcasm!).

Mercury is the planet of Communication and Technology. It rules the mind and intellect, also if you are a Virgo or Gemini you are ruled by the planet Mercury. Furthermore, if you have Mercury IN Virgo or Gemini on your natal chart, well, Mercury Retrograde can appear to personally have it in for you. I am Gemini and I have four planets in Gemini: the Sun (of course, which is what makes Gemini my sun sign), the Moon, Venus, and my nemesis: Mercury. Those who are ruled by Mercury (Virgos and Geminis everywhere have my deepest sympathies) or if you have Mercury in your sun sign on your natal (birth) chart are usually much more affected by Mercury retrograde periods than others. By the way, I am surrounded. My husband is a Virgo, my daughter is also a Virgo. Both have Mercury in their sun signs, and even my CAT is a Virgo! Help me, please!!!

Mercury retrograde can adversely affect travel. This can create snafus at the airport. There are more reports of lost luggage during retrogrades than at any other time. Flights are delayed, cancelled, or missed more frequently during a retrograde, thus creating travel chaos for many. Reservations get lost or double-booked, the car you rented was given to someone else and now the agency is out of cars – that sort of thing.

Mercury retrograde, especially when combined with solar storms (which is ongoing as Icomputer type this) can cause appliances, vehicles, and especially computers and phones to go on the fritz. If you have seen your phone or computer screen blink off, then back on again suddenly without warning – that is more than likely being caused by the solar storm, not Mercury retrograde, but combined with the solar energy, well, it’s anyone’s guess as to what we’ll be experiencing as individuals over the next few weeks. Be sure your vehicle is in good shape and also, while on the road please be extra vigilant. It’s also a measurable fact that there are more traffic accidents & fatalities during a retrograde period. You may see more traffic signals malfunctioning – again, that is both an effect of the retrograde period and the solar storms, so while driving please do use extra caution.

pen & inkMercury as the planet of Communication also rules over paperwork, the courts, and even relationships – anything that requires any type of communication. During a retrograde period paperwork tends to get misdirected or downright lost. Be sure when filling out applications, BEFORE you send them off MAKE A COPY! You should be backing up your files and be sure you have backups of all important files and paperwork on CD or flash drive. Do NOT rely solely upon your computer – just in case the worst should happen and it crashes.

Interpersonal relationships can also suffer. Mercury retrograde can cause people to mis-hear or mis-comprehend what you’re saying, which can then lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and hurt feelings. In my line of work as a magical practitioner, I have noticed over the years I receive more reading and enchantment orders from people experiencing a break up during a retrograde period than at any other time of the year. Please be careful with your words and remember – once words are said they cannot ever be unsaid. Think before you speak.

Here’s hoping that the next few weeks are as peaceful and stress-free for all as possible. If things do get crazy and you feel like pulling your hair out, here are a few things you can do to help yourself to feel better:

  • soak in a bath of 2 cups Epsom salts & 3 – 4 drops of lavender essential oil. This will help to clear your aura and chakras while helping to calm your frantic mind
  • take walks in Nature
  • remember to ground frequently (Geminis, I am talking 2 – 3 times a DAY for you in particular!), by hugging a tree, walking barefoot in the grass or on sand/dirt, or by placing the palms of both your hands in dirt (even if it’s a potted plant for those of you who live in the middle of a large city, that WILL work!)
  • drink more water than usual, for some you may want to double your water intake
  • try to keep your sleep pattern regular. Go to bed at the same time each night & try to wake up the same time each morning
  • eat more fruits and veggies (that’s always good advice anyway)
  • avoid violent or scary movies – this includes the news!
  • remember to tell others you love them (important all the time!)

Until next time, wishing you & yours many blessings & a Blessed Ostara to those whoOstara2 observe this day,

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

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Twitter: @NeferKhepri

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Full Moon Blessing Ritual for March 1, 2018

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pyramids & full moon daylight
The full moon of March 1, 2018 will be in the sign of Virgo at the 11th degree. 11 is a number of Awakening and Ascension. Ascension occurs when a person’s (or the planet’s) vibration is raised. You “ascend” just a little bit higher in your own spiritual and karmic development.
The full moon of March 1, 2018 will help us to move forward with our plans. The year began with a huge BANG with the 2 full moons in January, not to mention that one of them was a real doozy being a super moon as well as a lunar eclipse! Some of us are still settling down from all that energy (ahem). Many of us have felt unsettled, uncertain, confused, and our emotions have been in an uproar due to that huge influx of lunar energy.
 
The full moon of March 1st will bring the down-to-earth practicality of Virgo into the Virgo purple pixabaymix. Except to feel calmer in the next few days as this particular lunar cycle’s energy begins to be absorbed by our planet. What has been unsettled or confusing will soon find a way to work itself out and you’ll be feeling better about yourself & the circumstances in your life.
 
Occurring on the 11th degree of Virgo, this particular full moon can open your eyes to many things. Awakenings and great realizations can occur. Be prepared to come to some realizations about situations, people, perhaps your entire life. You may experience real EUREKA moments or major AHA! events. Go with the information you receive. It will help you to further achieve your dreams and goals because it will have Virgo’s practical energy behind it.
 
It would be beneficial if you did something special to open yourself up to receiving the energy of this particular full moon. You may wish to go outside any one of these nights preceding the actual full moon or you can wait and do this little ritual on March 1st. It’s up to you.
 
Go outside and stand under the moonlight. It doesn’t matter if the moon is physically reaching for the moonvisible in your part of the world or not. You will still be standing under Her rays. Raise your hands high above your head and as you bring them down be sure your palms are oriented facing the sky. Leave your arms outstretched at shoulder high as you say the following or something similar:
 
Mother Moon, 
I gladly open myself to
Receive your blessings of
Peace, Calm,
Practicality, and Groundedness
Which come to the Earth
For this particular full moon.
I welcome your energy
Into my life
As well as all the blessings
This particular full moon
Brings to all.
In gratitude
(state your full name)
It is done. Know that you will receive some lovely blessings during this lunar cycle, which covers the remainder of March, which concludes on a blue moon. Remember to repeat this full moon blessing again on March 31st to receive the full benefits of both full moons of March.

May blessings abound for you & yours!

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

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Deck Review & Card Reading: The Body Cards

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As far as oracle decks go, Courtney Putnam’s Body Cards are a fairly unique concept. Methods of divination that rely upon the energy field of the human body; such as, muscle testing for one example, are accurate because our bodies have innate wisdom we can put to good use. The Body Cards are a lovely divination tool that provides us with another avenue for consulting the wisdom of our bodies. Putnam states that “[y]our body is your map, your muse, and your medicine” (guidebook, p. 5). Putnam demonstrates how The Body Cards bring this statement to life.

Body Cards1

The Body Cards are a tool through which we can consult our own bodies for guidance. the card imagery serves as a metaphor for physical ailments. Putnam’s beautiful collages “symbolically represent the energy, essence, and deeper meaning of each part of the body used in this deck” (guidebook, p. 10). Symbols; such as, birds, frogs, and other animals, in addition to stars and other patterns are included for additional intuitive meaning.

Courtney Putnam’s artwork is beautiful. If you like scrapbooking, art journaling, card making, or rubber stamping, you will love her art. The overall style is very much like that of the artists whose work graces the pages of the mixed media art magazine Somerset Studio, which I have been reading for years. Each card is a delight for the eyes and the soul.

The cards measure 4 x 6″, which does make them difficult to shuffle, but I’m thankful for their larger size because a reader can see the finer details of the artwork. Card interpretations consist of the title of the piece, an aspect of the card’s image upon which to meditate,  the specific location within the body to which each card corresponds, the function of the associated body part, associated chakra, and overall interpretation. A reader can discern the card’s message as it pertains to the question asked within any of the aforementioned parts of the card’s interpretation. As a result, I strongly advise readers to go over every section of the card’s interpretation. Do not merely skip on ahead to the final interpretation of the card because you may miss some valuable insights.

Each card’s interpretation concludes with a “Try This” section. Included is the associated color along with suggestions on how to incorporate that color fully into your life, suggested uses for essential oils, and a physical activity that serves to activate the energy of that particular card in your life. I have experimented with this deck extensively and can tell you that these suggested practices do garner results.

As for asking questions, in my experience decks work differently for different people.  That being stated, I find that for me this deck is best suited for answering questions that focus on the reason behind something (why did she react as she did, etc ..). It is also well suited to answering questions that begin with “what is the nature of  <name>’s connection to <name>,” when asking about relationships. An example of this type of reading is below. When seeking guidance about making a decision it is best to phrase the question as, “how would I best benefit from <state your option>.” Then ask the same question about your other choices. Or you can ask “which choice is for my highest good,” and draw 1 – 2 cards on each alternative. Another type of question you can ask is “which body part requires attention at this time,” or “where in my body am I storing emotional disappointment/trauma” and then follow that up with “how can I release the emotional disappointment/trauma in a way that is the least painful for me?”

This deck answers the why, what, how, and which questions very well, but if you wish to know if John or Nancy loves you or what their feelings are for you, this deck does not respond well to that type of question – at least not in my experience with it. Another reader may have a completely different opinion.

Sample Reading

A client came to me with a question about her relationship. Both she and her partner see themselves as soul mates, but they sense the relationship goes even deeper than that. She asked if they could be twin flames. I asked the cards “what is the true nature of the connection between M and C? I drew the following cards:

Body Cards2

Corpus Callosum: Communication ~ what is interesting is this body part is the bundle of nerves and neural pathways in the center of the brain that allows the two halves of the brain to communicate with each other. This immediately brought the twin flame concept to my mind. Without the proper function of the Corpus Callosum it would be impossible for the body to function correctly. the focus here is of pure and clear communication through kindness, compassion, and diplomacy. I interpreted this card to mean it’s important for M and C to remain clear in their communication with one another and this would be their strength as clear communication would strengthen their connection and ability to walk forward into the future together as a couple.

Soleus Muscles: Action ~ located within the calves,the Soleus Muscles are responsible for pumping blood from the lower extremities back up toward the heart. the Soleus Muscles help with balance and walking. the Soleus Muscles indicates it is time for M and C to take action on what they have been envisioning, yet they may resist or feel frightened of such action.

In summary, the Corpus Callosum verifies they do have a twin flame connection. They are two halves of the same whole, two parts of the same soul. Clear communication is of great importance. The Soleus Muscles urge them to take action now on whatever they may be hoping or planning to manifest.

Deck Design Specifics

The Body Cards are housed within a sturdy laminated box with a hinged lid and magnetic closure that allows the box to stand up on its end to be stored in a bookshelf like a book. The box measures 6 x 9 x 1 1/4″.

The guidebook measures 6 x 9″ and has 96 pages.  The guidebook is illustrated in full color throughout. Sections of the text  include Introduction, How to Use The Body Cards, 4 spreads, card interpretations, bibliography, and full color groupings of the cards as they correspond to each of the seven major chakras.

There are a total of 35 cards that are of excellent quality with a semi-gloss laminate.

The Body Cards is a unique system of divination. If you’ve been searching for something different, this is definitely the deck for you.

Blessings!

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

The Egyptian Lenormand: signed & activated copies

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Full Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in order to consider it for review. I only review those decks that are of interest to me & which I feel would also be of interest to my followers.

Book Review: Color & Conjure

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Color and Conjure: Rituals & Magic Spells to Color

Text: Natalie Zaman

Art: Wendy Martin

Llewellyn Books, 2017

$14.99 PB, 176 pages

 

Just in time for Halloween/Samhain is a lovely witchy coloring book, Color & Conjure with spells and commentary by Natalie Zaman and line drawings by Wendy Martin. If you’re a witch, pagan, or are interested in spells AND you enjoy coloring, then this is the PERFECT coloring book for you.

Containing 176 pages, Color & Conjure consists of 13 sections:

  • How to use this book
  • Money
  • Love
  • Family
  • Protection
  • Health
  • Creativity
  • Personal Power
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Magic & Nature
  • Awaken the Chakras
  • Coloring pages
  • Resources for adapting & enhancing your spells

In the section entitled, “How to use this book,” Natalie Zaman points out that intention and focus are of primary importance when performing spells & that coloring can be a valuable tool that helps to increase focus upon magical intentions. When you combine your intention, focus, a few well-thought-out words and perhaps some magical correspondences suddenly your coloring page becomes a powerful magical tool.

Color & Conjure is not simply a magical-themed coloring book. There are other titles that fit that description. Color & Conjure combines coloring with actual spells so that your own coloring can be used in combination with candles, oils, herbs, and other tools in order to set energies into motion that help to manifest positive change in your life.

Each chapter consists of 3 – 5 (mostly 5) spells with the chapter on the chakras containing seven, one spell for each of the seven main chakras. Instructions on how to perform the spell are included that cover wording, the use of candles & easily available kitchen herbs, and also suggestions as to which colors to use to color in the images based upon the meaning and magical correspondences of the colors. Instructions are very simple so even if you have no experience with spells you will be able to easily put Color & Conjure to good use.

What I particularly like about Color & Conjure, other than the wonderful idea of combining spells with coloring, is that the pages on which the spells are printed always include a small version of the corresponding coloring page, which is located in full size in the latter half of the book. You can follow the author’s coloring suggestions on that smaller version of the coloring page or make up your own just to see what it would look like and then color in the main coloring page. That smaller version of the coloring page is a great place to experiment with color and artistic mediums. The type of paper used in the coloring book is the same throughout so you will know how your artistic mediums will respond on the large coloring pages by practicing on their smaller counterparts. Each chapter’s lead page also has an image you can color.

Each spell includes the page number of the corresponding coloring page. For example, on page 38 the spell, “Mirror, Mirror,” which is a spell for self-love and self-appreciation has a smaller version of its corresponding coloring page on the lower left-hand side, along with a ribbon that includes a hand pointing to the words, “see coloring page 121 where you will find a large version of the same coloring image on page 38.

color &amp; conjure color pageThe page numbers of the coloring pages are 1/3” from the bottom edge of the page next to the binding of the book. Each coloring page is completely perforated for easy removal for coloring and you can then set the page with your candles and other magical tools when performing the spell. Coloring pages are all printed single-sided.

After the spell is completed you can bury the coloring page, burn it, or keep it in your Book of Shadows as a remembrance of the spell you performed. I really like how the page numbers are so close to the binding. When you pull the coloring page out of the book the page number remains within the book so all you have on your coloring page is the image itself.

Coloring images have a ¾” border on all four sides so you can even frame these if you so desire. Wendy Martin’s use of line is quite pleasing to the eye. Line thickness varies ever so slightly throughout each coloring page that helps to emphasize some symbols over others. Many adult coloring books have highly intricate images for which you need to use something with a very fine point like gel pens. Wendy’s images have large enough areas to color that you can easily use crayons with Color & Conjure. Many adult coloring books do not work well with crayons due to the intricacy of the images. The drawings have an overall open and friendly energy to them and the compositions are all pleasing to the eye.

Color & Conjure will appeal to any magically minded person who also enjoys to color, but even if you don’t, this coloring book is a great resource of very simple and easy to perform spells. I recommend it to any artistically inclined witch, but also to anyone who would like a resource of quick and simple spells.

The remainder of this review is intended for artists and colorists who wish to know the technical details regarding how this paper accepts various artistic mediums:

  • Overall size: 9 x 9 x 1/2″
  • Paperback
  • Page total: 176
  • Main coloring pages: 50
  • Smaller versions of main coloring pages: 50
  • Images of chapter headings: 11
  • Title page coloring image: 1
  • Concluding page image: 1
  • Perforation: yes
  • Protective sheet: none
  • Paper weight: 60 lbs (my best estimate)
  • Recommended artistic mediums:
    • colored pencils ~ layering & burnishing up to 4 layers of colors works well on this paper weight. I have not tried more than 4 layers of color.
    • crayons
    • water-based markers ~ I used Tomball, Zig, and a generic no-name store brand. This paper holds up well to 4 layers of blended water-based markers. As you add a fourth layer be careful because at this point the color will begin to bleed through the page.
    • Gel, glitter, and milk pens

Color &amp; Conjure derwentI did attempt to use Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils. I layered 3 colors and then applied water somewhat sparingly. The paper did buckle on the colored surface as well as the reverse side of the page. Most of the buckling disappeared once the page was completely dry, but I can still feel the buckling if I run my fingers over the page; as a result, I do not recommend watercolor pencils or watercolors.

Crayons and colored pencils GLIDE over this paper. I had to be careful to not run out of the lines because the crayons and pencils glide so easily and quickly. This paper also helps crayons and colored pencils to present a very level color coverage. I did not see any streaking as I applied color. Gel, glitter, and milk pens all present even coverage on this paper so I highly recommend their use for smaller areas of the line drawings.

Color &amp; Conjure pageNote: If you are like me you may be hesitant to mar your coloring book with color. There is a simple fix. This is what I do with my coloring books. I basically very carefully take them apart. This is the method I use and so far I have not ruined a single image:

  • I carefully cut or tear the front and back covers from the spine of the coloring book.
  • Next, I begin with the first image (or title page) and carefully bend the page back and forth against the binding. Bend the page along where the paper actually meets the glue of the binding.
  • As you see the page begin to give slightly, VERY carefully pull or rip the page from the book. Do this slowly with patience.
  • Do the same to the last page of the coloring book.
  • Return and repeat the process with the remaining front page, then the remaining back page, and so on until you have pulled all the pages free from the spine.

I keep my coloring page originals in a manila file folder with the book cover for reference. When I wish to color an image I make a copy. Keep in mind that copies made on a printer can bleed based upon what type of ink you use in your printer. I copy the images onto 110 lb light cardstock. That takes any artistic medium fairly well, but again, be careful how much water you use if using watercolors or watercolor pencils as the cardstock can “pill up.”

Blessings!

~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.

Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art

The Egyptian Lenormand: signed & activated copies

Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com

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Full Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in order to consider it for review. I only review those decks that are of interest to me & which I feel would also be of interest to my followers.