I have enjoyed coloring since I was 2 years old. I have been very pleased with the advent of the adult coloring book phenomenon & extremely pleased that Amy Zerner and Monte Farber have created two delightful adult coloring books for Harper Elixer. Their titles are: The Enchanted Tarot and Enchanted Worlds. The daughter of classic coloring book & greeting card illustrator, master artist Jessie Spicer Zerner, Amy Zerner followed in the artistic footsteps of her mother and is world renown for her tapestry collage art that has resulted in several tarot and oracle decks as well as unique clothing designs. Both coloring books are dedicated to Amy’s mother. All accompanying text is written by Amy’s husband, Monte Farber, who is an author in his own right, astrologer, and psychic. Together they have been a publishing tour de force for several decades.
The Enchanted Tarot adult coloring book consists of the major arcana and sixteen court cards from the tarot deck of the same title. Amy Zerner provided detailed line drawings of each image. Monte Farber provides the text that accompanies each image that includes the card’s title, positive phrase related to the meaning of the card, and a list of keywords. The text accompanying each image is provided on the facing page so as you work on coloring the image you can easily refer to the text on the left-hand opposite page.
At first glance the drawings for The Enchanted Tarot may appear to be overly intricate, but this is due to Amy Zerner including line demarcations for shading on faces, clothing, and other design elements. This element is not found in most coloring books so artists who enjoy shading to illustrate depth and dimension will appreciate the added line details.
The Chariot from “The Enchanted Tarot” deck & “The Enchanted Tarot” coloring book. Courtesy of Amy Zerner.
As you begin to work in the Enchanted Tarot coloring book I would recommend you begin with the larger areas first and work down toward the smaller more intricate areas of the illustration. Above is the Chariot card from the Enchanted Tarot deck and coloring book. Here is the same illustration again, but now it has been partially colored.
The Chariot, from “The Enchanted Tarot” coloring book, partially colored. Courtesy of Amy Zerner.
Due to the detail of each image I do not recommend using crayons with The Enchanted Tarot coloring book. You will need an artistic medium that allows you a good degree of control over the application of color. Instead of crayons, I have used and recommend the following mediums:
- Colored pencils
- watercolor pencils
- dual-tipped water-based markers (fine point at one end, brush at the other)
- gel & glitter pens
You will need an artistic medium that allows your hand a great deal of control, so anything that ends in a point will work well. I do not recommend alcohol-based markers, such as Copics. They will bleed through the paper. More on product specifics regarding coloring below.
Monte Farber describes their other coloring book, Enchanted Worlds, as a “magical 
journey through the world of imagination.” It clearly delivers on that promise. Whereas Amy Zerner’s illustrations for The Enchanted Tarot coloring book are fine lined & quite detailed, her drawings for the Enchanted Worlds coloring book are drawn with a thicker line. There are also more areas of the illustrations that have been solidly inked in, which adds black to the overall composition that makes colors pop when added by the colorist. I would say that the Enchanted Worlds coloring book is easier to color than The Enchanted Tarot, but as long as you keep your pencils sharpened The Enchanted Tarot makes for a fine coloring book as well. Those of you with less patience, however, I would definitely recommend the Enchanted Worlds coloring book to you over The Enchanted Tarot.
The Enchanted Worlds adult coloring book is organized in the same manner as The Enchanted Tarot coloring book. All text appears on the left-hand page with the image to color on the right-hand page. The text of the Enchanted Worlds is also written by Monte Farber and includes the title of the illustration accompanied by a positive affirmation or a brief description of the symbols included in the illustration. For example, the text accompanying “Gentleness” reads: “[t]he Flower Fairy makes her way across the rosy dreamscape, greeted by awakened birds, elves, and flowers, symbols of gentleness and compassion.”
“Gentleness,” from “The Enchanted Worlds” coloring book. Photo courtesy of Amy Zerner.
The Enchanted Tarot and Enchanted Worlds are no ordinary coloring books. If colored with intention the act of coloring becomes meditative and magical. According to the Artist herself:
With my books, while you color, you are meditating on the magic and meaning of each image, with words and affirmations by Monte. It becomes a ritual. We incorporate the intention of each tarot card and affirm each Enchanted World drawing with a message. We always like to balance wise words and images. That is our specialty. There becomes an ebb and flow between image and the silence and the words. In this way, coloring is elevated to a spiritual practice ~ Amy Zerner.
As an artist myself, I can vouch for the fact that the act of artistic creation is a large part of my spiritual practice. I enter a “zone” when I am creating and though I may suffer from artistic frustrations upon occasion, I always come out of a creative session feeling renewed and uplifted. Adult coloring books like The Enchanted Tarot and Enchanted Worlds now make the benefits of creative meditation accessible to everyone regardless of artistic experience.
The Wheel of Fortune, from “The Enchanted Tarot” coloring book. Colorist: Fortune Buchholtz. Image courtesy of Fortune Buchholtz & Amy Zerner.
The remainder of this review is intended for artists and colorists who wish to know the technical details, which apply to both coloring books and are as follows:
- Overall size: 8 1/2 x 11 x 5.8″
- Paperback
- Page total: The Enchanted Tarot (80) Enchanted Worlds (82)
- Images: 38
- Perforation: none
- Protective sheet: none
- Paper weight: 80 lbs
- 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.
- watercolor pencils ~ 3 layers work well, but use minimal water for blending. I used just enough water to get the colors to blend.
- water-based markers ~ I used Tomball, Zig, and a generic no-name store brand. This paper holds up well to 3 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. If layering more than 3 colors I would recommend inserting a blank sheet of paper to avoid bleed-through on the following image.
- crayons work well on any type of paper and work well for the Enchanted Worlds coloring book, but due to the intricacy of the illustrations for The Enchanted Tarot coloring book, I do not recommend crayons.
Note: 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.
The adult coloring book “fad” appears to be here to stay. A trip to my local book and craft stores have become increasingly dangerous to my pocketbook as increasing numbers of coloring books appear on the shelves. Amy Zerner’s artwork translates very well to the coloring book medium and these books will be enjoyed by anyone who wishes for a bit of creative magic in their life.
Blessings!
~ Nefer Khepri, PhD., R. M-T.
Tarot & Lenormand Readings, Spells, & Visionary Art
The Egyptian Lenormand: signed & activated copies
Email: IsisRaAnpu@gmail.com
Twitter: @NeferKhepri
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Full Disclosure: I received this deck 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.
drawer, cubby, the attic, garage, & the perimeter of the property. I arm myself with a lighter & a box of my current favorite stick incense or the old standby, which is frankincense & myrrh. As I walk through the property I make sure the incense smoke visibly reaches all areas, especially corners of the ceiling where negative energy can remain trapped. Negative energy can also hide in drawers, closets, under the beds, and so on, which is why it’s important to open all those areas up & be sure to waft some incense into each spot. It is also very important to leave a window cracked open in EACH room. This gives the negative energy an easy escape route.
This final bit is of crucial importance so NEVER omit it! As you open your door to enter your newly cleansed home or business with the door STILL OPEN say in your own words that you invite in the positive forces of the universe. You should mention angels, spirit guides, protective ancestors, aspects of Deity, and any other spiritual beings you would like to take up residence in your home. Also ask them to keep all negative energy out of your home and away from your property.
How I absolutely love the stories of King Arthur, his knights of the round table, & the gods, goddesses, & magical beings associated with those stories. I have been to England & climbed to the top of Glastonbury Tor, which I still consider to be one of the highlights of my life. I was understandably excited when I heard news of The Avalonian Oracle being published by Schiffer Books. The complete title of this deck is, The Avalonian Oracle: Spiritual Wisdom From the Holy Isle. The 128-page paperback guidebook is written by Jhenah Telyndru with artwork by Emily Brunner. The deck comes housed in the 6 x 9 x 1 1/2″ hinge-lidded magnetic closure box that is pretty much standard now for Schiffer decks. The deck can be stored on its end so the footprint in a bookshelf is very small.
which are referred to as “Cycles.” The guidebook is organized so that the cards belonging to each cycle are discussed in each chapter, which results in the guidebook containing seven chapters of card meanings and interpretations. The other two chapters consist of an introduction and the guidebook concludes with a chapter devoted to eight card spreads and a few concluding paragraphs with suggestions as to how to use the cards as a magical tool.
beings one would expect to encounter when taking a spiritual journey that is of a Celtic nature. Cycle One (5 cards, referred to as Seeds) focuses on your journey to Avalon and the various stages that comprise that part of your journey. Cycle Two (5 cards, referred to as Stations) is about the stages of healing we encounter. Cycle Three (5 cards) depict the goddesses you may encounter on your journey (Rhiannon, Ceridwen, Blodeuwedd, Arianrhod, & Branwen). Cycle Four includes a card for each moon of the year (13 cards for 13 lunar cycles) . Cycle Five (9 cards) is entitled the Nine Morgens who are important ancestresses. Cycle Six (3 cards) represent the 3 realms of the universe as the Celts saw them. Cycle Seven (6 cards) represent the forces that make up the Avalonian cosmology. When doing a reading it is important to note from which cycle your cards originate because knowing that will add a deeper meaning to your readings.
backs are completely reversible although the guidebook does not provide reversed card meanings. The cards are are of sturdy, yet flexible card stock that makes them easy to shuffle. They have a blue border with silver detailing. The herb, plant, animal totem, symbol, or spirit associated with each card is depicted within the card image itself and also in isolation as an additional feature of the card in the lower left or right-hand corner of each card.
Inspirational Wisdom From Angels & Fairies is a lovely oracle deck written by Frances Munro with artwork by Judy Mastrangelo, published by US Games Systems, Inc. (2016). The deck is housed in a tuck box that features elements of the images from five of the cards and is accompanied by a 57-page guidebook that has an additional 2 blank pages for notes. The cards measure 3 x 5″ and have a semi-gloss matte finish. They shuffle easily. Card backs are not reversible and reverse interpretations are not included.
The guidebook is quite nice. Each card is illustrated with a small black and white detail from the overall card image at the top. Below the black and white image is a brief interpretation of the card’s meaning. Each card’s interpretation concludes with either a prayer, exercise, affirmation, or meditation to use.
open doors & show you the way.” The guidebook says that I feel the need to move forward, but cannot always see the way to go. Very true. My daughter is exerting her independence as an 18-year-old, but still lives under our roof. This card says that I need to lift my spirits and see the world from a different perspective. That tells me I need to change my point of view about the situation. I have been attempting to exert my authority, but it’s clearly time for a new approach. Also, this card speaks to me of creativity, which tells me that I need to focus more energy on my art. Perhaps through the act of being creative a new approach to the situation will come to me. I often do receive great ideas while I’m being creative. The prayer that accompanies this card is also appropriate for me at this time.
January I was informed my 
2016 was a great year for me because I completed my deck, 
2016 was a great year for me because my daughter was inducted into the National Honor Society, and at the end of November she will be inducted into the Science National Honor Society. She is already a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. My husband & I are so incredibly proud of her & all of her accomplishments!
2016 was a great year for me because my husband decided to leave his banking career for an altruistic business, Always Best Care, which provides care & companionship for seniors who are stuck at home. He may make peanuts, but he is making a HUGE difference in the lives of seniors & his employees. I am so proud of him!
Finally, I look forward to 2017 when the Chicago Cubs will be known as the Big Blue Machine & will defend their World Champions title by winning the World Series for a second consecutive title!! Now, THAT will make for an incredibly exciting baseball season if you’re a Cubs fan! I can’t wait!!!
