• December 2022 MBR The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

    From Midwest Book Review@3:633/280.2 to All on Mon Jan 2 22:05:42 2023
    The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

    Chibi Tarot
    Editorial Staff
    Ulysses Press
    PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
    www.ulyssespress.com
    9781646043637, $14.95, Card Deck, 144pp

    https://www.amazon.com/Chibi-Tarot-78-Card-Guidebook-Characters/dp/16460436=
    34

    Synopsis: With the publication of "Chibi Tarot", we can now celebrate our l= ove of all things kawaii and fortune-telling with this charming take on the=
    classic 78-card tarot card deck and guidebook.

    The invitation of "Chibi Tarot" is to make the next step into any spiritual=
    journey a fun one as tarot users learn how to divine the future with adora= ble chibi versions of traditional tarot archetypes. From the Empress to the=
    Fool, each of the favorite Major and Minor Arcana cards get a mangafied tr= eatment to reveal the past, future, and present.

    Inspired by the classic Rider-Waite illustrations, these vibrant, beautiful=
    ly designed cards and their step-by-by step guidebook will reveal a delight= ful tarot reading that's as cute as it is divine. Whether you're a beginner=
    to tarot readings or a collector of fun decks like Cat Tarot and Kawaii Ta= rot, "Chibi Tarot" is here to make divination an entertaining experience fo=
    r everyone!

    Critique: Fun, whimsical, inspiring, unique, and thoroughly 'user friendly'=
    , "Chibi" is an impressively entertaining, delightfully effective, and high=
    ly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Ta= rot Fortune Telling collections.

    The Witch's Book of Numbers
    Rebecca Scolnick
    Hierophant Publishing
    https://www.hierophantpublishing.com
    Hampton Roads Publishing Company
    65 Parker St., Ste. 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
    www.hrpub.com
    9781950253272, $23.99, PB, 256pp

    https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Book-Numbers-Enhance-Numerology/dp/1950253279

    Synopsis: Numerology (also known as arithmancy) is the belief in an occult,=
    divine or mystical relationship between a number and one or more coincidin=
    g events. It is also the study of the numerical value, via an alphanumeric = system, of the letters in words and names. When numerology is applied to a = person's name, it is a form of onomancy. It is often associated with the pa= ranormal, alongside astrology and similar to divinatory arts. (Wikipedia)

    With the publication of "The Witch's Book of Numbers: Enhance Your Magic wi=
    th Numerology", numerology expert Rebecca Scolnick reveals how you too can = apply the incredible power of numerology to amplify your magic using only p= en, paper, and a simple calculator (no complex mathematics required)!

    "The Witch's Book of Numbers" reveals: How to find your Significant Six (th=
    e six important numbers that reveal powerful clues to your unique path in t= his lifetime); How to use the ancient Magic Square technique; How to use th=
    e power of numerology to amplify and enhance your spellwork.

    Whether you're a beginner witch or have years of experience, "The Witch's B= ook of Numbers" will deftly guide you through the history and relevance of = numerology for today's practitioner, offering exercises, spellwork, corresp= ondences, and activities all designed to help boost your practice and enric=
    h and empower your journey as a witch.

    Critique: Exceptionally well written, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'user f= riendly' in organization and presentation, "The Witch's Book of Numbers: En= hance Your Magic with Numerology" is the ideal introduction to a major Meta= physical Studies subject. Essential reading for aspiring and novice numerol= ogists, and also available for personal reading lists in a digital book for= mat (Kindle, $11.99), "The Witch's Book of Numbers: Enhance Your Magic with=
    Numerology" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, commun= ity, and academic library collections.

    Editorial Note: Rebecca Scolnick (https://www.rebeccascolnick.com) is an em= otional witch, forever seeker, queer human lady (she/her), and professional=
    numerologist. Her passion is helping others learn how they can harness the=
    universal language of numbers to uncover their deepest purpose and grasp t=
    he greater themes steering our days, weeks, and years on earth.

    King Solomon the Magus
    Claude Lecouteux
    Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
    One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
    www.innertraditions.com
    9781644112434, $35.00, HC, 288pp

    https://www.amazon.com/King-Solomon-Magus-Master-Traditions/dp/1644112434

    Synopsis: Looking at the Solomonic magical tradition and Solomon's profound=
    influence on esoteric traditions around the world, with the publication of=
    "King Solomon the Magus: Master of the Djinns and Occult Traditions of Eas=
    t and West", Professor Claude Lecouteux reveals King Solomon not only as on=
    e of the great kings of prehistory but also as the ancient world's foremost=
    magician and magus.

    Examining the primary sources on Solomon, such as the Bible, the Koran, and=
    the writings of Flavius Josephus, "King Solomon the Magus" explores Solomo= n's judgments, his explorations, his literary and scientific works (includi=
    ng an herbal), and his constructions beyond the eponymous temple, such as t=
    he copper city in Andalus built by the djinns and the baths of Sulayman.

    "King Solomon the Magus" also covers Solomon's magical possessions, such as=
    his famous ring and the Philosopher's Stone. Of special note is the examin= ation of the supernatural powers granted to Solomon by his ring, which he r= eceived from the angel Gabriel, including command over animals, weather, an=
    d demons, and explores in detail Solomon's power over genies and djinns.

    Following the esoteric threads hidden within the primary sources on Solomon=
    , "King Solomon the Magus" reveals the work of Solomon the Magician, explor= ing his amulets, remedies, exorcisms, charms, and his influence on Arab and=
    Western magic.

    Providing illustrations of sigils, talismans, and other magic symbols relat=
    ed to Solomon, "King Solomon the Magus" examines the schools of Solomonic F= olklore magic and works such as The Greater and Lesser Keys of Solomon the = King and The Hygromancy of Solomon. Also covered is the extensive presence =
    of Solomon in folklore worldwide, including in Armenia, Israel, Malaysia, E= astern Europe, Russia, Morocco, India, Mongolia, and among the Abyssinians =
    of Ethiopia and the Copts in Egypt -- as well as Solomon's role within the = Bulgarian tradition from which the Cathars derived.

    Painting an in-depth portrait of Solomon the Magician-King, "King Solomon t=
    he Magus" reveals how this legendary magus left a deep impression upon the = occult, magical traditions, and philosophies of the ancient world that can = still be felt to this day.

    Critique: An inherently fascinating, informative, and thought-provoking rea=
    d from cover to cover, "King Solomon the Magus: Master of the Djinns and Oc= cult Traditions of East and West" by Professor Claude Lecouteux is an extra= ordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, c= ommunity, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections, and Occult= /Magic Studies supplemental curriculum studies lists. A truly seminal work =
    of research and scholarship, "King Solomon the Magus: Master of the Djinns = and Occult Traditions of East and West" is also available in a digital book=
    format (Kindle, $22.99).

    Editorial Note: Claude Lecouteux (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Leco= uteux) is a Professor Emeritus of Medieval Literature and Civilization at t=
    he Sorbonne. He is the author of numerous books on medieval beliefs and mag= ic, including The Pagan Book of the Dead and Dictionary of Ancient Magic Wo= rds and Spells.

    EDITOR'S NOTE:

    The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
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    (dot) com

    Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

    James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
    Midwest Book Review
    278 Orchard Drive
    Oregon, WI 53575-1129

    To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
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    James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
    Midwest Book Review

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