Will the REAL Grimmerie Please Stand Up?

The world is buzzing with the release of the Wicked movies! But while the songs and spectacle are dazzling, there’s a much darker, richer story underneath—the one told in Gregory Maguire’s brilliant novels.

These books give us the full, complex backstory of Elphaba, the misunderstood young woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her complicated friendship with Glinda the Good. They dive deep into the world of Oz, exploring the lives of its famous inhabitants.

But at the heart of Elphaba’s magical journey is a massive, mysterious book of spells: the Grimmerie.

What is the Grimmerie in the Books?

In the Wicked novels, the Grimmerie is a giant, leather-bound book packed with forgotten, powerful magic. It contains spells on subjects like the "Administration of Dragons" and other formidable arts such as 

• Methods of poisoning water and breeding a docile population.
• Diagrams of instruments of torture and weapons which Elphaba considers "too vile to use".
• A recipe entitled "Of apples with black skin and white flesh: to fill the stomach with greed unto Death".
• A recipe to overthrow a regime, which suggests spells for various methods of sabotage and assassination.
• Spells for 'unleashing the hidden energies of matter'.
• Spells to tamper with time.
• Spells to encourage flight in originally earth-bound animals.
• Various 'marginalia on how to keep awake', which Elphaba combines with home remedies to produce a powerful insomnia potion.
• 'A spell to reveal hidden inscription [...]Perhaps even the location of individuals in hiding'. The reverse side of the page on the "On the Administration of Dragons" contains the second half of this spell.
• A spell entitled "To Call Winter on Water," used by Glinda to trap war ships advancing on Munchkinland in ice, in the beginning of Out of Oz.
• a spell entitled “On Vagueness and Variety;” the page from the book with this spell was found on the Maracoorian island of Ithira Strand, an island previously abandoned due to a plague.

Here’s the biggest puzzle: No one native to Oz can read it.

The books explain that the Grimmerie didn't originate in Oz. It was brought there long ago by the Wizard Merlin and is actually a copy of a famous text from our world, Earth: The Lesser Key of Solomon.

This is the key to the mystery! Because it's an Earth text, Ozians can’t decipher it. However, Elphaba can. Why? The major revelation is that her father is the Wizard of Oz himself—a man who came to Oz from Earth. Her half-Earthling heritage is what allows her to read the book and unlock its unique, powerful magic.

The Real-World Connection

The Grimmerie’s supposed source, The Lesser Key of Solomon (also known as Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis), is a genuinely famous text in the history of magic and the occult.

Attributed to the Biblical King Solomon, this real-life book is most famous for its instructions on ceremonial magic and demonology. It provides detailed seals and instructions on how to properly summon, control, and bind 72 specific demons (known as the Ars Goetia) to force them to do the summoner's will.

It’s a far cry from the whimsical sorcery of Oz!

The Curious Mismatch Theory

Here’s where things get interesting. If the Grimmerie is just a copy of The Lesser Key of Solomon, why are its contents so different? Where are the demons? The Grimmerie is described as having chapters on dragons, not detailed instructions for summoning hellish entities.

This leads to a fascinating theory:

My belief is that when The Lesser Key of Solomon traveled from the distinct dimension of Earth to the magical Land of Oz, the journey fundamentally changed it. The book didn't just stay the same. It was magically transfigured. The unique rules and powerful magic of Oz rewrote its contents. The real-world text about binding demons morphed into the Ozian spellbook with instruction for powerful spells. 

We see this idea of dimensional travel causing major transformations in other sci-fi and fantasy stories. Consider Evil-Lyn from He-Man, who was originally characterized in the series bible as a scientist, named Evelyn Powers, from Earth who, upon arriving on Eternia, became the formidable sorceress we know. Or, in the 1984 Supergirl movie, where the heroine's journey from inner-space to outer-space causes her to age and transform from an innocent pre-teen into a powerful young woman. The Grimmerie, too, was changed by its move, trading Earth’s demonology for Oz's mythos, and becoming a text that only a special Oz/Earth hybrid like Elphaba could truly master.

A Powerful Symbol

Ultimately, the Grimmerie is more than just a magical prop. It is a powerful symbol of Elphaba’s unique destiny and dual identity. Its mysterious, non-Ozian origins are the perfect explanation for the powerful, strange magic she possesses.

Whether it's a literal copy or a text magically rewritten by dimension-hopping, the Grimmerie remains one of the most intriguing and central artifacts in the Land of Oz—and a reminder that in magic, everything is connected!

Carolina Dean
Sorcerer-Not So Supreme 
12th House Books 

Rate & Review that Purchase!

If you're reading this, chances are you love scrolling through Etsy, finding unique, handmade, or vintage treasures you won't find anywhere else. You click "buy," the package arrives, and you're thrilled! You might send a quick mental thanks to the seller and move on.

But wait! There’s one tiny, often-forgotten step that is crucial to the health of the Etsy ecosystem, and frankly, to your future shopping experience: leaving a review.

It might seem like a small thing, but for the millions of independent artists, makers, and curators who rely on Etsy, your review is a powerhouse. Here's why you should make reviewing your Etsy transactions a non-negotiable habit.

The Seller's Lifeline: Building Trust and Credibility

Imagine opening a new Etsy shop today. No one knows if you're reliable, if your products match your photos, or if your customer service is top-notch.

• Social Proof is Gold: Every positive review acts as social proof. It tells potential buyers, "This shop is legitimate, and their product is excellent." This is the single most important factor in a seller's success.

• Star Ratings = Search Visibility: Etsy's algorithm often favors shops with high star ratings and consistent sales. Your review directly contributes to a shop's visibility in search results, helping them get noticed by more customers.

• The Difference Between Closing and Flourishing: For a small, new, or niche shop, those first handful of 5-star reviews can be the difference between closing down and being able to make a living doing what they love.

The Customer's Advantage: Helping Future Buyers

When you are about to purchase an item, what is the first thing you look at? The reviews, of course! By leaving your own, you are participating in this vital feedback loop.

• Real-World Context: Did the vase you bought look exactly like the picture? Did the clothing run small, or was the material better than you expected? Your review provides the kind of real-world context that product descriptions simply can't capture.

• Customer Service Vetting: You can also comment on the seller's communication, shipping speed, and packaging. This helps future buyers choose a seller who aligns with their expectations for service.

• Spotting Potential Issues: If you had a problem, a constructive and honest review helps others proceed with caution or choose a different shop, protecting the community.

A Chance to Give Essential Feedback

A review isn't just a rating; it's a conversation.

• Praise for Innovation: If you loved the thoughtful packaging, the handwritten note, or the speedy shipping, let the seller know! They will continue those practices.

• Constructive Criticism: If you rate something less than 5 stars, try to leave a brief, helpful explanation. For example: "The quality was great, but the color was much darker than it appeared on my screen." This gives the seller specific information they can use to improve their listing photos or product descriptions for the next customer.

It's Quick, Easy, and Makes a HUGE Impact

Etsy makes the process incredibly simple. Once an item is delivered (or the maximum shipping window passes), you'll receive a notification.

1. Go to Your Account > Purchases and Reviews.

2. Find the item.

3. Click Leave a Review.

4. Select a star rating (1-5).

5. Write a few quick sentences (1-2 is plenty!).

6. Optional: Upload a photo to show off your new item!

That’s it! Five stars, two sentences, and you’ve just made a real person’s day and helped secure the future of small business on Etsy.

Your Takeaway

Next time that adorable, carefully-packed box arrives on your doorstep, don't just toss the shipping materials—go leave a review! You're not just rating a product; you're supporting a dream, guiding fellow shoppers, and ensuring the Etsy marketplace remains a vibrant, trustworthy place to shop.

Carolina Dean 

Oh The Places You will Not Go: Oaklawn Enchantments

Two years ago, I first stumbled upon Oaklawn Enchantments. It was closed then, but since it was right near where I get my hair cut, I made a mental note to check it out. When I finally walked in, the owner’s greeting was friendly but a little awkward—the kind of stiffness you often encounter when trying to make connections, especially in the unique world of the magical community.

Despite that slightly odd introduction, I started shopping there regularly. I bought things, and I even brought friends who also became customers. I was a genuine supporter, following everything they did on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

During my visits, I excitedly shared that I am a published author. I told the owner about my book, "Secrets of a Sissy Boy: A Gay Grimoire of Modern Magic for Men who Love Men and the Hags who Worship Them." Her reaction was immediate and enthusiastic. She mentioned that her father and son are gay and even suggested she’d love to carry my book in her store.

Thrilled, I brought in my personal copy on my next visit so she could read it and decide. What happened next was a series of frustrating delays and silence.

• A week later, I messaged her on Instagram. Her reply: She hadn't had time yet.

• Another week passed. I went back to the store, bought something, and asked again. The answer was the same.

• A full month went by, and I watched her on social media actively promoting other writers and celebrating women, while my book sat on a shelf, clearly untouched.

The initial awkwardness now felt like a huge warning sign. I realized I thought she had been insincere, offering me this amazing opportunity with no real intention of following through. My interactions with her grew cold, mirroring the sudden disappointment I felt toward the whole shop.

This was a deeply personal letdown. Getting my book into a physical store was a major goal of mine. Her behavior was hurtful, not because she didn't want the book, but because she offered, then strung me along. I felt lied to and used. I unfollowed all their social media pages, decided I’d never return, and completely severed ties. I even got rid of or destroyed everything I had purchased there—and I just left my book behind.

For a year and a half, I completely forgot about Oaklawn Enchantments. Then, the universe seemed to conspire to bring it back up. First, an acquaintance recommended it as a better option than another store which was further away. Then, a friend messaged me out of the blue to suggest I check it out. Finally, I had to drive right past the building to pick up another friend.

These three events in quick succession brought all the painful memories flooding back.

Around that time, I’d started writing positive reviews for local businesses I genuinely liked, focusing on celebrating good service. I almost never write negative reviews; I usually just take my business elsewhere.

However, the feeling of being deceived was still so strong that I decided to share my valid, critical experience in a review in late July/early August. I stated my concern that the owner was disingenuous and that the shop felt unwelcoming to men. My review was definitely not well-received.

Before my post, their newest review on Google was three months old. After the owner saw and responded to my criticism, Google was immediately flooded with several new positive reviews that I strongly suspect she solicited from her friends. Simultaneously, there were two other negative reviews that the owner baselessly accused me of writing.

But the most shocking reaction came right after. Between August 2nd and August 4th, my book, Secrets of a Sissy Boy, was suddenly targeted. Three men—Ethen Duvall, Cole Duncan, and Ian C—left scathing, unverified reviews, calling my work homophobic, predatory, and misogynistic. The timing and content couldn't be clearer. It seems more than obvious to me: the owner of Oaklawn Enchantments allegedly retaliated by orchestrating a review bomb on my published work.

It's a stark reminder that when I challenge an establishment, the response can be disproportionate and intensely personal. This whole experience confirms my decision to walk away from Oaklawn Enchantments. My opinion is firm: my trust was broken, and their alleged subsequent actions show a level of pettiness and malice that has no place in a community built on enchantment and connection. I will not shop there, and the places they go, I will not follow.

Carolina Dean 

Links:

Oaklawn Enchantments (Google Reviews) 
Oaklawn Enchantments (Website) 

Remembering Jeanne Rose 1937-2024

Jeanne Rose is a very important American herbalist, aromatherapy expert, and author. For over fifty years, she has been a key figure in connecting old traditions about plants with modern health trends. Many people credit her with bringing aromatherapy (using essential oils) back into popular use in the United States.

How She Started

Rose started her work in the 1960s, when many people began getting interested in natural living and alternative health. She traveled widely, including studying Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) in India. This experience taught her to look at health holistically, treating the mind, body, and spirit as one connected unit.

Her Game-Changing Books

• Her first major book, Herbs & Things (1972), became a must-read for new herbalists.
• Her book, Jeanne Rose's Herbal Body Book (1976), truly made her famous. It was an easy-to-use guide that showed people how to use herbs in their daily life—for beauty products, health, and cooking.
• She encouraged a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approach to natural self-care, which was a revolutionary idea at the time, getting readers to actively work with the plants around them.

Her Impact on Aromatherapy

Besides herbalism, Rose is a leading expert in clinical aromatherapy. She played a crucial role in setting high standards for essential oil quality and sourcing. She insisted on knowing the precise botanical names and chemical makeup (chemotypes) of oils—a strict practice that is now standard for all professional aromatherapists.

She later created the Jeanne Rose Aromatherapy Institute to properly teach and certify people in the field.

Her Lasting Legacy

Through her many books, classes, and advocacy for pure, high-quality, and sustainable practices, Jeanne Rose created the foundation for the widespread acceptance of herbal and essential oil therapies we see today. She has inspired countless individuals to explore the benefits of plant-based wellness.

Carolina Dean 

Links

• Jeanne Rose's Obituary 
• Jeanne Rose's Herbal Body Book (12th House Books) 
• Jeanne Rose's Herbal Guide to Inner Health (12th House Books) 

Review: Witch and Tell, Angela M Sanders (2025)

Angela M. Sanders truly shines in Witch and Tell, delivering the seventh installment of the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries with her signature wit, charm, and a delightful infusion of supernatural angst. This time around, our beloved apprentice witch and librarian, Josie Way, finds herself facing a unique trifecta of challenges: a boyfriend who's gone radio silent after she revealed her witchy truth, powers that are suddenly on the fritz, and the baffling case of a corpse that appears and promptly vanishes from the locked library atrium.

What makes this book such a compelling entry is how Sanders expertly weaves Josie’s personal, relatable struggles—the anxiety of a relationship in limbo and the frustration of feeling disconnected from her own abilities—into a high-stakes, twisty mystery. The bad energy gripping the town of Wilfred feels palpable, and the disruption of Josie's connection to her spellbound library books raises the investigative stakes higher than ever. Her reliance on her magical grandmother's lessons and the always-entertaining presence of her cat familiar, Rodney, add essential layers of humor and heart.

The mystery itself is wonderfully plotted, featuring a cast of shady suspects and the introduction of potential long-lost relatives that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. Sanders maintains a perfect balance of cozy small-town ambiance and genuine intrigue, ensuring that the book is a compulsively readable escape. For fans of the series, this is a pitch-perfect continuation that deepens the world and promises exciting developments for Josie’s future. For newcomers, it serves as a great example of the series' winning formula, proving that even when magic fails, a determined librarian never does. Five stars for this enchanting adventure!

Carolina Dean 
Book Witch 

Review: Hour of the Witch, Chris Bohjalian (2021)

Chris Bohjalian's Hour of the Witch plunges the reader into the rigid, terrifying world of Puritan Boston in 1662, delivering a historical thriller that feels surprisingly relevant. The novel centers on Mary Deerfield, a strong-willed, twenty-four-year-old woman trapped in a violent marriage to Thomas Deerfield, a wealthy miller nearly twice her age. When Thomas’s abuse escalates to the point of driving a three-tined fork into her hand, Mary—a resourceful woman with a deep sense of self-preservation—takes the radical step of petitioning the Court of Assistants for a divorce on the grounds of cruelty.

This choice is the crucible of the novel. Bohjalian meticulously captures the suffocating, patriarchal society where Satan is considered as real as one's neighbor, and divorce is a scandalous, near-impossible feat for a woman. As Mary navigates the legal system, where the magistrates often seem more concerned with her "wifely obedience" and failure to bear children than her husband’s brutality, her pursuit of freedom quickly devolves into a desperate fight for her life.

Bohjalian is a master of dread, and he layers the historical detail with unsettling suspense. The book's central motif—the three-tined fork, viewed by the Puritans as the "Devil's tines"—is used brilliantly to illustrate the era's pervasive superstition. When strange, cursed objects are discovered in Mary's garden and circumstantial evidence mounts against her, her petition for divorce shifts into a trial for witchcraft.

The novel is at its strongest in the courtroom scenes, which are both frustrating and riveting. The author uses snippets of historical court documents to preface chapters, building a sense of impending doom and highlighting the chilling hypocrisy of the men in power. Mary’s strength lies not in being a modern-day iconoclast, but in her deeply human struggle to survive within the confines of her world, forcing readers to contemplate the timelessness of victim-blaming and institutionalized misogyny.

While the first half can be a slower burn as Bohjalian constructs the Puritan world—from the period-authentic dialogue to the daily routines—the latter half is an addictive, tightly-plotted rush toward a dramatic and ultimately satisfying conclusion.

Hour of the Witch is far more than a simple witch trial story. It’s a compelling piece of historical fiction that doubles as a psychological thriller, using the backdrop of 17th-century Boston to explore themes of female agency, power, and survival against a society determined to silence strong women. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical accuracy fused with high-stakes suspense.

Carolina Dean
12th House Books

Review: Toil and Trouble, Augusten Burroughs 2019

Augusten Burroughs’s memoir Toil and Trouble is a strange, funny, and honest book where he claims he’s a witch. He’s not talking about the kind who rides a broom; he means he has a lifelong, inherited ability to know things he shouldn't and to nudge events in a certain direction through intense focus—what he calls "magick."

If you like his other books, like Running with Scissors, you’ll recognize his usual dark humor and open style. This time, he applies his unique voice to the question of whether "magick" explains the unusual things that have happened in his life.

The book jumps between stories from his childhood—when his mother told him he had this "gift"—and his current life in rural Connecticut with his sensible husband, Christopher. Burroughs describes his witchcraft as a feeling of knowing what’s coming or being able to make very unlikely things happen.

The memoir is also packed with the sort of eccentric, hilarious people Burroughs always seems to encounter, especially his odd neighbors in the country. These funny stories help balance out the book’s more serious and deep ideas.

The book is powerful because it treats these weird abilities not as a Hollywood fantasy, but as a confusing, real part of his life as someone who has dealt with a lot of trauma and anxiety. You might not believe he’s a witch, but as he shares stories—like a premonition of his grandmother's accident coming true—you start to see why he believes it.

The most emotional part comes at the end, when his "magick" vanishes while his husband is very sick. In that moment of helplessness, the book shifts. It becomes a deeply felt reflection on love, anxiety, and the things that no one can control, no matter what kind of power they think they have.

While the idea of witchcraft is the hook, the book is really about how one man makes sense of a difficult past and his anxiety-ridden present by deciding he is fundamentally different. It's a funny, tender, and very human story about finding meaning, even if that meaning is wrapped up in an odd, but comforting, label.

If you like Augusten Burroughs’s usual honest, dark comedy, this book is highly recommended. It’s a unique modern memoir about finding the extraordinary in everyday life.

Carolina Dean 
Witch

The Dino Diaries: Finding Him in Me.

I've always been a person who keeps journals. Whether it’s a dream journal, a manifestation journal, a sex diary, or even my various grimoires and Book of Shadows—they are all, in their own unique way, records of a journey.

However, shortly before my 52nd birthday, I felt a pull toward something new. I decided to keep a diary, but not one to chronicle the daily minutia of my life—not who I met, what I ate, or what I did. Instead, I wanted a dedicated space to go deep, to explore who I am at my core, and to work out the real issues in my life.

As of this writing, I’m just shy of my first 30 days, and the process has already been incredibly illuminating. I wanted to share a recent entry with you to give you a glimpse into this new practice.

The Sunday Ritual and a Sense of Lack

For several months now, I've had a Sunday ritual. I get up very early, pick up my friend, and we make a conscious decision to leave town, if only for a few hours, to escape our mundane, everyday reality. We have breakfast, sometimes joined by other friends, and then we go shopping or find a place in nature—a beach or the top of a mountain. We find that nature is powerfully renewing; it refreshes our spirit for the week ahead. Eventually, we head home, our everyday reality setting back in as we return to our lives.

This past Sunday, after dropping my friend off, I noticed I felt ambiguous. On one hand, I was happy to have connected with my friends, but I also felt a distinct sense of lack.

I knew I needed to address it. When I arrived home, before turning on the TV or even opening the windows, I went straight to my altar. I sat down, took a deep breath, and cleared my mind. Then, I asked myself, Why am I experiencing this sense of lack?

The first thought that surfaced was, “It would have been nice to have shared this day with a man.” It was a thought I couldn't shake. I knew immediately this was a thread I had to pull, a subject I needed to explore in my diary.

The Morning After: Finding a Lens

Let me pause to explain my process: I always write my diary entry for any particular day on the following day. So, I didn't write about Sunday until Monday. I sat down at my desk and began with the basics: I wrote the date, noted the day of the week, and the weather. Since I always post a Card of the Day on my Instagram, I also noted the card in my journal.

As I sat there, staring at the page and gathering my thoughts, I felt a little stuck. I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach the complicated feelings I experienced on Sunday. Then, I had an epiphany. I decided to express myself through the lens of the Hanged Man, which was the Card of the Day for Sunday. I started by simply contemplating its meaning: pause, suspension, a new perspective, yielding to a higher power, inversion...

And then, the words began to flow out of me.

"I am choosing this suspension; it is not a punishment. From this perspective, I see an exhausting loop: running between "find the fixer" and "accept defeat" The biggest lie is that I am broken, that my life is incomplete and that I needed a man to fix me and make my life whole. The truth is my life is unattended. The action I've been resisting is self-authorship. The real energy drain is not my job, not my responsibilities, not my age; its this constant internal argument of wanting to love and be loved and simply giving up and resigning myself to the single life forever. 

For one week, I will sacrifice the idea of the fixer and surrender the pattern of vacillation. I will not search, worry, or resign. My perspective must invert. the solution is within me. I must become the fixer ---- the one who validates, the one who heals, the one who brings me joy. The pause ends when I look at my life and know, truly know, that it is beautiful and it is mine!" 

What's so striking about this process is how those initial feelings of lack have transformed into a powerful affirmation of self-authorship. I went into this diary practice to confront my deepest issues, and in less than a month, I've already uncovered a core narrative—that I'm somehow broken or incomplete without a partner—and found the lens to shatter it. This new journal isn't just a record of my journey; it's the active tool I'm using to carve a new path. The Hanged Man may signify a pause, but for me, that suspension is just the breath I needed before making a fundamental shift. I'm stepping into this week with a commitment to become the source of my own fulfillment, ready to see where this inverted perspective—that the solution is within me—will lead.

Carolina Dean 
Daily Diarist 

Understanding and Defending Against Energy Vampires

We've all been there: after spending time with certain individuals, we feel utterly drained, exhausted, and even irritable. While we often attribute this to a long day or stress, it's possible you've encountered what many refer to as an "energy vampire." These aren't creatures of the night with fangs, but rather people who, consciously or unconsciously, deplete your emotional and mental energy, leaving you feeling empty.

What is an Energy Vampire?

An energy vampire is someone who, through their interactions, leaves you feeling depleted. They often operate by drawing attention, sympathy, or validation from others, often at the expense of the other person's well-being. This can manifest in various behaviors:

• The Constant Complainer: This individual always has a problem, and every conversation revolves around their misfortunes. They rarely seek solutions, preferring to wallow in negativity and draw others into their emotional vortex.

• The Drama Magnet: Their lives are a perpetual soap opera, and they thrive on conflict and crisis. They will often stir up trouble, then look to others for emotional support and validation.

• The Victim: Everything is always happening to them. They avoid responsibility, blame others for their circumstances, and expect endless empathy without ever reciprocating.

• The Narcissist: While not all narcissists are energy vampires, many exhibit this behavior. They demand constant admiration and attention, have little empathy, and will manipulate situations to their benefit, leaving others feeling used and unimportant.

• The Interrogator: These individuals pry into your life, asking intrusive questions and offering unsolicited advice, often making you feel scrutinized and uncomfortable.

It's important to remember that most energy vampires aren't malicious; they might simply be unaware of the impact their behavior has on others. However, their unconscious patterns can still be incredibly detrimental to your well-being.

How to Identify an Energy Vampire

The key to identifying an energy vampire isn't just their behavior, but how you feel after interacting with them.

• Physical Exhaustion: Do you feel physically tired or weak?

• Emotional Draining: Do you feel empty, anxious, or irritable?

• Mental Fog: Is it hard to concentrate after speaking with them?

• Sense of Guilt or Obligation: Do you feel like you owe them your time and energy?

• Relief When They Leave: Do you experience a significant sense of relief when the interaction ends?

If you consistently experience these feelings after engaging with someone, it might be a sign you're dealing with an energy vampire.

Protecting Your Energy

Once you've identified an energy vampire, the next step is to protect yourself.

1. Set Boundaries: This is crucial. Learn to say "no" to their demands for your time and energy. You don't need to justify yourself; a simple, firm "no" is sufficient.

2. Limit Exposure: If possible, reduce the amount of time you spend with this person. If it's a colleague or family member you can't avoid, try to keep interactions brief and focused.

3. Practice Emotional Detachment: Listen to what they say without getting emotionally invested. Don't try to solve their problems or get caught up in their drama. Offer empathy, but don't take on their burdens.

4. Ground Yourself: Before and after interactions, take a few deep breaths. Visualize yourself surrounded by a protective shield of positive energy. This can help you maintain your own energetic integrity.

5. Refocus the Conversation: If they start to complain or draw you into drama, try to shift the topic to something neutral or positive.

6. Don't Offer Unsolicited Advice: Energy vampires often don't want solutions; they want attention. Offering advice often just fuels their need for validation.

7. Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that replenish your energy – meditation, spending time in nature, exercise, hobbies, or spending time with genuinely supportive people.

Recognizing and dealing with energy vampires is a vital part of maintaining your own emotional and mental health. By setting clear boundaries and practicing self-care, you can protect your energy and cultivate more balanced and fulfilling relationships.

Have you ever encountered an energy vampire? How did you deal with them? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Carolina Dean 
Vampire Slayer 

Links 

• Energy Vampires: A Practical Guide for Psychic Self Protection, Dorothy Harbour 
• 5 Signs of an Energy Vampire 
• Psychic Vampire (Wikipedia) 

Book Review: Cat's Eyes, Lee Jordan (1982)

Cat's Eyes is a satisfying novel from 1982 that mixes the creepy mood of a classic English ghost story with the fast pace of a modern suspense book. This novel gives you exactly what you'd expect from an old-school scary thriller: a lonely house, a vulnerable main character, a series of unsettling events, and a general feeling of danger from both people and animals.

The story is about Rachel Charter, an American woman recovering from a car crash at her isolated home in the Sussex countryside in England. The accident was caused by a feral cat, and it left her physically hurt and mentally shaken, giving her bad dreams.

When Rachel's husband has to leave for a work trip, she is left alone with her baby daughter, Sophie. Soon, her peaceful isolation turns into a nightmare. The feral cat, scarred from the crash, seems to be haunting the property, but the scary things that start happening are too sinister to be just an animal's doing.

What follows is a classic slow-burn thriller where Rachel is deliberately terrorized. Her dog is poisoned, someone tries to smother her baby, a local helper is framed for theft, and she gets chilling, anonymous phone calls. The story uses the closed-in feeling of the isolated house and the empty landscape to make Rachel's fear and paranoia grow.

The author, Lee Jordan, uses the typical ingredients of this genre very well. He makes you suspect a few different people, including a bitter woman whose husband was killed in Rachel's crash, a glamorous new neighbor, and even the baby's strict former nurse. The book cleverly makes you wonder, "Is this a scary animal or a human villain?" before revealing the truth. 

While the identity of the final villain and the stormy ending might not surprise people who read a lot of thrillers, the ride is engaging. The writing is good, and the detailed descriptions of the Sussex setting make the story better than a standard suspense novel. Rachel, the slightly naive but tough American, is a likable enough character that you genuinely care about her safety.

Cat's Eyes is a fun, well-put-together piece of vintage suspense. It's a quick, moody read that delivers the perfect amount of domestic terror and spooky isolation. If you like old-school horror or books that feel like a great, forgotten 1980s scary movie, this is a solid choice. It doesn't break new ground, but it delivers the scares with style.

Carolina Dean 
Cat Lover 

Book Review: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books, Kirsten Miller (2024)

Kirsten Miller's Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is a triumphant, hilarious, and deeply moving satire that brilliantly tackles the timely and important issue of book banning. Miller has a rare talent for taking a serious subject and infusing it with humor and heart, making for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

The story revolves around a cast of eccentric and endearing characters in the small Southern town of Troy, Georgia, all of whom become unexpectedly intertwined through a secret act of rebellion. What begins as a petty feud between two women—the meddlesome Lula Dean and the ever-so-clever Beverly Underwood—quickly evolves into a powerful testament to the transformative power of books. As banned titles secretly make their way into Lula’s "little free library," readers get to witness, chapter by chapter, how these stories impact the lives of everyone in town.

Beyond the clever plot, the novel shines in its ability to create fully realized, nuanced characters. From a high school football star grappling with his identity to a woman discovering a hidden part of her family's history, each person who interacts with the library finds a piece of themselves within its pages. While the book doesn't shy away from serious topics like racism, homophobia, and censorship, it handles them with a sense of hope and wit that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired.

This is more than just a funny book; it's a rallying cry for the importance of reading, the freedom of ideas, and the belief that a single book can change a life. It's a reminder that community can be a powerful force for good when people are willing to open their minds and their hearts. A must-read for anyone who has ever found solace, strength, or a new perspective within the pages of a book.

Carolina Dean 
12th House Books

Conversations with Robots: How I Used A.I. to Identify My Core Values and Life's Purpose.

Celebrating my 52nd birthday, I decided to give myself a new challenge: to start a daily journaling practice. While I've kept various notebooks over the years, I've never committed to writing every day. To guide me, I'm using The New Diary by Tristine Rainer, which outlines different writing modes and techniques for self-exploration.

As I began journaling, I noticed a recurring theme: I wanted to live a more intentional life. To understand what this meant for me, I used a technique called automatic writing. Through this process, I realized that an intentional life is one where I'm in control, not just reacting to whatever comes my way. I also discovered that to live this way, I need to:

• Define my values and purpose.

• Align my actions with my values.

• Cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness.

Unsure how to start defining my values, I turned to a resource that wasn't around when Rainer wrote her book: artificial intelligence. I prompted an AI to act as a life coach and ask me a series of questions to help identify my core values. After an hour of answering questions, the AI analyzed my responses and outlined my core values, which it then summarized into a personal statement.

My Core Values

The AI's analysis revealed my core values are personal growth, resilience, connection, and compassion.

• Growth: I believe in constant self-improvement through daily rituals like journaling, gratitude, and mindfulness. These practices help me recenter and connect with myself.

• Resilience: My journey to becoming a published author taught me that my voice is valid and that I can overcome adversity to achieve my dreams.

• Connection and Community: Although I value my alone time, I feel most alive when sharing experiences with others. I believe we are all interconnected, and true happiness comes from these shared moments.

• Compassion: This value is at the heart of my belief that all life is sacred. It drives my desire to make a positive impact on the world, whether through small acts of kindness or larger efforts like creating jobs or providing healthcare.

The analysis also highlighted a personal challenge: while I value connection, past experiences have made it difficult for me to fully trust others. Acknowledging this barrier is part of my journey toward living my values.

A Guiding Principle: Compassionate Contribution

Using my core values, I gave the AI one final prompt: "Analyze my core values and reduce them down to one single guiding principle for my life."

The AI's answer was compassionate contribution. This phrase combines my core values into a single, actionable principle. It's a proactive, outward-looking concept that suggests my personal growth and resilience are not ends in themselves, but tools to help others. Compassionate contribution means moving beyond just feeling empathy to actively using my resources, skills, and talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Looking back, I realized I’ve been practicing this principle my whole life. Friends and family have often described me as "free-hearted," and I have always been driven to help others in both small and significant ways—from offering a listening ear to mentoring and volunteering. My core values are a compass, and compassionate contribution is my true north, guiding me to use my unique skills to bring harmony and care to those who need it most.

This journey has been a powerful reminder that our values are more than just words; they are the foundation for a meaningful life. While the path to living with intention is ongoing, having a clear guiding principle like "compassionate contribution" provides a strong sense of purpose and direction. By continually reflecting on these principles, we can ensure our actions are aligned with our deepest beliefs, leading to a life filled with purpose and positive impact.

Carolina Dean 
Compassionate Contributor 

Links:

• The New Diary, Tristine Rainer
• Tristine Rainer
• Diary (Wikipedia) 

The Truth Is Out There... And It's in This Book

Have you ever felt a chill when you hear a weird noise in the woods, or caught a glimpse of something that just couldn't be real? If so, you've already stepped into the world of cryptozoology.

Cryptozoology is the study of hidden animals—creatures that haven't been proven to exist. The evidence for them comes from stories, folklore, and sometimes a few clues. It's a field where science meets mystery, and it's all about finding out if these creatures are real.

To learn more, check out "Cryptozoology A to Z" by Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark. It's an incredible guide that covers the history of cryptozoology and lists all sorts of mysterious creatures. The authors, both well-known in the field, don't just give you a list. They dig into where the stories came from, their cultural importance, and what the scientific community thinks about them.

The book covers everything from the famous Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster to the less-known Mokele-mbembe. It’s a treasure chest of information.

What makes this book great is that it's balanced. While it celebrates the thrill of discovery, it also looks at evidence with a critical eye. The authors help you tell the difference between real mysteries and hoaxes.

This book shows that our world is still full of wonders. It reminds us to keep an open mind and question what we think we know.

Whether you're new to cryptozoology or a long-time fan, "Cryptozoology A to Z" is a must-have. It will spark your imagination and make you wonder about the undiscovered parts of our world.

So, the next time you hear a strange sound in the leaves, remember the hidden world that Coleman and Clark reveal. You can find "Cryptozoology A to Z" and other books at my Etsy store. 

Carolina Dean 

Links

• Cryptozoology at 12th House Books 
• Cryptozoology at Wikipedia 
• International Cryptozoology Museum 

The Crossbones Amulet

Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders? The unseen forces of negativity and bad vibes pressing in on you? In a world filled with such things, people have long sought out tools and talismans for protection. While many of us might think of crystals or religious symbols, there's a lesser-known, yet fascinating amulet with a very humble origin: the crossbones amulet.

This intriguing charm is crafted from something you might find on your dinner plate—the two bones from a chicken wing. These bones are carefully tied together to form an equal-armed cross, transforming a simple leftover into a powerful object of protection. It’s believed to act as a kind of spiritual shield, warding off evil and absorbing the negativity that comes your way.

There's a beautiful simplicity to this amulet. Unlike other charms that might be made from precious metals or stones, the crossbones amulet is a reminder that protection doesn't need to be ornate or expensive. It’s an act of intention, taking something ordinary and giving it an extraordinary purpose. It's a personal talisman, unique to the person who creates or carries it.

But what happens when this little amulet has absorbed all it can? The lore surrounding the crossbones amulet says that when it has reached its capacity, it will let you know. You might begin to feel a distinct heaviness when you carry it, as if it's literally weighed down by the negativity it has collected. In other cases, it may break, a clear sign that it has fulfilled its purpose and sacrificed itself in the process. And most mysteriously of all, some say the amulet may simply disappear, leaving you to wonder if it dissolved back into the ether from which it came, having done its job.

The idea that a simple chicken bone amulet could serve as such a potent protective charm is both curious and comforting. It reminds us that magic and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether you believe in its powers or simply appreciate the folklore, the crossbones amulet offers a unique perspective on how we seek to safeguard ourselves from the unseen challenges of life.

Click here to purchase your own Crossbones Amulet! 

Carolina Dean
Bone Sorcerer 

Links

 

Homecoming (Short Story)

Note: A few days ago, I stumbled upon a video on YouTube of a man touring my hometown. The images of ruined buildings boarded up businesses, and abandoned storefronts was shocking to me. I felt a sense of loss and sadness akin to watching a loved one slowly die and being unable to do anything about it. This story was born out of those feelings. 

The morning light streamed into the penthouse apartment, illuminating a single, crisp newspaper resting on a polished mahogany table. Arthur sipped his coffee, the bitter taste a perfect counterpoint to the buttery croissant and scanned the headlines. A small article on page five caught his eye. “Southern Township in Peril,” it read. The name of the town, a sleepy dot on a forgotten map, hit him with the force of a physical blow. It was his hometown. A place he had not seen in thirty years, a place he had tried to bury under layers of success and distance.

An hour later, he was in a private jet, the skyline of New York a fading memory. He wasn’t sure why he was doing this. There was no one left to see, nothing left to salvage. Yet, a strange, undeniable compulsion had taken hold. From the regional airport, he rented a nondescript sedan, the kind that would blend in with the landscape of rust and faded paint. As he drove, the manicured lawns and towering oaks gave way to cracked asphalt and skeletal pines. The town's welcome sign, once proud and painted a cheerful red, was a splintered, gray wreck.

He drove past the old diner, its windows boarded up and its parking lot overgrown. He saw the high school, its brick facade crumbling, the athletic fields now a tangle of weeds. He pulled the car over, his hands gripping the steering wheel. The memories came unbidden, sharp and visceral. He saw himself, a gangly, awkward teenager with a book in his hand, a target for the boys with their letterman jackets and cruel laughter. "Faggot," one of them had sneered, pushing him into the lockers. The others had laughed. He could still feel the stinging heat of his humiliation, the desperate longing to be anyone else, anywhere else.

He continued his pilgrimage through the ghosts of his past. The town square was deserted, the fountain dry. The old movie theater was a hollowed-out shell, its marquee gone. Each landmark was a tombstone marking a painful memory: the old church where he was taught to fear himself, the public library where he hid from the world, the town pool where he never dared to swim.

Finally, he drove to the end of a long, dirt road, where his childhood home stood. Or, what was left of it. The roof had collapsed in on itself, the windows were shattered black eyes, and the front door hung off its hinges like a broken jaw. A profound sense of loss, not for the town, but for the self he had been here, washed over him. He stepped out of the car and walked inside.

The dust smelled of mold and decay. He moved through the rooms, the floorboards groaning under his weight, each step a step back in time. He saw the kitchen where his mother had criticized his every move, the living room where his father's silence was a heavy, suffocating blanket. He ran a hand along the wall, and the plaster crumbled. A memory of his father’s fist hitting the same wall in a rage flashed in his mind. Then another, of his mother screaming, her face contorted in a mask of fury.

He heard a sound. A whisper. "Arthur... you left us."

He whirled around. Standing in the doorway, a hazy, translucent figure, was his mother. She was younger, her hair dark, her face pinched with disappointment.

"You ruined us," she accused, her voice echoing in the empty space. "This is your fault. We lost everything after you left."

Arthur’s heart hammered against his ribs. He felt a fire ignite inside him, thirty years of suppressed anger and pain boiling over. "I had to leave!" he shouted, his voice hoarse. "I couldn't breathe here! I wasn't allowed to be myself! You wanted me to be someone I wasn't, to live a life that wasn't mine!"

The figure of his mother drifted closer, her face twisting into a sneer. "You think you're better than us?"

"I had to find freedom!" Arthur screamed. "I had to become my true self! I left to live authentically, something you and this town never would have allowed!" He waved his hand at the ruins. "Look at this! This is what your hate and judgment built!"

His voice broke. He doubled over, gasping for air, the anguish of a lifetime of pain finally pouring out.

A few yards down the road, an elderly man named Gus had just stepped out onto his porch. He saw the unfamiliar sedan parked by the old Arthur place and heard the shouting. It was a loud, desperate kind of shouting, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He grabbed his cane and shuffled down the road to investigate. He got to the empty shell of a house, peered through the open doorway, and saw nothing but dust motes dancing in the afternoon light. He stood there for a long moment, scratching his head, before turning and heading back home, the silence of the dying town once again unbroken.

Your Guide to Guides: Collected Books The Guide to Values (1998)

Have you ever wondered if that old, dusty book on your shelf is a valuable first edition? The world of rare book collecting can seem intimidating, but with the right tools, you can become an expert in identifying and valuing your literary treasures. One of the most essential resources for any aspiring book collector is "Collected Books: The Guide to Values" by Allen and Patricia Ahearn.

This comprehensive guide is a staple in the rare book community, offering a wealth of information to help you navigate the complexities of first edition identification and valuation. Here's a breakdown of how to use this invaluable resource:

1. Understand the Terminology: Before you dive in, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the language of book collecting. The Ahearns' guide includes a detailed glossary that explains key terms like "first printing," "first trade edition," "points of issue," and "dust jacket." Understanding these terms is the first step to accurately identifying your book.

2. The "First Edition" is More Than a Single Printing: The Ahearns' guide emphasizes that a "first edition" can encompass multiple printings. For a book to be a true first edition, it must be the first printing of the first edition. The Ahearns' guide helps you distinguish between these printings by providing specific "points of issue"—unique typographical errors, publisher's marks, or other details that identify the true first printing.

3. Look for Publisher's Points: Many publishers have specific practices for identifying first printings. The Ahearns' guide provides a detailed list of these "publisher's points" for various publishers. For example, some publishers used a number line on the copyright page, with a "1" indicating the first printing. Others used a specific code or a symbol. The Ahearns' guide decodes these publisher's secrets, making it easier for you to pinpoint a first printing.

4. Condition is King: The Ahearns' guide doesn't just help you identify a first edition; it also helps you understand how condition impacts value. The guide provides a comprehensive grading system, ranging from "Fine" to "Poor," and explains how a book's condition, particularly the presence and condition of its dust jacket, can significantly affect its market price. A first edition without a dust jacket can be worth a fraction of the value of the same book with a pristine dust jacket.

5. Cross-Reference with Market Values: The heart of the Ahearns' guide is its extensive list of books and their estimated values. The authors meticulously track auction results and dealer prices to provide a realistic range of values for various first editions. While these are just estimates, they give you a strong starting point for understanding the potential worth of your book.

Using "Collected Books: The Guide to Values" is like having a seasoned book expert by your side. It's a tool that empowers you to move beyond guessing and into the world of informed collecting. By understanding the terminology, looking for publisher's points, and appreciating the importance of condition, you'll be well on your way to unlocking the hidden value of your literary collection.

So, next time you're at a garage sale or Browse an old bookstore, keep the Ahearns' guide in mind. It might just lead you to your next great find!

Carolina Dean 
Rare Book Dealer 

The Pages of My Past Loves: The Search for The One!

We've all been there. A new bookstore opens, or a used bookshop a town over is having a sale. The thrill is undeniable. It's the chase, the hunt for that one special book. It's the feeling you get when you first lay eyes on a promising spine peeking out from a cluttered shelf, its cover worn just so, its pages yellowed with the promise of a forgotten story. This, my friends, is the beginning of a love affair.

Just like any great romance, it starts with an intense infatuation. You bring the book home, carefully peel back its cover, and for a few blissful days or weeks, it's all you think about. You read it, you digest it, you let its words become a part of you. This is the one, you think to yourself. This is the book that will define me. You highlight your favorite passages, you write notes in the margins, and you feel as if the author is speaking directly to you, and only you.

But just like love, things can change. You finish the book. You've devoured its secrets, learned its lessons, and now you know it, perhaps, better than it knows itself. The initial passion fades, replaced by a deep and abiding affection, but it's no longer the all-consuming fire it once was. You haven't outgrown the book, exactly. It's more that you've grown with it. You've taken what you needed from it, and now you are ready for something new.

And so, the search begins again. You're not looking to replace your last love, but rather to find the next one. The shelves of your local library and bookstores start to look like a sea of potential partners. Each book has something to offer, a unique story to tell, a different perspective to share. You hold them in your hands, weigh their potential, and wonder if this one will be the one to finally capture your heart.

The truth is, we're not just collecting books. We are collecting experiences, feelings, and pieces of ourselves. Each book we read, each love affair we have, leaves an indelible mark. We keep them on our shelves, not as dusty trophies, but as silent witnesses to our journey. The well-worn copy of the novel you read in college reminds you of the person you were then. The battered paperback from a flea market holds the memory of a rainy Saturday afternoon. And the pristine hardcover that you just finished? It represents who you are now, and the person you are becoming.

Our bookshelves are a curated gallery of our past loves. We never truly let them go. They sit there, waiting, ready to be revisited when the time is right, their stories and secrets ready to be rediscovered with a new perspective. We are forever in search of the one, that singular book that will change everything. And in that search, we find that the true joy lies not in finding that one perfect book, but in the beautiful, messy, and ever-evolving series of love affairs that lead us there.

Looking for your next great love? Start your search here!

Carolina Dean 
Certified Bibliophile 

Wishing Stones & How to Use Them

Have you ever found a smooth, perfectly shaped rock on the beach? It might have a white stripe of quartz running all the way around it. If so, you've found a wishing stone.

For a long time, people have thought of these stones as special. They've been called "lucky stones" or "wishing rocks," and they show how we can find magic in nature.

What makes a wishing stone special?

The white stripe is the key. People believe this stripe holds a special kind of energy. The stone has been shaped by the ocean for years, and the stripe is a symbol of that enduring, powerful force.

The magic isn't in the stone itself, but in your own personal intention. It's about what you bring to it.

How to use your Wishing Stone

The process is simple. Once you find your stone, hold it in your hand and feel its smooth surface.

1. Find a quiet place. Take a moment away from distractions.

2. Focus on your wish. Close your eyes and think about what you want. Be clear about your intention.

3. Rub the stripe. Gently rub the white stripe with your thumb. As you do, imagine your wish coming true.

4. Make your wish. A common tradition is to throw the stone into the water to release your wish.

However, many people keep their wishing stones. They can be carried in your pocket or placed on a table as a reminder of your wish. Just holding the stone can help you remember your purpose

The real power of the stone

The real magic of a wishing stone isn't a spell or a guarantee. It's the process of using it. It makes you stop, connect with nature, and think about what you truly want. It's a physical reminder of your hopes and dreams.

So next time you're out for a walk, keep an eye out for these little treasures. You might find a beautiful reminder that a little magic can be found anywhere. And sometimes, a simple stone is all you need to hold a powerful wish.

Carolina Dean 
Wish Master 
12th House Books 

Links:

Wishing Stones (12th House Books) 

For Your Third Eye Only: The Story Behind the James Bond Tarot Deck (1973)

When James Bond faced off against villains in 1973's Live and Let Die, something new was introduced to the super-spy's world: tarot cards. These weren't just any cards; they were specially created for the movie by artist Fergus Hall. What started as a unique prop for a supernatural twist in a Bond film eventually became a popular tarot deck used by many around the world.

Fergus Hall: The Artist Behind the Magic

Fergus Hall, a Scottish artist, was known for his dreamlike and colorful paintings. He grew up around theater, which likely influenced his dramatic artistic style. Before creating the tarot deck, he was a painter and art teacher. His art was often described as surreal, with "freaky bizarro" characters and bold colors, much like what you'd see in an art gallery. He painted the tarot cards using oils on canvas, which gave them their rich, deep colors

Hall's approach to the tarot deck was unique. He wanted to avoid the usual spooky or "occult" imagery often associated with tarot cards, which suited the Live and Let Die producers' wishes. Even so, his cards are full of hidden symbols, like black birds and orange cats. He also used the traditional tarot suits of cups, swords, batons, and coins. While the simpler cards (called "pip cards") have minimal art, the main cards (Major Arcana) are full of his strange and captivating designs. Some find his cards a bit unsettling, but others see them as deeply insightful, perfect for dream interpretation. This mix of traditional structure and surreal art made his deck stand out and appeal to a wide range of people.

Live & Let Divine: How the Cards Made It to the Big Screen

The idea of using tarot cards in Live and Let Die was a big step for the James Bond series, as it was the first time a supernatural theme was central to the plot. The filmmakers wanted a fresh, artistic look for the cards, avoiding typical stereotypes.

Interestingly, the famous surrealist artist Salvador Dalí was first approached to create the deck. However, Dalí's price tag, reportedly over $7 million (more than the entire movie's budget!), led the producers to look elsewhere. That's when Fergus Hall was chosen instead. This decision was purely practical and saved a lot of money, but it accidentally led to the creation of a truly iconic tarot deck. Hall's distinct style, described as "idiosyncratic" and "naive," turned out to be a perfect fit, helping the film avoid the common "occult stereotypes."

Because of the tight deadlines in filmmaking, Hall could only complete 27 unique paintings for the movie. To help with a key plot point where Bond tricks the character Solitaire, 10 duplicate "The Lovers" cards were made. So, the film used a total of 37 cards. On screen, these cards had a distinctive red background with the 007 logo, a subtle nod to the Bond brand. James Bond uses a deck stacked with "The Lovers" cards to make Solitaire believe it's their destiny to be together, leading to her losing her psychic powers.

The cards seen in the movie and the ones later sold to the public had some key differences: the film's prop deck, used specifically for Live and Let Die, contained only 27 unique paintings (with 10 extra "The Lovers" cards for a total of 37), featured its original artwork, and had a red back with the "007" emblem. In contrast, the commercial "Tarot of the Witches" deck is a full 78-card set, has significantly revised artwork that was produced after filming, and features a blue patterned back without the "007" logo, making it suitable for general tarot practice and available since 1973.

"The Tarot of the Witches": A Lasting Legacy

After the film's success, U.S. Games Systems, Inc. quickly released a full 78-card deck, taking advantage of the movie's popularity. This commercial deck, initially inspired by the film, was later rebranded as "The Tarot of the Witches." It has been continuously available since 1973 and remains a "classic deck" among tarot users.

The deck's association with a major film like James Bond significantly boosted its popularity. The strategic timing of its release ensured it reached a wide audience, turning a movie prop into a widely used product. While the name "Tarot of the Witches" may not perfectly reflect Hall's original artistic vision (as he wanted to avoid typical occult themes), it appealed to a broader interest in mystical practices.

Despite some mixed reviews (some called it "ugly," others "profound"), its colorful, surreal design and psychological depth have made it a favorite for many. Many users feel the deck should simply be called the "Fergus Hall Tarot" because its unique art truly represents his vision, rather than being solely tied to Bond or witches.

Today, the deck is considered an "iconic piece of Bond history" and a must-have for fans. Its connection to the movie has enhanced its appeal, making it a recognizable and cherished item in both cinematic and tarot communities.

Conclusion: A Deck with a Double Life

The Fergus Hall tarot deck, famously known as "The Tarot of the Witches," beautifully shows how art, movies, and popular culture can come together in unexpected ways. It started as a practical solution for a James Bond film, where Hall's unique, surreal art brought a fresh, mystical feel to the screen.

But its journey didn't stop there. Thanks to U.S. Games Systems, the deck found a new life as a successful and popular tool for divination. Its release shortly after the film cleverly used the movie's fame to introduce this artistic creation to a much wider audience.

Even with discussions about its name and different opinions on its look, the deck's vibrant, dreamlike images and subtle meanings have connected with many tarot readers and art lovers over the years. The ongoing conversation about its branding versus its artistic core highlights the complex relationship between an artist's original idea and how it's presented commercially. It's a deck that defies easy labels, combining traditional tarot structure with a truly individual artistic voice. The story of the Fergus Hall tarot deck is a rich example of artistic integrity meeting commercial opportunity, proving that some creations leave a lasting mark on both film history and the mystical world of tarot.

Carolina Dean 
Two Headed Tarot 

Links

• Solitaire Predicts Bond's Arrival (Youtube) 
• Tarot of the Witches Prop Replica