Wanderer's Tarot by Casey Zabala Review

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this deck in exchange for an honest review.

If you have been following my latest reviews, you will have seen that Wieser Books sent me three tarot decks in the middle of October to review. This is the last of those tarot decks and I am excited to share this one with all of you. The other two decks, The Radiant Tarot and The Relative Tarot, used traditional imagery and followed the Raider-Waite structure. Wanderer's Tarot by Casey Zabala only somewhat follows this format. The deck includes the traditional Major Arcana, but the Minor Arcana uses the elements as the focus of the cards, and the Court cards feature the Philospher, Goddess, Prophet, and Wanderer. I really liked this approach and felt that this would be a great deck to combine with studying the elements and connect with them on a deeper level.

Each suit of Minor Arcana features 14 cards, Ace through King, using traditional elemental symbols as the inspiration for the cards. The suits include Feathers (Fire), Knives (Air), Moons (Water), and Stones (Earth). I love that Feathers and Knives are 'mixed' up, just like Swords and Wands are in traditional tarot. This was originally done to protect the original meaning of the cards (keep silent). I love the simplistic imagery on these cards, which are black with white line drawings. I think this helps focus the mind on the card, canceling out excess visual noise and allowing your intuition to take hold as you enter an altered state of consciousness.

The cards are rather sturdy like those I have previously reviewed, but are very slick in comparison. This makes handling the cards more difficult, but I am sure after use they will be easier to play with. The edges feature a beautiful silver which adds a touch of magic to the cards.

Unfortunately, the deck I received did not come with a guidebook, so I cannot speak on the book. The basic deck comes with a single-page insert that gives a very basic overview of each card, the suits, and numerology.

If you are interested in this midnight deck, Wanderer's Tarot by Cassie Zabala is available now!

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Magical Properties of Obsidian

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How to Word Your Spells to Manifest Your Dreams and Bring Change

So now that you know what type of spell you want to cast, have set an intention, secured your ingredients, and picked the best time to perform your spell, it's now time to figure out what to say. Along with setting a specific intention, I find that wording your spell is critically important to a spell's effectiveness. Honestly, you don't need special ingredients or even to perform your spell at the 'right' time for a spell to work, but if your intention and wording are off, it will certainly derail all your hard work and can even result in your spell backfiring completely. Depending on the spell, this could be catastrophic.

First and foremost, the wording you use within your spell should follow the same rules as your intention. It should be:

• Specific (no wants, wishes, hopes, or vague desires)
• Precise yet Open (while it should be specific, you should be able to say what you want in a few words, but leave the ending open enough to receive something better)
• Positive (use positive language over negative. Don't use words like not, won't, don't, or can't)
• Time-constrained (set a time frame for your intention)
• Personal (use I, me, and/or the person's full name)
• Reasonable (some things just aren't attainable and that's okay!)
  
  

For many spells, the wording you use can and should be your intention and nothing more. Write it, chant it in your mind, chant it out loud, sing it, scream it, whatever you feel is best for the work you are doing. There are, however, times when you'd want to use more than your intention in a spell, especially those that involve invoking spirits, deities, or ancestors, call upon your ingredients to aid in the work, or are part of an elaborate ritual. This isn't to say short, sweet, and to the point isn't valid during these times, but more than your intention is needed.

When it comes to wording, whether you are using only your intention or not, you have a couple of options on how to go about this. It's very common nowadays to have spells that rhyme. This is not a requirement by any means, but it makes spells easier to remember and chant, especially if you are working with longer spells, invocations, rituals, etc. It also gives the spell a sing-song nature, which can help trigger an altered state of consciousness during spell work, providing an opportunity to slip into the Otherworld to raise energy and seek aid to manifest your intention. Historically, however, spells have not rhymed. In fact, many spells probably shouldn't because it can interfere with your intention. If you are trying to force words to rhyme, you could inadvertently change your original intention in the process and destroy your spell before it even begins.

So how do you decide which method is best and what to say? Go with your gut. This is the most time-consuming part of spellcrafting, but well worth the effort. I personally like to use rhyming and the wording in my spells includes what I expect certain ingredients to do to bring about my intention. You can see this in several of my spells on this blog, including my Garden Blessing Ritual, Dispelling Sadness, and Egg Prosperity Spell. However, there are times that I use prose because that is the best way to get my intention across. This can be seen in such spells as Just Say No Candle Spell, Deep House Cleaning Ritual, and Seed Blessing Ritual.

In the Basics of Spellcrafting post, you practiced turning 'bad' intentions into 'good' ones. Now I would like you to take those same 'bad' intentions, turn them into good ones, and figure out what wording you would use to best convey your intention within your spell: 

1. I want to pay off all my bills and buy a mansion.
2. I hope I get a new job.
3. I wish he loved me.
4. I don't have to go without.

Think about some ingredients you may use. Do you want to include these in your wording? Do you want it to rhyme? Will rhyming change the overall intention? Would prose be better? 

By the time you finish this activity, you should have the groundwork laid for four spells that you will likely use more than once in your life. This takes practice and over time you will find that some things work really well for you, and other things don't. Just because I like to use my ingredients in my wording, doesn't mean that will work for you. I've said it once and I'll say it again, go with your gut. Trust your intuition.

Next time we will dive into the basics of raising energy, cleansing, charging, and centering before discussing what to do after your spell is done. Until then!

Interest in the rest of the series? 

Spellcrafting Series

What Is A Spell?

Ethics in Spellcrafting: To Curse or Not to Curse

Types of Spells

Basics of Spellcrafting

Correspondences, Substitutions, and How to Write Your Own

Perfect Spell Timing

Spell Wording: Be Clear, Be Heard

Cleansing, Charging, and Raising Energy Prior to Spellcasting

Grounding and Centering After Spell Work

Breaking Your Own Spells

What to do with Spell Remains

Recording Your Spells

Intuitive Spellcasting

Casting Spells from the Otherworld

Troubleshooting Your Spells: Why They Didn't Work

Looking for more information about writing your own spells? Check out my posts on the topic:

What is Magic?

What is Hermeticism?

Primal Language

Magic All Day Long: What Time of Day Should I Perform Magic?

The Importance of Gratitude in Witchcraft

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The Relative Tarot by Carrie Paris Review

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I received a free copy of this deck in exchange for an honest review.

Up next in my tarot deck reviews is my favorite of the three decks, The Relative Tarot by Carrie Paris. This deck features a guidebook, 82 cards, and is designed to aid you in your self-discovery journey. Honestly, this is probably my favorite deck of all time apart from my Pride and Prejudice deck that I bought simply to honor Jane Austen and not to use in magic whatsoever. The Relative Tarot, on the other hand, is a deck I will use again and again.

Upon opening this deck, I felt an immediate connection. The cards feature antique photographs acquired from friends and family, which immediately drew me in. My mother collects and uses antique photographs in her artwork, so this is something that hits close to home. The card stock is sturdy and the beautiful gold leaf on the edge brings these cards a touch of elegance. However, it was the inclusivity of the cards that kept me coming back to this deck. As I first flipped through the cards, I noticed immediately that there were three copies of The Lovers. At first, I thought this was a printing mistake, but as I looked closer at the cards I realized they were each different. The cards feature a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, and a man and a man, representing all forms of love. This is so much more inclusive and a better representation of the relationships in our lives. Not all love is romantic love and not all romantic love is heterosexual in nature. When I realized what was being featured on The Lover cards, it brought a tear to my eye. I know that for many of my readers, this representation will be much appreciated. Furthermore, the cards feature antique photos from people of all cultures and walks of life. There are many representatives of the BIPOC community featured in these cards, so everyone is able to find a representation of them and their ancestors within these cards. This is uncommon in many decks which often feature almost entirely white people. I can tell much thought was put into each and every one of these cards and it shows in the final product.

I also noticed as I flipped through the deck that it featured two copies of Justice and Strength. Again I felt this may have been a printing error but upon inspection, I realized the numbering was different between the cards. Reading through the book I realized this was done on purpose. The numbering follows both the traditional Marseilles and Rider-Waite-Smith numbering systems so readers can pick which system they prefer to use. I don't personally have a preference, but I know other tarot readers most certainly do, allowing this deck to be more flexible.

According to the guidebook, this deck is designed to help you connect with your ancestors as well as your 'purpose.' There is a breakdown on how to find your birth card, annual card, inner expression and soul cards, and significator, as well as a break down of what they all mean. With this in mind, each card features the birth card numbers in the lower left-hand corner and the card pairings in the lower right-hand corner. I believe this is a useful addition that aids in Paris's intention behind the cards. I believe this deck pairs incredibly well with Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson and highly recommend its use. You can purchase The Relative Tarot by Carrie Paris now. 

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Samhain/Fall Equitherm Altar 2021

Samhain, or the Fall Equitherm, is often referred to as the Witch's New Year. This is the time of death and the great slumber before eventual rebirth, symbolizing the end of the old and the beginning of the new. The veil is incredibly thin during this time, allowing for travel to and from the Otherworld and communication with spirits and our ancestors incredibly easy. In some traditions, the time surrounding Samhain is the only time the dead may walk once again upon this Earth. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that our ancestors used this time to honor their ancestors and guard against malevolent ones. While most witches celebrate Samhain on October 31st or All Hallow's Eve, astrologically Samhain falls on November 6th this year, meaning if you didn't get to do all you wanted on October 31st, you have yet another opportunity to celebrate! This year's Samhain altar sticks to the general theme of the sabbat, focusing on spirit communication, hedge riding, and ancestral magic, along with celebrating the final harvest of the season. 

1. Black & Yellow Candle and White Candles with Orange/Gold Candle Holders- In the center of the altar is a large black and yellow candle flanked on either side by white candles in orange/gold holders. Traditionally, candles were lit to help guide spirits to the right home on Samhain night, which is the reasoning behind these candles. The black and yellow candle represents the dead inside the Underworld and its flame is used to communicate with the dead during a ritual. The white candles, on the other hand, represents the Sun who has officially died and is used to guide my ancestors to my altar while providing protection against unwanted spirits and guests. (Where did I get it: Black & Orange Candle- Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $13.50); White Candles and Holders- Dollar Tree 2020; Cost: $3)

2. Blackberries- While the myths surrounding the blackberry vary, one thing remains the same, the blackberry bramble is highly protective. The thorns are said to protect against ghosts and other earthbound spirits and even vampires. As spirits walk freely during Samhain, blackberry and its brambles are the perfect addition to this altar to protect me and mine during the darkest hours of the night. I also felt the blackberry was the perfect addition to this altar because some folklore claims Lucifer stomps on blackberry bushes on Samhain night out of hatred (he is said to have fallen from heaven to earth and landed in a blackberry bramble bush), making eating blackberries after Samhain very dangerous as they are cursed by the Devil himself. (Where did I get it: Hobby Lobby 2020; Cost: $6)

3. Algiz Rune- The Algiz rune, which is normally viewed as the life rune, represents death when turned upside down as it is on my altar. As Samhain is a time of death and endings, I felt this upside-down rune was a perfect representation of the season. Furthermore, the Algiz rune resembles a hoe, rake, or pitchfork used in the harvesting of crops, connecting the rune further to Samhain as it is the final harvest festival of the season. (Where did I get it: Blagowood; Cost: Won/Free (originally- $30 for set)

4. Fox Skull- The fox skull represents my spirit guide, Meka, who often aids in my astral travels and spirit communication. As Samhain is a time to communicate with spirits, Meka is there to help facilitate this communication. Furthermore, foxes are commonly featured in Celtic myths as navigators of the spirit world and representatives of the afterlife. Skulls are also a representation of death and are a common Samhain theme as we are celebrating the dead, hence the inclusion of a skull. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free (~$25)

5. Obsidian- Obsidian is formed quickly from magma when it reaches the Earth's surface. Because of this, it has been traditionally associated with the Underworld and death gods and goddesses such as Hades and Hekate. Furthermore, its shiny black color has associated it with the Underworld as well, with some people believing the shadows reflected in its glass are spirits. It's deeply associated with death, protection, and transformation, and can be used to communicate with spirits easily. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

6. Antler- Deer are said to walk between realms, being messengers from other Otherworld. Their antlers aid in communication between us and spirits, hence its placement on my Samhain altar. It is also this time of year that deer begin to lose their antlers, a clear mark of the season and a presentation of death and new beginnings as soon the deer will sport new antlers in velvety hides. (Where did I get it: Found; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$9-25

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget! This particular altar is mostly constructed with items I won, found, or that were gifted to me. The most expensive items are those I won from Blagowood, which can easily be substituted with a handwritten rune or a simple black candle.

Did you do anything special for Samhain this year? Any plans for the astrological date? I hope you all have a wonderful "new year!" May your winter be cozy and plentiful.

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