|
|
 | | From: | Mike Gleason | | Subject: | BOOK REVIEW - The Magical Menagerie (Book and Deck) | | Date: | Thu, 13 Jan 2005 10:40:17 -0500 |
|
|
 | The Magical Menagerie (Book and Deck) by Mike Leslie & Eric Hotz © 2005
Llewellyn ISBN 0-7387-0505-5 168 pages paperback (book) and 42 card
deck $24,95 (U.S.) $33.95 (Canada)
Almost everyone is familiar with the concept, at least, of power animals and
familiars. And, again, most of us have some knowledge of elemental
associations. This book and deck combine both of these concepts to provide
a unique form of divination and personal development. It may not be for
everyone, but I suggest that you give it a try, and see how you about its
usefulness.
The Magical Menagerie is a modern day attempt at one of the standards of the
medieval world - a bestiary. It has been melded with an understanding of
psychology and magical thinking. If those seem contradictory to you, this
deck and book will be a real eye-opener.
Each card is given between one and one and a half pages of explanation.
They are each associated with a time (both clock and monthly), and a
direction, as well as an indication of how quickly change occurs. The cards
consist of 24 mundane animals, one indicator that things are exactly right,
one that things are going inexplicably wrong, four elemental cards, and
twelve "fabulous" beasts, only two of which were initially unfamiliar to me.
The system developed for the use of this deck is unique. Therefore, it will
definitely take some time to get used to it. More than most "divinatory"
systems, you need to keep the accompanying book close at hand.
The colors used in this deck are soft pastels; the images are soft; the
overall effect is one of gentleness.
The deck includes a couple of layout cards, but would have benefited, in my
opinion, from the inclusion of a couple more. It might also have benefited
from the inclusion of a "cheat card" with elemental characteristics.
I'm not sure how I will feel about this deck down the road. I'm not sure if
it will be particularly useful, although I can see how it could be. If it
serves no other purpose, it certainly can help to open up expected
possibilities. That can be valuable in learning to explore one's inner
landscape.
|
|
|
