Customer Reviews

Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess Spiritual Guidebook and 22 Wisdom Cards for Contemplation and Prayer

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Other reviewers here have written eloquently and in detail about this lushly beautiful deck. While I add my voice to the well-deserved positive reviews this deeply insightful set has garnered, rather than retread already covered ground, I would like to add an additional point that may be of interest to prospective buyers.

Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess is one of the most beautifully produced deck sets I have ever had the pleasure to own and work with. The quality of independently produced decks can often be woefully uneven despite generally commanding higher prices than their mass-produced counterparts. Somehow Pamela Wells, who oversaw every aspect of the creation and production of Affirmations, has managed to create a far better than usual product despite its exceedingly (and almost bafflingly) low price tag.

The bottom line, if you have concerns about this set's quality, you need not worry. It's a beauty!

Fantastic for personal use (I pull a card every morning) or for giving to anyone you care about, I heartily recommend Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess. Given its content, exquisite quality and affordability, I plan to keep a few sets on hand for spur of the moment gifts.

Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess is a gorgeously produced deck & book set and an absolute inspiration to meditate with. The beauty of these multi-cultural, 22 Goddess inspired paintings, that relate wonderfully to the Major Arcana archetypes, is pure rejuvenation for the soul. The accompanying book is also a treasure; filled with contemplative and uplifting messages which relate to key aspects of the individual cards, and include lovely poetry and insightful questions to ask oneself; all meant to set the spirit soaring while also getting the overly active mind to slow down and ponder one's life and personal journey.

Being a self-published Tarot artist, I am especially thrilled when I can support other independent artists, and the presentation and quality of this lovely deck of artworks and well thought out book, set in its snug two-piece box makes an impressive presentation! That it is so reasonably priced adds to the delight of being able to share it with friends. I've bought a few and plan to order more soon.
Thank you Pamela Wells, for this gift to women.
Arnell Ando (of Transformational Tarot, Lucky Pack T., Hero's Journey Tarot)

My first impression of this deck is of its artistic beauty. Not only are the card images lovely, but with their golden borders and exquisite card back image (which is of a spotted leopard in a lush jungle setting), the cards as a total package are a visual delight. I've tried to pick my favorite painting in this little art-gallery-in-a-box, but I really cannot choose just one. a few highlights are the Strength card (with its dazzling sunlight filtering through a forest canopy to shine upon a woman flanked by a tiger and a leopard), the Temperance card (with its luminous angel and background landscape in twilight), and the Star card (with its serene nightscape).

I also like the affirmations on the cards in all but one case. (I found the affirmation printed on the High Priest to be too esoteric, but that just reflects my own way of creating and using affirmations.) My favorites are the ones on the Lovers card ("I see the Divine in myself reflected in another.") and on the Justice card (which includes "I take full responsibility for my choices.") There is limited space on the cards for printed affirmations, but that's where the accompanying booklet comes in. it provides fuller explanations of the cards' symbolism and meaning, associated spiritual contemplations, and discussions that suggest other affirmations for them. For example, Wells has associated a short prayer with each card, which may be easily altered to be an affirmation. As an example, I came up with an affirmation for the High Priest that I liked based on its prayer: "I am in touch with something greater than myself."

The book for this deck starts off with a discussion about what affirmations are and how to use them in the context of these cards. But the book's introductory remarks, as well as its discussions about the individual cards, go well beyond the expectations that one might have based on the title of this deck. Indeed, affirmations are only one facet of this book and deck set.

As stated in the AFEG book's introduction, the purpose of this book and deck set includes helping people "to explore the mysteries of life's meaning and purpose" and "to become more aware of who you are and what is meaningful to you within the framework of your spiritual and religious beliefs." To accomplish this, it examines the archetypal energy of the cards, provides a framework for meditation and contemplation of them, and suggests exercises that will help you explore the cards' archetypal energy within the context of our mundane, material world. And it includes an inspirational prayer to accompany each card.

Finally, I want to caution people about the title, "Affirmations For the Everyday Goddess." I have already noted that affirmations are only one aspect of this book and deck set, perhaps even being secondary to its spiritual exploration and evolution aspect. I would also like to say that the AFEG set, which is also billed as "Inner Guidance Cards for Women," will prove valuable for men as well. I suspect that the set's title and marketing blurbs may deter some men from considering it, which is unfortunate.

Review by James Ricklef, author of "Tarot Affirmations" and other Tarot books.

I looked forward to receiving this deck. It IS absolutely gorgeous, that cannot be disputed. What needs to be told, however, is that this is not a deck for those of us who are not Christian. I am DEEPLY disappointed that the affirmations on this deck were not more inclusive. While most of the cards are truly wonderful, here are the ones I was disappointed in:

#2 High Priestess - the card reads, "Give me discernment and wisdom so that I may understand myself better and increase my connection with God." Why not "The Goddess"? Why not "The Divine"?

#14 Temperance - the card reads, "May the Lord make me an instrument of peace." On many of the cards before this, the word "Divine" is used -- not "Lord." Why "Lord" here? Why not write, "May the Universe make me an instrument of peace." Or, better yet, "May I be an instrument of peace in the World."

#7 Chariot - the card reads, "Please integrate and align my actions in the world with the supreme knowledge of the will of God." REALLY???? In a GODDESS deck?!?!?! If this doesn't sound like church, I don't know what does. Aack.

#10 Wheel of Fortune - the card reads, "May I understand the nature of God." Why not the nature of "the Divine" ?

#16 Tower - the card reads, "May I surrender my life to the will of God." Again, churchy.

#18 Moon - the card reads, "Please give me guidance on how to safely explore the mysteries of God."

#20 Judgement - the card reads, "May I know God." Gosh, this sounds a lot like the others.

#21 World - the card reads, "I am. Amen." Amen?! How about "And so it is." or just "I am."

I am irritated with this deck. The way it was marketed, I thought I was buying a GODDESS affirmation deck -- not a Christian prayer deck with pictures of pretty ladies!!! The affirmations on this deck are overtly Christian, and they are more prayer-like than affirmation-like. Get rid of the "May"s and the "Please"s at the beginning of many of them, and then it starts to look more like an affirmation deck and less of a prayer deck. Plus, the wording of the affirmations is inconsistent.

The art on this deck is fabulous. The quality of the printing of the deck is superb. The price is right. The wording of the "affirmations" leaves me irritated. I wish this were a deck I would use. I actually bought two, because I was certain this would be a great gift deck. Unfortunately, both decks will be going to the used bookshop.

"The imagery and the affirmations of each wisdom card are designed to give a direction and focus to your thoughts. What you do not know right now can be brought to your awareness through study and contemplation, using the guidebook and wisdom cards, and through meditation and prayer. Because your unconscious mind is much more powerful than your conscious mind, tapping into your unconscious mind using these tools are an important way to unlock your greatest potential and bring clarity to previously confusing aspects of your life." - From the Companion Book

While many people use Tarot for divination and fortunetelling, the true psychological and spiritual depths of the cards often stay buried. However, active meditation on the Tarot, as well as affirmations and contemplative journaling, can unearth magnificent revelatory jewels for the introspective, aware individual.

It is in this spirit that artist and author Pamela Wells created the Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess deck. Based on the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Tarot, each card depicts the strength, nobility and confidence of "everyday" women as a reflection of the Divine Feminine. However, Wells explains that the return of the archetypal Goddess spans culture, gender and beliefs.

According to Wells, the hallmarks of the reemergence of the feminine principle include:

* Learning to see behind your eyes
* Integration to form a whole
* Being in touch with your own body, imagery and truth
* Intentionality, synchronicity, paradox, self-nourishment, surrender and holding boundaries
* Exploring the inner world

Resplendent with vibrant color, golden borders and photorealistic imagery (especially garment fabrics!), each high-gloss card of the Affirmation for the Everyday Goddess deck displays a title and number at the top, with an affirmation on the bottom. For example, the unobtrusively printed affirmation on the Justice card is "I am truthful with others and myself and take full responsibility for my choices."

Ms. Wells has done a fantastic job with the 110-page companion guide to the deck, providing profound insights on each card via essays, keywords, contemplative questions, quotations, exercises and a brief prayer. For those seeking to go deeper with the Tarot--in this case, the 22 Major Arcana cards--the contemplative questions are especially thought provoking.

Case in point: for the High Priestess (a card I drew once when using this deck), the companion booklet notes that this archetype says, "Step behind the veil". "The veil is everything that limits what you know, value and believe. The veil is also any negative teachings that increase your fear and shame and that prevent you from learning more."

Some of the contemplative questions for the High Priestess include:

* Do I know what intuition is?
* What is ignorance?
* What is darkness a metaphor for?
* What are the mysteries of the universe?
* What is the ultimate truth?

I have used the Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess several times over the last few months, and every time I do so, I find its wisdom illuminating, relevant, accurate, and centering. I've never used a Majors-only deck before, but this particular Tarot has eased its way in my heart in an unexpected way. I find that I am especially drawn to it when I need a good does of spiritual nourishment.

I highly recommend the Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess wisdom cards by Pamela Wells; those who are drawn to the feminine form and archetypal goddess energy--as well as those who seek to use the Majors for journaling, contemplation, prayer and affirmation--will no doubt be delighted and surprised by this unusual deck.

(Note: these cards measure approximately 5 ½ x 3 ¾ inches with a non-reversible backing that depicts a leopard among lush jungle leaves and a red-flowered bush).

-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

(To see 10 card images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

From the very moment I looked at the deck I could feel the influence of the Divine Feminine. The symbology is exquisite as Pamela allowed herself to be guided by the mystical Tarot and the wisdom of our New Paradigm of the Great Mother. The messages for the cards are endearing and so often "right on" as I journey for insight into my daily life. The Feminine Face of the Divine is most certainly revealing Herself to the world as we enter the realm of change and rebirth. All who use Tarot and Divinitation cards will be delighted to add this to their inspirational collection.

The Faces of Womanspirit : A Celtic Oracle of Avalon

This deck is beautiful! I've never been so attracted to a Tarot/Oracle card deck before. In past tarot decks that I've used, the pictures portrayed the same old scenes and the information booklet still led you asking, "Now what do I do with that information?"

In this deck, Pamela Wells does a fantastic job at giving you a broad perspective on all aspects of each card. There are even questions for contemplation for your own self reflection of how to relate the message of each card in your life. You are also provided with uplifting and inspiring quotes, keywords and affirmations that can help you have a direct experience of each card's message.

If you are someone who loves to take an active role in creating your life to your hearts intention then this deck is for you. The wisdom is heart centered and easy to comprehend. The messages of each card speak to the part of you that wants to thrive. And the techniques to practice such as affirmations and self-study questions help you feel supported and encouraged to keep growing.

I recommend this deck to anyone, even my boyfriend appreciates the wisdom and artistry of this deck!

I was first made aware of this deck as a request from a non-computer using, rural-living friend of mine who asked me to look it up for her right around Christmas time. Needless to say, that's what she got from me this year.

When the deck arrived it was all I could do to keep from opening the pack to get a closer look at the beautiful artwork contained within. She did eventually share her deck with me and I was as delighted as I thought I would be.

I'm not very familiar with tarot decks but I was absolutely drawn into the exquisite artwork that adorns each card. Not only is each one a miniature portrait that can hold it's own as it's displayed within view so that I can be reminded of it's message as I go about my day, but the thought-provoking lessons each one bears give me much to think about and reflect upon. I am deeply impressed by an individual who can combine both the written word and a visual treat for the eyes into so many little masterpieces.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615240496/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_img

delighted to have the opportunity to absorb the wonderfully uplifting words in these beautifully created cards...it is a wonderful gift to find each card filled with the weight of power and movement toward the heart of creation..also a blessing not to discover the usual bodings of constraint and such found in so many cards....well done Pamela.

The delicious beauty that exudes from Pam Well's cards are a feast for your eyes. The wisdom that accompanies this beauty is nourishing to the soul. I love love love this deck! I have been using them every morning and feel I have a deepening relationship with the many aspects of the feminine. I highly recommend this tarot deck.
Mary Lane