Come Hell Or High Water – Part 3: Deluge

Come Hell Or High Water

Part 3: Deluge

Author: Stephen Morris
Independently Published
2013
ISBN #978-0-9847731-6-9

“Part 3: Deluge” is the third book in the paranormal trilogy “Come Hell Or High Water”, by Stephen Morris. In Part 1: Well Spring, we met Magdalena, a secretary at Charles University in Prague. Through a strange set of circumstances she ends up helping Fen’ka, a wise woman who was lynched by a mob for witchcraft in  1356. With her dying breath Fen’ka cursed the city and its people. In searching for help for Fen’ka, Magdalena brings two very dangerous people to Prague: Elizabeth, a beautiful Irish mythologist who is in actuality the Dearg-due (an Irish vampire figure that does not have to play by the same rules as the vampires that we all know and love!), and George. a New York based Jesuit priest who is also head of a coven. What Magdalena does not realize is that George and Elizabeth are set on destroying the city of Prague!

In “Part 2: Rising” the focus changes to Magdalena’s friend Victoria, and the alliance she forms with several of the visiting professors at the conference on “Evil and Human Wickedness” that Magdalena’s boss is hosting. Together they go head to head against Magdalena, George, and Elizabeth to locate the four magical tools that are protecting Prague – Chalice, Sword, Staff, and Pentacle.

In “Part 3: Deluge”, the very existence of Prague is threatened by a flood that will wash away the Charles Bridge and its magical protection of the city. (Remember, Fen’ka’s curse was on the city and all of  its people.) George and Magdalena rush to carry out the curse by weakening the bridge with the flood, which will allow them to enlist the help of the devil Svetovit to destroy the city.

The book begins with the story of Nadezda, in the winter of 1356-1357. Her husband, a baker, was in the square when Fen’ka was burned, as was her brother, who ran home with a burning branch from the fire, throwing it into the family fireplace. Nadezda is forced to go into the Jewish section of town to consult with an elderly rabbi, after she faces the shadow of Lilith, who is trying to steal her baby. She confronts Lilith to discover the secret of the witch’s curse, only to find that it lies very close to home!

I love the way that the chapters alternate between past and present, weaving the web that all of the story’s characters are caught up in. Everything that happens in this story is for a reason – the present becomes the past – a past that lays the foundation for a new present, and a new future. There is excellent use made of mythology, of the environment and history of the city of Prague itself, and of the elements that make up the esoteric world. All of this unfolds through the lives of the characters in the story.

Being a Tarot reader myself, and a student of esoteric magic, I was riveted at the use both factions (George and Magdalena, and Victoria and her professors) made of the Tarot itself, of the qualities of the four elements (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth), and of simple things like salt and herbs. Morris shows a thorough understanding of religion, myth, and basic human nature, bringing everything together in a final showdown between George, Magdalena (who is beginning to realize that she has been duped), the devil Svetovit, Victoria, and the professors.

This is quite a compelling series – one that you want to read again and again!

© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet

Reproduction in any venue prohibited without the written permission of the author.

 

A Challenge From Me To All Tarotists!

 

I read a post yesterday from Mary Nale, founder and editor of Attune Magazine and Attune Magazine Radio. Mary and I have worked together for a long time now. Mary was letting us know that she is hav ing a very difficult time keeping the magazine and radio show going financially. My heart just hit rock bottom – why had I not realized this? Why had I not stepped up on my own? I want you all to read Mary’s thoughts in her own words. Here is the link to her post: Attune Magazine Needs Your Help.

Mary states that she has come to the end of her financial resources, and needs help to keep going. I felt very bad that I had not realized this sooner, and that I had to be asked to step up. Mary is the one who talked me through hosting many classes in the Attune classroom. has accepted my work for her magazine, and hosted me on her show many times. All of this cost me nothing but my time.

I made an immediate decision. I sent a donation as soon as I read her post (there is a donation button on the Attune home page), and committed to ads on a continuing basis for my books. I am always happy when I find an individual (or group) that I can donate to with good conscience, and I needed to up my game from free to paid promotions for my books. For me, this was all a given.

I am going to tell you some things about Mary. She is a single mother with two daughters in their early twenties. She also has a lovely grandson named Shane. Mary is responsible for her entire household. She takes what time she has left and devotes it to her passions – Tarot, other forms of divination, and self-improvement. She actively searches for links in these areas, and shares them on a regular basis. She puts together a quarterly magazine on diverse subjects, including articles, reviews, interviews, videos, and more. She offers advertising space at a very affordable rate, and is willing to help people set their ads up.

She also hosts Attune Magazine Radio on Blog Talk Radio every Saturday morning. Recent topics include dreams (with Amanda Goldston), weight loss (with Amanda Goldston), an interview with Brad Tesh and myself about our new book (Seek Joy … Toss Confetti”), and Tiptoeing Through the Tarot (with Koneta Bailey). All of these shows are informational, and they are all archived for future listening.

Mary also does reviews herself, and mentors people on how to get their work and themselves out in front of the public. I should also mention that Mary offers readings through Skype or by phone!

I am hoping that each of you reading this blog will help in any way that you can. Sometimes we just don’t have money to donate … in which case I would ask that you send a prayer up that as a community we are able to save this valuable resource.

© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet

All material on this site is copyright by Bonnie Cehovet, and may not be reproduced in any format without written permission.

 

 

Review – The Tarot Activity Book

The Tarot Activity Book

Author: Andy Matzner
Independently Published
2013
ISBN #978-14827-2288-0

“The meaning of life is to find your gift;

The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Unknown

To fully appreciate this work, we have to take a look at Andy Matzner’s background. He is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and Tarot card reader. And a very accomplished writer! Put all of this together, and what do we have? An amazing book that takes the imagery of the Tarot into the real world, combining it with venues such as writing, journaling, and arts and crafts. The common denominator – creativity! We are accessing our creative center to stimulate our imagination, and to help us understand ourselves (and those around us) better. Matzner notes that the cards of the Tarot are natural be tools for developing self-awareness and personal transformation.

“At the center of your being you have the answer;

You know who you are and you know who you want.”

Lao Tzu

This is a book filled with incredibly deep exercises that help the reader to understand themselves better, recognize the obstacles in their life, and work through them. The activities and exercises are divided into three sections: Conversation Starters, Writing & Journaling, and Arts & Crafts. It is all about communications, based primarily on answering a series of questions. This is the very basis of Tarot – how the question is worded determines the answer that we received.

Matzner begins with a series of questions (before the reader even begins using the book), meant to deeper the overall experience. The reader is asked to ask themselves questions, such as:

1. What is your reason for choosing this particular activity or exercise at this time?
2. What special meaning might this activity have for you?
3. What preparations do you need to make for the activity?

Tarot decks are discussed, along with different types of arts and crafts materials that might be needed.

“Conversation Starters” covers ways in which to begin a dialogue, whether with yourself or with others.  Some of the topics presented her include Relationships, The Hero’s Path, Self-development, Pain Management, and Free Association. For instance, Free Association asks the reader to pick a card at random from their deck, and place it face down. When the reader is ready, they turn the card over and write down whatever word or phrase comes to them.

“The word question is derived from the Latin quaerere “to seek”, which is the same root

as the word for quest. A creative life is a continued quest, and good

questions are useful guides.”

Paul Kaufman

“Writing & Journaling” uses the Tarot to explore our inner world, and our creative ability. One of the activities  in this section helps the reader create well thought out questions. Matzner suggests that a well thought out question can: challenge assumptions, shift one’s perspective, stimulate self-reflection, stir a hidden part of one’s soul, provoke change, generate energy, and create more questions. Other topics in this section include Inner Child dialogues, Letter To Parents, Facing Your Inner Critic, Soul Card, Finding Compassion, Healing Symbol, and Trauma Stand-In. Each topic is formatted for Objective, Background, and Process.

“Art is a way to experience emotions and to express them.

The very nature of engaging in the artistic process is

therapeutic and symbolic. And so the journey that you take of

creating something from nothing is sacred, ans is just as

important as the final product. Your instincts and feelings

should inspire and guide you through your creative process.”

Andy Matzner

“Arts & Crafts” features projects that act as therapy for encouraging self-discovery, fostering personal growth, and promoting healing. The format is the same as the previous chapter: Objective, Background, and Process. Topics include Expressive Art, Tarot Totem, the Portal, Walking Beside The Shadow, Strength, Higher Power, Vision Board, Interpretive Study, Visual Gratitude Journal, the Meaning Of Life, Tarot Mandala, Boundary Lines, and more.

This book can be used on an individual basis, with clients, students, and within a group setting. Matzner also notes that this material can be useful for mental health professionals, or art teachers who use the expressive arts in their practice. It is not a book that one reads straight through (although you certainly can do this). It is much more fun to go through and choose the exercises that will most benefit you or your client, and g oon from there. Quite the reference – keep it close at hand!

© 2002-2013 Bonnie Cehovet

All material on this site is copyright by Bonnie Cehovet, and may not be

reproduced in any format without written permission.

 

Things Coming Up …

This post is a mix of things coming up, and a short Tarot reading. We will lead off with the “High Deck”, from Arthur Amberstone and Wald Amberstone. I have this lovely deck in hand, but have not started reading the companion book or working with the cards yet. Subtitled “A New Universe Of Symbols”, its very being is symbolic. It is a work that developed between Wald Amberstone and his father, Arthur, which to me means a great deal. That Wald was able to bring this into the world to share with others is a true gift!

Please excuse the image for this deck … my copy is on its way, and I could not find a better pic! This lovely deck, from Carrie Paris and Roz Foster, is a traditional Lenormand deck. Each card features a French title with an English translation. I very much look forward to both reviewing it and working with it!

The following is something very new for me … so new that I am not sure that I am qualified to review it! Many of you will recognize Jordan Hoggard as the creative force behind the Mystereum Tarot. He has begun what is planned as a ten volume story series entitled “Prescient Remembrance”. Done in poetry format (which is where the “I am not qualified to review this.” comes in), it is about the centuries long search of a Vampire. I have volumes One and Two, and they are riveting! See more here – “Prescient Remembrance“.

These are things that are upcoming. For “real time”, I would like to do a three card reading. I will focus it on relationship, as that is such a large part of any readers work. I defined the cards as follows:

1. Partner Number One
2. Partner Number Two
3. The Relationship Between Them

Cards drawn, from the “Steele Wizard Tarot” (Pamela Steele, Second Edition, 2006

1. Justice
2. King of Wands
3. Five of Pentacles

There is indeed some stuff going on here! Partner Number One feels that the relationship is out of balance in some way, and needs to be corrected. Partner Number Two is showing some strong fiery energy – he wants his own way! Their relationship is in a bit of chaos – each partner seems to feel isolated, and there are underlying issues of personal insecurity, as well as financial/material insecurity.

I drew one more card – the energy this couple could use to bring their relationship into balance. The card drawn was the Five of Wands. Now, how is chaotic energy going to be used to balance chaotic energy? he first thing we want to look at is the energy of the suits – we are balancing a very earthy energy with the energy of Fire. We are adding passion to the mix! We are also adding a sense of competition and conflict. If these individuals are willing to look at what is causing the conflict in their relationship, they can move forward. Once they realize they are not in competition, that they function as a couple, they can move past their personal insecurities and work on the financial issues.

© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet

All material on this site is copyright by Bonnie Cehovet, and may not be reproduced in any format without written permission.

 

Valentine’s Day – The Lovers

The Lovers

Note: This post was written for Pamela Steele’s “Steele Wizard Tarot” Facebook Group. 

Valentine’s Day is here, and we are looking at the card of the Lover’s. On the surface, one might automatically think romantic love, and certainly that is a part of this card. In the archetype of the Lovers we find gentleness and harmony, a union of male and female. We need to remember that this union can be with another individual, or it can be the union of our own male and female energies.

The Lovers is about making important choices … not just romantic choices, but choices in all areas of our life. The process here is an intuitive one, as opposed to a logical one, and the choices are generally of a dualistic nature.

When functioning well, the Lovers speaks of peace and harmony, of choices made that support the Seeker on their path. The Seeker is able to operate from a loving place, and make responsible decisions.

However, when the Lovers card is not functioning well, the Seeker could be indecisive, conflicted, and prone to not being able to trust. This is not a good time for making choices, as they will tend to be irresponsible ones.

With the Lovers, we can be looking at how we live our outer life, and whether or not our outer life is in conflict with our inner life. What mask(s) are we presenting to the world? What mask(s) are we presenting to ourselves?

On this Valentine’s Day, we want to look at the bond we have with ourselves before we look at any bonds we may have with another.

Questions that we may want to look at include:

• How free do I feel?
• Is there a sense of balance in my life?
• How comfortable am I with making decisions?
• How do I feel about my relationships (romantic, work, family, friends)?
• Do I feel empowered in my relationships?
• How well am I communicating?

Affirmation for this Valentine’s Day:

I accept love into my life unconditionally.

Image from the Steele Wizard Tarot (Pamela Steele, 2011).

© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet

All material on this site is copyright by Bonnie Cehovet, and may not be reproduced in any format without written permission.

 

Come Hell Or HIgh Water – Part 2: Rising

Come Hell Or High Water

Part 2: Rising

Author: Stephen Morris

Independently Published

2012

ISBN #978-0-9847731-3-8

“Part 2: Rising” is the second book in a paranormal trilogy by Stephen Morris. In Part 1: Well Spring, we met Magdalena, a secretary at Charles University in Prague. Through a strange set of circumstances she ends up helping Fen’ka, a wise woman who was lynched by a mob for witchcraft in  1356. With her dying breath Fen’ka cursed the city and its people. In searching for help for Fen’ka, Magdalena brings two very dangerous people to Prague: Elizabeth, a beautiful Irish mythologist who is in actuality the Dearg-due (an Irish vampire figure that does not have to play by the same rules as the vampires that we all know and love!), and George. a New York based Jesuit priest who is also head of a coven. What Magdalena does not realize is that George and Elizabeth are set on destroying the city of Prague!

Amazing things happen in this book! Magdalena takes something of a back seat, while her best friend, Victoria, begins to work with a group of professors at the conference that Charles University is hosting on folklore, myths, and monsters. The two groups – Victoria and her professor allies, and Magdalena, Elizabeth, and George – face off against each other to find the four magical tools that protect Prague (a Chalice, Sword, Staff, and Pentacle).

Morris does an excellent job of presenting Prague, its people and its mythology. He also does a nice job with presenting actual ritual, and with using the energy of the Tarot in some of his chapter titles. (My one little issue here is the presentation of the Tarot Court Cards. While they are a part of the Minor Arcana, they are the people cards, and should be honored as such.)

The story line and characters are very well presented. I am looking forward to reading Part 3!

© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet

All material on this site is copyright by Bonnie Cehovet, and may not be reproduced in any format without written permission.

 

Review – Come Hell or High Water Part 1: Well Spring

Come Hell Or High Water

Part 1: Well Spring

Author: Stephen Morris
Independently Published
2012
ISBN #978-0-9847731-2-1

“Come Hell Or High Water” is a trilogy that blends medieval Eastern European history with Tarot and the occult in a very believable manner. Stephen Morris is just the man to write this book – he has degrees in medieval history and theology from Yale University and St. Vladimr’s Orthodox Theological Academy, and has previously written on Late Antiquity and Byzantine church life.

While I am not necessarily a fan of occult/paranormal writing, I was interested in the Tarot and occult background in this book, as well as the setting … Prague in the 1356 and 2002. Those of us in the Tarot world have seen facets of Prague, thanks to the fact that this lovely city is home to Baba Studios, creators of some of the best Tarot decks and books that I have ever seen.

This is a book that you just do not want to put down! It is all about the past, and how the energy from the past lives on in the present. It begins with a flashback to 1356, where we see mob mentality at its best. Fen’ka, a wise woman who lives in isolation at the edge of town, is dragged into the Old Town Square, accused of witchcraft, and burned at the stake. She doesn’t go easily …  as she is burning, she brings down a curse on the town and its inhabitants.

From there, we are brought back to current times – 2002 in New York City. Magdalena, a young woman who works at a boring job with the University of Prague, is visiting the city. She is drawn to the signs for Tarot readings, and finally walks into a storefront to get a reading. The reader, an older woman, gives her a three card reading, showing the past (why she came to visit New York City), the present (what she hope to get from her trip), and the future (what she is looking for). Magdalena is warned that she will be offered help, but that the help may come at a price that is too great.

Back in Prague she discovers the ghost of Fen’ka, and agrees to help her get justice. Before this Magdalena and her friends have read the Tarot amongst themselves. But really don’t have a good understanding of it, or of other metaphysical/occult matters. As she delves deeper and deeper into the occult, Magdalena meets the spirit of Madame de Thebes, a fortuneteller that was murdered by the Nazis. In order to communicate with Madame Thebes, Magdalena has to break a spell that the Nazis placed on her. Under the bridge where she met the ghost of Madam Thebes Magdalena is told that she will need the help of Flauros and Halphas in getting justice for Fen’ka.

At the same time, in her 9-5 world Magdalena is given the opportunity to manage a set of conferences that her university is hosting on “Evil and Human Wickedness” and “Monsters and the Monstrous – Legends of Enduring Evil”. Little does she know that this is where she will meet the manifestations of Flauros and Halphas!

The chapters move between the 1300’s and 2002, exploring the legends of medieval Prague as well as modern day Prague. The characters are quite in depth, showing the cultural mores of the time, the social levels, the influence of the church and the guilds, and much more. What is presented is believable … at times very scary, but also very believable! Several of the chapters are named after Tarot cards, and accurately carry the energy of that card into the story.

This is a well researched book, from the point of view of medieval history, the Tarot itself, occult practices, the church, and the psyche behind what motivates people to act as they do. As we move deeper into the story, we realize that part of this is about Magdalena, and her search for power (and what price she is willing to pay for it).

The plot is well presented, up until the reincarnations of Flauros and Halphas present themselves to Magdalana. I still liked the storyline, but found it  not as well presented, and possibly less plausible. However, I still recommend this book to those interested in the Tarot,Prague, medieval history, and just a good story in general.

I am looking forward to reading the next two books in this series! A evil force has been unleashed, and I want to see what it is going to do!

© 2000 – 2013 Bonnie Cehovet

All material on this site is copyright by Bonnie Cehovet, and may not be reproduced in any format without written permission.