Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms The world of tarot has always been filled with diverse and captivating themes, with decks representing various mythologies, cultures, and spiritual beliefs. One such unique deck that has gained popularity in recent years is the "Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms." This fascinating tarot deck takes inspiration from the mystical and enchanting world of mushrooms. Mushrooms have long been associated with magic and mystery, often depicted in folklore and fairy tales as gateways to other realms or sources of hidden knowledge. The Midnight Magic deck embraces this connection, offering users a chance to tap into the secrets and wisdom of the fungus kingdom. The intricate illustrations on each card feature different mushroom species, showcasing their vibrant colors, unique shapes, and intricate patterns.
The intricate illustrations on each card feature different mushroom species, showcasing their vibrant colors, unique shapes, and intricate patterns. The deck artist has meticulously researched and studied various mushroom types to ensure authenticity and accuracy in depicting their diverse characteristics. Each card in the Midnight Magic deck holds its symbolism and meaning, drawing from the traditional tarot system while infused with mushroom-inspired interpretations.
The week in audio: Witch; Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried; History’s Secret Heroes – review
India Rakusen, host of the excellent 28ish Days Later, which looked at the process of menstruation day by day, is back on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Once again, she’s chatting lady stuff. Be scared, chaps! Yeah, you’d better be: because Rakusen is talking about – and to – witches.
I’ve heard the first three episodes of Witch, and the ones Rakusen encounters are a long way from claw-fingered, black-robed pointy hats. Instead, they’re normal-ish young women who’ve simply continued the spells and incantations of childhood. One burns unwanted bills and invitations in a May Day ritual. Another talks Rakusen through her teas (“That’s very poisonous! It’s nightshade; don’t even open the jar”). A wicca follower mentions they schedule their projects according to the waxing and waning of the moon. Everyone’s having a lovely time.
But life wasn’t always so good for a witch. In Edinburgh, Claire Mitchell KC is leading a campaign for the city to acknowledge that 2,500 innocent people – mostly women – were accused, tortured and killed for witchcraft from the 1560s onwards. We hear about the 1486 Malleus Maleficarum – the Hammer of the Witches – a madly sexist, initially ridiculed text that gradually gained respect and somehow got entwined with the papal bull of 1484, so that killing witches appeared to be church-approved. Then there’s Daemonologie, written in 1597 by King James VI of Scotland, later James I of England. His wife and daughter had been endangered in a storm at sea and he blamed witches. Historian Ronald Hutton says that, actually, when it came to witch-killing, the UK divided along Anglo-Saxon/Celtic lines: Wales and the Scottish Highlands on one side, England and the lowlands on the other. The Celts believed in fairies and so thought witches were OK; the Anglo-Saxons, influenced by Germany, did not.
Surprise! At the centre of this tale is a deeply flawed individual who makes others believe he’s some sort of messiah
As you can tell, there’s a lot of highly interesting research in this series. Prepare to have your cynical mind expanded. It helps that Rakusen is an excellent presenter. Her scripts are a delight: beautifully written and delivered. You sense that she really hopes that she too is a witch. An understandable desire: who hasn’t wanted the ability to point a finger at an enemy and turn them into a toad? The non-magic world has a way of wearing women down. I’ll be happy if Rakusen turns out witchy; but I hope that even if she does, she continues to weave her audio magic.
Here’s another Spellcaster: the title of Wondery’s new schaden-fraud series. And, yes, I mean schaden-fraud: it’s my label for that subset of true crime podcasts in which a charismatic huckster convinces crowds to part with their money, proceeds to soar to the top by riding those billions, and then… crashes. Think The Dropout, about Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes, or The Missing Crypto Queen, about Ruja Ignatova. These podcasts have a tendency to end up as Netflix series.
Spellcaster is about crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried. Which, let’s face it, is an amazing name for a crypto bro. A fried banker. Or, given the American pronunciation of Fried, a freed banker. Either way, a money guy without the usual restraints. Anyway, just over a year ago, Bankman-Fried was seen as the future of crypto-currency. He had two companies: FTX (a crypto exchange platform) and Alameda Research (a crypto trading company). The ridiculous profits they made were, said Bankman-Fried, to be invested into ethical projects. For – lo! – he was making money to save the world.
FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried speaking at a Senate hearing in Washington, DC last year. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Bloomberg reporter Hannah Miller is our host, and she’s a good one: not only an excellent journalist but someone with a proper “in” to the story. Via a bachelorette party she gets to know Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Fried’s sometime girlfriend and head of Alameda Research. Miller interviews her and feels that something is off…
Crypto is not something I’m interested in. (It really does remind me of dark magic: it only works if you believe it does.) But Miller, along with fellow reporters Max Chafkin and Annie Massa, is wise enough to make this podcast a story about people, rather than witchy money. And – surprise! – at the centre of this tale is a deeply flawed individual who makes others believe he’s some sort of messiah. Honestly, if I were a financial adviser, I’d make every one of my clients listen to a schaden-fraud podcast series before opening their wallet. Everyone would be richer – though we’d have fewer excellent stories such as this one to enjoy.
Speaking of brilliant stories, Helena Bonham Carter has one about a fascinating spy. In History’s Secret Heroes, she turns her script-reading skills to good effect, recounting tales of derring-do from the second world war. Written by the clever historian and author Alex von Tunzelmann, these stories are true and fabulous. First up is Virginia Hall, a posh American who moved to Izmir, where she managed to blow her own foot off in a shooting accident. To save her life, her left leg was amputated below the knee. This, as you might surmise, was a turning point in Hall’s life. But instead of taking it easy, she resolved to live adventurously and ended up as a spy in Vichy France, masterminding the breakout of prisoners in a more efficient, less soil-down-trousers Great Escape.
Bonham Carter is a lovely reader, fruity and upbeat, propelling the story along without showboating. If the rest of the episodes are as fun as this one, it will be a thoroughly enjoyable series.
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Certain beings of power are able to naturally use magic, as the energy of the nexus, world, or darkness fills their bodies. This power is considered their own, but the Founding God that it is conceptually linked to can negate it, or even take it away in some cases, and beings with such power are still susceptible to magic as a whole and have a limit. This is called Innate Magic, and druids draw upon it through their connection with their anchor.
The Major Arcana portrays prominent mushroom species, such as the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) representing the Fool, or the Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) symbolizing the strength and courage of the Strength card. The Minor Arcana, consisting of four suits - Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles - present specialized mushrooms associated with each suit. For example, the Cups suit represents emotions and relationships, and it is illustrated with delicate and fragile mushrooms like the Enoki (Flammulina velutipes). The Wands suit signifies passion and creativity, featuring vibrant and fiery mushrooms like the Scarlet Cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea). The Swords suit represents intellect and challenges, and it showcases sharp and edgy mushrooms like the Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae). Finally, the Pentacles suit reflects material wealth and earthly matters, utilizing sturdy and prosperous mushrooms such as the Porcini (Boletus edulis). The Midnight Magic tarot deck isn't just visually captivating; it also offers users a unique and transformative reading experience. The deck encourages individuals to explore the mysteries and hidden depths within themselves and their surroundings, using the wisdom of mushrooms as a guide. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or a curious beginner, the Midnight Magic deck provides a fresh and enchanting perspective, bringing a sense of nature's magic and grounding to your tarot practice. Tarot enthusiasts and collectors alike have praised the Midnight Magic deck for its innovative theme, stunning artwork, and thought-provoking interpretations. It has become a cherished addition to many tarot enthusiasts' collections, allowing them to connect with nature, the subconscious, and the spiritual realms through the lens of mushrooms. In conclusion, the Midnight Magic: A Tarot Deck of Mushrooms offers a unique and transformative journey into the world of tarot, weaving together the mystical allure of mushrooms with the symbolism and wisdom of the cards. Through its carefully crafted illustrations and thoughtful interpretations, it opens doors to introspection, self-discovery, and connection with the natural world. Whether exploring the depths of the subconscious or seeking guidance for everyday challenges, this deck invites users to embrace the magic that resides in both tarot and mushrooms..
Reviews for "Unraveling the Symbolism of Mushrooms through Tarot Card Interpretation"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars:
I was really excited about the concept of the "Midnight magic a tarot deck of mushrooms" but was ultimately disappointed with the execution. The illustrations of the mushrooms were mediocre at best, lacking the intricate details that are expected from a tarot deck. Additionally, the symbolism used in the cards was confusing and seemed arbitrary. I struggled to connect with the meanings behind the cards, which made it difficult to use them for readings or self-reflection. Overall, I found this deck to be uninspiring and would not recommend it to serious tarot enthusiasts.
2. Robert - 1 star:
This tarot deck was a complete waste of money. The artwork is amateurish and lacks any depth. The colors are dull and unappealing, making it difficult to even look at the cards. Furthermore, the guidebook that accompanies the deck is useless. The explanations of the cards are vague and don't provide any meaningful insights. It seems like the creator of this deck put no effort into creating a cohesive and meaningful tarot experience. I regret purchasing this deck and would advise others to steer clear of it.
3. Melissa - 2 stars:
While the idea of a tarot deck featuring mushrooms sounds intriguing, "Midnight magic" fails to deliver. The artwork is inconsistent and lacks the vibrancy that is often associated with mushrooms. The depictions of the cards felt dull and lifeless, making it challenging to connect with their meaning. Additionally, the quality of the cards themselves is subpar, with flimsy material that easily bends and shows signs of wear. Overall, this deck left me feeling underwhelmed and dissatisfied. I believe there are much better options available in the world of tarot decks. Avoid this one.