Carrie’s Cabinet of Curiosities: The Cup of Destiny

 Carrie’s Cabinet of Curiosities 

The Cup of Destiny by Jane Lyle 

This is a popular kit focused on tasseography (also known as tasseomancy), the traditional art of fortune-telling by interpreting patterns formed by tea leaves or coffee grounds left in a cup after drinking.

The box set in our collection is from the original 2000 release by Connections Book Publishing Limited in the UK. 

It’s not just a standalone book—it’s typically sold as a set that includes:

•  A specially designed porcelain teacup and saucer (a modern reproduction/facsimile inspired by early 20th-century Edwardian fortune-telling cups, often featuring symbolic motifs or zones to aid interpretation).

•  An accompanying illustrated book (around 96 pages) written by Jane Lyle herself.

All in a nice square box with red satin lining to keep the delicate porcelain clean and safe.

In the book, Lyle teaches the basics of reading tea leaves (or coffee grounds), drawing from traditional Western methods she learned from her grandmother.

 It covers:

•  How to prepare and sip the beverage to leave meaningful residue.

•  Techniques for swirling and inverting the cup.

•  Interpreting the positions of symbols (e.g., near the handle for personal matters, near the rim for the near future, base for distant events or subconscious).

•  Meanings of common shapes and symbols (animals, objects, letters, numbers, etc.), including some Western and Chinese astrological or symbolic associations.

•  Step-by-step instructions tailored to using “The Cup of Destiny” design.

The kit makes it accessible for beginners interested in divination, kitchen witchcraft, or folk traditions. Reviews often describe it as straightforward, charming, and a good entry point (though some note it’s introductory rather than deeply advanced).

If you’re interested in trying it, the set is still available through retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or specialty shops (often in a nice boxed presentation).

About the creator 

Jane Lyle is a British author and expert in divination, tarot, and related occult topics. 

She learned the traditional art of reading tea leaves from her grandmother, a family tradition that sparked her lifelong interest in folk divination and symbolic interpretation. This personal background often comes through in her approachable, practical style—she focuses on making ancient practices accessible for modern readers.

Her expertise spans:

•  Tarot: She’s designed and authored several tarot decks and companion books, including popular ones like The Lovers’ Tarot (focused on relationships and affairs of the heart), The Renaissance Tarot, The Secret Tarot, and The Fortune Teller’s Deck. These often feature her original artwork or interpretations, blending historical symbolism with contemporary insights.

•  Tasseography (tea leaf/coffee ground reading)

•  Other topics: She’s written on broader subjects like psychology, sexuality, sociology, astrology, body language, and esoteric wisdom such as Sacred Sexuality

Jane started exploring divination early—she mentions beginning with playing cards at age ten—and has built a career writing about these subjects in an engaging, non-dogmatic way. She’s described as intrigued by the tarot since childhood and draws from both Western traditions and personal/family lore.

Her books are widely available (Amazon, Goodreads lists around 45 titles associated with her name, though some may be editions/variations), and they’re popular among beginners in divination, kitchen witches, and those interested in symbolic reading. Reviews often praise her clear instructions and charming, straightforward approach.

Deck of the week: The Triple Goddess Tarot by Jaymi Elford

 Deck of the Week

The Triple Goddess Tarot, 
By Jaymi Elford

Publisher

Lo Scarabeo, Torino

Publication Date

2017

Language

English

ISBN 10

886527476X

ISBN 13

9788865274767

This deck was first published by La Scarabeo in 2017 and was created Jaymi Elford sometimes misspelled Jami with some lovely  artwork by Franco Rivolli .

It is a deeply feminine, spiritually oriented deck that centers the divine feminine through the lens of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone archetypes. It draws heavily from lunar cycles, Wiccan/Pagan influences, and the life journey of embodying goddess energy, making it particularly resonant for those drawn to goddess spirituality, shadow work across life stages, or intuitive, cyclical readings.

The artwork is lush, ethereal, and dominated by soft blues, purples, and moonlit tones, giving the deck a dreamy, watery, almost otherworldly feel. Franco Rivolli’s illustrations are beautiful and evocative—flowing figures, natural elements, and symbolic goddess representations create a cohesive, immersive aesthetic. Many reviewers describe it as “stunning” and “earthy yet magical,” with reversible backs and good card stock that holds up well to frequent use. The cards feel substantial without being overly large, and the overall production quality from Lo Scarabeo is solid.

One distinctive feature is the minimalist titling:. We are not over-keen on the choice of designs- many Major Arcana cards lack traditional titles or numbers visible on the face, encouraging readers to rely on intuition and imagery rather than rote memorisation. 

This can however also be empowering for experienced readers but challenging for beginners who prefer explicit labels. The suits follow a non-traditional but intuitive structure tied to feminine energies (often aligned with elements and goddess aspects), and the deck emphasises personal growth through the triple goddess phases—maiden (youth/creation), mother (nurturing/peak), crone (wisdom/release/return to source).

The accompanying 64-page Little White Book which is also written by Jaymi Elford, stands out as one of the stronger guidebooks in modern decks. It’s concise, well-written, and insightful, offering card meanings, goddess associations, and a simple Triple Goddess Spread (3 cards). It includes multilingual text (English, Italian, Spanish, French, German), but the English content is precise and economical—praised for its clarity and depth without fluff. Some users wish for a fuller companion book, as the book teases richer interpretations that Elford has discussed in interviews.

In use, this deck excels at nuanced, introspective readings. Reviewers note it delivers layered, less “blunt” insights compared to more direct modern decks (e.g., one user preferred it over the Modern Witch Tarot for subtlety and depth in client work). 

It connects strongly with shadow aspects, transitions (especially midlife or aging), and inner feminine wisdom. The imagery invites personal interpretation, which can make readings feel uniquely tailored and spiritually communicative—described as a deck that “wants to speak in its own way.”

Potential are , as we’ve already said, drawbacks include the lack of overt titles (which may frustrate tarot traditionalists), a heavy emphasis on feminine/goddess energy (less ideal if seeking gender-neutral or masculine-focused decks), and occasional image ambiguity that requires trust in intuition. It’s not the most beginner-friendly due to its departure from standard symbolism, but it’s rewarding for intermediate/advanced readers or those specifically seeking goddess-centered tools.

Overall, the Triple Goddess Tarot is highly regarded in the tarot and Pagan communities as a worthy tarot of feminine divine expression and its often called one of Lo Scarabeo’s standout releases of its era. If you’re drawn to moon magic, life cycles, or honoring the goddess within, this deck feels like “experience and wisdom” embodied in 78 cards. It’s earned praise for its beauty, emotional depth, and ability to foster profound self-reflection.

It is a worthy addition to goddess devotees, lunar workers, or anyone seeking a deck that honors the full arc of feminine power—from maiden spark to crone sovereignty.

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/book-search/title/triple-goddess-tarot/author/elford-jaymi/

About the creator 

She is an American tarot reader, deck creator, author, tarot coach, podcaster, and teacher with over 30 years of experience in tarot and divination.

She discovered her first tarot deck (The Witches Tarot) at age 13 while growing up in suburban Denver, Colorado, and has been reading for others ever since. She later moved to the Pacific Northwest (“pacNorthwet,” as she playfully calls it), where she continues her work.

Her notable contributions include:

•  Deck creation: She authored and conceptualized the Triple Goddess Tarot (published by Lo Scarabeo in 2017, with artwork by Franco Rivolli), a feminine-focused deck centered on the Maiden-Mother-Crone archetype and lunar/goddess energies.

•  Books: Her debut book, Tarot Inspired Life: Use the Cards to Enhance Your Life(Llewellyn Worldwide, 2019), encourages readers to integrate tarot into daily life through personal interpretations, rituals, invocations, and seasonal practices. It emphasizes thinking outside traditional norms and honoring unique intuitive insights.

•  Other work: She has contributed essays to publications like The Cartomancer magazine, taught at major tarot conferences (e.g., Readers Studio, BATS, NorthWest Tarot Symposium), and won awards, including Judges’ Choice CARTA awards in 2022 for her contributions to the Heaven and Earth Tarot (with Jack Sephiroth).

•  Podcasts  and media: She co-hosts the podcast Cardslingers Coast to Coast (with Melissa Cynova and Hilary Parry Haggerty) and has previously been involved with Tarot Visions. She also offers tarot coaching and readings through her site Inner Compass Tarot.

Carrie’s potions and spells: Witch Salt

 Potions and Spells

Witch Salt

Witches salt or black salt as it is also known as is a powerful and essential creation that any witch should know how to make and use.

It’s easy to make and is an essential element that can be used on its own or as part of a ritual, potion or spell.

Witch salt is cleansing, purifying and protecting for your home, yourself, others and your workings. Here’s my version of it but there are many variations. Experiment and find what works best for you.

Mix together well:

Rock or sea salt

Charcoal

Ash ( from your incense etc,)

Egg shell ( optional. Ensure it is clean and dry)

Lavender 

Sandalwood 

Mustard seeds

Patchouli 

Black peppercorns 

Turmeric 

Nutmeg

Chilli Powder 

Angelica 

Clevers ( optional for binding)

Cinnamon (optional for increasing energy)

Grind this together well in a clockwise manner until it’s a fairly uniform consistency. Ensure that you charge it with your intent. This is essential for this to work.

Place in a labelled air tight bottle or jar. 

That’s all there is to it!

Book of the week: The Real Witches Kitchen by Kate West

 Book of the week 

The Real Witches’ Kitchen: Spells, Recipes, Oils, Lotions and Potions from the Witches’ Hearth by Kate West 

First published by Thorntons in 2002 ( as shown from our library)

Current editions by Harper Collins. 

226 pages. Paperback 

 9780007117864 (ISBN10: 0007117868)

This is a delightful and practical guide that brings the magic of witchcraft into everyday domestic life, specifically the modern kitchen—viewed here as the contemporary equivalent of the ancient hearth. It’s a large format paper back that is written in a clear and informal typeface with some line art drawings  by Chris Down that help illustrate the book content.

Kate West, a well-respected British High Priestess and one of the UK’s most popular authors on Witchcraft (with a Lifetime Contribution award to her name), writes in a warm, approachable, and down-to-earth style. This book stands out as part of her “Real Witches” series, emphasising accessible, real-world practice over overly ceremonial or secretive approaches.

The book centers on around 100 useful spells and recipes using common herbs, spices, plants, and household ingredients. 

These include:

•  Magical oils, lotions, and potions for healing, beauty, protection, and personal empowerment (e.g., affordable “potions to improve your looks without ruining your bank balance”).

•  Foods, drinks, and wines tied to seasonal celebrations and the Wheel of the Year festivals.

•  Remedies and blends that address both physical and spiritual well-being.

As with all her books, this is very much geared toward kitchen witchery and hearth-based magic—infusing intention into cooking, brewing herbal infusions, creating anointing oils, or preparing ritual foods. The emphasis is on practicality, safety, and using what’s readily available rather than rare or exotic components.

Info burst 

•  Perfect for beginners or those interested in everyday, low-key magic. The instructions are clear, straightforward, and budget-friendly.

•  Reference value: Many readers treat it as a go-to resource to revisit for home remedies, seasonal ideas, or quick spells. It’s often praised as a solid addition to any magical library.

•  Engaging tone: West’s writing feels friendly and encouraging, like advice from an experienced coven member rather than a dry textbook.

We do have some minor quibbles…

Some readers note that West occasionally equates witchcraft broadly with Wicca/Paganism (e.g., implying all witches follow similar paths), which can feel limiting to eclectic, non-Wiccan, or traditional practitioners. This is a common critique of her work overall, but it doesn’t overshadow the book’s practical focus for most users.

Who It’s For?

If you’re drawn to hearth and home magic, love incorporating herbs and cooking into your practice, or want simple ways to weave spells into daily routines (especially around Sabbats or personal care), this is an excellent choice. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate British traditional influences with a modern, family-friendly twist.

Overall, the book is good ; It’s not a deep theoretical tome, but it excels at what it promises: empowering readers to turn their kitchen into a magical workspace full of intention, healing, and celebration. A worthy, timeless addition to any witch’s shelf—especially if you enjoy hands-on, edible, or body-care-oriented magic.

About the author:

Kate West is a highly regarded British author, Wiccan High Priestess, and one of the most influential and successful voices in modern witchcraft, particularly in the UK.

Born in 1957 in Devon, United Kingdom (she’s around 68–69 years old now), Kate grew up in a family with roots in both folk traditions and Catholicism. Her father descended from a line of cunning folk (traditional English folk healers and practitioners of magic) originally from Northumberland, while her mother was a Roman Catholic from London. Though raised Christian, she was exposed early to “old ways” of healing, nature knowledge, and seasonal cycles. She had her first notable encounter with witchcraft at age six, when an elderly woman (later understood to be part of an occult group) lived with her family.

Kate has been a practicing Wiccan for over 30 years (likely starting in the 1980s or earlier). She serves as High Priestess of the Hearth of Hecate, a coven she has led since the 1990s, which also offers a popular email support and enquiry service for witches worldwide.

Her community involvement includes key roles such as:

•  Former Vice President and Media Co-ordinator of the Pagan Federation.

•  Media officer for Children of Artemis, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing Witchcraft and Wiccan organization.

She has received a Lifetime Contribution to Witchcraft award and is frequently recognized as the UK’s most popular and successful factual author on the subject, especially by groups like Children of Artemis.

Kate is best known for her “Real Witches” series, which includes over a dozen accessible, practical books like The Real Witches’ Handbook (her breakthrough title), The Real Witches’ Kitchen (the one we discussed), The Real Witches’ Garden, The Real Witches’ Year, and others. Her writing style is warm, straightforward, beginner-friendly, and focused on everyday, hearth-based magic rather than heavy ceremony—making witchcraft feel approachable and relevant to modern life.

She lives in North Norfolk, England, and remains active in the Pagan community through speaking at events (like international Witchfests), contributing to magazines, and teaching.

Kate West is a well versed and celebrated for demystifying and popularizing Wicca and witchcraft in a grounded, ethical way—bridging traditional roots with contemporary practice. If you’re into practical, kitchen-hearth, or seasonal magic, her work (and background) makes her a go-to authority. All her books are well worth getting each with a well written, clear and useful theme that makes them key reading for the modern witch , Wiccan or pagan.

https://www.llewellyn.com/author.php?author_id=4596&srsltid=AfmBOop6tqoRi-3nSzM8c6zbsKoDsIoPu3YMQpw7lDAJlX6AGk-VEVKB