Deck of the week: The Stone Deck

 Deck of the week

Love crystals? Love decks? 

Crystals: The Stone Deck by Andrew Smart (published by Chronicle Books in 2018) is a 78-card oracle deck designed to help users tap into the energising and healing properties of crystals without needing a physical collection. Curated in collaboration with the creators of the Stone crystal healing app ( which no longer seems to be available) , it offers a practical, accessible entry into crystal work for modern spiritual seekers. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to discover crystals if you are just starting out.

The deck arrives in a sleek, sturdy slide-out box with a matte finish and a beautiful close-up photo of a raw crystal (often a vibrant green one like fluorite or similar) on the cover, giving it an elegant, minimalist vibe right from the start.

Each card features a high-quality, close-up photograph of a raw, natural crystal specimen on the front—think rough, unpolished stones in their organic glory, captured with excellent lighting and detail that makes them look almost tangible. The photography by Jason Wyche ( love the name!) really shines here; the images are luminous and captivating, perfect for meditation or simply admiring the beauty of Earth’s minerals. I just wish that the images were somehow framed or better presented as the come across as a bit amateurish and simplistic.

The back of each card provides the crystal’s name and a concise, practical description structured around:

•  What it is — A brief intro to the stone and its family or properties.

•  Who needs it — Who might benefit from its energy.

•  Where to put it — Suggestions for placement (e.g., on your body, in a space, or carried).

•  When to use it — Ideal situations or times.

•  A short, punchy mantra or advice at the bottom (e.g., “Take care of your heart” or “Protect your light”).

There’s no separate guidebook—the info is all self-contained on the cards, which keeps things simple and portable. You can draw a card intuitively for daily guidance, select one based on a specific need, or use them like educational flashcards to learn about crystals.

The cardstock is decent—silky matte with a slight thinness, but durable enough for regular use (though the longer rectangular size makes them tricky to riffle shuffle for some).

On the positive side, users and reviewers frequently praise the gorgeous photography, positive energy, and ease of use for beginners or as a complement to crystal practices. Amazon customers give it a strong 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,100 ratings, with many calling it beautiful, helpful for daily inspiration, and a great intro to crystal energies. On Goodreads, it averages around 4.25, with fans appreciating the clear, non-overwhelming explanations and fun vibe.

Critiques are minor but worth noting: Some find the language overly casual, colloquial, or “New Age internet speak” (e.g., sassy or vague mantras that feel light on depth compared to more traditional crystal encyclopedias like Judy Hall’s books). A few reviewers say it’s more aesthetic than deeply informative or oracular, better for visual appreciation or quick vibes than serious study. I would agree.

This deck is not trying to be a comprehensive reference—it’s a delightful, uplifting tool for bringing crystal magic into everyday life with style and simplicity. If you’re into crystal healing, oracle cards, or just love stunning gemstone photography, this deck is a gem worth adding to your collection. We recommended the deck for crystal lovers who’ll appreciate its beauty and approachable positivity especially those who are dipping their toes into tarot and oracle cards. It’s just a shame that the cards themselves look rather uninspiring and this may well put many people off.

Information and links

There’s not a lot we can say about the creator other than he has a background in design rather than the metaphysical. 

His website:  https://www.andrewsmart.work/the-stone-app

To order one of the decks:

ISBN 10: 1452173281 ISBN 13: 9781452173283

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2018

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781452173283/Stone-Crystals-Deck-Energize-Life-1452173281/plp

Our magical Solar System: The Sun

 Our magical Solar System 

Sol: The life giver 

The Sun, that incandescent orb at the heart of our solar system, is far more than a mere astronomical body. It is the primal source of light, warmth, and life itself—an eternal luminary whose radiance has inspired awe, worship, and profound philosophical inquiry across human history. 

In astrology, the Sun stands as the central pillar of the natal chart, embodying our conscious identity and vital essence. In metaphysics and esoteric traditions, it symbolises the divine spark within, the highest spiritual intelligence, and the bridge between the material and the transcendent. This essay delves into these intertwined dimensions, illuminating how the Sun serves as both celestial archetype and inner guide on the path of self-realization.

The Astrological Sun: Core of Identity and Vital Force

In astrology, the Sun is the giver of life, the conscious mind, and the creative life force that animates existence.  It represents the ego in its highest sense—not mere arrogance, but the “I Am” principle that defines our basic identity and self-realisation . When asked who we are beyond surface details, our Sun sign emerges as the authentic answer: the style in which we express our will, purpose, and vitality.

Positioned in the zodiac, the Sun reveals the flavour of our self-expression. In fiery Leo, its domicile, as it bestows regal confidence, creative generosity, and a natural flair for leadership. Exalted in pioneering Aries, it ignites bold initiative and courageous authenticity. 

Debilitated in harmonious Libra, it may struggle with indecision or over-reliance on others for validation. In the houses, its placement directs our spotlight: in the 1st house, a radiant self-presentation; in the 10th, public achievement and paternal legacy.

The Sun rules the heart—both literally and metaphorically—governing vitality, courage, and the father archetype (or authoritative male figures). It is the “boss” of the chart, directing the other planets toward unified purpose. Aspects to the Sun illuminate how we integrate our core self with the cosmos: a harmonious trine to Jupiter expands joyful self-expression, while a challenging square to Saturn forges resilient character through disciplined trials. Ultimately, the Sun charts the hero’s journey within us—the protagonist who must shine authentically amid life’s eclipses and transits. 

In Vedic astrology, Surya further emphasizes the soul (atman), authority, and inner light, underscoring the Sun’s role as divine consciousness manifesting through the individual. 

Metaphysical and Esoteric Dimensions: The Divine Spark and Spiritual Intelligence

Beyond the stars’ geometry lies the Sun’s deeper metaphysical resonance. In esoteric thought, the Sun embodies spiritual intelligence—the supreme source of light and the highest form of knowing, from which all lesser intellect (symbolised by the Moon) derives its illumination.  It is the logos, the divine mind or Nous, the living symbol of the Higher Self awakening within the soul.

Hermetic and alchemical traditions view the Sun as gold perfected: the philosopher’s stone of inner transmutation, the radiant centre of the microcosm mirroring the macrocosmic Source. In esoteric astrology, it acts as vehicle for the Second Ray of Love-Wisdom, channeling the “Will-to-Be” and soul consciousness into form. It is Life Itself—pure divine expression beyond personality. 

The Sun corresponds to the solar plexus chakra, seat of personal power, confidence, and the fiery will that propels spiritual evolution. Metaphysically, it represents the inner light that dispels illusion, the Christ or Buddha consciousness radiating unconditional love and clarity. It is the eternal now, the present moment where eternity touches time, urging us to embody our divine origin rather than remain in the shadows of egoic separation.

This solar principle teaches that true power flows not from domination but from aligned radiance—being a conscious conduit for the cosmic creative force. As one mystical perspective frames it, the Sun is the spark of divinity within, remembering its origin and illuminating the path to enlightenment. 

Cultural and Mythological Reverence: Gods of Light Across Ages

Humanity has long personified the Sun as supreme deity. In ancient Egypt, Ra (or Amun-Ra) sailed his solar barque across the heavens by day and through the underworld by night, symbolising eternal renewal and the triumph of order over chaos. Greek Helios (below) and Roman Apollo drove golden chariots, embodying beauty, prophecy, and healing arts. In Hinduism, Surya rides a seven-horse chariot, granting vitality and dispelling darkness. Japanese Shinto honours Amaterasu, the sun goddess whose withdrawal and return mirror the cycles of withdrawal and rebirth in the human spirit.

These myths encode metaphysical truths: the Sun as hero conquering night, as father bestowing life, as king whose just rule sustains the kingdom of the self. Even in modern spirituality, the Sun evokes the divine source—warmth, positivity, clarity, and unconditional love from which all life emerges. 

Cycles, Shadows, and Spiritual Lessons

The Sun’s daily arc and annual journey offer profound teachings. Dawn symbolises rebirth and fresh intention; noon, the peak of conscious power; sunset, graceful release into reflection. Solstices mark turning points of light’s waxing or waning, inviting us to honor inner seasons of expansion and contraction. Solar eclipses, when the Moon momentarily veils the Sun, reveal shadow aspects—unintegrated ego patterns—for conscious integration rather than fear.

These cycles remind us that light and dark are interdependent; true illumination arises from embracing both. The metaphysical Sun thus guides shadow work: not to eradicate the ego but to purify and align it with soul purpose.

Integrating the Solar Essence in Daily Life

To honor the Sun metaphysically and astrologically is to cultivate authentic self-expression, vital health, and radiant presence. Practices include sunrise meditation, visualising golden light filling the solar plexus, or journaling affirmations aligned with one’s Sun sign and house. Creatively, it calls us to leadership without domination, generosity without depletion, and joy as a spiritual discipline.

In a world often dimmed by distraction, the Sun invites us to reclaim our inner sovereignty—to shine not for acclaim but because radiance is our natural state.

The Eternal Luminary Within

The Sun is both macrocosmic center and microcosmic core. Astrologically, it maps our unique path of self-actualization. Metaphysically, it reveals the divine light we already are—the spiritual intelligence, the logos, the Atman that animates all. As we align with its essence, we become co-creators in the cosmic symphony, radiating love, wisdom, and vitality into the collective field.

In the words of timeless wisdom echoed across traditions, the kingdom of heaven lies within, and its sun never sets. May we each awaken to this inner radiance, for in honoring the Sun, we honor the sacred spark that unites us all in eternal brilliance.

Weird History: Body part votives

 Weird history 

History of votive and body parts . 

Body part votives, more formally known as anatomical votives or ex-votos, are small-scale replicas of human body parts crafted from materials like terracotta, marble, silver, or gold. 

These objects were dedicated as offerings to deities in ancient sanctuaries, often in the context of seeking or giving thanks for healing from illnesses, injuries, or other afflictions.  

They represent a wide array of external and internal anatomy, including eyes, ears, limbs, breasts, genitalia, heads, uteri, bladders, and even individual toes or organs. 

Historical Origins and Development

The practice of offering anatomical votives dates back to at least the Bronze Age in the Mediterranean region, with early examples from Minoan and Mycenaean cult sites around 2000 BCE.   However, it reached its peak during the Greco-Roman period, roughly from the 4th century BCE to the 4th century CE, when thousands were produced and dedicated across Greece, Italy, and other parts of the Roman Empire.  

In ancient Greece, these votives were commonly associated with the god Asclepius, the patron of medicine, and his daughter Hygeia, and were left at healing temples known as Asclepieia.  The custom spread to Etruscan and Roman cultures, where similar offerings were made to a variety of gods in sanctuaries, sometimes depicting open torsos to reveal internal organs or specific disorders like varicose veins or wounds.  

Archaeological finds, such as those from Corinth in Greece or sites in central Italy, reveal mass production using moulds, with terracotta being the most common material due to its accessibility and local sourcing.  These objects were often displayed in temple spaces, creating accumulations that served as visual testimonies of divine intervention.  The tradition evolved over time, influenced by cultural exchanges, and persisted into late antiquity before influencing later religious practices.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Anatomical votives held profound significance in ancient societies, blending religion, medicine, and personal devotion. They were typically offered as part of a vow: a suppliant might promise a votive in exchange for a cure, dedicating it upon recovery as a “replacement” for the healed body part.  

 This practice reflected a belief in the gods’ ability to intervene in human health, serving as tangible evidence of miraculous healings and fostering a sense of community among the afflicted through shared displays in sanctuaries.  

Beyond religion, these votives provide insights into ancient understandings of the body. They portray the human form as fragmentable—parts could be isolated, represented, and offered independently—challenging modern notions of bodily wholeness while highlighting concerns like fertility, injury, or disease.   

For instance, votives of reproductive organs underscore preoccupations with childbirth and sexuality, while those showing limbs with visible ailments offer glimpses into prevalent health issues and rudimentary medical knowledge. 

The tradition’s endurance is notable; similar practices continue today in forms like Catholic milagros—small metal body parts offered at shrines, such as in modern Pompeii—echoing ancient customs and demonstrating a cross-cultural human impulse to materialise gratitude and hope in the face of bodily vulnerability.   

In scholarly terms, anatomical votives are “challenging objects” that reveal how ancient people experienced embodiment, divine power, and healing, making them valuable for studying the history of medicine and religion. 

It kinda brings a new meaning to “it cost me an arm and leg” don’t it!?

Book of the week: The New Meditation Handbook by Gyatso

 Book of the week 

The New Meditation Handbook (full title: The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful) 

By Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

We’re looking this week a popular book that can also be purchased as a great audiobook.

Please note: we are NOT endorsing the NKT and we do not encourage anyone to join due to the controversy surrounding it but as always we try to present information and let you decide your path for yourself.

It is a popular book on Buddhist meditation written by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist teacher and founder of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT).

Published by Tharpa Publications (with editions dating back to around 2003 for the version commonly referenced, including a US 2nd edition), it’s designed as a practical, accessible guide especially suited for modern practitioners, including Western readers. The book draws from traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings, specifically the Lamrim (the stages of the path to enlightenment), based on commentaries by Je Tsongkhapa.

Key Features and Structure

•  Core Content: The book presents 21 concise meditations that form a complete cycle. Practitioners are encouraged to focus on one meditation per day, repeating the full cycle every 21 days. This structure allows readers to progressively cover essential Buddhist teachings and deepen their understanding and experience over time.

•  Three Scopes (traditional Lamrim divisions):

•  Initial Scope — Meditations on topics like our precious human life, death and impermanence, the danger of lower rebirth, refuge, and karma (actions and their effects).

•  Intermediate Scope — Developing renunciation for samsara (the cycle of contaminated rebirth).

•  Great Scope — Advanced practices including equanimity, recognising all beings as mothers, compassion, taking and giving (tonglen), bodhichitta (the mind of enlightenment), tranquil abiding, superior seeing (insight), and relying on a spiritual guide.

•  Introductory Sections: Part One covers foundational topics like what meditation is, its benefits, how to begin, required background knowledge, and practical instructions on how to meditate (including preparatory prayers).

•  Goal: The book emphasises developing inner peace to make oneself and others happy, transforming daily life, fulfilling spiritual potential, and ultimately progressing toward enlightenment. It teaches how to apply these meditations practically for lasting happiness beyond temporary pleasures.

It’s suitable for both beginners and more experienced meditators, offering step-by-step guidance. Many readers appreciate its clear, structured approach that integrates theory with practice.

The book is widely available through sites like Amazon, Tharpa’s official store, and Kadampa centers, in paperback, eBook, and even audiobook formats.

If you’re interested in Buddhist meditation from a Kadampa/New Kadampa perspective, this is considered one of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso’s key introductory/practical works (often recommended alongside books like Transform Your Life for more detailed explanations).

Here is a clear summary of each, grouped by scope, including the meditation’s primary focus and purpose:

Initial Scope (Foundational meditations on precious human life and motivation to practice Dharma)

1.  Our Precious Human Life — Contemplate the rarity and great potential of this human rebirth to motivate using it for spiritual practice rather than worldly pursuits.

2.  Death and Impermanence — Reflect on the certainty and unpredictability of death to reduce attachment and prioritize meaningful actions.

3.  The Danger of Lower Rebirth — Consider the sufferings of lower realms (hell, hungry ghost, animal) as consequences of negative karma, generating fear of non-virtue.

4.  Refuge Practice — Develop firm reliance on the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) as protection from suffering and the path to liberation.

5.  Actions and their Effects (Karma) — Understand cause and effect: virtuous actions lead to happiness, non-virtuous to suffering; cultivate ethical conduct.

Intermediate Scope

6.  Developing Renunciation for Samsara — Generate strong determination to abandon the cycle of contaminated rebirth entirely, seeing all samsaric experiences as inherently unsatisfactory.

Great Scope (Mahayana meditations on bodhichitta and advanced realizations)

7.  Developing Equanimity — Cultivate impartial love toward all beings by overcoming attachment, aversion, and indifference.

8.  Recognizing that All Living Beings are Our Mothers — See every sentient being as having been our mother in past lives, fostering a sense of closeness.

9.  Remembering the Kindness of Living Beings — Recall the immense kindness received from others (as mothers and in general), building gratitude.

10.  Equalizing Self and Others — Recognize that self and others are equal in desiring happiness and fearing suffering.

11.  The Disadvantages of Self-Cherishing — See how self-cherishing (ego-clinging) is the root of all personal and worldly problems.

12.  The Advantages of Cherishing Others — Understand how putting others first brings joy, harmony, and spiritual progress.

13.  Exchanging Self with Others — Mentally swap self and others, taking on their suffering and giving them happiness (foundation for tonglen).

14.  Great Compassion — Develop deep wish for all beings to be free from suffering and its causes.

15.  Taking (Tonglen: Taking) — Visualize taking on others’ sufferings (and their causes) into oneself to purify ego and generate compassion.

16.  Wishing Love — Cultivate the wish for all beings to have happiness and its causes.

17.  Giving (Tonglen: Giving) — Visualize giving away one’s own happiness, virtues, and body to others.

18.  Bodhichitta — Generate the spontaneous mind that aspires to attain full enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

19.  Tranquil Abiding (Shamatha) — Develop single-pointed concentration on a chosen object (e.g., breath or visualized image) for stable, peaceful focus.

20.  Superior Seeing (Vipashyana) — Cultivate special insight, often into emptiness (ultimate nature of phenomena), to cut through delusions.

21.  Relying Upon a Spiritual Guide — Develop faith and proper reliance on a qualified teacher to receive blessings and guidance throughout the path.

These meditations build sequentially: the early ones create renunciation and ethical foundation, the middle ones develop universal compassion and bodhichitta (altruistic intention), and the later ones provide methods for deep concentration and wisdom. Each includes preparation (e.g., Prayers for Meditation), contemplation of key points, single-pointed meditation on the determination/resolution, dedication of merit, and application in daily life.

Practicing them cyclically helps integrate the entire Buddhist path into daily experience, leading toward lasting happiness, compassion, and enlightenment. For full instructions, including how to meditate on each (contemplation + placement), refer to the book itself, as each is presented concisely with practical steps.

Audio Book Edition

On 4 CDs .

Published 2005 by Tharpa Publications 

4th Edition 

ISBN-10	0954879007
ISBN-13	978-0954879006

https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Meditation-Handbook-Meditations-Meaningful/dp/0954879007

https://tharpa.com/uk/the-new-meditation-handbook

Also available as paperback and hardback editions 

Paperback book version details:

ISBN13	9780948006906
ISBN10	0948006900
Number Of Pages	224

Newest edition 2013

Published: Tharpa Publications 

https://tharpa.com/uk/the-new-meditation-handbook

https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780948006906/new-meditation-handbook-the-meditations-to-make-our

About the author 

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso  was a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism. Geshe-la, as he is affectionately called by his students, is primarily responsible for the worldwide revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time. He passed away in 2022 aged. 91.

From the age of eight Geshe-la studied extensively in the great monastic universities of Tibet and earned the title "Geshe," which literally means "spiritual friend." Under the guidance of his Spiritual Guide, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, he then spent the next eighteen years in meditation retreats in the Himalayas.

In 1977 he accepted an invitation to teach at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in England, where he has lived and taught, giving teachings and guidance to an ever-growing group of students.

Geshe-la has often given teachings and empowerments at the International Kadampa Festivals attended by thousands of people from all over the world.

Geshe-la has established three unique study programs and 1200 centers and groups around the world, trained hundreds of qualified Teachers and a flourishing ordained community, and created a project to build Buddhist Temples in every major city in the world.

In his teachings Geshe Kelsang Gyatso emphasizes the importance of meditation and how to apply it in daily life. He reveals practical methods for developing wisdom, cultivating a good heart, and maintaining a peaceful mind through which we can all find true and lasting happiness. Demonstrating these qualities perfectly in his own life, Geshe-la has dedicated his whole life to helping others find inner peace and happiness.

For more information on his books, audio, artwork, meditation supplies, and cards visit www.tharpa.com/us. For books in Spanish visit www.tharpa.com/us-es.

For more information on his meditation centers across the US and around the world visit www.kadampa.org