Book of the week: Spells and Psychic Powers by Soraya

 

Book of the week:

Spells and Psychic Powers” by Soraya

Publication: Originally published around 2006–2007 by Geddes & Grosset (also associated with The Gresham Publishing Co. Ltd. in some listings).

•  ISBN: 9781842055946 (or 1842055941).

•  Format and Length: Paperback, approximately 571 pages.

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9781842055946/Spells-Psychic-Powers-Soraya-1842055941/plp

This is a book by the author Soraya (often stylized simply as Soraya, a White Witch, psychic consultant, and prolific writer on witchcraft, divination, and spiritual topics). Note that the name is typically spelled “Soraya” rather than “Saroya”—this appears to be the same book you’re referring to, as no separate matches come up for the alternate spelling.

A valuable resource for witches and psychics alike

Soraya, known for her background as a White Witch and her media fame (including accurately predicting a client’s lottery win), combines practical instructions on spells, rituals, and techniques to enhance or awaken psychic powers. 

Its 571 pages covers topics such as:

•  Various forms of divination (e.g., tarot, runes, crystals, numerology — based on her similar works).

•  Meditation, relaxation, and chakra work to build psychic sensitivity.

•  Casting spells for everyday purposes, protection, manifestation, or personal growth.

•  Exercises and methods to interpret signs, predict events, or connect with spiritual energies.

Plus herbs and essential oils, kitchen witch work, basic witchcraft practice and more!!

There’s a lot of stuff packed into this book….! 

It’s part of her broader body of work, which includes titles like Book of Spells, Enhance Your Psychic Powers, Runes, and romantic paranormal novels. This one seems like a comprehensive reference blending spellcraft with psychic development.

The paper stock is cheap however in most editions but print is clear and the book is illustrated ( though not exactly brimming with images) in a sketch style by Martin Conway who also contributed to the spells in the book. The chakras section was the work of Tom Cross.

It’s been around for a few years now and was well received as a useful go-to book for those interested in witchcraft and psychic practices. It’s great for dipping into to learn or refresh the wide range of topics discussed in a friendly yet informative manner. 

Our own Polish printed English language copy dates from 2008 and has often earned its place in our library.

It’s widely available used/second-hand on sites like Amazon, eBay, ThriftBooks, AbeBooks, and World of Books (often in good or very good condition for affordable prices), but it may be out of print or harder to find new copies.

Want to read it for free? 

It’s available online for download or viewing:

https://archive.org/details/enhanceyourpsych0000sora

Palmistry part 2:,Vedic

 

Palmistry Part Two

Vedic

Vedic palmistry, known as Hasta Samudrika Shastra (or simply Samudrika Shastra for body features, with a focus on the hand), is the ancient Indian system rooted in Vedic traditions. It differs significantly from Western palmistry (chiromancy), which evolved from Greek, Roman, and later European/Romani influences, popularised in the 19th century.

While both systems analyse hand shape, lines, mounts, and markings to interpret character, health, relationships, career, and destiny, Vedic palmistry is more deeply integrated with Jyotish(Vedic astrology), karma, planetary influences, and spiritual/philosophical elements. Western palmistry tends to be more psychological, individualistic, and focused on personality traits, with less emphasis on cosmic or karmic ties.

Here are the key differences:

1. Origins and Philosophical Foundation

•  Vedic Palmistry — Part of the broader Samudrika Shastra (science of body marks), mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas, Ramayana-era works (e.g., attributed to Valmiki), Ravana Samhita, and Hasta Sanjivani. It views the hand as a mirror of accumulated karma from thoughts, speech, and actions. The hand reflects planetary (graha) influences, doshas (like the five elements: Agni/fire, Vayu/air, Jal/water, Akash/space, Prithvi/earth), and one’s dharma/spiritual path.

•  Western Palmistry — Draws from Aristotle, Greek philosophy, medieval European manuscripts, and Romani traditions. It emphasises free will, psychology, and self-development more than predestined karma. Mounts are named after Roman/Greek gods (e.g., Apollo for creativity), not Vedic planets.

2. Integration with Astrology

•  Vedic — Strongly linked to Jyotish. Mounts correspond directly to the nine planets (Navagrahas), including Rahu/Ketu (shadow planets). Lines and features are interpreted through planetary karakatwa (significations). For example, a strong Mount of Jupiter might indicate Guru (Jupiter) blessings for wisdom/leadership, tied to one’s horoscope.

•  Western — Loosely symbolic or independent; some modern versions borrow astrological terms, but it’s not inherently astrological. Focus is on personal energy flow rather than planetary karma.

3. Mounts (Raised Areas on the Palm)

Both systems have similar mount positions, but naming and emphasis differ:

•  Vedic Mounts (linked to planets):

•  Mount of Jupiter (under index finger) — Leadership, ambition, spirituality, Guru influence.

•  Mount of Saturn (under middle finger) — Discipline, longevity, karma from past lives, hardships.

•  Mount of Sun/Apollo (under ring finger) — Fame, creativity, soul purpose.

•  Mount of Mercury (under little finger) — Communication, business, intellect.

•  Mount of Venus (base of thumb) — Love, sensuality, vitality.

•  Mount of Mars (two areas: upper/lower) — Courage, aggression, energy.

•  Mount of Moon (lower outer palm) — Imagination, intuition, emotions, travel.

•  Western Mounts (named after Greco-Roman deities):

•  Similar positions, but interpretations lean toward psychological traits (e.g., Mount of Apollo for artistic talent/charisma, Mount of Venus for passion/affection).

•  Less karmic depth; more about innate personality strengths/weaknesses.

Overdeveloped or underdeveloped mounts carry similar warnings in both, but Vedic readings often connect them to planetary remedies (e.g., gemstones, mantras) if afflicted.

4. Major Lines and Interpretations

The core lines (heart, head, life, fate) exist in both, but Vedic interpretations add astrological/karmic layers:

•  Life Line — In Vedic, emphasises vitality tied to prana (life force) and planetary health influences; breaks may indicate karma-related health events or transitions. Western often sees it more as general energy/resilience (not literal lifespan).

•  Heart Line — Vedic links to emotional karma, relationships influenced by Venus/Moon; may predict marital harmony or dharma in partnerships. Western focuses on emotional expression and romantic style.

•  Head Line — Vedic ties to intellect, Mercury influence, and mental karma; wavy lines might show scattered prana. Western emphasizes thinking style (creative vs. logical).

•  Fate Line (often called Line of Saturn) — More prominent in Vedic for career destiny, karmic path, and Saturn’s discipline; absent/faint lines suggest self-made fate or variable karma. Western sees it as ambition/career path, with less karmic weight.

•  Vedic may place greater emphasis on the Health Line (Mercury line) for dosha imbalances and Ayurvedic insights.

5. Other Features and Overall Approach

•  Vedic — Analyses more body-wide signs (e.g., nails, fingers, palm color, hair on hands, elemental hand types based on doshas/prakriti). Markings like fish (matsya), conch, or lotus symbols are highly auspicious (indicating wealth, spirituality, or moksha). Timing uses planetary periods (dashas) cross-referenced with lines.

•  Western — Focuses primarily on the palm itself; markings like stars/crosses add modifiers (e.g., star on Sun mount for sudden fame). More emphasis on hand shape (elemental: earth, air, fire, water) for personality typology.

•  Vedic is often more predictive and remedial (suggesting actions to mitigate negative karma), while Western is interpretive and empowering for self-awareness.

Join us next week for our final part where we will look at Chinese palmistry 

Decks: The Herbal Oracle by Adriana Ayales

 

The Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana Ayales

Published by Hay House in 2022.

55 card deck plus guidebook.

Illustrated by Joséphine Klerks

ISBN:

9781401969035

The Herbal Astrology Oracle by Adriana Ayales is a beautifully crafted 55-card deck (with an accompanying guidebook) that bridges the ancient worlds of herbalism and astrology in a deeply intuitive and healing way. Published by Hay House who have a wide and loved collection of decks . 

This oracle stands out for its focus on sacred plants—herbs, trees, flowers, and mushrooms—and their planetary correspondences, drawing from centuries of botanical wisdom, traditional medicine, folklore, and ceremonial uses. All the cards are beautifully designed by Klerkes which make them easy to read though the included guide book certainly comes in handy for detailed explanations.

What immediately captivated us was  that artwork: its rich, vibrant, and evocative illustrations that feel both mystical and grounded. Each card features a central plant ally portrayed in lush detail, often accompanied by symbolic elements like animal guides or celestial motifs that tie into the astrological ruler (e.g., Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, and so on). The colour scheme palette leans toward earthy greens, warm golds, deep blues, and florals that give the deck a living, organic energy—perfect for those drawn to nature-based spirituality.

The aforementioned guidebook is one of the deck’s strongest assets. Adriana Ayales, a respected herbalist (often described as a Costa Rican-initiated medicine woman), provides in-depth entries for each card. 

These cover:

•  Traditional medicinal applications

•  Ceremonial and spiritual uses

•  Planetary/archetypal connections

•  Symbolic meanings and messages

•  Animal guides or other associations

Other reviews consistently praise the herbology as “spot on and reputable,” with expert weaving of folklore and planetary links. It’s educational without feeling dry—many users report learning new connections between plants and cosmic forces, even if they were already familiar with astrological herbalism. We would agree.

In practice, the deck excels at gentle, insightful guidance. It’s especially resonant for healing work, shadow integration, ritual planning, or when seeking plant allies for emotional/spiritual support. Pulls often feel nurturing and wise, like consulting an ancient green ally under the stars. The smaller card size (and later pocket edition) makes it travel-friendly and easy to shuffle, though some prefer the full-size for appreciating the artwork.

Minor critiques are rare, but some note it’s more oracle than strict divination (intuitive rather than yes/no), and the focus on healing plants might not suit everyone seeking purely astrological or non-herbal oracles. Horses for courses we think. The deck is good at what it does.

This is a really well thought out and illustrated deck that bridges astrology, oracles and herbalism to great effect.

It’s a standout in the oracle world for its authenticity, beauty, and usefulness in holistic practices. If you’re into herbalism, astrology, plant spirit medicine, or simply love decks that feel alive with ancient wisdom, this one is highly recommended.

Whether for daily draws, ritual enhancement, or deepening your connection to plant and planetary energies, The Herbal Astrology Oracle feels like a genuine portal to that timeless synergy between earth and sky. Herbalists will feel right at home with this oracle.

About the creator 

Adriana is a renowned rainforest herbalist, medicine maker, educator, mother, and the founder/owner of Anima Mundi Herbals—a respected apothecary brand focused on bridging ancient plant-based remedies from Central and South America with modern wellness needs.

Born and raised in Costa Rica, Adriana grew up immersed in a rich tradition of herbal healing. Her family passed down knowledge of medicinal plants, with her grandmother (a psychic medium who practiced meditation and herbalism) playing a particularly influential role in sparking her early interest. From a young age, she experimented with rainforest plants and was drawn to the mystical and healing aspects of nature.

She has extensively studied various global ancestral healing traditions for over 15 years (with some accounts noting 13+ years of deep immersion), training alongside master herbalists, shamans, and curanderos/curanderas in regions including Costa Rica, the Amazon, and California. This includes tribal-style herbalism from Central and South American lineages, as well as formal studies (she’s an alumna of programs like those at the Berkeley Herbal Center/California School of Herbal Studies affiliates).

In her professional life, Adriana founded the aforementioned Anima Mundi Herbals in Brooklyn, New York, after moving from Costa Rica with the mission of creating “herbalism without borders.” The brand offers ethically sourced elixirs, tonics, body care, and other plant medicines inspired by indigenous wisdom, emphasizing sustainability and support for wildcrafting communities. She’s often described as a “plant messenger,” “seer,” who integrates intuition, spirituality, and science in her work.

As an author and deck creator, Adriana brings her expertise in astrological herbalism to the Herbal Astrology Oracle 

She weaves together planetary archetypes, plant spirits, medicinal properties, folklore, and ceremonial uses to offer guidance that’s both deeply healing and cosmically attuned. She’s also authored other works on herbalism and contributes to the field through education, interviews, and community building.

To purchase direct:

https://www.hayhouse.co.uk/the-herbal-astrology-oracle-card-deck