Use code HALLOWEEN15 for 15% off all selections until the end of October in shopping spooky selections at Laurence King Publishing, including:
Celestial Spot Astrology Angels & Tarot
A place to contemplate the stars, planets, angels and tarot cards!
Thursday, 26 October 2023
Friday, 26 November 2021
It's that time of year when people are looking for gifts - including for tarot fans!
This post is to help people know where they can find genuine copies of Tattoo Tarot, its follow up book, Tattoo Tarot Journal, The Tarot Colouring Book, and the Movie Tarot deck/booklet set.
Why would you need to know? Because there have been illegally printed, fake versions of Tattoo Tarot advertised around the internet and - astonishingly - sometimes offered at a much more expensive price than the genuine article! For instance, TT deck set currently retails on Amazon UK at around £11.99, but a seller is offering a fake version at £17.55. Ouch!
Hopefully, most people won't be duped into a purchase of a deck selling fraudulently, but if you are, you might like to look to trading standards and see if you can obtain a refund.
To be able to be sure if a deck is a fake, a telltale clue will be that it very likely won't have the specially prepared booklet with it; nor will it arrive in the beautiful, lidded gift box specially commissioned by LKP (it will just be in a cheap, flip top box like you get with an everyday card pack - only the seller will have likely stolen the art from the original design, to copy). All the purchase will have, unfortunately, is a set of illustrated cards, not on the original card stock, and with no instructions on how to use them nor definitions of their specific meanings (which differ in some regards to some modern decks). Also, if you are offered a 'PDF' version of the booklet, that will be a fake - being sold illegally with no respect of author copyright - since no PDF version exists! The information appears in a printed, bound, glossy, colour booklet.
So, here are the main, easy to spot clues on how you can know if you are looking at a genuine version of Tattoo Tarot online, which you might be considering buying for yourself or another - and you can find such a valid set via the following link:
https://amzn.to/3oUTNH9 Genuine Tattoo Tarot Deck
1) The cards will be sold within a gift box format, NOT a typical, flip-top card casing, but a sturdy box with a removable lid. The sort of box that looks beautiful on a tarot reading table! This box has a red inside lining with a deep well for the cards.
2) The tarot set comes complete with a glossy, colour-printed booklet bound with a stitched seam.
3) The publisher will be named as Laurence King Publishing.
4) The illustrator/artist will be named as Megamunden.
5) The author/writer will be named as Diana McMahon Collis.
6) The deck will be sold at a reasonable price (for a tarot deck).
7) The deck won't advertise itself as containing any PDF element (the booklet is only offered as part of the set and in printed form - it fits neatly inside the box).
Please also find links below to the other genuine tarot items mentioned above, all published by Laurence King Publishing - part of the Orion Books group:
The follow-up book, Tattoo Tarot Journal, which includes extended meanings for the cards and lots of spreads - with plenty of room to practise and record your own (as it's a journal format); a soft-bound, wipe-clean style A5 size book with a very pretty cover!
https://amzn.to/3r43qG4 Tattoo Tarot Journal
The Tarot Colouring Book, which also features expanded Tattoo Tarot card illustrations, with extra, black ink design details - as well as textual information about tarot art in history, for colouring inspiration (my bit of research for the project!) This usually retails at about £6 at the time of writing this post:
https://amzn.to/3FK2uuu The Tarot Colouring Book
Movie Tarot, the name of which is probably self-explanatory, but features characters from popular movies. Again, this mentions Diana McMahon Collis as the author - but with Natalie Foss as the illustrator:
https://amzn.to/3l4EcDL Movie Tarot
Please feel free to share the above links with anyone who wants to access genuine tarot products.
I love the idea of #realtarot on social media! Please share this hashtag phrase if you're a fan of genuine tarot decks and want to help support the illustrators and authors. We all really appreciate it and this helps to keep genuine art and design going, as well as respecting the intellectual property of author and publisher copyrights.
Saturday, 12 December 2020
Tarot Products at a Discount - Hurry for special Christmas offers at LKP!
Time to be happy!
Laurence King publishers (LKP) are offering my followers a pre-Christmas discount of 30% (use code Christmas30 at checkout) when our products are purchased via their website (the number one, guaranteed official source of the genuine product!*)
At laurenceking.com, type the word TAROT in the search box, to find:
The brand new, Movie Tarot deck/booklet set
The bestselling Tattoo Tarot: Ink and Intuition deck/booklet set
plus
Tattoo Tarot Journal
and
The Tarot Colouring Book
Use the code Christmas30 at checkout.
* Please note, there have been pirated versions of Tattoo Tarot offered on other sites; they are easy to spot as they don't include the very helpful instruction booklet or substantial, original gift box - the cards are also not of the same, high quality. To ensure you have the official, full and genuine product, buy direct from the publisher's website.
Check out Laurence King's GIFT section for a wide range of beautiful gifts!
Friday, 18 September 2020
Tattoo Tarot Journal has Arrived!
It's landed! The Tattoo Tarot Journal from Laurence King Publishing.
Now available at this official outlet - use code ‘ttj25’ to receive a 25% discount!
https://www.laurenceking.com/product/tattoo-tarot-journal/
@laurencekingpub
Thursday, 19 March 2020
A Planetary 'Survival Style' Guide
Your Planetary Survival Style
What planetary type do you embody?
Everyone has a personal style that predominates, especially under pressure. This may be expressed by a particular placement or repeated theme in your birth chart – or you may simply identify with one planetary type more than another.
This guide has been written today, to share something with an astrological theme that might help keep spirits up, during this strange, surreal time. It is meant to be light hearted – please take it in the fun way it is meant! (I believe a sense of humour can help us to keep grounded). Bear in mind the guide may, nonetheless, point out some of the extremes of human behaviour, as well as special strengths. You may just find a grain of truth in there, somewhere, or (preferably) something that makes you nod or smile. A few of us will also relate to more than one planetary type, too.
Those who already know your birth chart - or the subject of astrology – well; I know you know this stuff 😊 If I left something out, made errors, and/or you want to add your interpretations, feel free to say so, in the ‘comments’!
Are you Martian?
Mars – You’re impatient. You desperately want to take action. Or you want someone else to ‘do something’. You can lash out. After you’ve lashed out, however, you usually regret it and want to move on with the good stuff. You have a warm heart and will be the first to make up, so long as you believe it doesn’t make you seem weak or vulnerable. You’re a starter and you get things done! We need your courage and restlessness, to avoid stagnancy.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Aries or Scorpio; Mars in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Venusian?
Venus – You reach for the sweets/chocs/biscuits/cake, or hand them out. You do everything in your power to get people on side. You personally invented the charm factor. You are kind and you know how to help others feel better about themselves. You make an effort with your appearance and nice things – scents, cleanliness, candles, crystals, frills, comforts – whatever makes you feel better. Other people usually benefit when you do this, too!
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Taurus or Libra; Venus in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Mercurial?
Mercury – You think, and you talk – sometimes one without the other. It’s important to you to connect, mostly to anyone who will listen. You can struggle to disconnect, but partly because you need to hear what’s going on and offer responses. You want – and can give - reassuring words. You think up great options and have plenty of questions and suggestions. You know none of us is really stuck. It’s all progress! We just have to figure out a new idea, or a fresh plan.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Gemini or Virgo; Mercury in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Jupiterian?
Jupiter – You want to go as far away as possible. You love to broadcast your philosophy and connect with people – preferably a large crowd, all at once. You may expect too much of situations; you easily overextend, or assume others are capable of more than they are. You can take a lot for granted; a few may even dare to accuse you of arrogance, although it’s not where you’re coming from. You have a strong need and ability to dispense wisdom. You are determined to see the bigger picture, and find the bright side.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Sagittarius or Pisces; Jupiter in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Saturnine?
Saturn – You are cautious and want to do everything by the book. You aim to control everything and tend to impose a rule system on others and yourself. You are reserved to the point of being mean – sometimes acting like you’re not worth any extras (hey, you are!) You survive, anyway, because you are so good at making the most of bare necessities, and creating something out of very little. You will sleep ok on a rock, if necessary. Indeed, you are a rock (to many who trust you and rely on you).
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Capricorn or Aquarius; Saturn in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Uranian?
Uranus – You’re a special case. Quite unique. You respond differently to others. Going into isolation feels ok – it’s peaceful and soothing. Deep down you want to be loved, or at least acknowledged (respected, even), but the idea of anyone getting too close is pretty suffocating. The internet can provide some of your greatest lifelines. You may be able to offer remote healing or wisdom. Your cool perspective helps you avoid going into panic. You have been known to levitate.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Aquarius; Uranus in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Neptunian?
Neptune – You go to sleep. You escape into meditation or the Mothership Connection of music. You might drink a lot, if it suits you - or stringently avoid doing so, if not. You write poetry that captures the essence of the situation and all the feelings involved (yours and others’). You dream about a better future, a world where people are kinder and more sensitive. You are an inspiration and you need to remember that; don’t hide your light under a bushel! It’s safe to come out occasionally…honestly. There will be benefits.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Pisces; Neptune in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Plutonic?
Pluto – You remember all the reasons you didn’t like certain people (and chose to distance yourself from them). You are vindicated in recognising you were right to do so, but can allow space for those showings signs of redeeming themselves. You get rid of what you don’t need, though. You also manage to locate everything you do need, even though you might not even have realised you had it. You reinvent from what you left with. You are not beaten, even when almost dead. Nobody keeps a good Plutonian down for long!
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Scorpio; Pluto in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
What planetary type do you embody?
Everyone has a personal style that predominates, especially under pressure. This may be expressed by a particular placement or repeated theme in your birth chart – or you may simply identify with one planetary type more than another.
This guide has been written today, to share something with an astrological theme that might help keep spirits up, during this strange, surreal time. It is meant to be light hearted – please take it in the fun way it is meant! (I believe a sense of humour can help us to keep grounded). Bear in mind the guide may, nonetheless, point out some of the extremes of human behaviour, as well as special strengths. You may just find a grain of truth in there, somewhere, or (preferably) something that makes you nod or smile. A few of us will also relate to more than one planetary type, too.
Those who already know your birth chart - or the subject of astrology – well; I know you know this stuff 😊 If I left something out, made errors, and/or you want to add your interpretations, feel free to say so, in the ‘comments’!
Are you Martian?
Mars – You’re impatient. You desperately want to take action. Or you want someone else to ‘do something’. You can lash out. After you’ve lashed out, however, you usually regret it and want to move on with the good stuff. You have a warm heart and will be the first to make up, so long as you believe it doesn’t make you seem weak or vulnerable. You’re a starter and you get things done! We need your courage and restlessness, to avoid stagnancy.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Aries or Scorpio; Mars in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Venusian?
Venus – You reach for the sweets/chocs/biscuits/cake, or hand them out. You do everything in your power to get people on side. You personally invented the charm factor. You are kind and you know how to help others feel better about themselves. You make an effort with your appearance and nice things – scents, cleanliness, candles, crystals, frills, comforts – whatever makes you feel better. Other people usually benefit when you do this, too!
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Taurus or Libra; Venus in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Mercurial?
Mercury – You think, and you talk – sometimes one without the other. It’s important to you to connect, mostly to anyone who will listen. You can struggle to disconnect, but partly because you need to hear what’s going on and offer responses. You want – and can give - reassuring words. You think up great options and have plenty of questions and suggestions. You know none of us is really stuck. It’s all progress! We just have to figure out a new idea, or a fresh plan.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Gemini or Virgo; Mercury in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Jupiterian?
Jupiter – You want to go as far away as possible. You love to broadcast your philosophy and connect with people – preferably a large crowd, all at once. You may expect too much of situations; you easily overextend, or assume others are capable of more than they are. You can take a lot for granted; a few may even dare to accuse you of arrogance, although it’s not where you’re coming from. You have a strong need and ability to dispense wisdom. You are determined to see the bigger picture, and find the bright side.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Sagittarius or Pisces; Jupiter in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Saturnine?
Saturn – You are cautious and want to do everything by the book. You aim to control everything and tend to impose a rule system on others and yourself. You are reserved to the point of being mean – sometimes acting like you’re not worth any extras (hey, you are!) You survive, anyway, because you are so good at making the most of bare necessities, and creating something out of very little. You will sleep ok on a rock, if necessary. Indeed, you are a rock (to many who trust you and rely on you).
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Capricorn or Aquarius; Saturn in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Uranian?
Uranus – You’re a special case. Quite unique. You respond differently to others. Going into isolation feels ok – it’s peaceful and soothing. Deep down you want to be loved, or at least acknowledged (respected, even), but the idea of anyone getting too close is pretty suffocating. The internet can provide some of your greatest lifelines. You may be able to offer remote healing or wisdom. Your cool perspective helps you avoid going into panic. You have been known to levitate.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Aquarius; Uranus in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Neptunian?
Neptune – You go to sleep. You escape into meditation or the Mothership Connection of music. You might drink a lot, if it suits you - or stringently avoid doing so, if not. You write poetry that captures the essence of the situation and all the feelings involved (yours and others’). You dream about a better future, a world where people are kinder and more sensitive. You are an inspiration and you need to remember that; don’t hide your light under a bushel! It’s safe to come out occasionally…honestly. There will be benefits.
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Pisces; Neptune in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Are you Plutonic?
Pluto – You remember all the reasons you didn’t like certain people (and chose to distance yourself from them). You are vindicated in recognising you were right to do so, but can allow space for those showings signs of redeeming themselves. You get rid of what you don’t need, though. You also manage to locate everything you do need, even though you might not even have realised you had it. You reinvent from what you left with. You are not beaten, even when almost dead. Nobody keeps a good Plutonian down for long!
In the chart, this might apply to planets in Scorpio; Pluto in a prominent place (Rising/on the Midheaven/close to a significant planet, like the Sun or Moon).
Friday, 1 March 2019
New Projects and Products: Tattoo Tarot and the Book of Music Horoscopes
Life has been so full in recent months - as we might expect with two eclipses early on this year! For me, it's been a lot about new products launching just before Christmas and providing support for those - The Tattoo Tarot Deck and Book of Music Horoscopes, specifically, which I have been very fortunate to be involved with, as a writer and in other ways:
It was a real honour to have my essay on David Bowie and Iggy Pop's collaborations feature in the astrology book - huge thanks to the very talented compiler, Frank Clifford, of the London School of Astrology for that!
I have been kept quite busy, too, blogging for other people and organisations, including Laurence King (the Tattoo Tarot deck publisher) and TABI (Tarot Association and the British Isles) and completing interviews for other blogs and magazines, such as Jack of Wands and Skin Deep. It's really been a lot of fun! Alongside my usual, ongoing output as an editor and mentor with Jericho Writers - I've also taken on a new column at The Mountain Astrologer, with which I am thrilled to be associated. There has, however, been little time left over to catch my breath and reach out through this blog and my own website: https://mindbliss.co.uk/
However Celestial Spot has now been given a little face lift. I hope you like it!
Finally, I owe a little apology to those people from websites, TV companies and other businesses, who have been interested in interviews, advertising options and writing services. It has simply not been possible to respond to everyone.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the new month, as greater light dawns! And for those seeking insight, inspiration or down to earth wisdom, you may like to consider the readings offered through: https://www.mindbliss.co.uk/astrologytarotreadings.htm
It was a real honour to have my essay on David Bowie and Iggy Pop's collaborations feature in the astrology book - huge thanks to the very talented compiler, Frank Clifford, of the London School of Astrology for that!
I have been kept quite busy, too, blogging for other people and organisations, including Laurence King (the Tattoo Tarot deck publisher) and TABI (Tarot Association and the British Isles) and completing interviews for other blogs and magazines, such as Jack of Wands and Skin Deep. It's really been a lot of fun! Alongside my usual, ongoing output as an editor and mentor with Jericho Writers - I've also taken on a new column at The Mountain Astrologer, with which I am thrilled to be associated. There has, however, been little time left over to catch my breath and reach out through this blog and my own website: https://mindbliss.co.uk/
However Celestial Spot has now been given a little face lift. I hope you like it!
Finally, I owe a little apology to those people from websites, TV companies and other businesses, who have been interested in interviews, advertising options and writing services. It has simply not been possible to respond to everyone.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the new month, as greater light dawns! And for those seeking insight, inspiration or down to earth wisdom, you may like to consider the readings offered through: https://www.mindbliss.co.uk/astrologytarotreadings.htm
Monday, 11 June 2018
Commitment in a Writing Career - Society of Authors Talk
Just a quick announcement to say I am pleased to be speaking tomorrow, 12 June 2018, at the Society of Authors Three Counties Lunch at The Princess Royal, Runfold.
In this talk, I will be focussing on the theme of Commitment in a Writing Career - part of which, for me, centres on astrological and tarot output, as well as incorporating other Mind Body Spirit subjects.
I can thoroughly recommend the SoA!
More details can be found at the Society's website under the Events tab:
https://www.societyofauthors.org/Events/Events
and at:
https://www.societyofauthors.org/Events/Events/Three-Counties-November-Meeting-(2)
or below: (copyright Society of Authors 2008-2017)
In this talk, I will be focussing on the theme of Commitment in a Writing Career - part of which, for me, centres on astrological and tarot output, as well as incorporating other Mind Body Spirit subjects.
I can thoroughly recommend the SoA!
More details can be found at the Society's website under the Events tab:
https://www.societyofauthors.org/Events/Events
and at:
https://www.societyofauthors.org/Events/Events/Three-Counties-November-Meeting-(2)
or below: (copyright Society of Authors 2008-2017)
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