Review: DESERT PRIESTESS by Anne Key

Desert Priestess: A Memoir by Anne Key
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had the opportunity to read this unique book recently, and it's got me yearning to travel to Nevada. In her memoir, Anne Key recounts the three years that she served as the chief priestess at the Temple of Goddess Spirituality. This temple is dedicated to the Egyptian deity Sekhmet, and it sits in truly liminal space. Just outside of Las Vegas, bordered by a bombing range and a nuclear test facility, Key learned what Sekhmet's myths mean in the modern world.

Dealing with community, leading rituals, and caring for the temple were all an integral part of Key's experience. She also learned from the land and the native peoples, enriching her sense of personal spirituality. A myriad of difficulties cropped up, but Key worked through them with patience and a little help from the lion headed lady.

The idea of a thriving goddess temple in modern America seems incongruous, but at the same time, tantalizing. Key's experience is unique and will appeal to those who crave spiritual memoir and tales of the divine feminine.

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Goddess Tarot: Card of the Week

My tarot deck of choice is still the first deck I ever bought: Kris Waldherr's Goddess Tarot.  I love these familiar cards, but there's always more to learn, even after over a decade spent working with this beautiful deck.

I've decided to post a card of the week, drawing randomly from my deck each Monday and letting the message of the card marinate as I move about my busy life.

Today's card is:

Card:Nine of Swords

Deck: The Goddess Tarot

Artist: Kris Waldherr

I have to admit, I was less than thrilled with the card I pulled this week.  The nine of swords is a card of insomnia and worries, and I've always been prone to both.  Thankfully, though, this card is close to the culmination ten, so I hope that whatever worries are keeping me awake at night (and believe me, it's a long list) are coming to a close.

What can I learn from this card?  Well, I already knew I hadn't been sleeping very well lately, but I tend to ignore my insomnia and pretend that I don't have any worries...at least until nightfall.  This card is reminding me to give credit to my concerns, but not to let them take over my life or disturb my sleep.  So, with that in mind, I'm going to try to be kinder to myself and give myself permission to slow down.  It's okay to be worried, but this too shall pass.

What does the nine of swords mean to you?

Blessed be!

Review: THE FOREVER GIRL by Rebecca Hamilton

The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey by Rebecca Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sophia has returned to her small Colorado town after college, but she doesn't really want to be there. Her mother's church is openly intolerant to her Wiccan faith, and because she witnessed a murder years ago, the rest of the town doesn't quite trust her. But all of that pales in comparison to the supernatural mess she finds herself in after accompanying her best friend, Ivory, to a paranormal club.

Earth elementals (vampires) begin hunting her, and Sophia must learn the secrets of her soul if she wants to survive. Caught up in a complicated relationship with the magical mixed breed Charles, Sophia doesn't know who to trust. Ultimately, her greatest strength lies within, but will she discover this before it's too late for the mortal world?

This was a fast read reminiscent of Twilight. The world building is intricate, if a bit rushed, and the story never lags. If you are a fan of any urban paranormal, check out this book!

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