Like most claiming to be ‘complete guides’ these books are actually just good introductions to the subject. This is especially true for someone who is interested in learning enough about a number of popular techniques and systems to choose a small number to use them before deciding which ones deserve further (in-depth) study.
Eason's book covers ten divination systems: Tarot cards, playing cards, the I Ching, numerology, palmistry, runes, tea leaves, pendulum, trees, and crystals. The number of pages devoted to each system varies by its complexity from about seven pages for divination by pendulum to about fifty pages each for the Tarot and the I Ching. In each case, Eason provides enough information to begin to use the system at a basic level. This alone places it far ahead of other introductory divination books on the market. Easton's writing is clear and easy to follow. The Complete Guide to Divination is a well-written introduction to many divination systems for the complete beginner
Psychic Development begins by defining the psychic powers and describing protective measures to take before opening one’s psyche. She then looks at developing those powers, using natural energies to bolster one’s own, dream work, spell work, magical writing, ghosts and spirits and healing. A broad canvas of information covered well enough that a beginning occult reader would have the tools to delve deeper into the areas that are the most attractive.
Although I don’t think those of us who have been working with divination and developing our psychic powers for years will learn anything new, I would highly recommend each of these books to newcomers.
~review by Lisa Mc Sherry
Author: Cassandra Eason
Crossing Press, 2003
each $14.95
