By Melanie Marquis
INATS-West is the International New Age Trade Show held annually in Denver, showcasing the best in metaphysical, New Age, and occult products. This year’s show was a blast, with many author appearances, musical performances, and cool new stuff I can’t wait to tell you about. Here’s my list of personal favorites from this year’s INATS-West.
Best New Tarots:
Tarot of the Vampyres, by Ian Daniels, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. Okay, I know there are quite a few vampire decks on the market, but this one is seriously different and cool. The artwork is dark, intriguing, and emotionally charged, giving the deck a unique feel. This September 2010 release is available for pre-order at http://www.llewellyn.com
The Crystal Tarot, by Philip Permutt, published by Cico Publications. A great new tarot from a talented UK-based crystal healer. Available mid-August, pre-order at http://www.thecrystalhealer.co.uk
Best Books:
Psychic Empowerment for Everyone, by Carl Llewellyn Weschcke and Joe H. Slate, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This title, released November 2009, received honors in this year’s COVR awards General Interest category. If you haven’t read it yet, get it. Available at http://www.llewellyn.com
Planetary Spells and Rituals, by Raven Digitalis, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. Released this past spring, Raven Digitalis’s newest book offers interesting and useful ideas for harnessing the power of the planets. Great for anyone looking to delve deeper into astrology or magick. Get it at http://www.ravendigitalis.com
The Spirit Whisperer, by John Holland, published by Hay House. This newest book by John Holland chronicles his experience as a medium and discusses some unusual aspects of spirit communication. Interesting and worthwhile for anyone looking to find out more about what it means to be a medium. Available at http://www.hayhouse.com and at http://www.johnholland.com
Magical Housekeeping, by Tess Whitehurst, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This new title is all about how to make the home a place of harmony through effective, practical magick. Available at http://www.llewellyn.com
Voices of the Earth, by Clea Danaan, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This recent title offers a look down the path of Green Spirituality. Timely in today’s climate of oil-soaked beaches and all that. Get it at http://www.llewellyn.com
The Non-Guide to the No-Thing, by Terry Favour, published by Arizona based Amado Press. Described as, “A simple, clear explanation of what the paradigm shift actually means,” this book is full of visually striking art and snippets of charming wisdom. The perfect coffee table book for the free-thinker. Available at http://www.thenon-guidetotheno-thing.com
The Smile That Went Around the World, by Patrice Karst, published by Devorss. This children’s book has been out for a little while, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out on a cute and lovable story that supports a great cause. Some of the proceeds from this book go to help Operation Smile, a non-profit organization that provides care for kids with severe dental abnormalities. Get it at http://www.patricekarst.com
Best Music:
Faerie Archives Volume I, by High Priestess. This album by the enchanting High Priestess was honored at this year’s COVR awards and is well worth a listen. Very faerie, very nice. Get it at http://www.the-high-priestess.com
Himalayan Chakra Healing, by Suren Shrestha with Paradiso. This album features Tibetan singing bowls and didjeridoo. Relaxing and balancing. Available at http://www.5thelementmusic.com
Best Products:
Charkra Resin Incense, from Ramakrishnananda’s Gifts. It looks like jewels and it smells absolutely delicious. This company also offers stick incense, oils, and other great-smelling products. Very high quality, energy-attuned products, and very nice people making them. Get it at http://www.rgistore.com
Nag Champa soap, from the Nag Champa Spa Collection by Nandi Imports. Rich scent in a quality soap. Get it and other nag champa products at http://www.nagchampa.com
Embroidered Tarot bags, from Tricia De Somma. Well made and fairly priced, get them at http://www.tarotbagsbiz.com
The Friendship Token, from Mike Robak. This is a cool little stamped coin/token with a purpose and a message, “…to promote international unity through positive, progressive interaction and recognition of selfless acts of kindness.” Such a nice and neat idea! Check it out at http://www.friendshiptoken.com
Wooden statuary, from Starrcat Imports. Imported from Bali where they are handcarved by local artists, these statues are absolutely gorgeous and come in a range of prices, many very affordable. The company strives to be environmentally and socially responsible, taking care in their selection of woods and also ensuring the artists who actually make the products are fairly and generously compensated. Available at http://www.starrcatimports.com