Review: The Lubanko Tarot

Any time that I read the word queer in anything, I immediately pay attention. Call me basic, but this has allowed me to discover so many surprises that I will keep using this method. One of those jewels is the deck that I want to rave about today: The Lubanko Tarot, by E. Lubanko. Thanks to the publisher for the copy to review!

• Publication Date: October 8, 2025.
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications.
• Page Count: 244 pages.
• Card Count: 80 cards.
• Dimensions: 5.06 x 2.19 x 6.09 inches.

Explore the Surreal, the Intense, the Queer, and the Divine

Lubanko invites you to dive into the many facets of life through a mythical, sensuous, colorful, and unapologetic lens. This deck and its full-color guidebook are inspired by but also diverge from the Rider-Waite-Smith system, creating a collection of archetypes with greater dimension and relatability for modern readers.

Each of the 80 cards―including three versions of the Lovers card―is packed with decadent meaning to meditate on, helping you decipher your personal metaphor and mythos. These cards encourage you to ask deep questions―to seek the truth in all its light and darkness. As you journey through the deck, you will discover the diversity of life on earth and the divinity of transcending our expected forms.

Printed with sustainably sourced paper and ink.

Includes 80 cards; a 244-page, color guidebook; and a card altar.

These cards are so colorful that it is amazing they still portray some darkness in them. There is a beautiful Gothic charm in all of them that makes them pieces of art unto themselves, which makes The Lubanko Tarot also suitable for meditation and journaling sessions. While reading with them, I discovered additional details by simply looking at the cards without considering their meaning from the book.

Another good quality is the material. They are a comfortable size to work with, neither too stiff nor too flexible, allowing for a comfortable shuffling. As someone who prays and visualizes during the shuffling, this is an excellent point because it allows me to work in a way that suits me. The matte border of the cards was also a favorable point that E. Lubanko thought about, as it highlights the vivid colors of the art.

Obviously, the artwork is front and central here, and while the diversity is out of this world, and the inclusion works in most of the cards, there was one notable exception. I wasn't entirely convinced by the three variants of The Lovers. One looked as if they were a straight couple, the other one looked like a lesbian couple, but the other one was confusing to look at.

In general lines, The Lubanko Tarot is a deck that can ease you into shadow work if you are new to it. E. Lubanko provides a mystical experience in each of the cards. She allows you to explore different perspectives with striking imagery that transports you to a fantasy world. A colorful addition to anyone's practice, this deck doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of readings, making it a complete tool.

Kinky regards, K!

Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter!

Remember this blog lusts after your comments and shares to grow healthy!

Review: Psychic Witch Deluxe

Do you remember that instant best-seller back in 2019? There was one single book that was going around social media so much that it was impossible to miss. It became a modern classic in the blink of an eye, and now it is getting a much-deserved deluxe edition. I'm talking about Psychic Witch: Deluxe Hardcover Edition: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation, by Mat Auryn, with forewords by Ivo Dominguez Jr. and Devin Hunter. Thanks to the publisher for the copy to review!

• Publication Date: September 8, 2025.
• Print Length: 304 pages.
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications.
• Genres: Folklore, Mythology, Non-Fiction, Occultism, Paganism.
• Rating: 5/5 stars.

This deluxe hardcover edition of the bestselling and award-winning Psychic Witch is an essential addition to your magical bookshelf.

When Psychic Witch first hit the shelves, Mat Auryn quickly became one of the biggest new voices in the witchcraft community. Now, the book that inspired hundreds of thousands of readers worldwide to awaken their full psychic potential is here in premium hardcover form, featuring a new introduction and a new chapter of seventeen exercises. As the cherry on top, this edition has a foreword by Ivo Dominguez, Jr. in addition to Devin Hunter's.

This hardcover edition also includes a foil-embossed cover, rounded corners, two-color interior, matte black edges, stunning endpapers, a decorative headband, and a black satin ribbon bookmark.

As Silver RavenWolf attests, this book is "a definite game-changer for today's modern practitioner―absolutely a must-have for your personal library!"

I loved the book when it first came out (although my review at the time is somewhat cringe,) so of course I would jump at the opportunity of getting the new, expanded edition. While the core material is the same as before, the new introduction and foreword in Psychic Witch Deluxe Edition give you a great background of the book and its author, along with a new chapter filled with brand-new exercises that expand on what you have already learned.

Something that I believe helps in your practice is getting to know more about the person who wrote the book. What made me get into this path, why they decided to write this book, and how they learned what they are teaching are among the topics I love to find out. Although we don't get all the answers here, Mat Auryn includes a good dose of history.

With the current state of things, many people are careful with their money so they can cover their needs first and foremost. However, I also consider that spiritual care and development are important (not to the extent of food and shelter, obviously.) That's what makes Psychic Witch Deluxe Edition so valuable: you do not need to get new tools or materials.

All in all, this is a gorgeous book that guides you into a more affordable and complete practice. With a signature style that is equally simple and detailed, Mat Auryn shines a light at the end of the tunnel of psychic awakening and witchcraft study available for all. Lastly, how can I deny how gorgeous this edition is? Because, is it practical? Perhaps not. Does it hurt to have something nice to give yourself some love? Certainly not. And this is pretty much my definition of nice.

Kinky regards, K!

Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter!

Remember this blog lusts after your comments and shares to grow healthy!

Review: Baphomet

As we go deeper into the darkest side of the year, there is a spirit we have all heard about, have been accused of worshiping, and that has been the source of so much controversy. Should we as witches have any relationship with Baphomet? Should we include Them in our altars and practice? I found my answers reading Baphomet: History, Ritual & Magic of the World's Most Famous Occult Icon, by Michael Osiris Snuffin, with a foreword by Kate Freuler. Thanks to the publisher for the copy to review!

• Publication Date: April 8, 2025.
• Print Length: 208 pages.
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications.
• Genres: Folklore, Mythology, Non-Fiction, Occultism, Paganism.
• Rating: 5/5 stars.

Explore the History and Mysteries of Baphomet

Discover the identity of Baphomet, how They have evolved through history, and how to work with Them in your occult practice. Michael Osiris Snuffin traces the evolution of Baphomet through the works of Éliphas Lévi, Aleister Crowley, and other diverse practitioners to document how a mysterious name associated with the trial of the Templars became a modern Pagan deity in the late twentieth century.

Snuffin introduces you to the three symbolic faces of Baphomet: the Spirit of the Earth, the Outsider, and the Transmuter. He also shows you how to build a relationship with Baphomet through meditation, ritual, and invocation. Most importantly, Snuffin reveals the true purpose of this enigmatic deity: to influence us to change our ways and heal the planet instead of harming it.

I was curious about Baphomet for a long time, ever since I was new to Witchcraft, but the associations were just too strong for me to actually care to learn anything. However, as time passed, I felt more and more intrigued about this figure. Michael Osiris Snuffin provided answers to all the questions I had before, including more that came to the surface as I read! There is no rock unmoved or idea dismissed; everything gets a good exploration and explanation.

While not rigorously academic in shape and form, Baphomet gets very close to the spot that I like for research books. It hits that sweet spot between scholarly and personal account that I enjoy so much! Not to mention that it is also fairly brief, although full of useful content for those interested or curious about working with this modern Pagan deity.

Although some chapters felt denser than others due to repetition, each one explored a different aspect essential to building a modern practice as well. From the history and controversies surrounding this figure, to the symbolism, associations, and practices, Michael Osiris Snuffin did a good job at introducing us to the lore behind the (in)famous figure.

All in all, Baphomet is a book fairly easy to follow along with, but I strongly suggest reading it a second time to follow the practices and ideas it presents. My first reading was to get familiar with the figure, to help me decide if I wanted to start practicing with Them or not. The second is to guide you as you give those practices a try. However, a word of caution here: Make sure you are not conditioned by the popular associations, but consider the rich history behind Baphomet instead.

Kinky regards, K!

Connect with me on Instagram and Twitter!

Remember this blog lusts after your comments and shares to grow healthy!