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The Illustrated Bestiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Inspiring Animals
Author and spiritual wellness guide Maia Toll turns the insight and wisdom that birthed The Illustrated Crystallary and The Illustrated Herbiary — her best-selling volume on the mystical power of plants — to the mysteries of the animal kingdom. She profiles the mystical, meaningful traits of 36 powerful animals and explores how those traits can guide our intentions, inform our actions, and offer wisdom and insight. Spring Peeper’s ability to reemerge from frozen hibernation can inspire us to reinvent ourselves. Katydid’s five eyes can lend clarity of vision when we need to see the bigger picture. A deck of 36 oracle cards beautifully illustrated by Kate O'Hara, plus suggested rituals, readings, and reflections, guide readers in cultivating and accessing each animal’s special energy.
Also The Illustrated Bestiary Collectible Box Set and The Illustrated Herbiary Collectible Box Set.
Also The Illustrated Bestiary Collectible Box Set and The Illustrated Herbiary Collectible Box Set.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
34 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Maia Toll
16 books342 followersMaia Toll is the award winning author of Letting Magic In, The Night School, and the Wild Wisdom Series (including The Illustrated Herbiary). After pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University, Maia apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. Maia maps new pathways for seeing our lives, inspiring those who encounter her work to live with more purpose, more intention, more meaning, and, maybe, even more magic. She is the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, PA and Asheville, NC where she lives with her partner, three ridiculously spoiled dogs, and her gorgeous rescue horse. You can find her online at maiatoll.com and writing on her Unkempt Substack at maiatoll.substack.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 27, 2020
This book is great for trying to figure out what your spirit animal is, and how to spiritually connect to that animal. My spirit animal is a barn owl.
June 19, 2019
This book has truly captivated me within just the first few pages.
I have always felt connected with animals. When I was little, I wanted so badly the power to speak to them. This book is the closest I'll ever get, it's magic. It makes you open up to realize, you already have that power within, they are always communicating with you-if only you listen.
The way Maia talks to you about connecting with the animals on a spiritual level is so enticing. You can't help but get an instant urge to channel your inner wolf.
Thank you for this advance copy and most importantly for showing me my powers within. I can't wait to get my hands on this beautiful book, take it into the woods and see what animal spirit comes to me, to guide me.
Netgalley, thank you so much for the advanced copy!
I have always felt connected with animals. When I was little, I wanted so badly the power to speak to them. This book is the closest I'll ever get, it's magic. It makes you open up to realize, you already have that power within, they are always communicating with you-if only you listen.
The way Maia talks to you about connecting with the animals on a spiritual level is so enticing. You can't help but get an instant urge to channel your inner wolf.
Thank you for this advance copy and most importantly for showing me my powers within. I can't wait to get my hands on this beautiful book, take it into the woods and see what animal spirit comes to me, to guide me.
Netgalley, thank you so much for the advanced copy!
August 17, 2019
Really loved this book and I love the artists illustration. Same kind of set up for each animal - an image, an introduction, ritual and reflection; so one can work with that animal. Great for those who like working with animals and does come with cards to take along with you if you want. Really enjoyed.
November 16, 2019
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-CycleThis book is absolutely gorgeous. To be honest, I picked this up from the new books section at the library without knowing anything about it. I was just so instantly drawn to its colors and artwork. I love animals and nature so I was interested to see what it was. Then I started reading it and I was blown away.The book goes through 36 different animals, each with a lesson to teach us. There is an introduction to what can be learned, an accompanying ritual, and a reflection exercise. And of course, each animal has its own absolutely gorgeous piece of artwork.While I am not really one to carry out rituals, each lesson in the book gave me a lot to reflect on and learn from. I think you can go into this book from any level, those looking for a new perspective to those ready to start new practices in order to lead a more full and healthy life. Even just looking at the pictures is inspiring and an amazing experience.The thing I enjoyed most about this book was how Toll tied together various animal facts with folklore and mythology in demonstrating what each animal has to teach. It was very interesting to see all of the different beliefs and experience some of the true wonder of the animal kingdom.The book also includes 36 oracle cards that feature each of the animals with their lovely artwork. I was lucky enough to be one of the first people who checked out this book from the library so all of the cards are still with it. They are beautiful and I can see how they would be beneficial to doing some of the practices in the book. Great addition to make the lessons more accessible.Gorgeous book with much to teach. I am already looking forward to reading The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals.
December 27, 2020
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I already kind of reviewed The Illustrated Bestiary while unboxing it in my Instagram Stories, but here’s a text version for those of you who missed it! (P.s. if you still feel like watching the unboxing after reading this, you can still find it in the “Book Mail” section of my Story highlights on my Instagram.)
The first observation I made about The Illustrated Bestiary was that it’s beautifully illustrated inside and out! The oracle cards that came with the book are just as beautiful, illustrated and designed in the same style.
The cardstock that they were printed onto is also quite good! I wasn’t sure how thick the cards would be since they’re stored within a sleeve inside the book itself. But I was very pleased with the thickness for sure. I also liked...
Read the rest of my review here: https://flaviathebibliophile.com/the-...
I already kind of reviewed The Illustrated Bestiary while unboxing it in my Instagram Stories, but here’s a text version for those of you who missed it! (P.s. if you still feel like watching the unboxing after reading this, you can still find it in the “Book Mail” section of my Story highlights on my Instagram.)
The first observation I made about The Illustrated Bestiary was that it’s beautifully illustrated inside and out! The oracle cards that came with the book are just as beautiful, illustrated and designed in the same style.
The cardstock that they were printed onto is also quite good! I wasn’t sure how thick the cards would be since they’re stored within a sleeve inside the book itself. But I was very pleased with the thickness for sure. I also liked...
Read the rest of my review here: https://flaviathebibliophile.com/the-...
April 19, 2020
The illustrated Bestiary is a magical book mostly because of the wonderful illustrations and the Oracle Cards, so you should definitely get a physical copy when you want to get the most out this book as you possibly can.
The details regarding each spirit animal are so informative and wonderful to read, but I would have loved to have another two more pages for each animal about the history. To get even deeper. Over all a wonderful read and a book I will pick up more often for a tarot reading.
The details regarding each spirit animal are so informative and wonderful to read, but I would have loved to have another two more pages for each animal about the history. To get even deeper. Over all a wonderful read and a book I will pick up more often for a tarot reading.
June 21, 2019
Let me start by saying, I could stare at these pictures all day! They are beautiful and artistically depicted to help the reader understand the beast as they first read about them and then are invited to engage in ritual and reflection specific to each. I found myself reading about the medicine each offers and yearning for partnership with animals that I never expected to (hello, salmon).
So here I sit, contemplating the promise I made to myself regarding not purchasing anymore books or cards on spirit animals, all the while knowing I am going to break it. The Illustrated Beastiary provides much more than an explanation of the animal, message and medicine. Maia Toll actually tells us how to work with it and intertwines current events into her writing, i.e., the grieving orca of 2018. The author goes on to educate the reader on the endangered status of the animal and scatters relatable quotes along the way. After this read, I am looking forward to holding the cards in hand, gazing at the gorgeous pictures (tattoo, anyone?) and assembling my animal council. Many thanks to Storey Publishing, LLC. and Netgalley for this ARC (all opinions expressed in this review are authentically mine)
So here I sit, contemplating the promise I made to myself regarding not purchasing anymore books or cards on spirit animals, all the while knowing I am going to break it. The Illustrated Beastiary provides much more than an explanation of the animal, message and medicine. Maia Toll actually tells us how to work with it and intertwines current events into her writing, i.e., the grieving orca of 2018. The author goes on to educate the reader on the endangered status of the animal and scatters relatable quotes along the way. After this read, I am looking forward to holding the cards in hand, gazing at the gorgeous pictures (tattoo, anyone?) and assembling my animal council. Many thanks to Storey Publishing, LLC. and Netgalley for this ARC (all opinions expressed in this review are authentically mine)
August 5, 2019
This book, like Maia Toll's Illustrated Herbiary, is beautifully written with descriptions and illustration to lead you to a much higher path.
Let me first say that I have read an advanced copy that didn't come with the oracle cards, and that is very unfortunate because not only was it hard to grasp the full concept but I missed out on holding the beautiful artwork in my hands.
If you are unfamiliar with Oracle cards, let me give you a quick primer. You perform a reading, like tarot, but there is much more involved than past, present, and future. And there's no need for a giant tome full of card meanings plus six different blogs to decode the message. Oracle cards speak directly to you. They are based on feeling and intuition. That's one reason that I don't pay much attention to the booklets that come with my cards.
However, there is one thing that Maia Toll does differently. After the symbolism is explained, there is a ritual for every card. Each goes perfectly with your pull. Each helps you to connect with the Earth, nature, and yourself. I can't wait to try a few, which I will do even without having the access to the deck.
I can not wait until these are released on October first!
Let me first say that I have read an advanced copy that didn't come with the oracle cards, and that is very unfortunate because not only was it hard to grasp the full concept but I missed out on holding the beautiful artwork in my hands.
If you are unfamiliar with Oracle cards, let me give you a quick primer. You perform a reading, like tarot, but there is much more involved than past, present, and future. And there's no need for a giant tome full of card meanings plus six different blogs to decode the message. Oracle cards speak directly to you. They are based on feeling and intuition. That's one reason that I don't pay much attention to the booklets that come with my cards.
However, there is one thing that Maia Toll does differently. After the symbolism is explained, there is a ritual for every card. Each goes perfectly with your pull. Each helps you to connect with the Earth, nature, and yourself. I can't wait to try a few, which I will do even without having the access to the deck.
I can not wait until these are released on October first!
October 30, 2019
It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that I love this book since my adoration and respect for animals and their wisdom runs deep.
From the moment I heard of this book when a friend sent me the video, I watched with enthusiasm, to then receiving it, and holding it in my hands as I marveled at the stunning and gorgeous cover. The magic continued as I opened the book and felt like the animals were right there in front of me inviting me to come walk with them through the pages.
Each turn of a page had me swirling in reverence and a sense of belonging as I took into my being yet again how fortunate we are that animals share this planet with us, and who so graciously serve as messengers to help us heal.
I really appreciate the ritual and reflection sections of the book. To work with the wisdom of animals as a way to ‘see’ our inner selves has time and again been a way in which I’ve been able to transform my life in some pretty powerful ways.
The compact oracle cards included at the back of the book were a delight to pull from the envelope and separate into a deck. They now sit on my altar and it’s a joy to work with them often.
From the moment I heard of this book when a friend sent me the video, I watched with enthusiasm, to then receiving it, and holding it in my hands as I marveled at the stunning and gorgeous cover. The magic continued as I opened the book and felt like the animals were right there in front of me inviting me to come walk with them through the pages.
Each turn of a page had me swirling in reverence and a sense of belonging as I took into my being yet again how fortunate we are that animals share this planet with us, and who so graciously serve as messengers to help us heal.
I really appreciate the ritual and reflection sections of the book. To work with the wisdom of animals as a way to ‘see’ our inner selves has time and again been a way in which I’ve been able to transform my life in some pretty powerful ways.
The compact oracle cards included at the back of the book were a delight to pull from the envelope and separate into a deck. They now sit on my altar and it’s a joy to work with them often.
February 29, 2024
🌟SO PRETTY🌟
I was perusing our library's nonfiction section and stumbled this lovely gem tucked in between For Unicorn Lovers Only: History, Mythology, Facts, and More and something far more mundane. Curious, I pulled it from its hiding place on the shelf, paged through, and was instantly charmed. Short chapters feature whimsical tales about animals, both wild and domesticated, and the mythologies and symbolisms associated with them. What's more: This book is lovely. Truly. Each page is intricately illuminated with detailed illustrations. Amazing! I feel as if I unearthed a hidden treasure buried among the ordinary, and am so happy I discovered it!
I have requested my library order the rest of the series and look forward to more from this author.
I was perusing our library's nonfiction section and stumbled this lovely gem tucked in between For Unicorn Lovers Only: History, Mythology, Facts, and More and something far more mundane. Curious, I pulled it from its hiding place on the shelf, paged through, and was instantly charmed. Short chapters feature whimsical tales about animals, both wild and domesticated, and the mythologies and symbolisms associated with them. What's more: This book is lovely. Truly. Each page is intricately illuminated with detailed illustrations. Amazing! I feel as if I unearthed a hidden treasure buried among the ordinary, and am so happy I discovered it!
I have requested my library order the rest of the series and look forward to more from this author.
December 8, 2020
There's an immediate connection with spirituality in this book, even before the Introduction. It's very much a modern shamanism perspective and featuring popular animal totems or endangered species. The book is a companion for a deck of cards for animal spirit meditations.
The full color illustrations are very well done and probably translate well to the cards, which I don't have and couldn't actually find for sale anywhere, even the author's site.
Each animal has a section with general information about the animal followed by a ritual and reflection. The emphasis is on spirituality rather than science and gives the reader a reference for animal symbolism and possible meanings.
Quite honestly there isn't a great deal of substance, but despite that, I can see the cards working well as a meditation device and really the pictures in the book would do if the cards can't be found.
The full color illustrations are very well done and probably translate well to the cards, which I don't have and couldn't actually find for sale anywhere, even the author's site.
Each animal has a section with general information about the animal followed by a ritual and reflection. The emphasis is on spirituality rather than science and gives the reader a reference for animal symbolism and possible meanings.
Quite honestly there isn't a great deal of substance, but despite that, I can see the cards working well as a meditation device and really the pictures in the book would do if the cards can't be found.
August 20, 2019
"The Illustrated Bestiary", by Maia Toll is a wonderful book to become spiritually connected to nature. I was unable to experience the full potential of this book, as I only received a ebook and not the cards, but from the book alone, I now have a better understanding of what nature has to offer on a spiritual level. The illustrations in the book are beautiful and with the cards I am sure it connects the reader to a deeper level of understanding. Each animal has a description like any oracle card book, as well as rituals to bring the reader closer to its meaning. I enjoyed the stories of the author's personal experiences on her path to enlightenment. This is such a special book, I would love to have this in my collection. #Theillustratedbestiary #Netgalley
January 7, 2023
Author: Maia Toll
Illustrator: Kate O’Hara
I am blown away by Maia Toll! This woman has a very real connection to animals, the earth, and spirit. This book highlights stories and myths and one or two sides of each animal represented. I’ve never read a book about animals like this one and I love it.
Kate O’Hara’s illustrations are gorgeous and were very easy to quickly fall in love with.
I highly recommend this book and it’s cards to animal lovers, people who meditate, medicine people, those with totem animals, and tarot card readers!
My favorite quote from page 140 about the five lined skink: “Twenty years from now you will probably be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.”
Illustrator: Kate O’Hara
I am blown away by Maia Toll! This woman has a very real connection to animals, the earth, and spirit. This book highlights stories and myths and one or two sides of each animal represented. I’ve never read a book about animals like this one and I love it.
Kate O’Hara’s illustrations are gorgeous and were very easy to quickly fall in love with.
I highly recommend this book and it’s cards to animal lovers, people who meditate, medicine people, those with totem animals, and tarot card readers!
My favorite quote from page 140 about the five lined skink: “Twenty years from now you will probably be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.”
Want to read
September 22, 2019Maia Toll’s new book the Illustrated Bestiary is so full of lush gorgeous illustrations. The writing that goes along is just as lush and mesmerizing and makes you think. Thus far my favorite animal has been Raven. I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy of this book. I can’t imagine it not on my shelf right beside it’s sister book The Illustrated Herbiary.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
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I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
#read #reader #book #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookreview #greatreads #alwaysreading #reading #ilovebooks #currentreads #bookaddict #booknerd #bookish #bibliophile #goodreads #readerlife #booklife #readandreview
November 2, 2019
The Illustrated Bestiary is another beautifully illustrated and written oracle card and book by Maia Toll. I was a huge fan of the illustrated herbiary and this new project did not disappoint. The Illustrated Bestiary is filled with journal prompts, meditation prompts and ritual ideas based on animal energy. Maia Toll covers 36 inspiring creatures and how incorporating their unique traits can help us improve or better understand our own lives. The accompanying cards can be laid out in tarot like spreads or used on your alter or in your personal space as reminders/affirmations to use that animal's energy in your day to day. A special, inviting and inspiring read.
June 12, 2019
This was a beautiful and indulgent read. The colours and design of the card pages are lovely and the words inspiring!
The question sections and particularly the elephant card on change really made me think. Although I read an electronic copy of this book, It is necessary to have a hard copy with the accompanying oracle set to really make the most of it.
I will make sure to buy this book in a hard copy and use the lovely oracle deck.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The question sections and particularly the elephant card on change really made me think. Although I read an electronic copy of this book, It is necessary to have a hard copy with the accompanying oracle set to really make the most of it.
I will make sure to buy this book in a hard copy and use the lovely oracle deck.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
October 15, 2019
I was drawn to this book by the beautiful artwork on the cover.
The illustrated Bestiary is a lovely book that would work perfecty with the oracle cards you would receive in a physical copy of the book. So I would reccomend not getting the digial edition but definitely buying the physical copy so you can flick thought and use the cards.
I enjoyed reading the authors information on each animal and her own stories interspersed. Great rituals and refelctions thoughout.
The artwork is beautiful and I spent a long time looking at each picture and enjoying the bright colours.
The illustrated Bestiary is a lovely book that would work perfecty with the oracle cards you would receive in a physical copy of the book. So I would reccomend not getting the digial edition but definitely buying the physical copy so you can flick thought and use the cards.
I enjoyed reading the authors information on each animal and her own stories interspersed. Great rituals and refelctions thoughout.
The artwork is beautiful and I spent a long time looking at each picture and enjoying the bright colours.
June 21, 2021
Definitely the most beautiful book that I own - and the oracle cards that come with it are absolute perfection! Toll guides you through the world of animal medicine and healing, along with rituals and reflections for each animal to help guide you deeper to connect with that animal spirit. I was so impressed with it that I shared it with my partner who agreed it was one of the most beautiful books he'd ever seen and surprised me with Toll's other two illustrated books, and I can't wait to get into them!
December 21, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This books is to help you to bring the animal spirits into your ritual fold. It is a way to connect with these spirits and become the animals spiritually. I love the whimsical words and the lovely drawns and illustrations. It make using the book so easy and fun. I have always been a cat person but I found this book lead toward birds more. It was like the aninal of the woods drew me guided me on my path.
February 12, 2020
I enjoyed the look through each of these animal's eyes. Seeing them in this way gives me a doorway to walk through when I am dealing with everyday life, to know who to call on and what traits to help me in the animal kingdom is wonderful. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the her other book on herbs/plants, but that might just be where I am right now on my journey. I am looking forward to what she comes up with next!
June 11, 2021
This book is beautiful both internally and externally. Each illustration is a work of art, and I love the medicine that each animal communicates to us. I think it is a valuable self-discovery tool.
Este libro es bellísimo tanto interiormente como exteriormente. Cada ilustración es una obra de arte, y me encanto la medicina que nos comunica cada animal. Creo que es una valiosa herramienta de autodescubrimiento.
Este libro es bellísimo tanto interiormente como exteriormente. Cada ilustración es una obra de arte, y me encanto la medicina que nos comunica cada animal. Creo que es una valiosa herramienta de autodescubrimiento.
August 4, 2019
I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. This is a really neat book about how animals can be a part of our everyday life. The instructions say that you can choose a page at whim or read it straight through. I went to the Common Raven, an animal I love. The next few pages tell you a bit about the Ravens ancient history and a bit about them in general.
November 30, 2019
This was maybe even more enlightening than The Illustrated Herbiary: Guidance and Rituals from 36 Bewitching Botanicals, which I also loved. Full of wisdom, humor, and wonder.
December 22, 2019
Beautiful book! I loved the writing, the rituals and reflection! The animals were great. I just wish there were more animals, or at least more information about the animals in the real world.
could've also done with a list of animal charities on a last page or something just for that extra touch xoxo.
could've also done with a list of animal charities on a last page or something just for that extra touch xoxo.
July 17, 2024
Like the Herbiary, beautiful art, interesting facts, I appreciate the markings for animals that are endangered, however I feel as though the animals are a bit all over the place and it is womb based. If there is cultural appropriation in it, I did not pick up on it, I did not fully read it, only skimmed.
July 20, 2019
What beauty of a book! A beautiful edition, a simple and direct style. Each of the animals included has a particularity that makes them unique, and some do not usually appear in books of this type. The only thing missing is that the digital edition comes with cards to print and it would be perfect.
February 16, 2020
I highly recommend this book. The art is stunning and the commentary is fascinating. I enjoyed the ritual suggestions and the quotes. This author is inspirational as well as talented. Can't wait for the next book!
April 30, 2022
Ce livre est super si on veut en savoir un peu plus sur les animaux totem, il n'y a pas tout les animaux évidemment mais il s'agit de ceux qui font partie des plus importants je pense. Vraiment sympa pour débuter des recherches, il y a aussi des petits rituels à réaliser si le besoin est présent.
August 26, 2022
I really loved this book. the insights and seeing from different perspectives along with the rituals, will be very useful. Although, I am going through some stuff and felt a little attacked, it really did clear my head after taking some insight from the questions it asked.
April 12, 2023
Maia Toll’s oracle deck books are wonderful. I enjoy each and every one. This one concentrates on animals and is truly a different take. I have a couple animal oracle decks and really enjoy this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews