Memento Mori: 36 Cards to Embrace Life, by Red Wheel/Weiser
Red Wheel, 1590035860, 36 cards, October 2025 

Memento Mori: 36 Cards to Embrace Life is far more than a simple oracle deck; it is a  contemplative, visually arresting meditation on the universal human experience. Rooted in  the ancient maxim Memento Mori, Memento Vivare— “remember that you will die, do not  forget to live”—this deck offers a uniquely balanced fusion of mortality and vitality.  This 36-cards set invites readers to reflect on the  fragility, beauty, and sacred ordinariness of life through art that is both haunting and deeply life-affirming. 

The first thing that struck me about this deck was its powerful intentionality. Each card  depicts a skeleton—no identities, no hierarchies, no distinctions. Whether a gardener, a  healer, a wanderer, or a childlike rabbit figure, every being is rendered with the same bones beneath the surface. This symbolic leveling highlights the truth at the heart of memento mori: regardless of where we come from or where we believe we are going, we walk the  same path from dust to dust, from life to death. Rather than approaching this with heaviness, the deck uses that equality as a basis for solidarity, compassion, and the celebration of the present moment. 

The artwork is one of the deck’s greatest strengths. Against a cool, subdued gray  background, evocative of ash, stone, and impermanence, vibrant  florals, botanical elements, and richly hued natural motifs are used to create striking visual contrast. The result is a language of opposites brought into harmony: the starkness of bone beside the lushness of life, the quiet of the grave beside the riotous bloom of flowers. Each  card feels like a small fine-point sketch brought to life, full of delicate linework and a painterly use of color that softens the subject matter while also imbuing it with unexpected  warmth. 

The simplicity of the messages is another defining feature. Phrases such as “Hold Space”, “Be the Light”, and “Your Path Is Open” guide the reader toward grounded, practical wisdom.  More than offering predictive statements or metaphysical abstractions, the deck focuses on actionable invitations to presence, kindness, connection, and courage. In a world oversaturated with noise, these short declarations feel like distilled clarity, acting as gentle reminders to inhabit the only time we truly have in the present moment.

The companion text on the introductory card expands on this philosophy beautifully. It  acknowledges death not as something to fear but as something to understand, presenting death as a teacher that encourages us to savor our days more deeply, to notice our habits and attachments,  and to remember that each moment holds the potential to shape the legacy we leave  behind. By embracing the transient nature of our existence, we are invited to live with  greater intention, to love more freely, and to let go of what is unnecessary.

Structurally, the deck is remarkably user-friendly. Its 36-card format feels intentional and  uncluttered, giving each image the space to speak for itself. The cardstock and printing quality, demonstrated in the richly detailed fronts and the elegant skull motif on the card backs, reflect a high level of craftsmanship. The minimalism of the guide materials also supports the deck’s overall theme of nothing extraneous, only what is essential. 

One of the most compelling aspects of Memento Mori is how it frames mortality not as an  imposed limitation but as an invitation. The presence of skeletal figures reminds us that beneath our stories and differences, we are united in our origin and our eventual return to  the earth. Yet the abundance of flowers, animal life, and symbolic objects illustrates that  within that shared trajectory, there is infinite complexity, possibility, and meaning. This interplay makes the deck both meditative and inspiring—a rare duality in oracle systems.

From a practical standpoint, the deck is wonderfully versatile. It works beautifully as a  daily draw, offering a reflective touchstone for mornings or evenings. It can also support  journaling practices, shadow work, grief processing, meditation prompts, or simply  moments of grounding during stressful days. Because the messages are concise, the  cards can be integrated easily into readings with Tarot or Lenormand, adding emotional or  philosophical depth without overwhelming the spread.

Ultimately, Memento Mori: 36 Cards to Embrace Life is a deck that succeeds in delivering  exactly what it promises. It reminds us of our mortality without morbidity, guides us toward  joy without triviality. It reveals the inherent beauty of being human, not in spite of our impermanence, but because of it. For anyone seeking a tool that blends introspection, artistry, and soulful presence, this deck is a powerful companion. 

For me, working with this deck was a quiet yet profound experience. Its imagery  encouraged a sense of reverence for the everyday—an awareness that even the smallest  details of life, from a wilted flower to a fleeting moment of gratitude, carry meaning. It deepened my appreciation for the present and reinforced the truth that to remember we will die is, paradoxically, to remember to live fully. 

I highly recommend this deck to spiritual practitioners, introspective readers, artists, grief  workers, and anyone who is navigating the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. It is a beautiful tool for grounding, reflection, and reconnecting with  the essence of what it means to be alive.