Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Sacred Spirit Oracle, by Anna Stark

Sacred Spirit Oracle: Spiritual Guidance for Your Life Journey, by Anna Stark and illustrated by Louis Dyer
Rockpool Publishing, 978-1922785961, 96 pages, 36 cards, November 2024

With a combination of otherworldly images and beautiful animal artwork, Anna Stark and Louis Dyer have created a portal to divine guidance in their 36-card deck Sacred Spirit Oracle: Spiritual Guidance for Your Life Journey.

My interest in this deck relates to my love for oracle decks that combine spiritual images and the natural world with real world guidance. And this deck did not disappoint! Stark weaves beautiful stories in the guidebook, adding shadow aspects, crystal recommendations, angel pairings, and an affirmation for each card in the deck. 

Stark begins the guidebook with a Table of Contents. She both numbers the cards in alphabetical order AND provides the Table of Contents, making it easy to find the appropriate guidance in her guidebook. Next, she features acknowledgements and thanks those who helped her create the deck, as well as those who will be using the deck. In her Introduction, Stark sets out the goal of these cards: “to support your intuitive growth and awareness of your deep connection within the universe…. to support you in shifting stagnant energy.”1

In the section entitled “How to Use the Cards,” Stark explains more about how the cards work for both divination and healing. She adds tips on how to connect with your cards and clear them between readings. She also introduces the reader to simple ways to prepare yourself and your space for readings. For the second time, she recommends keeping a journal to record your interactions with the deck. She shares three spreads for working with the deck and then discusses the Seven Rays, Seven Chohans, archangels and guardian angels, and crystals.

To evaluate the deck, I pulled a card a day for seven days. The first card I drew was 36. Third Eye Vision. This card talked extensively about the third eye, from both a historical and spiritual perspective. The main idea for me was: “If you wish to intensify or gain third eye visions more regularly, activate and decalcify your pineal gland through visualized meditation.”2 She also recommends iolite as a crystal to support this and adds Archangel Jeremiel for additional support. 

I also contacted two friends and asked if I could pull a card for them. For my friend D, I drew card 29. Open Intuition. The message includes a reminder that we are all intuitive and to trust those vibes. There was also this message, which D related to:

“You are receiving many messages but are misinterpreting the meaning. Focus on clearing your mind and resetting your psychic antenna.”3 

D explained that she had been recently asking for signs for a particular situation and was confused. This message was just what she needed to get back on track with her daily time in nature to clear her mind.

Another friend received card 6. Birth of Creation. This card featured an egg-shaped design and spoke to “A fresh start. Potential growth.”4 The guidance also mentioned the importance of trying a new routine, getting creative, and nurturing new ideas. My friend V said that this was confirming something she was already doing to prepare for 2025. She said the recommendation of the crystal kunzite was also resonating and she would pick up one on her next trip to the crystal shop.

These cards are standard oracle card dimensions, coming in around 3.5” X 5”. The 36 cards fit nicely in a sturdy box that features a howling wolf on the cover and three cards on the back. I found the cards easy to shuffle and really like the shiny varnish on both sides of the brightly colored deck. Dyer uses all the colors of the rainbow and the cosmos to create this deck.

My favorite card is 32. Shield Your Energy. It features the most amazing frog, with giant golden eyes and a quizzical look. I loved the frog’s message:

“Use the element of water to unblock your energy fields and create a smooth flow of kundalini for personal healing and growth. Find your own sacred song. Call to others who share your passions and interests where you can support and renew your inner fire.”5

Sacred Spirit Oracle would be great for any level of oracle card reader. Stark created the guidebook for easy navigation and the guidance is straightforward and easy to comprehend and use for everyday life. I plan to keep this deck on hand to use with clients as I close out a reading. I also plan to utilize the six-card spread that Stark called “Life Guidance Spread” to add another layer to my daily card pulls.

The affirmations that accompany each card really tie together the visual images and the messages in the guidebook. For example, here is the affirmation from the Frog: 

“I sing the beautiful sacred song of my heart, clear and loud for all to hear.”6

About the Authors

Anna Stark began working with tarot cards at 15 to “understand and embrace her intuition.”7 She now works as a psychic medium and energy specialist. She combines her ability to receive psychic messages with her love for history, society and the paranormal. Stark is also a kinesiologist and Reiki Master, who teaches energy healing. She came to learn about natural ways of healing to heal her own anxiety. Stark has created two other oracle decks and an affirmation deck of small cards for everyday encouragement. You can learn more about her on her website.

Louis Dyer is both a digital artist and a traditional artist, using watercolors, oils, and acrylics. At age 5, he saw a cousin drawing and became interested in creating his own art. He soon began drawing “cartoons, video game characters and nature.”8 Dyer has created the artwork for another oracle deck and has featured works in several magazines and online sites. He also teaches digital artwork techniques online. You can see Dyer’s art and learn more on his website.

The Bloodlands Oracle, by Amory Abbott

The Bloodlands Oracle, by Amory Abbott

RedFeather, 0764368346, 112 pages, 42 cards, October 2024

The Bloodlands Oracle by Amory Abbott beckons you to journey through uncharted natural landscapes, where dark outer terrains await, prepared to spark inner wisdom. Inspired by the geography and elements of the natural world, readers will immerse themselves in a transformative journey through rivers, cliffs, and footpaths of nature, discovering the rich symbolism of Earth’s many terrains.

This deck courageously acknowledges the full spectrum of life—highs and lows, challenges and blessings, ease and discomfort—which is reflected in the stark contrasts of the black and white aesthetic too. Delving into themes of shadow, fear, and vulnerability for readers to honestly acknowledge the energies in play, this deck provides rich wisdom that goes beyond mere niceties; Abbott takes readers beyond paved paths to explore the wild unknown. Mirroring the shifting natural conditions, The Bloodlands Oracle empowers readers to confront their wild inner nature and emerge stronger.

“For many people, darkness can be a mysterious and alluring force, a melancholy and protective space, or a place to confront fear. It takes courage to walk through the night, a bit of faith that the road will not end but arrive somewhere in the light.”6

In his author biography, Abbott describes how cartomancy helped him through a dark night of the soul. Drawing inspiration from Vancouver, British Columbia where he lives, the charcoal drawings became a focal point of his artist work. He then “began examining what the features of the land could mean to use and what they could tell us about our lives”9 and decided to mimic his charcoal drawings and create the imagery for this deck with digital tools.

The deck is a nice size to use in a reading, as it easily fits in the reader’s hand but it big enough to really see all the small details of the imagery. The box it comes in is sturdy with a magnetic flap that opens to reveal a quote on the lid while the cards are safely tucked in on the other side of the box. The deck has red edges, which is the only color in the otherwise monochromatic deck.

The deck’s imagery is both striking and evocative, drawing inspiration from the raw beauty of nature. Each card is a portal into a deeper understanding of oneself, inviting contemplation and introspection. The natural features Abbott has translated into imagery and guidance are listed in the card names: The Moonbow, The Lightning Strike, The Cavern, The Solitary Peak, The Falls, and The Stone Circle. Each card also features an element symbol (fire, air, earth, water, or spirit) that further gives insight and meaning for understanding the card’s energy.

The accompanying guidebook provides further interpretation for each card, offering support for readers on their personal journey. The entry for each card has a general meaning at the top in red text. Abbott then describes the natural feature and shares the message readers can abstract from it for reflection, contemplation, or divination. If the card takes on a certain significance when paired with another card, this is also noted. Abbott also provides the reversed meaning for the card as well.

For instance, the card I pulled inquiring about a work situation was The River. The element for this card is water, and the imagery shows a wide, winding river moving through a valley of rock. The guidebook reads:

“A river follows the path of least resistance, carving its way slowly over eons through rock and earth, carrying all that joins it to its end. . . Be reassured this card finds you in a state of consistent movement towards your goals, carrying you effortlessly where you desire.”10

I loved this reassuring message! To be honest, not all the cards I’ve pulled have been as “positive”. In the spirit of acknowledging both the dark and the light aspects of life, the card The Crown Fire has a message of “Devastation, total collapse, starting over”11 While this can sound scary, much like the Tower card in tarot, Abbott’s writing reminds of the necessity of the occasional difficulties to encourage migration, regeneration, and eradication.

Overall, The Bloodlands Oracle is a doorway to gaining a deeper understanding of the darker aspects of self through the transformative power of nature. The imagery of the natural world provides the groundedness and connection needed to see the full range of our inner nature. The many terrains of the earth are reflected aspects of our own psychic landscape, and Abbott has done a wonderful job translating the imagery into meaningful guidance for introspection and reflection. Within this deck, readers will discover the dually creative and destructive forces that are constantly shifting in both nature and themselves.

This deck is for those who feel called to explore the full-spectrum of nature. Abbott takes us to the highs and lows of our world, while also guiding readers to these peaks and pitfalls within themselves. The divinatory style of this deck encourages readers to delve into the depths of their own psyche. As a result, The Bloodlands Oracle is a valuable tool for self-discovery that reminds us of the benefits of exploring a variety of inner and outer landscapes.

The Vedic Tarot, by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

The Vedic Tarot: East Meets West, by Dwina Murphy-Gibb
RedFeather, 978-0764368202, 288 pages, 81 cards, September 2024

Dwina Murphy-Gibb has created a masterful tarot deck with influences from the Vedic, Irish, Qabbalistic, and Rider-Waite-Smith traditions in The Vedic Tarot: East Meets West. From the brightly colored illustrations to the wealth of information presented in the guidebook, this deck is a feast for the eyes and wisdom for the soul.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Dwina Murphy-Gibb was educated at Hornsey Art College in England. Her published works include three books of poetry, three novels, and numerous short stories. In addition to two plays, she has also produced a few independent films. You can learn more about Murphy-Gibb on her website.

What interested me most about this deck was the reference to “East Meets West.”  Murphy-Gibb shares that her first deck of cards was a deck of playing cards. This was due to her grandmother’s disdain for tarot cards. Her first tarot deck was a Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck, followed by the Etteilla and Aquarian decks, among others. The symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck shines through in this deck, although some of the names and symbols of the cards have been changed.

Murphy-Gibb changes The Fool to The First Traveler, and Death to Changes, among others. She also adds three cards to the major arcana: Oogenesis, Arbor Vitae, and Supreme Soul. So that she doesn’t interrupt the traditional numbers of the major arcana, Murphy-Gibb gives these three cards special numbers.

For the minor arcana, she utilizes the suits of Cups, Wands and Swords, but transforms Pentacles into Shields. In an example of how the RWS symbology is seen, the Five of Shields in this deck features a couple huddled outside of a building with stained-glass windows. The shields on most of the cards are round, much like pentacles in other suits.

Each card features the name of the card, a symbolic drawing, the Hebrew letter, the Sanskrit name, the Ogham tree/symbol, and the musical instrument applicable to the card. In the guidebook, Murphy-Gibb gives detailed information regarding each of these correspondences. There are also two charts in the guidebook that present tables of the information from all of the correspondences for the major arcana. Here are just a few of the correspondences that she assigns to The Lovers card in one of the charts:

Musical note:  D-natural
Hertz:  587.33
Chakra: Sacral12

Murphy-Gibb begins the guidebook with the story of how The Vedic Tarot was created:

“This Tarot is really an illustrative book that explores secrets of four ancient languages: Vedic Sanskrit, Irish Ogham Tree Alphabet, and Hebrew, as well as English and the influence of sound or music in the spheres and in the chakras of the body.”13

Next, she explains how each of these play a role in the story of man and tarot. She divides the major arcana into three sections of archetypes, powers, and the Eight-Fold Path.

After the extensive guidance and wisdom provided for both major and minor arcana cards, Murphy-Gibb presents Part 2. This section includes how to work with the cards, correspondence tables, and several spreads, including one she learned from a Gypsy Queen in her youth. This spread includes “the making of a mandala by interlocking the cards,”14 and makes use of only six cards.

Next, Murphy-Gibb presents glossaries for Sanskrit, Hebrew/Qabbalah, and Ogham terms.  She also includes resources for further reading, including online sources.   

I decided to test drive the deck by drawing three cards, keeping in mind Murphy-Gibb’s advice:

“The querent does not need to ask a question, because the answer will be apparent to them during the reading, or the subconscious question they have not dared to ask will be answered.”15

I drew these cards: Three of Swords, Knight of Swords and Knight of Cups. The information in the guidebook is so rich and multi-layered and it is easy to become overwhelmed. I decided to scan the pages for each card and came up with these three bits of guidance:

  1. “I am not lost, but rather replace it with the wonder of being somewhere else.”16
  2. “I may choose to challenge laws without breaking them.”17
  3. “There is joy in “the finding of a direction, not the seeking of it.””18 

This guidance helps me greatly with a situation in my life. I am also going to look up music with violins, C-sharp notes, and/or music that soothes the heart chakra, in keeping with Murphy-Gibb’s guidance. 

This deck is presented in a large, sturdy box, printed in rich colors of scarlet, gold, and black.  It features a magnetic flap that secures the box and opens to reveal space for the guidebook and two deep wells for the cards. These cards are printed on nice cardstock, which is so heavy that the box requires you to cut the deck in half to store it.  The cards have a black matte edging, and the back of the card is a unique design, which Murphy-Gibb describes as: “a combination of the Trishula, Shiva’s weapon, the Damru, his drum and the lyre.”19 She also accents the image with a sun, a snake and three worms across a moon, because she finished the artwork for the back of the cards on a Worm Moon. 

My favorite card in this deck is the Arbor Vitae.  This card is numbered 0-8 and comes before the Justice card in the major arcana for this deck. The visual is a tree with a feminine face, a small tree in her heart and curling roots. The musical instrument for this card is the bell. It is so calming and beautiful. I plan to keep it on my altar for a few days and drink in its powerful love vibes. The last line of the guidance says it all:

“Everyone wants to feel useful, and taking care of the little things is a service to the Great Mother and our own fulfillment. Undoing the wrongs by taking right action is the greatest medicine of all.”20

The Vedic Tarot would probably be best for a seasoned tarot reader or tarot scholar.  The rich layers of guidance, the multiple correspondences and the combination of Vedic, Sanskrit, Hebrew, and Irish myth and lore might be too difficult for a novice to take in. 

However, if beginners wanted to initially focus on the Divination section and then build up to adding the information in the other portions, this would be a great addition to their tarot collection. I plan to keep it on hand for personal readings and utilize the guidebook for additional information for client readings.

With this deck, we can continue our quest for knowledge and, as Murphy-Gibb says:

“We can begin remembrance of who we really are and start learning to fly.”21

The Council of Horses Oracle, by Sandra Wallin

The Council of Horses Oracle, by Sandra Wallin and illustrated by Kim McElroy
Bear & Company, 9781591434931, 40 cards, 192 pages, October 2024

In their wise and colorful deck, The Council of Horses Oracle, Sandra Wallin and Kim McElroy weave together guidance from our equine helpers with stunning artwork.

Sandra Wallin studied science and education, and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ecopsychology. In her work, she pulls experience from three decades as a psychotherapist, teacher, and mentor.  Along with her work with horses, Sandra utilizes modalities such as Psych-K and Bruce Lipton’s Biology of Belief to work with women who are ready to walk a new path. Though she has studied with many amazing people, Wallin says her most influential teachers have been horses, whom she credits for taking her (and her clients) beyond her belief ceiling to a place where all things are possible.22

Illustrator and artist Kim McElroy has always been drawn to horses and began drawing them as soon as she could hold a crayon. McElroy combines her artistic talent with her love of horses and more than thirty years working with these beautiful creatures.  She has co-created another deck and guidebook, as well as a journal on horses.  Learn more about her at her website.

I was excited to open this deck because horses have always been of interest to me. As a child, I loved riding horses on my uncle’s farm, and I was born in the year of the horse.  When I met my husband more than twenty years ago, I gained a friend who worked with horses for more than twenty years at racetracks around the country.  Our granddaughter is also an accomplished horse rider. 

Sandra Wallin and Kim McElroy have combined their knowledge and experience to create a beautiful deck with wisdom that is both intuitive and practical.  The guidance provides a message, a story from the author’s experience, wisdom from the horses and questions to be used as journal prompts for more inner work. Each card’s guidance includes four to five pages of information and ends with a recap, which is called “The Invitation”. This short section sums up the key idea from each card. 

Wallin presents the deck with a short introduction and then shares how to work with the deck, including key questions to ask, how to get to know the cards, and different spreads to use.  She shares this information about how the art and words work together:

“There is a union between the art and the writing, which is akin to the synergy that happens when the horse and human come together. When you work with the cards in this way, it is like being with horses in their paddocks, pastures, and fields, smelling their sweet breath; feeling their footfalls on the ground beside you; and seeing yourself reflected in their fathomless eyes.”23

Wallin even provides three sample readings that show how to do a reading with the cards, as well as how the client responded to the guidance shared. 

One friend, whom I’ll call “C” drew the card Aenbharr and shared that this card and its guidance was a confirmation to follow her intuition and take herself on a new adventure. She further shared that she had really felt stuck or stymied recently and that she kept feeling that she was missing out on the magic in her life. This card and the invitation that it included held a challenge to let go of old beliefs and habits that were keeping her from “rediscovering the magic that exists within the world,”24 as the guidebook entry for the card reads.

To give the deck a trial run, I took the cards to my Friday Coffee & Cards group. Each of my friends chose a card and the smiles on their faces as they read the guidance was all I needed to see.

It is interesting to note that Wallin drew the artwork for this card; she is also credited with co-creating the artwork for another card with Kim McElroy.

Another friend, “D” drew the card Al-Buraq and shared that as part of her recent retirement, she felt she was simply going through the motions. There was no surprise that the questions posed by this card asked her to reflect on what she might need to change in her life, what she might be taking for granted, and what limits she might need to overcome. She wrote down the questions and said she would use these as journal prompts for exploration and growth. She particularly related to the Message for Humankind for this card:

“Believe in the reality of what you envision or experience regardless of what the external world might negate.”25 

The cards are standard oracle card size and printed on heavy, glossy card stock.  The cards are easy to shuffle and will stand up well to repeated use. For the back of the cards, McElroy chose a beautiful piece of horse art that seems to gallop off the card. It is framed by clouds and light rays and also features a burst of light at the horse’s heart center.

The guidebook is printed in black and white, with a thumbnail of each card shown with the guidance.  The guidebook is easy to navigate, as it is arranged in alphabetical order.  Wallin also includes a Table of Contents.

The Council of Horses Oracle would be great for horse enthusiasts or anyone who has an affinity for horses.  The guidance really transcends the subject matter and can be applied to daily life quite easily. If you want to do a quick reading, you can select a card, take note of the key words, and then jump to the “Invitation”, which recaps the wisdom shared by Wallin.  I intend to keep this deck close by to end client sessions and refer to it for my own encouragement. 

The Flowerwise Oracle, by Leigh Podgorski

The Flowerwise Oracle, by Leigh Podgorski and illustrated by Kait Matthews
RedFeather, 9780764367694, 208 pages, 44 cards, April 2024

In her first oracle deck, Leigh Podgorski has combined a lush garden of beautiful flowers, diverse feminine forms, and guidance from Mother Earth to create The Flowerwise Oracle.

Previously, Podgorski has written plays, screenplays, and novels.  Her play We are Still Here premiered in 2000 and went on to run in various theaters throughout California. Western Song, her latest novel, is being made into a movie.

Illustrator Kait Matthewswas an original member of the cast of Podgorski’s play We are Still Here.  After running an art gallery in San Diego, she now works as an artist and illustrator. She previously illustrated Clarity Tarot.  Matthews also creates murals and other artwork for businesses.

I was drawn to the beautiful flowers and tagline of this deck: “Empowerment through the ancient wisdom of the feminine spirit.”26 From the first time I opened the warm mahogany-colored box, I was captivated by the flowers, the penetrating feminine faces, and the rich, jewel-toned colors. Each face is different with many different cultures and ethnicities included. The background is the perfect color to highlight the face, and each flower is featured in a unique way.

“All the flowers of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.
-Indian proverb”27

Podgorski is very generous with the information she shares in the guidebook, beginning with a preface that shares a history of flowers in general, a short section on how to use the deck, and a list of each of the flowers in the deck with a keyword. The guidance spans four pages or more per flower and includes the Latin name, key words, history, habitat, and myths. Finally, there is a small section for guidance, which she labels “The Flower Speaks.”

I loved that the guidebook is arranged alphabetically, and each entry also shows a small image of the flower in full color.

Each card also features either a raindrop or a sun. This enables the card to be used for a quick answer by the reader, as the sun represents “Yes” and the raindrop is “No”.

To test drive the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and each woman selected a card. One friend drew the Acacia card, which features a beautiful blonde woman wearing a spray of bright yellow acacia flowers in her hair. The tagline is “practice courage; perseverance pays.”28 The guidance in the book further spoke to renewed friendships, long-lost love or an adventure that beckons. My friend shared that she has recently reconnected with an old friend who wants her to travel to Hawaii with her.  She took this card and its message as confirmation that she had the courage to book the trip and enjoy her adventure!

Another friend drew the Calla Lily card, which shares: “Focus on the possible; let go of the doubt; imagine the best.”29  My friend was particularly interested in the history of the calla lily, which can be traced to South Africa.  She also learned that the flower is toxic to both people and animals, so it is no longer used as medicine.  But the guidance touched her deeply: 

“There is death among us. Sadness and despair. But fear not. For among us, too, there is magnificent beauty, boundless joy and eternal hope. . . When you feel hopeless, sit by the waters. In silence, reflect. Restore. Find your sacred balance anew.”30

She then shared that she was struggling with a recent loss, and this helped her to balance and center herself. She took a photo of the card to meditate on later. 

I also showed the cards to my ten-year old granddaughter, who is quite an artist herself.  We sat and flipped through the deck; the beautiful images of women and flowers kept her attention as we scanned all 44 cards. Her favorite was Elodea, with a beautiful blonde woman whose hair floats up, almost like a mermaid. Elodea is an aquatic plant, and my granddaughter has always loved the water!

These cards are a nice size at 3.75” by 5.5”. They are printed on nice cardstock with a matte finish.  The back of the cards features an assortment of different flowers, from rich reds to stark whites and deep blues. The deck comes in a beautiful, sturdy box that holds both the cards and the guidebook and features a magnetic flap.

Podgorski includes a thirteen-page list of various sources for the guidebook.  It is arranged alphabetically and includes fantastic resources for those who might want more information about flowers and their origins and uses. It’s worth noting, she focused on her work with a Cahuilla elder and an anthropologist for this deck.

These cards would be great for any level of oracle (or tarot) card reader. Young girls and teens will also resonate with the feminine characters and the messages of hope and inspiration. The Flower Speaks section can be used for a brief message, as well as the sun and raindrop symbols for a quick Yes or No. I plan to keep this deck on hand to utilize at the close of my client readings.  I’ll close with this quote from Luther Burbank, which Podgorski shares:

“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful. They are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.  
-Luther Burbank”31

Wise Women Oracle, by Cheyenne Zarate

Wise Women Oracle: Reconnect with She Who Knows, by Cheyenne Zarate
Rockpool Publishing, 1922786055, 128 pages, November 2024

Wise Women Oracle: Reconnect with She Who Knows by Cheyenne Zarate is a captivating exploration of femininity, strength, and wisdom through the lens of an oracle deck. This deck is not just a guide but a celebration of the diverse tapestry of women’s experiences, illuminating the wild woman archetype within us all through folklore, history, mythology, and pop culture. It combines beautifully illustrated cards with insightful narratives that inspire introspection and empowerment.

“We can find the wise woman at the crossroads between compassion, empathy, and motherly love, and mystery, magic, and the creative and destructive forces of nature. When we enter her time we seek to challenge ourselves and those around us to live up to our highest potential and integrity, and share our knowledge and wisdom with our children and family and also he greater world.”27

The front of the cards are all a pretty mint green color with monochrome illustrations. The illustrations are very detailed, and there’s a lot to gaze at when working with the card. The back of the cards are all black with four white owls in the corners and a flower in the center. There simplicity of the colors scheme creates relaxing visual experience, invoking the feelings of open-heartedness and connection to nature.

Additionally, the historical range of style in the illustrations is impressive. One card features Stevie Nicks, while another depicts Psyche. From Cailleach to Cinderella, Zarate masterfully intertwines traditional mythology with contemporary themes, creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life.  Drawing from many different perspective, the cards tap into a variety of cultures, identities, and stories that the wild woman appears within, enriching the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of women’s wisdom.

Beyond its artistic merit of the cards themselves, the guidebook offers practical advice for using the oracle in daily life.  Each card is accompanied by a well-crafted description that delves into the history, symbolism, and message of reflective guidance. There’s also a question for each card that prompts the reader to go within for personal insight.

As an example, this morning I pulled the card Akhilanda, She Who is Never Not Broken. The guidebook shares how Ankhilanda is a Hindu goddess who “tells us that the liminal space where we don’t know how to move forward is an empowering place.”31 Zarate shares in the “Symbolism” section how Akhilanda rides a crocodile, and the same way crocodiles clench their prey in their jaws, spinning it until the prey is disoriented and drowns, Akhilanda does the same for us to strip us of our ego’s illusions and false identities and out-dated attachments. In this way, we are given the opportunity t “alchemize our pain and insecurities into greater wisdom and beauty.”32

The question for this card reads:

“How can I vulnerably and compassionately embrace my brokenness so I can reinvent a self that is stronger, wiser, and more beautiful within?”33

Meanwhile, Zarate’s writing in the “Reflection” section encourages readers to remember their infinite potential and courageously choosing to discard the versions of self that have become stagnant. She notes that when we allow ourselves to fall apart and be reinvented, our new self now contains the wisdom and self-awareness developed from moving through a darker time.

This card was exactly what I needed to hear in the moment! The depth of the single card reading was enough to give me plenty to reflect and journal on during the day, and it was a confirmation that it’s okay to be imperfect and change into a new version of myself. There is no formula for perfection, and the best I can do is continue to integrate the wisdom I’ve accumulated and shapeshifter as needed. I’m going to be whole no matter what!

I’m so excited to continuing working with this deck in the coming months, as the messages from these wild woman is having a resoundingly transformational effect on my soul. Zarate’s choice of women and her interpretation of their wisdom is very moving. I love Zarate’s style of making it so the guidebook shares a mixture of facts about the woman along with intuitive guidance. Readers get to know the women’s historical background along with the translation of the unique medicine she has share with others.

Overall, Wise Woman Oracle is the perfect deck to reconnect with one’s wild spirit. Its combination of engaging visuals and thoughtful narratives makes it both a valuable tool for personal growth and a beautiful deck to treasure. This deck will appeal to anyone interested in exploring the rich, empowering stories of women throughout history and mythology. Whether a seasoned practitioner or a newcomer to oracle readings, Zarate’s work offers inspiration and wisdom for all.

Oracle of Heaven and Hell, by Travis McHenry

Oracle of Heaven and Hell: Harness the power of the angels and demons, by Travis McHenry
Rockpool Publishing, 1922785334, 168 pages, 72 cards, April 2024

Few oracle decks have dared readers to plumb the depths of the abyss, to dance on the razor’s edge between good and evil, as boldly as Travis McHenry’s Oracle of Heaven and Hell. In the tradition of grimoire magic, this unique deck conjures up Kabbalistic angels and their rival Goetic demons. Each card presents a dual-sided portrait: a divine messenger on one side, a primordial agent of chaos on the other. These celestial and infernal beings, bound by their opposing sigils, clash and coalesce in a cosmic dance of light and shadow, their wings and claws creating a maelstrom of energy that mirrors the profound duality inherent in the human soul. The cards’ edges, gilted in metallic blood-red, scintillate while shuffling, and the backs bear the sigil of Asmoday, the King of Demons, a potent symbol of forbidden knowledge.

Travis McHenry, a former intelligence analyst for the United States Navy and ordained Baptist deacon, traded his military uniform for the robes of a ritual magician. With a university background in anthropology and a Nile baptism initiating him into the priesthood of Anubis in 2021, he continues to explore the depths of the mysteries.

McHenry is the creator of a variety of tarot and oracle decks, including the Vlad Dracula Tarot, Hieronymus Bosch Tarot, and Egyptian Star Oracle. I’ve been using his Angel Tarot and Occult Tarot to learn the Kabbalistic angels and Goetic demons, so I was thrilled to discover that he has released Oracle of Heaven and Hell, a deck that combines the monochrome artwork from the previous ones, presenting each angel and corresponding demon on the same card, with their sigils popping in a rich sanguine red. This comprehensive deck is a wonderful resource for occultists who want to deepen their understanding of the interplay between these opposing spiritual forces.

As McHenry notes in the introduction, “There can be no light without darkness and no darkness without light.” [1] The accompanying guidebook delves into the origins of the 144 spirits featured in this deck. The 72 Kabbalistic angels, also known as the angels of the Shem HaMephorash, or secret name of God, are divine emanations whose names are derived from the 72-letter sequence found in verses 19-21 of the Book of Exodus, chapter 14, which describes Moses pronouncing the divine name and God parting the Red Sea for the Israelites.

These angels have dominion over the 72 Goetic demons, who come from the medieval grimoire The Ars Goetia, or The Lesser Key of Solomon. These spirits are believed to be derived from pagan gods, fallen angels, and other infernal spirits. According to legend, they were first summoned and enslaved by King Solomon, who forced them to build his temple. After the work was completed, Solomon imprisoned them in a brass vessel sealed with a magical sigil and cast them into a Babylonian lake. When some treasure hunters discovered it and broke the seal, the demons were released into the world. 

According to the occult writings of Cornelius Agrippa, every human is protected by a trio of guardian angels. In McHenry’s guidebook to Oracle of Heaven and Hell, each entry includes the dates and times over which each spirit holds regency so readers can discover their three guardian angels based on their birth date and time. Each demon is also said to be a servant to those born during certain date ranges.

A potential drawback for those who don’t own McHenry’s previous decks, the Angel Tarot and Occult Tarot, is that the guidebook for Oracle of Heaven and Hell does not provide pronunciations of the spirits’ names, which were included in the other guidebooks. This could present a minor challenge for those unfamiliar with Kabbalistic angels and Goetic demons. However, each card offers simplified oracular meanings in the form of one or two keywords, making it accessible to a wider audience.

I regrettably found a spelling error on one of the cards: the name of the first angel, Vehuiah, is misspelled Vehuaih. While this is a minor oversight, it’s worth noting for those who appreciate accuracy and attention to detail. Hopefully, future printings will remedy this mistake. 

When I first opened Oracle of Heaven and Hell and held the cards, I felt intense power emanating from them. It was like the angelic and demonic energies were wrestling with each other in the cards. The more I work with this deck, the more I see the angels and demons as complementary opposites, the angel representing a higher state of consciousness and the demon being a primal, instinctual response. 

To quote William Blake’s Marriage of Heaven and Hell: “Without contraries is no progression. Attraction and repulsion, reason and energy, love and hate, are necessary to human existence. From these contraries spring what the religious call Good and Evil. Good is the passive that obeys reason; Evil is the active springing from Energy. Good is heaven. Evil is hell.”34 Blake eloquently illustrates how the primal tug of war between heaven and hell sparks the Promethean fire of inspiration, the creative tension that fuels all artistic endeavors. The angels and demons represent a delicate balance between rational consciousness and primal instincts. 

The Oracle of Heaven and Hell has challenged me to develop a more nuanced approach to interpretation. When I draw a card, regardless of whether the angelic or demonic side is upright, I consider both perspectives, viewing them as complementary aspects of the message. This allows me to explore the light and shadow sides of the information I’m seeking. 

For example, card 4, which features the angel Elemiah, with the key phrase “Divine Power,”35 and the demon Samigina, with the keyword “Delay,”36 could be interpreted in the following way. Since Elemiah is associated with protection, guidance, and divine intervention, this angel’s presence indicates that the querent is being supported by a higher power and that there is a spiritual purpose for whatever challenges they are facing in their current situation.

The delays and obstacles in their path, signified by the opposing demon, might be frustrating, but may be necessary for personal growth or to help realign the querent’s path with their divine purpose. The overall message would be that a larger, divine plan is at work that involves temporary setbacks or delays, and one must have patience and trust in divine timing, as the delays may be necessary to prepare one for something greater. Even in the face of these challenges, the querent is being protected and guided by a higher power. 

One of my daily draws was particularly interesting. After drawing the “Spiritual Communication”37 card, featuring the angel Nanael and the opposing demon of “Ignorance,”38 Camio, I was startled to receive a telepathic message from Asmoday, the demon king, later that day, even though I wasn’t handling the deck or anywhere near it.

Given his sigil’s prominence on the back of every card, it’s not surprising that he reached out to me after I’d been working with this oracle. I was completely relaxed, watching TV at the time, and his communication came in like a jarring intrusive thought. He let me know that he was displeased that I was ignoring him and was demanding my attention by startling me into recognition of his presence. Remembering that the reversed keyword on the “Spiritual Communication”39 card is “Ignorance,”40 this incident brought to my attention how I can be willfully ignorant of spirit contact, either out of fear or distrust.

Be aware that engaging with this deck can open channels of communication with these entities, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who feels uncomfortable with the idea of interacting with demons. When I initially started establishing contact with these spirits (before using this deck), they informed me that calling upon one of them summons them all. The Underworld resides within us.

Oracle of Heaven and Hell is more than just a deck of cards; it’s a portal to the depths of the human soul. By confronting the duality within, you’ll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This powerful tool offers an alchemical transformation, but it demands courage and a willingness to face your inner demons. Approach it with respect and reverence, and be prepared to emerge transformed.

Numerology Oracle, by Rosemaree Templeton

Numerology Oracle, by Rosemaree Templeton
Rockpool Publishing, 192257953X, 96 pages, 36 cards, October 2024

Numerology Oracle by Rosemaree Templeton is an intriguing exploration into the mystical world of numerology, offering readers oracle guidance to understanding and utilizing the power of numbers in their daily lives. Templeton, an experienced numerologist, shares insight that is both accessible and engaging, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of numerology.

“Just as our earth is a living, vibrating being, everything on it or in it is also living and vibrating at its own individual frequency. This includes our spirit friends — seen and unseen. Aso9i with all things in this universe, each of these spirit beings can be aligned with a number.”35

This deck really pops with its bright colors and intricate patterns. The card’s images feature intricate patterns of animals, ranging from monkeys to whales, unicorns to ladybugs. The color and animal have significances that blend together to lend another layer of meaning to each card that the reader is intended to intuitive. The number of the card stands in contrast to the pattern in big, bold, black text. The number is also written on the top and bottom of the card along with a one or two word card title. The cards are stimulating, so this something to keep in mind when working with the deck.

The guidebook is structured in a way that gradually introduces the reader to the fundamental concepts of numerology. Templeton shares how the deck came to be, a background on numerology, how to use the cards, and spreads that work well for the deck. There’s also a quick meditation offer for readers to get in a good frame of mind for reading the cards.

One thing that’s really interesting about this deck is that the numbers are not in chronological order. There are five card types: numerology, karmic, abundance, archangel, and ascended master cards. Templeton has chosen to separate numbers into these different categories based on her knowledge of the each number’s energetic frequency. This was a novel approach to numerology, and I think it makes for a real interesting oracle read.

Since the numbers do not go in order, readers need to rely on the table of contents in the guidebook to find their entry, or otherwise they can simply flip through until they find it. Every entry in the guidebook has a two-page of guidance bout the card’s message, but the focus of the messages change based on the category of the card.

The numerology card descriptions focus on why the reader may have pulled the card and actions it would be good, often involving working with or wearing a certain color. The archangel and ascended master card entries share about the energy of these divine beings, how they are showing up to support the reader, and insight on how to  work with them. The karmic cards entries focus on areas of personal development on a soul-level, while the abundance cards share the wisdom gained from the symbols of wealth depicted on the card.

Templeton doesn’t really delve into why the number is representative of each energy, rather she focuses on communicating the energy in the form of an oracle guidance. Her style writing is clear and concise, making the message of each card very easy to understand and integrate into one’s life. She often offers a practical application for the card, opening readers to applying numerological concepts to real-life situations. This hands-on approach helps to reinforce learning and encourages readers to trust their intuition as they delve deeper into the world of numerology.

Overall, Numerology Oracle is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the mystical and empowering world of numerology. Templeton successfully conveys the transformative potential of numerology as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery. With its blend of insightful theory and practical application, the book is sure to inspire readers to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the magic of numbers in their lives.

Sisters of the Fae Oracle Deck, by Ashley Frost

Sisters of the Fae Oracle Deck, by Ashley Frost and illustrated by Leah Shoman
Sacred Scribe Publishing, 9798987986653, 33 cards, 80 pages, 2024

In creating Sister of the Fae Oracle Deck, Ashley Frost and Leah Shoman have combined ethereal artwork with messages from the divine wisdom of fairies. Each card is a little work of art, which has been placed inside a floral frame. I was drawn to the deck because of the fairy reference and the beautiful images on the cards. The energy of this deck is light and airy with gorgeous, whimsical images and a beautiful typeface.

Ashley Frost is a mystic, women’s circle leader, and space holder for the divine feminine.  As a bridge between worlds, Frost is a Spirit messenger and loves to help other women connect as well. She has co-created two other oracle decks and co-founded a women’s group on Youtube called Boo Babes.  She is a wife, a mom to three daughters and also loves to write poetry and sing.

Leah Shoman is a crystal energy healer, publisher, author, and deck creator, who brings guidance from Spirit to her clients and readers. She has published numerous decks and books. She also has an online crystal shop where she offers crystals sourced from around the world. You can learn more about her work here.

These cards are standard oracle card size and come with a companion guidebook. They have a matte finish that beautifully complements the images of women, fairies, flowers, and birds. The cards are a nice thickness and will stand up to repeated shuffling. I especially like how the cards and guidebook fit nicely into the very sturdy box, which has a type of double insert that provides extra support and a thin box top that slides over the cards.

I appreciate that every card is numbered because the guidebook is not arranged alphabetically. You have to look up the card in the guidebook by number by the table of contents. In addition to the guidebook entry for each card, Frost includes an introduction, guidance on how to use the cards, and three different spreads. The guidebook is printed in full color with a serif font that adds a feminine touch to the verbiage. I love Frost’s suggestion for working with this deck:

 “Work with the fae for inner child healing and embrace a joyous, limitless perspective on your spiritual journey . . . Connect with fairies to unlock soul codes and unearth wisdom.”36

One extra card is included with the deck, which I saw as a type of invocation or prayer. You can read this card before doing a reading to set the tone or invite the fairy realm to enter your space. Here is just one portion of that message:

“We send this creation into your hands with love and an intention of remembrance. We bring this to you so you may find the beauty within Mother Earth while also seeing beyond the mundane and connecting with your fairy guides.”38

To get started, I pulled a single card for myself and drew “Magnolia Mirror.”  The guidance reminded me to “look within and see what has been working as a mirror within your life and what has been triggering you.”39 It then followed with the reminder, “Triggers are mirrors and they are gifts. They show us where we are not free within our own journey.”40

I took the advice and went out on my patio with my journal. I asked the fairies to show me triggers that were robbing me of joy.  Very quickly, three situations came to mind and I wrote and wrote and then released the energy into my favorite tree. So very healing!

Next, I FaceTimed with one of my friends and asked if I could pull a card for her.  After a quick shuffle, I drew the card “Earthly Realms.”  As I began sharing the guidance from the book, my friend threw back her head and began to laugh.  She lives by a park in our little town and has been thinking about going over to walk the trails.  She says every day dawns and then ends, but she stays inside.  This was the encouragement she needed to get out and enjoy nature!

Later, when I went to my local coffee shop to pick up a latte and one of their delicious scones, the girl who took my order recognized me from my Friday cards group. She asked if I had any cards with me. I happen to have Sisters of the Fae in my bag!  She drew the card “Saffron Fields,” and as she read the guidance, I could tell she was tearing up from this message:

“The energy of the saffron is softly embracing you, giving you permission to release. Allow those tears to flow. You have been holding on to this for far too long. It is safe to let this go. Your tears are so magical. It is healthy to cry and once released, you will feel as light as an airy fairy.”41

What a beautiful message for this woman, who had shared with me on more than one occasion that she is a mom to three children, goes to school, and works full time. Quite a lot from one woman to handle! The fairies gave her permission to lay down her burdens and have a good cry! How magical!

I would recommend Sisters of the Fae Oracle Deck for both novice and experienced card readers. The guidance is so soft and gentle, yet it comes through with clear and direct messages of love and support from the fairies.

Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck, by Jen McCarty

Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck, by Jen McCarty with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell
Muse Oracle Press, 0645885061, 90 pages, 44 cards, November 2024

Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck by Jen McCarty, with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell, is a captivating and insightful tool for deepening one’s metaphysical understanding of the world, specifically through the teachings of Neville Goddard. Creator Jen McCarty, who also published Little Book of Neville Goddard Quotes, has dedicated herself to sharing the impactful wisdom of Goddard. This unique deck is comprised of cards that offer oracle insights based on Goddard’s teaching, further illuminating his spiritual insights and presenting the one(s) most relevant to the reader at any given moment.

“If you commit to working with this oracle deck, you will grasp Neville’s core foundational teachings, and they will assist you in transforming your limited beliefs, becoming one with your higher self, and manifesting the life of your greatest imaginings.”1

One of Goddard’s core beliefs was that human imagination is God, and therefore, individuals can manifest their desires into reality through the power of thought and belief. This belief is reflected in the title of this deck, Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck, which awakens the subconscious and helps readers to remember the potency of their mind.

The deck’s artwork is truly a feast for the eyes, which quite literally appear in quite a few cards’ imagery. Stephanie Wicker-Campbell’s illustrations are filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, each card telling its own story through a blend of mystical and fantastical themes. Blending themes of pyramids, the cosmos, and natural landscapes into surreal art, this deck opens the portals of the imagination. The imagery is not only visually appealing but also deeply symbolic, inviting users to delve deeper into their subconscious and explore the messages within.

Goddard’s teachings are vast and wonderful, yet can sometimes feel antiquated or hard to understand. McCarty’s insights based on his work, on the other hand, are very relatable to the modern day reader and serve a wonderful stepping-stone for those who seek to learn more about Goddard.

Within the guidebook, McCarty has crafted each entry with the love and care of a true spiritual devotee, offering interpretations of Goddard’s teaching that are both profound and accessible. In reading her interpretations of the cards, it’s clear McCarty really reflected deeply on Goddard’s messages, integrated them on a soul level, and thoughtfully interpreted them into oracle form for the reader. Her writing encourages introspection and personal growth, making the deck a valuable tool for metaphysical exploration.

For each entry, there’s the image of the card, a quote from Goddard, McCarty’s interpretation of the card, and occasionally a one-sentence message of empowerment.

For instance the first card I pulled from this deck was Awaken to Christ Consciousness. McCarty writes how this card “boldly asserts that Christ cannot be confined within the boundaries of historical records or external rituals. Instead, it assets that the true revelation of Christ occurs when we recognize the transformative potential of our own imagination.”39 McCarty recommends visualizing one of my greatest heart’s desires after pulling this card, as I’m in the process of a huge transformation that brings more of my higher self into the physical material world.  The entry further states:

“When it appears in a reading, it serves as a powerful reminder of our true identity. We are reminded that we are potent creative forces – fractals of divine source energy.”40

And quite honestly, the reading was spot-on! I do feel like I’m going through a metamorphosis, and this card was a wonderful reminder to tap into my spiritual nature more to guide the process. I also enjoyed how McCarty mentioned connecting with Christ outside the bounds of history or ritual, as I’ve grown away from my Catholic spiritual origins yet still feel like there’s a lot of spiritual potential in forming a deeper relationship with Christ consciousness.

One of the best features of this deck is its versatility. It can be used for daily inspiration, meditation, or as a supplement to other practices like manifestation or creative projects. The cards encourage users to feel confident in their spiritual nature, prompting them to examine outdated beliefs and consciously choose to embrace their higher self by aligning their mind with God.

Overall, Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck is a testament to the collaborative creativity of McCarty and Wicker-Campbell. This oracle deck offers a harmonious balance of visual artistry and spiritual insight, making it a wonderful companion for anyone seeking to enhance their connection with the mystical aspects of life. Whether you’re an experienced oracle reader or a curious spiritual explorer, Mystic’s Imaginarium Oracle Deck is sure to inspire and guide you on your path by opening you to the wisdom of mystic Neville Goddard. This deck is a beautiful blend of spiritual guidance and artistic expression, making it a unique addition to any collection.