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.”2 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.”3
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.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
Creatrix Awakened Oracle Deck: Fierce Feminine Frequency Leaders by Shannon Van Den Berg, with illustrations by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell, is a captivating and empowering tool for delving into the realms of divine feminine energy. Designed to support “awakening leaders and visionary creators”4, this potent deck communicates frequencies to awaken, inspire, and support the change-makers of our times as they expand into new possibilities of becoming. The guidebook reads:
“Within these cards, you will find facets of leadership, embodiment, and liberation. Each card is infused with ancient and cosmic codes, designed to activate you and guide you through initiation, breakthroughs, deaths and rebirths.”5
This deck consists of absolutely beautifully illustrated cards, each one portraying a different archetype or aspect of the fierce feminine spirit. Stephanie Wicker-Campbell’s artwork is both vibrant and evocative, capturing the essence of each theme with bold colors and intricate details. Her illustrations serve as a visual meditation, drawing the user into a deeper connection with the card’s message. There’s a beauty and intensity within each card, showcasing the spiritual fierceness of the divine feminine.
Accompanying the deck is a guidebook authored by Shannon Van Den Berg, which provides insightful interpretations and practical guidance for each card. There are three types of cards in this deck: Activation, Wisdom, and Embodiment. Activation cards focus on sacred disruptor archetypes that are essential to the awakening process. Wisdom cards provide guidance about one’s soul mission. And the Embodiment cards offer insight of the divine feminine in the form of goddesses, priestesses, and archetypes.
The Wisdom cards are very unique because they were personally transmitted by sixteen featured authors who contributed to this deck. As a result, each entry in the guidebook differs a bit, depending on the message that came through for the featured author. In the back of the guidebook, there’s a profile on each of the sixteen authors, sharing their biography and website to learn more about their work.
For the rest of the cards–Activation and Embodiment–Van Den Berg’s writing is both accessible and profound, offering users a blend of ancient wisdom and modern spiritual practices to enhance their readings. The messages encourage self-reflection and personal growth, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their intuition and embrace their personal power. For each card there is a description of the meaning, along with a journal prompt, practice to do, and mantra.
The first card I pulled from this deck was Lineage Disruptor. I immediately resonated with this card, as I’m currently living with family and feel myself doing deep ancestral work, ranging from studying ancestral astrology to having the tough conversations about positive changes our family can make. It feels exhausting at times, but this card was instant confirmation that I am making a difference. The guidebook description for this card reads:
“This card symbolizes your sacred offerings for the generations to come, marking a significant era where strides are taken to disentangle and free lineages from antiquated and harmful patterns. As a lineage disruptor, you play a pivotal role in this transformative journey, standing at the crossroads of ancestral clear and the creation of a heart-centered path.”6
This is one of the activation cards, so I feel like it was a blessing on this path, further initiating me into the current spiritual path I am pursuing. I really enjoyed further exploring the energy of the card through the journal prompts, one of which reads “What ancestral patterns do you feel called to disrupt?”7 My journal session brought me a lot of clarity about my intention in communicating with my family and ancestors. I’ve been doing the practice every morning too, and I feel like this meditation is further awakening a new awareness in my energy field.
One of the standout features of this oracle deck is its focus on inclusivity and diversity. The cards depict women from various cultural backgrounds, celebrating the universal nature of feminine energy and leadership. This thoughtful representation makes the deck relatable to a wide audience, encouraging users to see themselves reflected in the cards.
Another thing I like about this deck is how the range of different cards makes for insightful readings. While there are suggested spreads, readers are definitely able to find their own style in working with the deck too. I’ve connected with the cards by doing single-card pulls daily and doing more intricate spreads. There’s a lot of energy coming through, but I feel like each time the messages easily blend together and are transmitted with clarity and precision.
Overall, the Creatrix Awakened Oracle Deck is a powerful tool for anyone seeking inspiration and empowerment from the divine feminine. Whether a seasoned oracle reader or a beginner, this deck offers a rich tapestry of wisdom and artistry that invites exploration and personal transformation. The creators–Van Den Berg, Wicker-Campbell, and their featured authors–have truly creatively captured incredible frequencies within this deck, opening the energetic pathway through their artwork and writing to share them with readers all over the world.
This is a gorgeous deck to come back to time and time again, as the activation and potential for growth are endless within each cycle of life. I love reading this deck and tuning into the powerful divine feminine energy it activates within myself, knowing there’s countless others all over the global also sharing in global awakening and healing taking place.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz is a captivating addition to the Season of the Witch series, particularly for those who are drawn to the spiritual and mystical aspects of autumn. Filled with fall foliage and scenes of the harvest season, the card in this deck encapsulates the bountiful feelings of this season
The authors describe in their introduction how the cards in this deck “prioritize spiritual self-care, specifically care around establishing boundaries, surrendering to changes and letting go of what no longer serves.”1 This focus of shedding the old and nurturing oneself reminds me of the trees during the autumn season, dropping their leaves and going inward to make it through the dark winter season. There’s even “Falling leaves spread” the authors share too, along with other ones such as “Molasses spread” and “Maple tree spread”.
The guidebook that accompanies the deck is comprehensive and thoughtfully written. Anderson and Diaz have done an excellent job of providing clear interpretations and practical guidance for each card. For every entry, they share keywords, a one-sentence message, and then a two-page explanation of the card’s meaning.
The explanations all begin with “Your higher self chose this card because…”. I really liked this style! First, it made me feel connected to my spiritual self while reading. And second, it really delves into the “why” this card came through when it did and what it’s meant to be pointing out in that moment.
In the week leading up to Mabon, I pulled a card from this deck every day. Four times, including on actual Mabon, I got the card Reaper. It was one of those instances when it was loud and clear a message was coming through. The one-sentence message for this card reads:
“For the birth of something new to manifest the death of something holding you back is inevitable.”7
The keywords associated with the cards are “endings, sudden change, unhealthy attachments”8. It felt like I was really being asked to take stock of patterns in my life and make adjustments, even if it felt hard or like I wasn’t ready to do things a different (and more likely healthier) way. I appreciated how this deck doesn’t sugar coat things and focuses on both the dark and light aspects of the messages we need to hear for our own spiritual growth.
This balancing of light and dark, reflective of the autumn equinox is one of the best parts of this deck. This time of year is traditionally associated with gratitude, balance, and reflection, and the cards in this deck beautifully encapsulate these themes. The richer tones of this deck highlight the darkness that is beginning to descend while also honoring the joys that the light has brought, such as healthy crops to make stews, brews, and all the other autumn delights.
Some of the cards in this deck include Campfire, Corn maze, Cranberries, Foraging, Mead and wine, Pomegranate, Queen of the Dead, Scarecrow, Tea magick, Whiskey, and Wool. Just skimming through the cards and looking at the images on them gives me the fall feels–cozy moments, crispy air, and lots of community gatherings.
The artwork on the cards, created by Tijana Lukovic, is rich, evocative, and deeply resonant with the energy of the season. Each card is a work of art that invites the reader to delve into the symbolism and meaning of the card’s title. The dark hues balanced by the light perfectly capture the equilibrium of night and day that the autumn equinox marks.
One of the strengths of Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is its ability to inspire introspection and personal growth. The cards encourage users to explore their inner worlds, reflect on their lives, and embrace the cycles of change and renewal. This makes the deck not only a tool for divination but also a valuable resource for personal development and spiritual practice. Whether a reader dose a one-card pull daily or decorates an altar with the cards, there’s a lot of potency imbued in the deck.
In terms of usability, the cards are of high quality, with a sturdy cardstock that shuffles easily and feels good in the hands. The size of the cards is also practical, striking a balance between being large enough to appreciate the detailed artwork and small enough to handle comfortably.
Overall, Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully designed deck that offers both aesthetic pleasure and profound insights of autumn. It is a wonderful addition to any oracle card collection, especially for those who resonate with the energies and the themes of Mabon. Whether you are new to oracle cards or a seasoned practitioner, this deck is sure to provide inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
The Oracle of Awakening, by Lalania Simone Weiser Books, 9781578638628, 112 pages, 44 cards, October 2024
In stunning The Oracle of the Awakening, the creator Lalania Simone has gifted the world with her guidance, her art, and her magic. From the first time you look at the box cover and its purple foil accents, you know that something special is inside.
Lalania Simone is an indigenous artist, metalsmith, author and creator of tarot and oracle decks. She has written a book called Urban Soul Warrior: Self-mastery in the Midst of the Metropolis and created two tarot decks. She currently runs a spiritual boutique called Alchemy Ritual Goods. In this shop she and her partner provide acupuncture/herbs, traditional spiritual healing practices, Usui Reiki, and several types of divination. Simone also creates custom jewelry pieces. You can learn more about Simone on her website.
The guidebook features an introduction which shares:
“The Oracle of awakening was created with the intention of bringing the energy of unconditional love to each person who works with these cards.”9
Simone features a combination of digital art and collage “filled with high-frequency energy and intention.”10 She shares a simple section on using the cards and two spreads. I really liked the spread called “Inner Alignment.” With four cards, you can get clarity around these key questions:
What do you need to balance?
What do you need to accept?
What do you need to release?
Message advice from spirit.
The guidebook is printed in black and white with a thumbnail and two to three pages of guidance for each card. Simone includes a one sentence summary of the overall message of the card, key words, and then shares guidance. Some cards include a clearing exercise, while others feature a practice or meditation that compliments the guidance. She also shares an affirmation for many of the cards.
The cards and guidebook are encased in a sturdy box with purple metallic stamping for the type and a beautiful, lacy dragonfly. The cards are a nice weight for shuffling and are a standard oracle deck size at 4 X 5.5”. The colors of the cards are designed with vibrant jewel tones and purple metallic edges.
A variety of plants, people, animals, and symbols fill the cards from Simone’s rich heritage. In addition to her mother’s Mexican history and her father’s Puerto Rican roots, Simone can trace her family back to fifteen different regions of the globe.
To test the deck, I pulled cards for myself each day for three days. It was amazing how the guidance from the guidebook spoke to me. Also, the images on the photos evoked memories or feelings from my past and gave me a way to peel back the layers of feelings and receive healing.
For example, the first day, I pulled the card “Download.” The woman featured on the card really spoke to me, reminding me of my younger self. The guidance reminded me that the Universe is always guiding me, sending me signs and messages. Lately, I’ve become a little jaded and perhaps not as open to guidance from my own team. This card was the wake up call I needed!
Next, I shared the deck with my friends at my Coffee & Cards group. One friend pulled the “Fierce-Stand in Your Power” card and said right away that it really resonated with her. “This card for whatever reason has reminded and rekindled the fierce side of me that I can tap into!”
Another friend drew the “Clearing” card, which suggested taking time to “purify, refresh and fortify.” She shared: “Perfect guidance for the situation I had in mind when I chose the card. Sometimes we need to be reminded to clear negativity instead of feeding it. Was just the validation that I needed.”
And a third friend pulled the card entitled “Gentleness,” which featured the key words “compassion, kindness and soft.” Not only did she love the message she received, but she had this to say about the deck:
“I feel this deck is not only a perfect fit for those who are initially awakening to their intuitive abilities, but also for those who are attuning and integrating the expansion of their intuitive abilities. These cards are so beautiful and are energetically radiant with a centered calm for the inner turmoil and chaos.”
I agree totally with my friend on that note! As you glance through the deck, you see beautiful images, including flowers, exotic animals, and unusual fruit or plants, not to mention the strong women from many different cultures. Each image evokes a memory or a desire to learn more about the symbol or feeling that floats in.
The Oracle of Awakeningwould be great for anyone who loves and uses an oracle deck for daily divination. The warm, bright colors are so beautiful and life affirming. The symbolism is rich and multi-layered. I plan to keep this deck on hand to use as a way to close readings that I do for clients. I’ll also put it in my bag for my Friday group, due to the great response from my friends.
PJ Spur is an author, intuitive, spiritual mentor, astrologer, and hypnotist. She does tarot & oracle card readings, natal chart readings, grief coaching, and relationship healing. She also has hosted a weekly “Coffee & Cards” event with her Soul Compass Community for the past four years. Her book Navigating Grief with Grace is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.dearpj.com
With her oracle card deck, Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle, Lisa Biritz has captured concepts and guidance from many of the cultures around the world and the cosmos. This deck is bright and light and carries healing wisdom for life here on earth.
Lisa Biritz, born in Amsterdam and raised in the US and Europe, studied journalism in Boston and built a successful career writing and editing magazines. She has written two books, created two oracle decks, and continues to enjoy writing. While in college, she delved into shamanism, Mayan wisdom, Buddhism, and Hawaiian Huna, and she is also trained in Reiki, Ho’oponopono, shiatsu, and yoga. Passionate about the ocean and dolphins, she has spoken at the UN about their significance and takes people on transformative journeys with marine life in Hawaii, where she lives with her family, dividing her time between Hawaii and Europe.
As a small child, illustrator Petra Kühne started capturing the beauty of nature through her paintings. After studying sociology, she worked for a publishing house, illustrating cards for Chuck Spezzano’s works and later creating the Oracle of the Birds card deck. Now a full-time freelance illustrator living in Germany, Kühne views her imaginative and spiritual artwork as a way to share inner, archetypical realities with the world.
What attracted me to this deck was the cover art, which features a priestess or shaman communing with our galaxy of planets and stars. Who among us has ever looked to the heavens for answers? Our ancient ancestors knew that our origins lie in the stars. This card set, based on ancient shamanic traditions, was created to assist you in discovering insights into your cosmic connections.10
In her introduction, Biritz gives the reader information on many of the indigenous people, including those from Hawaii, Australia, Ireland and Greece. She briefly discussed human DNA and how that might tie-in with other life forms from our solar system. Biritz invites you to learn more about yourself and our entire universe. She covers various star systems such as Pleiades, Sirius, Orion and Andromeda. She also includes notes about the Hopi, the Maya and shamanic wisdom.
I found it interesting that she included many of the “so called ‘negative aliens’”11. She talks about how people are afraid of these beings and provides information on how to protect yourself from their dark energies. She also discusses implants and how to free yourself.
Biritz includes two different ways to work with the cards, from selecting a card for the day to pulling out 14 special cards that represent the 14 star groups and working only with those cards. Within the section that includes the card guidance, Biritz shares background on the star being or cosmic or spiritual aspect reflected on the card, as well as an exercise for working with the energy of the card’s focal point.
For some cards, Biritz includes a special section for helping the reader ascertain if they might be one of the star beings featured. For example, for the card called “Andromedans,” she has a section called “How to tell if you are an Andromedan starseed.”12 Here, she lists qualities or life experiences that may mean that you are aligned with the energy of the given star being.
On another card called “Happiness and Joy,” the author shares “How to bring happiness into your life.”13 For each card, Biritz provides what she calls an “Exercise,” which is peaceful, soothing verbiage that you can record and playback for a relaxing meditation.
For example, I drew the card “DNA Stimulation.” I recorded the exercise and then stepped out onto my patio to enjoy a few quiet moments. The meditation invited me to relax my body and my brain and then ask my brain “to stimulate and activate the dormant DNA in your body.”14 After I finished the meditation, I sat for a while and listened to the birds and felt the cool breeze on my face. It was exhilarating!
Kühne’s illustrations are galactic, cosmic and truly out of this world. The star beings are depicted as sweet, loving creatures in vivid, rich colors. I connected with many of the images and especially loved the artwork for “Star Child Awakening” and “Happiness and Joy”.
The cards are the standard size for oracle cards at 4” X 5.5” and come with the same size guidebook in a nice sturdy box. The cards are a nice weight and shuffle easily.
I shared the cards with my weekly card group and one friend drew the “Angels” card. She said that the message really resonated for her, as she has spent the last few weeks getting her son ready to go off to college.
“I’ve called on my angels several times for support. This card really resonates with me, because it’s confirmation that they are really here to help me during this time.”
Another friend drew the card “Cleansing External Energies.” She related that she loved the message, which was a reminder to cleanse her energy after being out in public with a lot of people. She also said that she had been taking more baths lately and now she knew why. She took a photo of the exercise, which included a visualization of cleansing with water, when getting to a bathtub or shower is impractical at that moment.
Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle would be perfect for anyone who is interested in learning more about beings in our galaxy and beyond. I plan to keep the deck close by for working with clients who have an interest in claiming their heritage as a certain type of starseed or star being.
PJ Spur is an author, intuitive, spiritual mentor, astrologer, and hypnotist. She does tarot & oracle card readings, natal chart readings, grief coaching, and relationship healing. She also has hosted a weekly “Coffee & Cards” event with her Soul Compass Community for the past four years. Her book Navigating Grief with Grace is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.dearpj.com
Season of the Witch – Lammas Oracleby Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz, with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic, is a captivating addition to Seasons of Witch oracle deck sires, particularly for those who resonate with the themes of the Wheel of the Year. As the seventh one released in the collection, this oracle deck is centered around Lammas, a festival celebrating the first harvest, and it weaves together the wisdom and spirit of this sacred time.
I always look forward to a new Seasons of the Witch deck because I love how perfectly Anderson, Diaz, and Lukovic capture the energy of the sabbats. There’s repeating patterns I’ve noticed in the decks–the foiled edges, the artistic style, and the uplifting messages focused on self-reflection and personal growth. Yet for each deck, the creators have drawn upon energies related to the time of the year and centered the guidebook messages and artwork around that theme. In the introduction, they write:
“We have decided to reclaim this sabbat as the energy of the boss witch and created this deck to support you in becoming the CEO of your life. It doesn’t matter whether you start a business or not, because it isn’t about the hustle but about taking control of your life and being brave enough to chase after your desires.”1
I feel like this energy matches Lammas since it’s always a season when I start feeling called to get things organized and prepared for the coming winter. I start noticing what’s been working this year through spring and summer, harvesting what’s cropped up with intentions of planting again next year, as well as what needs to be weeded to create more room for growth. And clearly the creators were also thinking in terms of vegetation as there’s a strong farm theme within the imagery of the deck.
The deck is comprised of 44 exquisitely illustrated cards, each adorned with Lukovic’s thoughtful artwork. The illustrations are rich with symbolism and gentle colors that evoke the essence of the end of summer and the bountiful harvest it provides. Images of fruit trees, sunflowers, bushels of apples, and corn connect readers to the abundance of the natural world during this time.
Lukovic’s art does more than merely decorate; it captures the Lammas theme of community, gathering the crops, and enjoying the final golden days of summers swimming and going to the county fair. Looking through the deck, one feels the mixture of work it has taken to get this far alongside the release that comes from finally being able to reap the benefits of what’s been toiled for. While the deck draws upon an idealization of a simple life (the images looks very relaxing and old-timey), I love how the cards bring forth the gratitude and appreciation for what has come to friction during Lammas, reminding the reader of pleasures of enjoying the bounty that’s been cultivated with care, intention, and love.
The guidebook that accompanies the deck is equally impressive, offering clear and insightful interpretations for each card, along with practical advice on how to incorporate the messages into one’s daily life through oracle spreads such as Sunflower Cross Spread, Prayers to the Earth Spread, and Vegetable Garden spread. The authors also suggest pulling a daily card, picking a guiding light card for the month, and creating a Lammas altar. There’s even a QR code for readers to scan to learn more about Lammas correspondences for their altar creation.
The deck’s messages are uplifting and empowering, emphasizing themes of gratitude, abundance, and the cyclical nature of life. For every entry in the guidebook, the authors offer key words, a summary sentence (the same message on the card itself), and insight into the card’s meaning. For some entries there are also additional rituals, meditations, recipes, or spells too.
My favorite card in the deck that I’ve pulled so far is Welcoming the Harvest. The image on the card is of a woman sitting on the back of a truck whose bed is filled to the brim with flowers, vegetables, and fruits. The amber waves of grain sway around her as black birds circle above in the blue sky. She sits and enjoys a bite of an apple, eyes closed as she savors the moment. The card reads:
“Expect growth and expansion, as your hard work has paid off. It’s time to celebrate!”15
The keywords for this card in the guidebook are “results, return on investments”16. And for the interpretation, the authors describe how this card symbolizes being on the right path and heading towards success in both short-term gains and long-term investments. It felt like such a great affirmation for the work I’ve been doing recently, and I was thrilled to read the line, “Your determination, focus and drive are fueling excellent results.”17 I’ve been giving it my all and this was confirmation that what I’m doing is all worthwhile.
One thing I really also like about this deck is that while the deck holds the seasonal energy of Lammas, the authors encourage readers to work with this deck throughout the year too for certain endeavors. They suggest working with this deck when coming into a leadership position, if one is a business owner or team leader, to raise one’s standards or bring in a higher level of self-worth, when coinciding long-term investments, and to make “boss or high-level moves.”18 So if any of these themes feel relevant to you, this would be a great deck to work with year-round to tap into your inner wisdom and gain guidance.
For anyone seeking to attune their oracle readings to the rhythms of the natural world and wheel of the year, Season of the Witch – Lammas Oracle is a beautifully crafted tool that offers both inspiration and guidance. Anderson and Diaz have once again done an amazing job bringing forth the energy of a sabbat into meaningful and thoughtful oracle cards, while Lukovic’s artistic interpretation of the messages makes this deck a pleasure to work with. Readers of all levels will enjoy the feelings of plenty and abundance infused in this deck, especially those who enjoy the grounded, down to earth feeling of being connected to nature.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
In the darkness of winter, Imbolc is a time of fresh starts, hope, and renewal, as we begin to see signs of the spring returning. While others rush to make their new year’s resolution in January, I’ve always known the potent magic in waiting until Imbolc to start crafting my intentions. And this year I’m really excited to have Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz to turn to for guidance as I map out my intentions for the upcoming months.
The Seasons of the Witch oracle series has already moved through Yule, Samhain, and Mabon, and with this deck Anderson and Diaz turn their focus to encapsulating the energy of Imbolc into the next deck in the series. Anderson and Diaz describe how they find Imbolc “to be the most suited for solitary work, a time when you turn inward and focus on your hopes and dreams.”1
“Each card was brought to light with the hope that it would stimulate self-awareness rather than focusing on other people.”19
To better acquaint myself with the deck, I decided to flip through the guidebook before delving into a reading. Following the author’s introductions, there is a list of themes and areas of focus for Imbolc, an overview of how to use the cards, and card spreads. I really liked the authors’ idea of pulling a monthly guiding-light card, photocopying it, and placing it in areas you’ll see throughout the day to remind you of the energy. Anderson and Diaz also describe how after reader feedback from other decks, they decided to shift from invocations to mini messages that give a glimpse of the card’s meaning.
The cards themselves have a calm, tranquil energy. I instantly feel at ease when I’m holding the deck. They shimmer with their navy-blue gilded edges, and the image on the back of the moon with candles surrounding it brings a soft, gentle illumination. The cards’ imagery remind me of the concept of hygge, bringing warming feelings of contentment or well-being. Some card names are Cinnamon Rolls, Casserole, Greenhouse, Amethyst, Snowflakes, Groundhog, Dawn, and Aquarius.
The coloring is a perfect mixture of healing darkness with soft light, reminding readers of the bliss that comes in the quiet stillness of the deep winter, but also honoring the winter blues. In the mix there are plenty of cards that invite the reader to delve into their grief and longing and create a sacred space for healing and transformation to occur. It is only through having the courage to face the dark that we can find the light within again; with this deck, we are safely held to explore our inner realms and wash away the old to pave way for the new.
My first time using this deck I did a one-card pull and got Arts and Crafts. It instantly felt very aligned, as I have been longing to create space in my schedule to do some crafting projects. Recently, I’ve been longing to create a winter vision board, bake and build a gingerbread house, and make my own witch’s ball and/or spell jar. The card felt like an intuitive nudge to follow this whim.
Then reading the message for Arts and Crafts hit home even more. It reads:
“The Arts and Crafts card comes to you when you are trying to manifest your vision using other people’s means and methods instead of creating something for yourself. . . Don’t cut yourself short thinking you don’t have the skill to bring your ideas and visions to life, because skills can be learned and mastered.”20
Recently, I have been relying on other people, hoping their dreams pan out and I fit in somewhere, rather than pursuing my own visions. This card was a gentle reminder of my creativity, from the daily crafts I will start to build to the greater vision of my life that I am now feeling ready to begin tending again.
My next time using this deck was to gain insight into how I could heal an important relationship in my life. I chose the Rosemary bread spread (yum, right?) that the authors warn “is not for the faint of heart”21 as it will reveal honestly if the relationship is better mended or if it has reached its natural conclusion and it’s time to part ways. The positioning of four main cards gives insight into whether or not the relationship should continue, and the cards five-a and five-b are to be read depending on if the answer is “yes” to mend the relationship or “no” to heal and move on.
When I read the first four cards in the spread, I was honestly shocked by the accuracy. It was as though the deck tapped into the situation perfectly and laid before me the truth that I had been unintentionally shielding myself from. The essence of the message was that my partner and I were not in alignment with our higher purpose; I am being non-committal, while he is lacking focus. The fourth card, Peppermint, revealed it was time for a clearing of toxic patterns. (Sidenote: It was interesting that Peppermint came up for me too because it’s an herb I’ve been feeling really called to work with recently!)
From the spread, I determined the message was to mend, and so I read the follow-up card that pretty much pointed to us needing to do some shadow work to overcome these recurring issues. Sharing this information with my partner led to a much-needed discussion about our future, and afterwards we felt more connected than we had in a while. I definitely felt the author’s intention for this deck to help readers focusing on their own inner work rather than other people’s expectations of you helped to restore balance in my relationship.
So far, I think this is my favorite Season of the Witch deck yet. Just like the others, it perfectly captures the essence of the sabbat. But I think Imbolc is often overlooked, as it has a quiet energy compared to some of the other more bold sabbats, such as Samhain and Yule. These cards are a perfect way to attune yourself to the gentle unfolding of Imbolc during the winter. Though, I feel there’s plenty of insight to gain from using them as one feels called throughout the year as well.
Overall, I highly recommend Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle. Anderson and Diaz are doing a wonderful job of distilling the essence of the sabbats into these decks. The cards for Imbolc perfectly capture the energy of this season; they are warm and cozy with unexpected depth. This deck will help you to delve into the hidden emotions to reconnect with yourself and determine what’s of true value in your life and worth pursuing as a new beginning.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.
In Taoism, the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are the building blocks of the universe. The elements present at birth shape our personalities and desires. Through Chinese astrology, we can attune to our own personal elemental compositions, promoting deeper self-awareness, growth, and healing.
The Chinese Five Elements Oracle combines the five elements with the twelve zodiac animals to create all sixty possible pairings. This deck was created by Indonesian-born Chinese Feng Shui consultant and astrologer Vicki Iskandar, and illustrated by Candice Soon, a self-taught artist from Singapore. It consists of sixty cards and a 185-page guidebook, representing Iskandar’s unique vision of the sixty Pillars, brought to life through Soon’s gorgeous illustrations. In her personal practice, Iskandar blends Chinese and Western astrology. Since 2012, she has shared daily astrological guidance on Twitter under the handle @5elementsoracle.
This deck is beginner-friendly, with the accompanying guidebook offering a comprehensive introduction to Chinese metaphysics, Taoism, and astrology. According to Chinese mythology, the ordering of the animal signs was established based on the outcome of a Great Race. The Rat hitched a ride on the Ox and leaped across the finish line first, winning the race and being awarded the position of first sign in the Chinese zodiac by the Jade Emperor, the Taoist ruler of the Universe.
The sixty cards, or Pillars, are divided into six cycles of ten Heavenly Stems, and the opening cycle explores the themes of Wisdom and Communication, beginning with the Wood Rat, the deck’s inaugural card and leader of the first cycle. I was born in the year of the Wood Rat, so I was thrilled to discover it was the first card in the deck when I opened the box.
Iskandar explains that the sixty cards are organized into a cyclical pattern known as the “great sexagenary cycle.”1 Each ten-card cycle begins with Yang Wood and concludes with Yin Water, while the twelve animal signs follow their traditional order: “The Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (also called Goat or Ram), the Monkey, the Bird (or Rooster), the Dog, and the Pig (or Boar).”2
Iskandar substitutes the more familiar Rooster with the Bird, often depicted as a phoenix, due to the sign’s Yin Metal elemental energy. The Rooster, with its masculine connotations, doesn’t accurately reflect the sign’s feminine nature. Iskandar emphasizes the importance of understanding the elemental composition of each animal sign rather than relying on superficial characteristics.
Intrigued by the potential insights offered by this oracle, I immediately began exploring the Pillars associated with my family, friends, and pets. I wanted to familiarize myself with the individual qualities of each sign before delving into divinatory use of the cards.
2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, and I examined the corresponding card in this deck to contemplate how this energy might be influencing the collective. The wise Wood Dragon is the first of the “Power and Authority Cards,” and according to Iskandar, it “represents tremendous strength and faith in a positive outcome, even in the midst of adversity.”22 This card advises us to lead authentic lives, act with integrity, and use our personal power and influence for the greater good.
Feeling prepared to delve into the oracle’s divinatory potential, I turned my attention to the suggested practices outlined in the guidebook. Iskandar emphasizes the importance of a clear and receptive mindset, recommending a brief meditation before each reading. She also advises against using the cards during the energetically potent periods of the New and Full Moons, which are either too Yin or too Yang, as well as during stormy weather.
Iskandar offers a variety of oracle spreads, and I decided to start with the one card draw, which is called “One with the Tao.”23
“Taoism is about simplicity, and the simplest way to ask for guidance is to draw a card from the deck, especially when you’re seeking a quick answer, an insight into a specific matter, or an affirmation from your guides,” Iskandar says. “If a card jumps out before you pick one, it’s the Tao picking a card for you.”24
Turning the cards facedown to shuffle, I was dazzled by the beauty of the card backs, which depict the yin-yang dalliance of a phoenix and a dragon, the ultimate power couple in Feng Shui. They swirl in a galaxy of color, before a backdrop of stars. The phoenix has a rainbow of tail feathers with peacock eyes, while the dragon coils around her with sea green hair and a blur of pastel scales.
I didn’t have a specific question in mind, so I just asked for general guidance from the Tao. While I was shuffling, I saw a dragon’s head appear before my mind’s eye, signifying Yang energy. After I spent some time thoroughly shuffling the deck, the Tao flipped over a card for me: “Wood Horse: Live and Love Joyfully,” which depicts a horse galloping through a forest with sunlight streaming down through the canopy of branches and leaves.
This energetic card carries the elemental energy of Yang Wood, symbolizing expansion and growth, and the Horse is a harbinger of “unbridled joy.”
“Heaven is there to guide you to a bright future, while Earth stands ready to bring you opportunities,”25 Iskandar says.
What a beautiful and reassuring message!
This versatile deck is a wonderful tool for exploring Chinese astrology, delving into natal charts, and seeking oracular wisdom from the Tao. For those eager to dive deeper into Chinese astrology beyond their year Pillar, Iskandar’s website offers a BaZi chart calculator to reveal your Four Pillars of Destiny and more.
The Chinese Five Elements Oracle is a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty. This is the first deck of its kind that I’ve seen, and it will be a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced practitioners of Chinese astrology.
Rachel Christina McConnell is a witch, tarot reader, intuitive astrologer, and writing spider. She holds an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University in the City of New York. Her short stories have appeared in Dark Moon Lilith Press and Minerva Rising Press’s The Keeping Room. Links to her publications are available here: https://rachelchristinamcconnell.wordpress.com
With her Daily Light Affirmation Deck, Joanna Hunter combines vibrant light codes and beautiful art with positive affirmations to support you. These divine messages can guide your daily activities or be used as a prompt for morning journaling.
Hunter is a teacher, author, speaker, podcast host and intuitive life and business coach. She is also High Priestess of the transformative group she calls Lightweb®. Hunter transitioned from marketing executive to spiritual coach after a major health scare several years ago. She channels a group of beings she calls Skyler and carries the sacred Codex of Light™ teachings. She serves as a spiritual guide for transformation and ascension.
Hunter has written two other books and published a previous oracle deck on abundance. After being born in Sweden, she moved to the Scottish Highlands at the age of 9. She lives in Scotland today and balances her spiritual work with her life as a mom and wife. Learn more about her at her website.
Stephanie Wicker-Campbell is a gifted illustrator and designer, who has illustrated Oracle decks, journals and book covers. She is also a keynote speaker and author in her own right. In a recent post, she expresses that she is stepping back from design work and focusing more on her publishing house, Muse Oracle Press. Wicker-Campbell resides in Australia. Learn more about her projects here.
What really interests me about this deck is the beautiful artwork of light codes, which can only be described as divinely inspired. Each card is designed with a beautiful pastel palette and a bright light that radiates from the center of each design. As I flip through the deck, I quickly notice that each card design is unique, with no two designs repeating. The quotes on each card are printed in gold and are brief enough to capture in your heart and mind and then take with you during your day.
There are two extra cards in the deck. One provides a bit of information about Hunter and a QR code to connect with the publishing house to learn more. The other card is double-sided and contains a personal note from Hunter that includes how best to work with the cards. She talks about shuffling the deck or placing the cards in some type of vessel and “gently swirling them.”26 I’ve learned many ways to shuffle decks, but I have never heard of placing the cards in a bowl or box and moving them around. I’m going to use my singing bowl and try this! She goes on to suggest:
“Allow serenity to wash over you, then draw a card – your affirmation for the day awaits. Let this affirmation dance through your day or pour your heart into journaling its significance to you.”27
At my monthly lunch with friends, I fanned out the cards and asked each friend to set an intention, form a silent prayer, or ask a question before selecting a card. One friend had an important choice to make about her business. She drew this card:
“I always make the choices that align me with happiness and greatness.”
Another friend had upcoming minor surgery. She read this quote:
“I love being healthy and wealthy.”
She also told me later about a silent prayer to resolve a financial issue. She received a 2 for 1!
For myself, I asked for support for a family issue I am struggling with. This is the message I received:
“I love feeling courageous and I choose to stand up for myself.”
I invited each woman to take a photo of her card and refer to it daily for the next week. One woman said she was going to make it her phone wallpaper!
The cards are square, much the same size as a drink coaster. They are printed on nice cardstock with rounded corners and gold edging. The paper has a nice matte coating with a satin finish on both sides. It’s very relaxing to hold the smooth cards and flip through the deck. Again, the stunning light codes seem to leap off each card and speak directly to my heart and soul. The cards feature a mix of pastel colors, with a light beaming from each one, as if Hunter is opening a portal into the Divine. The entire deck is very calming and affirming.
The deck comes in a beautiful heavyweight box that is only about an inch thick, making it the perfect size to tuck into a purse or bag. Inside the deck is a beautiful invocation:
“May daily light infuse your days and years with infinite blessings.”28
Daily Light Affirmation Deck is great for anyone who wants to set the tone for her day with a positive affirmation. I plan to keep them on my desk for a few weeks and draw a card each day, as part of my daily practice. I can also see how holding one while I meditate can infuse me with the energy from the light codes and further instill the affirmation. I will also be carrying these in a bag to share with friends at lunch or my Friday coffee and cards group. I absolutely love these cards and the positive messages that they embody!
As Hunter says:
“Remember, inviting in more light and joy need not be a daunting endeavor; it can be as effortless as this daily ritual. Each affirmation is a stepping stone, gracefully guiding your life toward the realm of infinite possibilities within the light that surrounds us.”29
PJ Spur is an author, intuitive, spiritual mentor, astrologer, and hypnotist. She does tarot & oracle card readings, natal chart readings, grief coaching, and relationship healing. She also has hosted a weekly “Coffee & Cards” event with her Soul Compass Community for the past four years. Her book Navigating Grief with Grace is available on Amazon. Learn more at www.dearpj.com
Color is all around us, spilling from the overturned bowl of the lazuline sky, bleeding rich green chlorophyll stains from the emerald grass crushed beneath our feet, and rustling in the rust and gold of autumn leaves, but we often take for granted the power of nature’s vibrant palette to affect our moods and energy levels. The Secret Language of Color Cards is a prismatic oracle for helping readers consciously integrate the healing power of color into their daily lives.
This deck was created by Inna Segal, the author of The Secret Language of Your Body: The Essential Guide to Health and Wellness. She is an intuitive healer with an inspirational story. As a teenager, Segal suffered from chronic back pain that was so intense, she could barely walk by the time she reached her early twenties, despite seeking the medical intervention of doctors and chiropractors. Through meditation, she awakened the ability to miraculously heal herself and release the pain, and she discovered that she could also perceive illnesses and energetic blockages in other people and assist them in the process of self-healing. Using her intuitive gifts, she has infused each card with a healing vibration.
There are only seven colors in the rainbow, but there are 45 cards in The Secret Language of Color oracle, which delves into the nuances of various shades, and the box includes an 84-page guidebook. When I opened the box, I was surprised by how ginormous the cards are. Their dimensions are approximately 3.8 inches wide by 5.5 inches long and they are roughly the size of my hand. Some readers may find them to be cumbersome while shuffling, but I don’t mind because I have another oracle deck with similar dimensions and I think the larger size is excellent for scrying or meditating with the images.
The cards are glossy, with rainbow splashes of color on the back, and vivid photographs of flowers, fruits, and trees on the front. Some of the images have mouthwatering depictions of food and refreshments, such as a tantalizing stream of liquid Chocolate for a nourishing shade of brown, succulent citrus segments on the spontaneous Tangerine card, and an elegant glass of wine for passionate Burgundy.
What I love most about these cards is that they speak to me on so many levels. Some of them have the names of fruits, such as Watermelon, Cherry, Peach, Orange, Apricot, Tangerine, and Lemon, so they inspire a gustatory response. Others are named after gemstones, such as Pearl, Emerald, Jade, Turquoise, Ruby, and Sapphire, which broadens the interpretations to include the healing properties of minerals. Gazing at the cards helps me tap into my intuition and creativity by triggering memories associated with each color, fruit, or crystal.
In the introduction of the guidebook, Segal briefly discusses the power of color to influence our energy levels and moods and gives creative suggestions for how to use the cards to incorporate more color therapy into your life. For example, you can draw a card for guidance and invite the healing power of that color into your energy field by wearing it, drinking out of a colored glass, or consuming a food or beverage with that pigment. She also says that the cards can be placed on the body to ease tension or clear the chakras.
I’ve been interested in color therapy since I was a teenager, when I first learned about the power of color while meditating on my chakras. I still put a lot of thought into my color choices when decorating and buying new clothes, and when I wear makeup I like experimenting with vibrant eye shadow palettes and lipstick shades, but I’m still guilty of wearing a lot of black, which Segal says can “create stagnation and drain energy.”27 I realized when I read this passage that I do often feel fatigued, but I blame it on caffeine withdrawals or chronic depression.
Segal suggests asking the cards, “What color do I need now?”28 I drew Apricot, the color of joy. The primary message of this card is to “Rejoice & Laugh.”30 According to the guidebook:
“Apricot lightens any heavy or burdensome energy you may be carrying to bring enormous vitality, joy, and zest into your life. Apricot also releases irrational fears and anxieties; it is a color of creativity, fun, and intuition. Meditate on the color Apricot to bring more joy and lightness into your life.”31
The image featured on the Apricot card is not the fruit, as one might expect, but instead looks like a close-up of a pale orange chrysanthemum. As I gazed at the flower on the card, I realized that my mind was making all sorts of surprising connections to the word apricot. It reminded me that I used that word as a color descriptor in a short story I’m currently revising, and I’m realizing how that particular color is characterizing the person it describes. The character is a grieving person trying to recapture their childlike sense of wonder, which fits well with the healing properties of the color apricot.
This insight is inspiring me to consciously work on incorporating more color therapy into my creative writing. I also remembered that my favorite skin care product when I was younger was St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which I haven’t used in several years, so I’m taking this as a cue to start using it again. Lately I’ve been nostalgic for a lot of things from my youth (must have something to do with turning forty). I’ve been trying to eat more fruit lately, so I’m thinking about incorporating apricots into my diet as well. Finally, connecting to the joy aspect of the card, I have two whimsical orange cats with apricot-colored toe pads, and kitty cat toe beans are one of the cutest things in the world! My pets are powerhouses of joy for me.
I decided to dig deeper and googled the etymology of the word apricot, and I learned that it shares the same root as the word precocious, which is derived from the Latin praecocia, meaning “early ripening,” because apricots ripen before their peach cousins. Considering the etymological connections, I feel that this color could be stimulating intellectually, giving one the curiosity and wonder of a precocious child, and inspire a joy for learning new things. [https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/on-the-etymology-of-the-word-apricot]
In a second reading, I asked what color(s) can help me to achieve my career aspirations. Three cards jumped out of the deck while I was shuffling, and I think this message is good advice for anyone chasing rainbows. The cards I drew were Lilac (Strengthen Your Faith) + Green (Revitalize Your Nervous System) + Cherry (Live an Extraordinary Life). Basically, the overall message is that I need to have faith in myself (Lilac), release the anxiety I feel about achieving my goals (Green), and have the courage and self-confidence to manifest my extraordinary dreams (Cherry).
The Secret Language of Color is such a beautiful and soul-nourishing oracle that I plan on working with it on a regular basis. It has already stimulated my creativity so much and encouraged me to be more conscious of how color can be used for personal empowerment and revitalizing my energy levels. This is a wonderful deck for healers and anyone interested in color therapy.
Rachel Christina McConnell is a witch, tarot reader, intuitive astrologer, and writing spider. She holds an MFA in Fiction from Columbia University in the City of New York. Her short stories have appeared in Dark Moon Lilith Press and Minerva Rising Press’s The Keeping Room. Links to her publications are available here: https://rachelchristinamcconnell.wordpress.com
