Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

The Ukrainian Tarot, by Tania Andrushko

The Ukrainian Tarot: Flower of the Magic Fern, by Tania Andrushko
REDFeather, 0764370170, 192 pages, 78 cards, September 2025

The Ukrainian Tarot: Flower of the Magic Fern by Tania Andrushko is a 78-card tarot deck and companion guidebook rooted in Ukrainian legend, myth, and cultural heritage. Created with the intention of inspiring peace and love for humanity, Andrusko has imbued this deck with the soul of Ukraine. The title highlights the Magic Fern is a metaphor for illumination emerging from darkness, a theme which is carried through the imagery and wisdom of the deck.

“This magical flower is said to bloom only once a year, on the shortest night of the year, bringing good fortune to whoever finds it. As the legend goes, this flower can be found only in the darkest of forests in Ukraine, and only if your heart and intentions are pure.”1

This deck follows the traditional tarot structure (22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana) but its imagery, themes, and storytelling are firmly grounded in Ukrainian culture, history, folk lore, ritual, mythological figures, and symbolic motifs. At the beginning of the guidebook, Andrushko shares her story about what inspired her to create this deck. While it is specifically focused on Ukraine, her intention is expansive: helping others remember who they are and the valuable role they have in the wider collective.

Andrushko then introduces readers to Svarog’s Circle, a circular calendar based on Slavic mythology. With solstices and equinoxes marking key points in the year, this cosmological system is much like the Wheel of the Year in modern Pagan traditions, yet it has a deeply rooted mythology and history that is incorporated into the deck. Andrushko explains how she has reflected the directions of Svarog’s Circle within the traditional elemental suits and provides a table of the themes for each numbered or Court Card in the Minor Arcana. There’s also guidance on how to do readings and three spread options shown.

After reading the introduction information in the guidebook, I felt I had an overall sense of the deck’s structure and energy, so I was ready to dive into doing a reading! I decided to keep my first one simple and do a one-card pull in regard to the energy I should focus on for the day: Hierophant. While the traditional version of this card features The Pope or a High Priest, Andrushko’s version is a homely crone, a Ukrainian healer. Instantly, I felt a deep connection to the woman on the card; her magically infused cottage in the background of the card feels warm and inviting, while her eyes shine with acceptance and wisdom. The guidebook reads:

“The Hierophant is one who reveals the sacred mysteries. She is a healer and a shaman. Drawing from the ancient skills of her ancestors, she can come to know the past, present, and future. She can interpret dreams about life and death, warn against evil people, and ward off misfortune. These are powerful women who know God’s will and know how to speak in God’s way.”2

First of all, I just LOVE how Andrushko hasn’t followed the typical script when it comes to portraying the tarot cards. Second, I appreciate how she blends in Ukraine culture to the tarot archetype while still making the overall message applicable to all readers.

It’s interesting how Andrushko doesn’t stick to the traditional cards, changing cards to better showcase the wonder and beauty of Ukraine. For instance, Wheel of Fortune is Fortune’s Wheel, The Devil becomes a Witch, and Judgement is Call. The traditional meanings of the cards take on a new dimension with Andrushko providing an infusion of spiritual and cultural insights from Ukrainian values too. It’s always refreshing to work with the tarot from a new perspective!

For each guidebook entry, there’s an image of the card, key words for the feeling of the card, a question to ask yourself, an action to take, and the essence of the card. At the bottom, there’s even a space for notes! How cool is that? You can write in this guidebook! Plus, it’s nice and big (5.63 x 7.63 inches), so there’s plenty of space for your own thoughts.

While Hierophant happened to be more spiritual, there are a variety of aspects of Ukrainian culture that come through in the guidebook descriptions. For instance, King of Fire tells the story of Ivan Mazepa, a hetman whose passion for science, art, and education lead to many cultural initiatives. There’s also insight on sacred embroidered clothes for 2 of Air, decorative Easter eggs (Pysanka) for 9 of Water, and the significance of horses in Ukrainian folklore for 8 of Fire. From textiles to holy days, the deck shares the full spectrum of what makes Ukraine special.

As for the artwork, there’s a peaceful and tranquil quality to the essence of this deck. There’s no specific symbol that represents the suits, rather each card has its own image. The effect of this is that readings become visual stories, allowing the readers to absorb the imagery, let it flow through them, and then see how all the artwork comes together to provide meaningful insight.

Furthermore, instead of drawing from the familiar tarot archetypes, the imagery reimagines the cards through the lenses of Ukrainian mythology, cosmology, customs, history, and more. Many of the cards do have people on them, whether this be a deity or symbolic figure, as well as featuring animals or trees, or simply items important to the culture. This image makes readings feel like a journey deeper into the heart of Ukraine’s spirituality rather than abstract divination.

Admittedly, I decided to work with The Ukranian Tarot purely out of curiosity. I have no Ukrainian ancestral connections, nor do I know anyone from this region. Nevertheless, this deck has immersed me in the tapestry of the rich soul of Ukraine, teaching me all about the cosmology, history, folklore, and more. I find the readings from this deck to be very illuminating; there’s a combination of spiritual protection as well as practical realism that comes through. It’s very interesting to get tidbits of cultural knowledge alongside a divinatory reading.

Andrushko has created something truly incredible. Whether you have Ukrainian heritage that you wish to strengthen through working with this deck, or you’re simply culturally curious, this deck has a lot to offer. The reframing of the traditional tarot energies make for powerful readings, as well as spiritually infused energy of Christianity, Svarog’s Circle, and Slavic deities. I recommend it for those looking to expand their tarot readings, bringing in new spiritual insights for guidance, reflection, and growth.

Lieselle’s Eternal Tarot, by Lieselle Elliot and Sean Frosali

Lieselle’s’ Eternal Tarot: Trust Your Voice and Then Learn to Trust the Journey, by Lieselle Elliot and Sean Frosali
REDFeather, 076436975X, 224 pages, 78 cards, September 2025

With countless tarot decks now in circulation, each offering new themes, artwork, and layers of symbolism, it can be easy to forget the quiet power of returning to the basics. There is something enduring about a deck that honors tarot’s foundational structure, where meanings are clear, imagery is intentional, and the essence of each card is distilled rather than overcomplicated. In this simplicity, readings often become sharper and more resonant, allowing intuition to speak without distraction. Lieselle’s Eternal Tarot: Trust Your Voice and Then Learn to Trust the Journey is just this type of deck, reminding readers that when the core of tarot is respected, its wisdom remains timeless and deeply effective.

Created by Lieselle Elliot, a tarot reader with over 20 years of experience reading for clients, this deck taps into the heart of tarot’s eternal nature. Likewise, Sean Frosali’s illustrations capture the essence of each card’s rich symbolism and history. Together, their intention for this classic deck is “empowering you and nurturing your intuitive abilities.”3

The first thing I enjoyed about this deck is the hardy box with a lid that gently folds back to reveal the cards inside. This is one of the best exterior deck designs I’ve ever seen. The cards are slim but sturdy, making it easy to shuffle. And the gilded edges certainly add a nice touch to the overall aesthetic.

The inspiration from the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck in the Major Arcana is present, but each card is definitely imbued with the creators’ unique perspective on the cards. For instance, The Fool features a faceless jack-in-the-box floating in water, featuring a leashed dog and flowers as the design of the box. Above the sun illuminates the scene. Meanwhile, The Star shows a woman looking down into her cupped hands, which are submerged in water and holding a star. Above her seven other stars shine and there’s a vessel on each side at the top. With the imagery alone, readers familiar with the RWS would definitely be able to figure out the card. Though, each card is also labeled at the bottom and numbered at the time.

The Minor Arcana is designed in Pips style, only showing the suit symbols and no scenic artwork, with the name of the card at the bottom. To some degree, this design means the reader must know the interpretations of each card when doing a reading or be prepared to look it up in the guidebook, as there are no visual clues. However, there is a mantra at the top of each Minor Arcana card that does give some insight into the overall meaning of the card.

Reading in a Pip-style system definitely requires a different kind of engagement with the cards, and I appreciated the opportunity to try it out since it’s not my usual deck style. Without visual narratives to guide interpretation, I noticed I had to rely more on number, suit, elemental energy, and inner knowing to shape the message.

This absence of imagery strips the reading down to its basics, asking the reader to meet the cards halfway and participate actively in meaning-making rather than passively receiving it. While this approach can feel challenging at first, in the end, I felt it resulted in clearer, more precise readings, as the symbolism is distilled to its core and my own inner voice becomes an essential part of the divinatory process.

And this said, the guidebook is also a wonderful reference. It begins with a message from the creators, a brief history of tarot, and overview of numerology, sharing the numerology meaning and tarot application for numbers 1-14. There’s also a few pages on the elements of the four suits, covering the associated qualities and symbolism in tarot for each one. Initially, I was surprised there was no guidance about spreads, but later on I did find a few suggested ones at the very end of the guidebook. So take note, if you’re someone who likes to use the spread suggested by the author, that it’s in the back.

The guidebook information differs for the Major and Minor Arcana. For the Major Arcana, Elliot provides information on the card’s imagery, noting the key symbolism, and then shares the card’s meaning with a list of interpretations for its significance. There’s also an overview at the end as well as a reversed meaning provided. For the Minor Arcana, there’s the same style of providing the meaning with a list of interpretations, the numerological significance, and the overall meaning for both upright and reversed.

I really like how the guidebook is styled for the most part.  Elliot makes use of bold text to emphasize key interpretations and then further explains them. All of the explanations are pretty by-the-book common interpretations, but it’s formatted in a way that makes it easy to absorb the meaning of the card. It’s for this reason, I think the guidebook is PERFECT for tarot beginners. It lays out the message of each card with precision, making the esoteric very accessible.

The only downside of the guidebook’s format is each card entry begins on the page right where the other one left off. This makes it a bit tricky to look up the card as you kind of need to flip through to see where it’s at. I definitely prefer when an entry for a card begins on a new page, so this took some getting used to when reading.

Overall, Lieselle’s Eternal Tarot is a powerful tool for connecting with the foundations of tarot. The charcoal imagery lays the symbolism bare, allowing one’s attention to focus on the essentials. There’s no extra fluff in both the artistry and the guidebook definitions, making this a wonderful resource for those who are seeking sleek and refined readings.

I recommend working with this deck when seeking clarity. Just like the King of Swords, this deck “signifies authority, intellectual power, and the ability to lead with truth and integrity.”4 Those who enjoy the traditional RWS but are looking for a modern twist will most appreciate this deck.

Road Show Wisdom, by Dreamopedia

Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck, by Dreamopedia
Sacred Scribe Publishing, 979-8990956049, 180 pages, 41 cards, October 2025

Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck by Dreamopedia is truly beautiful inside and out. These oracle cards were definitely built to entertain. This deck includes forty-one cards, all with beautiful watercolor portraits. Cards such as The Silt Walker, The Ticket Collector, The Fire Eater, The Magic Lantern, and many more bring to life the vivacious nature of a circus, providing a unique oracle energy.

I love the theme of this deck: old circus/roadshow aesthetics. This is all thanks to the book The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. (If you know what I’m talking about, excellent taste in books. If you don’t, I HIGHLY recommend this book. It was one of my favorite reads when I was in middle school, and I still love the book to this very day.)

These cards are so detailed and lovely. The box is small but the details inside are stunning, revealing a carnival scene once you take all the cards out of the box. The lid has a spider-like looking clown juggling; this artwork is of the card called Juggler.

This deck is full of life and whimsy, which I absolutely love. The cards are large but they shuffled with great ease. At first, they felt awkward in my hands, but I got used to the feel of them after a few uses. The illustrations are colorful and extremely detailed. I’m a sucker for a deck with lovely artwork, as I’m an artist myself. Each card was a new treasure for me to discover.

The guidebook it comes with was also awesome and very detailed. I loved the fancy font that was used. Each card has a story behind it with words written so wonderfully that it was easy to picture what was being read in my mind. Dreamopedia is not only a great artist but has a great knack for writing as well. The content is easy to read and it really fits the whole vibe of the deck itself.

At the beginning of the guidebook, Dreamopedia explains how the cards are divided into eight stages and explains how this “reflects different facets of personal development, encompassing observation, planning, growth, and reflection.”5 It is then explained how this structure provides additional guidance in regard to the progression of sequence, more generalized theme, guidance about where you’re at within the journey, and a creative metaphor for exploration.

For each card, there’s a rhyming poem, a bit of circus history that gives context to the card, and the card explanation. What’s unique about the explanation is that Dreamopedia uses numbered lists, so there’s more than one meaning, providing a multi-faceted insight to the question at hand, though they all blend together within the common theme. There’s also an invitation at the end of the entry, detailing what the presence of the card signifies and the opportunity available as a result.

I spent over three weeks with this deck and I’ve really fallen in love with it. This deck has brought a lot of excitement into my life with all of its charm and whimsy. My first reading with it I pulled out The Mermaid. The mermaid on the card is beautiful. The message of just simply following curiosity really did reveal things that were hidden beneath the surface. Curiosity killed me just a bit. Without going into detail with my personal experience, oh boy this card really was an eye opener, in the most over the top manner.

The three words that best describe the deck’s attitude: mysterious, moving, and free. I have to say out of all the decks I’ve reviewed, Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck really got me. The first week I used this deck it wasn’t my typical lighting fast connection. This one had a bite to it. The more I used it and attuned with it, it became more friendly.

My second card I pulled was The Hot Air Balloon. This card stuck out to me because I have a huge fascination with hot air balloons, but the message hit me deeply. The need to release but also balance and control. I pulled this card at a significant time because I cut ties with my toxic mother. It was hard but I know this will be the best for me in the end. One of the card explanations reads:

“To rise, the balloon must shed weight. This suggests letting go of attractions or limitations to reach goals.”6

Overall, I really enjoyed bonding with Road Show Wisdom Oracle Deck, and I can’t wait to see how it helps me in the future. Dreamopedia has really brought to life the energy of the circus, bringing creativity and inspiration to divination.I recommend it for those who are looking for a bit of novelty and fun in their oracle readings. 

Plant Spirits Oracle, by Laura Aversano and Nadine Gordon-Taylor

Plant Spirits Oracle, by Laura Aversano and illustrated by Nadine Gordon-Taylor
Bear & Company, 9781591435303, 40 cards, 128 pages, November 2025

Plant Spirits Oracle by Laura Aversano with illustrations by Nadine Gorgon-Taylor is a captivating and spiritually rich oracle deck that invites users to connect deeply with the wisdom and healing energies of the plant kingdom. Combining beautifully illustrated cards with insightful guidebook messages, Aversano’s creation is a great companion to her book The Divine Nature of Plants.

Laura Aversano is a medium and medical intuitive who has studied plant medicine and worked with the spirit realm for more than thirty years.  She has written three books and lives in New York City with her cats. You can learn more about her on her website.

Nadine Gordon-Taylor is an intuitive artist who holds both MFA and doctorate degrees in art.  She has taught for more than 30 years through lectures and workshops.  Her artwork has been shown in galleries and collections around the world. She owns a gallery called Third Eye Arts in Peekskill, NY. She has created three oracle decks and contributed to several other decks. Learn more about Gordon-Taylor through her website.

This deck includes 40 full-color cards, including 30 plant spirit cards and 10 shamanic healing cards. Each card is a miniature art piece, depicting a plant or scene within a unique frame. The borders are also decorated with birds, moonscapes, wildflowers or angels. The back of the cards features a bright, yellow calendula flower.  At the bottom of the flower is the face and arms of a tiny green creature. (On the calendula card, you can see four plant spirits, including this one, which is being held aloft by one of his spirit friends!)

A visually striking deck, each card features mystical and ethereal illustrations that capture the essence of the plant spirit it represents. The artwork is both vibrant and subtle, balancing the physical characteristics of each plant with elements that suggest their spiritual qualities. The cards are of good quality, with a smooth finish that makes shuffling easy. The box and accompanying guidebook are sturdy and thoughtfully designed.

Aversano includes an introduction, how to work with the cards and a brief discussion of plant spirits and elementals:

“In healing with plants, we are working with the vibration as well as with the spirit. The spirit gives the plant its healing qualities and will also share with you, both verbally and nonverbally how to heal with it. Plant spirit medicine works vibrationally, both in your body and within the many layers of your auric field.”7

She also shares communication tips for working with plants and with these cards.  To further assist the reader, Aversano has included a prayer channeled from each plant’s spirit to help you discover your personal connection to the divine plant kingdom. 

The ten shamanic healing cards are included to guide you even deeper on your journey into sacred connection with Nature’s plant world. She includes topics such as Relationships, The Past and Gratitude within these special cards.  

The card called Creation really spoke to me, as I pulled it one morning during the holiday season.  The card features two people facing each other, holding hands.  Two parrots are shown at the bottom of the art piece. A beautiful pink flower adorns the top of the card, looking almost like a round, stained glass window. 

Aversano invites me to look deeply at all of my relationships, including those with my own “inner dialogue.”8 What strikes me as I look at the card now is the idea that the two beings could be mirror images. I welcome this invitation to meet myself and see another layer to this card. 

Laura Aversano’s guidebook is more than a simple set of card interpretations. Each plant spirit is accompanied by spiritual guidance and practical suggestions for integrating the card’s teachings into daily life. Aversano’s background as a medical intuitive and medium shines through in the depth and compassion of her writing. 

What truly sets Plant Spirits Oracle apart is its emphasis on the direct relationship between the user and the plant spirits. The interior of the guidebook reads “a journey through the magic, medicine and wisdom of the natural world.”9 Rather than focusing solely on traditional meanings or folklore, Aversano encourages personal reflection, meditation, and even ritual work with the cards. This makes the deck especially appealing to those interested in shamanic practices, herbalism, or plant-based spirituality.

This oracle deck is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper connection to nature, whether you are a seasoned intuitive, a beginner oracle reader, or a lover of plants. It can be used for daily draws, meditation, or as a companion to other divination practices. Its messages are gentle yet profound, offering guidance for personal growth, healing, and spiritual exploration.

Overall, Plant Spirits Oracle by Laura Aversano is a beautifully crafted tool for those wishing to engage with the plant spirits. Its combination of soft, ethereal art, heartfelt writing, and spiritual insight makes it a valuable addition to any oracle deck collection. Whether you are seeking inspiration, healing, or a new way to commune with nature, this deck offers a pathway to deeper understanding and connection. She shares this with the reader:

“The plant does not have to be in your actual physical space to give you its medicine. It might take a while for you to feel connected, but once you do, you will begin to notice a shift in your body. . . . Allow the plant spirit to take you on journeys into other worlds as well as deeply into yourself.”10

The Runes and Roots Oracle, by Nicolette Miele and Adrienne Rozzi

The Runes and Roots Oracle, by Nicolette Miele  and Adrienne Rozzi
Destiny Books, 979-8888502471, 144 pages, 36 cards, November 2025

Runes and plant magic speak the same old language of the earth: one carved into symbols, the other rooted in leaf and stem. Both arise from close listening to cycles, seasons, and the subtle ways meaning reveals itself through form and growth. Beyond simply a divination tool, The Runes and Roots Oracle by Nicolette Miele  and Adrienne Rozzi is an invitation to delve deeper in this ever-flowing realm. Rooted in Norse mythology, witchcraft, and plant wisdom, this oracle deck asks the reader to step into a mythic–imaginal world where symbols are alive, the land speaks, and knowledge is earned through relationship rather than immediacy.

At its core, the deck’s purpose is clear: to reunite runic magic with the living intelligence of the natural world. Each rune is paired with a specific plant ally, emphasizing particular energetic, psychological, or spiritual dimensions of the symbol. These pairings are not merely illustrative but deeply intertwined.

Horny Goat Weed, for example, accentuates the erotic and creative fire of Kenaz, foregrounding the rune’s generative, catalytic force; meanwhile, Lavender is paired with Wunjo, which together “gently remind us that within each of us, there is a sanctuary where we can always find solace, peace, and the magick of simply being.”11 In this way, the deck operates as a fusion of esoteric knowledge and embodied, earth-centered wisdom.

Roots in Feminine Power and Norse Cosmology

A strong current of feminine spirituality runs throughout the deck. The creators draw deeply from the mythic presence of the Norns, the weavers of fate, and from Mother Nature herself as an animating intelligence. Rather than offering a detached system of meanings, The Runes and Roots Oracle asks the user to engage with the spiritual and cultural background of Norse cosmology, combined with western esotericism and plant magick, as a living worldview.

This mythic engagement is reinforced through the spreads provided in the guidebook. Larger layouts such as the nine-card Yggdrasil spread or Loki’s Unveiling the Shadow four-card spread encourages deep psychological and spiritual inquiry, while even simpler three-card spreads (past, present, future) are framed through the lens of the Norns and the unfolding of Wyrd. The result is a deck that consistently gestures beyond fortune-telling toward participation in a living mythos.

There are 24 cards that feature the traditional Elder Futhark as well as an additional 12 Bind Rune Aett, which are created by combining two or more runes together. The intricacy of the plant correspondences with runes make for very layered, thoughtful card meanings.

The Booklet as Initiatory Text

The accompanying booklet reinforces this initiatory tone. Rather than functioning as a purely reference-based manual, it is structured as a frame narrative: the reader encounters Yggdrasil, engraved with runes, and meets the Norns themselves. This narrative device subtly shifts the reader from consumer to seeker.

The booklet includes a unique ritual for cleansing and binding the deck to the user, underscoring the idea that this oracle is meant to be informed by one’s relationship with the deck. Notably, the rune and plant entries are not numerically ordered, requiring frequent consultation of the index. While this may be mildly inconvenient for beginners, it also feels intentional—less a flaw than a design choice that favors intuition and familiarity over efficiency, particularly for those already conversant with the runes.

Later sections of the booklet, especially those dealing with bind runes and ritual work, further emphasize that this is not a deck designed for instant clarity. It is something “found,” like a relic pulled from a crone’s library, that must be studied, lived with, and slowly understood.

Card Imagery: Ancient Pages, Living Symbols

Visually, the cards resemble pages torn from an ancient spell book: parchment, papyrus, and aged engravings layered with symbols. Each card features a combination of imagery surrounding the central rune and its plant ally. There is a palpable nostalgia here, reminiscent of 16th-century pen-and-ink manuscripts, which harmonizes beautifully with the booklet’s suggestion that this deck originates from a witch’s cottage hidden deep in the woods.

User Experience and Learning Curve

My immediate impression of the deck was one of admiration, especially for the thoughtful integration of plant wisdom into the runic system. The imagery is vivid and layered, inviting contemplation rather than quick interpretation. That said, the cards themselves contain few descriptive keywords. Unless one is already familiar with rune meanings and/or herbal correspondences, readings often require repeated reference to the guidebook.

This becomes particularly noticeable in larger spreads, such as the nine-card Yggdrasil or the twelve-card Web of Wyrd, where grasping the gestalt of the reading can be challenging without significant prior familiarity. With time and repeated use, however, the deck clearly becomes more intuitive, suggesting that this slow unfolding is part of the designers’ intention.

In this sense, The Runes and Roots Oracle does not present itself as a tool made for the user so much as a tool the user must grow into. Its wisdom is not delivered; it is cultivated. In a similar spirit of cultivation, the plant wisdom of the deck may be taken as purely symbolic or ritualistic. However, the oracle also invites the user to put the deck’s plant lore into actual practice–though first advising the user to approach herbalism with due care and caution.

Final Thoughts

The Runes and Roots Oracle is a richly textured, deeply intentional deck that rewards patience, study, and mythic imagination. By uniting runic magic, plant allies, and feminine cosmology within a narrative framework, Miele and Rozzi have created something that feels less like a product and more like an inheritance, an artifact from a living tradition.

This deck will likely resonate most strongly with practitioners of witchcraft, those already familiar with the runes, those with an interest in plant correspondences, and readers drawn to slow, initiatory forms of divination. For such seekers, The Runes and Roots Oracle offers not just answers, but a relationship with symbols, with nature, and with the whispering roots of fate itself.

Self-Love Astrology Journal, by Agustina Malter Terrada

Self-Love Astrology Journal, by Agustina Malter Terrada
Red Wheel, 1590035828, 112 pages, December 2025

Astrology is often spoken of as a map that charts possibility, purpose, timing, and transformation. But at its heart, astrology is an invitation to come home to yourself and look at your inner landscape with compassion rather than criticism. Astrology teaches how to understand your patterns not as flaws, but as sacred design; it leads you to remember that who you are is not an accident, but a constellation of wisdom, experience, and potential. Self-Love Astrology Journal by Agustina Malter Terrada is a tool for this cosmic journey.

This interactive, guided journal is designed to help readers explore their natal chart and learn to manifest with the energy of the zodiac. Divided into three chapters, each section provides creative activities and exercises, ranging from journal prompts to rituals to attune readers to astrological energies.

The first part of the journal, “Discovering the Seed”, is an overview of astrology basics. While there’s some space for journaling, such as drawing your own natal chart and figuring out your elemental composition), it’s mostly a great source of reference. Malter Terrada shares information about the evaluation of astrology, the elements, the planets, the lunar cycle, and the twelve houses, signs, and moons. There’s even a page featuring Taylor Swift’s birth chart with insight into her planetary placements. This section would be very useful for beginners, as it presents easy to integrate summaries of foundational astrology.

The next section, “Walking the Path”, is the heart of the journal. The journal prompts Malter Terrada shares in the second chapter, moving through the whole zodiac to manifest something from start to finish, is an illuminating process. Consciously working with the energy of the zodiac in this way strengthens both the goal one’s working towards by giving it a natural alignment as well as one’s own astrological knowledge.

This section moves from Aries, Phase 1 through Pisces, Phase 12, guiding readers through the energy of the zodiac. For each sign, there’s an introduction page with an affirmation, dates of the season, element, and a few key words, along with an illustration of the symbol. This is followed by a profile of the sign that features the ruling planet, complementary opposite, aligned traits and off axis traits. There’s also a glyph of the ruling planet, sketch of the constellation, and a muse. These pages are very helpful for familiarizing oneself with the sign.

As for the content of each zodiac section in the journal, they differ depending on the energy of the sign, but there’s PLENTY of journaling space. Malter Terrada has a knack for inspiring prompts and meaningful reflection. And the layout of the journal seems to beckon the reader to start writing!

And the coolest part is how there’s such a wonderful flow to the journal. Malter Terrada essentially invites the writer to take one concept/goal/intention and work with it through all the energies. So during the Taurus phase, deemed “materializing”12, energy is being invoked to turn the idea into substance, which includes journaling about how to “feed” your purpose and then root it in for growth. Later in the zodiac, Aquarius, deemed “disseminating”13 is the energy that then brings forth what is finally created outward for others to connect with through networking.

While it might seem logical to start with this journal during Aries season and then move through the year, I have been easily applying it to some current goals I have. I’ve noticed that moving through the journal, some of my goals seem to progress to the next stage quickly, while others sometimes take a bit more time. The nice thing about the journal is that even if you go through it once, you can always refer back to the prompts to keep the cyclical energy of the zodiac moving for manifestation. Plus, the rituals for each zodiac sign are very neat and can definitely be done repeatedly through time.

The final section, “Living in the Oasis”, is focused on integration and reflection. Malter Terrada invites writers to journal about the tools they called upon during the process, reflect on the twelve phases and summarize each, and then bring the energy to conclusion.

As for the aesthetic of the journal, the pages feel dynamic and inspiring. The full-color pages of the zodiac signs really catch your attention, while the journaling pages feel warm and celestial. There’s amazing organization and structure to each page, providing a sense of clarity and spaciousness. Assorted fonts keep the pages interesting with each font thematically fitting for the content of the page. The additional illustrations and decorative elements, such as small gold stars and ink sketch illustrations, add the charm of celestial beauty. It’s a good blend of mystic feeling with modern design.

One thing to note is there isn’t too much open blank space for in-depth journaling. While there’s a good amount of room to answer prompts and do exercises, there’s a lot of text sharing astrology knowledge or guiding the reader through the process of working with each zodiac signs’ energy. Nevertheless, the formatting of the journal makes for effective recording of one’s thoughts. Sometimes there’s a box to draw a picture, other times there’s bullet-pointed (in the form of cute stars) lines for making a list. There’s a range of creativity for journaling, yet it’s very structured without a ton of space for free writing, which those who prefer a guided writing process will enjoy.

I really appreciate how Malter Terrada has brought astrology to life with this journal, which structures the energies of the zodiac into a format people can engage and interact with. Sometimes astrology can feel a bit impersonal and technical, but the approach of this journal provides a deeply human touch. Encouraging introspection and energetic connection, this journal is a compass towards a higher purpose through the ever-flowing astrological wheel. It’s perfect for inviting astrological awareness into one’s daily life or moving through a transitional life phase where some cosmic direction is beneficial.

For those newer to astrology, this journal is an inviting first step in learning one’s chart and the energy of each zodiac sign. Meanwhile, those with some astrological knowledge will appreciate how the journal adds dimension to one’s astrological perceptions by encouraging the exploration of one’s chart and current intention/mission/goal through the lens of phases each astrological sign represents.

Overall, Self-Love Astrology Journal is a great tool for connecting with the energy of the zodiac, especially for the purpose of manifestation. For those who enjoy hands-on praxis, this journal is a wonderful way to explore astrological energy intentionally and record reflections, feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Malter Terrada has created a well-designed, meaningful process for readers to work through, giving writers a creative outlet for emotional processing, intention-setting, and spiritual connection. I definitely will be tracking my intentions and goals through the astrological phases for more alignment from now on!

Seeds of Light Oracle Deck, by Danielle Venables and Stephanie Wicker-Campbell

Seeds of Light Oracle Deck, by Danielle Venables with artwork by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell
Muse Oracle Press, 9780645885095, 140 pages, 48 cards, November 2025

Seeds of Light Oracle Deck by Danielle Venables with artwork by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell is a colorful deck that invites users to connect with their intuition and cultivate personal growth through its evocative imagery and thoughtful guidance.

Danielle Venables is an author, mentor, akashic guide, and mother. As a spiritual midwife, Venables’ work focuses on soul purpose, holistic success, conscious leadership, and motherhood initiations. She has guided hundreds of women on their journey of empowerment since the birth of her daughter in 2019. She feels that this personal event ignited her own spiritual awakening. With this deck, she wants to “plant seeds of light.”14 You can learn more about her on her website.

“It is her goal, and soul mission, to plant seeds of light across the planet and activate the remembering of the divine light within every soul here at this time and to ultimately see the very fabric of society shift into more peace and harmony.”15

Stephanie Wicker-Campbell is a gifted illustrator and artist who combines artwork in a way that is simply out of this world. She has illustrated numerous oracle decks, journals, and book covers in rich hues and beautiful renderings. Here are some of her other publications reviewed previously.

What interested me about this deck was the name and the idea that we are all planting and harvesting “seeds of light.” As a lightworker in a modern world, I can use this special oracle for tapping into divine wisdom, and so can you!

To test the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and my friends loved it!  Here is a short recap of a few of the cards drawn by the ladies in the group and their response to the guidance:

TB had a question about a relationship.
She drew the card Let Go. She smiled when she read “Trust that what’s meant to stay in your life will stay, without you trying to control and hold it together.”16

KS wanted to know how to best support her daughter, who is struggling.
This is her card: Sovereignty. The guidance included a note to be mindful of being overly generous or overextending yourself. She knew exactly what that meant and thanked me (and Venables) for the guidance.

LK asked a question about a financial matter.
Her card was Integrity. She was really challenged by the questions posed in the guidebook and the admonition to “consider whether your actions align with your values and vision.”17

The guidebook is carefully structured to make finding the guidance for each card easy, as Venables lists each card in alphabetical order in the Table of Contents.  For each card, she features a full-color photo of the card, lists the name of the card, a few key words, and then guidance.

She wraps up the written wisdom with what she calls “Integration” and lists two or three questions for more insight. I really love these questions, as it takes the guidance to a more personal level. You can journal your answers to the questions or just ponder the ideas presented.

Venables includes several spreads as well as a section on how to work with the cards. She covers the basics of setting the scene, shuffling, and allowing the cards to speak to you. Venables also presents the concept of reversed cards, how to read them, and gives several examples of interpretations of reversed cards.

In the back of the guidebook, she includes a short appendix, which lists the types of senses or “clairs” that everyone uses to tap into spiritual wisdom. This is one of the best descriptions of this topic that I have seen. 

One of the most striking features of the Seeds of Light Oracle Deck is its vibrant, uplifting artwork. Wicker-Campbell masterfully blends gentle pastels and radiant colors to convey a sense of hope, healing, and possibility on each card. The illustrations are modern yet timeless, with symbolic elements that encourage contemplation and connection. The back of the cards features a decorated frame that feels like a portal to higher guidance. One can use this image for meditation or gazing for more wisdom.

The card stock is of high quality with a smooth, matte finish, making shuffling easy and enjoyable. The deck is packaged in a two-part box that is both sturdy and beautifully designed, reflecting the care and intention behind this divination tool. The inside of the deck box reads:

“When you move in unwavering devotion to the desires of your heart, you can move mountains with faith alone.”18

Overall, Seeds of Light Oracle Deck is a heartfelt, radiant companion for anyone seeking guidance, inspiration, or a deeper connection with their own inner wisdom. Its combination of beautiful artistry and thoughtful messaging makes it a valuable addition to any spiritual toolkit.

Venables’ words are positive, encouraging, and compassionate.  Yet, the questions she poses invite introspection and accountability. Whether used for a daily card draw, in-depth spreads, or creative journaling, this deck truly plants seeds of light for personal and spiritual growth.

I plan to keep this deck on hand for my own daily card adventures and utilize it to close out client readings. The thoughtful questions Venables poses will be a great addition to my readings and discussions with clients and friends.

The Dragon Rune Oracle, by Kieron Morgan and Isedon Goldwing

The Dragon Rune Oracle, by Kieron Morgan and Isedon Goldwing
Crossed Crow Books, 1964537290, 108 pages, 28 cards, August 2025

The Dragon Rune Oracle is a rich and imaginative system that blends Welsh and Celtic myth, dragon lore, and runic symbolism into a divination tool designed to deepen one’s  connection with primordial dragon energies. Created by Kieron Morgan with rune design by Isedon Goldwing, this oracle aims to help practitioners communicate with dragon guides, receive counsel from ancient dragon clans, and even tap into the voice of Tiamat, the  Queen of Dragons.

One of the best aspects of this deck is the guidebook itself. The deck includes a 107-page guidebook that lays a strong foundation for working with dragon magic in a grounded and structured way.

Morgan provides an impressively comprehensive framework for dragon-based spiritual practice, beginning with preparations for entering ritual space and moving into methods of calling, communicating  with, and releasing dragon energies. He outlines what to do before, during, and after a  reading, and offers contextual lore on the Celtic veneration of land, sea, and sky—an  animistic worldview that situates dragons not as fantastical creatures but as ancient  intelligent forces woven into the fabric of creation. The writing is both accessible and reverent, making the system feel alive and usable for practitioners at any level. 

The organization of the deck is also noteworthy. The runes, each created by Goldwing, are elegant, angular symbols that feel simultaneously modern and archaic. They are  presented through the lens of several dragon clans, each representing a unique energetic signature and philosophical lesson. Cards like Sha’oren (discernment, Akashic memory),  Ratanen (chaos and infinite possibility), and Kaegos (balance through transformation)  illustrate the breadth of perspective offered by these primordial beings.

The spreads included in the guidebook are thoughtful and surprisingly profound in practice, and in my own readings the messages that surfaced, particularly those attributed to Tiamat and to  personal Dragon Guardians, carried a clarity and emotional resonance that felt deeply  authentic.

Where this deck also truly excels is in its metaphysical architecture. Morgan draws heavily from  Welsh and Celtic lore, weaving subtle threads of bardic tradition, ancestral magic, and  poetic inspiration into his descriptions. The runes feel connected to a lineage that values wisdom, transformation, and communion with the unseen realms. The book’s section on  glimpsing the dragon’s realm—a mist-filled, luminous space between worlds—was  especially evocative, providing a mythic backdrop that enhances the reader’s intuitive  engagement with the cards.

However, the artistic choices for the deck itself present a mixed experience. The cardstock is excellent: smooth, sturdy, and comfortable in the hand. The rune symbols are clear and beautifully rendered. Yet every card features the same cloudy gray background with identical lighting, coloration, and dragon-silhouette overlay. While aesthetically pleasing in isolation, the repetition across the entire deck can make the cards feel visually flattened during readings.

The richness of the lore, full of sea-dragons, sky-dragons, deep-ocean  clans, fiery transformative forces, and the ancient cosmic presence of Tiamat, cries out  for more variation in imagery, palette, or environmental cues. Even subtle changes in color tone, texture, or clan-specific motifs could have helped reinforce the distinctions so  thoroughly articulated in the guidebook. 

There are also symbolic omissions that feel like missed opportunities. The guidebook  references the Dragon’s Eye rune, yet this powerful symbol does not appear as its own  card. Likewise, the Welsh druidic symbol Awen, representing the triple rays of divine  inspiration and a central motif in Celtic bardic tradition, seems perfectly aligned with the deck’s thematic focus but is absent from the card set.

Including Awen, or even additional  cards honoring key Welsh mythic figures such as Cerridwen, Gwion, or archetypes of the  Maiden-Mother-Crone, could have further anchored the system in the cultural and  mythopoetic soil from which it draws inspiration. More references to the Celtic triad of  Earth, Sea, and Sky, which are so foundational to indigenous Celtic cosmology, would also have  added coherence and depth. 

Despite these artistic and symbolic limitations, The Dragon Rune Oracle remains a  meaningful and insightful tool. The clarity of Morgan’s writing, the strength of the rune  system, and the structure of the guidebook itself create a pathway into dragon wisdom that  feels both reverent and grounded. The spreads are thoughtfully constructed, the energy work instructions are practical, and the tone of the entire system encourages a sense of  respect and reciprocity between practitioner and dragon guide. For those seeking to  deepen their connection to Welsh and Celtic metaphysics, or to explore dragon magic in a structured and spiritually authentic way, this deck offers a valuable entry point. 

For me, working with the deck produced moments of genuine resonance. The messages  that emerged in readings were potent, often arriving with a sense of mythic clarity— reminders of sovereignty, creativity, personal transformation, and the untamed forces within. While I wished for more visual variety and a fuller embrace of Celtic symbolic traditions, the underlying system is strong enough that the deck still functions beautifully  for meditation, divination, and spiritual communion. 

I recommend The Dragon Rune Oracle to readers who feel called to dragon magic, to  practitioners of Celtic spirituality, and to those seeking a structured yet intuitive approach to working with primordial beings. Its guidebook alone is worth the investment, and with mindful practice, the deck can become a powerful companion on the path of mythic exploration and personal empowerment.

Memento Mori, by Red Wheel/Weiser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tarot Emblemata, by Nitasia Roland

Tarot Emblemata: Decoding Magical Symbolism, by Nitasia Roland
Weiser Books, 1578638968, 192 pages, 83 cards, August 2025

What if the tarot you hold in your hands was also a pathway to discovering Renaissance wisdom? Tarot Emblemata: Decoding Magical Symbolism beautifully bridges the culture of the Renaissance and modern tarot reading. Inspired by Claude Paradin’s emblem book, Devises Heroïques (originally published in 1551), Nitasia Roland revives the intricate art of symbolic storytelling that once conveyed moral, philosophical, and mystical truths through image and maxim.

Unfamiliar with emblems, I immediately went to Roland’s introduction in the guidebook to better understand the deck’s concept. I learned how during Renaissance emblems were visual metaphors designed to convey moral lessons, awaken contemplation and insight, and share didactic information. Roland explains how Renaissance emblems were illustrations “accompanied by mottos of text and verse that allegorically and symbolically express sentiments, concepts, societal concerns, and parables that were current in the social and cultural life of 16th- and 17th century continental and Baroque Europe.”19

In Tarot Emblemata, Roland repurposes Paradin’s emblems, which can be viewed here, to provide a fresh twist on the traditional tarot cards. This unique deck is comprised of 83 full-color cards: the traditional 78 cards of the Major and Minor Arcana along with five additional oracle cards. Weaving the emblems of Paradin (as well as a few by Bernard Salomon from an updated 1557 edition) and Latin mottos into the tarot’s archetypal structure, Roland has created a deck that illuminates the timeless insights of the Renaissance. This truly unique approach makes for some interesting reads!

The deck comes in a sturdy, hardcover box, giving it gravitas and weight. The tactile linen finish on the cards makes them very easy to handle (I much prefer this finish to a smooth varnish or glossy laminate!). And the gilded silver edges add a little burst of elegance.

As for the design, Roland kept Paradin’s symbolic imagery and moral mottos, written in both Latin inscription and English, but brought them to life with color. At the bottom of each card is the name of the tarot card. The aesthetic is minimal yet steeped in mystique, the clean parchment background reminds me of illuminated manuscripts or alchemical engravings.

For those who are used to ornate or narrative tarot cards, this deck feels more refined, even cerebral.  What’s interesting about the emblems is how the symbolic language they convey is universal enough to be widely accepted and spread yet personal enough to instill the meaningful message. The emblems give a new perspective on traditional tarot, compelling the reader to sit with the imagery and to ponder its message, despite the directness of the associated motto. In this way, readers can both get a straight-forward message that appeases the part of oneself that is searching for guidance as well as an esoteric illustration that ignites the subconscious.

Granted, those who heavily rely on context clues from more elaborately designed tarot decks might find the deck a bit harder to connect with, but for those already familiar with the general tarot card meanings, it’s fairly easy to see how the symbol aligns with the card. For me it is honestly refreshing to not be bogged down with elaborate illustration, allowing the interesting symbols to activate my psyche, prompting revelation. Roland writes:

“Drawing a card or interpreting a spread encourages personal transformation, allowing the reader to tap into the magical archetypes and the universal mysteries that Renaissance iconography and symbolism inspire, connecting you to the guidance of spirit via the wisdom of the seen and unseen worlds.”20

Accompanying the deck is the 192-page, full-color guidebook. It is about 5.5 by 7.5 inches big, about the size of a small book, and very easy to hold and read. There’s a foreword, introduction, messages for each card (including the five additional oracle cards) and spread suggestions.

What I absolutely love about the guidebook is how much detail Roland provides for each card. Written in 2nd person (you), Roland addresses the readers directly. While the cards themselves are very symbolic, the messages from Roland are filled with clarity and purpose, providing meaningful direction. Roland artfully translates the essence of the tarot card through the perspective of the Renaissance emblem and motto. She doesn’t skirt around the message, rather she hones in with skill and precision, delving right into the heart and soul of the card’s energy.

It’s quite evident the time and thought Roland put into matching each emblem with the corresponding tarot card archetype and then contemplating how to translate the card for readers in the guidebook. She hits the mark, having the traditional tarot meaning still present in each interpretation yet illuminating a novel perspective for readers to understand the tarot by filtering it through Paradin’s emblems and mottos.

For instance, The Hanged Man in this deck has the illustration of a rope hanging down from a cloud, piling on the ground, while another cloud has a hand holding a sword emerging from it about to slice the rope. The motto at the top reads, “I resolve all doubts by self-refelction”21. And the guidebook entry opens with this line:

“A severing blade and sword of divine wisdom and truth bring clarity after a time of being held up, where the clock seems to stop, and where inner reflection is the only choice to get you out of the snag you are in.”22

Ah, I just love how Roland conveys The Hanged Man without resorting to any of the trite and overused interpretations that can just make some guidebooks so boring. Dedicating two pages to each card, she provides a fantastic entryway into each card for readers, leaving them with plenty of information to further contemplate. Truly, I am deeply impressed by this guidebook and have really enjoyed reading Roland’s guidance for each card.

Plus, the additional five oracle cards are a real bonus. These cards – Ancestors, Libations, Sovereignty, Regeneration and Caduceus – give readings a real extra boost. The entry for these cards in the guidebook is a bit shorter, but it’s more than enough for readers to learn their meanings and skillfully weave these cards into their spreads. I get extra excited when I see one emerge in a reading!

Overall, Tarot Emblemata is a very interesting deck to work with. Roland offers a one of a kind approach to tarot that transports readers to the flourishing Renaissance. Somehow the deck is artfully able to be both universally enlightening and individually transformationing. For those looking for a creative re-envisioning of the tarot, especially if you enjoy ancient history, this deck is perfect for adding to your collection.

I’d recommend this deck to those who enjoy a dose of practical advice coupled with deeper spiritual insights. This is not simply a “deck for readings” but a tool for exploration, reflection, and developing one’s intuitive and symbolic literacy, priming the psyche with meaningful imagery to activate archetypes that continue to be relevant to spiritual growth and human development.