Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Starlore Arcana, by Nitasia Roland

Starlore Arcana: Constellations for Tarot, Astrology, and Cartomancy, by Nitasia Roland
Weiser Books, 1578638488, 128 pages, 56 cards, September 2024

Starlore Arcana: Constellations for Tarot, Astrology, and Cartomancy by Nitasia Roland is an intriguing and imaginative fusion of ancient wisdom and modern mysticism. In this deck, Roland seamlessly weaves together the celestial themes of constellations with the practices of tarot, astrology, and cartomancy, creating a rich tapestry that invites readers to explore the cosmos both within and beyond.

“We see something of our souls in the heavens, and the use of images helps us connect with those beings that are the stars.”1

The design of this 56-card deck is based on Astronomical Playing Cards created by John Lenthall and published in 1717. Roland digitally optimized Lenthall’s deck and then added four Knight cards she created, as the original deck had the traditional structure for playing cards (Jack, Queen, and King). Playing card suits are used instead of the traditional tarot suits with Wands as Clubs, Cups as Hearts, Swords as Spades, and Pentacles as Diamonds.

The symbol for the suit and card number is at the top of each card, though the full name of the card is also written at the bottom. The image of the constellation is the focal point for each card. Then the French name is written in a beautiful font, while the English translation is written in cursive below. Some cards feature more hand-written insight such as “rises not” or “sets not” to give further information about the constellation.

The deck is beautifully illustrated, with enchanting images that bring the constellations to life. These visuals not only enhance the reader’s experience but also serve as a valuable tool for meditative and intuitive work.  I love the rich colors used for the cards, which are a perfect contrast to the bold black lines of the imagery. For someone who loves both astrology and tarot, seeing the constellations come to life in the depictions and then further be illuminated by the structure of the tarot is a real treat. There’s so many layers in each card, and this is also reflected in the detailed guidebook entries.

Roland’s translation of the vastness of the night sky into personal and relatable insights in the guidebook is impressive. In the introduction, Roland shares the numerology meanings for Ace-10, quick descriptions of the suits and court cards, and guidance on how to consecrate, charge, and store one’s deck. Then for each card, she has written about the location of the constellation in the sky/times of the year when it’s present, the mythology or history of the constellation (star lore), cartomancy meaning, tarot meaning, and divination. Some cards also have a zodiac section too, if they have astrological significance.

For each entry, the longest section by far is the divination, providing a ton of insight about the card’s message for you. One of the standout features of this deck is Roland’s thorough research and deep understanding of the symbolic connections between the stars and divinatory messages. Each constellation is packed with details that offer historical context, mythological background, and practical guidance. Even as a seasoned tarot reader and astrologer, I find myself gaining plenty of new insights from how Roland ties all the aspects of each card together.

Plus, the guidebook is nice and big, making it easy to hold in one’s hand and read like a book. For someone studying the constellations, simply pursuing the guidebook will yield tons of insight, especially from the Star Lore section of each entry. And for those more drawn to divination, there’s something about the tandem reading of the cartomancy, tarot, and mythological significance of the constellation that illuminates so much within a reading. Truly, this deck is one of a kind in this regard.

One of my favorite cards in this deck is Ace of Spades (Swords), featuring the constellation Draco. The imagery looks like a mix of a dragon and snake, and on the card it reads “sets not” as this constellation never dips below the horizon. The lore describes how it is of Phonecian origins and also a Chaldaen figure. To the Babalonians, this constellation represented Tiamat, “the dragon goddess of chaos”.2 There’s also a Greek myth included too.

Cartomancy meanings include “Clarity”efn_note]page 65[/efn_note] and “Intellectual prowess.”3 While some tarot meanings read “Cutting toxicity”efn_note]page 65[/efn_note] and “Breakthroughs”efn_note]page 65[/efn_note]. Roland writes as part of the divination:

“Balance street-smart cunning with levelheadedness and decisive action, know thyself, and declare your battle cry. It is time to claim the prize that your holy Daimon guards for you in the gard of your personal Eden, which is none other than the wondrous ability to understand the part you have to play in the grand scheme of life–a many-branched tree laden with meaningful synchronicities and deep gnosis that help cut through darkness, chaos, and clouds of ambiguity and welcome cathartic experiences to guide your personal mission along avenues of joy and prosperity.”efn_note]page 65[/efn_note]

How potent and poetic is that divination? And that’s only a part of what Roland has to say about Draco! This deck definitely isn’t just a lot of fluff; it’s packed with meaningful substance that takes readers deeper on their spiritual journey.

Overall, Starlore Arcana is a captivating and enlightening deck that offers a fresh perspective by blending cartomancy, tarot, astronomy, and mythology. Roland has created a valuable resource for anyone looking for thorough readings that have a multi-faceted approach to the divination. Roland provides a unique and inspiring way to connect with the cosmos; I’ve definitely been more inclined to go star-gazing when reading with this deck. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this deck is sure to spark your imagination and give you new insight to the interconnection of our night’s sky and the divinatory arts.

Lumina Tarot, by Lauren Aletta

Lumina Tarot: Let your intuition guide you, by Lauren Aletta and illustrated by Tegan Swyny
Rockpool Publishing, 1922786284, 184 pages, 78 cards, September 2024

Lumina Tarot is a captivating and visually stunning deck that blends classical and modern stylistic elements. Created by psychic and spirit science teacher Lauren Aletta, this deck is infused with mystical wisdom brought to life by the illustrations of Tegan Swyny. Aletta’s approach to tarot is deeply personal and spiritual, encouraging users to explore within, overcome limiting beliefs, and allow the mystery to flow through them.

“This isn’t a tarot deck that tells you who you are; rather, it will inspire you to believe in yourself and be the hero of your own life.”3

Each card is thoughtfully illustrated with vibrant colors and intricate details, making it not only a tool for divination but also a piece of art that invites contemplation. Swyny has laced the imagery with spiritual symbolism, layering meaning within the cards. For instance, there’s a glyph of Mars on the Tower card, while the Knight of Cups features an ouroboros creating what appears to be a vivid full moon.

The deviation from the traditional tarot imagery allows the imagination to take flight. The blend of crystals, flowers, animals, and people on the cards make it feel vibrant and coursing with life. There’s a dynamism within the imagery; you can see the movement of energy taking place and it flows from the card into the readers.

And while there’s so much to intuit from the cards themselves, the guidebook further connects readers with their inner wisdom. I absolutely love the size of the guidebook (about 4.5 by 6.5 inches) because it’s easy to hold in one’s hand and read like a book. The text is nice and big, and the colorful imagery make it easy to find the card entry you’re looking for.

Aletta begins by providing general guidance for working with these cards and offering spreads that can be used. She then does a brief overview of the major and minor arcana and each element and suit with a quick note on reversals.

For each card, there’s a short summary of the meaning along with Aletta’s insightful interpretation for both the upright and reversed position. The descriptions are a blend of traditional tarot meanings with her unique spiritual perspective, written in a way that feels both accessible and profound.

The 2nd person writing style makes the reader the center of the guidebook description. I like how they read in this style because it’s similar to when one gets a reader from someone else; the reader can sit back and integrate the information without having to piece it all together using keywords or general descriptions other tarot guides often draw upon. Here’s a snippet from the Seven of Wands:

“You may be being called to back yourself and trust your own inner source of light. Your passion and resolve are being tested and, despite feeling uncertain, you welcome the occasion! You can feel the energy and vitality of what you stand for burning within you. You are being called to stand tall, to light the way for others.”4

One of my favorite cards in the deck is Wheel of Fortune. I am obsessed with how Swyny has illustrated it with a woman with eight arms standing on the sun and reaching up to touch the moon. In between her many arms is the moon in its different phases from waxing to waning. The grace and beauty of the card along with the sense of flow and movement instantly remind me of the ever-changing nature of life. There’s also the glyph of Jupiter etched into the moon, which reminds me of the expansiveness of life. Aletta’s guidebook entry for this card reads:

“Do not simply stand still and accept what life delivers. You are far more powerful than that. Be the course creator! Intentionally move the spinning wheel to the beat of your own heart’s guidance.”5

Overall, Lumina Tarot is a remarkable addition to the world of tarot cards. Its artistic beauty and depth of meaning make it a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual growth. Whether you’re new to tarot or a seasoned reader, this deck offers a rich and rewarding experience that can help you tap into your inner wisdom to live your life with greater clarity and insight. The vibrant energy of this deck coupled with a guidebook that speaks directly to me has quickly made this one of my favorite decks.

Seasons of the Witch – Lammas Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz

Seasons of the Witch – Lammas Oracle, by Lorriane Anderson and Juliet Diaz with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic
Rockpool Publishing, 1922579777, 160 pages, 44 cards, July 2024

Season of the Witch – Lammas Oracle by 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.”6

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!”7

The keywords for this card in the guidebook are “results, return on investments”8. 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.”9 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.”10 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.

Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz

Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz
Rockpool Publishing, 1922579785, 112 pages, 44 cards, November 2023

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.”11

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.”12

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”13 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.

Tarot of the Unexplained, by Davezilla

Tarot of the Unexplained: A Deck of Cryptids, Ghosts, UFOs and Other Urban Oddities, by Davezilla
Red Wheel, 1578638348, 96 pages, 78 cards, August 2024

Tarot of the Unexplained: A Deck of Cryptids, Ghosts, UFOs and Other Urban Oddities by Davezilla is an intriguing blend of the high weird and the mysterious, merging the world of tarot with the enigmatic realm of urban legends and unexplained phenomena. This unique deck not only serves as a tool for divination but also as a fascinating exploration of some of the most captivating and eerie tales from around the world. And, if I’m honest, each time I pick it up cues the Twilight Zone theme song playing in my head.

In the guidebook’s introduction, Davezilla explains how he couldn’t find the tarot deck he was seeking–one that essentially combines aliens, ghosts, UFOS, cryptids, unexplained phenomena–so he decided to create his own. Creating an  other-dimensional, parallel system that mirrors the Rider-Waite system, he opens a door for readers into the bizarre world of folklore, legends, and the unknown. In this deck traditional cups, swords, wands, and pentacles respectively become portals, ghosts, knockers, and saucers, whereas the major arcana cards reflect well-known phenomena, folklore, monsters, and more.

The deck includes a comprehensive guidebook that provides detailed explanations of each card’s meaning, along with background information on the depicted legend. Every guidebook entry includes the card’s upright and reversed meaning, phenomena associated with it, an overview of the card’s meaning, and reflection for meditation. Davezilla’s writing is a direct, tell-it-straight style that tells you just what needs to be known at that moment.

So far, I’ve noticed his ascribed card meanings don’t line up exactly with the traditional Rider-Waite ones. So while I can use my own tarot knowledge to do readings, I’ve also been referencing the guidebook to tap into Davezilla’s perspective. I personally enjoy how Davezilla’s descriptions of the cards’ meanings unveil the unknown and ground the esoteric, whether through telling the story of the image featured, teaching the astrological symbolism of the card, or describing a type of person who might be represented in the reading, as with the court cards. 

Plus, the court cards themselves are very cool since Davezilla titles them fan (page), hunter (knight), advocate (queen), and skeptic (king). Yes, he even creates space for the skeptics in the deck too! Take for example the Skeptics of Ghosts, who Davezilla describes as “a grumpy old curmudgeon. He doesn’t believe in the afterlife. No time for such tomfoolery.”15

As for the look of the cards, Davezilla’s creativity shines through in awesome illustrations in this deck. He spent nine months creating the deck himself! Whether the cards feature cryptids, monsters, ghostly apparition, portal, or UFO encounter, the detail really attunes readers to the energy. Visually, this deck is haunting and captivating, drawing the reader into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur. And I love how there’s always a constellation depicted in the background, bringing in the celestial symbolism too.

The cards are strangely spooky and really get you thinking about what’s lingering in the hallway, happening in the middle of the night, or even in plain sight that you’re entirely missing out on noticing. How many portals do we overlook? And where exactly did my missing lipstick get to? Is the long-dead previous tenant still roaming around the hallway? Often we remain closed off to these lines of inquiry, but this deck pushes through our psyche’s barriers to open the “what if..” train of thought that gets our inquisitiveness stirring.

And it’s this opening to the peculiarity that makes Tarot of the Unexplained unique as a deck. Its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, especially while doing divinations, makes readers even more receptive to the strangeness that wants to come through.

When I first started working with the deck, I got so into learning more about the different stories and happenings that I spent a good deal of time going through the guidebook and following up with Google searches of things that piqued my interest. I’ve also been doing more unusual readings with the deck, such as asking which phenomena I should study for insight. I also truly feel a tingling sensation whenever I work with the deck, as though I’m opening a doorway to the weirdness of the world we’ve yet to explain.

My favorite card in the deck is La Llorona, the Mexican Weeping Woman, who I first learned about when reading The Queen of the Cicadas by V. Castro. Seeing Davezilla pick her as the Empress utterly shocked and delighted me in the best way possible. For one, it showed me this guy really knew his stuff and wasn’t going with the basic, well-known mysterious entities in this deck. Second, relating her energy to the Empress was absolutely novel even though it appears to me as a more of a shadow side of the Empress.

Davezilla even writes this is a tough card, which most wouldn’t associate with the Empress. He writes:

“La Llorona is a “difficult” card. This is a card of chaotic magic, mental instability, infidelity, and deception. In extreme cases, this is a card where mommy can go a little crazy. In such cases, this is the official “Mommie Dearest” card.”16

I thought this was a very interesting take! And it speaks to how I have continually gone back to reference the guidebook to see Davezilla’s intention in creating the deck rather than relying on my own tarot knowledge to better understand the readings.

Overall, in Tarot of the Unexplained, Davezilla successfully captures the essence of these extraordinary oddities, encouraging users to delve deeper into the stories behind them. Whether used for divination, storytelling, research, or simply as a collector’s item, Tarot of the Unexplained is a must-have for anyone fascinated by the unknown and the supernatural. It’s a delightful journey into the obscure and the uncanny, offering the perfect combination of personal insight and out of the ordinary entertainment.

The Chinese Five Elements Oracle, by Vicki Iskandar

The Chinese Five Elements Oracle: A 60-Card Deck and Guidebook, by Vicki Iskandar and illustrated by Candice Soon
Hay House LLC, 140197063X, 192 pages, 60 cards, October 2023

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.”17 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.”18

“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.”19

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,”20 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.

The Jolanda Witch Tarot, by Rosie Bjorkman

The Jolanda Witch Tarot: The Healing Art of Magic, by Rosie Bjorkman and illustrated by Hans Arnold
Findhorn Press, 979888500668, 78 cards, 400 pages, July 2024

I really enjoyed getting to know and working with The Jolanda Witch Tarot by Rosie Bjorkman and Hans Arnold. The symbolism is like the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, although the illustrations are charged with whimsy and fantasy. The guidebook is full of great wisdom, spiritual healing tips, and information on reversals, as well. 

Rosie Bjorkman is a Swedish woman who originally published this deck in Swedish  in 1997. Later, she began to translate the cards and text into English and worked with two different editors to perfect the language. Bjorkman is very well known in Sweden as “Jolanda the Witch” and loves to give tarot readings, workshops, and lectures. She has studied with several Native American tribes in America and a shaman in Siberia. She has also written a book on Shamanism, which is currently only available in Swedish. As a leading expert in “occultism and spirituality,” Bjorkman has also been a kundalini yoga practitioner for over 30 years. She currently lives in Solna, Sweden. You can learn more about Bjorkman on her website.

Hans Arnold (1925-2010) was a gifted artist and illustrator who is well known for his art that blends horror with fantasy and bright colors. Arnold was born in Sursee, Switzerland and moved to Sweden in the 1940’s. He illustrated fairy tales and articles, becoming a favorite in the science fiction community. I was interested to learn the source of this fantastical art that often depicts monsters and found this explanation on a website about Arnold:

“The horror illustrations are said to come from his way of conjuring his own fears. For God, the confinement and childhood in Sursee. It all started when Hans Arnold was a little schoolboy. He then met his first monsters in the form of his teachers at a very strict school. These memories were therefore carried with them later in life.”21

You may be interested to learn that Arnold also illustrated the Greatest Hits album for the Swedish Group ABBA.  For more information and to see examples of his art, visit his website.

The Jolanda Witch Tarot is a standard tarot deck of 78 cards with Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards. However, there is nothing standard about this deck. By working with Bjorkman, Arnold has created quirky, colorful illustrations of archetypal characters, animal guides, and other symbols from witchcraft and shamanic traditions.

Animal guides is a very general term that encompasses sea creatures, insects, dragons, reptiles, birds, and some mythical creatures from Arnold’s own imagination! For example, the 8 of Swords features eight hornets bearing down on a small family and it is a truly frightening image! The rest of the Swords illustrations feature real swords on each card.

The Wands appear as tree branches, carved totem poles, candles, columns, and other images.  The cups are the same across all cards, while the coins feature many different images or symbols on the coin faces. Minor Arcana cards feature the standard card line-up, except that Page is replaced by Princess and Knight is replaced by Prince.

Within the guidebook, Bjorkman includes astrological signs and/or planets that correspond to each Major Arcana card, as well as a Goddess for most of these cards. Key words are shown for every card in the deck. She includes what she calls “four subsections with the following titles: Herstory, The Art of Magic, Medicine for the Soul and Imagination … In Magic Nation.”22 Bjorkman also weaves in a personal story for some of the Major Arcana cards. For the Minor Arcana, the wisdom is similar, although the sections are shorter. Most of the pip cards include a focal word printed on the card.

I took the deck to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and the ladies loved it!  Several remarked about how the fun and whimsical illustrations softened the blow of the often hard-hitting guidance. One friend wrote to me during the next week and shared how the Sun and Moon Meditation for the 9 of Wands really helped her to “lie low for a while”23 and await a solution to a current situation in her life.  Another friend loved the detailed guidebook and took photos of several card entries.

I utilized the deck for a three-card reading for myself and drew these cards:

  • 9 Wands – Reversed
  • 8 Swords
  • Princess Coins – Reversed

Using Bjorkman’s beautiful guidance as a framework, I created the following journal prompts and affirmations for my personal reading:

How am I NOT using my strengths nor acting on ideas for my business? How am I distracting myself? 

I am relaxing into my success by changing distracting thoughts and focusing on my strengths. I am in the perfect position for this next chapter of my life!

This deck is an average size and is just a little larger than I like for shuffling with my small hands.  The cards are printed on nice cardstock that will stand up to repeated use. The cards and guidebook come inside a heavy-duty box with a fold over, magnetic flap. Bjorkman includes a table of contents with page numbers for each card, an introduction to the cards, a note about her own magical practices and information on how the book is structured. She also includes a Bibliography of books and online references.

My favorite card in the deck is the 9 of Wands. It features a female archer on the back of a horse who is jumping over nine animal totems. She is poised ready to shoot one arrow, while her quiver holds an arrow of the sun and one of the moon. I love her confidence and the keyword: Strength. 

Anyone with a basic knowledge of tarot and Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism will enjoy The Jolanda Witch Tarot.  The guidebook is so large and comprehensive that a novice reader may be put off by the sheer amount of information. On the other hand, a new reader could easily use this as a type of “tarot bible” for studying the myth and lore of the symbols, as well as the stories of the goddesses Bjorkman includes. Anyone interested in Shamanism will also enjoy this deck.  The “medicine,” tips and tools that the creator shares are so helpful to anyone wanting to establish a daily spiritual practice.  Bjorkman leaves us with this affirmation at the end of the guidebook:

“I love and respect myself in all my aspects. Others love me just the way I am, and those who do not love me do not know me!”24

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot, by Latisha Guthrie

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot, by Latisha Guthrie with artwork by Joanna Powell Colbert
U.S. Games System Inc., 1572819723, 124 pages, 78 cards, May 2019

The traditional tarot images often grow stale for me. In delving into why this happens, I reached the conclusion it was because they aren’t always relatable. Symbolic? Sure. But sometimes I just want to see images from daily life; I want to see scenes of my day to day. It was my quest for this domestic, homey feeling I was seeking in my readings that led me to The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by Latisha Guthrie.

The Herbcrafter’s Tarot by Latisha Guthrie is a beautifully crafted deck that intertwines the wisdom of the natural world with the mystical art of tarot reading. This 78-card deck, created in collaboration with illustrator Joanna Powell Colbert, is a celebration of the healing power of herbs and plants. Each card is thoughtfully designed to depict a specific plant, along with its symbolic meanings and practical applications, making it a unique blend of botanical knowledge and spiritual insight. And the imagery was spot-on for what I was seeking!

The cards are from the point of view of the reader. The Major Arcana cards depict a natural altar to the herb and its corresponding energy. They represent the gratitude the herbcrafter feels “for the gifts and insights the plants give her.”1 Some of the altars looked planned out, such as the ones in the shape of the mandala, while others are simply the altars that arise during herbcrafting as one is actively engaged in their process.

The Court Cards, which in this deck are called People Cards, all feature hands of the herbcrafter. They show hands doing all sorts of mundane tasks: picking plants, drawing a bath, pouring a tea kettle. She writes:

“Our intention is to highlight the plant as well as to celebrate the slow intentional ritual of handcrafting. With every berry gathered and tincture mixed we enflesh the sacred, making prayer visible.”25

In this deck, the Court Cards are Hijas (Daughters, traditionally Pages), Adelitas (Warriors, Traditionally Knights), Madres (Mothers, traditionally Queens), and Curanderas (Healers, traditionally Kings). Characterizing the Court Cards in this way made me feel extra connected to this deck too because these are the types of people that show up in my life; it’s easier for me to identify a motherly figure than it is a queen.

Other cards in the deck depict momentary scenes of what it looks like in the midst of gardening, having a cup of tea in bed with the moon shining above, or simply gazing at nature scenes of gardens, rivers, and trees exuding their beauty. As I browse the cards, I instantly feel at peace, grounded, and connected to the natural world. Yet the imagery takes on a whole additional layer of meaning after reading the guidebook.

Guthrie explains how instead of traditional tarot suits (swords, wands, cups, and pentacles), their corresponding elements are used for the Minor Arcana (air, fire, water, and earth). And the cards for each element have a theme: air shows the observation of nature, fire the transformation of the herbs, water focuses on baths and teas, and earth showcases “baskets and fiber arts”, which are considered “legacy tools.”26

Furthermore, the herbs were chosen for each number within the elemental Minor Arcana based on “how they contribute to an ecosystem”.27 Guthrie provides a list for numbers 1-10 to explain the roles of one. The guidebook also groups the cards by number, so rather than looking through a section on a specific element, one looks to section on that number and then finds their element within.

One of my favorite cards in the deck visually is Strength, which is the Garlic card. This is a Major Arcana card, so I knew it was depicting an altar of sorts, but it is certainly one of those altars that arises naturally from being in the moment. While I could describe it for you myself, a real bonus of the guidebook for this deck is that each entry features a description of the card. This is what the guidebook says about this card:

“A braided cluster of purple garlic rests on a cloth made of natural fibers. Roses from a nearby vase begin to dry, and petals have fallen on the table. Golden liquid seeps from a heart-shaped honeycomb onto a wooden board. Green scrapes fold into their lemniscate shape surrounding a pot of garlic cloves submerged in honey.”28

Guthrie perfectly captures the scene in each card with her vivid descriptions of the imagery. Even though I’m gazing at the card, her words bring the setting to life; I can feel it with my senses, further opening my intuitive understanding of the card.

The guidebook also features the Latin name, three imperative sentences for insight, a paragraph of wise words that speak to the spiritual meaning of the card, and three ways to craft with the energy of the card using the plant. For instance, the Strength card offers wearing a garlic amulet over the heart as a reminder to be bold, cook with garlic to fortify the body, and make “immune-boosting garlic honey”29 to soften intensity or conflict.

One of the standout features of this deck is its ability to connect the reader with the herbs, forming relationships “for medicine, creativity, ritual, and spiritual guidance.”30 The cards are not just tools for divination; they serve as a bridge to deepen one’s understanding and relationship with plants too. Guthrie’s guidebook provides detailed descriptions of each herb, including its traditional uses, folklore, and ways to integrate it into daily life. This makes the deck an educational resource as well as a spiritual tool, ideal for those who have an interest in herbalism or wish to incorporate nature into their spiritual practice.

In terms of usability, this deck is accessible for both beginners and experienced tarot readers. The imagery is rich and cozy, allowing for intuitive readings based on the set scene, while the guidebook is comprehensive yet easy to follow. The deck encourages a hands-on approach, inviting users to engage with the herbs mentioned, whether through gardening, cooking, or crafting.

Overall, The Herbcrafter’s Tarot is a harmonious blend of art, nature, and spirituality, offering a unique and enriching experience for anyone interested in tarot and herbal wisdom. It has become my go-to tarot deck recently. I absolutely love getting to learn more about the plants themselves, from the practical uses to the spiritual messages they have to share. Guthrie and Colbert have done a wonderful job distilling the essence of each plant into the cards both in the imagery and guidebook for readers to truly connect with their natural powers.

Wild Lands Tarot, by Leah Shoman

Wild Lands Tarot, by Leah Shoman
Sacred Scribe Publishing, 9798987986608, 78 cards and 96 page guidebook, 2024

Wild Lands Tarot initially caught my attention because of the design. I’ve been fascinated by pictorial decks lately and the polaroid aesthetic of this deck especially appealed to me as a lover of all things vintage, so I knew I would have to give Leah Shoman’s creation a try.

Honestly, I wasn’t disappointed.

The pictorial base of the deck was beautiful, and the silver-foil embellishments were an unexpected addition that served to enhance the connections between the photographs and the specific card that they represented. However, the images selected for the deck seemed to be a little eclectic rather than revolving around a specific theme; the majority were either Japanese or Egyptian in nature, though occasionally there were some based on landscape photography as well.

I would have appreciated a section of the guidebook dedicated to the selection of the images. Why did Leah choose a particular image for one card over another? Why did she blend the images together or choose to overlay them like she did? Some explanation around those topics would have given the deck even more depth that I personally would have enjoyed.

The guidebook that came with this deck contained a dedicated page for each card, as well as two different spreads, and some information for a one-card draw. The interpretations follow what has become standard for Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) based decks.

However, the Wild Lands Tarot did rename two of the suits. The deck has the traditional Wands and Cups, but has replaced Swords with Ankhs and has renamed Pentacles to Coins. As you can imagine, most of the Egyptian themed images belonged to the suit of Ankhs, while Coins and Cups were primarily landscape and nature-based photography, and the suit of Wands contained primarily Japanese imagery.

The Major Arcana is where all three of these themes collided; some were Egyptian coded, others Japanese, and still others landscapes. The thing that most seemed to anchor the images to the cards they represented was the silver-foil overlays, which really helped to bridge the gap between the image and the traditional RWS majors. Without the foil images, I don’t necessarily think that I would have connected a lot of the photographs to their corresponding archetype.

The cards of the Wild Lands Tarot, in keeping with the vintage polaroid aesthetic, were shaped like the film that you would have to shake until they developed. (Yes, I know you remember those!) While that shape is not at all common in the world of tarot, I feel like it added to the appeal of the deck and the sense of nostalgia and hiraeth that permeates it. It is, however, an odd shape to shuffle and the cards weren’t the most comfortable to handle. They also have pointed corners, which isn’t something particularly prevalent in tarot, which tends to favor the rounded corners for comfortability and/or ease of use.

As far as handling goes, though, I absolutely loved the thickness and feeling of the cardstock. It’s definitely on the thicker side, which is my personal preference (I feel like it will last longer); coupled with the smooth yet still tactile matte finish, I was almost in cardstock heaven. Shoman got that aspect of her deck, in my opinion, just right.

When I pulled the deck out to give some friends readings, they all agreed that they loved the back of the cards. The light blue color gives a hint of the whimsy of the deck while keeping true to a more natural color palette. The silver foil is also present on the back, where it outlines a triple moon surrounded by the signs of the zodiac.

When it came down to it, though, I had a bit of difficulty actually reading with the Wild Lands Tarot. Shoman’s photography, as I’ve mentioned throughout this review, was stunning; however, I really struggled to visually connect the cards, possibly due to the lack of cohesion among images.

Overall, I feel that Wild Lands Tarot is best suited for people who prefer to use cards with surreal and whimsical imagery in their readings. Despite its lack of a single, cohesive theme, this deck brings a sense of beauty and nostalgia for all that once was, and all that could be. I, for one, am glad to have it in my collection to fulfill my longing for far-off places that I may never truly come to know.

Daily Light Affirmation Deck, by Joanna Hunter

Daily Light Affirmation Deck, by Joanna Hunter and illustrated by Stephanie Wicker-Campbell
Muse Oracle Press, 9780645885033, 60 cards, August 2024

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.”27  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.”28

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.”29

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.”30