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Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot, by Lorraine Anderson and Tijana Lukovic

Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot: A journey through Mabon and Samhain, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208748, 128 pages, 78 cards, August 2026

There is something inherently magical about the transition into autumn: the world seems to slow down, the days grow shorter, and nature begins its beautiful process of letting go. It’s my favorite time of the year! Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot: A Journey Through Mabon and Sanhaim by Lorriane Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic captures the season’s liminal quality beautifully, inviting readers to experience the traditional tarot through the shifting energies of autumn.

This 78-card tarot deck is a continuation of the beloved Seasons of the Witch collection. Anderson reimagines the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system through the themes of Mabon and Samhain when the Wheel of the Year turns to the darker times. Harvest, gratitude, balance, transition, release, shadow work, death, rebirth, and the wisdom that comes from turning inward all become part of the reading experience, fostering new insights within the structure of traditional tarot meanings.

From the second I held this deck, I felt a magnetic pull towards it. The energy was just radiating the essence of fall. And while I am enjoying the end of summer, this deck has gotten me so excited for the shift of summer into autumn. For me, this is the magic of the Seasons of the Witch collection; the decks really foster an alignment with the season.

As soon as I opened the box, I was absolutely taken with the gilded orange edges filled with captivating images that are much more relatable for me than the traditional RWS imagery. The artwork by Tijana Lukovic highlights the warmth and coziness of Mabon with the mysterious, rustling atmosphere associated with Samhain. The palette of warm oranges, reds, browns, and autumnal golds makes the deck feel like stepping into a crisp October evening.

Shuffling through the deck, there are golden leaves, pumpkins, candles, woodland settings, witches, spirits, ghosts, and shadowy figures, which transport readers into the liminal space of autumn. There’s spookiness, enchantment, solace, and magic all within the artwork.

I see cards with a woman grieving, women together doing a spell, a woman gazing out the window reading a book, and one simply enjoying a steaming cup of something delicious I’m sure. Essentially, I see many versions of myself in the deck, which is why I feel like I resonate with it so readily.

Yet at the same time, there’s an otherworldly, fairy-tale-like quality to the deck that invites a feeling of whimsy too. This dance between the mundane and the mystical, where daily ritual becomes a portal for wider connection is so apparent in this deck. Lukovic just has a truly remarkable ability to capture the soulfulness of each season. I can’t get enough of all her expressive images!

Further reflecting the autumn energy is the revisioning of the suits, which puts the tarot cards into a different archetypal perspective. Cups become jack-o’-lanterns, representing emotional warmth and light in the darkness; Wands become broomsticks, emphasizing cleansing and sweeping away what is no longer needed; Swords take the form of branches, connecting the suit with resilience and nature’s wisdom; and Pentacles become mirrors, turning attention toward self-worth, material relationships, and the reflection between our inner and outer worlds.

Anderson also makes some changes to the traditional tarot terminology to further immerse the reader in the seasonal world of autumn. For instance, the Sun becomes Sunset, the Moon becomes The Waning Moon, the World becomes Descending Into Winter.  The last change to the traditional RWS design is reimaging the Court Cards. Anderson calls Initiates (Pages), Seekers (Knights), Shepherds (Queens), and Keepers (Kings). According to the guidebook, this terminology will continue for all of the Seasons of the Witch tarot decks. These changes give the familiar tarot symbolism an entirely new atmosphere while maintaining recognizable connections to the familiar system.

All of the deck descriptions I’ve mentioned can be found in the guidebook, which is quite informative. Following an introduction by Anderson, there’s a page with themes for autumn, along with a passage about the seasons as archetypes. Anderson offers guidance for working with the deck, including how to do cleansing and dedication, situations to use the deck beyond the time of Autumn, and combining tarot with oracle cards. I especially appreciated her method for reading reversals with the deck, which was an emphasis on the card rather than an inverted meaning. From here, Anderson shares spreads for readers. They range from one-card pulls to a full 10-card spread to get to know the deck.

As for the cards’ guidebook entries, all of them follow the same format. First, there’s an image of the card followed by a description of the artwork. This is very valuable because it highlights the imagery, giving readers’ perspective they might have otherwise not noticed. This is followed by a divinatory message, which I noticed aligns with the message from the traditional tarot card represented. The final section of the entry is a list of additional meanings for the cards; this is very helpful for expanding the message for readers to consider alternative possibilities.

As an example, I was doing a one-card pull and drew The Autumn High Priest. This is one of the cards that differs a bit from traditional tarot, making it much more resonant and approachable for me. The imagery shows women whispering counsel into the ear of a woman veiled in a white gown. The description reads, “The presence of each of these women emphasizes community, tradition, and the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student.”1 What a wonderful framing of the energy!

Anderson does go on to explain the energy, mentioning how it relates to the traditional Hierophant card, while also keeping a nature-based, spiritual connection present in the message. The additional meanings include things such as honoring seasonal practices that keep us rooted, working within a hierarchy, formal study or initiation into a new discipline, and family influence on one’s love life. The different ways this card can be read allow for plenty of flexibility, allowing for readers to apply the essence of the card to find meaningful insight into their personal situation.

All in all, for readers who already love the Seasons of the Witch oracle decks, Autumn Tarot feels like a natural expansion of the collection. Though, it also works beautifully as a standalone deck for anyone who loves seasonal spirituality, witchcraft, nature-based practices, or tarot with a strong archetypal atmosphere. For those who find spiritual meaning in the turning of the Wheel of the Year or simply love the introspective magic of autumn, this is a beautiful invitation to slow down, look inward, and listen to what the season has to teach us. I love it so much!!

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson, Tijana Lukovic, and Rose Giada

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468487, 28 pages, August 2026

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar is so much more than a place to jot down appointments, activities, and events. It is a beautiful companion for living in rhythm with the seasons. Created by Lorraine Anderson and brought to life through the enchanting artwork of Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada, this calendar transforms an everyday organizational tool into a yearlong spiritual practice.

Admittedly, while I love living in harmony with the seasons, I am also a structured planner. This calendar combines both the natural rhythms and day-to-day reality with ease. Official holidays worldwide (UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, etc.) are joined by sabbats and moon phases, making it especially useful for those who live a dual life of mundane and magical dates. And alongside the nicely-sized calendar grids for appointments and reminders is a monthly ritual that offers a way to ground and connect with the season.

Each month features breathtaking full-color artwork that captures the dreamlike, folkloric aesthetic fans of the Seasons of the Witch oracle series have come to love. Lukovic and Giada’s illustrations feel both timeless and contemporary, blending mystical symbolism with lush natural imagery. I always feel like I could step into the setting when I gaze at them. And I love how whenever I look up at the page, I can imagine myself, calm and settled in the scene depicted. As someone who adores their artwork, it’s a real pleasure to see it larger in this 12 x 12 inch calendar!

Within the calendar’s monthly frame, there’s also one ritual for each month. Looking through them, they’re all very easy to perform without needing an excess of materials; Anderson keeps this simple, allowing for readers to integrate the seasonal energy at their own pace.

Some examples of the monthly rituals include a summer berry milk bath, honest journal reflection, ritualizing the sunset, deep cleaning, communing with an every day familiar, making a fennel digestive soda, and creating a poinsettia vessel. As you can see, there’s a full spectrum of ritual, giving readers a variety of ways to make their daily life inspired and attuned to the energies around them.

And just this one act of sacred devotion to focus on each month is enough to keep my inner magical fire going, despite the many obligations that scatter my energy and pull me in different directions. I feel more aligned with my witchcraft practice, which tends to ebb and flow depending on the time and attention I have available, by weaving Anderson’s rituals into my month (I know this from having the 2026 version of the calendar!). And I think she does a wonderful job of matching the seasonal energy with the ritual for each month.

Fans of Anderson’s oracle decks (me!!!) will recognize familiar themes of self-reflection, seasonal wisdom, and personal transformation woven in the calendar. However, no prior experience with the oracle series is necessary; this calendar stands alone as a quite magical household item. Even those simply looking for an aesthetically stunning wall calendar will appreciate its blend of practical planning and quiet inspiration.

Additionally worth noting, Rockpool Publishing has continued its commitment to environmentally responsible production by eliminating single-use shrink wrap and using FSC-certified, responsibly sourced paper. These details align beautifully with the earth-centered philosophy reflected throughout the calendar itself.

Overall, in the midst of my focus on plans and productivity, the content in the 2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar invites me to slow down, tap into my inner knowing, and cherish the magic of each day.  It’s both a practical and pretty thing to have hanging in a room. The combination of the imagery with the monthly ritual gently reminds me to appreciate the moment and attune myself to the different phases, elevating the humble wall calendar into a daily ritual of connection. For anyone seeking to weave mindfulness, seasonal awareness, and beauty into everyday life, I highly recommend this calendar!

The Beauty Apothecary, by Lorraine Anderson

The Beauty Apothecary: Soulful Remedities to Foster Beauty Inside and Out, by Lorraine Anderson
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208012, 224 pages, March 2026

Beauty brings a quiet but powerful richness to life, shaping how we experience the world and ourselves within it by fostering presence and inviting us to slow down, notice, and connect more deeply. The Beauty Apothecary: Soulful Remedies to Foster Beauty Inside and Out by Lorraine Anderson highlights the value of fostering beauty in one’s life and presents a multitude of ways to enhance it day to day. Anderson shows that beauty is not a luxury, but a form of nourishment that restores, inspires, and reminds us that there is something worth savoring.

This sacred beauty bible invites readers to embrace beauty inside and out, blending self-care, spirituality, and ritual into a holistic approach to beauty. Rather than focusing on external aesthetics alone, the book emphasizes inner nourishment—mind, heart, and soul—as the true foundation of radiance. Anderson explores themes like self-love, self-awareness, and self-soverignty, while also offering recipes for more tangible beauty products for everyday use.

“It’s a metaphorical apothecary if you will, meant to address both a tangible sense of beauty through your physical body and environment, as well as an intangible sense of beauty through your emotions and spiritual connection.”2

Divided into three parts, the book begins with an exploration of beauty archetypes. Anderson has designed a quiz for readers to discover which of ten beauty archetypes they embody. The multiple choice questions get you reflecting upon things like what self-care means to you and when you feel most beautiful. I was quite surprised to realize how  much I enjoyed sharing beauty with others by my answer choices, revealing the Lover archetype as my most dominant!

For each of the archetypes, Anderson provides a whole profile. She details how each archetype fosters beauty as well as what drains their beauty. She provides insight into their approach to both inner and outer beauty, offering the best beauty strategies, restoration methods, and remedies for them. I gained a lot from my Lover profile, and I also really enjoyed reading through the different archetype profiles to learn about their essence and explore the many ways beauty shines in others. I’m sure my archetype might change, so I appreciate having this quiz and profiles handy to check in from time to time.

The other chapter in “Part I: The foundation of beauty” is an introduction to the items used for natural beauty products: plants and herbs, fragrance oils, essential oils, carrier oils, extracts, creams and lotions, salts and sugars, waters, and alcohols and witch hazel. While there are whole books written on these topics, Anderson gives enough information to make readers feel knowledgeable enough about these products to feel comfortable trying out the recipes later in the book.

“Part II: Nurturing Inner Beauty” has three chapters focusing on mind, heart, and soul. For each aspect of inner beauty, Anderson provides an overview, three aspects of “self” related to the principle (ex. Self-compassion for heart, self-awareness for mind), a chart of natural allies (essential oils, plants, and carrier oils), and rituals and recipes. From special Venusian candles to bath scrubs, yummy moon milk to grounding bed sheet powder, there’s so many neat DIY possibilities offered for fostering inner beauty.

In the last section, “Part III: Nurturing Outer Beauty”, Anderson offers a balanced approach to beauty, sharing her best beauty tips while also cultivating a grounded spiritual aspect to her approach too. Suggestions like building a beauty altar and performing a sacred adornment ritual set the stage for the wide variety of recipes to follow.

The chapters focus on everyday beauty and then beauty for hair, body, and fragrances. In this part, the recipes are a bit more elaborate, guiding readers to work with base products (carrier oils, lotions), specific ingredients (herbs, essential oils), and tools (double broiler or crock pot, the right containers for the items). These acts of cultivating beauty often require time and intention, asking us to pause in a world that rewards speed, but the investment is a worthwhile one.

All throughout, Anderson’s writing tone is gentle, affirming, and spiritually infused. Her style imparts wisdom while also engaging the intuitive, emotional side of readers too. While informative, Anderson presents content that is calming and reflective, reading less like a manual and more like a guided self-devotional text. Her holistic approach to beauty is refreshing, opening up readers to the energetic state of beauty in addition to the physical appreciation of it.

And given the topics covered, it only makes sense the book itself is balanced, beautiful, and visually alluring. Different texts and fonts, bullet points, and soft color tones make the content easy to absorb. The illustrations infuse the text with the beauty of the natural world and provide a place for your eyes to rest while your mind wanders.

So far, I’ve mostly focused on bath salts and sugars–my favorite type of beauty care. But I am looking forward to branching out to try more of the recipes this summer when I have a bit more time on my hands. For now, the reflective questions in the inner beauty sections are serving as guides for my spirit, inviting me to explore more deeply what beauty means to me and how I can cultivate it in my life.

Overall, I highly recommend The Beauty Apothecary for those seeking a bridge between beauty rituals and spiritual practice. Anderson’s approach honors and highlights beauty in ways that feel interactive rather than just conceptual. Readers who view self-care as sacred or who want to deepen that perspective are sure to appreciate the blend of embodied practices, recipes, and inner exploration, making for a variety of ways to connect with the material. The integration of emotional well-being, spiritual alignment, and self-perception into the concept of beauty is a welcomed approach to wellness.

About the Author

Lorriane Anderson is a tarot reader, astrologer, spiritual teacher, and entrepreneur whose work centers on intentional living and spiritual transformation. She is best known for her Seasons of the Witch oracle series, though her other titles are amazing too, such as Moon Apothecary and Witching Hour Oracle. Anderson also operates spiritual education and product-based businesses, including Spirit Element and Made with Stardust. Her writing is deeply informed by ancestral practices and modern spiritual frameworks, aiming to make ritual and energetic work accessible in everyday life.

Seasons of the Witch: Yule Journal, by Lorraine Anderson and Giada Rose

Seasons of the Witch: Yule Journal, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Giada Rose
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208365, 208 pages, October 2025

Yule, which is celebrated during the winter solstice, marks the longest night of the year and the quiet beginning of winter’s embrace. As the world slows and darkness lingers, the season’s energy naturally calls us inward, inviting stillness, reflection, and renewal. This quiet time, when trees are bare and many animals are hibernating, is a moment to honor the cycles of rest and rebirth, tend the inner flame, and listen to the wisdom that emerges in silence.

It is in this silence where some of the most profound spiritual insights can finally be heard, especially with tools that attune people to their inner landscape. Journaling during the winter months becomes a powerful practice, offering space to reflect on the past year, release what no longer serves, and plant seeds of intention for the light’s gradual return. Similarly, the introspective energy makes this season a wonderful time for oracle readings, promoting deep spiritual work, reflection, and intention-setting for the year ahead.

Season of the Witch: Yule Journal crafted by Lorriane Anderson and illustrated by Giada Rose is a wonderful companion for the winter months, blending the art of journaling and oracle readings. This beautiful, full-color journal is designed to provide people with ample space for their solitary musings, seasonal observations, and oracle card readings during the Yuletide season.

Spanning 208 pages, this paperback journal includes 50 thoughtful journal prompts. 44 of the prompts come directly from Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle, making this journal a great resource for those who enjoy working with the deck (me!). The additional six new prompts offer further questions for reflection, creating space for even more insights to emerge. As an extension of the oracle deck, the journal deepens the experience of one’s reading by offering a place for personal reflection about the divinatory messages. 

However, Seasons of the Witch: Yule Journal can absolutely be used independently from the deck as a space for reflective writing. The combination of the beautiful illustrations with meaningful writing prompts promises an inner sanctuary for thoughts, musings, and spiritual nourishment. The prompts skillfully weave themes of gratitude, restoration, and inner wisdom, offering insights about what the darkest time of year emotionally, spiritually, and intuitively awakens within. Here’s an example of the prompt for Perseverance:

“Yule is a celebration of the return of the light. When you are facing a difficult time, how can you bring light to your situation? What are some ways you can carry the light in your soul despite the darkness you’re feeling?”3

As reflected in this prompt, Anderson really gets to the heart of the season with her questions. She approaches the process of journaling with a gentleness that leaves room for the writer to find their own voice. The questions are specific enough to give focus to a topic but also leave room for open-ended exploration through the journalling process.

What’s really nice about the journal is the rounded spine and flat-lay binding, which makes it easy to write in. On the left side of the journal is an illustration by Rose that captures the many themes of the season from the starkness and chill of the snow to the merriment of coming together to feast with those you care about. Then on the right side, there’s the prompt at the top in a box followed by two additional empty pages for writing, making nearly three whole pages for reflections. For those of you who write big, the spacing of the lines is very easy to fit your script into! Though it’s worth noting, once in a while, some of the pages are left blank with no lines.

While I haven’t officially started writing yet (I’m waiting for December!), I can tell the amount of space for each prompt will make it easy to fit multiple entries in. Whether one is using it in tandem with the deck and a card comes up twice or you want to return to the journal year and year and keep adding to it, the size of the journal leaves plenty of space for multiple musings about each journal prompt.

Just flipping through this journal has given me so much excitement for Yuletide season! Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle is one of my favorite winter decks, and seeing the images on the cards amplified on the pages of the journal brings me pure delight. I also love the embellishments of holly, pine, pinecones, and little moons around the border. The whole journal really captures the essence of Yule.

And while I do enjoy working with my deck, and I’m sure I’ll use it in combination with this journal, I also like how the journal will be a safe space for me to explore without the external guidance of the deck always steering my reflections in a certain direction. I definitely see myself flipping through the journal and writing where I feel called to in that moment without any oracle prompting, which is why I know this is a great resource even if someone doesn’t have the deck.

Overall, Seasons of the Witch: Yule Journal shines as a seasonal, art-infused companion for anyone seeking introspection and exploration of their inner landscape during Yule. Its visual beauty, intuitive prompts, and thoughtful design invite a contemplative experience throughout the chilling winter season. If you already love the Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle, this journal adds a lovely layer of personal reflection. But it also makes for a wonderful stand-alone tool for navigating some of the darkest times of the year. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes through in my writing this Yuletide season, and I’d definitely recommend it as a gift for your witchy friends this winter!

The Moon Apothecary, by Lorraine Anderson

The Moon Apothecary: Rituals and Recipes for the Lunar Phases, by Lorraine Anderson
Rockpool Publishing, 1925946800, 272 pages, October 2024

The Moon Apothecary: Rituals and Recipes for the Lunar Phases by Lorraine Anderson is a captivating exploration of wellness rituals and recipes coordinated with the lunar cycles. Blending the magic of the moon with rituals that readers can incorporate into their everyday lives, Anderson teaches readers how to discover the fulfillment of aligning one’s intention with the lunar phases. Within these pages resides all readers need to begin their own moon apothecary.

Anderson is the co-creator of the popular Seasons of the Witch oracle decks, yet in this book, she shares what she’s learned on her journey of beauty, wellness, and magic. In the introduction to this book, she writes:

“I truly believe success and self-care go hand in hand. The more you take care of both your physical and spiritual bodies, the more your higher self will support you on the material plane.”4

While there’s plenty of books on the market about how to work with the phases of the moon, what sets this one apart is how Anderson’s focus is on guiding readers to discover and connect with their own unique current desires and then channel the energy into various wellness products. She covers lotions, creams, oils, sprays, sugar scrubs, soaps, teas, ritual baths, and more! Anderson always highlights the use of natural ingredients, encouraging readers to tap into the healing power of nature too in addition to the moon.

In true teacher fashion, Anderson begins this book by reminding readers of their magical responsibility and need to put safety first. While her writing is gentle and nurturing, her tone is firm about the need to take what we’re doing seriously. Actions such as consulting a qualified professional when necessary, avoiding certain ingredients if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have certain illnesses, having cultural mindfulness, and practicing sustainability.

Next, Anderson covers the wide-range of ingredients that one can work with in their lunar apothecary, covering how to safely source them and tips for using them in one’s self-care practice. She explains the properties of different oils, clays, salts that one can use as a basis for their work, along with alcoholics and crystals too. From here, she shares how to build one’s intention, creating a synergy between their feelings, ingredients, and intentions to create a magical product. She really encourages the reader to incorporate all their senses during the process, infusing one’s craft with enjoyment as they move through the process in order to wind up with a potent final product.

“Part II: Moon Recipes” delves into the spiritual and holistic ways to connect one’s wellness routine with the moon’s phases. Moving through the eight primary phases, the rituals and recipes tailored to each one. These self-care rituals are designed to help readers connect with the moon’s energy and incorporate it into their personal development, spiritual practices. Each ritual is thoughtfully crafted, focusing on introspection, manifestation, release, and renewal, depending on the moon phase. Plus, Anderson includes additional an additional chapter on eclipses and another covering special moons, such as blue moons and super moons.

What I really enjoy is how each chapter in this section is different, as Anderson is not using a template for each chapter. The variety between chapters feels reflective of the shifts of the moon, perfectly aligned with the energy of each phase. And all throughout Anderson’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, making complex concepts accessible. Her approach is both inclusive and accessible, making it a suitable read for both novices and seasoned lunar enthusiasts.

There are so many suggestions that Anderson shares!!! Here’s a quick list of some of the ones that I’m most excited to create:

Third Eye- Activating Face Serum for the New Moon

Crown Chakra Anointing Hair Oils to Unlock the Upper Chakras for the New Moon

Restoring Hope Incense for the Waxing Gibbous Moon

Full Moon Spray for Clarity

Grounding Body Cream for the Last Quarter Moon

Support and Strength Shampoo for eclipses

Citrine Crystal Bath Bar with Rosemary and Black Pepper Melt and Pour Hand Soap

For those who are nurtured through food, Anderson also offers a variety of recipes that align with the energy of each lunar phase as part of the self-care process. These recipes range from herbal teas to nourishing meals. Some of the ones that sound especially delicious to me are  Savory Oatmeal with Goat Cheese and Avocado (Waxing Gibbous Moon), Moon Milk Cream Soda (Full Moon), and Kale Salad with Strawberries, Pecans, and Grilled Steak (Waxing Gibbous Moon). Yummy!

Sometimes, Anderson even includes crafts one can do. For the Waxing Crescent Moon, there’s guidance on how to craft a vision. Then there’s instructions for making a Manifestation Protection Box to keep “shield them from anyone’s negative energy”5.

Another thing I adore about this book is its visual appeal. Every page has illustrations that complement the text and enhance the reader’s experience. Plus, the use of bullet points, text boxes, and font styles make it engaging to read. Throughout the book, there’s “Moon-Maker Tips” where Anderson shares tidbits of information to offer other ways to use something to make the most of what one has created. Once again, her dedication to sustainability shines through, encouraging readers to use all they’ve got in various ways without waste.

One of my favorite chapters is “Basic Recipes” where Anderson shares the base recipes for things such as body scrubs, face masks, body washes, salves, and more. Having the key ingredients listed gives readers the starting point to then customize their own based on the intention they have by selecting corresponding ingredients. Luckily, “Appendix I: Corresponding Tables” covers the corresponding moon phase and properties of essential oils, plants, and crystals. “Appendix II: The Moon Signs of the Zodiac” follows up with insight into the energy of the twelve astrological moon signs.

Overall, The Moon Apothecary is a beautifully crafted guide that invites readers to explore the profound connection between the moon and personal well-being. Anderson’s blend of rituals and recipes offers a unique approach to understanding and harnessing lunar energy. Her emphasis on the importance of mindfulness and intention guides readers to create a personal connection with the moon that is grounded, nurturing, and easily integrated into one’s daily life.

These valuable insights and practical advice make it the perfect book for those looking to create their own personal self-care rituals or learn more about how to work with the energy of the moon cycle. Whether a reader is into body care, artsy crafts, or food, there’s something for everyone.

Season of the Witch: Mabon Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz

Season of the Witch: Mabon Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic
Rockpool Publishing, 1922579750, 160 pages, 44 cards, July 2023

Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz is a captivating addition to the Season of the Witch series, particularly for those who are drawn to the spiritual and mystical aspects of autumn. Filled with fall foliage and scenes of the harvest season, the card in this deck encapsulates the bountiful feelings of this season

The authors describe in their introduction how the cards in this deck “prioritize spiritual self-care, specifically care around establishing boundaries, surrendering to changes and letting go of what no longer serves.”1 This focus of shedding the old and nurturing oneself reminds me of the trees during the autumn season, dropping their leaves and going inward to make it through the dark winter season. There’s even “Falling leaves spread” the authors share too, along with other ones such as “Molasses spread” and “Maple tree spread”.

The guidebook that accompanies the deck is comprehensive and thoughtfully written. Anderson and Diaz have done an excellent job of providing clear interpretations and practical guidance for each card. For every entry, they share keywords, a one-sentence message, and then a two-page explanation of the card’s meaning.

The explanations all begin with “Your higher self chose this card because…”. I really liked this style! First, it made me feel connected to my spiritual self while reading. And second, it really delves into the “why” this card came through when it did and what it’s meant to be pointing out in that moment.

In the week leading up to Mabon, I pulled a card from this deck every day. Four times, including on actual Mabon, I got the card Reaper. It was one of those instances when it was loud and clear a message was coming through. The one-sentence message for this card reads:

“For the birth of something new to manifest the death of something holding you back is inevitable.”6

The keywords associated with the cards are “endings, sudden change, unhealthy attachments”7. It felt like I was really being asked to take stock of patterns in my life and make adjustments, even if it felt hard or like I wasn’t ready to do things a different (and more likely healthier) way. I appreciated how this deck doesn’t sugar coat things and focuses on both the dark and light aspects of the messages we need to hear for our own spiritual growth.

This balancing of light and dark, reflective of the autumn equinox is one of the best parts of this deck. This time of year is traditionally associated with gratitude, balance, and reflection, and the cards in this deck beautifully encapsulate these themes. The richer tones of this deck highlight the darkness that is beginning to descend while also honoring the joys that the light has brought, such as healthy crops to make stews, brews, and all the other autumn delights.

Some of the cards in this deck include Campfire, Corn maze, Cranberries, Foraging, Mead and wine, Pomegranate, Queen of the Dead, Scarecrow, Tea magick, Whiskey, and Wool. Just skimming through the cards and looking at the images on them gives me the fall feels–cozy moments, crispy air, and lots of community gatherings.

The artwork on the cards, created by Tijana Lukovic, is rich, evocative, and deeply resonant with the energy of the season. Each card is a work of art that invites the reader to delve into the symbolism and meaning of the card’s title. The dark hues balanced by the light perfectly capture the equilibrium of night and day that the autumn equinox marks.

One of the strengths of Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is its ability to inspire introspection and personal growth. The cards encourage users to explore their inner worlds, reflect on their lives, and embrace the cycles of change and renewal. This makes the deck not only a tool for divination but also a valuable resource for personal development and spiritual practice. Whether a reader dose a one-card pull daily or decorates an altar with the cards, there’s a lot of potency imbued in the deck.

In terms of usability, the cards are of high quality, with a sturdy cardstock that shuffles easily and feels good in the hands. The size of the cards is also practical, striking a balance between being large enough to appreciate the detailed artwork and small enough to handle comfortably.

Overall, Seasons of the Witch: Mabon Oracle is a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully designed deck that offers both aesthetic pleasure and profound insights of autumn. It is a wonderful addition to any oracle card collection, especially for those who resonate with the energies and the themes of Mabon. Whether you are new to oracle cards or a seasoned practitioner, this deck is sure to provide inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature.

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.”8

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!”9

The keywords for this card in the guidebook are “results, return on investments”10. 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.”11 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.”12 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.”13

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.”14

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”15 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.

Witching Hour Oracle, by Lorraine Anderson

Witching Hour Oracle: Awaken Your Inner Magic, by Lorraine Anderson and illustrated by Olivia Bürki
Rockpool Publishing, 1922785008, 112 pages, 44 cards, October 2023

Spiritual transformation, especially through witchcraft, involves the shedding of old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve the individual and the embracing of new perspectives and ways of being. Lorraine Anderson perfectly encapsulated the steps in the process of metamorphosis in the Witching Hour Oracle: Awaken Your Inner Magic. Channeling the highs and lows of her own spiritual journey, this deck guides readers in tapping into their innate power and shifting from the inside out.

“Each card in this deck represents a step on the journey back to your truest self (Deep Being).”16

Anderson explains in the guidebook how this deck came to her “in a time of extreme transformation.”17 In the midst of things falling apart, her priorities were skewed, valuing material gain over spiritual practice and neglecting self-care. Finding herself at a low point, Anderson decided to dismantle what was no longer working and face her shadow head-on. From her journey of being spiritual led through both  lows and highs, she gleaned insight to share with others on their own path, finding joy and magic along the way.

This deck consists of forty-four cards that are filled with glistening and luminous energy brought to life through the illustrations of Olivia Bürki. Nearly every card features the twinkling shine of magic, highlighting the invisible undercurrent constantly flowing around us. There’s a darker tone to the cards, yet there’s still plenty of vibrant colors that awaken the spirit within the imagery, prompting revelation for the readers as they gaze at the messages coming through. Bürki’s illustrations are truly magical, offering visual portals through the imagery of this deck.

While these cards can absolutely be intuitively read using the card’s name, imagery, and the word or sentence at the bottom, the guidebook adds interesting depth. Anderson provides guidance on how to read with companion cards. She describes how a card’s meaning changes depending on the other cards it’s pulled alongside. Using this concept, she has provided companion card descriptions for every card in the deck, which the reader can use to find further meaning in the cards they pulled.

What I like most about the companion card system is how Anderson pairs a companion tarot card for each card in the deck. I normally wouldn’t think to pull both an oracle and tarot card together. Yet I enjoyed this method and felt that working with two decks in tandem added a new flavor to my readings. Also reading the tarot companion card for each card in the deck helped me understand its energy more too.

The entry for each card in the guidebook features keywords, the tarot companion, description of the card’s meaning, and further description of significant companion cards within the deck that may have appeared in the reader together.

As an example, the card I pulled today was Invocation. The keywords are “power of words; kindness matters; criticism”18 and the tarot companion is the Page of Swords. The card’s description talks about how our words have power and so critical thoughts can be harmful both to ourselves and others. This one hit home for me since my husband just pointed out how critical I had been recently, often aiming my sharp words at him to the detriment of the quality of our relationship. Ever since he mentioned this to me I’ve been trying to be more mindful of the way I share my thoughts, and Anderson’s words “with practice you’ll learn to choose love-filled communication and your entire vibration and and situation will shift”19 was quite reassuring.

While I read this card singularly, the companion cards are High Priestess and Salt. Looking for further guidance on how I might better communicate with my husband, I went on to read each one of these cards in the guidebook too. And for those like myself who need some ideas when it comes to doing spreads, Anderson provides a ton to choose from! She provides spreads for getting to know the deck, a weekly self-care check in, discovering resources available to you, seeing the bigger picture, and more! I appreciate how these spreads are ones I can do regularly to stay attuned to my inner knowing.

Overall, Witching Hour Oracle is a wonderful deck for the witch interested in spiritual transformation, self-care, and deepening their connection to their intuition. Anderson has done a wonderful job of illuminating aspects of the spiritual path of the witch, including initiation and all the change that usually accompanies major leaps in spiritual and personal growth. I recommend this deck for everyone who walks the path of the witch, as we all need a little guidance sometimes, and the wisdom of this deck is one that has the power to usher in lasting manifestations and potent change.

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

Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle, by Juliet Diaz and Lorraine Anderson
Rockpool Publishing, 1925946223, 44 cards, 144 pages, September 2021

Even though we are quickly approaching one of my favorite sabbats, Samhain, my mind recently has been wondering towards Yuletide already. This is because I’ve been doing daily pulls from Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz. While I know the first deck in this series, Season of the Witch: Samhain Oracle, might be more appropriate for the current season, I haven’t made the switch just yet. The insight I’ve been receiving from Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle is just too good to await the winter to use!

I want to start off by saying the deck is absolutely beautiful. With gilded green edges, it feels like I’m holding a shiny present in my hand. Images of candles, Fir trees, and furry animals make the deck come to life. There’s a gentle warmth that radiates from the deck, which reminds me of the sense of community and hope that we naturally call on to make it through the dark days of Winter. Simultaneously, cards such as Solitude and Crone remind us of the inevitable necessity of going inward and facing one’s own depths during this season too.

As I look through the deck and do my daily pull, I find the oracle cards perfectly capture all the cozy, snowy, magical feelings of the Yuletide season. I am genuinely impressed with Anderson and Diaz’s choices for card names, such as Chills and Ringing of the Bells, which instantly tap me into the sensation of Winter. I enjoy how the deck includes Reindeer Medicine and Bear Medicine, along with Poinsettia, Mother Mary, and Father Christmas.  The cards are a soulful reminder of all the special parts of the Yuletide season for one’s craft. As the authors write:

“Christmas is a Christian tradition but its roots are based in pagan ways. Familiar symbols such as Christmas trees, stars, lights, giving gifts, and even Santa Claus are threaded through pagan cultures and predate the Chrsitian celebration.”1

My favorite cards feature traditional Yuletide snowy scenes with silhouettes of a witch on her broom riding in the sky. The folklore of La Befana, the Italian Christmas witch, is near and dear to my heart, so I truly enjoy seeing a witch in action outside of the usual Halloween imagery. I like imagining there’s a Christmas witch that watches over us all, delivering presents of the heart to us as we are hunkered down inside for the cold Winter months.

Each oracle card features a beautiful image, the name and number of the card, and a short one-sentence oracle message. The guidebook then elaborates quite eloquently on each card, offering keywords and heartfelt messages that have been spot-on every time I’ve pulled a card so far. Along with advice for working with this deck, including spreads and magic tips for some cards, the guidebook is also filled with Yuletide imagery. It’s a pleasure to look through it, as images of mistletoe and holly line the pages. It’s worth noting this guidebook does not provide reverse oracle meanings as the guidebook for the Samhain Oracle does, but this didn’t bother me at all because I hardly use reverse cards in oracle readings.

One spread I really like is The Evergreen Wreath, which assists the reader in figuring out where they are now and where they want to go. Another one I thought is creative is The Christmas Cross Tarot Spread, based on the traditional Celtic Cross, but framed in the perspective of Yuletide (ex. Card 2 is Winter Storm, while Card 5 is Ghost of the Past), once again heightening the connection to the season. I’m also looking forward to The New Year Ahead spread once it gets closer to the start of 2022.

I’ve come to trust this deck, which doesn’t always happen instantly for me, and not just because my first pull was the card Squirrel Medicine, when squirrels are my favorite animal ever. It’s something more; Yule Oracle feels imbued with good vibes and an openness, which I believe stems from the author’s intention when crafting this deck. There is a really heartfelt section in the guidebook about reclaiming the witch, in which the authors write: 

“The way we view magic needs to change. It’s time to reclaim this world for yourself. To reclaim magic means to honor yourself through the magic you create. If your magic is pink and purple with glitter and that feels good to you, then it’s your right to express that magic in this way. If you love beautiful things and aesthetically pleasing design but are also a witch, know that your magic is no less valuable because you also value art. If your magic is about rolling in the dirt under a full moon to connect with the earth, then so it is. Your magic is beautiful in its dirty rawness.”17

This meaningful passage really made me appreciate the mindset of the authors. It also reaffirmed that my magic, which I will say leans towards the pink and glittery kind, is valuable, even if it’s not the traditional imagery of gothic witchcraft. I feel like there’s this greater reclaiming of our inherent magic, and within this shifting of the imagery, there is limitless potential of how everyone’s unique magic will be expressed. I have a lot of respect for Anderson and Diaz for acknowledging this as part of this introduction to this deck, especially since they also acknowledge the lack of diversity in Samhain Oracle.

All in all, I can say I’m in love with the Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle. There’s just something about the traditions and sentiments of this season that always brings up the good tidings. The range of oracles in this deck provide inspiration and divination from all sorts of guides: animals, sacred symbols, Yuletide folklore, and the simplicity of winter life. I think this deck will be the perfect present for Witch Switch gift swaps or to give as a meaningful gift to your inner coven of loved ones.

And, just to get you excited, I found out via Google that there will be a Seasons of the Witch: Beltane Oracle coming in March 2022! Woohoo! 🙂 I’m a very seasonal person, so it’s a thrill to have decks to embrace the energy of the season. Speaking of which, it’s probably time to pull out my Seasons of the Witch: Samhain Oracle!