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Oracle of the Phoenix, by Christine Arana Fader and Elena Dudina

Oracle of the Phoenix, by Christine Arana Fader with illustrations by Elena Dudina
Earthdancer Books, 888850248H, 128 pages, 44 cards, February 2025

In this powerful deck, Oracle of the Phoenix, Christine Arana Fader presents a profound exploration of mysticism and personal transformation. This deck offers an opportunity to delve into the ancient wisdom of the Phoenix, a mythical symbol of renewal and rebirth. These cards act as a guide for a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

In 2000, Fader was introduced to the dragon’s energy by the spirit world and came to work with this energy to introduce people to its power and the energy of Avalon. Also known as the “Dragon Woman,” Fader has met many teachers on her spiritual journey—angels, power animals, ascended masters, Merlin, and especially dragons. Since 2010 she has led dragon workshops and trance journeys.  The creator of four other oracle decks and author of a book on dragons, Fader also writes for different publications on mystical beings such as dragons and elves. She lives in Germany. Learn more about Fader here.

Illustrator Elena Dudina was born in Russia and began drawing and painting at a very young age. She has also worked in sculpture.  After discovering Photoshop, she began learning about photo-manipulation and has since worked in this style, illustrating numerous books, book covers and oracle decks. She now lives with her husband in Spain. Learn more about Dudina and see samples of her work on this website.

Fader begins the guidebook with an introduction to the Phoenix, including the myth and history of the legendary bird that rises from its ashes. This deck explores the multifaceted symbolism of the Phoenix, offering readers a rich tapestry of meanings and insights. The cards in the oracle deck reflect various aspects of the Phoenix’s journey, from its fiery demise to its triumphant rebirth. Each card serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the potential for renewal within us all.

Following the introduction, Fader presents a prayer to use with this deck, as well as a section on how to best work with the cards, including a special four-card spread.  She recommends using candles with meditation music and ends this section with a closing prayer.

The oracle deck is divided into 39 Phoenix cards, 4 Pegasus Joker cards, and one Masters card. The Phoenix cards represent stages in life’s journey, such as awakening, dark thoughts, friendship, money, and strength.  The four Pegasus Joker cards are tied to the four elements and the four directions, and they include special rituals and prayers.  The Masters card features a special meditation and touches on Karma. The guidance encourages you on the next stage of your journey.

To test drive the deck, I decided to utilize the four-card spread that Fader created. Here is the spread and the cards I drew:

1-The Essence – Joker 1 – Fire – Transformation

2-Your Option – Free Yourself from Perfectionism

3-The Truth – Self Image and Self Confidence

4-The Answer – Seize the Day

From Fader’s explanation of how to work with the spread, I learned to turn over the fourth card first and read the guidance, which she sums up as: “Be present and consciously aware of today, now, this moment with all its potential.”1 She went on to suggest that at the end of each day, write in your journal only three words that describe your daily experience.

When I turned over the third card, I learned: “It is time to give your self-image a makeover. Now is a good time to change your self-image and boost your self-confidence.”2 Next, she recommends spending some time each day in a place that feels good.  Even if it is a place in your mind, go there once a day and feel the unique beauty of your soul.

For the second card, I drew Free Yourself from Perfectionism and this card resonated most deeply: “Enter the fire of the Phoenix and burn away your excessive perfectionism, which is hindering you on the path of your mastery, your route to success.”3 There is also a seven-minute meditation that Fader recommends, allowing you to “be reborn as a loving, courageous, and free woman/man.”4

Finally, the first card was a Joker card and features Fire and Transformation. As the “essence” of my issue, this card really spoke to utilizing the power of fire for transformation, renewal, and new beginnings. Fader also recommends a ritual that can be held on the night of a full moon. By using this card and the other three joker cards under the light of the moon, the ritual will allow me to let go and free myself from the poor self-image and perfectionism that has been holding me back.

This is a very powerful spread.  By the time I had read the guidance, assimilated the messages, and made plans for later rituals, I really felt the power of the Phoenix to support me in transforming my life in a positive way.   

This oracle deck features stunning illustrations, which capture the essence of the Phoenix in vibrant colors and fanciful imagery. Some of Dudina’s images are burnished gold or fiery red, while others are cotton candy pastels. One of my favorite birds has a purple head and gold feathers. The horses portrayed on the Joker cards are masterpieces, as well. The quality of the artwork adds depth and dimension to the overall experience, making this deck not only a spiritual tool but also a visual delight. 

The cards are printed on good quality card stock and the glossy finish highlights the vibrant artwork, allowing the images to shine. The back of the cards is also glossy and features a gold Phoenix that appears to be stamped on a bed of rust and brown feathers. The deck and guidebook are housed in a sturdy, two-part box. The outside graphics mimic the gold, rust and brown design of the card back, while the inside features brilliant yellow and orange colors.  Fader also shares this note inside the box top: “Feel the fire of transformation. Change begins within you!”5

Oracle of the Phoenix is designed to be accessible to both novice and experienced practitioners. The guidebook provides clear instructions on how to use the deck, including methods for drawing and interpreting the cards. Fader also includes ideas for rituals and meditations to take the messages deeper and foster lasting transformation. Her writing is engaging and straightforward, making the oracle deck a valuable tool for personal reflection and spiritual development. I love that she listed the cards in alphabetical order in the table of contents. This makes it very easy to navigate the guidebook and find the messages meant for you. In Fader’s own words:

“Trust the Phoenix and rise with it above everything that seems conventional into a world of miracles and surprises.”6

Wild Whispers Oracle, by Nat Girsberger

Wild Whispers Oracle: Messages from the Desert, by Nat Girsberger
Rockpool Publishing, 9781922786258, 44 cards, 156 pages, March 2025

The Wild Whispers Oracle: Messages from the Desert by Nat Girsberger is a captivating deck that seamlessly blends art and intuition, inviting users to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. With its vivid desert imagery and insightful messages, this oracle deck utilizes a mixed media technique that is striking and bold. 

Born in Switzerland, Nat Girsberger is an accomplished artist with a background in both visual arts and yoga. She “creates art that interprets the unseen and translates the omens of the earth.”7 This is Girsberger’s second card deck. Her love of the southwestern desert led her back to Joshua Tree in California and an adventure that yielded downloads of wisdom and imagery. To learn more about Girsberger, visit her website.

How Girsberger explains her creative process for this deck:

“I heard poems in the wind, and images emerged like the moonrise. They were more archetypal – minimal – than my previous work, which I attributed to the complex simplicity and directness of the natural world.”8

The first thing that strikes you about the Wild Whispers Oracle is its stunning visual appeal. Each card is a masterpiece, featuring bold colors, fluid lines, and evocative symbols. Girsberger uses both collage and digital art to create a dynamic and layered card that draws the viewer in. Her artistry is both modern and timeless, making the deck a visual delight.

The symbolism within the cards is rich and multifaceted. Girsberger has carefully chosen each element to convey specific meanings and to resonate with the reader’s subconscious. The imagery ranges from abstract shapes to recognizable motifs, such as animals, celestial bodies, and natural landscapes. This diversity of symbols ensures that each reading is unique and open to personal interpretation.

The deck consists of 44 cards that all have a distinct message and artwork. The deck is then divided into four sections representing one of the different cycles of the Sun: Sunset, Sun Nadir, Sunrise, and Sun Zenith. This structure provides a framework for users to explore various themes and to gain even more insights. The cards are named with a key word and also numbered, which makes it easy to find the card’s message in the guidebook.

Accompanying the deck is a comprehensive guidebook written by Girsberger herself. The guidebook offers detailed interpretations for each card, based on the seven steps of spiritual alchemy. At first, I found this a little too esoteric for my taste, but as I began to work with the cards, the meanings behind each of the steps became clearer and I began to resonate with the guidance even more. As the author states:

“Centered around a core theme, individual cards are broken down into seven steps that follow a path to transformation loosely based on spiritual alchemy. That is, the process of manifesting change on a soul level. … In this context, it simply denotes a transcendence of the material dimension to permeate much deeper layers.”9

The seven steps provide varying degrees of wisdom.  After using the deck for a single card draw for five days, I found that on some days, the information in the Introspection section really spoke to me. On other days, the Practice section spoke loudly. I always enjoyed the Integration/Coagulation part of the message, which was a short,  freeform poem that ended the guidance for each card.

I decided to further test drive the deck by taking it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and shared it with my friends. Each woman drew one of the desert-inspired cards and shared feedback as follows:

Friend K: I drew the Forgiveness card. Wow  It punched me in the gut! Truly. I didn’t realize how much I was holding on to resentment toward my sister. I’ll do some journaling around this. Thanks!

Friend T: I drew number 22 Renewal. I notice that it is in the Sun phase of Sun Nadir. It says it is really dark and to rely on my intuition. I like that. Also, the spiral on the card speaks to me. Life is really a spiral, isn’t it? I also like the Practice section. She asks me to go through my clothes and other stuff and declutter. I’ve been needing to do this!

Friend S: I drew Wholeness, which is number 44 and the last one in the section and the last one in the deck.  (I seem to do this a lot!) I feel it has extra meaning for me, being the last one. It’s in the Sun Zenith section, which is the highest point of the sun. I love the Sun! I love the energy it brings to my garden and my life. Anyway, this is what spoke to me most:

“It is your nature to strive beyond your current circumstances, to keep learning and changing like the time of day. The drive is not a problem, unless you forget that you are always moving into a new expression of being whole. Right here and right now, wherever you stand, you are already complete.”10

(She had tears in her eyes as she read that last part.)

The cards are printed on high-quality cardstock with a matte finish, giving them a luxurious feel and ensuring durability. The size of the cards is a standard oracle deck size, perfect for shuffling and handling, making the deck easy to use. The deck and guidebook are housed in a sturdy two-part box that is also bathed in the desert hues of gold, orange, red, and brown. A single crow graces the sunscape design on both the box and the guidebook. 

As you can see from the examples of my friends, users of the Wild Whispers Oracle report a strong intuitive connection with the deck. The artwork and messages resonate on a deep level, facilitating meaningful insights and “aha” moments. Girsberger encourages users to trust their intuition and to allow the cards to speak to them on a personal level. This approach fosters a sense of empowerment and encourages users to develop their own interpretive skills.

Wild Whispers Oracle stands out as a divination tool that offers both novices and seasoned practitioners an enriching experience. This would be a great deck for anyone who wants a deeper connection to their own intuition. I’ll be using it with my clients who come to me for mentoring and grief work.

Spirit in Flowers Oracle Deck, by Gillian Kemp and Carolina Zambrano

Spirits in Flowers Oracle Deck, by Gillian Kemp and illustrated by Carolina Zambrano
CICO Books, 9781800653788, 128 pages, 52 cards, February 2025

In Spirits in Flowers Oracle Deck, Gillian Kemp has assembled ancient wisdom and myth surrounding 52 flowers from Mother Nature. From the beautiful floral illustrations to the information on color meanings, Kemp creates a deck of guidance and hope.

Gillian Kemp is an author of more than ten books, six other oracle decks, and a Love Spell Box for enhancing your love life.  She is a clairvoyant who utilizes astrology, tarot, and playing cards, as well as palmistry and tea leaves to predict the future for her clients. She is also a medium, who receives messages from those on the other side. You can learn more about Kemp on her website.

Carolina Zambrano is a graphic designer and artist. She also works as a Jungian art therapist. She loves to create art that is part of a symbolic, magical, and alchemical world. She has won awards in many Latin American countries, as well as Europe. She is originally from Colombia and now lives in Argentina. For more information about Zambrano, you can view her website.

Once again, Kemp has created a magical set of cards, complete within the two-part box set that protects the cards and showcases the beautiful artwork. Kemp dedicates the first twenty-three pages of the guidebook to her introduction, a note about flowers and time, and how to use flowers for divination. She also discusses various spreads and a way to use the cards for “Yes” or “No” questions. Sprinkled throughout the book are photos of the cards in brilliant four-color.

There’s also a list of scented and unscented flowers, as well as a spread for learning more about what the year following your birthday holds in store. Additionally, there is a future spread that makes use of seven cards.

Kemp dedicates two pages to each flower and shares additional information on the meaning of the various colors one might find for each flower. If a specific flower is recognized for an anniversary or other celebration, Kemp mentions this. Flowers for each month are also noted, as well as any superstition or custom. For example, growing Lily-of-the-valley can be used “to ward off evil from the home.”11

In addition to the numbered list of flowers in the opening pages, Kemp has provided an index. This alphabetical listing of each flower not only includes the two pages for each bloom, but also any mentions on other pages that might be relevant for the reader.

To test drive the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group. One friend drew the Amaryllis card. She shared the following:

“The deck is so sweet, and I particularly like the way she accents the flowers with insects. This adds another layer to the guidance.”

Another friend drew the Hyacinth card, which spoke of “fresh starts and positive changes.”12 My friend related that she was ready for a new beginning after recently retiring from her corporate position.

Next, I posted an invitation on Facebook for my friends to select one of three cards. Later that day, I shared the flower that had been drawn and a brief message from the guidebook.

One card was Rose, which speaks of romance and secrets, as well as the idea that someone from your past might reenter your life. A friend sent me this message regarding the guidance:

“Wow! Someone I’ve known since childhood resurfaced. Let’s just say it’s complicated. I’ve asked myself, ‘What did I intend this for?’. And the answer is being tender, understanding, compassionate and present with myself regardless, so that I am able to be that in the world.”

The second card I drew for this reading was Peony and one friend wrote to me to say that her Spirit Guide is named Peony. She took this message to confirm something for which she asked for support earlier that day.

Another friend also selected Peony, and she shared that the message rang true for her. “I love and care with every fiber of my body.  I also feel that this is my year of great change,” she said.

The last card I shared was Forget-Me-Not and another friend sent me a message that this card and its uplifting message confirmed a trip to the beach that she was about to plan. She hadn’t told a soul and felt that this message was her confirmation to go for it!

Overall, Kemp and Zambrano have created a set of gorgeous cards, complete with a treasure trove of the history, myth, and language of flowers. Spirit in Flowers Oracle Deck would be great for anyone looking for a beautiful, easy to use divination tool. The guidebook is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and understand. I plan to add this one to the decks that I use at the end of client readings; I feel that the wisdom in this deck is the perfect way to close a reading.

Crystal Clear Oracle, by Nadine Gordon-Taylor

Crystal Clear Oracle: Loving Guidance from the Mineral Kingdom, by Nadine Gordon-Taylor
Bear & Company, 9781591434849, 40 cards, 166 pages, December 2023

With the Crystal Clear Oracle: Loving Guidance from the Mineral Kingdom, intuitive artist Nadine Gordon-Taylor has combined 44 well known crystals and minerals with beautiful symbols from plants, animals, elementals, and ancient symbols to provide unique guidance for our lives.

This deck is the third deck created by Gordon-Taylor, who holds both MFA and doctorate degrees in art.  She has taught for more than 30 years through lectures and workshops.  Her artwork has been shown in galleries and collections around the world. She owns a gallery called Third Eye Arts in Peekskill, NY.  Learn more about her through her website https://www.thethirdeyestudio.com/meet-the-artist.

As someone who has been studying crystals for over 20 years, I was immediately drawn to this deck. Unlike most crystal oracle decks, this deck also features many different symbols on each card. You can choose to focus only on the crystal or mineral for a quick message or add layers to the guidance by reading about each symbol featured. Here is just one example of the symbols on these cards. (I’ve added brief information from the guidebook, as well.)   

“CRYSTAL:  Hanksite
Moniker:  The Earthy Supporter
Key words: Cleansing, grounding, and heightened sense of reality
Mineral content: Rare potassium sulfate
Healing properties: Realignment of your etheric chakra system. Hold me over any area of your body that feels unbalanced and needs healing.

SYMBOLS:
Capybara: You function best with others.
Beaver:  Follow your intuition on new projects.
Tulips: Rebirth, and two tulips mean you might want to look for balance and partnership.
Honeybees:  Examine your productivity with dedication, hard work, and collaboration.
Full Moon:  There is new information and brilliant epiphanies for you.
Viaduct:  Watch for opportunities for transition and change.
Earth: Look to your home planet for support.
Shooting Star: Your wishes will inevitably come true!
Affirmation: I am on the right track to my spiritual destination”13

As you can see, Gordon-Taylor weaves lots of guidance and encouraging information about each crystal or mineral, as well as the symbols she has chosen for each card.

Each card is brilliantly painted in a very realistic style.  I’ve seen artists attempt to draw or paint crystals and miss the mark. This is not the case with Gordon-Taylor. Each one of her renderings of the crystals and minerals is as realistic as any photo. She is very talented when it comes to painting the crystals and minerals as they appear in nature. She uses fine detail, shading, and an authentic depiction of the crystal in a traditional shape to present each crystal or mineral. Two of my favorite depictions in these cards are fluorite and aquamarine. 

The back of the card box declares that the cards are “intricately illustrated,”14 and this is true! She also uses different border colors to accent the pictorial layouts. The cards are a large format, measuring 4” inches by almost 6” inches. The back of the cards features a magnified view of an iolite crystal. 

As I’ve mentioned with the example for Hanksite above, the guidebook contains a wealth of information, with two to three pages per mineral. The messages are written in first person, from the point of view of each crystal. For example for Hanksite she relates:

“I am Hanksite, a rare potassium sulfate mineral, and I connect you with the Earth.  I am commonly found beneath the surface, embedded in mud or drill cores.”15

Gordon-Taylor utilizes different colors for the type in the Table of Contents, as well as the passages for each crystal. This makes the various headings really pop! Each card is also shown in the guidebook with a small four-color photo. She ends the guidance with three affirmations for each crystal.

The Table of Contents is laid out in alphabetical order and includes the name of the crystal, the moniker, key words and page number. This layout is brilliant because you can open the guidebook and run your finger down the page and select a crystal randomly for yourself or others, without taking the cards with you. In the Introduction, Gordon-Taylor shares her long history with minerals and her goal for this deck: 

“The constructive and positive messages found in this book allow you to access new and loving energies that inspire, empower, and heal. These messages come directly from the crystals that appear in each image.”16

Gordon-Taylor also shares how to use the cards, including different ways to clear the cards, spreads for use with the cards and the use of a sketchbook as a journal. At the back of the guidebook, she includes a 30-page glossary with words and phrases about crystals and minerals, as well as spiritual terms. The cards are stored in a beautiful box with an indentation for the cards, ample room for the guidebook and a magnetic clasp. 

These cards arrived in the mail and I didn’t have the chance to glance through them before my husband and I left to attend a gem and mineral show. I came home with three crystals (mangano, calcite, septarian) and an ammonite tray. When I pulled out these cards the next morning for my daily draw, I drew the card Ammonite!

For my friend Ann, I drew the card: Chrysanthemum Stone. This stone is known as The Karmic Liberator and references intuition, optimism and akashic records.

Ammonite helps you release the past and welcome change, evolution, and personal growth. According to Gordon-Taylor, ammonite is “The Ancient Emancipator,” and aids in “adapting to a new, exciting timeline and a new version of yourself.”17

“You have chosen this card because you are a beautiful soul experiencing challenging situations. You also want to feel joy again. I can help you reset your energy grid. Hold me in your hands when meditating and burrow deep into your intuition . . . You are here at this time to work out issues balancing the mind and heart.”18

My friend has had some challenges lately, and just accepted a new temporary position with a hospital in another state.  She loved the encouragement that she received from this stone, as well as from the symbology of the eagles, groundhogs, cherry tree, infinity symbol and the ankh.  I sent her a photo of the card and the verbiage for even more support. 

Crystal Clear Oracle is great for any level of oracle reader or crystal student. With the depth of the information about each crystal or mineral, as well as the reference materials on the various symbols, anyone can benefit from the knowledge shared by Gordon-Taylor. You can focus only on the crystal or read further and integrate all the information for a complete guidance session. I can see myself using these cards to add a footnote to a client reading or pull a card for myself when I’m troubled by a situation.

Magdalene Manifestation Cards, by Danielle Rama Hoffman

Magdalene Manifestation Cards: Create Abundance through Love, by Danielle Rama Hoffman and illustrated by Christine Lucas
Bear & Company, 9781591434801, 44 cards, 202 pages, May 2023

In creating the Magdalene Manifestation Cards: Create Abundance through Love deck, Danielle Rama Hoffman has brought keys and holograms for manifestation into the hands of everyone who chooses to work with these codes of light.

Hoffman is an author, channel, and coach, who has been on the leading edge of the evolution of consciousness for almost 30 years. Her clients are healers, coaches, and lightworkers. She has trained massage therapists, reiki masters, and Quantum Light practitioners, as well as led tours to Egypt and France.

Christine Lucas is the illustrator of the beautiful keys, holograms, and light codes. She assigns her lineage to the Ascended Masters Lineage of Thoth. Lucas worked closely with Thoth, the Magdalenes, the Codes of Love, and Danielle to bring these cards to life. Lucas is an intuitive artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, who also has a background in meditation. She loves nature, travel, photography, and music.

Initially attracted to these cards because of the Magdalenes. Then once I began to play with the energy of the cards, I really resonated with the light codes and glyphs that Lucas and Hoffman have created. The deck is divided into two sections: 1) Four Resource Codes and 2) Twenty Codes of Love. Within the Twenty Codes of Love, you’ll find a pair of cards for each concept. The total number of cards in the deck is 44.

Hoffman presents an extensive introduction to the cards, how they came to be created, and her almost 30-year journey with Thoth. She includes some of her journey entries from several different meetings with Thoth, both in France and Egypt. She also defines the Magdalenes:

“A group of love beings including Anna, Isis, Mary Magdalene, the black Madonna, and many galactic beings.”16

When she returned from Egypt in 2020 and the pandemic lockdown began, she started to transcribe more of the Magdalene Codes and work on creating this deck. In the introduction, she shares stories from clients and friends who worked with the codes to manifest incredible results in health, wealth, and business success.

Hoffman shares several ways to work with this deck, from simple one card readings to a tableau of 16 cards. I chose to work with a one-card reading for 3 days in a row. As Hoffman suggests, I pulled a card from the deck and then found its “pair” for a complete reading and activation of the love codes.

My first card was the key card: Ecstatic Bliss – Joyful Simplicity.

“It is a joy to be me. Bliss exists in every moment. Home in on what matters most to you. Simplify to amplify your results.”19

This card really hit home for me, in that we are in the midst of a Venus retrograde, which asks us to really look at what we value and what we really want, focusing on that and letting go of the rest.

Then, I looked through the deck for the second card, the pair to that key, and I found the hologram: Ecstatic Bliss – Signature Essence.

“The difference of you is what matters. Boldly shine your uniqueness for consistent, predictable manifestation.”20

This concept is also something I’ve really been focusing on over the past year as I’ve worked with a designer to revise my website and fine-tune my offerings to be more true to who I am. I am also learning to put myself out there more with my blog and other posts on social media.

The guidebook has even more guidance from the Magdalenes and Thoth for each card, such as this from the passage on Ecstatic Bliss – Signature Essence:

“Simple, elegant, streamlined. Steep in this hologram to reabsorb that which is no longer aligned with you so that it organically falls away, like leaves on a tree that know when it’s time to fall with grace, ease, and an exhale. What remains is Ecstatic Bliss.”21

Hoffman also includes what she calls an application for each of the hologram cards. This consists of some suggestions for integrating the message of the card. It may include a ritual, an exercise, or something to do in nature, among other things.

Next, I did readings for three friends with this deck. I pulled the cards and then sent them photos of the cards and brief messages from the guidebook. For one friend who was struggling with a recent move for her business, I drew Birthright of Love. The key card is Authentic Expression, and the hologram card is Openhearted Connection.

The guidance for the key card recommended that she bring in the energy of the four Resource Codes, so I sent her photos of those four cards, as well. The other guidance that she really took to heart:

“Take one loving action today, not because you have to, but because it is natural for Love to move through you.”22

From the hologram card, I read that it was time to call upon the Birthright of Love Code. This guidance was recommended for the start of a new project, which was relevant to my friend’s new location for her business. The guidance went on to suggest focusing on the following affirmation:

“I am loved. All my creations are loved. Love is a given in this situation.23

My friend loved the guidance from these cards and was planning to print out all six cards and use them in her workspace. She called me later to say she printed a second set of cards for her home!

The artwork on these cards and the colors selected are very beautiful. Jewel tones are used with bright colored accents, some of which are almost neon. Each of the pairs of cards share the same color scheme, which makes it easy to find the matching card within the deck.
For another friend, I drew two of the resource code cards: Yummy Money and Divine Relationships.

Her message was a combination of allowing money “do things for you and watch your mission thrive”24 and remembering that “you may require primary relationships with light beings, animals, nature and crystals.”25 The guidebook encouraged my friend to use the word “Yummy” or say “mmmmm” each time she said or thought about money. Doing so raises your vibration. My friend loved the guidance and loved the Yummy Money challenge!

In order to find the guidance, one must use the table of contents and search for the name of each of the Codes of Love. These are not listed in alphabetical order, which takes a little longer to find the correct code. Once you find the code, you’ll see that there is a number assigned to each pair. It would have been very helpful for the designer to incorporate this number on the cards.

Due to the complex nature of the cards, the guidance, and the system to use these cards, I feel that this deck is best suited to someone with several years’ experience working with either tarot or oracle cards. Or, someone who is learning light language or learning to work with Thoth or any ascended masters for manifestation or personal healing would also benefit from this deck.

Hoffman includes extensive information on how to best work with the cards, including the use of a 16-card tableau for what she calls “Multi-D Abundance.”26 She also includes directions for using the cards for both personal and professional relationships, changing your money story and enhancing your energy. I’ll look forward to utilizing Magdalene Manifestation Cards in some of my groups and with clients who want to change the energy around relationships, abundance or vitality.

Sacred Spirit Oracle, by Anna Stark

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

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

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

Stark begins the guidebook with a Table of Contents. She both numbers the cards in alphabetical order AND provides the Table of Contents, making it easy to find the appropriate guidance in her guidebook. Next, she features acknowledgements and thanks those who helped her create the deck, as well as those who will be using the deck. In her Introduction, Stark sets out the goal of these cards: “to support your intuitive growth and awareness of your deep connection within the universe…. to support you in shifting stagnant energy.”27

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

To evaluate the deck, I pulled a card a day for seven days. The first card I drew was 36. Third Eye Vision. This card talked extensively about the third eye, from both a historical and spiritual perspective. The main idea for me was: “If you wish to intensify or gain third eye visions more regularly, activate and decalcify your pineal gland through visualized meditation.”28 She also recommends iolite as a crystal to support this and adds Archangel Jeremiel for additional support. 

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

“You are receiving many messages but are misinterpreting the meaning. Focus on clearing your mind and resetting your psychic antenna.”29 

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

Another friend received card 6. Birth of Creation. This card featured an egg-shaped design and spoke to “A fresh start. Potential growth.”30 The guidance also mentioned the importance of trying a new routine, getting creative, and nurturing new ideas. My friend V said that this was confirming something she was already doing to prepare for 2025. She said the recommendation of the crystal kunzite was also resonating and she would pick up one on her next trip to the crystal shop.

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

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

“Use the element of water to unblock your energy fields and create a smooth flow of kundalini for personal healing and growth. Find your own sacred song. Call to others who share your passions and interests where you can support and renew your inner fire.”31

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

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

“I sing the beautiful sacred song of my heart, clear and loud for all to hear.”32

About the Authors

Anna Stark began working with tarot cards at 15 to “understand and embrace her intuition.”33 She now works as a psychic medium and energy specialist. She combines her ability to receive psychic messages with her love for history, society and the paranormal. Stark is also a kinesiologist and Reiki Master, who teaches energy healing. She came to learn about natural ways of healing to heal her own anxiety. Stark has created two other oracle decks and an affirmation deck of small cards for everyday encouragement. You can learn more about her on her website.

Louis Dyer is both a digital artist and a traditional artist, using watercolors, oils, and acrylics. At age 5, he saw a cousin drawing and became interested in creating his own art. He soon began drawing “cartoons, video game characters and nature.”34 Dyer has created the artwork for another oracle deck and has featured works in several magazines and online sites. He also teaches digital artwork techniques online. You can see Dyer’s art and learn more on his website.

The Bloodlands Oracle, by Amory Abbott

The Bloodlands Oracle, by Amory Abbott

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

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

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

“For many people, darkness can be a mysterious and alluring force, a melancholy and protective space, or a place to confront fear. It takes courage to walk through the night, a bit of faith that the road will not end but arrive somewhere in the light.”29

In his author biography, Abbott describes how cartomancy helped him through a dark night of the soul. Drawing inspiration from Vancouver, British Columbia where he lives, the charcoal drawings became a focal point of his artist work. He then “began examining what the features of the land could mean to use and what they could tell us about our lives”32 and decided to mimic his charcoal drawings and create the imagery for this deck with digital tools.

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

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

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

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

“A river follows the path of least resistance, carving its way slowly over eons through rock and earth, carrying all that joins it to its end. . . Be reassured this card finds you in a state of consistent movement towards your goals, carrying you effortlessly where you desire.”34

I loved this reassuring message! To be honest, not all the cards I’ve pulled have been as “positive”. In the spirit of acknowledging both the dark and the light aspects of life, the card The Crown Fire has a message of “Devastation, total collapse, starting over”35 While this can sound scary, much like the Tower card in tarot, Abbott’s writing reminds of the necessity of the occasional difficulties to encourage migration, regeneration, and eradication.

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

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

The Council of Horses Oracle, by Sandra Wallin

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

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

Sandra Wallin studied science and education, and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ecopsychology. In her work, she pulls experience from three decades as a psychotherapist, teacher, and mentor.  Along with her work with horses, Sandra utilizes modalities such as Psych-K and Bruce Lipton’s Biology of Belief to work with women who are ready to walk a new path. Though she has studied with many amazing people, Wallin says her most influential teachers have been horses, whom she credits for taking her (and her clients) beyond her belief ceiling to a place where all things are possible.36

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

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

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

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

“There is a union between the art and the writing, which is akin to the synergy that happens when the horse and human come together. When you work with the cards in this way, it is like being with horses in their paddocks, pastures, and fields, smelling their sweet breath; feeling their footfalls on the ground beside you; and seeing yourself reflected in their fathomless eyes.”37

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

One friend, whom I’ll call “C” drew the card Aenbharr and shared that this card and its guidance was a confirmation to follow her intuition and take herself on a new adventure. She further shared that she had really felt stuck or stymied recently and that she kept feeling that she was missing out on the magic in her life. This card and the invitation that it included held a challenge to let go of old beliefs and habits that were keeping her from “rediscovering the magic that exists within the world,”38 as the guidebook entry for the card reads.

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

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

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

“Believe in the reality of what you envision or experience regardless of what the external world might negate.”39 

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

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

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

The Flowerwise Oracle, by Leigh Podgorski

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

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

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

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

I was drawn to the beautiful flowers and tagline of this deck: “Empowerment through the ancient wisdom of the feminine spirit.”37 From the first time I opened the warm mahogany-colored box, I was captivated by the flowers, the penetrating feminine faces, and the rich, jewel-toned colors. Each face is different with many different cultures and ethnicities included. The background is the perfect color to highlight the face, and each flower is featured in a unique way.

“All the flowers of the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.
-Indian proverb”38

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

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

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

To test drive the deck, I took it to my Friday Coffee & Cards group and each woman selected a card. One friend drew the Acacia card, which features a beautiful blonde woman wearing a spray of bright yellow acacia flowers in her hair. The tagline is “practice courage; perseverance pays.”39 The guidance in the book further spoke to renewed friendships, long-lost love or an adventure that beckons. My friend shared that she has recently reconnected with an old friend who wants her to travel to Hawaii with her.  She took this card and its message as confirmation that she had the courage to book the trip and enjoy her adventure!

Another friend drew the Calla Lily card, which shares: “Focus on the possible; let go of the doubt; imagine the best.”40  My friend was particularly interested in the history of the calla lily, which can be traced to South Africa.  She also learned that the flower is toxic to both people and animals, so it is no longer used as medicine.  But the guidance touched her deeply: 

“There is death among us. Sadness and despair. But fear not. For among us, too, there is magnificent beauty, boundless joy and eternal hope. . . When you feel hopeless, sit by the waters. In silence, reflect. Restore. Find your sacred balance anew.”41

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

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

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

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

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

“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful. They are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.  
-Luther Burbank”42

Wise Women Oracle, by Cheyenne Zarate

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

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

“We can find the wise woman at the crossroads between compassion, empathy, and motherly love, and mystery, magic, and the creative and destructive forces of nature. When we enter her time we seek to challenge ourselves and those around us to live up to our highest potential and integrity, and share our knowledge and wisdom with our children and family and also he greater world.”43

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

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

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

As an example, this morning I pulled the card Akhilanda, She Who is Never Not Broken. The guidebook shares how Ankhilanda is a Hindu goddess who “tells us that the liminal space where we don’t know how to move forward is an empowering place.”44 Zarate shares in the “Symbolism” section how Akhilanda rides a crocodile, and the same way crocodiles clench their prey in their jaws, spinning it until the prey is disoriented and drowns, Akhilanda does the same for us to strip us of our ego’s illusions and false identities and out-dated attachments. In this way, we are given the opportunity t “alchemize our pain and insecurities into greater wisdom and beauty.”45

The question for this card reads:

“How can I vulnerably and compassionately embrace my brokenness so I can reinvent a self that is stronger, wiser, and more beautiful within?”46

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

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

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

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