Glamour Zombie

I’ve been sticking to a schedule, which is good because I go back to work on the 1st. And today’s post is a result of said schedule. The Lovely Om Tarot, created by Darshanie Sukhu, is a 78 card watercolour deck (and booklet) featuring gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon, as well as mystical beings from, in Darshanie’s words, “the many dimensions that intersect our reality”.

For her, tarot is a process of self-reflection, so her intention for these cards is that they help you to access your intuition so that you can explore different perspectives, communicate with your subconscious and bring in the wisdom of your higher self. The creative process behind the deck is very interesting: she had a vision of brilliant lights emerging from a candle, flooding the room, and forming the Ace of Wands. I took this inspiration and started painting. She continued with the other Aces, opening the elemental energies of the suits, followed by the Princesses (the courts follow the Thoth structure). I feel that this more natural, intuitively guided process (rather than working numerologically) adds freedom and layers to the deck, making the energy of each card very potent and concentrated.

The art style is soft, a feature of the watercolours and the broad palette used, which mixes muted hues, pastels and bright colours as well as playing with the darkness and light of each card, though overall I’d say that, visually, it leans more towards the light. However, as Darshanie says, “it can go very deep into realms of despair and also reach very high into realms of divine vibrations”. I wanted to include this because I feel that on a visual level it looks softer than what it is when actually working with it, in a good way. There are many cultural and mythological elements, mainly from Hinduism, and surprisingly they vibe really well together, and I think it’s mostly because of the clever inclusion of cards that feel more natural, non-theistic or just do not feature characters at all. They just do not clash, but rather talk to each other to create a detailed, layered message, which is the reason why I think this deck really shines with pulls bigger than one card. Btw, the cards are wider than the standard size, and feature a light cool grey border, and a satiny finish.

The companion guide is a 208 page, full-colour book chockfull of information. It includes so much, that I have divided it into four parts to explain it better, starting with a general part with an introduction, a how-to, information on the structure (including a note on reversals), chakras, deities in the deck, the symbol Om, and connecting to the cards; the second part is for the majors, including an introduction, spreads, plus the messages of the cards themselves, which in turn feature pictures of each card and its name, keywords, symbol highlight, meaning, and tips for when you get the card; the third part is for the minors, with an intro to each suit, spreads, and the same features and care found in the majors; finally, the fourth part is shorter, including an about the author and recommended reading, always a highlight! Both the guide and the cards come in a flip-top box, and let me tell you, the production quality is top-notch: aside from the box, it also comes with a custom velvet drawstring bag which actually fits inside the box while holding the cards!

The Lovely Om Tarot is a culturally rich, energetically connected deck that really shines at weaving cards and meanings to deliver a cohesive, detailed message. It is a great tool to take a more intuitive approach to tarot while having fun submerging yourself in the stories that can be found in it. The artistic quality is great, and it feels airy and ethereal in a way, even with all the earthy elements it features. Darshanie Sukhu really poured her creativity, knowledge, care and love into this deck, from the images, to the book, to the details in production, making it a really solid deck for readers of all levels. If you want to know more about it, or even draw a card, head over the Lovely Om site!

In opposition to my previously listed “light decks”, rich decks are those where my eyes can’t stop working and discovering, decks for hours-long fascination, decks that are full. In alphabetical order, these are:

Tarot decks:

Oracle decks:

How do you prefer your decks? Is there a rich, busy deck you love in your collection? For more lists like this one, click here!

Shortly after my last post, I lost my second rat. Losing both of them in such a small amount of time has been rough, but I am in the process of making peace with the fact that their lifespans are simply that short. For the past weeks, I have been either a hardcore social animal or a full-time Hermit depending on the day, no in-between. Today’s deck was there for me in my Hermit days. It’s the Mother Tarot, created by Wren McMurdo (also the creator of the Dark Days Tarot).

Indeed, the Mother Tarot’s vibrancy, colours, and earthy presence have helped me navigate the changes that have been taking place. It feels summery, but it is  its ability to gauge and express change in a rich but lightweight way what has helped me the most. Let me explain: the illustrations contain lots of details, small treasures, and great symbology that make each of them unique. However, there is some level of metamorphosis always going on in each card, weaving them all together, and delivering a message of advancement. In fact, while creating the deck, Wren drew ideas and inspiration from Earth, birth, creativity, and climate change. She says: “this deck is lit with dynamic energy to spur you along your path. Take guidance from this deck as we embrace this dynamic time on our planet”.

This collective, dynamic feeling really emphasizes the connection of individuals to everything around us. This is a deck where nature feels alive in a conscious way, harmonizing with the characters and their archetypal features. Following this idea, I have found it super easy to identify with the people in the cards from day 1. There’s abundant diversity, though it is clearly female-centered. This way, Wren hopes for “maternal figures and creators of all kinds [to] find reverence for themselves in these cards”. Some cards are busier, some are more laid-back; in general, there’s a flowy art-style, sometimes it feels kind psychedelic. There’s nudity, and a fav detail (you may know this is a fav if you’ve been following along for a while): body hair. You can see from the pictures how colourful it is, but also, a particularity: it is square. In a reading, you can incorporate the four seasons, four elements, four directions, or four phases of the lunar cycle, and it is suggested to use this deck “on waxing moon days when the collective consciousness is building creative energy”. The cardstock has a buttery matte finish, they are flexible (more so vertically than horizontally, pretty sure it’s the core) and they are gilded.

The full-colour guide stands at 173 pages, and it includes: a “getting started”, tips, intro to major and minor arcana, intro to the suits and numbers, a brief text on card orientations, and the messages of the cards themselves. These, in turn, include a picture of the card, and a single meaning (that is, you do not find one for each of the orientations, that’s up to you). The messages are amazing, very on point with what is seen in the cards. Both cards and book (which is also square) come within a two-piece box, very sturdy and decorated all around.

The Mother Tarot is intriguing, deep, and it flows. It reclaims a very primal but gentle part within ourselves, making us present in the moment; but at the same time, its sense of connection shows us the path to branching out and reaching further. It is very expressive, and though you definitely can work with it on its own, it’s a wonder to pair it with the Dark Days Tarot. Wren McMurdo has managed to create something entirely different from her previous work, but keeping it surprisingly cohesive. If you want to read and see more of both decks, head over her site!

July was a very Death-esque (as in, tarot Death) month for me. I lost one of my pets, I got assigned to a new highschool (a yearly occurence for most of us working in the public school system), some of my hubs’ projects didn’t come to fruition, others did. There wasn’t as much me-time as I anticipated, tbh! But today, I’m going to showcase one of the tools that did make an appearance during the highs and the lows of the month: the Dirt Gems Oracle, a botanical deck by Anne Louise Burdett & Chelsea Granger. These friends were inspired by their love for the earth and all the medicine and healing that it holds, and it is a stunning set of cards and guidebook.

I know the deck already looks awesome by the pictures, and the first time I read about it, it really caught my attention. But there’s no way of expressing how much power and beauty it has when you see it in person and work with it. It has such a strong energy, vibrant but steady. It has its own structure, created by combining the elements, weather systems, alchemy, and energetic signatures of the plant allies. The 65 cards are in fact divided into suits: ablaze (15 cards), afloat (14), adrift (17) and amidst (19). The division is clever and based on the different charactersitics of each of the plants involved, and each suit is associated with an element and a colour palette (most clearly seen in adrift with its b&w).

And it is incredibly fun. It doesn’t mean it can’t get deep (it does!), but honestly working with it is just so enjoyable even if it can look dark and kinda moody. The art style is very unique, with a dreamy feel, and the use of colours (including the restricted palettes) feels magical. It does show the care, experiences and knowledge that went into it. The illustrations make use of the black background to give them space and a lightness that works amazingly well when using these cards with other decks. Most of the elements presented are plants and animals, but there are also other natural elements, charachters, and human-made objects. The cards have a buttery matte finish (they are able to slide, unlike with the rose-petal finish), they are gilded (in either gold or copper) and they come inside a fully illustrated two-piece sturdy box.

The companion guide is juicy, at 165 pages. It has a small intro which includes plant magick, the suits exploration with intro to and associations for each, a how to, example spreads, and a few words on tradition, arriving at page 25 to the cards’ information: a b&w image, the plant name (including its scientific name), an assigned title (eg. The Transmutter for Gumweed), and the message and meaning of each card itself. The illustrations can offer enough of an intuitive hit to work with them alone based on the symbology that goes with the plants and the way in which they are presented and coloured (especially if you’re versed in plant lore), but in my case I find this to be a deck whose guide I find necessary and enriching.

The Dirt Gems Oracle is a deck that links the very tangible reality of plants to their ethereal aspects, as well as guiding us along this bridge to (re)connect with the earth, and hence, with ourselves. Though the four elements are present, I feel it’s mostly a grounding and reassuring deck with lots to teach. It is fun, eye-catching and well-designed, and it vibrates to an energy that should be very basic and present for and in us, but that the modern world can tamper with frequently. Anne Louise Burdett & Chelsea Granger have done an amazing job with this deck, so if you want to know and see more, head over the Dirt Gems site!

I hope you’re ready for what’s coming up next: this set is quite something. I have had decks before that prompted me to move, or to remain still. This one has done both, and it’s been a complex experience: physical, intellectual, visual, spiritual. This is a post for those who like the intriguing and the gorgeous, this is my introduction to the Ancient Ritual Postures Oracle cards and book, by Belinda Gore.

This deck features ancient ritual postures drawn from indigenous art and ancient artifacts from around the world. Dating from 36,000 years ago to the present day, the images in the deck encompass many ancient cultures and traditions. It’s a 52 card deck with its own structure, with 5 suits made up of 10 cards each (Healing, Divination, Metamorphosis, Spirit Journey and Initiation) and a sixth suit (Ritual) with just 2 cards that act as “brackets” or “bookends”. Each suit has a different back, a distinctive mandala for each.

The cards are intended to be a tool for accessing one’s own intuitive guidance, and a guide for physically practicing each posture. There’s a lot that can be done with these cards, and though I’ve worked with them exhaustively, they still surprise me. The figures against the collagey background manage to be primal and raw but also exquisite and sophisticated. There’s a mix of colour and texture, and I feel this deck could perfectly belong in a curiosity cabinet to be simply admired.

The super rich companion book, at 140 pages, frames body positions within a ritual context, by stating that “praying is something you can do with your body”. It features a working process: breathing, rhythmic sounds and the enactment of the posture for 15′. This is not meant to return to earlier times, but to honouring our ancestors. But anyway, there’s no need to actually go through the ritual to use the cards, which can totally be used as your regular oracle deck. In fact, after a how-to, the book includes different ways to use the cards, as well as a dive into the suits and ways of integrating the experiences. From page 24 onwards you can find the actual card exploration, including its name, picture, a dedicated poem, and the posture description. Both the book and the deck come in a two-part box that could have been sturdier, but that keeps the goodies safe.

The Ancient Ritual Postures is a fascinating deck and book combo full of surprises and details to uncover. The images are rich and evocative, and they encourage you to do work as you deem appropriate, offering different explorations and options that seem to evolve with you the more you work with them. This set shows the knowledge, passion and care that Belinda Gore put into it, and I can’t believe how under the radar this is, because it’s pure genius. Belinda offers more information and pictures on her site, so go check it out to quench your curiosity!

Long time no see! Whew, it’s been long. And hard. COVID hit my family hard (we’re all safe now), work became increasingly stressful after February, and I had 0 energy in me. But summer holidays are around the corner, and that means me-time and blog-time. And, why not, rune-time. This is my first foray into runes, so I was happy to go ahead with this learning process holding a familiar (and metaphorical) hand: The Painted Runes, by Sophie Mckay Knight, is a sibling deck to her Painted Tarot, which I reviewed a while ago.

For Sophie, painting the tarot was “the proverbial Fool’s journey” in itself. But before the paintings for the tarot were finished, she was already thinking about painting this rune deck. As with her previous deck, these cards feature equal parts movement and stillness, but the structure is, of course, very different. This deck features 26 cards: 24 Elder Futhark runes, an interpretation of the “Blank” or “Unknowable Rune”, as well as an additional card called “The Link”, which according to Sophie “can be used in the reading process or taken out to help with spiritual connection” - I have tried both and liked them equally.

This is a very cohesive deck, artistically speaking, making use of colour and texture in clever and expressive ways. One of the main differences I noted with respect to her Tarot is that there’s practically no use of white space, so this can be categorically classified as a colourful, vibrant deck. However, this is balanced by using more muted hues when needed, especially in the backgrounds, creating a fascinating and flowy reading experience. The images are character-focused, so they feel up-close and personal. The cards come in a custom tuckbox and have striking backs.

As this has been a learning tool for me, I need to pay special attention to the booklet. It’s an A5, 23 page guide with a great structure and a heavy link to tarot in its interpretations - which is marvellous for those of us who are already well-versed on it, using what we know as a “way in”. The cards are structured into 3 families of 8 cards, called aettir: Freya’s, Heimdall’s (aka Hagal’s), and Tyr’s. The booklet features a bried how-to, an even briefer note on reversals, and spreads. The meaty part is the rune information itself, featuring its symbol, card image, name, keywords, message and meaning, and tarot associations. It’s full-colour so you can just grab a cuppa and read it to learn without even needing to physically reach for the cards. As extras, Sophie included four postcard-sized art cards, which I always love receiving!

The Painted Runes is a deck which feels very personal, and hence, also very similar to the Painted Tarot in its energy. I feel the same deep reflection of spirit and an endorsement to appreciate beauty, just under a different structure. Runes in general have felt more primal (in a positive sense), but I feel Sophie has refined them to perfectly align with those of us who just love tarot. The stillness of its figures conceals an inner movement, and the colour play is fantastic for summer. The characters feel alive, so I have found it to be a fantastic introduction to runes. If you like what you’ve read so far, head over Sophie’s site to know more about the deck!

Today I am presenting something a little bit different from what I usually post here, but still within the realm of tarot: colouring books by Liminal 11. These are the Modern Witch Tarot colouring book, and the Cosmic Slumber colouring book. However! I need to say that these books are not only tools to make put your art toolkit to work, as they include other interactive experiences for tarot lovers. Keep reading for all the details!

I must say, the colouring experience is radically different from that of reading. The engagement is not better or worse, not even more active nor more passive… but indeed different. Aside from the actual colouring, the contents that are included are: deep insights into the cards (not found in the guidebook), activities, extra artwork, and journal prompts. Both books have 152 pages, and feature ribbon markers.

Let's go over the structure of the Modern Witch Tarot book: first of all we find textured softcovers. On its inside, they features the illustrations of the tarot (and in the first flap will also find a colour guide). Later we find: a foreword, an introduction, a how-to, and then we get into the majors. After that we have the minors (which present a different structure to the majors), and this is finished by a further reading section, and a tracker in the other flap. It is in the structure of the majors where we can find the juiciest activities and information. Each features four pages: we are presented with the line art of the card and an exploration of its symbols and depth, plus a section called what this means. In the next two pages we find space for our reflections, with guided questions, the cards connections, a kaleidoscopic, tarot mandala, and a tarot tip.

But the minors are radically different. We have a page that acts as an introduction to the minors themselves, the numbers, and the court cards; and the next page focuses on the suit themselves, offering a small reflection and tarot tip for each suit. After this, aside from some exclusive illustrations, what we find is the line art for each card of the four suits, without the addition of further reflection or symbolic analysis as it was done in the majors.

Since the structure for the Cosmic Slumber Tarot book is pretty much the same, I will go over the differences. The cover, flaps and initial sections are the same. When it comes to the majors we find the four pages we did in the previous book, but with a few differences. We start with the presentation of the card, which includes its dreamscape, its archetype, its symbols, its dream, and a tarot tip. In the next page we find the lineart for the card and its colour code. In the third page we have space for reflections with guided questions, and in the fourth page we find again the tarot mandala. This goes on for all of the majors. We get into the minors just as we did before, with a small introduction, the numbers, the courts, and a brief paragraph for each suit with a small area for a general reflection. Then, again, we are presented with the lineart of the single cards.

What they offer is pretty much the same in the two books, and the variations are due to the very own natures of the decks: the Modern Witch tends to be more practical and symbol-oriented; whereas in the Cosmic Slumber we are more concerned with dreamscapes and otherworldly signs. But in terms of the work they do. they are pretty much the same, so the choice to pick either or both is more in the realms of personal taste. These books have a twofold way of being used: as deck companions, or as a way to explore new deck art in a different way.

I think the addition of tarot colouring books to the Liminal 11 catalogue is of great significance for readers. Before, we only had decks and books; but now we also have companion journals and other fun interactive activities such as the ones I have presented today. Even those who do not want to read tarot on itself, but want some introduction in a way that it is still active (while doing a relaxing activity such as colouring and journaling), can approach these books easily.

I didn’t plan on not writing during December, but folks was it a busy month! There were meetings, there were deadlines, and after all of that... there was relaxation and family time to be enjoyed. So this is, officially, the first review of 2022! I have chosen one of those decks that I keep rediscovering and falling in love with every time. Like even when I was on my draft of the review I kept saying to myself: honestly wow. And which is it? The Ancestor Spirit Oracle! Created by Jade-Sky, with art by Belinda Morris and the top-notch quality from Blue Angel Publishing, this deck was an amazing discovery of 2021.

“The knowledge of those who came before us can never be lost. It is alive within our hearts, our souls and our DNA”. With this in mind, the deck invites us to “answer the call of the ancestors to connect to their wisdom, discover their truths and accept their support”. Aside from the main ancestral theme, what has captivated me the most is its diversity, not only in the obvious geographical variety with people from different ethnicities, skin colours, and cultures; but also in body sizes, genders, and ages. It feels extremely natural and human, and it is very easy to connect with.

The cards are superb: colourful, saturated and very expressive. In her artwork, Belinda Morris uses watercolour, gouache, pencil, and digital touches, so they are very detailed and lavish. Most of them are very character focused, and each of the faces is different in features and expressions - and I also love the attention to the clothing. The cards that do not feature characters are very atmospheric, in the sense that you feel transported to the places being shown. It feels open and expansive because it covers many areas of the world, but it also feels interconnected, homely, intimate.

Within the sturdy two-piece box you can also find the guidebook: at 103 pages, features a short introduction and the card meanings. Within the introduction we find a foreword, a way to prepare the cards, a how-to on using the cards, and card layouts. Then, for each card, we find its title, three keywords, its cultural background, Ancestors Speak (which is the message of the card itself), and it ends with a divinatory meaning. The writing is beautiful and respectful, and you can go beyond the cards and actually research the cultures that are represented in each card, so the amount of hours that you can get from this oracle are endless. Although the backs feature fire, I think this is an oracle that you cannot associate with a single element, and if I had to choose, it would be humanity on itself, Spirit.

Aside from being a stunning work of art, a great useful deck, and a lovely collection piece, the Ancestor Spirit Oracle is also a great too to learn about other cultures. It shows the utmost respect and love that went into its creation, which makes it approachable and deep. It is a comforting deck, but one that lays many lessons in our way. Honestly, what a treasure! Without a doubt, this has become not only one of my favourite oracles from Blue Angel, but also one of my favourite decks of all time.

I have been very work-focused lately (in a healthy way, please take care of yourself first). That means I am trying to squeeze in my blog reviews (tarot in my life is never stopping, though) to give myself a breather. It's time for the Luna Sol Tarot, produced by Darren Shill and Kay Medaglia at Liminal 11. This deck is not new to me, as what you'll see today is its newer edition - in fact, it's a deck I've known and worked with for three years!

I tend to label my decks (mentally) to easily locate them in my collection for the moments when I need something particular. What has stood the most about the Luna Sol is its inclusion and its softness. It's a gentle, charming deck with revitalized symbolism, and lots of characters that "invite you in with moments of delicate vulnerability"; being "an uplifting, healing tarot deck that reflects our beautifully diverse world". Indeed, the Luna Sol makes space for everyone. The palette choice, leaning on pastels, is the very first thing that made me smile. The artwork feels soft, but not blurry or diffused. The diversity of the characters promotes a more realistic, inviting environment - and of course, it highlights the issue of representation.

I mentioned a “revitalized symbolism” because the cards feel really modern and fresh. The diversity and the laid-back and honest vibe of the characters encourages deep conversations with oneself. And the artwork is so pretty! It features thin lines of different colours (instead of just using black) and the shapes feel organic. There's a natural flow into the card, even in the moodiest ones - allowing for an easy way to weave thoughts among different cards that may seem contradictive at first.

Let's go over the differences between the editions. The box now is the same as the usual Liminal 11 boxes, with a magnetic slipcase box. The backs in the second edition feature the same design, but they are borderless. The cards are a sliver taller than in the first edition, and in terms of the finish, the second edition is more matte - the first edition was not glossy to start with. The cards are the same, and if I were to find a difference, I would say that in the second edition the illustrations appear either darker or a little bit less saturated - and I feel that in the second edition the textures show better. In this edition there are also two extra cards: Wu Wei and Duality.

The booklet has new features, with the inclusion of new pages, its being in full color, and having a hardcover. It includes a foreword, an introduction, information on how to read the cards, tips, spreads, and information on the cards themselves. This information is more extensive on the majors (which also include a quote for each card) and shorter, but still very valuable, in the minors.

The Luna Sol Tarot breathes a gentle but energizing vibe that can enchant very different people. The diversity, the beautiful colours, the striking artwork and the ease when connecting different cards make it a highly approachable deck that doesn’t sacrifice depth or symbolism in its quest for openness. This is an unmissable deck - and this new edition, with its wonderful box and two extra cards, is an amazing addition to the Liminal 11 repertoire.

You’re not seeing double - today’s review features a deck with two guidebooks. It’s the first time I have worked with a deck like this! The Seed and Sickle Oracle deck, created by Fez Inkwright and published by Liminal 11, is a plant-focused deck with two companion guides: the Dusk guidebook and the Dawn guidebook. Intrigued? Keep reading for more juicy details!

Let’s start with some basics: this is a 55 card deck that centres on the cycle of sowing and harvest, exploring themes of productivity and rest. It is around these themes that the two guidebooks come into action: “each card carries two meanings; one for times when moving forward is important, and one to help cultivate your own wellbeing. Whether you are sowing seeds for your next big project or harvesting rewards for a period of rest, The Seed and Sickle will accompany you on this journey”. So, Dawn readings are good for projects, building new relationships, or focusing on revitalizing yourself - for periods of expansion and growth. On the other hand, Dusk readings are for when you're looking for guidance on how to best take care of body and mind - that is, holistic readings.

Both booklets have the same structure and number of pages (+150), starting with a foreword by Yoshi Yoshitani, followed by an introduction, a quick reading guide, the cards’ messages and meanings (classified by seasons), a how-to on reading the cards (including choosing between readings and an interesting take on reversals, which are optional), exclusive spreads, and a section on complementing the tarot. Some of the information is repeated in both, especially when it applies to the most general aspect of the deck. The differences start appearing in the quick reading guide, which features different keywords for each of the cards in each book. These differences become completely obvious in the actual messages of the cards. As for the spreads, while some of them are the same in both guidebooks, there are also differences: Dawn has solstices’ spreads, and Dusk has equinoxes’ spreads.

Now, on to the cards!! They are beautifully crafted botanical illustrations, with a palette that leans on pastels and muted hues without forgetting some touches of vibrancy, and also featuring some cards that are darker. Overall, they feel quite soft, and almost quiet, though there are moments of movement (especially when animals appear). Though this is obviously an earthy deck, I thought it important to highlight that the artwork, colours, and other elements present in the illustrations beyond the actual plants give this deck a very airy quality. The cards are what we usually consider borderless as they do not have an outer frame, but they do have a very thin inner line acting as a border - sometimes the artwork goes over this line, adding more dynamism. Fez knows her plants (she’s also the author of Botanical Curses and Poisons), so this is also a lovely deck to dip your toes into herbalism and plant lore.

The Seed & Sickle Oracle is a richly illustrated botanical deck, lovingly researched and honestly just beautiful. It doesn’t matter if you’re using it for one card pulls, in bigger spreads or combined with a tarot deck - it is stunning once and again. The feeling of the deck is one of stillness, of quietness, and of being in touch with that quiet part of nature that’s all around us - and also within ourselves. The two guidebooks offer two different ways of approaching this deck; and within each path it is balanced, so you won’t miss a well-rounded reading no matter how you choose to work with it. As always, the production quality at Liminal 11 is excellent, with great finishes and their wonderful sturdy, magnetic slipcase box. Dusk or Dawn, this is an excellent deck!

Today I am presenting a deck I fell in love with the moment I saw one of its cards. The Mystical Medleys Tarot, created by Gary Hall and published by the wonder team at Liminal 11, is a vintage cartoon deck with the iconic style of the 30s. Let me emphasize: vintage cartoon - those two words alone are enough to explain why this deck is awesome. But let’s add more!: “A delightful take on an ancient tradition, Mystical Medleys brings a bit of lighthearted fun and playful energy to the tarot. It’s ideal for occultists of all varieties, animation and cinema buffs, and lovers of all things vintage!”.

I must say this deck has been developed with so much care. The traditional RWS symbolism is there and you can see it right away, but it’s been transformed or weaved into the style to fit the aesthetic, and it is done in a brilliantly seamless way. Some of my favourite examples of this balance between preserving and re-imagining are the Moon, the Aces, or the 7 of Cups (to name a few, because they are all very clever). There are two additional cards: the Happy Squirrel and the Sad Squirrel. These two are, quite honestly, brilliant. Additional or extra cards were (and still are sometimes) called “Happy Squirrel” cards because of a cartoon: The Simpsons. So it was only adequate that we had squirrels here!

The colours are a bit garish in the way a traditional Rider Waite Smith is. To those who are used to studying or working with the RWS, the palette is more than familiar, highlighting the yellows and blues. It feels happy and vibrant, but it also has touches of darker moodiness that we can find in both the tarot and in vintage cartoons. Honestly it still surprises me how amazingly this combination works! You can find the usual animal characters, but many elements come to life themselves, like the Moon, the Tower, or the heart in the Three of Swords. The illustrations have a thin black border and a wider textured frame, with their names at the bottom. They have a matt finish, and the backs are reversible.

The companion guide, with almost 60 pages, is a hardcover booklet that fits into the sturdy, magnetic slipcase box. It features a foreword by Leah Moore, an introduction, card meanings, a “how to read the tarot” section, and exclusive spreads (like What’s a-happenin’?). The text is done in a cheery, playful manner (Strength: bedazzling beauty beholding her brave beast... it’s a tale as old as time!) so it really matches the whole vibe of the deck.

The Mystical Medleys tarot is such a great deck in general, really. It is easy for beginners, fun, and warm... and it can be caustic when it needs to be! It is balanced, well-researched, and of a great artistic value. The colours and characters catch the eye quickly and effectively, and this is obviously topped by the amazing production quality that Liminal 11 offers. Even if you think the combination of vintage cartoons and tarot sound weird... really take a look at the illustrations and see for yourself how genius the mix is. And if you want to know more about its inspiration, click here!

October is coming to an end, and that means that the amount of workload that I have is finally being lightened and I can be more in touch with my actual teaching than with insane amounts of paperwork. This also means I finally have time to devote myself to showing you the decks that have been with me for a while now! The one I'm most ready to type about is the New Chapter Tarot by Kathryn Briggs, published by the wonderful team at Liminal 11.

This 80 card tarot deck is "a story, a journey, a self portrait of change". It tells the story of a woman who had to leave her old life behind and return to her home country following the end of her marriage. "Each card is a meditation in paint; [...] this deck represents a new life, a circle of Hope and Friendship and Love". The first thing that attracted me to this deck was the continuous presence of (sacred) geometry and the wide watercolour palette - resulting in a semblance of a kaleidoscope. It mixes mythology with traditional and personal symbolism (including but not limited to plant lore, astrology and alchemy). The artwork feels very personal, handcrafted, and I can recognize familiar faces in some cards (Carrie Fisher in the Empress!). There are two bonus cards, Gratitude and Invocation.

The art style is very unique and personal. It feels like having a deep conversation with a card that does not immediately give itself away - and it's up to you if you want to scratch their surface or dig deep within. I understand why it is recommended to more seasoned readers but I think labelling this as an advanced deck would deprive beginners of an enigmatic but refreshing tarot experience. The courts can be a bit confusing though, as the inclusion of princesses instead of pages brings forward some Thoth-y energy, though we have no princes in sight. Princesses and Knights are both male and female presenting. Finally I would like to mention that the cards are surrounded by their own painted frame, which makes them unique on every illustration.

The full-colour mini hardcover booklet, at almost 70 pages, leaves me wanting more. I would have loved to read why certain artistic and symbolic choices were made. At a reading level though it is more than complete, with a foreword by the one and only Rachel Pollack, an introduction, card meanings (including reversals), a how-to, and custom spreads. Though the (matt) cards are shorter than your average Liminal 11 deck, the box is pretty much the same so it can comfyly fit in your collection. It features a magnetic flip bottom as well as shiny foiled accents, so it looks beautiful even on the shelf.

The New Chapter Tarot is definitely a break from tradition that, though retaining some important symbolic aspects, invites us to explore beyond. The cards are deeply conversational but in a quiet, introspective manner, so I have found it reads better for myself than when reading for others. Kathryn Briggs' artwork is fascinating, brilliant for all seasons and obviously attractive. Even if you are used to traditional images, give this Liminal 11 release a chance to stun you into amazement! And while you're at it, check out other tarot releases that'll be soon explored here!

You know me so you know how unbelievably hectic September always is. But! This year is even more so! I am surrounded by new projects and new environments and, of course, a couple of them have to do with tarot. I’ve been reading and working with this book you see here, Advanced Tarot by Paul Fenton-Smith, for a few months... and it’s been a huge push with those projects I mentioned.

Its full name is Advanced Tarot: An In-Depth Guide to Practical & Intuitive Tarot Readings. It’s published by Blue Angel, a publishing house you already know as their wonderful oracle decks are featured here pretty often. It is a massive tome, at 556 pages. The pictures you see here feature it pristine and brand-new, but I will soon publish another post to showcase how it looks now after having devoured it (I’m a highlighter kind of student). The first thing I would like to emphasize before getting into details is that, despite its name, I feel this book is not only a compilation of advanced lessons, but that it also leaves space for solid tarot foundations for those who are beginning. It is geared towards reading for others (in a professional manner) but it doesn’t mean it is the only scenario where this book comes in handy.

There’s so much information packed here that even listing the table of contents would be out of my usual post length. After full colour pages of all the cards from the RWS, “A Telescope Aimed at the Future” already establishes that the author is very predictive-reading-oriented. It includes an “Essential Questions Menu” within the section “Fundamental Questions for the Cards”, which can help with the inherent organization of readings. “Setting Boundaries in Readings” is filled with excellent advice to not go over our limits (no matter how much we want to help). I feel that sometimes it can become very clairvoyancy-oriented, which can be a problem for those readers that do not consider themselves clairvoyants. There are some spreads to try out and practice, but an even better section is “Designing Your Own Layouts”, which speaks for itself. His views on reversals are very interesting, showcasing an easy-to-apply method that will work from the get go, even for beginners. There are more than 30 pages of sample readings with interpretations which are wonderful to practice.

The bulk of the book is obviously devoted to card meanings (pages 184 to 544), arranged numerologically and starting with the minors. These include upright and reversed meanings (covering general, career, relationship and health fields), as well as weaving connections between cards when needed. This is further enhanced at the end of the book, with three charts: one dealing with “The Meanings of Cards in Combination”, a minors chart, and a reversed minors chart.

Advanced Tarot, by Paul Fenton-Smith, is a book I have thoroughly enjoyed and that has offered me new insights. I really appreciate some advice I have received, especially when setting boundaries or reading under pressure. Despite its name, I believe this can be a good beginner’s book, especially if your goal is to become fluent enough to read for others (professionally or not). It is a book I have read cover to cover, but which I have also marked and highlighted to come back to as a reference and as a reminder. For more information, head over to Blue Angel and check their oracles too!

Things around here are starting to fall into place. I’m moving into a new apartment with hubs and our two rats, and it’s only a 15 minute walk from my new workplace. There’s been so much healing energy going on, and though healing is good, it isn’t always a smooth road. I’ve been working with today’s deck for about three months, and it’s been a blessing - and not in disguise. The Sacred Mothers & Goddesses Oracle, published by Blue Angel, is intended to embrace the strength and wisdom of divine women for insight, direction, and soul-empowering transformation - exactly what I needed!

Created by Claudia Olivos, “this dynamic 40-card deck introduces you to sacred mothers, goddesses, and priestesses”. It does so through expressive, tender artwork filled with saturated hues taken from a broad palette. Of course, these cards are very figure-oriented, as the key elements are the figures themselves. Four cards represent priestesses, one focuses on the Sacred Feminine in general, and the other 35 cards feature mothers and goddesses from the following origins: Irish (2), Greek (8), Egyptian (3), Buddhist (5), Hopi (1), Norse (1), Mayan (1), Hinduist (3), Christian (3, one of them Algonquin-Mohawk), Mapuche (1), Incan (2), Welsh (1), Romano-Celtic (1), Aztec (1), Slavic (1), Santería (1). Though Greek goddesses are more represented, I really like the diversity that has been taken into account.

The cards feature the up-close and personal artwork, a number (to easily locate them in the guidebook), their names, and keywords (not present in the non-goddesses cards). Now, moving on from the beautiful, calming artwork, we focus on the guidebook. With almost 180 pages, it works at being both a comprehensive companion book as well as the starting point for the deck.

It features a comprehensive introduction (including an initiation, a how-to, and creating sacred space) as well as the cards’ messages. These in turn include information about the goddesses and mothers, their messages, related activities and rituals, altar creation, and (my fav) a spread for each. This is the most exciting feature for me and the one that has kept me so engaged. I draw a card from the deck, work on it, and then intuitively choose a tarot deck to work with it. The Blue Angel production quality, as always, is excellent. The cards are matte and borderless, and they come in a sturdy two part box.

The Sacred Mothers and Goddesses Oracle is a deck that, honestly, caught me off-ward in the best way possible. It is my first goddess-based deck because I hadn’t felt the pull towards any... until this one. It is both powerful and gentle, filled with wisdom and proactive behaviours. It’s a deck that gets you moving spiritually and in many other ways. The guidebook is excellent, and the cards pair really well with a variety of decks. But don’t be misled by the big words, it’s also a very fun, heartwarming oracle. Another great production at Blue Angel Publishing that you need to check out!

Today’s deck will be the last one from my early 2021 Lenormand kick! You will know by now that like tarot decks (and unlike oracle decks), lenormand decks have a set structure. Today’s 36 cards come from the creative mind of Kathleen Bergmann, a Lenormand book author, photographer and blogger at Lenormand Love (her German-language site available here): the Epic Light Lenormand deck.

Her intention with this deck is to evoke the golden light of the Belle Époche, with its balls and soirees in exclusive big manors that nothing could disrupt. The classic symbols are present through photomanipulation techniques, which is one of my favourite kinds of artwork. Just like with her previous deck I reviewed, there’s an overlay of nostalgia, but this one has a more specific time-frame that can be gathered from the cards, and a more aged feel.

Colour-wise it features a definitely warm palette, intended to represent the warm light of innumerable candelabras and chandeliers to create an atmospheric feeling. The light intends to represents the boisterous air of these opulent ceremonies that both hosts and guests must have wanted to last forever. They are richly saturated and there’s a beautiful light play balanced with darker hues. The cards are borderless and feature their number on the top left corner. At 2,3 x 3,6 inches they are great for bigger spreads (like a Grand Tableau), and I love the thickness and quality of the cardstock. There is just one pair of Man and Woman cards, and they feature caucasian people.

They don’t include a playing card insert or names, so I think these can be great for learning (as a sort of Lenormand flashcard set) or for seasoned Lenormand readers who want an interrupted visual experience. The deck comes with a 20 page booklet with an introduction, the most important characteristics of the deck, using the deck, and card meanings. Kathleen also included a learning aid: a beautiful blue bookmark with condensed keywords for a quick reference.

The Epic Light Lenormand is a warm, rich, opulent deck that transports the reading to another time and place. It has an energy that builds up over the reading, like walking from the gate of the manor into the actual party. The attractive artwork is striking in both small and big spreads, and the symbols are clear enough to catch on the first look. The artwork is uninterrupted by borders or playing card inserts, which in bigger layouts looks like an enchanted map of old times. It’s a great addition to a lenormand collection, but if you’re looking for something more modern looking, check Kathleen’s fresh Ray of Light Lenormand deck!

The past three months have been complicated in various aspects of my life. Some things have been of the good complicated kind, others have not. I’m hoping the next month a half will be a respite to start the next academic year full of energy and health. To indulge myself, I have been working non-stop with one of my dream decks: the Cosma Visions Oracle. This one is by the same creative spirit behind the Prisma Visions Tarot, one of my all-time favourite decks (and also of many others in this community).

This deck has sold like hotcakes (the second edition is expected late summer). And I totally understand why. The Visions decks have a magic of their own that can’t be found elsewhere. This deck in particular is different from the two previous Visions instances (Prisma and Light) in that it is an oracle deck. However, it does feature its own structure. James says: “I created this oracle to tell one story of what may happen in the space between lives, re-imagined upon the structure of the traditional 78 card tarot”. As you can see in the images below, the cards are full of vibrancy, life, movement and colour. Palettes are cleverly chosen to aid in the conveying of messages (as you can see, the majors are darker, while the minors are more colour-coded). And, as with anything that James creates, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. The sceneries are magical but natural, earthly elements meet dreamscapes, and all details have a voice of their own.

Let’s delve into its structure a little more, as it is very interesting. The deck features 79 cards as it adds an extra card (in the style of its siblings). The major arcana are bordered, and they tell the story of the soul from death until rebirth. The minors tell stories of life on Earth, and they are split up into five suits (which is the most radical departure from the traditional structure). The first four suits (the Spark of Embers, the Dance of Lotuses, the Flight of Birds, and the Growth of Trees) correspond to the numbered cards of the minors. The fifth suit is called The Importance of Being, and it is made up of the 16 cards that would make up the court cards in a traditional deck. While the first four suits create a 1x10 panorama, the fifth creates a 2x7 one.

The companion guide is a treasure on its own. Over its 113 cards you will be able to know about the magic of the deck. It starts with an introduction, and how to conduct a reading with the deck (including spreads). This is then followed by the bulk of the booklet: the card meanings, which include the name of the card, its mirror card in a traditional deck, keywords, a paragraph on the journey of the soul, and the actual message of the card. Everything is spectacularly designed: the cards feature mesmerising labradorite blue edges and a matte finish, and both the deck and the guide come in a sturdy flip-top box that features gilded details in and out.

The Cosma Visions deck is, indeed, the perfect companion oracle to Prisma Visions and Light Visions. Of course, it also shines on its own. It offers magic for beginners and seasoned readers alike. Beginners may feel it bridge the gap between a freer oracle and a more structured tarot (while offering a wonderful view on courts, which are usually hard for initiates). Those with more experience will surely appreciate a hefty oracle with a structure of its own that allows us to dive deep. And, even for those who are not into tarot, this is a magical treasure of artwork that cannot go unnoticed: it is a conversation piece, a single work of art, a gallery on itself. Keep your eyes peeled for the second edition, and in the meantime, check the rest of James R. Eads decks!

What is a light deck? Well, it’s simply the name I chose to use when referring to decks in my collection that artistically lean towards a more minimal art style, though sometimes it’s just the vibe (totally personal) that I get from them: that if their art could be weighed, it would be very light. In alphabetical order, these are:

Tarot decks:

Oracle decks:

Do you favour light decks? Is there a light deck in your collection? For more lists like this one, click here!

This post is the second part of a review that was posted yesterday, in which I reviewed the Limited Edition of the White Numen Tarot, created by by Alba Ballesta González, published by Liminal 11. But lo and behold, one review wasn’t enough! In fact, this is one of the most special limited editions I have ever seen, as one of its perks is the inclusion of another whole deck.

Yes, you read that right. The Golden Constellation Oracle is a 31-card deck that is exclusive to this edition of the White Numen Tarot. It cannot be bought separately, and what is more, it won’t ever be reprinted once this edition sells out. While the lineart is done in the same style as the White Numen (and hence, they are totally compatible), the Golden Constellation deck is done on a limited palette of white, black and gold (metallic, but not foiled). On top of that, it is a square deck!

Just as the White Numen Tarot explores the earliest human depictions of animal spirits on cave walls, the Golden Constellation Oracle leaps forward in history to the time when our animal-gods moved from inside our caves to up in the sky. By featuring artistic renditions of constellations like Aquarius, the Crane, Andromeda or Canis Major, this deck builds a bridge upwards, to the celestial sphere.

The deck comes with its own hardcover companion booklet and a sturdy cigar box. You can see how the boxes and cards compare in the pictures above - where you can also see the backs, which feature a foiled star design! I think a great idea is to combine both decks in a 1:1 reading (picking one card from each), or in 1:2 - 2:1 readings (picking one card from one deck and two from the other), and see how their energies interplay. Though they are created by the same person, both the thematic and artistic choices make them unique and radically different from each other.

The Golden Constellation Oracle shouldn’t be seen as a companion deck, but as an entity of its own, with different vibes and looks to those of the White Numen. And I will repeat some of what I said yesterday: Alba Ballesta González creates beautiful artwork with lots of personality which truly does what it aims: building bridges. Again, this is a limited edition in that I can only recommend, local pride aside, if only for the addition of one whole extra deck (but remember all the goodies included in the edition which you can check in yesterday’s review). For more information and pictures, head over Liminal 11 - and don’t forget about those new releases coming soon...!

I don’t even know how to start this review because of how excited I am. This post features three shining aspects: an incredibly beautiful deck, from a company that delivers incredible production quality, by the hands of an artist that is local to me. I am talking about the White Numen Tarot by Alba Ballesta González, published by the wonderful folks at Liminal 11.

This review will cover the limited edition, and there’s something I want to highlight right from the beginning as I believe this makes the edition radically special: it contains the exclusive Golden Constellation Oracle, a 31 card deck by Alba in a different style that is not available anywhere else, and that will not be available once the limited edition sells out. Since the limited edition and the deck themselves feature lots of glorious details, I have decided to make a separate post for the Oracle so you can see it better (going live tomorrow). Back to the deck itself: the White Numen: A Sacred Animal Tarot is an 80 card deck inspired by ancient rituals and stories of sacred animal spirits, creating a path to human reconnection with the natural world and spiritual realm.

Its soft but powerful artwork with delicate lineart and beautifully graded hues works wonderfully for the human characters, the animal characters, and those in between; as well as providing nicely shaded backgrounds that feel complimentary but unobtrusive, and focus the attention on the foreground. There’s a wide palette all over the deck, but the suits have colour associations, working on limited palettes for each (as you can see in the pictures). The cards manage to be simple and rich at the same time, and honestly, they are just striking. Take a moment to check out the two extra cards, the White Numen and the Black Numen). You can appreciate an overlay of a soft grainy texture, like the cards come out from a haze, misting them with a touch of dreamlike quality.

I could talk about these cards all day. You can feel how they connect to ancient times and rituals while somehow being modern and relevant. The mini hardcover booklet is a great companion (and one that is also present in the standard edition) and both the deck and the booklet come in a sturdy magnetic slipcase box. But let’s talk limited details: the gold edges are exclusive from this edition, and while the velvet bag is also available in the standard one, you can only get it at Liminal 11. Both decks (remember about the Golden Constellation!) come in a custom tin box in gold and blue, accompanied by a custom tarot cloth, two sticker sheets, and deluxe prints of the bonus cards (117×195 mm). Of course, it includes a signed and numbered authenticity card!

The White Numen Tarot is an ancient jewel treasure made deck. The hazy hues, the clever colour picks, the soft but rich artwork and the character-focused vibe offer messages that feel like a true ancient oracle - only without being cryptic. In fact, it is in its veiled freshness that we find its true wit, as it brings ancient rituals and natural forces to our daily lives and wonders. Alba Ballesta González creates beautiful artwork with lots of personality which truly does what it aims: building bridges. This is a tarot deck in general (and a limited edition in particular) that I can only recommend, local pride aside. For more information and pictures, head over Liminal 11 - and make sure to keep up with these wonderful people, as they have juicy releases coming soon... and they never disappoint!

After yesterday’s pink super moon (in Scorpio), I vowed to be more active with reviews. The weather seems to disagree though, as it’s been stormy and cold - not that I’m complaining, I thrive in cool spring weather. Anyway, since it was an astronomical (and astrological) event, I wanted to get back to business with a cosmic deck: the Cosmic Allies altar art deck, by Nicole Piar (creator of the Spirit Cats Oracle, reviewed here three years and a half ago).

This is not the first altar deck in my collection, so when I got it I knew I was going to like it and put it to use right away. Nicole says this is a deck to "connect you with your new cosmic friends”; she also adds: “the Cosmic Allies are the embodiments of the 7 planetary energies in astrology ~ Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. You can see them as archetypes that exist within us all and you can see them as our helpers – our allies”. Since each one is “a lens through which to perceive reality”, the cards become tools to hone our intuition and to welcome new perspectives. They are also talismans, in the way that they can be part of your sacred space (which is my case).

The deck features eight cards with matte, heavy, thick cardstock. You can see the thickness of them in the detail pic (where I also capture the beautiful holo gilding). They are rigid in order to keep straight in the moon stand (which is optional with your order, laser-cut from thick, strong wood and hand-painted in metallic gold); and they are big (2.5 times bigger than a standard tarot card). Seven of them are the Cosmic Allies, while the eight is an additional “As Above, So Below” card. But let’s focus on the artwork: these cards feature a dual design, having the characters (mostly animals) on one side and the planetary symbol on the other. The artwork is dream-like, soft but with rich colours, a good balance between colder and warmer hues. The fronts are textured and feel alive, while the backs are more abstract and focus on bringing forward that cosmic energy, resembling galaxies.

The companion guidebook is a treasure trove: its 64 pages are brimming with creative suggestions for working with the Cosmic Allies. It features a Quick Start, a note for sceptics, a complete intro to the deck, a how-to with different ways of using the cards, and sections for each Cosmic Ally. The latter includes a description of its energy, a “helps with”, associations (day, colours, tarot, zodiac, food and drink, minerals and metals, actions), offerings, a poetic invocation, creative inspiration, mantras, and (listen up) a bespoke tarot spread for each. The production quality is excellent, with a sturdy spot-foiled box, the also spot-foiled paperback guidebook, and the thiccc gilded cards.

The Cosmic Allies is a beautiful altar deck that doesn’t only offer a point for focus and meditation, but also juicy and creative ways of incorporating the cards into a well-rounded practice, highlighting the fantastic tarot spreads that make them even more present in your rituals. Thar artwork is dreamy, rich but soft, and captivating; and the backs are not neglected, offering twice the display options. There’s even more information I couldn’t cram in here, so head over Nicole’s site to read more about the deck!