I mostly just like the artwork: bright, bold, and swirly. My only quibble is there are a few too many faces or eyes on things that usually don’t have faces or eyes. But it’s not all of them, so I’m ok with it. The author is the artist, which is usually a plus for me (even though it makes me envious). I skimmed the book this morning, and I like what it says. She has also written other witchy books.
The deck has a nice, simple system, five cards each for these categories: “RITES” (more on this one later); places; trees; herbs; scale, slither and swim; wings; fur fauna; and artifacts; plus two “outliers.”
This is an occasion to haul out some of my ancient notes on the Druid Animal and Plant Oracles and Celtic Tree Oracle. I also just now learned that a toad is a kind of frog. I always thought they were completely different, but didn’t know exactly how. I’m thankful every day for living in the internet age! Especially now that the libraries are closed . . .
On to the interview!
Most important characteristic: mandrake
Here is one of the faces, but because one of the magical things about mandrake is that the root looks kind of human, it makes sense here. The book themes are love and sex, rumors, and responsibility. It says that witches spread rumors that the cry of the mandrake is deadly so that it wouldn’t be over-harvested. (Remember Neville’s fluffy earmuffs?) So the important characteristic is that the stories the deck helps me tell may not be totally true, but can be beneficial.
Strength: walnut
Weakness: oak
Two trees for strength and weakness, and oak usually stands for strength! Hmmm. A walnut looks like a brain. The deck is good for nourishing my brain, as a walnut is for nourishing the body. The walnut tree also discourages other plants from growing around it (by acidic leaves and fruits), so the deck is strong in eliminating excess cards and information. It’s complete even though limited.
Oak as a weakness may relate to “mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” The deck may have the tendency to make a bigger deal out of something than it should.
What can you teach me? corvid
One card to cover crows, ravens, jackdaws, magpies, and rooks! The book points out that these birds often carry gifts to their friends. I hadn’t heard of that before my ex told me he’s been feeding crows bread off his balcony, and they bring him twigs in return! Ravens are associated with divination. So the deck can give me a gift of prophecy/divination!
How can I learn it? cedar
Cedar is evergreen and smells good. The wood is decay-resistant. It’s burned for purifying and cleansing. I can learn more about divination by being more open-minded, cleansing my mind space from clutter and old ideas.
Outcome of our work together: belladonna
Here’s another face, again acceptable to me because “belladonna” means beautiful lady, so already personified. What looks like innocent beauty can be dangerous? Respect the power of the deck, don’t just play around with it.
Stay tuned for more liminal spirits! Have a great week!