Hello, soul friends!
I wanted to start off a section on my website where I review card decks that I have used over the years. I have owned over 80 various decks (currently own about 70), and thought I would write some of my notes, experiences, personal opinions, and information on the decks for anyone out there looking for suggestions. Diving into the world of decks can be a bit scary, fun, and also at times overwhelming with the sheer amount of choices.
There are various differences to the types of card decks people use, but the most common ones are Tarot, Oracle, and Lenormand. Over the years, I have come to collect various and eclectic decks ranging in artistic style and type. I always purchase what grabs my attention, and have learned that my aesthetic is not for everyone. So, as always, purchase what you feel guided to use for yourself.
I am just expressing my opinions and my own personal experiences with these decks and I hope that you can appreciate the candor. As always, use your own intuition and find tools that suit your tastes.
Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards
This is one of my newer additions to my deck collection, but has quickly become one of my go-to, and most recommended decks for anyone who is starting off and would like a slightly different type of deck that is completely Oracle and a large deviation from Tarot.
The Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards is published by Hay House. I purchased my deck directly from their website, but I have also seen it available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other bookstores.
From Amazon's Product Description:
Colette Baron-Reid has expertly blended elements of the I-Ching, Norse runes, traditional tarot, and other ancient divination tools into a sacred communication system: Wisdom of the Oracle. This 52-card deck and companion guidebook will allow you to interpret messages about all aspects of your journey, with over 250 independent meanings that can speak to an unlimited number of circumstances.
Imagery of animals, the elements of nature, and other potent symbols will touch you deeply so that a soulful dialogue about your life can take place.
The Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards are waiting for you to consult them so you may receive answers and know the way forward to peace, purpose, prosperity, and love .
About Colette Baron-Reid, the Author
Colette Baron-Reid is the author of Remembering the Future, Messages from Spirit, and The Map, published in 27 languages, as well as The Wisdom of Avalon, Wisdom of the Hidden Realms, and The Enchanted Map oracle card decks. She’s an internationally acclaimed intuition expert and psychic medium, known affectionately by her clients as “The Oracle”; a keynote speaker; and an artist, entrepreneur, and visionary. Originally from Toronto, Colette lives in Connecticut with her husband and two Pomeranians.
Website: www.colettebaronreid.com
My Personal Review
This is a 52 card deck includes a lot of various elements, but in a much more whimsical and light-hearted imagery.
Product dimensions are 5.5 x 4 x 1.9 inches. The cards are larger than a traditional Tarot deck, but similar to most Hay House decks.
The reason I have enjoyed this deck so much is the versatility and the ease of use. It is a very gentle, positive, and an amazingly fun deck to use. From beginner to the experienced card reader, I think there is something unexpectedly beautiful about this deck.
The messages are all wonderful, and you can even see some of the original intent or uses of symbolism from various cultures, belief systems, and also Spiritual backgrounds that assist you in creating a well-formed picture of what the card's energy may represent for you. I love that Colette included meanings for not only the overall oracle, but relationships, careers, and also reversed meanings.
I have enjoyed this deck so much for personal and client readings that it is still one of my go to decks for clear advice and guidance. This has become one of my favorite decks to use during live sessions, and also for Three Card Spreads. It is so gentle to use, that I have even allowed my children to play with it. Much of the imagery is not dark, scary, or inappropriate for even a young audience. My children actually like looking to see where Spirit's face may be in the cards, and also some of the animals that may describe certain situations and such.
I do find it a wonderful and amazing deck to use for quick 3, 5, and 10 card spreads. It is versatile, honest without crushing your spirit, and it also does assist you in gaining clarity, no matter the inquiry.
I find that anyone could pick up this deck and use it without a lot of confusion, or meddled up jargon included in the guidebook. This is a deck that I would carry with me everywhere I go when I don't know what I will meet on my journey. It is just that versatile! And also that calming for any reading you may be faced with. The cards are noticeably bigger than a deck of standard playing cards and the card stock itself is solid; I recommend anyone with a new deck spend some time shuffling it and getting to know its feel, in addition to just "getting to know" any new deck. I've found that I can shuffle them quite easily, even with my small hands.
The card stock is thick, has a shinier finish than newer decks (which is annoying when trying to get a nice picture of the deck), and also allows you get a nice bend without cracking the card stock. This quality of card stock seems to be what most of the Hay House decks that I own tend to lean towards. It isn't my favorite, but Colette's decks seem to have a slightly more matte finish, which makes it brilliant for taking photos of in natural light.
Truth Be Told (I am so punny)...
This is a very accurate and stunning deck to own and use! The artistry has a wonderful balance of color, contrast, and symbolism that is both appealing and meditative. Even the more challenging aspected cards have images that don't alarm the person.
The soft use of colors, intricate details in the backgrounds, and also animals, really does help for you to focus and hone in on your own messages of what you gather from the images. It is not overly human nor animal because it contains the energies and attributes of both life forms. There is Spirit's face is in each card, reminding us that Spirit is always present no matter where we are or what situation we find ourselves. The Guidebook is just a little over 200 pages, more than usual because the author went to great lengths to fully explain each card. As mentioned, there are over 250 independent meanings! I applaud her in the ability to narrow these messages down to 52 cards as she was guided to do.
In atypical fashion for most oracle cards, Colette embrace the art of the Reversed card. She has included a meaning specific to reversals. Reverse cards are encouraged because it will reveal the "Protection Message", these aren't negative messages. On the contrary, these messages from Spirit will assist in revealing thought patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that could be blocking or self-sabotaging. Each card will have: 1) Essential Meaning 2) The Oracle's Message 3) Relationship Message 4) Prosperity Message 5) Protection Message (Reversal cards) The Guidebook also includes information pertaining to the importance of phrasing questions the correct way, a cautionary note on oracle abuse, preparation before readings, spreads, and examples. This is a well written book and a little thicker than many other guidebooks written in the past. I would love to see a larger, full color, and expanded book in the future.
Here are some more pictures of this beautifully done deck.
All in all, this is another one of my favorite decks for various reasons and one that I highly suggest to any budding card reader. Even if you are experienced reader, but would like to explore a different type of Oracle deck, I would say that this deck is a fantastic one to use. I have enjoyed it for the last year, and always recommend this deck to anyone first starting off in the world of card reading.
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 5 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 4 stars (not a fan of shiny decks)
Ease - 5 stars
Guidebook - 5 stars
I hope that you enjoyed my deck review, and also enjoy other deck reviews that I add to this site. I have a passion for exploring new decks and also finding various ways of connecting to my intuition. I appreciate you checking out my site and taking the time to read my review.
Happy Reading!
