Hello, soul friends!
Today's review is covering a deck that I thought was interesting when I first started my Oracle journey. Being a Taurus and always having a deep connected to the Earth and Magic, this deck called my name when I first saw it. I figured this would be a good addition to my collection.
I hope you enjoy my review and generous pictures!
Earth Magic Oracle
I purchased this deck from a local metaphysical shop in the Houston area. They have Demo decks, where you can shift through a deck and then purchase a sealed set. It helps for people like me who want to know what the cards are like, what the guidebook says, and if the cards connect with me. While the artwork was the main reason I was initially drawn to this deck, the messages just spoke so deeply to my heart.
Amazon's description of the Earth Magic Oracle Cards:
The Earth speaks to us in many ways through the spirits of her various elements. In this deck of 48 oracle cards created by Steven D. Farmer, you’ll find descriptions and images of several of these Earth elements along with clear and concise messages from the spirits of each. Through the use of these cards, you’ll uncover sensible advice that will provide guidance for questions you may have about any aspect of your life. The enclosed guidebook includes easy-to-follow instructions as well as expanded descriptions and messages for each card, allowing you to give yourself and others accurate, meaningful readings!
About the Author
Dr. Steven D. Farmer is the author of the bestselling Animal Spirit Guides, Power Animal Oracle Cards, Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards, Power Animals, Sacred Ceremony, Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides guided meditation CD, Earth Magic: Ancient Shamanic Wisdom for Healing Yourself, Others, and the Planet, and the soon-to-be-released Earth Magic Oracle Cards (Nov 2010). He's also host of his own radio show, Earth Magic Radio on ContactTalkRadio.com. Dr. Farmer is a Soul Healer, shamanic practitioner, ordained minister, and former psychotherapist, offering workshops on Soul Healing, various shamanic topics and private consultations.
Website: http://www.earthmagic.net/
My Personal Review
This 48-card deck is meant to be used as an Oracle deck, which is just meant to be a little less restrictive than tarot, while allowing you to devise your own meanings of the cards, as well. The dimensions of the deck are 3.8 x 1.5 x 5.5 inches and published by Hay House.
The lift top box is typical of most Hay House products and has become something that I prefer in my decks. The artwork is intricate, rich, vibrant, and full of beautiful natural landscapes. I love landscapes and this deck does not disappoint. There is a versatile beauty through each carefully detailed card.
I was not disappointed, the author Steven D. Farmer created a beautiful deck and when you draw a card, there is the name and a keyword written on the card to help your intuition. The included guidebook will give you an interesting and detailed breakdown of what the names and keywords mean in this deck. The guidebook also includes the influence currently playing out in your life and the lessons you need to incorporate into your life right now, to maximize the energy. A keyword is printed on the front of each card which corresponds to the keyword descriptions in the guidebook. There is nothing harsh, garish, or obscene in this deck. It can be used to read for any client, without upsetting them, or having difficult to translate cards. The card backs are a beautiful tree of life, that appears to be reversible, but you will be able to tell if a card is in fact reversed from the backs. Reversals are up to the reader but are really not needed with this deck. The cards are typical quality of other Hay House products, so I wasn't too impressed or blown away with that. The stock can be sticky and holds any bends too easily for my liking. I find that it also scratches a bit easier, so for those who do use their decks heavily, you may find yourself having to replace your decks faster than some Indie decks. The cards do tend to be stickier than my preferred decks.
The size of the cards was an average oracle deck size. Not too large, and not too small. The guidebook is simple, but gives enough to encourage you to develop your own special meanings of the cards. There are many beautiful inclusions from various cultures, which I found to be a wonderful addition to Earth Magic. It really does lead one to using their intuition and also diving into all of the details in the cards. I found it to be a quick to use deck, and easy to not be distracted by too many details, odd wording, or a guidebook that is lacking. It is very user friendly and simple enough that anyone can dive right in. In fact, it is one of my most recommended decks for those starting off. It certainly adds a new depth and layer to any reading.
All in all, I enjoyed it a lot and have found it to be wonderful to use with clients, without hesitation, if the messages will be well-received. It is comforting, supportive, and also allows for clear messages to be delivered to be without too much vagueness or over complicated themes involved. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves landscapes, earth magic, learning from various cultures or just wants a different oracle deck.
Here are some extra pictures of this Earthy creation:
Overall, I think this was a unique and well-executed deck. Simple, but straight to the point. I highly recommend it!
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 4 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 3 stars
Ease - 4 stars
Guidebook - 4 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!
