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 100 various decks (currently own about 60), 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.
The Enchanted Map Oracle
This is one of my older additions to my deck collection, but has been a fun addition and 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 Enchanted Map Oracle deck is published by Hay House. I purchased my deck from Barnes and Noble, but I have also seen it available at local shops, Amazon, and other bookstores.
From Amazon's Product Description:
Imagine . . . between the visible and the unseen is a guiding force that some call Spirit, the Holy Will, the Divine, the Field, or Consciousness. Using this card deck by Colette Baron-Reid will connect you to that larger Consciousness and guide you as you travel along on the journey of your life. The themes of these 54 cards represent some of the places you’ll visit, the conditions you may encounter, and the allies and challengers you’ll meet as you navigate a metaphoric map of your life’s journey.
The enclosed guidebook will help you ask the right questions and interpret the messages in your readings. The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards were created in order to empower you to understand the story of your fate, destiny, and free will; and allow you to chart a course to live a life of deep purpose, true prosperity, and vibrant love. Step into the Enchanted Map . . . and watch the magic come alive!
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, which is very familiar for those who have used Colette's decks. 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. There is a depth and versatility to this amazing 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 known as the "Ally", but also a "Challenger" aspect.
I have enjoyed this deck so much for personal and client readings that it is often chosen to be used with my clients. 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.
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 have enjoyed this deck as a do-it-all for clients, myself, and even just universal energies readings.
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. This deck size is very similar to other Hay House products.
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.
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 colors are a bit richer than her other decks, but I enjoy the rich balanced tones included in the deck. As always her decks have a bit of an ethereal and fantasy leaning within the artwork and this deck is no exception. There are many layers to each card and a lot of little details to pay attention to.
In atypical fashion for most oracle decks, 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 "Challenger" aspect, these aren't negative messages. They call you out for your behavior and also assist you in working through whatever is presently holding you back at the moment. 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 that provides some wonderful information for anyone, no matter their culture, background, or even knowledge of divination. The messages are universal, they bring comfort, and also gentle guidance to rebalance, focus, and move through healing.
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 couple of years, 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 4 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 3 stars
Ease - 5 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!
