The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck
Hello, soul friends!
Today's review is covering a deck that caught my attention for it's beautiful animal art work. I loved the details, color, and overall vibe of the cards. I couldn't wait to get my own set and work with this beauty.
I hope you enjoy my review and generous pictures!
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck
I purchased this deck through a swap group. I had played with a set at a local metaphysical shop, here in Houston, and just loved it. They had a sample deck to mess with, so it was nice to look through, get a feel for the cardstock, shuffle, and also look through the guidebook.I couldn't get over the initial price of the deck and guidebook, so left it for another day.
The Wild Unknown's description of the Animal Spirit:
This striking and accessible deck celebrates the great creatures of our world. 63 magical cards drawn by Kim Krans reawaken our innate spiritual connection to the animal kingdom, while the 200-page guidebook offers in-depth guidance on the animals, creatures, and elements that animate deck.
About the Authors
The Wild Unknown is a universe that continues to expand. In its earliest form, it was a self-publishing moniker for the artwork of Kim Krans. Soon after the release of Kim’s tarot deck in 2013, The Wild Unknown became a trusted voice and vision for seekers around the globe. Since then we have grown to produce a full line of products including books, decks, prints, and ritual accessories.
But The Wild Unknown is more than just products and publications. The mystery it represents requires a commitment to knowledge, spiritual practice, radical thinking, and transformation through creative acts. In other words… all the experiences you cannot buy. We’ve realized it’s time for The Wild Unknown to reveal its true self, a vast universe that includes the opportunity for personal connection and growth. With that aim, we announce the following new chapters to TWU’s story:
TWU Records: Our reverence for music is deep (after all, TWU’s name came from Bob Dylan lyrics)! Four times a year we produce and deliver a mystical album for your listening pleasure.
TWU Flagship Store: In June 2017, The Wild Unknown flagship store opens in Portland, Or. We offer events, tarot readings, the full line of TWU goods, special ritual objects, and a shrine. Come visit us and experience the mystery firsthand.
TWU Karma: As always, we continue to make significant annual donations to causes we feel passionate about.
My Personal Review
This 63-card deck is meant to be used as an Oracle deck, allowing you to devise your own meanings of the cards, as well. The deck is published by The Wild Unknown and will be published by HarperCollins next year.
The lift top box is beautiful. There is a beautiful iridescent tone to the box and also the backs of the cards. They have a reptilian scale print with the subtle iridescent tones that shine in natural light. The art by Kim is unique and realistic. Her animals are beautiful and serene. They are extremely expressive.
The card stock is thick, matte finish, slick to shuffle, and but does get bent easily. The finish really helps make the cards shuffle easily without sticking or scratching. This card stock has been one of my favorites that I have run into. I love the smooth and easy way this deck shuffles. It really makes shuffling comfortable and smooth.
The card backs are as lovely as the images on the front of each card. Reversals are up to the reader but are really not needed with this deck. The cards are high quality with a silky feel that makes shuffling a soothing ritual. A animal name is printed on the front of each card which corresponds to the artwork and 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.
There are 5 various elemental "suits" cards including Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Spirit. They each hold animals that tap into those specific elements. There is also an inclusion of spreads, tips, and suggestions for how to connect with the deck more one on one. The 200 page guidebook includes pictures of each of the cards and is broken up by the various elements. The card interpretations are well thought out and also leave room for an individual to divine their own meanings, whether it has to do with the spiritual meanings of the animal guides, or from the elemental basics that the animals bring to mind.
Divided into five suits structured by the five yogic elements that make up all living things - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether - The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck and Guidebook includes creatures that roam the field and forest, swim in the oceans and rivers, inhabit deserts and grasslands, and soar through the sky. The Ether suit holds the seven spirit cards, and represents the seven chakras of the subtle body.
From the Peacock who symbolizes inner beauty and reminds us to practice self-acceptance to the playful Dolphin who indicates a profound blessing is headed our way, each animal has been carefully selected for its symbolic potency and the lesson at the core of its nature. Kim’s powerful animal archetypes offer insight into relationships, personalities, behaviors and tendencies and can be used alone or alongside The Wild Unknown Tarot to add an additional layer of depth to readings.
The 200-page hand-lettered, fully illustrated guidebook offers grounded, easy to understand explanations of the cards, a detailed look at the many spreads, practices, and concepts that power the Animal Spirit deck, and deep insight into how each animal helps illuminate our contradictions, our complex natures, and the endless mystery of who we are.Packaged in a highly designed keepsake box with a beautiful lifting ribbon, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck and Guidebook celebrates the hidden wisdom of the creatures that inhabit our world and beyond, and reveals how we are all connected in the complex and wondrous web of life.
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 subtle breakthroughs to be made without showing off. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves vintage, gentle, and high quality decks.
Here are some extra pictures of this beautiful creation:
Overall, I think this was a much needed and well-executed deck. Simple, but straight to the point. I highly recommend it!
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 4.5 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 5 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!
