The Wisdom Deck by Ashley Binford
Hello, soul friends!
Today's review is covering a deck that I got see be born. Literally born! I have been friends with the creator, Ashley Binford, of Binford's All Naturals, since 2014. I watched Ashley create this deck out of thin air, based on an idea she had, and really pull it off. It has been such a treat becoming friends with her and watching her just become so incredibly comfortable in her gifts, magic, and brand.
I wasn't too sure what to expect of the deck, but I knew that I definitely was going to be on board with her creation. As I have said before, I am eclectic and don't like to add in similar decks. Plus, I love seeing other Indie decks, and checking them out! And being so close to the process, I had to have this in my collection.
I hope you enjoy my review and generous pictures!
The Wisdom Deck
I received this deck directly from the creator of the deck. As I stated above, I am a friend to the creator and artist and loved how this deck came to be. I found it to be an intriguing and interesting deck. And how often do you get to see a deck be born from your amazing friends? After seeing a few pictures here and there on their Instagram accounts, I knew I needed to get my hands on it and check it out for myself. Loved the beautiful artwork and also the fact that it is an independently published deck by two amazing women that I love dearly.
The Wisdom Deck was created as an Ancient Wisdom and Symbolism deck that covers Vedic and Western Astrology symbolism (including signs, planets, houses), Seasonal aspects, and Chakra empowering statements. The artwork is whimsical, unique, and intriguing. The messages are powerful and meaningful.
About the Creator
Ashley is a spirit led intuitive healer. Working with plant energy and the tarot (affirmation, numerology, oracle & more) for the last ten years, she has developed a deeper connection to the land and our creator source (known as source energy, which is available to all those willing to look deeper within and notice their oneness to the earth).
Working with source energy, Ashley has co-created a new way of life for herself and others. Losing 100lbs naturally she was able to completely change her outlook on life. And through natural health and wellness practices she healed herself from within using healing plants and raw organic ingredients. Beating her battle utilizing the power of medicinal plants, Ashley has helped not only herself but many others including family and friends.
With remedies to naturally combat a range of ailments from anxiety, depression and fatigue to acne, IBS and even insomnia she has now started her own line of natural wellness products for the Mental, Physical & Spiritual Wellbeing of all.
With love, nearly 5 years ago Ms. Binford started using dried flowers, herbs and spices to create whimsical healing products that helped aid in her wellness journey--simply and naturally. After much personal success, she started working on family and friends and was thrilled to see the same healing results. This eventually led Ms. B to start naturally healing through her internationally known online apothecary, Binford's All Naturals.
Now, with several lines now for the Mind, Body and Soul her products go way beyond skin deep treatments, but rather deeply heal and move the soul to connect with nature.
What started out as a few simply lifestyle changes for Ms. B quickly turned into a passion for co-creating with Mother Nature and Father Time.
If you're having no success with conventional medications and treatments for your ailments it might be time to give Binford's All Naturals a try.
Be Beautifully YOU naturally, with Ashley's All Natural Remedies.
"It's time we all use the healing powers of nature to organically balance our health while getting in tune with Mother Earth's cycles and rhythms. It is only through our connection to her Spirit and Source energy that we can truly begin to heal."
- Ashley Binford Creator / Owner
About the Artist
Kelly K. Mackura is the talented artist and owner of Insprink Studio. She designed the beautiful artwork and is the createss behind the deck. Ashley's free reign allowed her to use her own unique artwork to create the whimsically beautiful cards.
Artist. Writer. Mama. Wife. Friend. Sister. Daughter. You get the jist. In a nut shell I'm slightly off, definitely dramatic while being cool as a cucumber. All in all, a pretty swell gal.
I've been doing art for the past 4 years, and show in local art galleries and coffee shops in Portland, OR. My favorite part of art making is what it inspires in other people. Most of the time, I don't have a plan of what I'm going to create, but what happens in the end can be quite magical.
It was a dream of mine to create an oracle deck, so I am forever grateful that Ashley asked me to help her. I want everyone to know that they can be an artist because my 7 year old daughter, who is an artist I adore and admire dearly, taught me that anyone who can pick up a pen and put squiggles on paper, is an artist.
I am a mom of 3 kiddos, married to my high school sweetheart and best friend, living my dream of suburban Mom/Wife and creating magical art pieces on the side.
My Personal Review
This deck is meant to be used as an Oracle deck than a Tarot deck. I wasn't really aware of what to expect with this deck, so upon opening it up I was a bit surprised at how beautiful it was. It's one thing to see pictures and videos online and to actually hold it in your hands. I loved the watercolor and ethereal color scheme. The cardstock is actually really amazing. I know a lot of indie decks try to save money where they can with their first productions, and I completely understand. Self-publishing is NOT cheap. But Ms. B did not skimp on the quality here. The cards are slick, smooth, and have an eggshell matte finish that makes it a dream to shuffle and photograph.
The artwork is the beautiful, stylistic handiwork from a dear friend of mine, Kelly. These two beauties teamed up to make such a wonderful and timeless creation. Her beautiful interpretations give a unique and fun perspective to common Astrological and planetary symbolism. Look at the adorable little Leo! I loved the inclusion of the house numbers that can used as another way to draw up messages of importance or to use them as angel numbers for interpretation. The empowering statements can also be used as a stand-alone affirmation, or you can connect the messages to the various chakras and other symbolism derived from that interpretation.
The cards come in a simple tuck box and with a large guidebook that is full of amazing wisdom and interpretations for each of the cards. Ashley also included some goodies with each package, which I always enjoy seeing from Indie orders. An amazing oil (she is known for her tinctures, oils, and magical potions - so check out her Etsy shop: HERE - you won't regret it!
The guidebook was a nice touch. I love the larger size, reading the interpretations, and all of the lovely additions that were included. There is information from various traditions, cultures, and also wonderful ways to connect to the cards. The well-thought out messages touch on so many various aspects and encompass so much wisdom. No matter if you are comfortable with Vedic or Western (or even a novice) you can find a message that connects the card to a well-thought out message to keep in mind. The house number, planetary wisdom, and empowering statements will have you feeling so much more divinely connected and directed.
The card backs are a lovely watercolor that allows for reversals, if you desire it. So far, I have no used reversals, but I would imagine for planets - perhaps it can be seen as a Retrograde type of energy, for the houses and signs - perhaps unexpressed magic I love the simple colors and just the ethereal quality throughout all of the artwork. The colors are bright without being overbearing and the high quality of the card stock allows for this deck to be photographed beautifully without flash in natural light. There is an outstanding balance between the creative energies and bold symbolism.
The card stock is not very thick, semi-matte finish, slick to shuffle, and allows you get a nice bend without cracking the card stock. The finish really helps make the cards shuffle easily without sticking or scratching. In fact, I found it to be a slick deck. The cards shuffle so seamlessly. No cracks, flakes, or wrinkles. The size of the cards was an average tarot size. Not too large, and not too small. The cards also came with a simple tuck box and a beautiful guidebook.
As I have watched this deck come to life before my own eyes, I have enjoyed the back and forth, and watching each of the cards be executed so well. The quality of the production and final pieces speak for themselves. I have also found this deck to be a wonderful addition to use as a stand alone deck, or even as an addition to any collection. As an Astrology enthusiast, I am always looking for new tools, divination work, and also study material. Ms. B did it and hit it out of the park with her amazing deck.
All in all, I really have enjoyed the deck so much thus far and can't wait to bust it out with clients. I think anyone can pick this deck up and connect with the messages, and find it useful for guidance, clarity, and most importantly - fun wisdom.
I feel like a proud momma showing off her kid's accomplishments - even if I had little to nothing to do with their process. I just enjoy seeing them succeed and do such an outstanding job with their cohesive union.
Enjoy some extra pictures of this beautiful little baby!
Overall, I think this was a much needed and well-executed deck. Stunning and unique, I highly recommend it!
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 5 star choice.
Artwork - 5 stars
Card stock - 5 stars
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!
