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 110 various decks (currently own about 65), 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.
Crystal Angels Oracle
The Crystal Angels Oracle Deck is published by Hay House. I purchased my deck from HayHouse.com when they had one of their deck sales, but I have also seen it available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other bookstores.
I found that this was a slightly different deck than I was used to working with, so it was a fun addition that I felt would give my readings another layer to focus on and also give my clients some insight on what they should keep in mind. Plus, I love Crystals, so this seemed like a great deck to add to my collection.
From Amazon's Product Description:
This card deck is both a teaching tool about crystals as well as an accurate divination method. In Doreen’s previous writings, she has corresponded the aura color and functions of each angel, with corresponding crystals who share the same properties and colors. Now with the Crystal Angel Oracle Cards, readers can see a beautiful original painting on each card by artist Marius Michael-George, featuring a specific angel with their crystal and a detailed message upon each card. The accompanying guidebook will also make suggestions about incorporating crystal gemstones into readings with the Crystal Angel Oracle Cards.!
About The Author
Doreen Virtue is well-known for her books and cards about angels. She holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in counseling psychology. Raised in New Thought, and then steeped in new age, Doreen's whole life changed on January 7, 2017 when she had an encounter with Jesus, which led her to get Baptized, begin reading and studying the whole Bible, and becoming a Christian. Since her baptism on February 25, 2017, Doreen only writes scripturally, even though some of her previous writing is still being published. She is working with her publisher to rewrite some publications, to take others out-of-print, remove her name from other products, and give back her royalties to charity on others.
Doreen Virtue is a best-selling author, a doctor of psychology, and a Christian who studies scripture. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN, the BBC, The View, and Good Morning America, and has been featured in newspapers and magazines worldwide. For information on Doreen’s work, please visit her at AngelTherapy.com or Facebook.com/DoreenVirtue444.
To enroll in her video courses, please visit www.HayHouseU.com and www.EarthAngel.com.
My Personal Review
This is a 44 card deck that is meant to be used as a daily card a day deck, and includes a Crystal significance message that can assist you in working on certain aspects that are ruled by the crystal's properties. Product dimensions are 0.8 x 4.8 x 5.2 inches. The cards are larger than a traditional Tarot deck, but similar to most Hay House decks.
The reason I enjoyed this deck so much is the very gentle, positive, and an soft messages included. It is amazingly easy deck to use. From beginner to the experienced card reader, I think there is something unexpectedly beautiful about this deck. It has wonderful messages for anyone wanting to explore gentle messages that help affirm you and encourage you with supportive notes from your Angels.
The messages are all wonderful, and you can pick it up to use it with anyone without worrying about garish or scary messages. The artwork is a combination of various styles, although this deck seems to have the same artists that worked on it, so there isn't that lack of cohesion that I have noticed in most of Doreen's decks. I have noticed this trend with a lot of Doreen's decks - the artwork ranges a lot and it doesn't always tie together very well. There are cards that I prefer more artistically in this deck, but the messages are interesting and the deck is unique. This deck seems a bit more cohesive, but still a little loud and over-photoshopped/too many layered aspects in some of the cards. Some are simpler - featuring the crystal and a the colorful borders. Stylistically, it isn't a favorite.
It is a 44 non-denominational card deck consisting of pictures and messages which are very easy to read and use - like I was when I first dove into this deck. Compared to her previous decks, this one seems a little more Christian than non-denominational, although the undercurrents are too visible. Just noticeable on some of card's messages. These cards are simple, yet very meaningful and have universal messages. Once you begin using them, you realize how truly comforting and accurate they really are.
You can perform great readings for yourself and other with this deck as well as learn how to give readings if you are new to oracle reading. They are also a wonderful tool to get daily readings for yourself. I used them daily to get my guidance and messages for the day. The accompanying booklet helps you along with meanings of the cards as well as how to work better with the guidance lessons associated with the card. There are a lot of angels on the cards, which I do enjoy. I also have come to enjoy the crystals and their significance.
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. I find it to be soothing and also very accurate when I am having a hard time, this is a gentle and compassionate deck to pull out. The cards include the crystal name on the front and a quick message that is much deeper in the guidebook.
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 (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 card stock is very typical of Hay House products, so it definitely fits in with the rest of Doreen's many decks. I have noticed with time some of the cards will flake with constant use. There is no gilded edge on this deck, so I hope that it doesn't flake with time.
The guidebook is helpful, clear, and also helps you connect with the messages further. If you have difficulty handling bigger or tarot decks, this deck is for you. It is very easy to handle and shuffle. I took to this deck immediately and it took to me immediately. It is a perfect match for my work and with my clients. I was glad I purchased it. 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. 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.
This deck has been easy to pop out for clients and they have enjoyed the messages and mellow energy it brings. It assists me in just giving them another layer to work with and keep in mind as they do their soul work. I have not used it for a spread on it's own, but more of an affirmation, or a "keep in mind" message. They also get to learn about various "guides" they can work with, which I find to be beneficial.
If you are new to Oracle cards, or a beginner in divination, this deck might be a comforting addition. I would say that this deck is a good one to try out and check out.
My overall opinion is that this deck is a 3.5 star choice.
Artwork - 3 stars
Card stock - 3 stars
Ease - 5 stars
Guidebook - 3 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 exploring and reading, soul friends!
