Divination: Season of the Witch Oracle Decks

 

Seasons of the Witch – The Oracle Card Series

Seasons of the Witch is a beautifully themed collection of oracle card decks inspired by the eight festivals of the Pagan Wheel of the Year. Published by Rockpool Publishing, the series explores the changing seasons, witchcraft, folklore, spirituality, personal transformation and the natural rhythms of life.

It is particularly interesting for people who follow Wiccan, Pagan and modern witchcraft traditions because each deck is associated with one of the eight Sabbats, providing a way to explore the spiritual meaning of each festival through divination.

The series was created by Lorriane Anderson and Juliet Diaz, with illustrations by artists including Giada Rose and Tijana Lukovic.

The intention is to offer more than straightforward fortune-telling. The cards encourage reflection, self-discovery, magical intention-setting and a closer relationship with the natural world. Seasons of the Witch 

The eight oracle decks

The collection follows the Wheel of the Year in its entirety. Each deck can be used independently, or the eight can be brought together to create a complete seasonal divination system

Samhain Oracle

Autumn – 31 October

The festival of the ancestors, endings and beginnings, death and rebirth. This deck explores ancestral wisdom, spirit communication, shadow work, transformation and accepting the natural cycles of life.

It is particularly suited to reflection on mortality, letting go of the past and honouring those who came before us.

Yule Oracle

Winter Solstice – around 21 December

Associated with the return of the light, renewal, rest and hope.

Its themes include self-care, patience, family, reflection, inner strength and recognising the light that remains during difficult periods. It encourages us to rest and gather our strength before beginning a new cycle.

Imbolc Oracle

Early Spring – around 1 February

Imbolc represents the first stirrings of spring and the gradual return of warmth and light.

This deck explores hope, inspiration, purification, new beginnings, personal ambitions and spiritual awakening. It is useful for readings about what we wish to develop and nurture in our lives.

Ostara Oracle

Spring Equinox – around 20 March

Ostara celebrates fertility, balance, growth and the awakening of nature.

The cards explore rebirth, creativity, confidence, possibility and overcoming obstacles. They encourage us to embrace change and recognise opportunities for personal development.

Beltane Oracle

Late Spring – 1 May

Beltane celebrates fertility, passion, sexuality, abundance and the union of complementary forces.

This deck explores love, relationships, sensuality, creativity, confidence and the courage to pursue our desires. Its guidebook includes original poetry and invocations by Juliet Diaz, making it particularly interesting for ritual work.

Litha Oracle

Summer Solstice – around 21 June

Litha celebrates the height of the sun’s power, abundance, vitality and the fullness of life.

Its themes include prosperity, happiness, freedom, confidence, creativity and recognising our own potential. It encourages us to embrace opportunities and appreciate the abundance already present in our lives.

Lammas Oracle

First Harvest – around 1 August

Lammas, also called Lughnasadh, celebrates the first harvest and the rewards of work undertaken.

This deck explores gratitude, achievement, perseverance, self-belief, success and the importance of recognising what we have accomplished. It also considers the relationship between giving and receiving.

Mabon Oracle

Autumn Equinox – around 21 September

Mabon celebrates the second harvest, balance, gratitude and the transition towards winter.

Its themes include harmony, equality, letting go, reflection and setting new intentions. It encourages us to consider what we have harvested in our lives and what we need to release.

Interestingly, the Mabon deck differs slightly from some of the earlier editions because it emphasises intuitive messages rather than the invocation-based approach.

Who created the series?

Lorriane Anderson

Anderson is a tarot reader, astrologer, spiritual teacher and writer. Her work explores intentional living, spirituality, personal development and healing through spiritual practices.

She is also associated with Spirit Element, a spiritual apothecary business.

Juliet Diaz

Diaz is an Indigenous Taíno Cubana author, spiritual practitioner and activist. She comes from a family tradition of brujería and writes about witchcraft, ancestral traditions, spirituality and reclaiming indigenous knowledge.

She is also the author of Witchery and Plant Witchery.

Her contribution to the oracle series includes poetry, invocations and magical language intended to be used in spiritual practice.

The illustrators

The artwork is an important part of the collection:

• Giada Rose illustrated some of the earlier decks, including Samhain, Yule and Beltane.
• Tijana Lukovic illustrated several later decks, including Imbolc, Ostara, Litha, Lammas and Mabon.

Their illustrations draw on nature, mythology, folklore, seasonal symbolism and magical imagery.

What do you get inside each deck?

Generally, each set contains:

• 44 illustrated oracle cards, with decorative gilded edges.
• An accompanying guidebook, usually around 144–160 pages.
• Interpretations and explanations of the individual cards.
• Spiritual guidance and seasonal correspondences.
• Invocations, poetry, intentions or suggestions for magical practice, depending on the particular deck.

The cards are not tarot cards and do not follow the traditional 78-card tarot structure. They are independent oracle systems, meaning that each card has its own individual meaning rather than belonging to a fixed major and minor arcana.

One interesting feature is that the earlier decks often include original invocations that can be spoken aloud during a reading or incorporated into a ritual. Mabon, by contrast, places greater emphasis on intuitive interpretation. 

How can you use the cards in witchcraft and Pagan practice?

One of the strengths of this collection is that it can be incorporated into everyday magical practice rather than being reserved exclusively for fortune-telling.

Here are some ways to work with the decks.

Seasonal readings

Choose the deck corresponding to the current Sabbat and draw a card to consider the spiritual lessons of that particular time of year.

For example, during Samhain you might ask:

• What do I need to release from my past?
• What can I learn from my ancestors?
• What aspects of myself need exploring?
• What new cycle is beginning?

Working with the Wheel of the Year

You could draw one card from each of the eight decks at the beginning of the Pagan year. This creates a reading that explores the spiritual journey ahead through all eight festivals.

Altar work

Place a card on your altar to represent the energy you wish to work with during a particular festival. You could accompany it with seasonal herbs, crystals, candles, flowers and other traditional correspondences.

Spellwork and invocations

Some of the guidebooks contain invocations and poetry that can be incorporated into rituals. You could draw a card before spellwork and use its message as the central theme of your intention.

Personal development and shadow work

The Samhain and Mabon decks are particularly interesting for introspection, while Imbolc and Ostara lend themselves to exploring hopes, ambitions and personal transformation.

Can the decks be used throughout the year?

Absolutely. Although each deck is associated with a particular Sabbat, there is no requirement to use it only during that season.

For example:

• Samhain can be used whenever you want to explore ancestral connections or endings.
• Yule can be used when you need hope, rest or renewal.
• Imbolc can help when you are considering a new beginning.
• Beltane can be used when exploring love, passion and creativity.
• Lammas can help you reflect on achievements and gratitude.

The creators specifically encourage readers to use individual decks independently or combine them as part of a larger seasonal collection. 

Are there other products in the collection?

Yes. The series has expanded beyond the original oracle decks.

Rockpool Publishing also offers associated seasonal tarot decks, journals and planning products. These provide additional ways of incorporating the Wheel of the Year into personal practice. 

My overall assessment

I think this is an interesting collection for anyone studying modern witchcraft, Wicca, Pagan spirituality and the symbolism of the Wheel of the Year.

What makes it particularly appealing is that the eight decks provide a continuous spiritual narrative:

• Samhain teaches us about endings.
• Yule teaches us about rest and renewal.
• Imbolc teaches us about hope.
• Ostara teaches us about growth.
• Beltane teaches us about passion.
• Litha teaches us about abundance.
• Lammas teaches us about achievement and gratitude.
• Mabon teaches us about balance and letting go.

Together, they represent a journey through the natural cycles of life, death, renewal and transformation.

One distinction worth remembering is that these are modern interpretations of Pagan seasonal traditions. Their messages and invocations are contemporary spiritual creations, rather than reproductions of ancient historical oracle systems.

Where to find the collection: The publisher’s website has information about the individual decks, their contents and associated products.

Rockpool Publishing – Complete Seasons of the Witch collection⁠.

A particularly interesting way to explore this series would be to study each of the eight decks alongside the history of its corresponding Sabbat. This would allow you to compare the ancient seasonal traditions, modern Wiccan interpretations and the contemporary magical symbolism used by the authors and illustrators.

Mineral Marvels : PYROXMANGITE

 

Pyroxmangite: History, Mineralogy, Metaphysical and Healing Properties

Pyroxmangite is a relatively rare manganese silicate mineral, recognised for its attractive pink, reddish-brown and sometimes purplish colouring. Although it can resemble the better-known gemstone rhodonite, it is a distinct mineral with its own crystal structure and geological characteristics.

It is particularly interesting to mineral collectors because it is not commonly encountered in ordinary crystal shops. It also has potential symbolic appeal in modern crystal spirituality because of its manganese content and pink-to-red appearance.

There is an important distinction to make: pyroxmangite has established geological and mineralogical properties, but its metaphysical and healing associations are not supported by scientific evidence. The latter are best understood as spiritual beliefs and contemporary crystal traditions.

What is pyroxmangite?

Pyroxmangite belongs to the pyroxenoid group of silicate minerals. It is principally composed of manganese, silicon and oxygen.

Its chemical formula is:

\mathrm{MnSiO_3}

Its name combines two words:

• Pyrox – referring to its structural relationship with pyroxene minerals.
• Mangite – referring to its manganese content.

The mineral was named in 1913 by mineralogists William E. Ford and W. M. Bradley.

Its principal physical characteristics include:

Property	Description
Mineral group	Pyroxenoids
Chemical composition	Manganese silicate
Formula	MnSiO₃
Crystal system	Triclinic
Hardness	5.5–6 Mohs
Colour	Pink, reddish-pink, red-brown and brown
Lustre	Vitreous to pearly
Transparency	Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity	Approximately 3.61–3.80

Pyroxmangite generally occurs as massive material, grains or small crystals rather than large, well-formed individual crystals.

One of its interesting characteristics is that it has two good cleavage directions, meaning it can split relatively easily along particular planes. This makes cutting and polishing it more challenging. 

Geological origins and where it is found

Pyroxmangite forms principally in manganese-rich rocks that have undergone metamorphism.

Metamorphism occurs when existing rocks are subjected to changes in temperature, pressure and sometimes chemically active fluids. These conditions cause the minerals within the rocks to reorganise and form new mineral structures.

Pyroxmangite is particularly associated with manganese-rich metamorphic deposits.

Important locations include:

• Japan: An important source of attractive specimens and occasional gem-quality material.
• Australia: Particularly Broken Hill in New South Wales.
• United States: Colorado, Idaho and other mineral-producing districts.
• Finland: Known occurrences of brownish material.
• Sweden: Several historically recognised localities.
• Scotland: Recorded in the Highlands.
• Wales: Identified at Nant Mine on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd.

The Welsh discovery is particularly interesting. Pyroxmangite was identified in material from Nant Mine during mineralogical research published in 2006. It occurs there as tiny orange-brown veinlets within manganese-rich ore. 

Historical uses and cultural significance

Unlike minerals such as amethyst, jade, turquoise and hematite, pyroxmangite does not have a long-established history of human use.

This is largely because it is relatively rare and was only formally recognised and named in the early twentieth century.

There is no reliable historical evidence that ancient civilisations used pyroxmangite for jewellery, religious ceremonies, medicine or magical practices.

Nevertheless, its history is interesting in several respects.

Early mineralogical discoveries

Pyroxmangite was first described in 1913. The original material came from South Carolina in the United States. Subsequent investigations revealed that the mineral occurred elsewhere, including Sweden and Idaho.

An interesting development came in 1936, when researchers established that a Swedish mineral previously called sobralite was actually pyroxmangite. This helped clarify the mineral’s identity and relationship with other manganese silicates.

Use in modern mineral collecting

Today, pyroxmangite is primarily valued by:

• Mineral collectors interested in uncommon silicate minerals.
• Geological researchers studying manganese deposits.
• Gemstone enthusiasts interested in unusual pink and red minerals.
• Lapidaries who occasionally work with suitable material.

Some specimens have been cut and polished into gemstones, although this is relatively uncommon because clean, transparent material is scarce.

Its resemblance to rhodonite can also make identification difficult. Scientific testing, including X-ray diffraction, may be necessary to distinguish the two minerals accurately. 

Metaphysical and spiritual properties

There is very little established crystal-healing literature specifically devoted to pyroxmangite. Consequently, the following associations should be regarded as suggested contemporary interpretations rather than documented traditional correspondences.

Its colour, mineral composition and relationship with other manganese minerals provide a starting point for considering its possible symbolic meanings.

Love, compassion and emotional balance

Because of its pink and reddish-pink colouring, pyroxmangite could be incorporated into crystal practices concerned with love, compassion and emotional understanding.

Its suggested associations include:

• Encouraging self-love and self-acceptance.
• Developing compassion towards others.
• Supporting emotional reflection.
• Encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation.
• Promoting a sense of emotional stability.

In meditation, it could be used as a symbolic reminder to approach difficult emotions with patience and kindness.

Strength and resilience

The reddish and brownish tones of pyroxmangite lend themselves to associations with strength, endurance and perseverance.

In a contemporary magical interpretation, it might represent the ability to overcome difficulties without losing one’s emotional sensitivity.

Possible symbolic associations include:

• Inner strength.
• Courage during challenging circumstances.
• Personal transformation.
• Emotional resilience.
• Determination and perseverance.

This combination of strength and compassion makes it an interesting symbolic stone for someone working through a period of personal change.

Grounding and stability

Its earthy red and brown colours also lend themselves to grounding symbolism.

It could be used in meditation intended to encourage a stronger connection with the physical world, particularly when someone feels distracted, overwhelmed or emotionally unsettled.

Suggested associations include:

• Stability.
• Security.
• Connection with nature.
• Personal boundaries.
• Confidence and self-belief.

Transformation and personal development

Another possible interpretation comes from its geological formation.

Pyroxmangite develops through geological processes involving changes in temperature, pressure and mineral structure.

This offers an interesting metaphor for transformation: something existing in one form undergoes considerable change and emerges as something different.

In modern spiritual practice, this could represent:

• Personal growth.
• Letting go of old habits.
• Moving beyond difficult experiences.
• Spiritual development.
• Embracing change.

I particularly like this geological symbolism as a basis for working with the mineral in meditation or personal rituals.

Chakra associations

Although there are no historically established chakra correspondences for pyroxmangite, its colours suggest two possible associations.

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Primary suggested association

Associated with love, compassion, forgiveness, emotional understanding and relationships.

Its pink colouring makes this a natural symbolic correspondence.

Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Secondary suggested association

Associated with grounding, security, stability, survival instincts and connection with the physical world.

Its reddish-brown colouring provides the symbolic connection.

Working with both associations could symbolically unite emotional openness with personal stability.

Healing properties and traditional medicine

It is important to distinguish between metaphysical healing claims and medically established properties.

There is no scientific evidence that holding or wearing pyroxmangite can treat physical illnesses, improve circulation, regulate hormones or heal emotional conditions.

However, within contemporary crystal-healing traditions, its suggested associations might include:

Area	Suggested spiritual association
Emotional wellbeing	Emotional balance and calm
Relationships	Compassion and understanding
Personal confidence	Courage and self-belief
Meditation	Reflection and inner awareness
Stress	Relaxation and mindfulness
Personal development	Transformation and resilience

These are symbolic or spiritual interpretations, not proven therapeutic effects.

An important safety consideration: Pyroxmangite contains manganese. It should not be ground into powders, consumed, placed in drinking water or used to make crystal elixirs. Manganese exposure can be harmful, particularly through inhalation of dust or excessive ingestion.

It is best kept as a specimen or polished decorative stone, with ordinary handwashing after handling dusty mineral material.

Pyroxmangite in witchcraft and modern Pagan practice

Although pyroxmangite has no documented historical association with witchcraft, it could be incorporated into contemporary magical practice.

Its suggested correspondences make it potentially interesting for rituals involving love, personal strength, emotional healing and transformation.

Here are some possible applications.

Love and compassion rituals

Place the mineral on an altar dedicated to love, friendship or reconciliation. Use it as a symbolic focus when considering how to develop healthier relationships.

Transformation rituals

Use it during periods of transition, particularly when releasing old patterns or beginning a new chapter in life.

Meditation

Hold a suitable polished specimen while concentrating on emotional balance and personal resilience. Treat this as a mindfulness exercise rather than a healing treatment.

Altar decoration

Its unusual pink and reddish-brown colouring could make it an attractive addition to an altar alongside rose quartz, red jasper, rhodonite and clear quartz.

Suggested magical correspondences

These are proposed correspondences for personal practice rather than traditional associations inherited from an established magical system.

Correspondence	Suggested association
Element	Earth
Secondary element	Fire
Chakra	Heart and Root
Main themes	Love, strength, transformation
Magical intention	Emotional resilience
Colours	Pink, red, brown
Moon phase	Waxing Moon
Planetary symbolism	Venus and Mars
Suitable rituals	Love, courage, grounding and personal development

The Venus association represents love, affection and harmony, while Mars represents courage, determination and strength.

Together, these provide an interesting symbolic balance between tenderness and assertiveness.

Pyroxmangite and rhodonite: understanding the difference

Pyroxmangite

MnSiO₃

• Pink to reddish-brown.
• Relatively rare.
• Triclinic crystal system.
• Primarily a collector’s mineral.

Rhodonite

Predominantly MnSiO₃

• Usually pink to rose-red.
• Often contains black manganese oxide veins.
• Triclinic crystal system.
• More widely used as a decorative stone and in jewellery.

Although their chemical compositions are closely related, their crystal structures differ. They are polymorphs, meaning they have essentially the same chemical composition but different atomic arrangements. 

This distinction is important when purchasing a specimen advertised as pyroxmangite. A pink manganese stone is not necessarily pyroxmangite, and reliable mineral identification is worthwhile.

Looking after pyroxmangite

Because of its cleavage and moderate hardness, pyroxmangite needs some care.

I would recommend:

• Clean it using a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning.
• Keep it away from harder minerals that could scratch it.
• Avoid dropping it or knocking it against other stones.
• Store it separately when possible.

Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to cleaning solutions. 

Pyroxmangite is a fascinating mineral because it sits at the intersection of mineralogy, geology and the modern world of crystal collecting.

It does not have the ancient spiritual history associated with many better-known gemstones, and there is no reliable evidence of traditional magical or medicinal use. Nevertheless, its beautiful colouring, manganese composition and geological formation offer interesting possibilities for contemporary spiritual interpretation.

I would particularly associate it symbolically with emotional resilience, transformation, compassion and inner strength.

Its geological story also provides a lovely metaphor for personal development: transformation through pressure and change, eventually producing something distinctive and beautiful.

For anyone interested in collecting unusual minerals, pyroxmangite is certainly worth investigating.