Deck of the week: The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit by Kim Krans

Deck of the week

The Wild Unknown: Animal Spirit Deck By Kim Krans

 The deck and guide book are by Kim Krans and its a stunning oracle deck that stands as a beautiful companion (or standalone tool) to her wildly popular Wild Unknown Tarot. Released around 2017 (with a mass-market edition following its indie origins), this 63-card deck draws on the wisdom of real and mythical animals to explore themes of self-discovery, contradictions in human nature, and our connection to the natural world.

Artwork and Design

Krans’ signature style shines here: intricate, hand-drawn ink illustrations with selective pops of watercolor-like color against mostly black-and-white or minimalist backgrounds. The animals feel alive and evocative—sometimes fierce, sometimes serene, always deeply symbolic. The cards are organized into five elemental categories—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit—which gives the deck a subtle structure reminiscent of tarot suits plus majors, making it intuitive for those familiar with tarot while remaining accessible as a pure oracle.

The production quality is excellent: premium card stock with a soft matte finish (in most editions), elegant borders, and a reptilian-scale-like back design that ties into the Wild Unknown aesthetic. It comes in a sturdy, keepsake box with a lifting ribbon, and includes a substantial, hand-lettered 200+ page guidebook full of grounded explanations, spreads, and deeper insights into each animal’s meaning.

How to use the deck 

This deck excels at intuitive, reflective work. The images are straightforward yet layered—relying on the animal’s natural behaviors, mythology, and emotional resonance rather than heavy esoteric symbolism. Readings often feel direct, supportive, and gently revealing, highlighting personal strengths, shadows, or needed shifts without being overly harsh. Many users pair it with the Wild Unknown Tarot for added depth (e.g., pulling an animal spirit clarifier), but it stands strong alone for daily draws, animal-guided meditations, or exploring inner contradictions.

The guidebook is one of its strongest features—detailed, thoughtful, and encouraging personal interpretation alongside the provided meanings. It’s not overly prescriptive, which suits intuitive readers well.

Strengths and Potential Drawbacks

Pros:

•  Breathtaking, collectible artwork that feels both wild and intimate.

•  High-quality materials and packaging.

•  Versatile: great for beginners dipping into oracle work or experienced readers seeking nature-based insights.

•  Strong community love—often praised as comforting, insightful, and transformative, with many giving it 4.5–5 stars.

•  Excellent guidebook that adds real value.

Cons:

•  Card stock can feel a bit stiff initially (though it breaks in nicely).

•  With only 63 cards, some might wish for more variety compared to full 78-card tarot decks.

•  The minimalist style may feel too subtle if you prefer highly detailed or colorful decks.

Overall, if you love animal-themed or nature spirituality tools, appreciate Kim Krans’ raw yet elegant aesthetic, or already enjoy the Wild Unknown Tarot, this deck is an absolute gem. It’s not just another oracle—it’s a work of art that invites quiet, profound connection to the animal kingdom and your own spirit. Highly recommended especially if you are drawn to the mystery and power of the natural world, it deserves a place in your collection. As do Krans’ other work.

About the creator 

Kim Krans is a highly acclaimed visionary artist, author, and creator best known for her groundbreaking work in the world of tarot and oracle decks, particularly the Wild Unknown series.

She is the mind behind The Wild Unknown Tarot (first self-published in 2012 and later released by HarperCollins in 2016), which became a New York Times bestseller and has sold millions of copies worldwide (over 1.5 million in the U.S. alone, per various reports). This deck, with its minimalist, hand-drawn ink-and-watercolor illustrations of animals, nature, and mystical elements, revolutionized modern tarot by blending raw artistic expression with spiritual depth—often described as “a little less caftan, a little more rock ‘n’ roll” in a Los Angeles Times feature.

Krans expanded the Wild Unknown line into a full series of oracle decks, including:

•  The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit (2017)

•  The Wild Unknown Archetypes (2018)

•  The Wild Unknown Alchemy (2022)

She has also authored related books, such as The Wild Unknown Journal and children’s works like ABC Dream, alongside other creative projects like graphic novels and even a board game called Renunciation.

Her educational background includes a BFA in drawing from Cooper Union in New York City, an MFA in Mixed Media from Hunter College, and an MA in Jungian Depth Psychology and Mythology. This blend of fine art training, psychological insight, and personal spiritual exploration infuses her work with layers of meaning, vulnerability, and quiet power.

https://kimkrans.com/