Showing posts with label decks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decks. Show all posts

Saturday, 20 December 2025

Deck of the week: Palmistry Poker

 A Novel deck of playing cards that also teaches the basics of palmistry 

This is cool idea . If you like playing card games like poker these small cards are easy to slip into a pocket. These cards have a unique idea as well : they can teach you the basics of palmistry.

The deck functions exactly like a normal deck of cards with the usual markings but each card also has, instead of the usual designs, a picture of.a palm displaying a key line with a short description.

Now, this deck ain’t gonna make you a palm reader overnight but it’s a fun way to learn the basics with your friends and can make a fun talking point at parties. 
They’re really cheap too and available from TEMU or other online sites for a couple of pounds. !



Thursday, 11 December 2025

Deck of the week: The Unicorn Magic Oracle.

 If you’re happy and you know you it… buy this deck.

Pink ‘n’ fluffy : Doreen Virtue’s Magical Unicorns Oracle Cards (2006)


The Magical Unicorns Oracle Cards is a 44-card deck with guidebook set created by Doreen Virtue, published during the peak of her “angel lady” era, before her highly public conversion to fundamentalist Christianity in 2017 and her subsequent disavowal of virtually all her earlier New Age work (including publicly calling these cards “demonic” and urging people to throw them away). That context alone makes reviewing the deck in 2025 a slightly surreal exercise.


Art and Production Quality 

The illustrations are typical mid-2000s Hay House fantasy fare: pastel rainbows, sparkly manes, big-eyed unicorns prancing through cotton-candy clouds, and an abundance of glitter effects that look dated even by 2006 standards. The card stock is thin and flimsy; corners dent easily and the lamination has a sticky feel that attracts dust. The color saturation is aggressively saccharine—think Lisa Frank meets a sugar coma. If you have any sensitivity to visual overstimulation, these cards will give you an instant headache.




Theme and Messaging 

Every single card is relentlessly, oppressively positive. There is no shadow work here, no nuance, no acknowledgment that life sometimes sucks. Messages include gems like “Best Friends” (“You’re never alone!”), “You Are Loved” (complete with floating pink hearts), and “Practice, Practice!” (because apparently even magical unicorns need to do their homework). The guidebook explanations are written at roughly a third-grade reading level and consist almost entirely of affirmations such as “Say: I am safe. It’s only change.” Depth is not merely absent; it has been actively banished.


Accuracy and Usefulness as an Oracle 

What accuracy?! Because the deck contains zero cards that address difficulty, conflict, grief, anger, or consequences, it is essentially useless for any real divination or self-reflection. Need insight into a toxic relationship? You’ll pull “Trust” with a unicorn hugging a teddy bear. Struggling with addiction or depression? Here’s “Bubble Rider” telling you to “lighten up.” The deck functions less as an oracle and more as spiritual toxic positivity in cardboard form. If you are the kind of person who only wants to read nice things then you’re gonna love this oracle I guess but as a serious tool it’s a case of nice but dim.


The Irony of the Author’s Later Repudiation (pration

In 2017–2018, Doreen Virtue declared the deck (and all her angel/oracle work) to be “of the devil,” claimed the messages came from demons masquerading as unicorns, and begged people to burn or trash their copies. This puts buyers in the absurd position of owning a deck whose own creator now insists is spiritually dangerous. Some readers find this adds a delicious layer of chaotic energy to the deck; others find it disqualifying.


Who This Deck Is Actually For

•  Children under 10 who like sparkly ponies

•  Collectors of ironic/kitsch occult items

•  People who exclusively seeking feel-good affirmations and nothing else

•  Resellers on eBay who market it as “banned by the author herself!”


Should you buy it?

As a collector item maybe or you just like the cards go ahead. But avoid if you want an oracle that actually says something!


As a functional oracle deck for spiritual growth, shadow work, or honest divination, Magical Unicorns is one of the worst ever published—aggressively shallow, visually garish, and conceptually bankrupt. It is the spiritual equivalent of a bowl of marshmallows masquerading as dinner.

As a cultural artefact of early-2000s New Age excess and the later dramatic fall of its creator, however, it is fascinating in its train-wreck glory. If you can find it used for a fiver or less and you enjoy camp value, go for it. Otherwise, literally any other unicorn deck (Unicorn Tarot, Unicorn Oracle by Cordelia Brabbs, or even the much-maligned but superior “Oracle of the Unicorns” by the same publisher) is a better choice.

Thursday, 13 November 2025

Deck time: Anatomy of a Witch Oracle

Anatomy of a Witch Oracle 
By Laura Tempest Zakroff

The Anatomy of a Witch Oracle is a beautifully illustrated and spiritually rich divination deck created by Laura Tempest Zakroff, an artist, author, and modern witch known for her work blending art, magic, and personal empowerment. The deck is designed to help witches and spiritual practitioners connect deeply with their own inner power, intuition, and the sacred vessel of the body as a reflection of the magical self. It serves as both a mirror and a map, guiding users to explore how magic lives within their physical, emotional, and energetic forms.


A beautiful oracle which is different to many others 


At its core, The Anatomy of a Witch Oracle is based on the idea that the human body itself is a temple of magic. Each card in the deck represents a different part of the witch’s anatomy — not just physical organs, but also energetic and symbolic systems such as breath, blood, bones, and the witch’s heart. Zakroff’s intention is to show that every part of the body plays a role in magical practice, from grounding and intuition to healing and transformation.


The deck encourages self-awareness and connection to one’s own cycles, emotions, and intuitive wisdom. It is both a divination tool and a meditative aid, inviting users to listen to the messages their body and spirit are offering.


What the deck is like 

The deck typically contains 48 cards, each focusing on a symbolic aspect of the witch’s anatomy and magical experience. The cards are divided into themes that mirror the interconnected systems of the body and spirit. Examples include:

Bones – representing strength, structure, and ancestral support.

Blood – symbolizing vitality, flow, and passion.

Heart – associated with love, connection, and purpose.

Lungs – the breath of life and inspiration.

Skin – boundaries, protection, and the interface between the inner and outer world.

Eyes – perception, intuition, and spiritual vision.

Roots – grounding, stability, and connection to the Earth.

Crown – divine connection and higher awareness.


Each card combines body wisdom with magical symbolism, encouraging reflection on how that aspect manifests within the user’s own life.



The beautiful Artwork and Symbolism


The artwork, created by Zakroff herself, is done in her signature style — bold, flowing, and deeply symbolic, combining human anatomy with occult and natural imagery. Each image carries layers of meaning, blending realism with the mystical. The colors and forms evoke both the physical and spiritual worlds, helping to bridge the two.


The visuals are not meant to be clinical or morbid; rather, they present the body as sacred, magical, and alive with divine energy. The result is a set of images that invite both contemplation and empowerment.


Readers can use The Anatomy of a Witch Oracle in several ways:

Daily pulls – drawing a card to reflect on what part of yourself or your magic needs attention.

Body-focused readings – using the cards to connect with where energy is blocked or flowing freely within you.

Spellwork and ritual – incorporating cards into altar work, meditation, or magical healing.

Shadow work – exploring emotional wounds and internal patterns through the symbolic body.


Each reading is designed to help the user reconnect with the body as a vessel of power, healing, and spiritual wisdom.


Themes and Teachings of the oracle 


The major themes running through the deck include:

Embodiment – understanding the body as sacred and magical.

Balance – honoring both shadow and light within the self.

Healing – recognizing where energy needs nurturing or release.

Connection – linking the physical body with the Earth, spirit, and cosmos.

Empowerment – embracing personal sovereignty and inner truth.


In a world that often separates spirituality from the physical form, Zakroff’s oracle reminds practitioners that magic begins within the body — through breath, movement, intuition, and awareness.



Companion Guidebook


The accompanying guidebook provides detailed meanings for each card, including interpretations for upright and reversed readings, journal prompts, and ritual suggestions. It helps the reader apply the card’s message in practical, magical, and emotional ways. Zakroff also offers reflections on how to cultivate body awareness and spiritual connection through each card’s symbolism.



The Anatomy of a Witch Oracle is not just a divination tool — it’s a journey of self-discovery and embodied magic. It invites users to explore the wisdom of their own body, honor their spiritual anatomy, and live in harmony with their magical nature. It bridges the gap between the physical and metaphysical, teaching that every heartbeat, breath, and movement is a spell in motion.


It is especially loved by witches, healers, and modern pagans who seek to deepen their practice through self-awareness, grounding, and personal empowerment.

here’s an example three-card “Body–Mind–Spirit” reading using The Anatomy of a Witch Oracle. This type of spread is ideal for daily reflection or when you want to check in with your inner and outer self.



Some examples:


Let’s imagine you’ve shuffled the deck with the intention:


“What do I need to understand about my current balance of body, mind, and spirit?”



Card 1 – BODY: Bones


Message: “Stand strong in your structure.”


The Bones card represents the foundation and framework that supports you. It’s a reminder to care for your physical self — rest, nourishment, and grounding are essential right now. This card asks you to consider what “skeleton” supports your magical and mundane life. Are your routines stable? Do you feel strong and supported in your physical world?


Guidance:

Take time to reconnect with your body through movement or stillness. Try a grounding ritual or simply walk barefoot on the earth. Let your bones remember their ancient strength.


Card 2 – MIND: Eyes


Message: “See beyond the surface.”


The Eyes card is about perception, insight, and clarity. It invites you to examine how you see the world — and yourself. Are you viewing situations through old patterns or illusions? This card suggests awakening your inner vision and trusting your intuition.


Guidance:

Take a few moments to close your physical eyes and open your inner ones. Visualize the truth you need to see right now. Journaling or scrying may help you uncover hidden knowledge.


 Card 3 – SPIRIT: Heart


Message: “Your heart is the center of your magic.”


The Heart represents love, connection, and the flow of spiritual energy through compassion. Spiritually, this card reminds you that your purpose and power come from your ability to feel deeply — both joy and pain. Your heart connects you to others, to your craft, and to the divine pulse of life.


Guidance:

Open yourself to gratitude and empathy. Perform a small act of love or kindness — it will realign your energy and strengthen your connection to your higher self.

 Summary of the Reading

Body (Bones): Ground yourself and strengthen your foundation.

Mind (Eyes): Shift your perspective; trust your intuition.

Spirit (Heart): Lead with compassion and emotional truth.


Together, these cards suggest a powerful message of alignment — building strength in your physical world (Bones), opening your perception to new insights (Eyes), and allowing your spirit to flow freely through love (Heart).


This spread shows that when body, mind, and spirit are in harmony, your magic — and your life — become whole and vibrant.


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Sunday, 2 November 2025

Deck time: The Parrot Tarot

 The Parrot Tarot
Because divination doesn’t have to be dark all the time 

The Parrot Tarot Cards are a vibrant and imaginative tarot deck inspired by the beauty, wisdom, and symbolism of tropical parrots and exotic birds. Each card in the deck reimagines traditional tarot archetypes through the lens of avian imagery—featuring colorful feathers, lush jungle backdrops, and an emphasis on communication, freedom, and higher awareness. 

 Parrott Tarot is collaboration between artist Margaret Parrott and her son Thom, a tarot writer. The cards are brightly colored with many symbols and esoteric correspondences built into the images. In the lower right corner is the parrot “mascot” of the deck. Its demeanor often reflects the meaning of the card, sometimes in humorous…



The Parrott Tarot is a relatively modern deck, designed to combine the spiritual traditions of tarot with the natural world’s vivid vitality. Parrots—known for their intelligence, mimicry, and bright plumage—symbolize communication, truth, and expression, qualities that align beautifully with tarot’s purpose: to convey insight, guidance, and self-reflection.


Many versions of the Parrot Tarot have been created by artists and tarot enthusiasts who wanted to move away from darker, more traditional medieval imagery. Instead, they bring forward a sense of joy, renewal, and connection to nature, making the deck ideal for intuitive readings and lightwork.



 Symbolism and Meanings


Each suit and card in the Parrot Tarot keeps the structure of the traditional Rider–Waite–Smith system but adds layers of avian symbolism:

The Major Arcana often depict parrots interacting with celestial or elemental energies. For example, The Fool might show a young parrot taking its first flight, symbolizing faith and freedom. The Magician may appear as a brightly feathered bird surrounded by the tools of the four suits, representing mastery of communication and creation.

The Cups could feature waterbirds and tropical settings, emphasizing emotion, empathy, and connection.

The Swords, represented by sharp-beaked parrots, highlight intellect, truth, and sometimes the double-edged nature of words.

The Wands might show energetic birds in flight, symbolizing inspiration, creativity, and movement.

The Pentacles often feature grounded or nesting birds, representing stability, abundance, and the material realm.



Spiritual and Divinatory Themes: how the deck is different 


In readings, the Parrot Tarot encourages messages about:

Authentic communication – speaking truthfully and listening with wisdom.

Freedom of spirit – trusting your intuition and taking bold action.

Vibrancy and joy – finding color and magic in everyday life.

Connection with nature – remembering your place in the greater web of life.


Because parrots are also associated with mimicry, the deck can remind readers to be aware of whether they’re echoing others’ voices or expressing their own truth.


The Artwork


Artists who create or interpret the Parrot Tarot often employ lush, tropical palettes—rich greens, brilliant blues, scarlets, and golds—to evoke the exuberant energy of the rainforest. The art tends to be uplifting, making it a favourite among readers who prefer decks that radiate positivity rather than shadow or gloom.





Here’s a detailed look at several Parrot Tarot Cards, focusing on how their symbolism might appear through the eyes—and feathers—of the parrot world. These interpretations blend traditional tarot meanings with avian energy, colour symbolism, and spiritual insight.



 The Fool – The First Flight


Imagery:

A young parrot perched on the edge of a high branch, wings open, gazing at the sunrise. Beneath lies a lush tropical valley filled with life. A small butterfly or feather floats nearby, symbolizing guidance from spirit.


Meaning:

This card represents new beginnings, trust, and adventure. The parrot, just about to take its first flight, reminds us that courage often requires stepping into the unknown. The vivid colours suggest optimism and freedom of spirit.


Reversed Meaning:

Fear of change, hesitation, or being too reckless—forgetting to look before leaping. The reversed Fool can also warn of “mimicking others” rather than following your own inner call.


The Magician – Voice of Creation


Imagery:

A majestic macaw stands in the centre of a swirling canopy, surrounded by tools symbolizing the four elements: a feather quill (air), a crystal (earth), a flame (fire), and a cup of nectar (water). Its beak is open mid-call, projecting sound waves through the air.


Meaning:

The Magician Parrot channels willpower and communication. The parrot’s cry becomes a spell of creation—what is spoken becomes real. This card encourages clarity of thought, focus, and manifesting through words.


Reversed Meaning:

Deception, manipulation, or using words to mislead. It can warn against speaking without integrity or losing touch with one’s authentic voice.



 The Lovers – Mated for Life


Imagery:

Two parrots, often lovebirds or macaws, sit entwined on a flowering branch, their feathers forming a heart shape. The sky glows with dawn light, symbolizing union and divine harmony.


Meaning:

This card embodies love, choice, and harmony. Parrots are known to mate for life, so their partnership represents loyalty and emotional truth. The Lovers in this deck encourage following the heart, not just romance but spiritual alignment and self-love.


Reversed Meaning:

Disharmony, unbalanced relationships, or indecision. It may suggest sacrificing one’s individuality to please others—a reminder to honour your voice.


 Death – The Molting Season


Imagery:

A parrot shedding old feathers among autumn leaves, while new plumage begins to grow. In the background, other birds fly across the horizon, symbolizing transformation and rebirth.


Meaning:

The Death card represents transformation, renewal, and release. Just as a parrot must shed old feathers to fly stronger, we too must let go of what no longer serves us. Change may seem uncomfortable, but it brings rebirth and freedom.


Reversed Meaning:

Resistance to change, stagnation, or fear of transformation. A warning to stop clinging to what must be released.


The Sun – The Joyful Flight


Imagery:

A brilliant golden parrot soars across a radiant sunlit sky, surrounded by tropical flowers and butterflies. The world below is alive with light and growth.


Meaning:

Happiness, success, clarity, and celebration. The Sun card in the Parrot Tarot embodies pure life energy. It reminds you to express yourself fully and bask in your own brilliance—your true colours are your strength.


Reversed Meaning:

Temporary gloom, doubt, or burnout. The light is still there but may be obscured by worry or overwork.




The World – Circle of Feathers


Imagery:

A great ring of feathers encircles a radiant parrot perched in the centre, symbolizing unity and completion. Around it are elements of earth, air, fire, and water—balance achieved.


Meaning:

Wholeness, fulfillment, and achievement. The Parrot Tarot’s World card reminds you that you are both the singer and the song—the journey has come full circle. Spiritually, it reflects ascension and harmony with nature.


Reversed Meaning:

Incomplete cycles or delays in reaching a goal. A call to finish what was started or integrate all lessons before moving forward.


The Parrott Tarot makes for fresh and friendly interpretation of the tarot making it ideal for readers and questioners to feel comfortable and relaxed . It is a worthy and fun n deck for any tarot collector.


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