Tarot Deck Review: The Oracle of Shadows and Light by Lucy Cavendish and Jasmine Becket-Griffith
November 14, 2023 | Philip Young, PhD
Newly published tarot and oracle decks arrive on Amazon, Etsy, crowd-funding platforms, and in bookstores every month. Today there are literally thousands of decks to choose from, including out-of-print decks as well as published ones. Reviewing a deck is a subjective judgement intended to help readers determine if they want to own the deck. The critical review of a deck for AskAstrology involves looking at the quality and size of the cards, visual accessibility of the art, quality of the companion book or booklet, and potential usefulness in professional practice. This month I have chosen to review the Oracle of Shadow and Light by Lucy Cavendish and Jasmine Becket-Griffith.
Within the Oracle of Shadows and Light, you will be greeted by honest, delightful, fascinating beings, from guardian angels to protective faeries, wise little witches and sweet ghosts. Quirky, haunting and shadowy-sweet, these tell-it-like-it-is magickal messengers of shadows and light will deliver authentic, clear and straightforward guidance to help you make decisions every day. By connecting with these wonderful beings, you will develop your courage, your intuition, your happiness, and your belief in your own true self.
Created by bestselling author Lucy Cavendish and brimming with enchanting illustrations by the acclaimed artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith, The Oracle of Shadows and Light offers you 45 exquisite cards, an in-depth guidebook, featuring messages, and clear step-by-step instructions on how to give accurate, powerful and very healing readings for yourself and others. Walk through the veil, and enter the magickal world of the Oracle of Shadows and Light!
About the author (from the back of the booklet that comes with the deck):
Lucy Cavendish is a natural born witch who works with the elemental and celestial realms. She works magick every single day of her life, embracing it as a creed for personal fulfillment and happiness, and as a belief system that sees us as part of nature, and thus give us all the motivation to respect and delight in our unique experience here on Planet Earth.
Next after this publicity
About the artist (from the back of the booklet that comes with the deck):
Jasmine Becket-Griffith is a world-renowned fantasy artist. Her artwork can be found in private collections and public displays throughout the world. Jasmine’s paintings blend realism with wide-eyed wonder – exploring Gothic themes with elements of classical literature, the occult, nature, and fantasy – and of course, faeries!
Printed on thick card stock, these cards have a glossy finish with rounded corners and are challenging riffle shuffle if you have small hands. The cards do not flex easily, and stick together when they first come out of the box. So, you will need to shuffle them thoroughly to get them to overhand shuffle more smoothly.
Artwork and the Visual Accessibility of the Deck
The artwork is quite beautiful and every card has a key phrase explaining the meaning of the cards, which is very helpful. Most of the cards just depict a figure, exquisitely drawn, that represents the idea or thought on the card, but does not show the action or meaning of the card. In other words, the cards would not be visually accessible and clearly meaningful without the key phrases on the card or in the booklet, as a reference.
The “Ghost in the Pumpkin Patch” oracle card serves as a reminder to appreciate the hidden treasures in your life, even during challenging times. Just as the ghost hides among the pumpkins, blessings may be concealed amid difficulties. It encourages you to count your blessings and recognize the abundance that surrounds you, fostering gratitude and contentment.
Poe
Meaning:
The “Poe” card encourages you to embark on a path of transformation by gaining new knowledge and embracing technology. It symbolizes the power of education and the responsible use of technology to drive personal and societal change. By learning and harnessing digital tools wisely, you can navigate life’s challenges and effect positive transformations for yourself and the world.
Strangely Lonely
Meaning:
The “Strangely Lonely” oracle card invites you to embrace vulnerability, acknowledging that it’s a vital part of human connection. Share your feelings and experiences with trusted friends or loved ones, allowing them to offer support and understanding. Vulnerability can lead to profound connections and emotional growth, so don’t fear sharing your authentic self.
This deck comes with a companion book that offers excellent, clear explanations for each card, including three different sections, beginning with “About the …”, then “[Card Name] speaks”, and the “Divination Message”. The writing is well-balanced, not overly complicated or simplified. Certainly one of the better companion books for a deck.
The book’s introductory section provides valuable advice on utilizing the cards effectively, including the following sections:
Wisdom for Misfits, Mystics, Seekers, and Wanderers
Of Misfits and Mystics
The Beings of Shadow and Light
Where are These Beings From?
How to Work with the Oracle of Shadows and Light
How to Conduct a Reading
Five Spreads Using the Oracle of Shadows and Light
Usefulness
The Oracle of Shadows and Light deck is a captivating and unique resource for readings, perfect for those seeking straightforward and honest guidance. Its charming and diverse cast of characters, from guardian angels to mischievous witches, provide clear and authentic insights into everyday decisions. With this deck, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your intuition, boost your confidence, and gain a deeper connection to your true self. These delightful messengers, both shadowy and sweet, offer a refreshing and empowering approach to understanding life’s complexities, making it an invaluable tool for self-discovery and decision-making.
Rating
I give this deck 5 out of 5 stars. The meanings in the booklet are well-written, and extremely insightful. The artwork is stunning. The card stock is study, so the deck will last for years, even with repeated use.
Where to Buy this Deck
If you like this deck and wish to purchase a copy, you can do so on Amazon.
I am a spiritual adviser located in Cary, North Carolina. I earned my PhD in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1996 and had a career in academics until 2007, when I retired to become a stay-at-home father. In 2013 I “hung out my shingle” starting my business Black Unykorn Enterprises, LLC. I provide spiritual guidance using different tools: astrology, tarot/oracle cards, numerology, and past life regression (using muscle testing). With a home office, Zoom, WeChat, and WhatsApp, I work with local clients in person and distance clients from around the world. You can read about my practice and contact me through my website: https://www.blackunykorn.com.
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