Tarot & Oracle
The Tarot is at its tabletop practical basis a deck of decorated cards. Its order and appearance began to be somewhat uniform in the Renaissance, roughly the 15th Century. More complex meanings and purposes of this tool of gamesmanship seem to have begun early in the 18th Century, eventually growing and roaming into the wide spectrum of entertainment, interrogation, divination, and cartomancy that we know today.
A friend introduced me to the I Ching in college, and I quickly understood it to be an effective and enjoyable method of psychological investigation. After years of being put off by some of the more arcane and ambitious claims of tarot enthusiasts, I finally saw the analogy to the I Ching. After many years of resisting carrying the tarot in the store, I now stock it in the simple and inquiring spirit of my understanding. I am attracted to eye-catching art, of course, and I like the idea of cats being involved, of course, although I suspect cats may be more interested in pushing the cards off the table than in being supportive familiars. I respect the tarot’s history, and I will seek out books that place in the context of its origin and survival.
I am aware that the supply and diversity of decks is enormous, but I begin simply and humbly, alert to what my customers like.
The Druid Animal Oracle Deck
The Druid Animal Oracle Deck
A classic oracle deck that brings to life the magical world of Druid animals.
The Druids revered animals as sacred guides, guardians, and protectors. This beautifully illustrated deck and accompanying booklet draws from the wellspring of ancient Celtic tradition, bring healing and offering intuitive knowledge. From the interpretations of the card spreads and the lore given, one will gain powerful insights and receive positive guidance for the future.
The cards have been drawn using the principles of sacred geometry, a science of great importance to the megalith building, pre-Celtic Druids, who employed it extensively in the building of stone circles. Each image incorporates the same use of a pentagram, circle and square. The border of the animal cards conveys a message in Ogham - the tree language of the Druids. The animals are presented in a sequence starting with the Blackbird, who stands at the Gateway, the Place of Beginnings, calling us to adventure and change. Journeying to the four other Oldest Animals of Stag, Owl, Eagle, and Salmon, we come to know animals that lead us deeper into the Otherworld, through a cycle of personal change that leads to turning to the outer world again, the empowerment of the four dragons and the concluding care of the Seal -- the card of love and the necessity for choice in a world that is both joyous and challenging. The companion booklet presents a summary of the Druid, Celtic and native teachings, concerning twenty-nine animals and four dragons. In addition, there are three blanks cards that can be used to draw animals that are personal to the reader.
Use the cards as totems or turn to the oracle system provided by the authors. In either case, these Druid animals can provide positive guidance and insights into the inner dynamics behind events in our lives.