Mystical Shaman Oracle

Mind, Body and Soul Ezine: Mystical Shaman Oracle Boxed set of 64 cards and guidebook, by Alberto Villoldo, Colette Baron-Reid and Marcela Lobos, published by Hay House, US $39.99 : CAN $53.99 : UK £31.99 

Before there was time, before language, there were sacred symbols".

Magnetic clasp box with prestige packaging. This has some impressive credentials. Dr Alberto Villodo is a medical anthropologist with a special interest in shamanic healing of the Amazon and Andes regions. He is co-founder of the Four Winds Society with co-author, Marcela Lobos. Colette Baron-Reid is founder of Oracle School and this card system is a blend of shamanic and the mystical. The cards are illustrated by Jena DellaGrottaglia, and each card depicts a symbol from what are said to be African, Aboriginal, and Andean ‘petroglyphs’ for instance an arrow, a heart, a blade, a circle, a snake, a coyote, a crow, a drum, an eagle, fire, a mountain, a hummingbird, a jaguar, lightning, the moon, the owl, the rainbow, a rattle, a spiral, a staff, the sun, etc. I would like to have had more information about where these petroglyphs are found!

The card stock is strong solid board. The guide book gives the suggestion that there are no definitive answers to questions. The oracle provides guidance on forces and influences but you must claim your individual response and decide for yourself on your direction. Each card provides an image and title. The guidebook provides 3 messages. The first is an expansion of the symbol (40 words) the next is a call to action (40 words) and the third what needs to be repaired or brought into balance (40 words). 

Three spreads are suggested: a One-Card Reading, a The Source and Outcome Three-Card Reading, and a The Hidden Treasure in the Medicine Wheel Four-Card Reading.   

I would suggest this card deck is for readers who are very experienced or very imaginative and voluble. Firstly the cards are not laden with meaning and secondly, with the big names as authors, we are not provided with very much guidance. But…. I love the artwork! 

The Essence… The Invitation… The Medicine… Reviewer Wendy Stokes https:wendystokes.co.uk