The Hero’s Journey Dream Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Hero's Journey Dream Oracle by Kelly Sullivan Walden with artwork by Rassouli, Boxed set of 52 cards and guidebook, published by Blue Angel Publishing, £17.99

The book includes autobiographical material of Kelly Sullivan Walden a backing dancer with the group Bordeaux and inspired by the 'Power of Myth' a book by Joseph Campbell. This led to many discoveries including her realisation of the sacredness of the female form. The hero's journey has been epitomised in many ancient myths, where the hero comes face to face with their greatest fear, such as the sea journey of Odysseus or Psyche crossing the River Styx. It is here in a dark forest, a mountain, beneath the waves or under the ground or on a secluded island that can symbolise an illness, a bereavement or other loss, a betrayal or breakdown. The journey is one of a transforming adventure, of overcoming adversity and trials, of death defying battles, that lead toeards insight, empowerment and the sharing of wisdom. This is the place of enlightenment and higher consciousness, a place where we can empathise with the greatest of suffering and use the resources we have gained for altruism and to make the world a better place for having lived. Rescuing a damsel in distress, slaying a dragon or finding treasure are some motifs used for the outcome of the process. There are 12 stages presented as fundamental to a successful story and for the recovery of the soul.  

 

The cards are numbered and divided into 4 sections and 12 stages:

The Call: 1. Ordinary World. 2. Call to Adventure. 3. Refusal of the Call. 4. Meeting the Mentor.

The Quest: 5. Crossing the Threshold. 6. Belly of the Whale. 7. Road of Trials. 8. Supreme Ordeal.

The Reward: 9 The Reward.

The Return: 10. Journey Back. 11. Resurrection. 12. Return with the Elixir. 

The card images provide enigmatic and inspired paintings. They also carry a title, a few words of advice and a number. Additional information is provided in the guide book on a quotation, a message and a dream symbol for each of the 52 cards. There is information about themyth of the  'hero's journey' and on the importance of dreams. There is information on how to bless the cards with a blessing text. The cards are intended to be read upright, though there are instructions for reversals. There is also a Question and Answer page for frequently asked questions.

Layout suggested are: a Daily Oracle which is a one card choice, a Three-Card Layout, a Four-Card Layout, and a Medicine Wheel Layout of 7 Cards. 

Card Sample: Number 18. Knights of the Round Table - Let their love life you higher. "Show me a successful individual and I'll show you someone who didn't want for positive influences in his or her life. I don't care who you are or what you do for a living - if you do it well I'm betting there was someone cheering you on and showing you the way! Denzel Washington.

I loved the topic of how we gain maturity and life wisdom and can share this with others. The artwork and the explanations provided in the guidebook are excellent. Working with this deck will be an inspiration! 

Review by Wendy Stokes  https://wendystokes.co.uk