Oracle of Novice Witches

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Oracle of Novice Witches - Messages from the Magical World, written by Francesca Matteoni, art by Elisa Macellari. Boxed set of cards and guidebook. Published 1st September 2022 by US Games Systems Inc., £21.99 

Here we have 50 cards divided into three sections of suits. We start with ‘witches and wizards’, these  feature 24 people from history, mythology and literature who had a reputation for differing types of spiritual knowledge. Then we have 13 objects, known to be used in witchcraft, then lastly 13 animals that could be called witches’ familiars! 

Sample Card. Title: Ursula Kemp - Subtitle: Family. Ursula Kemp was one of the women tried for witchcraft in the English village of St. Osyth. As was common in these trials, her role as a healer was confused with that of a witch, and she is known for her belief in her familiars, Titty, a grey cat, Tiffin, a white lamb, Piggin, a black female toad, and Jack, and a black cat that would suck her blood! When we think of this character as an Oracle, her love of animals is a positive guide. Ursula Kemp represents a recognition of a true family, one that is not tied by blood. Ursula urges reciprocal trust and care for those who are smaller and weaker than we are, whether they are living creatures or parts of our own soul.

Ursula Kemp is one of the more interesting real people in the deck. It is hard to know the truth of her life as she was arrested, tortured and hanged in 1582. She was a herbalist and midwife, and was accused of taking money for making remedies that didn’t work. Local people accused her of witchcraft during a phase of persecution and paranoia that especially involved poor women living alone, perhaps with animals for company. The black cat that was said to suck her blood, probably ‘drew’ blood, by scratching her! 

Each card has an interesting image, a title and a subtitle, and the guidebook provides us with a 100 word explanation. There are suggestions on how to use the deck, to look at the image and see what comes to mind using our intuition. One card can be used as a card of the day or for a 3 card reading. There is a short sentence of guidance for each card following the more academic explanation, so I would put this oracle as one for an intermediate or experienced reader with good intuition. 

It’s an enjoyable little introductory book with interesting artworks! 

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