By: Sirian Shadow
Publisher: Rockpool Publishing
Number of cards: 42
Card size: 5 in x 3.5 in
Box size: 5.5 x 4 x 1.25 in
Guidebook pages: 106
Release Date: November, 2023
Purchased or gifted?: Advanced copy gifted from my publisher Rockpool Publishing

First pull: Sorcerer - Ambition, willpower, creation

Absolute favorite card: Apprentice

My favorite cards: Migration, Blood Moon, Rider, Faith, Fate, Sage, Meadow, Shelter

Favorite Feature: Turquoise blue gilding

First Impressions: I loved this deck immediately when Rockpool first sent me photos of it and while I do still really like the deck, I didn’t feel as connected to it as I thought I would. I really like skulls (it’s the Scorpio Stellium + 12th house stellium in me) and this deck sure does have a lot. But it just isn’t hitting for me the way I wanted it to. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a good deck so please don’t take it that way. But this is one I will probably reserve for client readings.

So here’s what I like about the deck. I love the color of the gilding. It's an unusual color and it really stands out, even when holding a single card. I like the keywords on the front, especially for beginners. So often, people tell me how much pressure they feel to memorize the cards or read from intuition and that is pressure no one needs, not even a professional in my opinion. Having keywords makes it a little easier to draw inspiration from without having to consult the guidebook if that is your goal.

Speaking of the guidebook, I like the inclusion of sound and smoke clearing for your deck. Smoke is not the only option and I often use sound to clear my spaces. I’ll admit, I haven’t used sound to clear decks but I think it’s an excellent idea. One I am absolutely going to try. I’ve been reading and doing the witchy/spiritual thing for a very long time now so it’s rare to come across something new. I really appreciate anytime an author opens my mind and helps me to get out of my own way to think outside the box.

The box is a sturdy two piece box with a velvet finish, just like my deck, Witching Hour Oracle— both published by Rockpool Publishing. It features turquoise foil features which I really enjoy. Foil, in small doses, makes everything feel much more luxe. So I really appreciate the extra little detail. The matte velvet also has a really nice luxe quality to it.

I have found the interpretations to be very encouraging and kind. I wouldn’t call this deck gentle but it isn’t hard love either. It’s a nice neutral, even slightly gentle deck that kind of welcomes you with an open heart. The artwork feels a little spooky—the box uses the word haunting— but the pops of hopeful blues and the interpretations really softens everything and I think that’s the point. Themes like death, rebirth, letting go, changing direction and so on aren’t scary so much as misunderstood. And sometimes the beauty is in the darkness and decaying. I think this deck does an excellent job bringing light to the shadow.

There really isn’t anything that I don’t like about the deck. It’s a beautiful offering just not for me. Having said that, I think my first reading was pretty accurate. It mirrors a selection of cards I pulled days before and I’m pretty happy with the message. I haven’t tried to read it for other people but a friend of mine used it and she was blown away by how accurate it was for her. So far, it seems to be right on point.

I also want to mention that I don’t resonate with it now but I think I’m going to try again come winter. It has a wintery feel to me. The Wildwood Tarot is one of my favorite decks of all times but I hated it when I first got it. I didn’t understand it and we struggled to get along for a while. But then I started reading with it during winter and now, it’s my favorite winter tarot. That’s really the only time I use it. I have a strong feeling this deck will be the same.

So as a tip, don’t discount a deck just because you don’t have an immediate connection. It might not be right for right now but there’s a reason your soul drew it to you. It may not become clear for a while but trust that if you feel called to get this deck, it’s because you need it.

Any decks you’d like a review on? Have any questions about decks at all? Leave me a comment and stay tuned for more weekly reviews.