Magical Spirit Review
By: Alexis Rakun
Publisher: Rockpool Publishing
Number of cards: 44
Card size: 4.75 in x 2.75 in
Box size: 7 x 5 in
Guidebook pages: 152
Release Date: October, 2023
Purchased or gifted?: Advanced copy gifted from my publisher Rockpool Publishing
First Pull: Harmony
Absolute favorite card: Potential and Possibility
My favorite cards: The Protectress, The Great Goddess, The Red Rose, Flower Child, The Servant Queen, The Sun, The Seeker, Liberation
First Impressions: So first of all, I LOVE the style of this deck. In fact, there was a little project I had last year called GRATITUDE. It’s a little pocket deck meant to carry around with you to inspire thankfulness. It’s cute for sure but not exactly what I had hoped for. If Alexis had been the artist, it probably would’ve been my favorite project to date and we’ve already. chatted a little bit about working together. What kind of deck do you think we should do? Comment your ideas below.
Her style resonates with me so deeply. It’s colorful but subdued so it takes on this incredibly earthy quality. It’s sensual, grounded but also cosmic, witchy but also spiritual. I feel like these cards are my dream world displayed in 44 images. That alone makes this deck a winner for me.
But then Alexis had to gooooo and add encouraging phrases to nearly every card, making the deck even more special. Some of the phrases that really inspired me were:
“I hope that over everyone else, you learn to make yourself proud.” taken from Flower Child.
“Reach out to the potential that is calling for you.” Taken from Potential and Possibility
“It’s ok, I don’t know what I’m doing either.” Taken from Sweet Oblivion
“I wasn’t always like this, you know. I had to create who I am.” Taken from The Witch
There are so many times I’ve pulled cards from this deck, read a phrase and then, burst out into tears. Creators, artists, authors and influencers really struggle, just like everyone else. It may not seem like it but imposter syndrome and lack of self-doubt and constantly opening yourself up to criticism every single day can really mess with your sense of accomplishment. Some days, I am crippled by my own self-doubt and then I see an affirmation or pull a card that seems to speak directly to my struggles, and its like the world rights itself again. That’s how I feel when I pull from this deck. Every card I have pulled feels like getting a text from your BFF who knows exactly what to say when you’re down and that’s why you will always be friends for life. I will never give this deck away either.
This deck is very feminine. There are no males so if that is something you’d like to see then you won’t get that here. But I don’t see that being an issue for too many people. It really feels like an Earth Mama deck and I love how Alexis doesn’t shy away from feminine bodies. It really annoys me when people say women are sexualizing themselves. This is true at times but it’s also true that some women are very comfortable in their sexuality. I am one of such women so when I hear someone say “she shouldn’t be wearing that” or “she needs to cover up,” I’m kind of like your discomfort is not her problem. This deck isn’t scandalous but there are some naked bodies and I appreciate that.
Now to the guidebook. It has a great amount of information included. It’s hard to fit a lot in a small guidebook but I think Alexis has done a really wonderful job, especially for beginners. I cannot tell you how many times someone has asked me how do you know when to draw a card. It may seem like a silly question to some but there are so many people who genuinely have no idea. Alexis gives what I think is one of the most straightforward and easy to understand answers I’ve seen.
She also talks about what to do after the reading which is also something many have questions about. She has a section called “Manifestation Enhancers,” which are actions to take after you draw a card. I cannot say enough, spiritual guidance is worthless if you don’t act on it. If you pull a card, it tells you do something and then you don’t, the reading has served no purpose. Alexis brings light to this stating “this is the part of the card that most people with underestimate and pass by.” I agree but I’m glad she talked about it anyway.
Each card has an “affirmation spell,” a name I love so much. I clocked a couple of times in the guidebook where Alexis says words are spells and that is so true. Someone I’ve discovered recently, Marisa Peer, says “Word’s create magic. that’s why it’s called spelling” SPELLING = A SPELL. A spell is no different from an affirmation or prayer or scripture. I think this deck is really accessible for the mainstream and by saying “affirmation spell,” and describing the power of words, I think Alexis is making it clear that there’s no difference between a religion and witchcraft when it comes to asking for spiritual support. I feel this deck makes witchcraft a little more accessible for people who might have a problem with that word.
The only thing missing are a few spreads. There aren’t any in the guidebook. The reason why I like to see spreads in a book is because no one knows a deck better than the creator. And spreads I think, really helps readers to understand what they’re going to get out of the deck. But also, asking the right question in a reading can really make a difference and it takes a little while to know what kind of question gets you the best results. I would’ve loved to see her empowering words shared in a few spreads, especially for the benefit of beginners. I think the way she writes is very encouraging and I think she probably could’ve created some unique and insightful spreads.
I still think the deck is worth getting, hell ya! The spreads are nice to have but if you resonate with this deck, don’t let their lack stop you from obtaining what can be a very powerful tool.
Who is this deck for?
I think anyone can benefit from this deck but especially people who identify as female and are looking for empowerment, support, and a little bit of fierceness. I think it’s a great gift for a friend group, young adult daughter, mother and the like. In fact, I’m having a wine night very shortly after writing this and I think I’m going to pull this out so that we can play with it but I’m also going to order a few copies to surprise my guests. A little party favor to share the love.
Is this deck for you? Whether you're a seasoned oracle reader or a beginner, I'd love to know what you think about this deck. Drop your comments below and let's connect!
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