Bird Signs: Guidance and Wisdom from Our Feathered Friends (Book & Cards) [Hardcover]

G.G. Carbone (Author), Mary Ruzicka (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Book & Cards | Publication Date: March 7, 2007

Birds are so common in everyday life that most people take them for granted, viewing them as nothing more than colorful diversions. Bird Signs shows a different and deeper side of our avian friends. The book presents birds as gateways to self-knowledge. According to author G. G. Carbone, birds are symbols that can help us reflect on events, make nurturing decisions, and focus on spiritual growth. Particular birds exemplify characteristics that seekers can find, or search for, in themselves — examples include the flamingo’s balance and the chickadee’s playfulness. Divided into sections of Bird Traits, Bird Wisdom, Broken Wing, Bird Vision, and Bird Lore, the book contains a wealth of cultural and historical facts, along with guided meditations that incorporate chakras, yoga poses, and visualization. The colorful divination deck contains 52 cards that can be used individually or as daily or weekly card spreads.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (March 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157731543X
• ISBN-13: 978-1577315438
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #906,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Oracle Dedicated to Birds, March 27, 2007

By 

Janet Boyer "Author, Blogger, Radio Host" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bird Signs: Guidance and Wisdom from Our Feathered Friends (Book & Cards) (Hardcover)

"Birds appear in our lives for a reason. Sometimes these winged creatures are here for a brief time and sometimes for an extended stay. We may not always know why a bird appears to us at a particular moment, but with this book and card deck, you will become more aware of the guidance and wisdom that our feathered friends convey to us every day." - From the Bird Signs companion book

As one who has received many oracular insights from feathered friends over the years, I was thrilled to see a new deck dedicated solely to birds. From cardinal to penguin, lark to owl, Bird Signs covers 52 different birds (and thus has 52 cards). Attractively packaged in a colorful, sturdy box that seals with a magnetic flap, the Bird Signs kit also includes a lovely 133-page glossy companion book featuring full-color illustrations.

When I received Bird Signs, published by New World Library, I was truly impressed with the quality of the packaging/storage box, the guidebook, and the cards themselves. In my mind, no one rivals baba studio/Magic Realist Press (Victorian Flower Oracle, Fairytale Tarot, The Tarot of Prague Kit, etc.) when it comes to deck and book sets. However, I have to say that Bird Signs rivals the quality of those kits!

With her favorite mediums being pen and ink with colored pencils, illustrator Mary Ruzicka infuses each bird with gentle lines, flowing curves, and realistic hues. From the peaceful dove to the beautiful swan, the happy bluebird to the adventurous roadrunner, Ms. Ruzicka delightfully captures the unique character of each bird--inviting humans to study them, learn from them, and contemplate their messages.

Written by G.G. Carbone, the Bird Signs companion book explains the framework of the deck, which constitutes 45 bird cards and 7 feathered friends cards. Bedecked with rainbow-colored ribbons and relevant motifs, the special feathered friend cards represent a specific intention, chakra, chakra color, and physical area of the body. They can be used alone for inspiration or with the rest of the deck for additional illumination. For example, the yellow Egg - Birth card addresses new births of all kinds and the Solar Plexus Chakra. The blue Song - Voice card deals with communication and the Throat Chakra.

Upright meanings for all cards are provided, as well as reversed meanings. Ms. Carbone gives a brief bio of each bird, as well as Bird Wisdom (interpretation), Broken Wing (reversed meaning), Bird Vision (how you can "see" from a bird's particular perspective) , and a piece of bird lore (not necessarily about the bird). Keywords, healing colors, and a message is also provided.

Printed on a smooth matte finish, the Bird Signs cards measure approximately 5 ¼ x 3 ½ inches. Flexible and easy to shuffle, the card backings depict a simple, yet attractive, double feather motif with greens, blues, and purples that are fully reversible.

Some of the birds and their wisdom found in Bird Signs include:

* Waxwing - Curiosity
* Hummingbird - Energy
* Robin - Joy
* Flamingo - Balance
* Woodpecker - Hope
* Jay - Communication
* Duck - Decision
* Hawk - Observation
* Roadrunner - Adventure
* Gull - Laughter
* Raven - Illusion
* Parrot - Creativity
* Oriole - Compassion
* Stork - Reliability
* Pheasant - Opportunity
* Heron - Patience
* Eagle - Freedom
* Penguin - Purpose
* Chickadee - Playfulness

Despite the utter gorgeousness of the box, cards, and companion book, I admit that I'm a bit disappointed in this oracle. I did a few one-card readings the last few days, and each time, the message was totally off base. For example, I drew the Rooster yesterday, which is about 180 from how I am, where I am, and what I know to be at this time in my life. For example, if I'm in sync with this card, I'm an early riser, need courage to face the day, and have difficulty getting out of bed.

Nothing could be further from the truth! I'm a night owl (it's wired in my DNA), get out of bed easily, and joyfully look forward to each day that is filled with promise and abundant blessings. (No, not being a Pollyanna here--it's really how I am!) I did another one-card reading, with equally irrelevant results. However, I DID do a 3-card Past/Present/Future spread (called the Wingspan Spread in the Bird Signs companion book), and drew three of the special feathered friends cards. This reading was highly accurate. Go figure!

As I read through the Bird Signs book, I felt that some of the interpretations were too simplistic and, well, *practical* (e.g. "Go on a picnic" and "try saltwater fishing"). Perhaps I'm just used to, or prefer, more psychologically oriented interpretations. Granted, Ms. Carbone provides quite a bit of information--but it seems a bit superficial at times. Maybe I was expecting interpretations and facts along the lines of Ted Andrews' Animal Speak. (If you're used to that book, you may be a bit disappointed with this deck if you're expecting more depth.)

However, I think Bird Signs could certainly be used in accordance with a book like Animal Speak, which provides depth and breadth to animal divination. Also, the bird cards would be great meditation tools for those with avian affinity, as well as a starting point for looking up birds who fly into your life.

(To see 10 images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Representation of our Feathered Friends!, July 23, 2007

By 

Lacey A. Harris (Greenwood, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bird Signs: Guidance and Wisdom from Our Feathered Friends (Book & Cards) (Hardcover)

I highly recommend this book and card set. G.G. Carbone did an excellent job of describing each one of these different birds. The representation of them was phenomenal. I am very metaphysical, and I feel these were fabulous. I also thought they gave good insight about each bird species from a Wild standpoint too( Out in Nature). I was very pleased with this Set of cards. I have worked with animals very closely all of my life, and I share my life with a Macaw parrot.( Her Card hit right on with the Parrot.) She described what each bird pretty much has shown me in my lifetime. I am so happy that I have these in my collection. Thanks G.G. I will cherish this Deck forever.

The artwork is also Esquisite. Well worth the purchase for the artwork also. I especially love the Peacock. Great CARDS!

I give these cards a great recommendation. I Love them!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bird Signs, May 29, 2011

By 

RachelR (USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Bird Signs: Guidance and Wisdom from Our Feathered Friends (Book & Cards) (Hardcover)

If you have ever wondered what the birds were trying to tell you, though you meditate or looking things up online, but it didn't really resonate - then this is the book/oracle card deck for you. The illustrations along with the information is insightful for connecting with the element of the birds. (By default the air.)