11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Divination System - Factory-Made Scarabs a Disappointment, October 28, 2005
This review is from: Egyptian Scarab Oracle (Hardcover)
The 4 Star Rating breaks down this way: 5 for the book, 1 for the scarabs.
I just bought this set and was really expecting something wonderful from the previous reviews. However, upon opening the box, I found myself vaguely dissapointed. The first thing I noticed was that in my set of 30 scarabs, I recieved a duplicate of one so I am missing the 30th scarab, because I have two of another. The second thing I noticed is that the scarabs are made from a soft, rubber-like plastic (they feel like erasers). Though they're well-formed and artistically attractive (I didn't care for the cheap-looking gold paint), they're not made from ceramic, clay or even acrylic, as I thought they might be. The included satin baggie is lovely, a better quality bag than the .35 organdy bag (I can get that exact same bag from CraftMart for .50 at most) that's included with the Llewellyn Deck and Book Tarot sets.
The book appears to be worth its own cover price of $12.95, but for $35 I was expecting something less cheaply made in the area of the scarabs.
I will be making my own scarab stones to use with this divination system eventually. For now I will have to mark one of the duplicates so it's disingushable from its twin in order to use the set and hope that Llewellyn sends me a proper replacement scarab.
I'm still trying to contact them (their customer service office was closed when I called this afternoon. I've emailed their customer service office).
I do think the system is really wonderful, being familiar with the basic system as described in deTraci's lovely "Mysteries of Isis" and expect to get quite a bit of use out of it.
I'd recommend buying the book alone if you can find it (it has been released as book only) and making your own scarabs with scarab beads or making them from polymer clay. The eraser-like scarabs included aren't worth the $35 price tag, I'm sorry.
Buy the book. Make your own scarabs.
Blessings,
Stormraven
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Free Advice, November 6, 2001
This review is from: Egyptian Scarab Oracle (Hardcover)
Consumers are so lucky to be able to choose now from so many tools for divination. It is so important to pick the style that is right for you. If are intrigued by Egyptian culture, you will very much enjoy the Egyptian Scarab Oracle package. This kit includes the book "Sacred Scarabs for Divination and Personal Power," 30 scarab "runes," and a satin pouch. My first impression was one of humor, when I pulled out the sack of Egyptian scarabs and peeled off the "Made in China" sticker! You have to admit that is funny. They are still very Egyptian-looking little bugs, though, and they feel good to work with. The author created this oracle based on a magical dream. The text is very informative and provides different layouts and eplanations for readings. It will only take time to familiarize yourself though, with the names of the scarab symbols. Until you do, it is rather difficult to refer to the right page for a description. I would have called one "Alaskan Ulu Knife," but it really is found under "Solar Barque of Ra." The "Throne of Isis" scarab to me, resembles a Tetris game piece. The scarabs are not numbered or colored from each other, so it does take some time to familiarize yourself with their names to look them up quickly. You might not sit down and do a great reading your first time in 10 minutes, but the powerful symbols, gods, and goddesses of the scarab are well worth the time for you to learn about them.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully done/Honestly believable!, August 12, 2005
This review is from: Egyptian Scarab Oracle (Hardcover)
This is my favorite divination device outside of tarot cards. The idea was conceived by the author through a series of dreams she had. Truely a magical experience in itself! The ancient people of Egypt used scarabs as a way of documentation of daily life. It is not hard to believe similar items were carried as a charm in everyday life. Therefore this is a great contribution to recontructionist ideas.
Appoximately 30 images come in a great little pouch that can be handily carried around as a possible talisman or charm. Many of the symbols were familiar to me as I had much experience with Egyptolgy in the past. The divinatory meanings are a little difficult to commit to memory at first. Much study and practice with the set results in a trusted system that can be used for many years.
I have not read with these for others yet. They have a private "feel" to them. I have always been attracted to Anubis and this was the first scarab I drew! There is much to be experienced with this set. It is well worth the investment if you like things Egyptian.
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