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45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Art But, September 15, 2008
This review is from: Enchanted Oracle (Book & Cards) (Paperback)
First, this is not a tarot deck. There are 36 cards in the deck, to be used as a self examination tool. The kit contains a deck of cards. a nice little silver nylon bag to keep the cards in, a fairy charm on a ribbon necklace and a book explaining the deck. The fairy necklace is cute, and tells me the deck is focused on the young adult. And going into the book, this is very clear. But let's examine the contents that make you want to buy this kit.
The deck is beautiful. This is classic Galbreth material. I've seen many of these illustrations on Jessica's site and if you ever wanted to own copies of her work, there are 36 cards here of some of her best work. The deck is very eye appealing. The titles of the works go with the images. Most of the images are female, with male counterparts in two couple scenes, a Green Man, and Cernunnos presented with a female figure. There is a pregnant mother figure and a mother with child. The balance of the deck is young female figures. This again suggests a young adult and is limiting itself to a young female user.
The titles follow the suggested fantasy theme. Dark Enchantment, Dragoness, Maiden Moon, White Magic; these all give a very "mystical" feel to the deck. However, looking for symbolism to read the images left me a little perplexed, so I pulled out the book and started looking at the meanings. And this left me even more perplexed. Gothic Rose indicates change. The only hint in this card may be the moth at the top of the card, but the roses and the lady did not indicate this. The Silver Moon Fairy indicates keeping your secrets to yourself. Other than her crossed arms, there was nothing else to suggest this. Gothique suggest there is something you fear. Sorry, that card did not instill fear as a rather lovely young Goth lady, and I think there may be a few Goths who may not like that association. Gypsy Rose suggests you have been over doing it and should take a break. Well, if I looked that good overdoing it, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
In the final analysis, the book and the meanings were drawn around the cards. The whole deck concept was drawn around using the beautiful artwork of Jessica Galbreth in a deck. The cards, in this instance, do not seem to be drawn for the deck or the meanings in the book. This leaves the user having to learn all the meanings from the book to interpret the cards, rather than looking at the cards for the symbolism to speak to the reader.
If you are a big fan of Jessica Galbreth and love her artwork as I do, the deck may hold appeal for the art alone. But if you are a hard core deck reader as I am, the deck will hold little appeal for general use unless you intend to use the book for reference till you have the meanings memorized. Personally, this is a pretty deck that will probably sit on my shelf and get pulled out only when a discussion on beautiful deck artwork comes around as a topic. And the fairy charm will probably end up with my little grand-niece who will appreciate it more than I do. boudica
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
pretty, not exceptional, March 29, 2010
This review is from: Enchanted Oracle (Book & Cards) (Paperback)
I was somewhat disappointed with these cards. The art work is incredable!! However, the quality of the cards is not what I expected. They look cheep. I expected the cards to look and be of good quality and they are rather thin and the color is not as vivid as I would have liked. I am familiar with Jessica Galbreth's art work and it is exceptionally beautiful. I expected the cards to be no different. It's not that the color needs to be red or orange, it's just that it looks like they tried to use less ink? They are thin and flimsy. Other cards that I have purchased have used better material for their cards. It's as if they are not the 'real' product, and I purchased a replica.
They have beautiful art work and the book is good. I haven't worked with them much since I got them because I was soooo disappointed in how they looked. I couldn't wait for them to arrive and then I saw how they looked and really haven't picked them up but a few times since. The book is detailed and has good information in it. If you are looking for a good set to start with this would probably be one you can use.
If I had known about the cards before, I would not have bought the deck. Yes, the pictures are pretty; but I wanted them to be the exceptional quality that Jessica Galbreth is known for and I just didn't think these were it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Tool For Self-Exploration, October 8, 2009
This review is from: Enchanted Oracle (Book & Cards) (Paperback)
"Here you will find knowledge, skills and tools that will help you craft the magical life of your dreams." ~ Excerpt from "Destiny's Portal."
Opening the box of this set was a real treat. The images are gorgeous. Some are whimsical and innocent, while others are a bit dark and intense. These faeries definitely make you want to unfold your wings and fly with them.
The artwork for the "Enchanted Oracle" has been created, by the talented, Jessica Galbreth. This deck is the first by this artist, but you can find her work in numerous formats, from prints, greeting cards, calendars, books and collectible figurines.
Jessica lives in Ohio with her husband and their two children. She considers herself largely self-taught, even though she did study fine art for three years at the Toledo Museum of Art. Most of her work is done with watercolor, pen and ink.
The cards are standard size with a matte finish. They are borderless, with a small title bar on the bottom. The card backs are simple but elegant, done in black and lavender and are reversible.
The two hundred and forty page book was written by Barbara Moore and reads like Magic 101. The book also contains four one card spreads, a three card and a four card spreads. The cards are not numbered so they are listed alphabetically. Using the book, you will see that not only can you read each card, but each also leads to an exercise using a pendulum, spell work, journaling, crystal and oils.
Barbara is an active member of the American Tarot Association. She enjoys the challenge of giving a voice to tarot cards and oracle decks. She has written companion books for several other decks. Her book compliments the deck beautifully.
This deck and book set is perfect for one card daily readings. This would be an excellent first deck. With the silver bag and faerie pendant (which can be used as a pendulum), makes a perfect gift for the faerie lovers.
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