As life has become more and more industrialised we have lost touch with our animal companions on the planet, separating ourselves from the things that they have provided us with over the years.
Meats are now purchased from brightly lite supermarkets and leather clothing ordered online, far removed from the animals who give their lives for our consumption and fashion.
The only animals we see on a regular basis are our pets or the odd bird or squirrel while out walking, unless we go out of our way to visit Zoos and Conservation Parks.
The Wild Elemental Oracle by Michelle Motuzas offers us a way to reconnect with the guidance, wisdom and lessons they can teach us.
Steeped in Native American Shamanic teachings, these cards offer a beautiful way to connect with animal guides or totem guides as well as oracle readings.
On first glance this deck is beautifully presented, the box has a textured feel to it, like the scales of a dragon or snake. A ribbon tag to open with a strong magnetic closure and ribbon supports once opened.
To be greeted by a beautiful verse on the inside of the lid.
" Find that primal,
core piece of you that is
waiting to be
reawakened with the
powerful connection
to your animal allies
with wild elements! "
The 95 paged guide book that accompanies this deck also has a textured cover, mirroring the box. Covering an introduction to the deck, the elements which the cards have been divided into, simple and effective card layouts, notes on how to interpret the cards as well as the full meaning of each card.
Each cards meaning is also accompanied by a list of attributes associated with it and element, giving you the key points of the card before you read the message the card represents.
It also struck me that the guide book and oracle cards, as you can see in the above picture are roughly the same size, meaning that there's no bulky box to worry about storing.
The cards themselves are beautifully made with gold gilding edges, which as can be expected stick slightly when the cards are new, so I'd encourage the gentle separation of the cards when first getting to know the deck.
The illustrations have a simple and effective shamanic feel to them, which I can imagine being based on traditional paintings from Shamanic practices and tales.
With a strong theme on self reflection and development throughout and definitely something I'll be using for self development and growth.
They would be a great deck for journaling and shadow work, or card of the day especially just before a new moon when our fears and apprehensions are coming to the surface.
And of course they are great for working with your totem animal or spirit guide, with guidance on how to discover what your totem animal is included in the accompanying guide book.
Card 17 - Starfish (element - water)
Starfish Attributes:
Regeneration
Moon Magic
Beauty
Connection to the star people
Tidal movement
"Finding Starfish on your path is a message and lesson to let go of things that no longer serve you. When you can easily and gracefully let go of what you no longer need, you open the door for what will serve you to come in.
Work with the moon cycle: the new moon to let go and the full moon to invite. This is a powerful way to attune you to the rhythms of life. The ebb and flow of letting go and bringing in is right, timely, and powerful."
Illustrated by Michelle Motuzas herself which is something I've not personally come across often, Michelle started her first oracle deck The Shamanic Healing Oracle Cards came from the paintings her students of shamanism requested and this deck would appear to be her continued work. The illustrations are powerful while clear and the back of the cards feature the Shamanic Medicine Wheel, which interlinks with the overarching element theme of the deck and the teachings each species of animal has for us.
So far each enquiry I've made with these cards have been spot on, they don't waste time with the superficial things in life and talk to a much deeper part of our being. Shedding light on the fears and shadows we try to cover or bury within, to allow acknowledgement and growth through awareness. Definitely a a deck I will be returning to on a regular basis on my own journey of growth a self discovery, and in the time I've been working with this deck I find myself reaching for them more and more often, helping to gain a deeper insight to the mundane.
This deck would make a great gift for a beginner or seasoned collector, compact and beautifully presented.
I would also like to thank Schiffer Publishing for the opportunity to review this oracle deck, if you would like to purchase a copy you can do so by clicking the link above, which will take you directly to their website or it can be purchased from most reputable bookshops and online retailers.
If you enjoyed this, you can sign up to have these sent directly to your inbox or you may also like my blog post on working with the full moon energy...
You can read more of my reviews on titles such as The Healthy Witch, The Soul's Twins and other informative pieces in my back catalogue.
Until next time..
Love & Light
Georgie
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