The Oracle of
Coming in September
Listen to the whispers of forgotten witches from myth and legend, embark on a journey of self discovery, and weave your own folkloric tales with this stunning 60 card oracle deck.
Based on the principles of spiritual alchemy, ten suits follow the process of turning base metals into gold, reflecting your personal growth as you move through the deck. Four unique spreads offer ways of receiving guidance, and through the Storyweaving Spread you can weave folk tales of your own.
Pre-orders are now open at most bookstores. What will the forgotten witches whisper to you?
The Suits
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The oracle is divided into ten suits that embody the different qualities of witches, from the Curse-bringers and Shape-shifters to the Survivors and Fate-turners. Swipe to see the next suit:
II. Shape-shifters
The suit of change and transformation. Take off your masks and discover your true potential.
Meet Ceridwen, the kitsune, the nagual and the kikimora, then join the ritual dancers at Witches’ Peak.
III. Survivors
The suit of entrapment and emancipation. Find your own path and overcome the most daunting challenges.
Meet Angeline Tubbs, Lamia, Ana and the kratt, then look for the talisman of strength on a forgotten island.
IV. Avengers
The suit of actions and consequences. Consider how far you would go to get what you want.
Meet Louhi, Garabonciás, the tupilaq and the Deer Woman, then acquire some fennel or sorghum to fight injustice at the gallows.
V. Mesmerizers
The suit of truth and deception. See through every trick, even those you use to deceive yourself.
Meet Yuki-onna, Koschei, Kapo and the unicorn, then find an ancient grimoire and discover the secrets of fairy rings.
VI. Well-wishers
The suit of healing and empowerment. Sharpen your skills to bring out the best in yourself and others.
Meet Morgan le Fay, Sirona, Marie Laveau and the táltosló, find a motanka doll for protection, then meditate in the Sibyl’s Grotto.
VII. Alchemists
The suit of curiosity and discovery. Satisfy your thirst for knowledge and unravel the secrets of the universe.
Meet Sun Bu’er, Agathos Daimon and Maria Prophetissa, then visit the Alchemist’s Workshop and create the Philosophers’ Stone.
VIII. Revenants
The suit of transition between worlds. Meditate on the dualities of life: ascent and descent, dream and awakening.
Meet the Moon Spider, the Fisherwife and the strzygon, then follow the sound of drums through the hellmouth and descend into the underworld.
IX. Nature Witches
The suit of relationships and reliance. Find your place in the intricate web of nature and society.
Meet Kurangaituku, Vadleány, the Cailleach and the tonal, then set off to find the celestial river of hope.
X. Fate-turners
The suit of guidance and destiny. Take control of your life and make your wildest dreams come true.
Meet Hecate, Lilith, Hugin and Munin, then follow the thread of the spinning wheel to the tower of initiation.
I. Curse-bringers
The suit of shadows and confrontation. Enter the forest of your soul and face what lurks in the dark.
Meet Lamashtu, the tokoloshe, Alp and the Toad Witch, then venture deep into the woods and find Baba Yaga’s Hut.
The Spreads
You can use the cards for any type of reading, but if you would like to try something new, we have created a few custom spreads as well. You can find a detailed guide for each spread in the oracle’s booklet. Let’s look at the essence of the Storyweaving, Hecate, Pentagram, and Magnum Opus spreads.
Storyweaving Spread
Discover the ancient magic of storytelling and awaken your imagination with this unique spread. Craft your own folktales with the help of the cards, then interpret your story as you would a dream.
The aim of this spread is to see where the cards and your intuition will lead you, and to uncover the connections between your imagined story and your life. You can even try Storyweaving with your friends!
Hecate Spread
One of the interpretations of the triskele (triple spiral) symbol is moving forward and perpetual motion. This spread is for when we feel stuck in a situation and need quick, simple guidance. The triskele is connected with the triple goddess Hecate, who is also associated with the crossroads, a symbol of decision-making. Hecate is often shown holding a dagger, a torch and a key, which are used here to interpret each card.
✧ Dagger: an obstacle, something that holds you back, something you need to let go
✧ Torch: something you need to face, accept, push through or take into account
✧ Key: something you have to implement and start doing so it can help you move forward
Pentagram Spread
Often appearing in witchcraft, the pentagram is a symbol with five points representing the spirit plus the four elements of earth, water, air and fire. The aim of this spread is to examine the effect of a specific situation or action on the different aspects of our life.
✧ Spirit: the spiritual aspect
✧ Earth: material goods
✧ Water: health of body and psyche, emotions
✧ Air: intellectual, mental aspects, skills, knowledge
✧ Fire: passion, sexuality, life force
Magnum Opus Spread
This spread will guide you through a ten-step process of transmutation, drawing on the wisdom of spiritual alchemy. The Magnum Opus or Great Work is a way to create the Philosophers’ Stone and, with it, turn base metals into gold. In this spread, we apply this process in a spiritual sense, to bring about positive change in ourselves. The cards are divided into the three phases of alchemy: blackening, whitening and reddening.
✧ Blackening urges you to confront your shadow
✧ Whitening helps you find healing and empowerment through creativity and knowledge
✧ Reddening will encourage you to reflect on your relationships and see where your journey may lead you in the future
“A portal of a deck, a masterpiece, and a living story.”
Lida Pavlova
Author of The Library of Questions and Honey and Lavender Tarot
Pre-order the oracle
The Oracle of the Forgotten Witches will be published in early September. You can pre-order the deck now from most major bookstores.
Published by Watkins, an imprint of Red Wheel Weiser.
Bookstores and webshops:
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About the authors
Balázs Tátrai
Balázs Tátrai is a writer of unusual stories, rooted in folklore and branching out into the unexpected. His passion is the study of alchemy and 17th century iconography. Find out more at balazstatrai.com
Lilla Bölecz
Lilla Bölecz is a visual artist specializing in book illustration, graphic art, dollmaking and pattern design. Her work is inspired by mysticism, spiritual experiences, folklore and literature. Find out more at lillabolecz.com
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