Initiates Oracle Review: Colourful Cards and Thoughtful Guidance
AD – PR Sample I received an Initiates Oracle for consideration on my blog.
For a long time, I have had a bit of a soft spot for oracle decks, from being able to think on a card pulled for the day, to appreciating the art and time that have been put into creating the cards. However, before I go any further, I should probably mention that I’m not an Oracle expert.
I don’t use oracle decks to predict the future or look for definitive answers. Instead, I like using them to pause for a few minutes and reflect on the day ahead. Sometimes a card’s message immediately clicks with something going on in my life. Other times it’s simply something interesting to think about while I’m enjoying a cup of tea.
That’s exactly how I’ve been using the Initiates Oracle by Marcella Kroll and Adam Smith, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed spending time with this deck so much.
About the Initiates Oracle
The Initiates Oracle is a 40-card deck inspired by Hermetic wisdom, transformation, and self-discovery. Accompanying the cards is a guidebook designed to help you understand the meanings behind each card and how they might apply to your own life.
While the themes behind the deck are quite deep, I found it surprisingly accessible. This isn’t one of those decks where you feel like you need to study before you can pull your first card.
First Impressions
The artwork was the first thing that grabbed my attention.
The cards are incredibly colourful, with bold imagery inspired by ancient Egypt, yet still modern and easy to connect with. Even before I started reading the guidebook, I found myself spending time looking through the deck and appreciating the cards and the artwork they featured.
While the box itself feels sturdy, the cards have a nice quality to them, and overall, it feels like a well-produced deck.
A Deck That’s Easy to Use
One of the things I appreciated most about the Initiates Oracle was how easy it was to get started.
Some oracle decks can feel overwhelming, especially when they draw heavily on symbolism or traditions you may not be familiar with; however, that wasn’t the case here.
The guidebook is simple to follow and does a great job of explaining the cards without feeling overly complicated. It gives enough information to help you understand the message while still leaving room for your own interpretation.
As someone who tends to use oracle decks as a daily reflection tool rather than anything more formal, I found this worked particularly well. Pulling a card in the morning and taking a few moments to think about its message felt natural and enjoyable rather than like homework.
Some Favourite Cards
As I spent more time with the deck, a few cards stood out to me.
The Cycles card immediately caught my eye with its beautiful planetary imagery. Its message about life’s different rhythms and patterns felt particularly relatable, and it was one of those cards that stayed in my thoughts long after I’d put the deck away.
I also really liked Polarities. The artwork is striking, and the card is all about opposites. It seems to encourage diversity and richness in duality, and to acknowledge the light and dark in every situation.
Another favourite was Transformation, featuring the scarab imagery. This card is all about growth, change, and personal development, with the lunar planets around the bottom symbolising the cyclical nature of change.
What I Loved
Beautiful artwork
The illustrations are vibrant, detailed, and full of symbolism. This is definitely a deck that encourages you to spend time looking closely at the cards.
Easy-to-read cards
Despite the rich symbolism, the cards never felt cluttered or difficult to understand.
Beginner-friendly guidebook
The accompanying guidebook strikes a nice balance between explanation and personal interpretation.
Great quality
From the sturdy box to the cardstock itself, everything feels well-made.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed spending time with the Initiates Oracle.
The artwork is beautiful, the cards are easy to read, and the guidebook strikes a nice balance between offering guidance and allowing for personal interpretation.
As someone who enjoys using oracle decks as a simple tool for reflection rather than trying to become an expert in their deeper meanings, I found this deck particularly approachable. It gave me plenty to think about without ever feeling intimidating or difficult to understand.
If you enjoy pulling a card with your morning tea, journaling about a message that resonates with you, or simply appreciating beautifully illustrated decks, I think there’s a lot to like here.
And if you’d like to experience the Initiates Oracle for yourself, you can buy a copy now from Amazon where it comes in at £21.99.
What do you think of the sound of this deck?
Competition
I was kindly set an extra deck of the Initiates Oracle, so if you would like to win a copy for yourself, then now is your chance! All you need to do is follow the options on the Gleam widget below.
Win an Initiates Oracle.This competition has no mandatory entry; all entry methods are optional. However, entering via multiple methods gives you more entries into the final draw.
Open to UK residents only. Giveaway closes 19/07. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email. Good luck!
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I think they sound great. Something a bit different for mindfulness.
I have never tried anything like this before but it sounds like a great grounding method when your mind is hectic. I find myself being very drawn to the raven on the front of the guidebook.
This looks really fascinating
cool
These cards look very interesting and intriging
I really like the sound of these cards. I used to have a bag of runes, which I also found interesting to interpret, so I also feel drawn to the idea of these too.
I’ve never tried anything like this but these cards are beautiful
It looks like a lovely and intricately decorated pack
The artwork is really high quality and the cards look stunning
it sounds so intriguing, I’d love my own deck xx
I collect Oracle card decks, and I’d love to add these to my collection. The artwork is gorgeous!
Lovely and bright, have Angel cards already that I do at night, yes – these would be good to do in the morning with a cup of tea x
I love the sound of this deck! The cards look like they are of good quality and the artwork is really eye-catching. It’s great that the guidebook is easy to follow.
There is something quite interesting about this subject and the cards look beautiful!
This sounds really nice interesting. I would love my own deck.
This would be lovely, I’d love my own deck
I would love to have my own deck.
It sound very intriguing. I’m a bit indifferent to this kind of thing, but the wife loves these. The artwork is amazing.
I think it sounds good! It sounds like a very interesting deck and different to lots of others!
sounds very interesting