The Flowerwise Oracle: Review

The Flowerwise Oracle: Review

Created
Jul 16, 2024 04:57 PM
Tags
Review
Originally Published:
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Welcome, fellow seekers of wisdom and beauty! Well that’s what we are, aren’t we? I’ve been sent a brand new oracle deck to play with so today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of the Flowerwise Oracle deck—a blooming marvel in the realm of oracle cards.
As regular readers will know, I am pretty much focused on traditional tarot decks but I do have a couple of oracle decks that I bought (or was gifted) for their sheer gorgeousness. And the Flowerwise Oracle is pretty gorgeous.
Full disclosure, although the deck was sent to me, I have no affiliation with the creators or publishers and no financial transaction has taken place. I’m doing it for love

The Flowerwise Oracle Creators

The creators are Leigh Podgorski (writer) and the illustrator is Kait Matthews. Here are their (short-version) bios:
“Leigh Podgorski is a playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. Western Song, her latest novel, won Bronze in the Reader’s Favorite Awards and is being adapted presently for a film.“Kait Matthews was born in Toronto, Canada, and is of Ojibwe/Potowatomi heritage. After graduating from the Laguna College of Art and Design, Kait moved to northern San Diego County, where she opened and ran a successful and beloved art gallery for almost five years. The gallery was dedicated to supporting local artists and offered a variety of art classes, entertainment events, and art shows.  Kait currently works as a professional freelance artist and illustrator.  She lives in Vista, California, with her partner and furry four-legged children.”
The deck is published by Red Feather.
Video preview
Video editing: My Deerest Divine
Music by Kevin McLeod.
Paint-covered hands: Mine

The Deck

There are 44 cards and a small, yet mighty guidebook included in the sturdy brown box. The box is sufficiently strong to hold the cards and book while carrying them around should that be important to you.
The cardstock is also of good quality although I’m finding the cards a little stiff to shuffle (I use the casino-style shuffle) but I think they will flex better with use. They are matt so none of that stickiness you get with some of the shiny decks.
A selection of cards from the Flowerwise Oracle. Photo by author.
A selection of cards from the Flowerwise Oracle. Photo by author.
The Flowerwise Oracle Cards
Each card is illustrated by a woman wearing or surrounded by ‘her’ flower. It displays a phrase to advise, warn, or encourage. For example, Angelica says, “Face the unknown. Trust Your heart”.
On the bottom left of each card is a sun or a raindrop. And the base of the cards are either yellow or purple. This is to give a quick yes (the sun) or no (the raindrop) to any question requiring an immediate response. Angelica’s yes/no answer is a yes.
The illustrations are beautiful and somewhat abstract. My daughter immediately picked out her favourite – Blue Columbine. I don’t have any particular favourite – they are all glamorous and beautiful.
Card backs. Photo by author.
Card backs. Photo by author.
The card backs are stunning. So much nicer than a plain back. I can see Michaelmas daisies, apple blossom, lilies, fuchsias, and pansies.

The Guidebook

The 205 page book begins with a dedication to a friend of the creators. I mention it because his name was Michael Wise and I wonder if the Flowerwise Oracle was named that because of him. If so, it’s a lovely tribute.
Then there are detailed professional bios of the creators, a preface and an introduction, “How to Use This Deck”. Always helpful.
They advise perhaps a card-a-day, or a three-card reading, or one card to answer a question. In any case there are various ways to use an oracle deck and it’s up to the seeker to decide on the right method to address what’s uppermost in their mind. One of the main suggestions is to use a card, either chosen or drawn randomly, for meditation.
There follows a brief list of the flowers in the deck and their one or two word meaning.
Angelica from the Flowerwise Oracle. Photo by author.
Angelica from the Flowerwise Oracle. Photo by author.
On page 15, we get to the main part. The flowers are in alphabetical order and each has a small illustration and sections on: history, habitat, mythology, uses, and ‘the flower speaks’… a paragraph that speaks directly to the seeker. Upbeat, informal and uplifting. There’s no Ten of Swords energy here.
At the back of the book are listed the sources of the information presented.
The book itself is softback and refuses to lay flat but I don’t suppose that matters to anyone looking up the meaning. It matters to me as I’m trying to type while looking at it.

Sample Reading

Rather than ask a question, I decided to simply pull a card to see if it had meaning for me: Rose.
A woman looking off to her left with a proper old-fashioned rose in her hair.
The sun is at the bottom so yes if a closed question had been asked.
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Message: “Is it time to make amends? Peace can be found in forgiveness.” I’m thinking hard here.
Turning to the guidebook… The Flower Speaks, “I am eternal love and the resounding metaphor for life. My stem is studded with thorns, each representing an obstacle that must be overcome.
What do you seek? Our world  is troubled, filling many with anxiety and depression. Do not despair. Your true nature holds inner balance and harmony.
With my healing energy, seek unity of self. Be brave. Be strong. Believe in the power of you. How can you create your life to live in love and harmony? What steps would you take? Do you have unfinished business? An apology that needs to be made? Fences that need mending? A heart that needs soothing?
Seek joy in all things, and joy will come to you. Be one within and without as you continue your marvelous everlasting journey.”
Food for thought. My big issue of the day is that my beloved Labrador, Chloe, is at the vets for surgery. I wondered if the cards would pick that up. My heart definitely needs soothing, that’s for sure.
Oh, and the cards shuffled fine after giving them a good workout.
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Card and guidebook. Photo by author.

Conclusion

For those who are keen on oracle decks, this would be a lovely addition to their collection. It’s pretty, straightforward, and beginner-friendly. The cards and their protective box are sturdy and well-designed. It’s a nice little package of gentle loveliness and would make a perfect gift for anyone although I think it is aimed mainly at women, given the illustrations and overall tone.
You can purchase direct from Red Feather   or any retail outlet that sells tarot and oracle decks. US: The Flowerwise Oracle
(Amazon links but no commission earned).
 

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