The Halloween Oracle: Lifting the Veil between the Worlds Every Night

This is my second oracle card purchase, and my first deck by Stacey Demarco. I did get a chance to see a little preview of these cards, and heard a few positive reviews from respected and experienced readers on YouTube before I decided to order them. I was not disappointed in the least. The deck is darker (in design and color, but not necessarily with their messages). But the colors in them are vibrant, and the artwork is pleasing to the eyes. I like them so much that I wish she had provided more than 36 of them! I am, and always have been, a huge fan of Halloween and anything to do with autumnal imagery, so this deck evokes many fond memories and feelings going back to my childhood celebrating the season. But this is also a serious divination tool. It goes further than just the modern pop-culture images of today, and Ms. Demarco has done a fabulous job of detailing the history behind the holiday. I know there has been a criticism of her choice to do that, right here in the reviews, and a complaint about how she "goes on and on about the wicca stuff way too much, without much focus on the meanings of the cards." ( I am quite certain I am paraphrasing here, but one can get the drift). She's not just droning on about something irrelevant for no reason. In order to understand much of the symbolism and the intent of the deck, one should understand the history and cultural significance behind her artistic choices. As a side note on that, Samhain, the old Celtic holy day, is celebrated by more than a few pagan traditions, not just Wicca. There is also a card referencing Dia De Los Muertes, a Mexican celebration of Death. I found that most of the explanations of the meanings behind the cards to be adequate, and the few that seem sparse are not a big deal to me. I figure that I can explore those cards on my own and dig up some research on the symbolism and stories behind them, as well as intuitively discern my own meanings. Any gracious oracle creator would not mind this, IMO. After all, here interpretations are just that, her own. The simple spreads offered in the booklet seem great for beginners, and the "jack-o'-lantern" spread is a fun offering that would delight both reader and client during the Halloween/Samhain season. This deck also would lend itself beautifully to shadow work as well, with many cards holding messages pertaining to inner growth and perspectives. Lastly, there is the issue of "too many skulls" represented in this deck. Well, first, the author makes it very clear that Samhain/Halloween, etc. is about DEATH, and while there are many images and symbols used around the world to convey that idea, you have to admit that the skeleton and skull are both quintessentially equated with death. That being said, I don't believe that the skull is "too repetitive" in this deck, because one of the themes being explored here is that death is transformative as well as transient, a doorway to another beginning. Maybe some find skulls to be morbid, but I do not. A matter of taste, I guess. Overall, I find this work to be well thought out, and the art professionally done. The cardstock is of good quality, the cards are a bit on the glossy side but I like them that way. I love how the box itself is sturdy and a pleasure to look at. It is a great box for storage if you don't plan to put it in a bag of its own. The only complaint I have is that the book is a bit thin, and I wish she could have added a few more cards, exploring a bit more with modern imagery and delving into the roots of that. I will definitely be using these cards a lot, and not just on Halloween.

I was a bit concerned about the one review that said it had a lot of skulls thinking that it might not have much variety and was so happy when that was not the case... this is NOT a cheap / boring deck for quality! Oh my gosh, this Halloween deck is absolutely stunning.First off, just getting the small reference book that comes with the set it worth the purchase price alone - it was a delightful one-two hour read in to the symbols and imagery associated with Halloween and where different traditions came from. It also has a simple dedication ceremony and two card spreads with explanations for beginners in it. The oracle cards have a semi-gloss finish and are fairly durable to hold. Every card is detailed and fun to look at, has a title of what the image is of, and has a "cheat sheet" type of short phrase at the bottom of to remind you of what the object or character on it is supposed to represent. The backs of the cards are black with gray symbols such as jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and bats. I'm currently using my deck at Halloween parties for entertainment and guests have absolutely been drawn to them. Both adults and children enjoy the highly detailed pictures and appreciate the story telling / facts that the cards enable you to pull in while reading.The kids don't seem to mind the content and I have not had any complaints from more religious guests as, unlike tarot, this deck is purely related to Halloween and does not have a Devil card in it which might offend them.Overall this deck is well worth the money and would hopefully be expanded in to a full complementary tarot deck with other creatures such as a swamp monster, banshee, bat, coffin, etc. I'm sure it's going to be one of my new favorite Halloween traditions to enjoy and feel strongly that anyone else who loves the holiday will thoroughly enjoy this set!

These are beautiful cards and they came in great condition. I’ve used them a few times and they’ve held up good

I had this deck on my wish list for some time before I finally broke down and purchased it. I have to be really drawn to the art, which I was. Although this is called the Halloween Oracle, the box also says "lifting the veil between worlds every night". There are 36 cards in this deck. Only 4 of them even look like Halloween to me. Which I love! I love the variety of the 8 skull cards. Not too many not too few. The other 24 cards are just very beautiful and are very "witchy" , which I also love. The Witch card has the stereotypical green witch, which I don't like as a practicing witch, but at least she is pretty and not an old hag. The cards have this wonderful smooth matte feel to them and are a great size. I have other Halloween/Samhain themed decks that I really only use in October. I feel like this one could really be used any time of the year. I highly recommend. It's a great addition to my collection. (It's nice to have a variety to match my moods.)

For Starters- i have 10+ Oracle and Tarot Decks. so this deck exceeded my expectations by a milestone and is great using for Halloween time.CARD STOCK- the card stock is great. thick, durable for rough shufflers and the print doesnt effect how you grab them.THE ART- so the art is just gorgeous, i couldnt ask for anything more. the meanings behind the cards you choose are easy to remember and theres clarifications under the title of each card which is awesome.Its a great beginner deck in Oracle. i love how to the point everything is. and meaningful everything is.10/10 would reccomend for yourself and as gifts for the Holiday season <3