The Faeries Oracle Hardcover – 19 Nov. 2001

Probably the most EXCITING Deck, and the Deck you will have most fun with this - being the earlier one from Brian Froud - this time being coupled with Jessica Macbeth. I've only recently purchased their last: `The Heart Of Faerie' and I was SO thrilled with that one (see my Review for that title) one could not in all reality expect to top it, but it was that Set that caused me to seek out this one, and I have to say, that these two Sets could be all you will ever need if you happen to purchase them BEFORE any other Set/Deck from the hundreds available out there! I have many, both Tarot and Oracle, but they have really become my best/favourites in such a short time!This Set is better than `The Heart Of Faerie' and `The Heart Of' is much better than this - in different ways of course. Let me begin with this one and the term `excitement';This is the Deck you will find most exciting of the two - especially if you follow Jessica's very clear instructions in the very beginning of the book and DO NOT cheat and jump ahead to the Card Meanings - you'll be spoiling it for no-one else but yourself if you do this, and there'll be no going back - and so you've been warned!!At the beginning, she gives you a few exercises/lessons to do with the Cards, and if you follow these (picking your favourite and least favourite Cards) you will be simply ASTOUNDED at what you will learn! After answering all the questions - and without looking for any help from the book, this part really blew me away... Never have I been so taken with anything this way before! There are also one or two other lessons/exercises, whereby you can sing or even dance with the Faeries!! Now, this is not as silly as it may sound; I'm not ashamed to say that I tried the former (have not attempted the dancing yet) and again; I was astounded at the melody that seem to come from no-where...! (I recorded it!) Again; it simply blew me away and opened my eyes to whole new possibilities...In this area of course, this Set will far surpass `The Heart Of Faerie' for many (I think!?) but a not-so-good thing with this one for me, was the inclusion of a `plain' Card whereby you are instructed to design it yourself. Now; whilst this may be fun and interesting - and even a `challenge' - with this I had problems... I enjoyed the three `Surprise' Cards included in `The Heart Of Faerie' Deck - they were just nameless, but one could at least gain meanings from the nameless images of course.Also; neither the numbers of these Cards, or names on them are very clear to read... Beautiful script I might add, but ironically because of it, not very decipherable, and so you find yourself having to pick them up to scrutinise the names and numbers until you get used to them - for me this was somewhat of a `downside'... The numbers and names on the Cards for `The Heart Of Faerie' Set were crystal clear and one could read them without even picking them up. Very elaborate and beautiful script is attractive, and is often used on the covers of modern books these days (novels in particular) and this also at times is very undecipherable for the same reason...Also; I did not find some of these Cards/images quite as `potent' shall we say, (but that's just me of course - and we're all different) and did not speak to me quite with the same boldness and `friendliness' shall we say than those from `The Heart Of Faerie' and so you've probably guessed by now which is my favourite Deck! ; - ) However; I LOVE this Set too - but just in a slightly different way. The Readings are still as every bit as accurate and just as good in every other way.The book is twice as thick by the way as `Heart Of Faerie' (having the inclusion of all those lessons!) - the same usual quality, and the Cards are simply beautiful....To finish as I started; you won't find any Decks better than either of these two by Brain Froud - believe me!WONDERFUL!!

I have owned this deck before and the time of first purchasing it I was in a very abusive relationship with a narcissist. He would not allow me to have the cards and intimidated by them and the thought of my empowering myself and becoming enlightened to the truth of my situation. He threw out my lovely deck before I had the chance to really bond with them. I came across the deck again by accident as I couldn't remember what it was called and I can say that I am truly touched to have the pleasure of finally being reunited with my very own faery oracle deck.This is a deck that is not going to be for everyone. Certainly the images on the cards I see have been described as creepy, ugly and non traditional fairies. Personally I find the images to be more of a truer interpretation of what other worldly beings might look like. We usually depict fairies as having beautiful hair and bodies etc but there is a shallowness in our assumptions. There are a few traditional type fairy folk in the deck and others are tree creatures then there are elemental type fairies with slender bodies and small ears and quirky faces. There are some creepy ones but isn't that exciting and isn't life a mixture of light and dark or is it always roses?These cards speak to your inner self and about what you really need to know. Funnily enough when I was in that abusive relationship and I did a reading with the cards I pulled out my least favourite creepy looking card depicting a green menacing faery looking like he was in waiting for his next meal. But guess what. That was pretty much what I was experiencing in real life and these imaginative beings were trying to get me to pay attention. I would urge anyone buying this deck to pay attention also and drop their preconceived ideas about what beauty is. These cards are breathtakingly magical and not predictable. If you want predictable maybe buy a Doreen Virtue deck and you'll receive many 'beautiful images' of angels and fairies with their hair blowing in the wind and their picture perfect faces.Lets get real though and lets get diverse. Please don't discriminate against this deck because you have realised that beauty lies within. Give the images a chance and you will be transported on such an inner journey.The cardstock for this deck is slightly thin but much better and bigger than the one I had previously owned but there was no way I was going to mark the deck down for it because it's not been an issue for me personally and I'm sure there are ways of protecting/strengthening the cards, although I don't think they're as bad as some are making them out. They are stronger than they look. The book was very detailed and it's pages great quality. If you like to escape life's provincialities then buy this deck and you won't be disappointed. I think I have found my favourite oracle to treasure for a long time.

I love Frouds work, and being a child of the 70's remember being captivated by the dark crystal and then the labyrinth. Later in early adulthood I was gifted his (one in conjunction with Alan Lee) books as I have always walked close with faeries. I fully related to his words and beautiful but less flowery faery and more realistic artwork. About 5 years ago I saw there was an oracle of the same ilk and it went straight on my wishlist...I have treasured it and since given all my other card decks away, as this is the only one I use. I find it really helps me be honest with myself, and has offered a lot of wisdoms and insight over the past half a decade!The pack contains a little hard back book that also contains all the illustarations in a very nice sepia style, with a card by card guide and instructions on how to use the deck...although of course all oracles are entirely open to your own interpretation, this is a very nicely written and easy to read, giving brief starter readings and a more detailed interpretations. The card deck is divided into 4 broad categories...the singers of the realm, faery guides and guardians, the help line troupe, and the faery challengers. Its not always what you want to hear, but always has a constructive advice for positive action, and sound advice in general.If you love Frouds impish pixies, gnomes and faery interpretations then all other decks will pale in comparison...its just so honest and down to earth...so of course i highly recommend it!! Enjoy!!