What can I say that has not already been said about the Magickal Botanical Oracle: Plants From the Witch’s Garden, written by Chirstopher Penczak and illustrated by Maxine Miller? Published by Lo Scarabeo in 2022, this oracle is my daily go-to for self reflection, inspiration and personal growth. The illustrations are extraordinary, loaded with meaningful details that perfectly reflect each card’s stated attributes by the author. The mandrake, featured on the cover of the box as well as the guide, is a prime example of this detail. Combined with the rest of the graphics for the cover art, it looks like something straight out of an old book of shadows.
The pages of the guide are likewise filled with detail, taking time to explain the magickal and spiritual medicine context of each plant from the witch’s garden as well as its upright and reversed divination meanings. Beyond providing definitions for the cards, Penczak also includes 50 pages of guidance for how to use them, making this deck ideal for beginners as well. This includes not one, not two, but TEN spreads. He also shares guidance for creating informal and formal reading rituals, how to use the cards in meditation, for affirmations and for spells (incorporating spreads for healing, love, protection and prosperity). The introduction also takes time to explore the planetary and elemental correspondences, including easy-to-read charts.
The cards themselves feature artwork that is so intricately devised that I am still finding details I’ve missed after nearly three years of daily use. While the card stock is the color of papyrus, removing the art from the realm of black and white, Millar otherwise uses color as an accent to their illustrations, which are something akin to plant-filigree. Every image could be considered complete without color, such is the level of artistry, but the addition of color to certain images draws the eyes to the core elements of those cards, a bold and intentional choice.
I had never worked with any tarot or oracle cards before purchasing this deck in 2022 and, now having explored countless decks since, I can honestly say that I have yet to meet its equal. This is, of course, purely subjective, but these cards resonate with me like no other, its comprehensive guide providing the guidance necessary to effectively introduce a novice to the practice, while instilling a deep appreciation for the medium as both a self-improvement aid as well as an art form.
As I continue to explore the realm of tarot, it is my hope to eventually have an opportunity to interview the Magickal Bontanical Oracle’s creators to learn more about the deck’s conception and potential followups. In the meantime, I have plans to feature the deck on my Youtube in the months ahead, but first – I’d love to know about your experience with this oracle, so let me know in a comment below!
Unveiled Oracle 
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