You’re not seeing double - today’s review features a deck with two guidebooks. It’

You’re not seeing double - today’s review features a deck with two guidebooks. It’s the first time I have worked with a deck like this! The Seed and Sickle Oracle deck, created by Fez Inkwright and published by Liminal 11, is a plant-focused deck with two companion guides: the Dusk guidebook and the Dawn guidebook. Intrigued? Keep reading for more juicy details!Let’s start with some basics: this is a 55 card deck that centres on the cycle of sowing and harvest, exploring themes of productivity and rest. It is around these themes that the two guidebooks come into action: “each card carries two meanings; one for times when moving forward is important, and one to help cultivate your own wellbeing. Whether you are sowing seeds for your next big project or harvesting rewards for a period of rest, The Seed and Sickle will accompany you on this journey”. So, Dawn readings are good for projects, building new relationships, or focusing on revitalizing yourself - for periods of expansion and growth. On the other hand, Dusk readings are for when you’re looking for guidance on how to best take care of body and mind - that is, holistic readings. Both booklets have the same structure and number of pages (+150), starting with a foreword by Yoshi Yoshitani, followed by an introduction, a quick reading guide, the cards’ messages and meanings (classified by seasons), a how-to on reading the cards (including choosing between readings and an interesting take on reversals, which are optional), exclusive spreads, and a section on complementing the tarot. Some of the information is repeated in both, especially when it applies to the most general aspect of the deck. The differences start appearing in the quick reading guide, which features different keywords for each of the cards in each book. These differences become completely obvious in the actual messages of the cards. As for the spreads, while some of them are the same in both guidebooks, there are also differences: Dawn has solstices’ spreads, and Dusk has equinoxes’ spreads.Now, on to the cards!! They are beautifully crafted botanical illustrations, with a palette that leans on pastels and muted hues without forgetting some touches of vibrancy, and also featuring some cards that are darker. Overall, they feel quite soft, and almost quiet, though there are moments of movement (especially when animals appear). Though this is obviously an earthy deck, I thought it important to highlight that the artwork, colours, and other elements present in the illustrations beyond the actual plants give this deck a very airy quality. The cards are what we usually consider borderless as they do not have an outer frame, but they do have a very thin inner line acting as a border - sometimes the artwork goes over this line, adding more dynamism. Fez knows her plants (she’s also the author of Botanical Curses and Poisons), so this is also a lovely deck to dip your toes into herbalism and plant lore.The Seed & Sickle Oracle is a richly illustrated botanical deck, lovingly researched and honestly just beautiful. It doesn’t matter if you’re using it for one card pulls, in bigger spreads or combined with a tarot deck - it is stunning once and again. The feeling of the deck is one of stillness, of quietness, and of being in touch with that quiet part of nature that’s all around us - and also within ourselves. The two guidebooks offer two different ways of approaching this deck; and within each path it is balanced, so you won’t miss a well-rounded reading no matter how you choose to work with it. As always, the production quality at Liminal 11 is excellent, with great finishes and their wonderful sturdy, magnetic slipcase box. Dusk or Dawn, this is an excellent deck! -- source link

More pics about