- Maxine Gadd’s Zoologica – The Steampunk Oracle
- Author Leela J Williams. Artist Maxine Gadd
- Published 2024, by Blue Angel
- Retail price – Around £15 GBP
- ISBN 978-1-922573971
- Review by Juli
I have to start by saying that I tend to buy tarot decks far more than I do Oracles. I love colourful, eye-catching cards too so I was intrigued to receive something different to review. The cover design of Zoologica is typically steampunk and shows a meerkat in a top hat, he is portrayed within a brass porthole and there are a few metal cogs surrounding it just in case we are in any doubt of the deck’s theme. If someone asked me whether I would pick the box up if it was on a shelf I have to say no, the vintage colour tones wouldn’t entice me further. On a positive note though, the square box has a lift up lid, this is a huge plus for me as I hate tab top ones.
Leela J Williams is a successful author who lives in Brisbane Australia. She has a great interest in all things spiritual and has become a well-known voice in the psychic field. A brief look at some of her achievements tells me that Zoologica likely won’t be her last creation.
The decks illustrator, Maxine Gadd, is known for her fairy artwork and many of her designs have been reproduced as cross stitch projects, this deck has obviously been created by experienced hands, so, I’m keen to look at it in greater detail.
On lifting the box lid my eyes fall on some vintage paper covering a neat little book, describing each card in detail. Everything is written in a way that’s welcoming and easy to understand. I think anyone could use this Oracle instantly as there are no hard and fast rules when using it.
There are 30 round cards for me to look at and each depicts an animal, some of them are native to Australia, a testament to the deck’s origins. I have taken photographs of the ones that appeal to me but all of them have a vibe that seems to represent the shadow side of life. Each card shows a stark reality of what is or might be and it pulls no punches, the message is clear and there’s no hiding from this deck’s insights.
The card stock is thick and great quality though because of this and their round shape they might be difficult to shuffle. The edges of the deck are coloured in vintage brown with a slight shimmer and the backs are decorated in a circular pattern that seems to draw you into the centre of them. I think this is a quality deck and good value for its retail price.
When the deck arrived I had been cleaning the path leading to my front door, as usual I was surrounded by woodlice who love to make their home in any crack or crevice they can fit into. I admit, they annoy me and I’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to discourage them from coming into my house.
Later I decided to pick a card for myself to see what insights Zoologica might give me! It was of course the Isopod which is simply another name for my unwanted visitors. I stared at it wondering if this new sighting was an indication that my battle would never be won.
The booklet text seems very relevant here as it mentions the desire to find cover because of overwhelming feelings about a heaviness above”, the card certainly seems to reflect the feelings of those who reside on my pathway. Reading further on and I dwell on these words “ This strange deep place is home to mysterious deep creatures” I can’t help but feel quite uncomfortable. It seems these cards embrace a part of life that we pay no attention to normally.
I’ve never considered that woodlice are intelligent or possess knowledge and wisdom,to me they have always been small and irritating objects. I feel challenged to think differently and I start to wonder about the potential of Zoologica.
If you want a regular oracle reading then there are hundreds of suitable decks out there for you.
This deck is for those who are curious to find knowledge in the most unlikely areas and about the most unlikely things, it gives insight into the sidelines of life that are often ignored.The single image on each card gets straight to the point with an unwavering message and as you reach for the guidebook you might have an ominous feeling.
Would I buy Zoologica if I saw it for sale? Well no, probably not, but in some strange way I’m kind of pleased I have it!
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