- Oracle of the Phoenix
- Author Christine Arana Fader, Illustrated by Elena Dudina
- Published by Earth Dancer
- Internet price for Deck and Guidebook Box Set: UK £14.81/ US $
- UK Release Date: 24 April 2025
- US Release Date: February 4, 2025
- ISBN-10 888850248H
- ISBN-13 979-8888502488
- Reviewed by Jason C Dean
I knew nothing about this deck or the author before commencing this review. So, unwrapping the Oracle of the Phoenix by Christine Arana Fader was really a step into a new realm for me. Unlike Tarot decks, which all follow a similar format, oracle decks are not confined to any structure. So, I had to suspend my Tarot expectations on symbolic cues, etc, and examine Oracle of the Phoenix as an entirely new and original system of divination and self-transformation.
The Oracle of the Phoenix comes in a solid slip-on/off box with a Phoenix head on the front cover. On the inside of the lid is a statement: “Feel the fire of transformation. Change begins with you!”, which clearly indicates Arana’s intent when using this deck. In the box is the 128-page guidebook and the 44 cards of this oracle deck.
The art on these cards is absolutely stunning! Beautifully crafted depicting the Phoenix of all varieties from all cultures as the guidebook describes. I would not say the art is necessarily ‘psychedelic’; however, the colours are amazing and radiate from the cards!
They are as vibrant and iridescent as they are detailed. I laid them all out on the countertop in my kitchen, moving them around and trying out various combinations of the cards together. My pattern recognition couldn’t quite settle on sequences or suits, although some themes thread the cards together. There appears to be an even number of cards in colour groupings of red and orange, blues and purples, rainbow various, and whites and pinks. Although not explicitly expressed in the guidebook, the cards conformed (mostly) to the classical elements of fire, water, earth, and air. In fact, five of the cards are not of a Phoenix at all; four are Pegasus Joker cards that represent the four elements, and a Mastery card that shows four spirit guides of the divine feminine that seemed to represent the elements and the cardinal points as well. Throughout the deck, you will also find the inclusion of people used to illustrate the title of the cards along with a Phoenix.
The guidebook contains various types of spreads. Single cards of the day, week, month, and a four-card spread to assist with your change and transformation. Each card description includes a proverb-like passage in the beginning followed by “What the card means” in detail, then by an exercise. The exercises are all unique to each card; these felt like rituals to me. They followed various steps, affirmations, and prayers, and the use of oils to rub all over your body and fragrances to open your chakras. The card ‘Insight’ has an exercise that is designed to stimulate all of your senses, including cooking a yummy dish! Many of the exercises include the use of candles and come with safety warnings about taking care not to let things catch on fire.
As I read the guidebook and examined the cards, I could see many influences from various cultures and magical practices that have been infused into Oracle of the Phoenix. Arana, the author, is described as starting her spiritual journey 25 years ago. Judging by the references and practices, I feel that Arana has had quite an eclectic spiritual sojourn. These include numerology, meditation, Archangels, ritual magic, spellcraft, Hindu practices, prayer, affirmations, spirit guides, Norse, Arthurian, and other worshipful mythologies from the ancient world, etc. It is a pleasant synthesis of complementary spiritual methods. These syncretic references are well-merged into the transformational practices and described in easy-to-understand terms.
As I explored the cards, looking at their fantastic art and applying the imagery to the descriptive titles on each card, I felt that Oracle of the Phoenix was not too far removed from shadow work or the dark night of the soul, although these words are not mentioned. But there is a real and serious attempt here to assist those who are at their lowest ebb to rise up and live again. In that regard, this deck reminded me of the last half of Fool’s journey in the Major Arcana. The death and rebirth that occurs and the sequence through the celestial awakening that leads to a self-actualised being passing through a portal an awakened soul. I was so intrigued with this deck that I wondered how it would read if used with a Celtic Cross spread, so I did two self-readings.
I found that the cards spoke well to the positions, and the reading flowed and even had a message for me! So, after that experiment, I decided to see if I could do a chakra layout with the cards. In this case, I did not pull them from a shuffled deck; instead, I chose the cards that I felt best suited the chakras. Both of these experiments were worthwhile, and it impressed me that this deck has something to say and may indeed have a therapeutic purpose.
The guidebook also contains a lovely prayer to the ‘Divine source of all being’ with a message of love, freedom, and happiness. It also has a beautiful ‘Closing blessing’ from Arana, wishing all who hold these cards receive gifts of wisdom, insight, growth and joy on their path of transformation. I enjoyed my exploration with the Oracle of the Phoenix. It surprised me on many levels, and the illustrations by Elena Dudina are just gorgeous! The whole deck and book are thoughtfully constructed, easy to understand and fun to use. There is sincerity in this deck, as well as purpose and intent. I believe the Oracle of the Phoenix will be enjoyable and valuable for all those who feel called to the Oracle of the Phoenix.
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