- Lady Stirling’s Wicked Garden Oracle Deck
- Authors: Hope Hughes and Norris Eppes
- Artist: Matt Hughes
- Published by: US Games Systems, August 2025
- RRP: US $36.95 / GB £42.00
- ISBN: 978-1-64671-249-5
- Reviewed by: Mary du Plessis
I’m fascinated with deadly plants, so it’s probably a good thing I don’t have a garden. That said, I was thrilled to indulge my curiosity with divination by delving into the world (and garden) of Lady Stirling. Delve isn’t the right word. As I unpacked the set, I realized that Lady Stirling’s Wicked Garden Oracle is not just a deck, it’s an immersive story experience. At its heart, this set invites you into the secrets of Muriel Stirling’s haunted garden, where botanical spirits, ghosts, and hidden lore collide in a lush, gothic world. It’s part oracle system, part dark fairy tale.
Visually, the deck is stunning. The 32 cards are printed on linen card stock, with indigo-painted edges and rich gold-foil accents that elevate every image. The cigar type box itself has a magnetic closure and even includes a little skeletal key, a surprising touch that reinforces the garden as a secret, locked-away world.
One of the most distinctive aspects of this deck is its storytelling. Alongside the cards comes an 80-page, full-color, hardcover novelette that tells the story of Muriel Stirling and the garden she discovered. The guidebook is structured like a journal, called the “Garden Journal of Muriel Stirling.” Each card is divided into three sections: “Entry Found,” “Examination,” and “Her Reflections.” This layered approach makes the deck feel like you’re uncovering Muriel’s own secret observations.
Through the garden spirits, which represent plants like belladonna or angel’s trumpet and other entities, the deck explores themes of nature, transformation, shadow, and healing. It’s not a “pull a card and get an answer” kind of oracle. Each card calls for reflection, journaling, and intuitive listening to gain the most benefit. The “Her Reflections” section, for example, poses thoughtful questions more than giving prescriptive advice. This deck leans into self-exploration and the darker corners of the psyche.
Because of its narrative-heavy format, the Wicked Garden Oracle takes a significant level of commitment, but for those who enjoy journaling, shadow work, or tarot/oracle decks with depth, this is a useful tool.
Readings with this deck can feel like conversations. Drawing a card isn’t just a divination moment; it’s entering a scene from Muriel’s garden. Reading the novelette and guidebook before diving into regular draws enhances the diviner’s overall experience.
Artistically, the cards are moody and elegant. Many of the garden spirits are hauntingly beautiful rather than cute or whimsical and there’s a balance of darkness and hope. Balanis, for example, depicts decaying imagery, grief-laden aura, and emotional depth. With this oracle you aren’t just interpreting symbols, you’re relating to characters.
The packaging is a highlight: it feels like a collector’s set, not just a typical oracle deck. I was delighted by the magnetic box, the key, the hardcover storybook, and the journal-style guidebook, all well worth the retail price. That said, I found the card stock to be a bit thin, and the entire set has a strong chemical odour. I hope this will disappear over time.
I’m on the fence as to whether the oracle aspect is overshadowed by the story. If you’re looking for a deck that gives you very clear, actionable messages, this might feel too literary. Also, the guidebook’s images don’t match the card art. I’m not sure if I’d prefer the card art to be the same as the guidebook, but that might take away from the story aspect.
Overall, Lady Stirling’s Wicked Garden Oracle is a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich deck that blends narrative and reflection in a way few oracles do. It’s ideal for those who love gothic or botanical aesthetics, for tarot/oracle practitioners who enjoy world-building, and for anyone who wants to do deep, introspective work. While it may not give you quick or direct answers, it offers something more meaningful: an invitation into how a haunted garden can bring about personal transformation.
I will leave you with my sample reading:
Two Card Reading: The first card is the energy coming in. The second card shows the challenge or benefit gained from the first card. Here are my results:
- Fairy Flax – asks me to examine what transformations are unfolding, and how I can align myself with the natural flow of these changes.
- Angel’s Trumpet – this card addresses risk from different angles. How can I approach potentially risky situations with mindfulness and allow them to contribute to my personal growth?
I found the timing to be apt. As I write this, I’m counting down the days until I’m scheduled for a major surgery. I’m naturally risk averse, but a successful outcome will literally transform my life. In this instance, facing my fears and doing the scary part is my only real choice.
Such is the way when one works with medicinal, but also potentially dangerous plants, right?
Additional Packaging Information
System: 32 oracle cards, hardcover story book and illustrated guidebook
Card stock: Mass market, thin and fragile, with indigo painted edges and gold foil accents
Packaging/guidebook: Sturdy, cigar-box with gold foil accents. The accompanying storybook is engaging, and the guide is comprehensive and includes information not only information on deadly plants, but a backstory that gives insight into the inner workings of this oracle system.
Also by the same artist: Ethereal Visions: Illuminated Tarot Deck, Dreamscape Oracle, Ethereal Visions Tarot: Luna Edition, Gjallarhorn: A Norse Oracle Deck, Mother Mort’s Carnival 1897 Oracle Deck
To purchase this deck, please visit:
https://www.usgamesinc.com/lady-stirling-wicked-garden-oracle
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