- Author: Sherry Salman
- Artist: Alexandra Eldridge
- Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
- Publishing Date: July 2025
- RRP: US $24.95 / UK£21.99
- ISBN: 9781578638239
- Reviewed by: Clair T
Humans have always had a kinship with animals, haven’t they? Looking for signs or messages to appear from nature itself. This is the concept of The Oracle of Rewilding, that “we must consciously cultivate a visionary relationship with the world, a kinship with all things. We must, in a sense, ‘rewild’ ourselves for the preservation of all.”
I have to admit straight away that this is possibly the most in-depth oracle I have ever had the chance to look through and work with. It probably isn’t going to be for everyone, as there are many images of humans with animal heads, which might feel a little strange. However, some may be familiar with the Radiant Tarot which is also by Alexandra Eldridge.
The deck has 44 images that are Victorian photographs layered with colours, and surreal imagery and symbols. The cards are gilt-edged, which adds to the aesthetic, and are presented in a very sturdy 2-part box, with a full colour guide book. However, I found the cards to be a little thin, and over the space of a couple of weeks, they have developed a bend in them.
Nevertheless, what does this oracle have to offer in terms of its philosophy? If you aren’t familiar with Jung, you might not fully understand how Sherry Salman came to put the guidebook together to describe the cards. Salman talks about everything from shapeshifting and myths, to Christianity (the story of Noah’s Ark) and legends of Ireland, Scotland and Norway. On page 5 of the guidebook, Salman says:
Shapeshifting in all its forms reveals the possible realities in what already exists. We humans can be fiery and watery at the same time, strong as lions and poisonous as snakes…stalkers, lovers, fighters, healers, perspicacious as the birds, modestly enlightened and poly-morphously perverse. The psyche is always shifting shape, and if it is true that change is the only constant in this world then this world is a shapeshifter too.
As you can appreciate, Sherry is very passionate about what this means to her.
Every card has a one-word title, which can be used intuitively to some degree, yet when you look at its meaning, you get a selection of words – a quote or poem – a deep dive into the image, and then a message when this card appears. I have had to, at points, keep a dictionary nearby, as there are many words used that I am unfamiliar with.
There are 2 spreads suggested at the beginning of the guide in a chapter called – How to Use This Deck. There is no right or wrong way, as the intention is just to be with the cards, to look at them, place them on an altar, or journal about them. The possibilities are many.
Now for how they come across when reading for others or myself. I had decided to offer a few people the chance of a 3-card read: you in the present / past influences / where things are going. Overall, it seems like these cards offer an aspect of the psyche that runs quite deep – a truth-telling deck that helps you acknowledge some part of you that makes you uniquely you. For instance, my own ‘stalker’ card, one that keeps coming out time and time again, is Trust. This depicts 2 beautifully dressed creatures, one a hare and the other a fox.
If you’re a fox, play the hare.
If you’re a hare, play the fox.
This quote is in the opening to this card. I think it resonates about trusting that everything is as it should be, but to be open to what makes us vulnerable, as we could be tricked at any moment. Sometimes what we thought we knew might shape-shift and change around us. So, what am I trusting in when things aren’t what they seem to be? Can you see how it can send you into a spiral of questioning?
Having reviewed many decks for TABI, the Oracle of Rewilding is one I feel that I really need to spend more time with. I love it when something comes along that you can appreciate in the moment, but need to study further, in my case, by making notes and keeping a record of how much understanding and intuition come through when using the cards as they were intended. You may find that you want to pick up this deck and devour it all in one go. However, in my opinion, it is more of a “sit back and contemplate what you are seeing and reading” experience. It isn’t that you can’t have fun with it, because there is a playful element in there, my advice is, just don’t overthink it!
As a final note, it is good value for money. As far as oracles go, you are receiving an elaborate yet playful creation to work with. Wouldn’t it be boring if we all liked the same thing because we were afraid to try something new? I will leave you with my closing thought that perhaps it is what we are not yet familiar with that stops us from wanting to explore. We are after all creatures of comfort and habit.
About the Creators:
Alexandra Eldridge is a cofounder of Golgonooza, a center for the arts based on the philosophies of William Blake. She has more than forty solo shows to her name, and has participated in many group exhibitions worldwide. She has contributed to many collections, including those of William Hurt, Steve Buscemi, and Edie Falco. Follow her on Instagram @alexandraeldridge8.
Sherry Salman, PhD, LP, is a Jungian analyst, teacher, and author. She is also a founding member and was first president of the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association, where she now serves on the faculty. Having worked as an associate editor for three professional journals, Salman has also published in numerous journals, and the popular press. Her latest book, Dreams of Totality, is about symbols and imagination in postmodern life. Salman lives in the Hudson River Valley of New York.
To purchase this deck, please visit: https://redwheelweiser.com/book/the-oracle-of-rewilding-9781578638239/
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