Deck Review: Ask the Feline Sages
- Author: Tess Whitehurst
- Artist: Ana Novaes
- Publisher: Blue Angel Publishing (distributed by Llewellyn Worldwide in North America)
- Publication Date: August 2026
- RRP: US $28.95 / UK £19.96
- ISBN: 978-0-7387-8475-5
- Reviewed by: Amy Bowker
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with an oracle deck solely devoted to sage wisdom from cats. Not that cats don’t have sage wisdom (they do; some probably more than I do), but I wondered how that could translate into a deck of inspirational cards that didn’t just rely on an obvious cute factor. I needn’t have wondered. Deck creator Tess Whitehurst and artist Ana Novaes have distilled feline wisdom into a nice 44-card deck that transcends what you think you know about our wise and furry companions.
The Feline Sages Guidebook
The Feline Sages deck is packaged in a beautifully illustrated box that folds open from the right. Inside, you’ll also find a detailed guidebook that offers meanings for each of the cards, as well as a 3-card, 4-card, and 9-card spread. There’s also a section on how to prepare your deck for use that encourages you to invoke the spiritual assistance of the cat or cats in your life. What touched me here is that they included calling on felines “on the other side” to aid your reading, which was a sweet reminder of the unbreakable bond we create with our cat companions. This section then included a specific intention to read aloud before working with the cards. I found the entire suggested ritual thoughtful and helpful.
Each card is numbered and includes a printed keyword and a sage feline to call upon for guidance. For instance, card 25 has a keyword meaning of Rest, with guidance offered from a Maine Coon, and shows a gorgeous gray cat with piercing eyes and a woman lounging peacefully in the background. The Maine Coon, we are told in the guidebook, is a particularly laid-back cat who tends to nap more than average. Other card keywords and feline guides include Self-Image and the self-acceptance of the green-eyed, striped Toyger cat; and Happiness with a loyal fluffy white Manx cat who knows how to live in the moment with gratitude.
The cards span a wide range of keyword meanings, from Patience and Strength to some unusual offerings such as Intelligence, Cultivation, and Depth. The Feline sages are well-paired with the keywords, and the guidebook begins each card discussion with a thorough one-paragraph summary before delving into more specifics. This made the deck easy to learn, and I was able to do my first reading pretty quickly.
The Art of the Feline Sages
The cat illustrations are beautiful, of course, but it’s the specificity of each feline’s individual expression that makes these cards truly unique. You won’t find any generically cute cats in this deck. The eyes are especially illuminating, from the gorgeous blue of the Siamese on Security, to the blue and gold eyes of the Aphrodite Giant on Strength. Each card also includes a notable human figure, usually interacting with the cat, and interesting symbolism. For instance, the untethered figure floating through the atmosphere in the background of the Life Force card (associated with the Peterbald breed), works wonderfully with the card’s message to get out of your comfort zone.
The color scheme of the deck is simply striking with deep greens and blues set against cards that are outlined in pink. The card backs are a beautiful turquoise with a woman holding a cat in black silhouette while gold stars dance around them.
Bonus Points for a Cat Card
The entire deck qualifies. Bonus points galore for this deck!
This Deck Will Appeal to:
This is an easy one. If you like cats, you’ll love this deck. The illustrations are gorgeous, the advice is inspired, and the idea of calling on cat spirits to guide you forward is comforting.
This Deck Might Not Appeal to:
If you don’t connect with cats, you’re probably not even reading this review. Enough said!
Feline Sages in Practice:
I chose the 3-card past-present-future spread from the guidebook. I wasn’t sure how accurate the cards were going to be, as I was going through a particularly difficult challenge in my personal life. So, I was stunned when the reading actually acknowledged the loss I was working through (Solace, wisdom from the Turkish Angora), then offered me advice on how to deal with it presently (Rest, wisdom from the Maine Coon), and even managed to predict a specific tarot opportunity that arrived in the near future and helped me move forward (Psychic Insight, wisdom from the Russian White).
More About the Author and Artist:
Tess Whitehurst is an award-nominated author of numerous books and decks. Her other decks include the Esoteric Astrology Oracle, the Zodiac Oracle, the Wild Witch Oracle, and The Tarot of Secrets, her first tarot deck and a collaboration with artist Ana Novaes.
Ana Novaes is an accomplished Brazilian artist whose other decks include Soul Mirror Oracle, Nova Witch Tarot, Feminine Myths Oracle, The Tarot of Secrets (with Tess Whitehurst), and Soul Reflections Tarot.
Tess Whitehurst and Ana Novaes are also the author and artist of the Ask the Canine Sages oracle deck.
Ask the Feline Sages deck is available from: Blue Angel Online, llewellyn.com, and from all good online bookstores.
