- The Golden Keys of Gaia by Vanessa Tait, artwork by Hannah Adamaszek.
- Published by Blue Angel
- $25 AUS (available now) | £20 GBP (Released 24 October 2024)
- ISBN 978-1-922574-01-5
- Country of origin: Australia
- Review by Twisted.Wicked
This collaboration between Vanessa Tait and Hannah Adamaszek, brings together a beautiful vision of Gaia through modern artistic talents and creation, into detailed yet minimalistic designs. Each card really does demonstrate beautiful art work accompanied by a key message and brief guidance from Gaia, you are welcome to refer to the guide book for more detailed wisdom and an invitation on how to implement this into your journey of connection and self-acceptance.
Vanessa has a background in psychology, counselling and a range of holistic therapies. As well as a certified yoga teacher, she is a life coach, empowering others to create and find balance in all aspects of their lives, this is very much represented within this deck and guidebook. Vanessa is a published author and currently an editor for ‘Witches’ magazine, this is however Vanessas first deck and you can really feel how much love, energy and passion has gone into this. Vanessa describes this deck as ‘her life’s work’, ‘a reflection of her personal journey of growth and self-discovery’ and her ‘connection to mother earth’.
Hannah’s artwork is very tranquil and is described by Blue Angel as transporting viewers to a place where negativity is left in dust. Her artwork is well established as celebrating the feminine and empowering to women, which is also evident throughout this deck as each card pictures a feminine figure surrounded by nature. This deck is a celebration of Gaia (aka mother earth) and so is representative of the female sex, encompassing the cycle of reproduction, birth and growth.
Printed on lovely thick card stock that really provides longevity, the deck is sturdy and robust enough to be used daily. The size of each card is 14×8.2cm, I found them a little big, but that is just because I prefer smaller oracle decks, to carry around with me for guidance throughout the day and also more convenient to travel with. However, if they were smaller the art work would not be as detailed and beautiful. They have a positive and assertive vibration about them, when first shuffling after cleansing I was filled with empowering bright energy that bought a smile to my face and this continued each day with its use as part of a 14 day exercise.
In total there are 50 cards accompanied by a 208-page guidebook in full colour, the tranquil, calming theme echo’s throughout from the box, the guidebook and the cards, creating a beautiful set for all interested in self-development. Throughout the guidebook are poems, each written by Tait and paired with artwork by Adamaszek that is not featured in the deck. Each card has a corresponding chapter in the guidebook that encompasses exercises to assist along your journey with the deck, providing in detail explanations and insight, each helping to create a tool-kit of mental aids in any given moment, providing comfort and empowerment.
In the guidebook there are in-depth interpretations of ‘the keys’ and their representation within the deck, each has its own profound insight for introspection and self-development to assist ‘unlocking the keys’. A dedicated section on clearing your deck, preparing yourself and choosing a card, with some basic spreads makes it great for beginners and seasoned oracle readers alike. Each card has a lengthy 3–4-page insight, which includes a short affirmation/message, explored in more depth and accompanied by an invitation from Gaia to explore and understand the message within the card. You don’t need to refer to the guidebook as the card have the keywords and a short brief message on it, so if wanting a quick reading these cards are ideal. However, same for if you wanted to sit and meditate/reflect and required more detail and insight, the guidebook is a great addition.
The Deck is split into the 5 elements: fire, earth, water, air and spirit, which serve as ‘keys’ to unlock the golden gates of Gaia’s wisdom. Each card is full of gratitude to Gaia, a gentle reminder that every connection is sacred. It has very mindful and gentle approach to delving deep into one’s self and pausing to promote focus and self-acceptance, it would be a fantastic accompaniment to anyone looking to do shadow work and to anyone wanting to start introducing more time to stop and be present into their daily practice. It really offers a soft and kind journey into introspection and self-awareness.
Overall, I really enjoyed working with this deck and it has been fantastic for my own self-development, introspection and delving into my own connections. I did reach out to both the Creator and Artist to answer a few questions I had about the deck, but unfortunately got no response. However, I do look forward to any future collaborations these two may do, this deck is a keeper and won’t sit unused in this household.
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