• Authors: Kenn Payne and Chris Butler
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/oracle-od-the-hekatean-path
• Publication Date: October 2023
• RRP: €17.50 Euros / GBP £18.97
• ISBN: ISBN-10 8865279141, ISBN-13 978-8865279144
• Country of origin: United Kingdom
• Reviewed by: Diva De Faria

I have watched several interviews with Kenn Payne, and according to him, this oracle is the result of years of his worship and exploration of the Mysteries of the Goddess Hekate. I believe that the fact that the oracle was first created as a personal tool for self-observation and communication with the divine adds to the value of this deck. Much more than a divination tool, the Oracle of the Hekatean Path is a facilitator for reflection and self-knowledge.

Kenn started on the Pagan Path at the age of fifteen, and for the last fifteen years, his main subject for devotion and quest has been the Goddess Hekate. Although this is his first publication as an author of a deck, he has, over the years, contributed to several anthologies on paganism, and historical and mystical literature about the Goddess Hekate.

In fact, in addition to being a founding member, Kenn was also for several years a Torchbearer and Keybearer for the Covenant of Hekate. He created and acted as the original editor of the Covenant’s e-zine, Askei Kataskei, and more recently, has stepped into the role of Companion, retiring from the more active role of Keybearer.

With this deck, Kenn has used all his expertise as a researcher, and his long experience as a Torchbearer for Hekate’s Mysteries. The Torchbearer is responsible for passing forward knowledge relevant to the worship of the goddess. So, the Oracle of the Hekatean Path is a tool that brings to Hekate’s devotees, as well as to the general public, an intentional share of knowledge in an easier format that facilitates the learning about the goddess.

Chris Butler is the talented artist that brought Kenn’s project to life. Having started his career as an artist at the age of seventeen, he has in his resume several deck publications such as; the Quantum Tarot, illustrated for author Kay Stopforth (Kunati Books 2008); and a new version, Quantum Tarot 2.0, which was published by Lo Scarabeo in 2010. Lo Scarabeo has also published The Healing Light Tarot in 2017 and the Healing Light Lenormand in 2019 both created by Chris.

For Schiffer Books, Chris has authored/illustrated The Son Tarot: Mysticism, Meditation and Divination for Gay Men, published in 2012, and the Lenormand Cartomancy deck & book set published in December 2013. More recently, he has illustrated the Arcana 78 and Arcana 20 Tarot conceived by Kim Arnold as commemorative limited-edition decks for the UKTC 2025.

Chris first encountered the Tarot at the age of thirteen, and his fascination for the cards has continued to this day; inspiring him for over thirty years to create decks under his name. He is a Theology graduate from Heythrop College, University of London, and is also the recipient of a Kindred Spirit Award, being voted “Favorite Artist for 2013” by readers of Kindred Spirit Magazine. 

The art style for the Oracle of the Hekatean Path is contemporary illustration, likely digitally created, with soft, ethereal visual imagery. It brings symbolic elements like the moon in its various aspects, conveying a sense of mystery and transcendence. As such, the palette uses cool, desaturated tones and intense warm colors, depending on the meaning and idea to be passed onto the reader.

Each image is deeply associated with Hekate and Her Mysteries. Through this deck, you will be able to learn about Hekate’s Epithets, the ancient names and cult titles, not just by the written messages, but also via the artwork that will stimulate and enlighten your senses and imagination, leading you to the answers you are searching for.

This is a 60-card deck, divided into 3 sections, each bringing a mixture of historical evidence and personal gnosis. Each card includes a number, the card image’s name on the top and a word on the bottom prompting for the advice to be read in the guidebook.

Now, about the card stock.  The quality is the decent Lo Scarabeo standard; the cards are glossy with a good feel in the hands, and shuffle easily. However, as tends to happen with other decks by this publisher, intense and repetitive shuffling can start to peel the edges.

The box and guidebook (with 126 pages) covers are in black, featuring a Strophalos on the front. A Strophalos is an ancient Greek symbol representing the Labyrinth of life and the power of the Goddess.

Another remarkable feature is that the guidebook comes in five languages; English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian, bringing brief but clear and to the point advice that will answer or at least open space for further reflection on your issue. The booklet also suggests two types of spreads; the “Crossroads” spread for three cards and the “Twin Torches” spread with nine cards.  

The author states in the booklet that this deck was designed “to be used as a mirror, reflecting inner secrets and potential as well as a map with signposts, which helps us navigate the Paths to Hekate that we find ourselves on”. Overall, the Oracle of the Hekatean Path is a more than worthwhile tool conceptualized to connect the user with the goddess’ myriad forms and energies, as well as to find their own answers and realizations.  

To purchase the deck, please visit:

https://www.loscarabeo.com/en/search?q=oracle+of+the+hekatean+path

The deck is also available on Amazon.