Mythic Oracle [Cards]

"The Greek Myths are the stories of mankind. They are the stories of human nature, human cycles and the nature of the divine and it is through the symbols and metaphors of these stories that we can come to better understand ourselves and our own internal processes." - From the companion book

Curtains of water cascade downward as Poseidon's robe, while the right side of Hephaestus glows with cooling lava. Demeter is expressed in both the Mother archetype and as the Harvest, while the three Moirae spin, measure and cut the Destiny of humanity.

In what is arguably the most lifelike and richly rendered artwork of any oracle/Tarot deck (lusciously illustrated by artist Michele-lee Phelan), the Mythic Oracle of the Ancient Greek Pantheon quakes with relatable, recognizable archetypes from familiar myths as well as those that surround us in modern living.

Consisting of mostly Olympian and Titan Gods and Goddesses--with several Magical Beings and Heroes rounding out the mythological cast--the Mythic Oracle of the Ancient Greek Pantheon are numbered 1-45, depicting each character, name, and keyword. Some cards are devoted to various expressions of a particular Gods or Goddesses.

For example, Card 26 shows Hermes associated with Messages, while Card 27 shows the winged-helmeted god in respect to Travel. Eros represents Desire in Card 30, while he portrays Sacred Union in Card 31.

These sizable cards measure approximately 5 ½ x 3 ¾ inches, with a glossy, durable finish. The non-reversible card backing features a mythological beast carved within a circle, muted brown and rusty yellows rounding out the motif.

The 120-page companion book to the Mythic Oracle of the Ancient Greek Pantheon provides a myth for each card, as well as an in-depth message. Author Carisa Mellado, an expert on mythology, provides probing yet relevant meanings and questions for individuals to ponder. She also presents three excellent six-card spreads for use with this deck (or any oracle/Tarot deck): the Cycle Spread, Hero's Journey Spread, and the Archetype Spread.

I've used the Mythic Oracle several times and found it to be wonderfully revealing and insightful--and very accurate! I've even used these cards for contemplation and affirmation (especially after one-card spreads). I think this particular deck would also be excellent for writers (for plotting, brainstorming, characterization, etc.), as well as for therapists seeking engaging tools to help their clients understand the stories they live by.

Just a few of the legendary figures feature in this deck include:

* Prometheus - Sacrifice
* Mnemosyne - Inspiration
* Eos - New Beginnings
* Hera - Duty
* Pan - Sexuality
* Ares - Battle
* Athena - Wisdom
* Dionysus - Freedom
* Hebe - Play
* Chiron - Healing
* Pandora - Hope
* Hecate - Crossroads
* Orpheus - Faith
* Perseus - Courage

I was floored to read in the companion book that not only is Phelan a self-taught artist, but also that she's only been painting since 2000. Incredible! (Those who admire Phelan's work might remember that she painted the gorgeous Dragonfae Oracle deck, also from Blue Angel Gallery).

Those who have an affinity with the Greek Pantheon will absolutely want to get this deck, as would those who enjoy the familiar, dramatic tales of Greek mythology. The dynamic artwork of the Mythic Oracle communicates subtle yet profound truths, and the imagery serves as intuitive shortcut to the unconscious, shrouded aspect of ourselves that beg for illumination.

Highly recommended!

-- Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book

(To see 16 card images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

This deck comprises of 45 cards and a guidebook. The booklet is 113pages. The cards have a laminated finish and are oversized. (Compared to playing cards they are twice the size)

The way that the deck and the booklet are ordered is by groups of mythologies. They are the Titans, Olympians, Magical Beings and Heroes. Some of the Olympian Gods have more than one card, but the meaning and the art work is different, this does show some depth to the myths surrounding those Gods and that they were multi faceted beings. For example Demeter has one card for the "Harvest" and another card for the "Mother" two of her major aspects.

You do not need to know anything prior about the Greek Pantheon to work and appreciate this deck at all, if you do know and love your mythology remember that this is an oracle and the information given in the book is referenced for that purpose only.

The explanations of the cards are broken up into the Myth about the God or being and then the message or the divination meaning behind it.

The artwork, like all of Michele-lee Phelan's work is vivid, bright and beautiful. She captures the feel of the myth or the God or Goddess beautifully. Her work draws your eyes in with the bold outlining and deep but bright colours, which allow her to keep some darkness and mystery in her work.

I have been drawing a card each night since I got this deck to work with it a little. I did find the information about the myth a little limiting as I mentioned above, but for its purpose it is just enough and the messages can come across as a little fluffy or shallow but they have been good little reminders and I have been drawing from my knowledge of the mythology of the Greek Pantheon to enrich my working with the deck.

I would have liked to see some of the less than perfect personality traits known in the deck and the lessons behind those, as this is what Mythology are all about.

I love Greek mythology and have for many years studied and been inspired by these great stories. I find these cards do justice to these myths, bringing them to life and easily applied to the here and now. I have given many a powerful and accurate reading using these beautiful oracles. Moving and gentle, allowing for profound readings involving your psyche and inner selves. The messages are delivered with grace and are kind whilst dealing with the matter at hand. The illustrations are amazing. The art work is truly inspiring and I get immense pleasure from them. I can not recommend this deck highly enough.