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When it comes to Tarot and Oracle decks, readers like a combination of factors: beautiful art, clearly readable cards, and good descriptions of what each card means. The Magic The Gathering Oracle Deck combines these elements into a masterpiece deck perfect for MTG collections or active use.
As someone who uses Oracle decks regularly for mindfulness, spiritual readings, and meditation, I am always on the hunt for new styles that I can try out. With their rigid structures and readings, Tarot decks have never been my favorite. I like the open-ended readings and interpretations that are possible from Oracle decks, and the Magic The Gathering Oracle Deck has slotted itself in as my second favorite I own.
Key Details
- Publisher: Penguin Random House
- Developer: Wizards of the Coast/Magic The Gathering
- Where to Buy: Amazon|Barnes & Noble
- Price: $24.99 USD
- Sample Provided: Yes
The Magic The Gathering Oracle Deck is Perfect for Seasoned Readers & New Mystics
The Magic The Gathering Oracle Deck is an excellent balance for the newest or the most seasoned readers. Inside each box, a booklet breaks down how the deck can be used. In this particular deck, single-card pulls and three-card pulls are broken down for those wishing to use the deck for more than decoration. Single card pulls are the most common use of Oracle decks, as they can provide meditation points or mindfulness advice on specific focuses asked by the reader. These can be pulled for the reader, or for a seeker.
Additionally, the three-card pulls detail possible readings like “Letting Go”, “Navigating Relationships”, and “Overcoming Obstacles”. It is important to note that how these readings will be perceived changes from person to person and may have different meanings to different readers.
The most complex reading available in the booklet is a five-card read. Spreads are traditionally used to obtain a more detailed breakdown of a question, situation, or struggle. The booklet does a wonderful job of explaining how to perform the reading, and how to interpret each card’s meaning in the spread.
Beautiful Artwork And Complex Readings
Where the Magic The Gathering Oracle Deck excels, in particular, is its use of MTG lore and artwork against card meanings. The deck seamlessly combines iconic characters, creatures, and locations from the tabletop with the weight of an orcale deck. I primarily use a Greek Mythology Oracle Deck and love the use of stories or characters to add depth to readings.
Those reading the cards can refer to the booklet gallery, which provides the upright and reverse meanings of each card as interrupted by the deck’s creators. Some of my personal favorites were Universal Order, featuring Klothys, and Finding Your Treasure colored by Triton.
This Deck Is Specifically for MTG Fans
While the deck is absolutely beautiful, it is likely the mastery of the themed oracle cards won’t be properly understood unless the reader or seeker is a well-versed Magic The Gathering fan. This is a deck that leans heavily on the universe’s lore to guide the results, and because of this, specific meanings may seem less understood if the reader doesn’t know the story behind the card’s inspiration.
As someone who is familiar with MTG, but not a regular player, I was able to appreciate the beauty of the cards but missed some of the more specific references. That said, those I know who are long-time fans had a blast looking through the cards and admiring the use of the lore.
Final Score – 8.5/10
The Magic The Gathering Oracle Deck is a must-have item for fans of the series. Whether it is to use on a regular basis, or to set up on a bookcase of MTG collectibles, it is a beautiful deck with stunning illustrations. The deck is perfect for readers who know the series well, but if you aren’t familiar with the MTG universe, some of the more complex interpretations may lack some meaning. Because of this, we would recommend that only those who know the series well purchase this for readings or mystic use. This deck is well-made, fun to read, and creates some of the most gorgeous spreads.
** A physical review copy was provided to Bonus Action for the purpose of this review**
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