“We are connected by our lives and loves. I’m hoping these cards draw out the solitary and lonely so that they see they are truly not alone—that others have traveled this same path, experienced the same feelings and survived. They are also meant to enlighten those who have achieved contentment and still seek guidance.” — from the companion book to The Journey Oracle
There are very few girl-centric oracle decks on the market—perhaps none at all, in fact. Fortunately for “girl power”, artist Adrienne Trafford brings her lively brush and sensitive heart to The Journey Oracle.
A vibrant, 46-card deck, The Journey Oracle depicts longings and dilemmas we all face at some point in life: Wishes, defiance, adventure, independence, beauty, loss, passion, entanglement, patience and more.
Yet, because each of the cards depict young females, The Journey Oracle becomes a poignant reminder of the innocence of youth and its unique challenges: a changing body, attempting to define “beauty”, navigating early relationships, wanting to belong, seeking identity, desiring freedom and searching for what is “real” and lasting in a tumultuous world.
These distinctive circumstances are rarely addressed in oracle or Tarot decks, which is why The Journey Oracle’s timely arrival will be especially welcomed by adolescent girls and young women seeking to understand themselves and the world. Indeed, parents, grandparents, caregivers, siblings and friends will find a gentle bridge to the young females in their lives by gifting this deck or, better yet, by using the cards with them for increased intimacy and personal support.
In the 96-page companion book, Adrienne offers two insights into each card: What This Card Says and What This Card Means. Here are but a few of the cards from this deck and their What This Card Says messages:
• The Actress – You will feel better when you remove the mask.
• Welcome – You are welcomed with the most loving, open arms.
• Eve – We are only human. And flawed. And that’s what makes us perfect.
• Drifting – You are here for a reason—accept and embrace it.
• The Ancestors – Listen to the voices of your past and learn from them.
• Luxury – The silk on your skin empowers you.
• Queen of Spades – People will seek you out because they know you’ll tell them the truth.
• The Fragile Thread – Avoid harsh actions and words that harm your soul. Your body is sacred.
• Resilience – The seedling that reaches through the crack in the pavement, the lotus flower that blooms from the murkiest waters, and the phoenix. You are like all these things.
Introverted, sensitive, creative or “shy” girls would likely find this deck a relief and an encouragement. Adrienne’s willowy, approachable females—plus her sympathetic card meanings and interpretations—could serve as a portable mentor to those feeling alone, discouraged or “different”.
However, even confident, older females can use The Journey Oracle! I’ve used it several times over the last few months, and found the vibrant imagery so appealing and its messages like a warm hand on the shoulder. And yes, it’s accurate, too!
Adrienne Trafford, and Schiffer Publishing, has created a lovely gem with The Journey Oracle—one especially suited to the young women among us who would benefit greatly from a self-empowering tool such as this one. PS: Check out The Journey Coloring Book!
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