The Transparent Oracle Cards – April 29, 2010

I've waited a bit to post a review of this deck because, frankly, I needed something of a shift in my own perception to work well with it. And boy, am I glad I stuck with it!I was so enthralled by the use of position in the Transparent Tarot that I assumed this deck would work the same way, and was a bit flummoxed when it didn't. Overlaying the cards DOES enhance the reading, but the majority of the images are balanced around the circular shape, so the resulting single image is of a different nature.And NATURE is precisely the point: this deck is all about the energies of the non-human world. There are some human references (the senses, for example) but these cards allow access to a vast array of natural and other-worldly energies -- seasons, elements, weather, animals, other-worldly beings -- the whole network of energies that we live in and are so often unaware of. Tarot decks recognize and work with elemental theory and/or astrology and/or directions and/or seasons...well, you get the drift. But the cards are mostly about human desires, human will, human endeavors, and how humans work in their world. This oracle, I finally realized, is about humans being allowed access to a map of the energies around us. Once we regain our perspective of ourselves as creatures in a large and complex ocean, we can do a much better job figuring out how to swim with the tide, so to speak.With that perspective, this deck produces a vibrant, shimmering picture of an energetic world that we are part of and can move with. This also allows for some amazing readings combining the deck with the Transparent Tarot. One of the most useful readings I do is a 2-card layout that asks: what is the current energy I (or the querent) am dealing with? How best can I(they) work with it? With the first card from the Oracle deck, and the second from the Tarot, this reading becomes even more useful. In the current climate, so difficult for so many people, I find that the question we are often asking is, "What is going ON here, anyway?" because the present is so confusing, we're not anywhere near ready to think about the future. Here a combination of 1-3 cards from the Oracle to map the energetic climate with 1 from the Tarot to show the current human actions gives a real heads-up as to whether all that effort we're expending is actually serving any purpose. Drawing a second Tarot card in answer to the question, "What is a better way to work WITH these energies?" and overlaying it with the Oracle card(s)can produce dramatic insight. Sometimes we find out that we really are working with the energies and that it's not us, it's just the way the world is working right now and we should be at peace with it. Sometimes we learn we're trying to push the river or make the sun stop in the sky and we should cut it out PDQ. I also love a focus question in the book: "What is the story that needs to be told?" (The book is very useful, though I find that I get more out of it as I increase my familiarity with the cards.)I find that working with this energetic map is making me more sensitive to these energies and that, in turn, readings with these cards become more finely-tuned to me personally. I was amused to notice this morning that my recent training in Celtic Reiki was showing up as part of the reading!My experience with oracle decks generally is that they are less complex and more narrowly focused than Tarot cards and with a different or more quirky world view. These cards, however, represent a vast and complex system -- one which tarot comes out of, perhaps, or is mapped onto -- and need a thoughtful, "constructive" (in the more literal sense of the word)approach, as they can discover and map the energetic field around us so that we can find the place where we belong. They really more than repay any effort you put into learning how to work with them!

Well I ordered this set so I could enhance my intuition reading cards, normally I use nothing but meditation. I did not want tarot, I was looking for something different. I am very connected to the elemental kingdom and as I was doing research on cards that I would really connect to, I came across these. They express the elements, elementals, planets, animals, our inward senses, esoteric symbolism..so much more- natural, real and resonate to me. Plus, I gather she downloaded all this valuable information from the most beautiful magical land where Emily resides(so I read)? I received mine and played around with them just to get a feel when I noticed one of the cards was cut. Unfortunately I had to return them and honestly I did not want to let them go haha! My exchange came right away. I washed the residue off them as Emily describes in her book with gentle soap and water, then my husband (Meskwaki native) smudged them. I cannot believe how accurate they speak to me. I do have to learn about each card and all of the authors generous and profound information and of course the art and their combinations. I first tried to tell myself a story from the images and then read the books description. I also have been getting the numbers in my head from 1 to 70 that just pop up and wow, the card in the book answers me. This is the most unique set I have. The energy and wisdom she put into them is definately spiritually guided and universally reflective for everyone. She is in-tune to say the least! and tuning me in! I love them. Thank You

I wrote this review for Emily Carding's tarot deck, but it definitely belongs here as well ---Earlier this year I purchased The Transparent Oracle by Emily Carding after seeing curious pictures of it online, and I must say that it's one of the most fascinating decks I've ever known. Usually two or three cards fit together creating a new unique image, and the possibilities seem endless. Having the cards match so perfectly together seems a very complex design, and yet the images are so clear and simple, magical in such a quiet and subtle way. Ultimately I find the whole deck to be an extraordinary piece of art (with or without an appreciation for the oracle itself)!My liking of The Transparent Oracle made me order The Transparent Tarot which I received a few weeks ago. I didn't dare to expect to like it as much as The Transparent Oracle, simply because it seemed unlikely. However, as it turns out, I love the deck no less than The Transparent Oracle, and even a little more because of how precise the spreads tend to be.I've owned dozens of oracle and tarot decks, most of which I've given away for one reason or another, often because I find them corny or too stylish. I now own eight decks that I use regularly, and The Transparent Tarot is the one I use the most. I love how clear it is aesthetically, and its transparency has revealed to me a completely new world of tarot. Thank you Emily Carding!

My shipment of the Transparent Oracle arrived today.At first I was surprised by the size; the box and deck were allot smaller than I expected; very good news indeed! The sheer practicality of shuffling can be difficult when, like me, your hands are small, but I can say with increasing confidence, this circular deck *is* easy to shuffle! Hurrah!Number one star for Miss Carding - tick :)The simple brilliance of this deck is stunning; the concept of creating transparent cards is in it's self amazing, allowing the readings to build up in layers, just like life it's self!For me, it makes so much sense, as each layer gives a depth of meaning to the readings in a visually stimulating way; concepts are conveyed symbolically within the art work; Miss Carding has called upon the four directions of the compass, and the spiritual concept of the Hermetic "As above so below" to combine with the Jungian concept of Within as well, forming the Seven Direction the cards represent.Star number two - tick! :)The usual booklet which accompanies most decks of divination cards, has been replaced by a complete book on the deck; no having to shell out yet more sheckles on an indepth book; another star - tick :)The foreword is written by David Rankin and Sorita D'Este, a husband and wife team who really need no introduction here; just google Avalonia Books... David has also written some interesting spreads to use.Miss Carding has written detailed explanations for all of the directions and cards, including hints and tips on how to use and get to know the cards - yet another star - tick :)But what I like from a practical Virgoan perspective is the sheer practicality of the box the deck comes in; it's large enough to contain the whole kit, yet small enough to slip under a chair, in a draw, or on a shelf. The thought in planning the whole thing is clearly shown in the addition of a nice white cloth to elegantly place the cards on.Another star - tick :)I'd like to give several stars more for the simplicity of use and well, every thing! But Amazon only allow five...Take it from me, if you order this deck you will be very pleased, as am I; I thoroughly recommend it!

Received this as a gift and I love it! I found the cards a little difficult to shuffle but the images are amazing and you can layer the cards to create different readings. Lovely images and excellent descriptions and meanings in the accompanying book.

Wasn't sure about them to begin with, but now I am getting used to this oracle & playing with the cards! I like the different patterns it creates, by layering.

I got this item really fast (within 30 hours). The price was fantastic too.I find these cards fascinating and unusual. They are real MIND TRIGGERS giving unlimited amount of possibilities. This made my initial readings deeper than ever. I use such tools for creativity purposes and find them fantastic. This deck is something extremely great.It is definitely not the tool for lazy readers and people who are afraid of brain work. This deck is for people, who want to discover more, who want to think out of the box and who are brave enough to break any rules.If you want to go deeper and deeper - then get this deck now!If you do your readings based on memorized stuff... forget it. It's for smarter guys!Thank you Emily Carding for this great innovation.PS. Cards came in a nice box with a white cloth. Well packed, really good quality.

Maravilloso material para trabajar con diversos temas y ser creativo con la imágenes. Muy recomendable en varias áreas del desarrollo humano. Estoy muy encantada con este Tarot.