Deck Review-Oracle of the Phoenix by Christine Arana Fader, Illustrated by Elena Dudina

Deck Review

Oracle of the Phoenix

By Christine Alana Fader, Illustrated by Elena Dudina

Publisher: Earthdancer

44 Card Oracle Deck, 126 Page Guidebook in a Sturdy Box

Release Date: February 4th, 2025

Oracle of the Phoenix is a beautifully illustrated deck, with highly detailed and defined art on each card, and beautiful card backs, featuring a feather design and golden Phoenix in center. The Phoenix is my absolute favorite mythological creature, as they’re mentioned in mythology and folklore from all around the world. Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome, Asia and the Middle East and Levant all have stories about the Phoenix-the bird that’s reborn and rises again from its own ashes. The Phoenix holds a deep symbology of transformation, change, death, transition, and power, as well as resilience, self-control, and beauty. For those who are Scorpios such as myself, some Astrology ascribe to the idea of each Zodiac sign having 3 stages, essentially one for each stage of life, and it describes the growth that can occur if one is attuned to their life purpose/fate. For Scorpio, that third and final stage is the Phoenix. One of my most cherished pieces of jewelry is a Phoenix pendant with inlaid Malachite for the wing feathers.

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I chose this deck because like I said above, I love the Phoenix, and anything associated with it. That said, this deck does take on a more New Age bent, and I think that Pagans should be mindful of that, especially if you’re skeptical of those beliefs like I am. With a grain of salt taken with each meaning in the guidebook, and some intuition, these cards read just fine for the more purist Pagans out there. Remember, the Phoenix is part of many Ancient Pagan mythologies! The imagery, symbology and ease of interpretation of these cards make them appealing to me; their purpose does seem to be more geared towards times of uncertainty, change, transformation and shadow work. Personally, I feel that even despite that, they read accurately and predictively (at times unbelievably so), regardless of the subject matter or questions you ask it.

I really don’t have any critiques, other than the New-Age bent that the author has, but that can be easily overridden by just intuitively reading these cards, if that’s an issue for you. The artwork and design is just simply gorgeous, and I’ve found myself coming to this deck more often, which is a big deal because I highly favor Tarot over Oracle decks. Another interesting bit about the deck: the guidebook has exercises for each card, some of which are like mini-spells, and could be geared towards such. I found that appealing, and it opened up an avenue of creativity in my spell-work. I give Oracle of the Phoenix a 4.5/5 Pentagram rating.

Christina Arana Fader started her spiritual journey in 2000, and began going public with her work in 2010. Her deep connection and work with spirits, angels, and dragons has inspired books, workshops and decks, and the wisdom and messages she receives from the otherside will plant a light-filled future for a New World.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Wytch, Sorcerer, Cannabis Wytch, Poison Wytch, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years. He venerates and casts magick with deities and spirits from many pantheons, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Celtic Lands, Norse & Germanic Lands, Khemet (Ancient Egypt) and others, as well as numerous spirit allies, ancestors, and even Saints, Angels and Demons! He has experience practicing both the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He practices Necromancy as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Ceremonial Magick, Grimoire Magick and Natural Magick, as well as Occultism in general. He incorporates all of these different practices into a personal system that’s ever evolving as he continues to grow and learn as a person as well as a Sorcerer & Occultist. He also studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!