Review: Wise Woman Oracle

Title:  “Wise Woman Oracle: Reconnect with She Who Knows”
Author:  Cheyenne Zárate
Publisher:  Rockpool Publishing
Release Date:  November 5, 2024
Pages:  128-page booklet and cards

In the wild woman chapter of her life, Cheyenne Zárate shared the untamed, instinctual, and independent archetypes in her deck “Wild Woman Oracle: Awaken your true, free and soulful self.” Now in another stage of life, she finds herself identifying with the wise woman, and shares thirty-six of their traits in the “Wise Woman Oracle: Reconnect with She Who Knows.” 

Each card portrays a woman from pop culture, history, folktales, or myths across diverse cultures. Although a wise woman is typically thought of as a the post-menopausal crone associated with the waning phase of the moon, Cheyenne puts no limits on the age of her wise women – their stories need only to inspire and empower. Lilith teaches self-sufficiency. Stevie Nicks shows dedication. West African goddess Ajá, the first herbal healer, represents reciprocity. Cinderella demonstrates graciousness. The Burning Times, Mabon, A Place of Refuge, Yule, and Practical Magic also offer their wisdom.

Believing all women embody these wise women archetypes, Cheyenne hopes the cards will help users to remember and reconnect with the priestess, the teacher, and the healer within to embody She Who Knows. Their stories are in the guidebook, which also explains the symbolism, asks a question, and offers a message for reflection. By consciously reconnecting with each part of yourself, you awaken “to your unique genius, talent, and lived experiences that can help you be of greater service and healing in the world,” she wrote in the introduction. 

Pulling one card and reading about it can identify an area of focus, connect with the best energy for the day, reflect on an issue needing attention, or provide an affirmation. A three-card spread will give more insight into a situation. 

This deck came to me for review when I was questioning a decision I’d made, and the cards I drew described the feelings and reminded me of what I’d lost touch with. I trust it has wisdom for anyone who seeks its counsel. 

About the Author:
Cheyenne Zárate is a pen and ink artist from Toronto, Canada, who is of Chilean, Ukrainian and Scottish descent. At the age of four, she discovered her passion for drawing and began recreating characters from books, movies, and myths. After spending a few years teaching elementary school,  she was called to a path aligned with her inner child who loved to draw her days away. Through her artwork and written retellings, Cheyenne’s newfound purpose is to inspire and help everyone – especially women – to reconnect with their innate, wild feminine nature and to live in alignment with their authentic self. Connect with her at www.instagram.com/che.zarate and www.facebook.com/cheyennezarate.

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary crone, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook at The Witch on Wheels.