Book Review: Shamanic Oracle

Title:  Shamanic Oracle: Connect to the medicine of the earth
Author:  Luis and Magali Tamani
Publisher:  Rockpool Publishing
Release Date:  August 19, 2025
Pages:  36 cards & 144-page guide

The “Shamanic Oracle: Connect to the medicine of the earth” is the co-creation of illustrator Luis and author Magali Tamani. The 36 cards are grouped by their elements, nine cards in each of the four families. Roots Protectors ground you and provide guidance, the Wind Arcana brings a mysterious air, Spirit Messengers will awaken your fire, and Wisdom Watchers bring the teachings of water.

The cards are 3.54 inches by 5.04 inches – somewhat larger than a typical deck yet still easy to handle. They are made of a heavy-weight card stock with silver gilded edges. The size works well to display the colorful, detailed illustrations and designs inspired by nature, and Luis’ indigenous Peruvian culture and spirituality. In addition to the artwork, each card carries the symbol of its element, a number, a one- or two- word theme, and a short affirmation. The color and design on the back of the cards are different for each element.

To connect with the cards, it is suggested they be shuffled to dissolve energies from the previous use. Focusing on an intention, cut the deck, then spread the cards out in front of you. Form an open-ended question, draw one or more cards for guidance, and read its message in the booklet. For each element there is a picture of the card, a short description of its meaning, what its appearance signals, suggestions on how to integrate it in your life, and an explanation of the illustration. There are no “good” or “bad” cards, rather each is meant to reflect the individual and their experiences, spotlighting truths, advice, and wisdom. The creators consider reverse cards to be offering greater assistance, not indicating difficulties or challenges. Four spreads using the cards are described in the beginning of the booklet.

I appreciate that the cards are reproduced in the book, making for handy reference and keeping me from sticking the card in the book and then forgetting about it. I have been working with two other decks based on the elements and the themes grouped in each family made sense – for example protection and inner strength for earth, prayer and introspection for air, compassion and intuition for water. The cards I’ve drawn have been applicable to the situations in which I found myself at the time. Their art is vibrant and for each card is an explanation of the artist’s inspiration, helping me better understand the image’s message. Questions posed in each card’s description can guide users to get in touch with parts of themselves they may have forgotten, making it a useful tool for self-discovery.

About the Author:
Magali Tamani was born in France and grew up in the volcanic region of the Massif Central, where she studied management, after which she set off to discover the Amazon: she had an appointment with nature, but didn’t yet know she was leaving to heal her roots. The journey allowed her to reconnect with nature’s power and immense wisdom. Since then, she contemplates it to regain balance, walks barefoot to ground herself and feels the spaces of the magnificent earth. She is on a quest for every silence that will allow her to listen to its subtle symphony. Magali is Luis Tamani’s artistic manager. Together they have four children. She is passionate about astrology, and captivated by the intricacies of the world and the tapestry of human connections. For more see luis-tamani.com or facebook.com/tamani.luis.

About the Illustrator:
Luis Tamani is a painter from the Peruvian Amazon. Born in 1983, the eldest of six siblings, he is a descendant of indigenous people. He lived a simple childhood. His grandmother introduced him to medicinal plants. He attended art school in his hometown and became fascinated by cubism and abstract art as his style evolved from the abstract to one more colorful and realistic. The natural world is the heart of Luis’ work. His paintings are invitations to reconnect to the mysteries of Mother Nature, who allows us to live a magical human experience. 

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary practitioner, 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.