Oracle Deck Review – 13 Sacred Nights Oracle by Lara J Day

Title: 13 Sacred Nights Oracle: A Yearly Solstice Tradition
Author: Lara J. Day
Publisher: Beyond Words
Date: September 30, 2025
Pages: 52 cards and a 272-page guidebook

With this oracle deck, Lara J. Day invites readers to “[d]ive into the potent stillness within the womb of winter and plant your dream seeds in the fertile soil of the radiant darkness.” She introduces a practice to immerse themselves in the magic of the winter season and celebrations by connecting with nature’s wisdom and receiving divine guidance for the coming year.

When the world is cold, dark, and still, slowing down and spending time in reflection aligns with the rhythms of the earth. Winter solstice is a sacred time offering respite and recharging; it’s a time of silence and rest when nature draws inward, offering the chance to reboot and start anew.

In the introduction, Lara explains how the winter solstice was celebrated in ancient times and different cultures. The longest nights of mid-winter were magical because the sun appeared to stand still, leading to celebrations lasting multiple days. The practice of the 13 Sacred Nights is one way to honor this time.

The deck’s fifty-two cards are composed of three groups: twenty-six animal spirits, thirteen herb spirits, and thirteen mineral spirits. The cards are oversized but flexible for easy shuffling.

Instructions are given for methods to select a card, and answers to frequently asked questions prepare users for the experience.    

The solstice is the first of three days of preparation. On December 24, a card is chosen from each group, and together they represent the overarching themes of the coming year. Beginning on the evening of December 25, and for the following eleven nights, one card is drawn to represent each of the twelve months. The last card drawn, on January 5, corresponds to December’s insights. Together these form a blueprint for the coming year.

In addition to drawing these cards, the practice calls for being present and aware and recording every experience, idea, feeling, and dream. This additional information provides guidance and tools to navigate the coming year’s challenges and events.

This deck can be used by anyone and everyone seeking to avoid the overly commercialized holidays to find guidance and peace. Although presented as a solstice practice, this oracle deck can be used daily, weekly, or monthly throughout the year as a tool for spiritual growth and renewal.

NOTE: This was first published as “13 Holy Nights: Reclaiming the True Magic of the Solstice Season” and has been revisited and upgraded.

About the Author:

Lara J. Day has been teaching energy arts since 2003. She is the creator of Neurogenic Qigong – a healing method interweaving Chinese energy medicine with tension and trauma releasing neurogenic tremor work. Learn more at https://www.larajday.com/

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.