Deck Review: The Runes & Roots Oracle by Nicolette Miele and Adrienne Rozzi
Deck Review
The Runes & Roots Oracle
By Nicolette Miele and Adrienne Rozzi
Publisher: Destiny Books
36 Card Oracle Deck, 136 page Guidebook
Release Date: November 18th, 2025
The Runes & Roots Oracle is an enchanting oracle that uses the power of both plant magick and rune magick to deliver messages, wisdom and magick into your life. This deck is unlike others I’ve encountered that incorporate Runic and Norse mythos, in that some elements of traditional craft are also present, as are elements from classical mythos, as in the clamshell associated with Aphrodite in the “Rose/Beauty” card that incorporates a bindrune. While those looking for Magick, or who are more eclectic, may appreciate this approach, those looking for a Strictly Norse or Heathen outlook may be disappointed.
As for use in divination, the cardstock is a bit light, and therefore more prone to bent corners during shuffling, as I myself am a bridge shuffler when reading cards. The box the deck comes in is also challenging to open, with no slots for thumbs to open it, nor a magnetic enclosure. You have to shake the box to get it to separate.
The absence of color, save for a parchment color and black ink, with some gold touches here and there, actually made the deck easier to read for me; many modern decks rely on digital imagery, with a lot of color, which can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when I’m at a low point, seeking to get an easy read on what’s going on. I also love the influence of medieval and renaissance woodcut prints, specifically on magick & alchemy. I found the symbology evocative, and one need not know the spiritual, metaphysical or magickal properties or uses of any of these plants to be able to read the cards-both because of the imagery and symbolism present, but also because of the accompanying guidebook.
The guidebook accompanying this interesting deck gives keywords, reversal meanings if you do reversals, as well as the Rune/Bindrune meaning, plant meaning, as well as a section to contemplate the meanings and messages given with each card. Each card featuring a bindrune, which is titled the “Bind Rune Aett” of the deck, taking from the ætt form of the Elder Futhark Runes. Overall, this deck reads well, and can be used for practical, everyday means, as well as guidance in your magickal endeavors. I haven’t noticed it to feel very direct from any of the Norse Gods, instead this deck carrying more of a Witchy, or even Sorcerous vibe. Overall, I give The Runes & Roots Oracle a 4.5/5 Pentagram rating; the less than sturdy cardstock bothers me, but I’m able to see past that and use the deck effectively (even with a few bent corners).
Nicolette Miele is a pagan, writer, and clinical herbalist who has practiced eclectic witchcraft for more than 20 years. She runes Handful of Dust Alchemy and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Adrienne Rozzi is an artist, illustrator, printmaker, and folk magic practitioner. She runs Poison Apple Printshop and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin is a Polytheist, Pagan, Animist, Witch, Sorcerer, Paranormal Investigator, Amateur Folklorist, Chaos Magician and Occultist. He embarked on his spiritual and magickal journey over 15 years ago. As such, he has extensive knowledge of The Occult, Ceremonial Magick, Chaos Magick, Witchcraft, Sorcery, and both modern and ancient world religions and folklore. He is a practicing Sorcerer, blending ceremonial high magick, chaos magick and witchcraft, as well as plant medicine, poisonous plants and entheogens, shamanic techniques, and mysticism. He believes that magick can be as simple or as complex as one needs it to be, and rejects dogma, instead trusting his intuition, and encourages other magickal and spiritual folks to do the same! He venerates and casts magick with a wide array of spirits and deities, and works with both the Left and Right Hand Paths, having experience in both. He has also studied eastern philosophies such as Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and Hinduism. He is an Astrologer and Tarot reader and actively studies and practices many other forms of divination including Runes, Ogham, Palmistry, Lenormand and Scrying. An animal lover, he sees divinity in nature-the trees, plants, animals and sky. Also an avid reader, you’re hard pressed to not find him nose deep in a book, most likely on an occult, mystical, religious or magickal subject. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns for PaganPages.Org. He gives readings and other spiritual services through his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see! You can reach him on Facebook, or e-mail him at [email protected]
