Review: Initiates Oracle

Title:  Initiates Oracle: Occult Hermetic- and Egyptian-Inspired
Rituals for Profound Transformation
Author:  Marcella Kroll
Illustrator:  Adam Smith
Publisher:  Weiser Books
Date:  May 4, 2026
Pages:  40 Full-Color Cards & 128-Page Guidebook

Inspired by their transformational pilgrimage to Egypt in 2022, author Marcella Kroll and illustrator Adam Smith created the “Initiates Oracle” to guide users on their own spiritual journey. Drawing from wisdom while participating in the Initiations of the Sphinx and their own magical backgrounds, they collaborated to blend Kabbalistic, Hermetic and Egyptian imagery using bold, colorful illustrations and symbolism, making each card visually striking. 

The booklet accompanying the cards welcomes readers and explains how to use the deck. Then, each of the forty cards has a small reproduction of it, several keywords, a list of symbolism found on the card, and its divinatory meaning. 

For example, the card Release has the keywords “let go, set free, lose, purge, detach.” Noted symbols are a raven, a skeleton key and a keyhole, leaves, a geometric triangle, and the Greek letters alpha and omega. The meaning defines each of the symbols so users can understand and connect with them, such as the key being useful to unlock parts of yourself, leading to liberation and room for new possibilities. The explanation speaks of releasing attachments, expectations, burdens, and habits that are no longer serving your highest good. 

The philosophy, guidance, inspiration, and practical advice provided for each card is easy to understand and to apply to daily life. Themes include transformation, manifestation, divinity, growth, and healing. 

Several details make this deck deluxe: the image and lettering on the box cover are raised, there are large colorful illustrations inside both parts of the box, and the cards have gold edges. 

“It is a deck for magicians by magicians,” Marcella said in a June 26, 2026 interview with Big Crystal Energy Podcast found on YouTube. She spoke of the in-between as a place of power, and the deck as a tool for transformation and ritual.

Because of the visual language of the illustrations, the easily understood wisdom in their meanings, and practical applications, anyone seeking guidance, support, and healing will find this deck approachable. I am not a magician, yet I found it powerful, and although I have never been interested in Egyptian symbolism, these cards captured my attention. 

About the Author:
Marcella Kroll identifies as an occultist practitioner and a chaos magician. She is an author and workshop facilitator. Her work explores intuitive development, ritual practice, and transformative spiritual growth. This is her sixth deck.

About the Illustrator: 
Adam Smith is a magician, occult practitioner, and tattoo artist living in South Carolina. He is drawn to Egyptian mythology and Kabbalah, and is the creator of the self-published “The Hidden Veil Tarot.”

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.