Oracle of the Radiant sun - CARDS & BOOK SET

By Vernon Marshall View Profile
This deck of 84 cards is not something just to pick up and play around with. It is a major devise for divination that is seemingly unrelated to any other oracle. It is based on the journey of the sun across the sky. There are
seven suits, each representing a significant planet as it moves through the astrological zodiac.

Firstly, it is a complex method of divination. The instruction book needs careful perusal before a reading can be attempted. Knowledge of astrology would certainly be helpful. Although the meanings of the cards are clearly explained, the spreads are a little complicated, with twelve cards in use placed in a circle. There are four spreads offered; the Sun Year, the Horary Reading, the Grand Trine, and the Cardinal Cross. Although a little difficult, for someone treating this work seriously, there is a huge number of possible readings available.

Secondly, the cards are a real treat to use. They are each loaded with meaning and guidance. There are beautiful traditional symbols together with mystical symbols and key words. Each card has so much to offer as either a divination guide, or even as a meditation focus.

The major problem with the pack is the actual packaging. It is difficult to see how it fits together. The book and the material holding the cards are attached, but not successfully. I have had to separate them and find my own container for the cards. This is a pity for the whole set is a worthwhile part of my collection of oracles.

For those sympathetic to astrology, or for those seeking a new approach to divination, this could be for you, if you wish to devote the time and attention it needs.

By Wildcat
I was attracted to this oracle because of its name, and it being December when sun is in short supply (unless you live in The Antipodes, that is). After a period of quite intense work with Tarot, I was on the lookout for a looser structure, or at least a different one. What really won me over was the one or two scans I'd seen of the images themselves.

The images do not disappoint. Most of them are drawn in a style reminiscent of Neo-Classical illustration. If you have seen the Soprafino Tarot deck (1835) or its various relations, you will recognize this style. The colour-palette is broad but none of the colours are lurid. Many of the cards depict a sun, not surprisingly, and most of the suns have faces, although the expressions vary. I love suns with expressions!

Frankly, I don't know much about astrology, but this oracle does seem well-designed for that purpose. There is also an accompanying book, which goes into interpretation of the cards, ways to use them, etc.

The only thing I didn't like was the way the white, cardboardy-box thing was attached to the book, meaning the back cover of the book has to be cut off, whether or not you want the box. I've dispensed with the box and put the cards into a simple and elegant black silk bag - black to emphasize the radiance of the suns inside. Highly recommended.