Nature's Whispers Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield

Guest Review by Ellie Mitz

"It's always a fun and refreshing experience getting to know a new deck, whether it be good ol' fashioned Tarot, or in this case for me, Nature's Whispers Oracle. I use and work with a number of Tarot and Oracle that are mostly enveloped in nature, so of course this deck pulled me right to it. There are numerous aspects of this deck that I would like to discuss but I will kick-start this review with the physical quality of the cards.

There are 50 cards in total and they arrive in a good quality, coloured box alongside its own little book of meanings. The book is a little basic in regards to its meanings compared to others that I've seen, but this isn't an issue as the cards themselves are highly in-depth (more on that later!). As well as the meanings to the cards, the author has put in a couple of reading spreads to try out too, so although it didn't have as much information as what some people might enjoy, there is plenty enough to be getting along with! The cards themselves are of good medium-thick stock, they're matte finish which makes shuffling feel like butter (unlike some of the glossier finishes of Tarot and Oracle that I've experienced), and the colours and imagery themselves are incredibly vibrant. They have been printed wonderfully and they have been spared no expense in the manufacturing process.

The very talented artist, Josephine Wall, has created art nothing short of sincerely beautiful. The imagery is highly in-depth and intuitive and they remind me very much of those Russian doll sets where inside each one is another, smaller one and so on. Josephine has been clever while creating this art as she has managed to create this same effect by producing whole and gorgeous scenes inside others giving the reader so much imagery to play and connect with within each card. This is something fairly unique that I haven't quite seen in other Oracle decks before and I found myself returning to the cards just to ogle at them, never mind complete a reading. I have completed a handful of bigger 5+ readings and I found that I really didn't need to. However, with that in mind, for those who are interested in the big and beautiful spreads out there, these cards will give the reader a very thorough reading without the need of clarifying cards. For me though, a 3 card spread is the perfect amount for this deck and due to this, it has made Nature's Whispers possibly the least intimidating deck I've had the pleasure of working with. So although I stated earlier regarding the 'little white book', it matters not because I think this deck would be a wonderful addition for beginners to the big experts on all things magical. So to reiterate, the pictures are stunning, incredibly vibrant, of excellent quality and they really do give you a lot of imagery and symbols to work and play with while doing readings. They don't need to be clarified by other cards in the deck nor any other deck as they will tell you exactly what to be paying attention to. There is a lot to look at.

As for the actual heart and feeling of the deck? They are easily the most serene deck in my collection, even moreso than the likes of The Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid (of which I paired up and had a very insightful reading!). While Nature's Whispers can absolutely be used in big spreads and with other decks successfully, I found that these cards meet their full potential in those small, quiet and contemplative moments of internal stillness within yourself. They remind me of those lovely calm days where you just want to curl up on the couch with a brew and a blanket and just let go, unwind and have a chat. And I have to admit, I spent most of my time working with this deck doing exactly that. They are excellent for daily draws and 3 card spreads of many varieties and I can assure that they will keep your secrets safe just like a supportive friend would. The deck is uplifting and sweet, and although it does not wish to use strength in a forceful manner, it can still carry that torch forwards in its own tranquil right. Love and peace is a core essence of this deck and it will guide you accordingly with a gentle approach. Although I have not suffered my own trauma or heartbreak in recent years, I feel strongly that for those who might need it, these cards could be an excellent medicine to help soothe those wounds and bring back some balance to the soul. But of course, they are an excellent all-rounder for readers of all different skill levels. It is a deck that wants to be used and as they are in a neat and compact box, they are perfect for taking with you on your daily travels. They are wonderful to meditate on and even more so to get to know. They have quickly become part of my Tarot and Oracle family that sit on my bookcase and I have been finding myself drawn to this deck more often than not.

I like to personify my decks when describing them as I feel that it helps to make a bit more sense, so for this deck I would describe it as that really sweet and warm Auntie that we are either lucky to have, or have definitely met before. Think Miss Honey from Matilda! She is someone who will come for you if you need her to and gives that really great advice that will uplift you. She will have a loving arm around your shoulder while you let out all of your worries and although this auntie doesn't seem to be around all too often, you know exactly where to find her in your times of trouble or just for a chat.

I think it is a truly lovely deck that a lot of love and thought has been put into and this really shows. I am happy and excited with this Oracle deck and l hope my review has helped with any indecisiveness! So get your crystals out, flick the kettle on and settle down for a warm and loving conversation between you, your guides and your intuition."