Raven’s Wand Oracle Review
The Raven’s Wand Oracle is a 44-card oracle deck written and illustrated by Steven Hutton. The deck is published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. The cards measure 3.5 x 5.5 inches.
Quality:
This deck is packaged in a box with a magnetic clasp closure. It’s compact and hardy, leaving you with no fear of crush damage or jostling cards. The cardstock is also durable and features a low gloss finish that fans easily. This deck, like other recent U.S. Games decks, has some of my favorite cardstock in the industry at this time. The only bug with the quality of this deck is that my booklet has a printing error. The pages are upside down and in backwards order. A quirk like this doesn’t bother me since I can simply turn the book over and carry on, but it is worth noting that this error exists, and if it bothers you, you may want to check your copy right away if you want a replacement that isn’t topsy turvy.
Extra Materials (booklet):
The 60-page booklet for this deck includes a brief introduction to the Dark Raven Chronicles book series upon which the deck is based, a description of each card, and several spreads. It is parsimonious, but I felt that the deck was thoroughly described, and I have no qualms about some of the common fluff content (care, storage, how to shuffle etc) being absent. I also didn’t spot any glaring typos.
Artwork:
The artwork for this deck is skilled, detailed, and it embodies the atmosphere of a fantasy novel series. I appreciate that the level of detail and activity in each card creates the potential for a variety of themes and interpretations within a reading. The only grievance I have is that the only male figures in the entire deck are among the few anthropomorphic characters. Not one human male can be found in these cards. I’ll be honest, when I saw preview images of this deck, the style made me feel certain there would be a few men. My heart truly sank when I finished looking through the cards for the first time. Admittedly, I know that my disappointment was largely based on my assumption, and if I hadn’t set myself up, I wouldn’t have been so bummed out. My lack of familiarity with the novels is probably also to blame (I assumed there would be at least one human male character in the series. Perhaps there is not.)
I’m sure that if you’ve read any of my other reviews, my constant whining about male representation is becoming tiresome, and I apologize for that. Perhaps I am a true minority when it comes to being irked by this matter, but if I’m not a minority, and others speak up as well, maybe this trend can change. That’s why I always highlight it.
Content:
I am impressed with the way that the guidebook and the images are linked. Details in the artwork are specifically referenced and their significance is described. Additionally, the card meanings tend to be practical and grounded. The cards have a balance of positive and cautionary themes, which adds to this deck’s viability for exploring the issues that people face in their daily lives. For example, the description of “Blackwand’s Redemption” (pictured above) states: “Maybe you believe your transgressions are so grave they can never be washed away, or that those you appeal to might not forgive you. This might be true, but to flinch from the call to atone is an even greater error.” The card also references the need to refrain from repeating the negative behavior and invalidating our apologies. I love that this deck does not make the user out to be flawless, but instead as someone as human and fallible as anyone else. This approach offers constructive options and a focus on capability and personal fortitude that has to be worked toward and tapped into.
You do not need to have special knowledge of the Dark Raven Chronicles to make use of this deck, though I’m sure greater familiarity with the characters that appear in the cards would add an extra dimension to your readings. I personally have not read the books, and I feel the deck is very usable with just visual cues and the information in the booklet.
Conclusion:
This deck is attractive, straightforward, practical, and its publication quality is very pleasing (save for my book quirk, which I’m sure only affects a small number of decks). If you enjoy decks that are based on books or film, are a fan of the Dark Raven Chronicles series, or you’re just looking for an all-purpose oracle with some down to earth content, this deck is a great choice. The lack of men is truly the only aspect of this deck that I can take points off for (which I admit may be unfair if the series features no men). I think it hits the mark in every other way and I do highly recommend it!
More like this… Chronicles of Destiny Fortune Cards, Wisdom of the House of Night Oracle (also based on a series)
Quality: **** (I would rate the quality as 5 stars if not for the random printing error)
Extra Materials: ****
Artwork: ****
Content: *****
Overall Score: 4.25 out of 5
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