Angels and Ancestors Oracle

The Angels and Ancestors Oracle packaging claims that it incorporates Celtic, Native American, Aboriginal and Earth-based Spiritualities in an attempt to cross any divide between cultures. However, I believe aligning with the message you discover inside the box once the cards are removed, which reads:

I set the intention that whatever is gained from the lessons learned from this tool will be dedicated to the growth of all beings in all places

is a positive way forward that can connect everyone.

I am really drawn to ancestral work of late. Currently, I am slowly working my way through Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson. If you’re interested in doing the same, I recommend this book. I also have the Ancestral Path Tarot, which I’m keen to use alongside this deck although I’m not sure in what capacity. Time will tell. Once I’ve explored this idea further I’ll look to write an article on it, but for now I should get back to the Angels and Ancestors Oracle. It’s just so easy for me to get side-tracked though because I have found applying the tarot to ancestral work so beneficial. That is not how I have utilised these cards however. Unlike most of my oracle cards, I mainly use these cards on their own rather than as part of my tarot readings and never have I found them lacking. Rather, I feel they have always pointed me right where I discovered I needed to go.

As I sit here writing this the Hunter card is in front of me, urging me to do as he suggests. I am completely drawn to him. Honestly, I’m finding it hard to look away which is exactly what we need when looking at what we fear. This is why I feel the Angels and Ancestors Oracle delivers.

The Angels and Ancestors Oracle Deck

The 55 card deck is divided into four sections. There are the 30 Sacred Ones which the creators consider to be the Wise Ones of the pack. The Shapeshifter and the She-Wolf pictured towards the beginning of this post are part of this section. Then there are 12 Guardians and Messengers who are each here to offer guidance and healing. The Animal Guardian and the Mirror Guardian pictured below belong to this group. The Drum and the Sun pictured above are two of the 9 Warrior Symbols that are said to act as signs, and finally there are 4 season cards that can provide messages or timings, depending on what is required and your personal reading philosophy and/or style.

As for the deck as a whole, I really do like how it’s been put together. They’re borderless matt cards measuring approximately 9 x 13cm. They come packaged in a sturdy two-part box that is beautifully presented. The Animal Guardian pictured below graces both the box and the guide book.

The Angels and Ancestors Oracle Book

For the most part I like the 147 page, card-sized book as well. It breaks down the groupings and explains the thinking behind each. At the beginning of the book, there’s also a Connection Ceremony, which you can either take or leave. As always, I suggest you bond with your cards in whatever way works for you. As the book says, your personal ritual can be as complicated or as simple as you like. It is intention that counts. If following their suggestions feels like some sort of awkward role-play then don’t do it. It definitely didn’t feel natural to me. But, just like I love reading about writers writing about their approach to writing, I’m always curious about how others approach working with their cards. It fascinates me. And, I think there’s a lot to be gained.

For me, I feel anything that encourages me to examine my own approaches, especially in regards to why I do what I do, and why I don’t do other things, is valuable. Over the years I have discovered some things that I took as a given no longer ring true for me. That bothered me at first. Now, even though I struggle with it when it happens – some things are hard to let go of – I welcome it. But, this isn’t about me so, back to the book.

For each card there is a black and white image followed by the card title and a brief message. Information about the background of ‘who’ or ‘what’ is depicted on the card comes next with each card concluding with an extended message. I really like this approach. The cards are organised alphabetically within their grouping which makes them easy to look up even without the full contents page that’s provided. Finally, at the back of the book, you’ll find information on both the artist and the author.

Spreads

There are 5 spread layouts included in the book.

• 2-Card Spread (2-card cross)
• The Celtic Compass Spread (9 cards)
• The Past-Life Lessons Spread (7 cards)
• 3-Card Questions
• 1-Card Questions

The three and one card question spreads include a list of questions you could consider. I think that’s a great idea as it can encourage you to consider questions you may not have thought to ask as well as serve as a template-of-sorts that can help you to form your own questions. I like the simple 2-card cross as well. In fact, I liked all the spreads, but the Celtic Compass Spread was my favourite.

I’m sure that it comes as no surprise when I say I would recommend this deck. It offers a lot of flexibility in the ways it can be used and I can go so far as to say that it has quickly become one of my most reached for oracle decks.

Publishing Details

Deck Creators:

Kyle Gray (Author) and Lily Moses (Artist)

Pictured Version:

Published by Hay House 2018