The Herbal Astrology Oracle
The Herbal Astrology Oracle is a very recent addition to my oracle card collection. I added it because I feel more and more drawn to explore the many ways plants can help us heal. This started with The Herbcrafter’s Tarot and continues with The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Each has something unique to offer.
Adriana Ayales created this deck “to bring us back to the original consciousness that prevailed on earth for millennia.” She then goes on to write, “Herbalism is the medicine of belonging, a gateway through which we keep alive a very sacred aspect to our source.” Josephine Klerks’ stunning artwork encourages these connections.
The Herbal Astrology Oracle Cards
Prior to buying this deck I knew nothing about astrological herbalism. Now it has me enthralled. I incorporate astrological associations and the various energies they bring to a situation when reading tarot. Now I have something tangible to connect it all together. I’m curious and excited to see where it all leads. Adriana Ayales explains that, “Astrological herbalism is rooted in understanding how planetary archetypes correspond to nature as well as the organs and systems of the body.” I find this fascinating. With each new deck I learn something new and get drawn down another pathway.
When I read that “Hippocrates, considered the father or modern medicine, classified dis-eases based on astrological phenomena, using planetary archetypes in deciding how to heal various illnesses,” I was once again shown how little I know. The intellectual me had to go and find out more.
A quick Google search led me to a chapter in The Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy written by Dorian Gieseler Greenbaum. The chapter, “Astronomy, Astrology and Medicine,” confirms astrology and astronomy were combined with medicine for thousands of years beginning in Mesopotamia in the 2nd millennium BCE and continued in the 18th century.” Throughout this period, scientists cited the similarities between medicine and astrology. As many of us seek to return to a more holistic approach to health that honours and connect us with our body, these ideas are worth exploring. They look to uncover the source of dis-ease rather than merely treating the symptoms.
As the two cards pictured above, 2 Saint-John’s Wort Radiance and 49 Psilocybin Commune, express, we can leave behind anything, or anyone, that restricts us. Then we are free to seek those that support us both on a physical and spiritual plane. This relates to our health also. After all, numerous studies show how reconnecting with the natural world is incredibly beneficial for our physical and mental health. Nevertheless, we should be able to follow our own approach without feeling pressured or judged for our personal choices. Unfortunately, at this stage, there is still too much judgement from both sides of the fence. Live and let live, I say.
I am, first and foremost, a tarot reader so, I often make connections between my oracle and tarot cards. For example, when I look at both cards pictured above, I feel neither would be out of place in a tarot deck. I would have them illustrating VIII Strength and 0 The Fool respectively. In fact, I think 13 Motherwort’s version of Strength adds so much to the tarot’s Strength card meaning. The connection with the Divine feminine is so well captured in this card. I see her as a cross between III The Empress and VIII Strength and I like the combination. So much so that I will consider that idea when either card appears in my tarot spreads now.
I truly believe cards don’t just talk to us. They talk to each other as well. This occurs both within a deck and across decks.
When looking through this deck I saw cards 35 and 29 together and they felt like perfect partners. 35 Horsetail Patience aligns with the restriction and discipline of Saturn. The Venus aspect encourages us to find the beauty in the situation rather than focusing on what is hindering us. 29 Schisandra Grace, which reminds me of XIV Temperance, suggests the growth that is possible when we accept and balance dualities rather than reacting to, or battling against, them. This approach brings forth the loving and beautiful energy associated with Venus and becomes a beacon for others.
Even without knowledge of the herbal aspects, or the astrological associations, it is possible to read the imagery of the cards and discern the meanings. For example, when I see horses I think of personal power. Seeing the horse sitting quietly watching the waterfall rather than trying to struggle against it portrays the intended meaning. Sometimes the best thing we can do is sit and wait. Nevertheless, taking the time to learn the herbal and astrological information opens us up to even more.
Furthermore, I love it when cards remind me of actual people. It creates an immediate connection for me. The woman on 33 Arnica Teacher reminds me of my Mum in so many ways. The write up mentions trauma and healing. This confronts me with the duality mentioned earlier. There are many ways to teach and to learn. This is a card I will definitely spend a lot of time with.
It is very natural for me to pair the above two cards. I always burn Palo Santo when doing ancestral work and this card helps to explain why I felt guided to do so. Through this type of work, I have begun to understand more about my parents and to recognise the valuable lessons they taught me. I have also began to reconcile my wishes with the big picture that is slowly unravelling before me.
Doing this type of work has shown me how, and potentially why, past experiences and ancestral wounds shape our current reality. I believe it is so important to explore and understand what lies beneath and the impact these memories have on us. Fortunately I have found both this deck and The Herbcrafter’s Tarot have made this process much easier and much more accessible.
Rather than running through the physical aspects of the cards here, you’ll find that information for The Herbal Astrology Oracle in the Summaries boxes at the end of the post.
The Herbal Astrology Guidebook
The accompanying 165-paged guidebook is a really interesting read. Every card meaning incorporates mythology, history, and guidance, without being overwhelming or textbook-y making it a valuable resource that’s enjoyable to read. Adriana Ayales doesn’t oversimplify the information though. Instead she incorporates explanations alongside the technical terms so that it is easy to understand and absorb the details without having to reach for a dictionary.
For example, in reference to the card above, 42 Amanita, she writes, “Commonly known as fly agaric or fly Amanita, this plant has been used in folk medicine since at least 6000 B.C.E., making it one of the earliest recorded entheogens – hallucinogenic plant medicines used for ritual and shamanic purposes.” She then explains how, why, and where Amanita was used. The card meaning section wraps up with the divinatory meanings.
She presents the cards in sections dictated by the astrological ruler of the plant. Thus in the index you’ll find each card listed under one of the following – Herbs of: the Sun, the Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Asteroids and Lunar Nodes. However, as you can see, each card has one, two and sometimes three planetary associations. The order they occur is relevant. The predominant ruler is the larger, first symbol.
In regards to this she points out though that, “Every archetype is a multi-layered experience that offers a potential to further comprehend the great mystery of nature. The experience transmitted and received is very personal and allows your voice to be the authority when interpreting the magic expressed within a spread.” Combining your own response while taking note of the dominant attribute and the impact it has on the others adds another dimension. I like and appreciate that she encourages users to bring their own meaning to the cards. After all, our interpretations change based on the surrounding cards, the questions asked, or what we notice on a particular card in any given moment. Therefore, the breadth of information to be gleaned from any one card could never be conveyed in a single guidebook.
Many of us are aware of the use of rosemary for remembrance and therefore that meaning may easily come to the fore. In Australia sprigs are worn on Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. However, in the “Guidance” section of the book it points out that Rosemary can both connect us with ancient memories and encourage us to stay loyal to our vision. It is said that when the card appears it may represent past feelings and emotions are bubbling up from deep within and that they are making their way to the surface. Or, you are “remembering and accessing ancestral memory that resides in your DNA.” For me, this is why, with any new deck, it is worth reading the guidebook.
It is easy for an association to become ensconced which may mean we miss out on opportunities to expand our awareness and knowledge. For example, I am fascinated by the information that is stored in our DNA and what we contribute especially in regards to understanding our inherent yet often latent gifts. This card has given me a focused way of tuning into this. I may not have discovered this if I had just relied on what rosemary signifies for me. Fortunately, writing these posts prevents me from skimming over things.
Conclusion
This isn’t a deck that has just been created to fill a niche. If you click through to the creators websites listed below you will see they are dedicated to working with, and spreading information about, herbalism. This is evident when working with The Herbal Astrology Oracle.
Put simply though, I am very taken with this deck. I love the artwork, the inclusions, (ie the big cats), the write-ups in the guidebook, what it taps me into, and the overall connection I feel when I use it. The Herbal Astrology Oracle contains ancient wisdom and connects us to the wisdom that resides within us all. It is wonderful.
Summaries
The Cards
| Artist | Josephine Klerks |
| Card Size | Approximately 9 x 12.5cm |
| Card Stock | Thick, matte cardstock |
| Shuffle | Okay to shuffle in any manner straight out of the box but easiest to overhand or long edge riffle |
| Fan & Flip Through | Okay to flip through but its size makes it a little more difficult. Doesn’t fan smoothly but it is easy enough to spread out. |
| Miscellaneous | Solid two-part box. Reversible backs. Stunning muted, earthy tones. |
The Guide Book
| Written by | Adriana Ayales |
| Pages | 165 pages |
| Appearance | Perfect bound, card sized, no card images |
| Contents | Introduction Working with The Herbal Astrology Oracle Card Spreads Card Meanings Herbs of the Sun (each card listed under its relevant section) Herbs of the Moon Herbs of Venus Herbs of Mercury Herbs of Mars Herbs of Jupiter Hers of Saturn Herbs of Uranus Herbs of Neptune Herbs of Pluto Herbs of the Asteroids Herbs of the Lunar Nodes Acknowledgements About the Author About the Artist |
| Spreads | The Cardinal Cross of the Medicine Wheel (5 cards) Present Moment Spread (3 cards) Relationship Spread (6 cards) The Moon Spread (6 cards) |
Publishing Details
Created by:
Adriana Ayales with artwork by Josephine Klerks
Pictured Version:
Published by Hay House in 2022
Websites:
8 Comments
Miranda
Hi Mel,
Sorry for the late reply and thank you again for your advice! 😊
You were spot on about the Four of Swords—the last two years have been a real struggle with emotional setbacks and work frustrations. This year, being underemployed has given me some space to reset and recharge. Funnily enough, I actually ruptured my right Achilles a month ago, so I’ve been forced to rest at home (looks like the card energy really manifested!). Because of this, I haven’t applied for any jobs lately.
As for Oracle cards, I haven’t found a deck that clicks just yet. I read your articles on The Sign of the Times Oracle and Moonology decks, I found that they don’t really connect with me. I also checked out the Voyager Tarot since there’s a course nearby, but thanks to your preview, I realized the artwork feels a bit intense for me! Recently though, I bought the Tempest Tarot, which I love—the adventurous, nautical theme and graphics are so inspiring. The only drawback is that you can tell if a card is reversed by looking at the front, which isn’t ideal, right? It’s quite different from RWS, so I’ll probably keep it for future exploration.
Thanks again for your guidance and support!
Mel
Hi Miranda,
I’m sorry to hear about your Achilles injury. I used to be a sports and remedial massage therapist so I know how restrictive that injury can be. I hope it is healing well and responds well throughout your rehabilitation. As I’m sure your medical team will tell you, please don’t rush or try and take any shortcuts with your rehab.
In regards to Tempest Tarot, it has been on my watch list since I first heard about it. You’ve inspired me to go and have another look. It doesn’t bother me if a deck doesn’t have reversible backs because I don’t tend to read with reversals. I know some people that do and others that don’t. It all comes down to personal preference. It is by no means an essential aspect of card reading.
I haven’t reviewed many oracle decks, but I’ll post the link below if you’d like to see the ones I have written about. You might find one you like there, but if not I’m sure, in time, you will find the right one. There are so many on the market.
Here’s the link for my oracle posts:
https://mjstarot.com/category/tarot/reviews/oracle-decks/
Please take care of yourself. Any questions let me know.
Miranda
I bought this beautiful deck recently, your introduction gives me insights on how to read the cards. It’s interesting to know more. Thank you! As a newbie to oracle, would you mind share how to ask questions? I’m looking for jobs lately and I asked whether some job openings are suitable for me, is it fine? And I got Hibiscus and reversed Tulsi for two different jobs. The information on the guidebook is quite spiritual and I somehow could not connect with the reality world. Grateful if you could share some hints. Thank you very much!
Mel
There are many ways to approach readings. For me, I like to ask questions that empower me as in they focus on what I can do, what I need to be aware of in my own thinking and/ or behaviour, or what I’m not considering that I should give some thought to. I don’t do predictive readings. I wrote a post about asking questions which you might like. This is the link https://mjstarot.com/tips-on-how-to-ask-good-questions/
When I look at the two cards you drew the first thing that came to mind was whether you wanted a job that you feel would bring you joy or one that would bring you more money. I also wondered whether you have a block on your earning potential, doubt around the worth of your skills, or you’re questioning the pay offered.
As I said, I don’t do predictive readings, but if I was to do so based on the two cards you drew I would suggest the first job would offer opportunities that you may have wished for in the past but maybe had forgotten about. I am drawing that from the astrology and the multiple faces fading into the distance. That is without considering the hummingbirds which for me signify joy and incredible abilities. So I would add, it could allow past talents to surface in ways you haven’t considered. I don’t tend to read reversals but since that is the way it presented for you I will interpret it in that way. The money might be better but it could restrict your ability to freely express yourself and you may find that restriction stifling. Or it could be all for show and not really align with what you wish for.
I notice that both cards feature birds. How do you interpret the difference between the birds? What is that saying to you? Do you prefer to work away in the background, appreciated by those that see you, or do you want to be seen? Do you have an issue with being in the spotlight? I have answered this more as a way to suggest my approach to interpreting cards. If you’re interpretations were different go with what the images told you. I have family who used to have peacocks come to their front yard every day. One loved it the other didn’t appreciate all the droppings. They would likely see the peacocks differently. If I could give you one bit of advice, it would be to trust yourself. As you work more and more with your cards, you will develop an understanding of how they speak to you. We each have our own wonderful way of interpreting images.
If I have misinterpreted what you were asking or you would like me to share more about my approach to reading cards, send me an email and we can go from there. I am happy to help in any way I can. Another post that might be of help is https://mjstarot.com/bridging/
Miranda
Dear Mel,
Thank you so much for your time and kind reply. After reading your answer, I revisited the cards, looking at them more carefully. In addition, I asked about another job vacancy and I got PassionFlower which incidentally has birds also (two owls), and they all feature a woman (perhaps people with feminine characteristics are more suitable for these jobs?). I didn’t notice this connection before.
I think you are right about joy and wealth on the two cards. That exactly what I thought when I saw the job ads – I’m more interested in the job nature of the first job, while I am quite sure the second one will offer better pay. So, there is struggle. The second job works for a family’s foundation , perhaps their philanthropy is kind of “for show” which may disappoint me?! You are right also about me doubting my ability, however, I do prefer working in the background, I don’t like being in the spotlight.
I read also the the two articles you recommended which are inspiring. They give me different perspective in using the decks and reading the cards. I found the bridging exercise interesting and the way you interpreted the connection gave me insights (as a beginner, like you said, I do dive straight into the guidebook right after I draw a card, haha) I’ll practice the bridiging exercise.
Although you do not do predictive reading, may I know when asking advice about career development or even the possibility of getting a job, does Tarot do better than Oracle? I have Rider Waite, Osho and this Herbal deck, how should I decide which deck shall I use for different questions on life issues? Thank you!
Mel
Hi Miranda, I’m glad I was able to help. In answer to your question on which is better, that is ultimately up to you. Personally I use tarot because that is what I am most comfortable with. Generally I use oracle cards to add to my tarot readings rather than for stand alone readings although I am starting to reconsider that more and more. I started with oracle decks.
When choosing a deck I reach for whatever I feel drawn to at the time. I realise that is probably not much help. As much as I am trying to answer directly, I feel this response is vague simply because there is no definitive answer. I would say though that if you are wanting to learn tarot I would focus on your RWS deck because knowing it makes it easier to read many other decks. Oracle decks are stand alone decks so, apart from learning how cards talk to you overall, their meanings aren’t transferable. I have written a post about the difference between tarot and oracle that might help clarify things a bit more. You’ll find it here https://mjstarot.com/what-is-the-difference-between-tarot-and-oracle-cards/
As a final point, unless it becomes too overwhelming you could use a combination of your three decks. One might jump out as you as more open to interpretation that way. When starting out, the most important thing is to work with what you connect with. If you do that I don’t believe you can go too far wrong.
I hope this helps in some way. Please continue to reach out with any questions. Have a wonderful day.
Miranda
Dear Mel,
I hope this message finds you well! Thank you again for your kind response. Your replies and articles have encoourages me to start the journey of tarot self-learning. I study one card (RWS) and ask one question everyday. It’s fun, and I find it’s quite accurate too. But may I seek your advice about card reading? One day I asked again whether I will get an ideal job in 3 months and got Four of Swords. It’s about taking rest. I have been unemployed for half a year and taken much rest already. I am not sure if it reflects the current situation or it tells me to keep enjoying my long vocation? Interestingly, I drew Hibicus (#14) again for this question. Does it refer to the same job that I asked before? The religious elements on the Four of Swords remind me that the job I asked before (the Hibicus) is an opening of a local monastery…so many possibilities that I am a bit lost in intepretation.
Besides, I found the Herbal deck is too difficult for a newbie like me (I couldn’t grasp specific advices that match concerns in reality). Would you recommend me an oracle that is more straight-forward? I saw someone suggests the Angel Answers and Moonlogy Oracle for beginners. What do you think?
Thank you once again for your kindness leading me in the world of tarot.
Best regards,
Miranda
Mel
Hi Miranda,
I’m so happy to hear that. I’m glad they’ve been of some help.
As far as the Four of Swords I also see that as healing, especially the RWS version which I often connect with healing pain from the past, so their seems to be some connection there because I see the past reflected in the Joy card also (although that is very much my impression). My advice is always to trust your own intuition. The fact that you see a connection between the Four of Swords and that particular job and then that the Hibiscus card, which was linked to that job before has also resurfaced, suggests a connection that I wouldn’t ignore, especially since it came to mind. I’m not sure which order the cards presented themselves but if the Four of Swords came first I would interpret that as: having healed from something from the past, in this case I’d think something linked to a previous job, you are ready to move into a new position and that it will bring you a sense of joy. Rest time is over. Whether that be directly referring to this particular job or one similar, the outcome feels positive.
In answer to your question about oracle decks, I can’t comment on the Angel Answers because I am not familiar with that deck. I have written a short review of the Moonology oracle though which you can find here: https://mjstarot.com/moonology/
Another straight forward oracle I would recommend, although the aesthetic is very different from the decks you have so it might not appeal artistically, (which, if it doesn’t I wouldn’t ignore because I think it is important to connect with the artwork) is The Sign of the Times Oracle. You’ll find the review for that one here https://mjstarot.com/the-signs-of-the-times-oracle/
Hope this all helps in some way.
Have a wonderful day. And as Tina Anderson, (author of The Unbridled Spirit tarot) said in a recent comment, happy shuffling.