Oracle's Card of the Month: May '23

The King of Clubs is our card for May! The archetype for the King of Clubs is Protector of Fortune (Luck). With a force as unpredictable and uncontrollable as Fortune, this king has a large order cut out for them. So what’s the most safeguarded approach to navigate the winds of fate? The King of Clubs likes to align with the odds and learn from history.

When reading playing cards you aren’t necessarily looking to the images for intuitive prompts… but if you use an illustrated deck, you absolutely can get extra meaning to guide you along. The deck we’re drawing from this month is from the fully-illustrated playing card deck Cabinetarium by Armando Veve.

This King of Clubs features a surrealist carnivorous plant growing in a minimalist-style planter, what appears to be a human arm reaches out of the pitcher body of the plant and towards a fly zooming dangerously close to the fingertips.

One of the things I love about this deck is that the illustrations clearly tell a story, but the circumstances and ending are completely undetermined, making them perfect intuitive prompts. Pairing this wild carnivorous-plant tale with the King of Clubs archetype can go a couple ways…

Are we the fly? In which case, the precautionary approach is to take what we know about the potential “reach” of our adversary and make sure our course remains just out-of-bounds.

But if we are the plant/hand… the lesson to be taken is strike quickly and with precision. If you miss, that fly is not likely to make the same mistake twice.

And perhaps the most bizarre interpretation… what if that hand belongs to a third party rather than being part of the plant? We’ve already established that this plant is in a planter and the fly also appears to establish a relatively normal size for the scenario… but then that hand (and the being attached to it) would be unnaturally small. And then we must wonder, are they trapped inside the plant and reaching desperately for some sort of help? Or are they themselves the predator and simply hiding within the body of the plant? The former is a cautionary tale and the fly becomes a symbol of decay. The latter, will reinforce the need for timing and precision on the side of the predator and awareness and caution on the side of the fly.

So how are we to know which scenario to incorporate into our reading? Well, take a moment to consider which role most accurately fits your current situation. Not that you are a fly or a predator, but… Are you in need of an opportunity? Then the message for the predator applies best here: The soundest way to work with luck is to be prepared to act quickly and with clarity when the opportunity presents itself. On the other hand (ha… sorry) if you are currently working towards something the message would be from the fly’s perspective: keep working towards your goal while being aware of the potential hazards and giving yourself plenty of wiggle room. In other words, this is not a time to be cutting things close, even if it means taking slightly more time or effort, go ahead and exercise caution.

Overall, the King of Clubs asks you to know your own situation and to be aware of what, given your knowledge and previous experiences, will be most likely to help you succeed. Honestly, for a card in the suit of luck and fortune, this King is exceedingly practical.

Since we’re talking about the suit of Luck, deer are often considered symbols of good fortune and abundance. North American Mule Deer antlers are typically wider and taller than those of the Whitetailed Deer.

The book “Walking in the Woods” by Professor Yoshifumi Miyazaki covers the Japanese way of shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing.’ In order to be alert and aware of our surroundings (whether as the fly or as the hand…) we need to be centered and calm. A charming book that goes into the practice of being fully present in nature.

In the spirit of our surrealist carnivorous plant scenario from above… the Tevaplanter is a terracotta vessel that acts as a water bank for plants. Water is slowly diffused through the material to the cells. Roots have constant access to water and air. A great way to grow small carnivorous (and other less predatory plants) in your home!

And if you’re interested in learning to read with playing cards… I’m teaching a class on 5/21 here at Oracle: Learn Divination with Playing Cards. A world of insight opens up when you consider regular playing cards symbolically and solitaire becomes more than a game to pass the time.

May, no longer the beginning of the year… but still so much of 2023 is laid out before us. Now is a good time to take stock of where you are. Are you working towards something specific or are you in need of some fresh opportunities? Either way, be alert and be ready. — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: April '23

For April we went ahead and chose Lulu’s Lucky Lenormand deck because it has such a Spring feel. The Clover card speaks of luck and auspicious opportunities. But the essence of Clover is fleeting. Your ship has come in, but there IS a departure time. This luck won’t just wait around for you to decide whether or not you’re on board. This is a seize the moment card.

So much of the way we work here in the studio at Oracle is reliant on what becomes available to us because we source our materials as sustainably as possible. That means when we are presented with and purchase certain items there is no guarantee that we will get it again. The trick is knowing what to say “yes” to and what to let go. As a small business we just can’t say yes to everything after all… and as an individual you need to be discerning with your time and energy too!

So recognizing the opportunities that line up with your best interests is key. Taking time to assess not only where you want to go but also the things you’re enjoying and benefitting from in the here and now is essential.

Practice checking in with yourself as you make simple day-to-day decisions. Trying to decide on what to order at the cafe? Ask yourself “what is the best option right now?” And whichever choice flashes through your mind at that second… order that one! (Narrow it down to 2 or 3 viable options before you ask yourself this question…) Figuring out which sweater to grab before heading out the door? “What is the best option right now?” And without rationalizing it… the one that flashes into your mind first is the sweater for the day!

By flexing your intuitive muscle this way regularly and with low-stakes choices helps you gain confidence in knowing which opportunities are right for you. You don’t always have control over what options you are presented with, but you can be confident that you will make the best possible choices you can with what you’re working with.

Much like the challenge of playing a card game, we have to work with the cards we’re dealt. If you know me, you know I LOVE playing card metaphors… almost as much as I love playing cards themselves! And Oracle has added a few GORGEOUS decks to the shop and I will be teaching a Divination with Playing Cards workshop next month!

Some believe skunks to be a lucky omen and are often viewed as messengers of Spring. Skunks remind us to trust our intuition and move with quiet confidence in our own power and ability to defend ourselves. The striking beauty of black and white stripes in the skunk’s tail is a visual reminder of balance and patterns. The small skunk skull reminds us that big power can come in tiny packages.

Setting up a crystal grid is a stabilizing meditative practice. When you feel like you need a little extra boost of intuition, setting up crystals in a formation to help you feel connected to spirit can be helpful.

April brings with it, if not warmer weather and sunshine, at least the promise of sunnier times soon ahead. As the world “springs” back to life keep your eyes open for opportunities as they emerge! Like the skunk, move calmly and with confidence knowing you have the capacity to handle what comes your way. And when you see that lucky clover, pick it up and carry it with you! — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

{ Oracle News & Oracle's of the Month }

Dear Oracle Family,

Big Announcement!!!

We are moving - After 5 beautiful years at our current location, we will be moving on finding a new home  (back) in the Alley Shops of the Bauer Building. As many of you who have stuck with us since the beginning know; Oracle started as a small little boutique in the Bauer back in August of 2013. We have grown so much since those days, expanding as a business and focus into the natural sciences, introducing our workshops, classes, and community based gatherings... it feels like so much has changed yet we are just coming back home to our roots. We will be continuing our March classes as scheduled with upcoming classes with Mickey Alice Kwapis, Witch of the Midwest, and Bug Clubs with Alessandra; but come April 1st we will be moving everything over with a grand reopening April First Friday. It is bittersweet leaving our home of 5 years... but looking forward to seeing you in the new space. We have to say a super thank you to everyone who has supported us and stood up for what Oracle stands for the past 6 months, we couldn't have done it without you. But also can't wait to see how our community will grow with such amazing talented family at the Bauer.

{ March Oracle’s of the Month }

Curioscape Designs

Curioscape Designs uses ethically sourced insects and bones and blends them with natural ephemera to create environments that honor the cycles of life, death and rebirth. Created by Denver based artist Jess Ellis the assemblages reflect her desire to honor the imperfect and give new life to specimen that may have otherwise been overlooked because of a broken wing, faded colors or being already in decay. Ellis creates jewelry and small sculptures that are inspired by 16th-century cabinets of curiosity, magic, science and the natural world. We have a wide variety of styles in the shop from tiny vial to large glass domes. 

Piebald Peacock

The Piebald Peacock is one of natures wonders with patches of white feathers that are the result of a genetic anomaly. The term Peacock refers specifically to the brightly colored male birds while the females are grey or brown in color. The beautiful plumage of the male bird draws many associations to spirituality and the occult. The “eyes” of the tail feathers are a symbol of divine vision. In terms of appearance, the peacock is closely tied to the phoenix which rises from its own ashes to encapsulate the life, death and rebirth. 

Aragonite

Aragonite is a form of Calcium Carbonate that grows in an orthorhombic form. Aragonite in its star form is mined in Morocco and radiates its energy into the energetic fields and spaces it occupies. The energy it projects is serene yet energizing. It can be used for balancing emotions and healing energetic blocks. It is excellent for cleansing and opening the chakras in energy healing. This stone is a wonderful tool for releasing pain and fear because it enhances emotional strength. It is an ally for personal transformation and guidance over life’s thresholds. We all experience the life, death and rebirth cycle as we change and grow as humans and this stone supports deep emotional work and personal rebirth.

Hope to see you soon,

-xo Alessandra

{ Oracle's of the Month - Feb }

Starting the year back up with some of our favorites in the shop - the people and things that make Oracle who she is…

February Oracle’s of the Month

:: Moving Eternity ::

Moving Eternity specializes in creating handcrafted natural goods for your body and magical workings. Their natural wands are made with oak branches found in Kansas City, quartz crystals and is set in beeswax and leather. Each wand comes with a tiny zine. Their pins feature beautiful metallic elements and real snake skin. The beeswax candles are hand dipped and sprinkled with dried flowers and herbs. Each candle is dedicated to a planet or intention. Moving Eternity also creates custom candles with your own intention or deity.

:: Lapis Lazuli ::

Lapis Lazuli ha a rich history that includes being one of the favorite stones of ancient Egyptians. Lapis is a stone that strengthens the Divine connection to the high self. In our daily lives it supports honest communication, inner peace and freedom from negative thoughts. This stone is excellent for those wishing to deepen their intuitive knowing and self compassion. It ties to ancient cultures makes it excellent for connecting with ones past lives or ancestors. It’s dark blue color invokes a sense of calm and peace in ones home or aura. It activates the third eye and throat chakra making it a powerful ally in speaking ones truth from their higher self.

:: Bobcat ::

Bobcats invoke a sly and cunning energy. Their coat act as an invisibility cloak in their natural environment. This is a metaphor for us to live in our authenticity and we will find safety there. Bobcats are a solitary animal and they symbolize the strength in being alone. The bobcat is a patient and observant hunter, like we aspire to be in meditation when we develop our connection to ourself and the Divine. Bobcats are fast learners and that makes them a supportive guide to all students and those who wish to expand their knowledge. They use their fluffy ears and whiskers to detect the most subtle messages in their environment, making them a symbol of a deep connection to our intuition.

{ Oracles of the Month }

When we get asked, "what is your favorite thing in the shop?" we always get tongue tied, hah... It is so difficult to answer, since everything in our space is hand picked.... we love everything! Although depending on the month, we totally do gravitate towards different items or new things we manage to get in stock (which is always so exciting!)... SO! We are going to start a little monthly blog of what we are extra feeling this month. Most of the time they are items that get over looked... Others times they are awesome show stoppers. But want to know why they are extraordinary? Or who are those precious little gems we have been giving lovey eyes to? Or even crystals we have been working with for whats been going on in our own lives? Lets get weird, ;)  

SPECIMEN OF THE MONTH
- Bats

Bats are unique, spiritually and physically. They are the only mammal capable of true flight. They are portrayed as messengers, gods, demons and familiars in mythology and folklore. There is also a belief in Chinese culture that says that seeing 5 bats flying together is symbol of the “Five Blessings”: long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. Their use of echo-location makes them symbolic of perception and clairaudience. Bats are social creatures who stay close to their families making them a correspondence to community and nurturing.
- “I know Bat’s might be a little cliche for the month of October, especially if you are like me where bats are very much an all-year-long theme… but I have a soft spot for bats and especially, Halloween. No one can deny that their obsession of taxidermy and the macabre didn’t start here with all the pumpkins, bats, and cobwebs (and also can’t deny that they cut these iconic shapes out of paper and pasted it all over their rooms until I was able to acquire my own… i mean they… i mean I? i mean… who didn’t?).”

MINERAL OF THE MONTH
- Hematite in Quartz

These Quartz points are filled with inclusions of powdered hematite. It gets it’s name from the Greek word for blood, ‘haima’ but it appears in a range of colors from metallic grey to red-brown. As with any inclusion, Quartz amplifies the healing properties of the Hematite making it a powerful ally for grounding and manifestation. If you need help getting your “head out of the clouds” this is a great stone to ground you in your body. Wearing a piece of hematite daily is one way to feel its benefits as it calls you to pull your dreams and aspirations into reality. Hematite also teaches us balance, courage through tough times and to seek the silver linings in life.
- “I use quartz as a catch all stone, always making sure that I carry one with me everyday. I especially love inclusions. Inclusions are when a crystal has impurities or other minerals trapped within its form - growing together - a natural fusion - enhancing one another.”

ARTIST OF THE MONTH
- Amanda Lee of PleaseSendWord

Amanda Lee of Pleasesendword is an artist, activist and herbalist based in Kansas City, MO. She wildcrafts elixirs for our most delicate moments. The TAKECARE anxiety tincture is crafted with high quality spirits, this elixir uses the medicine of Milky Oats, Chamomile, Skullcap, Valerian Root and Lemon Balm. When you are feeling anxious and need help returning to yourself, take 2-3 droppers full of the tincture and you will quickly feel the benefits of these herbal allies. You can find more of Amanda’s carefully crafted work at pleasesendword.com.
- “This tincture is one that I am very proud about carrying in the shop. As a depressant anxious lady, I can say this one definitely comes in handy. Sometimes there is no time to take that breath to calm down or when anxiety takes over… this is where the tincture definitely does the trick. Highly recommended”

Let us know what you think! What is your favorite?
-xo Oracle

{ Oracles of the Month }

We always get asked, "what is your favorite thing in the shop"? Which we always get tongue tied, hah... It is so difficult to answer, since everything in our space is hand picked by us.... we love everything! Although depending on the month, we totally do gravitate towards different items or new things we manage to get in stock (which is always so exciting!)... SO! We are going to start a little monthly blog of what we are extra feeling this month. Most of the time they are items that get over looked... We have some awesome show stoppers, but want to know why they are extraordinary? Or who are those precious little gems we have been giving lovey eyes to? Or even crystals we have been working with for whats been going on in our own lives? Lets get weird, ;)  

SPECIMEN  OF THE MONTH
-- Cottontail Rabbit and lucky rabbit foot talisman 

"Rabbits belong to the order of mammals called Lagomorpha. Working with the rabbit spirit offers an energetic but grounded energy. Symbolically the rabbit represents abundance, cleverness and spontaneity. Rabbits are known for their ability to procreate quickly making them a symbol of fertility. In our lives, fertility can represent not just children but also fertility in manifestation, and creativity. They correspond with the astrological sign of Virgo. "
- I love working with rabbit energy, less so for their symbol of fertility but their speediness and keeping the energetic flow fluid. Who can say no to their precious little faces, especially when they are being feisty. Kindness, love, change, luck, desire... but also depicted as a trickster god in folktales. 

MINERAL OF THE MONTH
-- Rutilated Quartz

"Rutilated Quartz is a combination of clear or smoky quartz with inclusions of Rutile, which looks like fine metallic hairs or needles that are silver, gold or copper in color. Most Rutilated Quartz comes from Madagascar or Brazil. It is a stone that carries Storm energy activating transformation, cleansing and balancing. Rutilated Quartz is a wonderful stone to work with if you seek to deepen your connection to the Divine and spiritual awakening. It can aid in soothing dark moods and helps relieve fears, anxiety and self-limiting beliefs. This is an excellent stone for those who work as healers or in energetically intense environments because it draws away negativity and protects against psychic attacks."
- I immediately gravitated towards this stone when I saw it - I usually pick out stones without thinking of metaphysical meaning... I am, of course, a collector first. But this process usually works for me as it has weirdly turned into listening to my intuition. This stone took me by surprise as I have been deep diving into a spiritual reconnection to my practice and work; needing to connect the two together. And what were my hold ups? Self-limiting beliefs and negativity towards myself. Needing to reconnect with my guides. Well there you go, subconscious, I am listening...

ARTIST OF THE MONTH
-- Kim Johnson of Chapora Magic 

Kim Johnson creates ritual salves for self-care and expansion. Johnson works with ingredients used in Egyptian ceremonies and Ayurvedic Medicine. She also intentionally incorporates the elements of electricity, ether, wood, air, earth, water and fire into each batch. In the shop, we have the mandrake root salve for tension relief and the blue lotus salve for deep dreaming. Each salve comes with a ritual card to guide you through the experience of working with the plant medicine. 
- I cannot recommend these salves more. I subscribe to Blue Lotus salve right before going to bed; putting it on my hands and neck for good deep breathing and sleep (*definitely put it on when you know you will have a good full nights rest... hard to wake up from if not, or maybe that was just some good deep dreaming?!) Smells divine (not over powering), every ingredient is sourced and mixed with conscious action and the back of each salve even lists what moon cycle it was made under. 

Let us know what you think! What is your favorite?
-xo Alessandra