ϻӮ

Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Faeries' Oracle

Rate this book
Bring the insight, wisdom, and joy of the faeries into your life.

Using the enchanted art of Brian Froud as your guide, enter into the wise and wonderful world of the faeries. The Faeries' Oracle calls on sylphs, pans, gnomes -- and, of course, faeries -- to lead you on a delightful journey of adventure, discovery, and enlightenment that will illuminate the future and heal the heart and soul. This beautifully designed divination set contains everything you will need to explore this mysterious realm, including:

-A complete deck of 66 radiant cards by Brian Froud featuring goblins, moon dancers, pixies, boggarts, and other faery folk we first met in Good Faeries/Bad Faeries

-208-page illustrated book with text by Jessica Macbeth, which will show you how to read the cards of The Faeries' Oracle, with particular instruction on personally connecting to and communicating with the faeries

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 2000

39 people are currently reading
1,637 people want to read

About the author

Brian Froud

84books902followers
Brian Froud is an award-winning illustrator, author, and faery authority. His books include the international best-sellers Faeries, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, Lady Cottington's Fairy Album, and The Faeries' Oracle. He also served as the conceptual designer on Jim Henson's films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Froud lives in Devon, England.
----------------------

"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud

For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.

Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,101 (63%)
4 stars
395 (22%)
3 stars
179 (10%)
2 stars
37 (2%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for indiefishsteak.
34 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2007
This book/deck really makes you exercise your own capabilities for reading cards without using someone else's definitions. It includes advice on preparing for a reading, how to read cards without using someone else's definitions, advice on working with fairies, and a good deal of other things that make you look beyond using a deck and a book.

I'm still trying to get the hang of it, but I really enjoy the deck and its illustrations. They are beautifully done and presented in a great hard cover book and quality cards.
Profile Image for Bryan R.
6 reviews
August 16, 2009
I'm happy to say that I own at least three copies of this fine set and have gifted severa more. I bought my first one several years ago, near Samhain, and I completely fell in love with it. Unlike Tarot cards or other oracles, the beautiful cards and the splendid writing by Jessica MacBeth elevate the experience to one that is very personal and illuminating. The cards (and the fey whom they represent) quickly became part of my life and opened a new and amazing world for me.

I cannot recommend this product enough for both the lover of oracles but for those wanting to experience the true side of Faery.
Profile Image for Pennina-Lynn.
88 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2017
I also have the deck, but more for the art. What can I say–Froud is a wizard!

I'm giving this book two stars because what the author writes is very much at odds with what Froud has said about Faeries. The writing's not bad, in fact, the sheer positivity of it is rather uplifting … But then there's that thing I just mentioned …
Profile Image for Angela.
19 reviews
October 5, 2017
This is a beautiful hardcover book, and 66 gorgeously illustrated faerie oracle cards that come in a nice little box. I got them a long time ago, as a high school graduation gift from my best friend in, because I used to collect faerie figures and prints, and tarot cards. I found them recently when I was going through old boxes of books and enjoyed looking at the book as well as the cards.

The artwork is done by Brian Froud, who is extremely talented. A legendary faerie artist. His work is beautiful. I have a few of his books, my favorite was Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, which I thought was real for a little while. I was so disappointed, not to mention embarrassed when I found the truth out. Well, at least I'm in good company, those photos fooled Sir Conan Doyle too.

My 8-year-old knew right away they weren't real pictures, and was shocked I thought they could be real. I blame the internet. Kids are so jaded these days. I will always hope for and believe in faeries. My daughter was as enchanted by the artwork on this set, as I was back in 2001 when I got my set and as I still am to this day... but she cannot play with the cards. She is too young. I believe they hold power and energy and she is too young. They have given me guidance and luck and I'm excited to be using them again.
Profile Image for carlie.
48 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2009
Of course the artwork is amazing, and the oracle cards are spot on for personal readings (readings for others, not so much).
But the real surprise here is how well the book is written. It's so unexpected to find a tarot/oracle book that is...well...FUN! I like reading this oracle book as much as I like spreading the cards. Just reading the book opens up my mind to all of the hidden potential in the cards. It allows for a much more intuitive approach to the cards, which leads to much easier interpretation, which leads, ultimately to a more acurate reading, and to run on review sentences. All's fair in love and faerie oracles!
Profile Image for Michela Mosca.
Author7 books59 followers
Read
August 4, 2024
This oracle deck and the book are amazing! The cards are made to develop your intuition, and the book gives you tips and suggestions, but YOU are the one who will understand how to interpret the messages. Brian Froud is the most remarkable artist when it comes to depicting fairies, because I have always felt that the Sidhe is like it. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Catarina.
Author3 books33 followers
February 28, 2012
I have to admit I have mix feelings about Froud. I love some of his drawings and yet I abide others. So being said this Oracle is one of my most controversial possession as I adore some of the cards and simply try to avoid others.
Probably one of the reasons I don't use it that much. Even so it's a master piece and deserves to be rated as one.
Profile Image for Keekee Smith.
56 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2022
This is my first oracle deck (I've had it for some years now), and I was nervous as I'd heard Faerie decks can be a handful. However, I've never had a more accurate deck. I love the way the book is written, I love the artwork, and I love getting to know all of the Faeries. Don't be afraid of them and they won't mess with you...too much.
Profile Image for Etta.
8 reviews28 followers
May 25, 2009
Both the book and deck are stunning works of art. I love to just LOOK at the cards to rest my mind and inspire imagination.
Profile Image for Hannah.
249 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2021
The Faeries' Oracle is a card oracle deck with artwork by Brian Froud, along with a book written by Jessica MacBeth. The book gives some suggestions on how to use the cards, along with a text that goes along with every one of the cards.

The cards are, obviously, beautiful. I appreciate the mix of more ethereal beings, cheeky pixies and the creatures that focus on some of the heavier aspects of life. It isn't just rainbows and sunshine.
The texts are good in that they don't force you into a specific explanation of a card. There is room for your own 'bond' with the artwork.

Apparently there was some kind of panel that was asked about their interpretation of the cards. The way this is referenced by the writer here and there feels odd. I wish she had incorporated their feedback in a smoother way and just gave the panel a thank you note in the last pages of the book.
Also, the writer pretends to interact with each creature herself, which feels cringe to me.

The artwork more than makes up for the awkward writing style though.
I'm happy to own this set and still use it from time to time.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
40 reviews35 followers
May 15, 2018
Brian Froud's images are just gorgeous! I am a huge fan of his work so I may be biased! Card stock is really thin though and although it rifle shuffles beautifully, (don't cringe!) I may not do that very much because I am not sure this deck would hold up well long term if I did. The readings from this deck have been on point and a bit cheeky.
Profile Image for soda.
475 reviews49 followers
June 11, 2017
This isn't a 'book'; it's a tarot deck (unless you count the description book that tells you what each of the faeries are). A friend got this for me for my b-day last year and it's fantastic! Great for any lover of faeries and fantasy.
Profile Image for Eve.
347 reviews9 followers
January 29, 2017
Stunning artwork that reminds me of the movie Labyrinth with David Bowie as the Goblin King. This is a very cool set to have in your divination collection!
Profile Image for Emily.
50 reviews29 followers
August 14, 2019
The best oracle deck I have ever had the pleasure of working with
Profile Image for Shadowwarrior.
34 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2020
Beautiful art and an informative book to go with it! I use this tarot for spiritual matters.
Profile Image for jade.
489 reviews380 followers
September 11, 2013
Fantasy illustrator is known far and wide for his imaginative drawings of the faefolk and other mystical beings, having published quite an amount of illustrative books on those subjects already. Others might also know him for his (costume) design work on two of Jim Henson’s films, The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986).

Long story short, Brian Froud is a well-known and well-loved fantasy illustrator, and with the publication of , he has lent his inspiring drawings to a deck of oracle cards. In cooperation with , an author specializing in the lore of the otherworld folk amongst other things, the book accompanying the oracle cards was drawn up, containing a plethora of pages on card meanings and on how to work with the faeries when using this deck.

The book has a light, friendly tone, and is actually quite fun to read as opposed to the majority of book(let)s accompanying oracle or tarot card decks. It’s divided into three parts, the first containing a few pages of basic information on how to read the cards, how to do a number of simple spreads, and how to establish first initial contact with the fae. The second part of the book focuses on actually reading the cards’ meanings, and holds a huge amount of descriptions on each card, making the things they represent clear to the reader. The third and final part focuses on extra techniques that can be used to enhance the experience of doing a reading, including meditation, grounding, centring, how to read for yourself vs. how to read for others, and some more details on faerie-style readings/spreads. A list of recommended websites and books is also included.

book is definitely a lot more in-depth than most accompanying books, and is a solid read, especially for those first starting out reading oracle cards and those looking for more information and/or lore on the faeries themselves. Jessica Macbeth has a very natural tone to her writing that makes it a light, interesting read.

The cards themselves are high-quality as well, next to the superb illustrations that Brian Froud has provided them with. There are sixty-five in total, all printed on rather firm material, and they are just a tad larger than most oracle or tarot cards I have seen.

Inspiring and beautiful, if you are looking for a superb set of oracle cards, you have certainly found it. Especially recommended for those interested in the faefolk.
Profile Image for K.S. Thompson.
Author3 books18 followers
April 24, 2019
Like any self-respecting fan of Brian Froud's artwork, I snapped up my copy of this book/oracle deck, eager to work with it. For those who are not aware, much of the artwork comes from the book “Good Faeries/Bad Faeries”. So needless to say, this is not a sparkly, rainbow-infused romp through an enchanted woodland. That is precisely why I gravitate toward Froud's work. It is based on folklore and not someone's assumptions or preconceived notions of what Faeries “should be”.

So imagine my surprise when the reaction of those that I was doing readings for was one of fear. Being told that the deck was “too dark” and “quite scary” wasn't something I was prepared for. So I soon tucked it away, using it only for myself and rarely at that.

I have grown and changed a great deal since, immersing myself in the folklore that first drew me to the Other Crowd. It has been through this process that I have arrived at a point where I want to incorporate this deck into my daily life. I have long thought that it would be not only interesting but rewarding to combine both of the Froud decks into one, for a deeper connection and a more balanced approach. I look forward to seeing where this takes me.
Profile Image for Kathy.
388 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2018
The Faerie's Oracle has no direct meaning. Froud tells the reader his interpretation of what each card represents. Faeries have always been tricky creatures in folklore. With this in mind, the deck forces the reader to focus in order to find an answer to the querent's question. Read the companion book. I cannot stress this enough. Otherwise, the reader will be confused. The Faeries' Oracle is one of the hardest items of divination I own. This oracle deck is not for beginners. This deck would still be a challenge for intermediate readers as well. Do not be afraid to ask for help from an experienced reader. Be patient when doing a reading with this oracle. With that warning aside, do not be afraid to work with this oracle. It still does a wonderful job. It teaches the reader to look beyond the typical symbolism found in a card. Once the answer is found, it will be truthful.

In addition, the elegant artwork of this oracle is great to use for altars. I have two cards from this deck on my faery altar.

My only wish is that the oracle box was more resistant. The top of the box has no top anymore. On the other hand, this deck does have a slot to store the cards when not being used. Not that it matters since I combined this deck with it's companion deck- Heart of Faery.
Profile Image for Ceejay.
555 reviews18 followers
October 17, 2017
This book is actually part of a kit. Used with the 66 Oracle cards that come with it, you are guided on how to live your life, and hopefully what your future may be. Unlike the majority of Oracle cards, the cards in this collection are based on fairies (faeries), rather than angels. Also, unlike Tarot Cards, which have meanings that are set in stone, these cards allow more of a stream of consciousness approach to the meanings.There are no "evil" cards. Not being a person of faith, I find the idea of having a "fairy" guide me far superior to having an "angel" guide me. The bottom line here is that you can use these cards to examine yourself, and allow yourself to question what you are doing on a daily or weekly basis,or during a crisis. It's like having a little kit that guides you towards good mental health. No Ouija Board, no Tarot Cards, no money hungry gypsy; it's just you and your inner feelings.
Profile Image for Deepa.
145 reviews
December 13, 2012
This books is just absolutely lovely!! havent finished it yet, but I love it already, Jessa is so kindly. so encouraging. Feels like my kind aunt is teaching me to be a witch :D to listen to *them*. Oh there is a whole new world out there!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( naw! that new world is right in my head!) So fun!! I love it. I love the faeries!! When will I get to talk to them!! when will we be friends!!! ;-) Awww! cant wait! :D
102 reviews6 followers
March 25, 2016
Breathtaking artwork by Brian Froud and amazing accompanying book by Jessica Macbeth produce an oracle that practically reads itself. I have a hard time reading tarot for myself sometimes, but not so with this oracle. And when reading for others, the book interpretations are spot on. And when you need to take intepretations further, the art is rich and evocative enough to take you into the otherworld. Out of all my tarot and oracle decks, this is my favorite. Believe in Faeries!
Profile Image for Peter.
777 reviews134 followers
June 8, 2015
First I have no interest or belief in what the book offers, but I have a love for Brian Frouds' artwork, so this is a beautiful set of art cards. whilst the writing made me cringe, yet another create your own belief kit, (sorry), the artwork is excellent.

All in all an interesting fantasy art book and for occultists ENJOY yourselves, a success for either type of interest.
Profile Image for tomlinton.
244 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2008
Brian Froud is the artist
but the text is by Jessica Macbeth

I highly recommend this
Not only is the artwork beautiful
but Jessica's prose
is both enlightening and entertaining
and more than a wee bit fae

My only previous oracle book
was the I Ching

10 reviews
November 15, 2007
I love the art on these cards. NOT ugly art like most are. And using them is fun too. The book with it is great. Lots of fun in this deck.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.