Deck Review: Tarot of the Owls

Pamela Chen (author) and Elisabeth Alba (illustrator), Tarot of the Owls. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn, 2023. ISBN: 9780738768212. (Link to publisher)

Genre: Tarot decks

Subgenre:  owls, nature

Format: Kit with 78-card deck and companion book

Source: I own this one 

 

Two of Pentacles card

I first used this deck, along with the Bird Messages Oracle (link to my review), in April 2024. The kit includes the 78-card deck and a full 210-page companion book. Pamela Chen wrote the book and concept; Elisabeth Alba is the illustrator. Alba is one of my favorite artists, so I am usually willing to get decks with her art on faith. This kit is definitely a great package. 

The book is arranged as follows: 

• Introduction: The Calling. A short description of owls, their magic, and the deck's overall concept. 
• Chapter 1: Rules of the Realm. This goes over the deck's structure: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and Court Cards. 
• Chapter 2: Know It Owl. This includes how to care for your deck and prepare to do a reading. It also includes instructions for doing a deck interview spread, which is a nice addition. This is a spread  you can use for this deck and any other deck you have. 
• Chapter 3: The Major Arcana. 
• Chapter 4: The Minor Arcana. 
• Chapter 5: The Court Cards. 
• Chapter 6: Spread Your Wings. This chapter offers some spreads. In addition to the simple single card draws and three-card spreads, we get a 5-card spread and a 6-card spread. These spreads are helpful for reflection on your cartomancy practice and magic. 
• Conclusion. 

Chen's text transports us to the realm of owls and their magic or guidance. The writing is easy to read with a warm and nurturing tone. Directions are clear. The owls are your guides in this learning journey, and everyone is welcome. Strength of the writing is that you feel immersed in the owls' world. Spreads can be used with other decks, which adds value. 

All card entries have the same structure. Each entry includes a full page color illustration of a card. Entries text features a card description, the upright owl wisdom (card meaning), and reversed owl outlook (reversed meaning). I appreciate this author did not skimp on the Minor Arcana. All entries offer good information with some substance. All in all, this is a pleasant and informative book. 

The Sun-XIX card

The cards are beautiful, bright, and colorful. Owls are mostly featured in a natural way with some fantasy elements. Minor Arcana suits are standard: wands, pentacles, swords, and cups. Major Arcana names are also standard. The paintings are colorful and bright. Images are clear and expressive. The art is well within Rider Waite Smith (RWS), and they are also very friendly to intuition. Intuitives should be able to used them. You can probably use the deck without the book, but I recommend reading the book to better appreciate the deck and enhance your practice. I found the cards are easy to read and very responsive. 

The cards measure about 4 1/2 inches by 2 3/4 inches. Cards are standard Llewellyn thin card stock.The cards have a soft glossy coat, and they are easy to shuffle. The card back features a pretty and colorful owl eye art, but it is not reversible. The card art is borderless. 

Overall, this is an excellent set. This is a deck I would not want to be without. It is a solid deck for individual and public readers. Fans of animal and nature-themed decks will probably want to add to their collection. This is now one of my favorite decks, and I am glad to own it as well as recommend it. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

This kit qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenges: