Deck Review: Elle Qui Oracle

Arwen Lynch-Poe (writer) and Melanie Delon (artist), Elle Qui Oracle. Stamford, CT: U.S. Games Systems, 2019. ISBN: 9781572819733. 

Note: It appears this deck is out of print as I could not find it in the U.S. Games Systems site. However, it can still be found online in places like Amazon and E-bay for reasonable price. 

I found this deck by serendipity. It looked nice and interesting, so I took a chance on it. From the publisher description: 

"Elle Qui ('She Who') Oracle features 44 magnificent female warriors and women of great compassion and wisdom. . . Each card presents someone who will challenge and inspire you in unique ways."

The kit includes the deck and a small companion book. The book has 79 pages. It is arranged as follows:

• Introduction. In two pages, you get a description of the deck's concept. The author tells us this deck "can be used for introspection as well as divination" (6). 
• The Cards. Here you find the card entries. Each entry includes card name, she who (keyword/verb), card keywords, and interpretation text. Each card entry also features three questions that you can use for reflection and/or writing in your journal. Entries do not include a card image. Entries are in alphabetical order by each woman's name.
• Card Spreads. We get a five-card spread and a three-card spread. There is also a single page for card spread notes. I honestly don't see many people making notes on that little page; just make notes on your cartomancy journal. 

I found the card entries to be interesting and easy to read. The reflection questions are very useful to help add depth to your readings. Can you read the cards without the book? Maybe. The card art and keywords may be enough, especially for intuitive readers. However, you might miss some key details if you do not read the book. I do recommend reading the book. 

The cards feature the painting of each woman. The art style feels classic with a bit of fantasy blended in. Art is colorful and often makes good use of shadows. The women's faces express emotions well.  It is a feminine deck, so good for folks to work with feminine energy. You have an issue? This deck has good advice and suggestions for reflection. It can work combined with a Tarot deck, especially if it is a more feminine Tarot deck. 

I was not sure initially what to expect with this deck. I was happy to find a deck with good, timely messages, and some some nurturing energy. This is a deck that delivers a variety of messages as needed. The cards also look very good when you display them on an altar or shelf. 

The cards measure about 5 inches by 3 inches. The art is borderless on three sides; bottom has a border with card details: card name and keywords. The border colors vary, but the deck overall is not color coded. The colors just add some nice variety. The cards a very soft gloss, and then deck shuffles easily. The card back art shows flowers and butterflies. It is not reversible, but it is very nice. 

Overall, this is a very nice deck, and it is one I am glad to have. It is one I would definitely use again. At some point I'll take it to my work office for daily oracle draws at work. I do recommend this for anyone, i.e. you don't have to be a woman to use it. Yet if you are female and need an inspiring feminine deck this can be a good option. It has become a favorite for me. 

5 out of 5 stars.