"Anam Chara" Oracle Deck Review

The “Anam Chara” oracle deck by Saorsa Sionnach is advice from your soul friend/spirit/guardian, someone from your spiritual team who has best interests for you, and wants to support you with a little Celtic wisdom.

This lovely artwork and gorgeous messaging is a Celtic oracle deck that you can trust. Read more to see my review…

• Guidebook: Over 100 pages including tips, card spreads and affirmation/intentions per card.
• Artwork: By Saorsa who you can see their work over on Instagram
• Inclusivity: A variety of individuals and animals on the cards.
• Environmental Impact: TBC; Printed & Bound in China. (No charitable mentions) HOWEVER the deck does come with a free digital app, to encourage further practice.

Unique Deck Points

This deck is genuinely perfect for reparenting, and for being a pagan parent. Lemme explain real quick – this is not to downplay a spiritual connection with guides or others, but the tone, messaging and artwork is very much in the realm of compassion and encouragement. 

It reminds me of an amalgamation of big siblings, aunts, and grandparent wisdom all rolled into one – something many folks from abusive family dynamics might not have had in their lives. We are parented not just by primary caregivers, and taking wisdom from those with best intentions for us is a blessing, not a chore.

The intentions on the cards as mantras or for use within spellwork is a gentle combo to those who are witches, or to those who are not. And with no offence intended to the artist but the whimsy and sweetness of the illustrations does help from a child’s perspective in terms of connection – there may be big themes in this deck, but they apply to our littles too.

The Downside of the Deck

There’s definitely an element of “trust in the higher powers” through cards like The Star and Knight, so if you’re secular I’d recommend this deck to be used as a voice of support rather than your actual friend – and the illustrations are strong enough that it kinda provides almost an element of aphantasia; for the three people I’ve shown this deck to, they’ll all struggled in the moment to conjure their own imagery up, but more focused on the artwork in front of them.

This deck is maybe not suited for those who are not yet open to healing their “stuff” as the cards all support this through elemental practices and intentional work. And it is that – work. As soft as this deck is, the story below it still provides structures that need to be seen through.

My Favourite Card

“Star”. The artwork reminds me of my children instantly – obsessively watering plants, and obsessed with ladybirds too. It was my eldest daughter’s first word!

Nurture what we want to see grow in our lives. Work hard like a buzzy bee. Get outside in nature, lean on lavender for calm, and little dots of luck will always land my way. For someone who loves symbolism I get this card so clearly – it’s not the card’s anamchairde that’s the protector here, but me. 

I am the one who watches over the children, and so this card suggests someone may be watching over me the same, with the same love in their heart and affectionate chuckles towards my little habits and daily doings as I do towards my children. Whilst I’m protected, life is happening, and I should enjoy it. What a lovely little card.

Why I Love This Deck

I love the earthy witchcraft elements, that they are subtle but they are definitely there. I got the sense of an ancestor or two coming through with The Alchemist and Hermit, but overall this deck is a good example that witchcraft doesn’t necessarily mean black cats, warts & broomsticks. Sometimes it’s just plain ol’ working with nature and cultivating self-love… and for parents (and reparenting ourselves) to do so in our daily practices too.

I feel that those who would love this deck are those who are pagan parents, for those who want to incorporate more Celtic practices into their life, and for those who love to work with nature and it’s seasons. The Anam Chara oracle deck is a beautiful artwork deck and thoughtful messaging make it a unique addition to any collection.

If you’re interested in learning more about the “Anam Chara” deck, you can do so here. Any click-throughs may lead to the affiliate programme awarding us compensation which helps compensate the writers on the website, pays towards the web hosting and all the other boring behind-the-scenes bits.

Thank you for reading my super honest review! Until next time xox