Dracones Loqui Oracle
Review by Flora Fanatika
Hi Coven, how are you?
Today I'm bringing you my first deck review here on Substack. If you like this format, leave a comment at the end of the post to let me know if you want more of this type of content here and if you enjoyed the written review format.
But let's get to it. Today's review is of an oracle created by an author who is very well-known in the Tarot community for her most iconic deck, Dreams of Gaia. Yes, we're talking about the powerful Ravynne Phelan.
Speaking a little about her tarot, which I also have in my collection, I can say that Ravynne's text has always been something out of the box, being a writing style that makes us readers reflect on events from the past, present and future.
Ravynne doesn't hold back on her guide books. In Dream of Gaia Tarot, it's robust, detailed and the deck itself has its own system, which makes many people love it and some others dislike it, since it differs from more traditional systems.
In this edition we have Gold-Foil Stamping on Box, Guidebook Cover, Card Backs and Gold-Painted Card Edges.
The description reads as follows:
54 circular cards + 160-page colour guidebook. Gold-foil stamping on box, guidebook cover and card backs, and gold-painted card edges. Packaged in a hardcover box with inner card tray: 125mm x 170mm x 42mm.
The deck is published by Blue Angel, and is available for purchase on Amazon and in physical stores, costing between 30 and 45 US dollars.
As for the Dracones Loqui Guidebook, I would say it was created exactly for those who like a division of moments, here we have a small introduction and a division between Lux, Terra and Umbra.
Introduction: a a little tidbit of information about the card, very objective and straight to the point.
In Lux, we can find a more positive, high-vibration narrative, allowing for more spiritual reflections narrated by the spirit of a dragon that communicates with you as a guide. Here, the mythological being makes a point of connecting you with your higher self, with the moment when you need the Divine and that it is not so far from you.
In Terra, we have a more hands-on reflection from the draconic guide. Here, more earthly tips and directions are given on how to put knowledge into practice, where we can also improve ourselves and actually answer those famous questions about what to do in a given situation on our journey.
In Umbra, we have the much-needed aspect of Shadow Work, without so much demagogy and straight to the point. Our draconic guide leads us to questions and reflections based on the theme of the card in question, almost like a conversation with our best friend who is ready to tell us some hard truths that are sometimes difficult to recognize and that, often, we just don't want to look at them into the darkness. Umbra will definitely bring this aspect to the surface!
Important: You are not required to read all three aspects of the card to get the message you are looking for. It is up to the reader to choose which division interests them according to their question.
Pros
It's a deck that allows you to analyze several topics and ask objective and deeper questions.
The guidebook is not extensive like Dreams of Gaia. Here, Ravynne condensed the writing quite a bit without losing quality.
You have a deck for multiple moments that also responds very well in Shadow Work processes, even if it was not designed only to be a Shadow Work deck.
It's a travel companion deck. Its round shape and small size makes it a perfect deck for traveling. It fits in a small bag and is not too far from the size of the already popular Wild Unknown Archetypes mini deck.
Being a deck that works not only by giving advice but also with sigils, it serves as an incredible transportable altar. Its design fits well with a small candle in the center, which I found to be a huge advantage.
It's a great clarifier of messages.
Cons
The deck does not come with a practical and resistant packaging like the Wild Unknown Archetypes Mini tin, I am thinking of buying a tin for mine!
The guidebook is not pocket-sized.
It is a specific theme. Here, the energy worked on is only Draconian energy, so if you are looking for a deck with different energies it would not be ideal for you.
It is still a Mass-Market deck with a slightly higher price than other decks in the same category.
How has my contact with the deck been?
I acquired the oracle with the purpose of having contact with Draconian energy, which was something that had been present since my childhood.
I currently work with many deities from a more chtonic lineage and having an oracle that could talk to my guides but also bring ancestral knowledge of the energy that I communed with in childhood seemed like something incredible and it really has been!
I already really liked the author's writing because I was used to Dreams of Gaia but I admit that, with tarot, it was sometimes a bit tiring to spend a lot of time and go so in-depth. When I just want to have in-depth guidance but without so much fuss, Dracones Loqui does this very well!
The guidebook is not tiring. There are not many pages for each topic, at most two paragraphs, but with the same quality of in-depth guidance. And think how good that is to have in your daily life?
Speaking of reading it on a daily basis, it has communicated easily with other decks, even outside the Dragons theme, it has conversed well with decks of different themes, being a powerful clarifier.
My favorite Draconian combo has been: The Dragon Tarot by Nigel Suckling + Dracones Loqui + Wild Unknown Archetypes mini.
Final Thoughts:
The Dracones Loqui oracle is certainly a deck that has found its place and stands out in my collection. I can't imagine it without it!
I am completely satisfied with the powerful voice of the deck and how it has helped me create a space of understanding and safety for my investigations.
I am sure that, in the voice of my childhood draconic friend, he is present and still lives in the words of Ravynne and, with all certainty, I recommend this oracle to be a faithful best friend, willing to have conversations of all kinds and to take her along with sincere and gentle understandings.
And, of course, I would love to hear from those of you who have the deck what your personal experience has been like and, also, those who are interested and have more questions, to just post your comments here so that we can return an answer.
With affection.
Bia.