I received it as a wedding gift from my mother to commemorate my Oceanside wedding. I had never really investigated it before owning it, and I knew absolutely nothing about seashells for Divining purposes. So I really opened this deck completely ignorant. I have to say, I was instantly blown away by this deck, its book, and all of the information that was provided. Within 5 minutes of opening the deck, I went from never hearing of seashell Divining to doing a reading, and understanding it.

I will freely admit that immediately upon opening the box to see the 200 shell cards, the accompanying 106 page manual, and the two double-sided posters to assist in readings, I felt completely overwhelmed. I'm used to 78 cards and a teeny booklet. ;) But the author took such time, care, and effort to organize the information so that it was not only intuitive, but not at all daunting to use. And, as a refreshing change from many Oracles, you can use the book independent of the cards, the cards independent of the book, the poster and the book independent of the cards, and the information you glean not suffer in the slightest because the author took great lengths to make this as intuitive as possible. This is the first Oracle I've ever owned that accomplished the feat of being completely intuitive, which in and of itself makes it a unique and fabulous Oracle. I've always thought that Divination tools *should* be intuitive and you *should* be able to use it without having to consult a book for all of your information and it's nice to see that there is at least one person out there who agrees.

The pictures of the shells used on the cards are just gorgeous, as were the specimens that were photographed. On the reverse side of each card, there is the number of the card, the name of the shell pictured on the card, along with a one-statement analysis of what the card stands for. This makes reading the card easy, and makes consulting the book unnecessary (though if you do, you're rewarded with a complete and well thought out analysis of the shell, what it stands for, and why), and it lends well to the intuitive nature of the book. A thin, colored boarder of either red, yellow, bright blue, and purple (or maybe dark blue hard to tell for me since I can't distinguish between dark greens, blues, and purples ... Sorry) frames the back of the card indicating quickly if the statement applies to an interpretation of behavior, interaction with others, name of the shell itself, or your intuition. This is very handy, adding more to the intuitive and user-friendly nature of the deck. With constant use of the deck, I think most users will find in short order that they can use the deck independent of the book. It's amazing because the pictures capture the feeling and intent of the shells, which really lends itself to remembering what the cards stand for.

Accompanying these fabulous cards is a book, 106 pages long, that details with great accuracy not only the author's passion for shells, but gives her a chance to show off her knowledge, which she does beautifully. The interpretations of the shells are well thought out, relevant, easy to follow and understand, and showcase her extensive knowledge. Even though the cards are intuitive, when you consult the book, you're rewarded with an outpouring of information that adds a personalized depth to your reading that many other Oracles do not match. There are also 2 posters included with the deck so that you may take advantage of one of the methods of reading suggested by the author, and although they are beautiful, I don't really use them often. Because these cards are so intuitive, I read the cards as suggested by Shelly once or twice, but then quickly adapted a system that works better for me personally. Even though I've been doing Tarot for awhile, I think even a beginner to the realm of Divination could in relatively short order could become proficient enough to adapt readings and drawing methods that suit them and their needs.

Another nice little bonus is that this deck is very educational when it comes information on seashells and their inhabitants as well as the practical use of the shell by humans. I found my self saying "Huh... Well that's cool" a number of times. I'll even admit that I took this deck with me on our honeymoon to the British Virgin Islands, and when I went shell collecting, I used this deck to identify what I found! It was amazing and tons of fun, not only for me but my husband (who is so *NOT* into Tarot or Divination) because the information in her book has universal appeal and fascination.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this deck. I really can't. I've used this deck numerous times for others, and myself and I've been repeatedly astounded by the accuracy that these cards provide me. I've been asked by some people I read for regularly to stop using Tarot and use this Oracle instead because they found the information much more accurate, constructive, pertinent, and personal. I have to even admit that as a long time Tarot user, I find this deck to be deeply rewarding, and I am drawn to using it regularly. When I find myself lonely for the ocean that is conspicuously absent in mid New Hampshire, I go to this book for fond memories, great information, and I feel that connection to the water all over again.

If you are a beginner to Divination, a soul attracted to the Ocean, Water, or the Shore, have a general interest in Divination, or a fascination with the Ocean and her creatures, you will adore this deck.

I had the personal pleasure of meeting with Michelle (Shelly) for a seashell reading. Her knowledge of the subject is truly amazing! I used the card set to do "readings" for my friends and family - and they were all amazed! Very entertaining and quite enlightening!