I had the luck of running into this deck at Borders. I had seen it online, but like all decks, I was a little uncomfortable buying without seeing a sample. However, I was seized by impulse, and I was impressed enough with what I saw at the store that I figured I'd take the chance.

The artwork on this deck is truly captivating. I love the coloring which is bright, but still retains a old and worn feel to the pictures. This deck got major bonus points for having a depiction of the Goddess as a red-head. Maybe this is my own red-headed bias speaking, but so many pictures of The Goddess feature her as a blonde, it's nice to see some variation. :)

The deck is broken down into some "core themes." 4 Element Cards, 2 God Cards, 8 Sabbat Cards, 3 Master Cards, and 16 Symbol Cards. Though the reasons/rational behind the break-downs are explained, there is not very much explanation how these categories affect the readings, other than the Sabbat cards which denote time. I guess I'm a little too used to Tarot, where even the categories of cards (Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and the suits) all have specific impact on the reading. With this, I could get all Symbol Cards, and I'm not sure if that would have an impact as to how I read the cards.

Anyway, the basic idea of the deck is to capture some symbolism and relevance from the Wiccan faith. While some of the symbols are highly relevant, and easy to see as relevant... for example, the 4 Element cards, the 2 God/dess cards, the 8 Sabbat cards, some of the Master cards (The Otherworld), and some of the Symbol cards (like the Book of Shadows and The Broom), the spiritual relevance behind others are somewhat confusing... For example, the Mare, Celtic Harp, Oak Tree, and Mask. I think those cards are strictly for divination/interpretation, and not so much symbols of Wicca, which is fine, though slightly disappointing if you're looking for a strictly Wiccan Deck (though if you're looking for a strictly Wiccan deck and you pass this one up because of the "non-Wiccan" appearing cards, you're missing an awesome deck).

There is with this deck, like all decks, the "little white booklet" that gives you the breakdown of how to read and what the cards mean. There is one sample spread, which is interesting and very useful. However, I wish there was a sample reading in there, so I knew what use the author was thinking of when he or she conceived the deck. Though I've adapted it to my own use, I'm always fascinated with how the author thought of using their deck. :)

I've tried reading with this deck already, and I'm impressed with its accuracy and relative ease of use. It is fairly easy to adapt this deck so that it's more personalized to the person doing the reading. I also think using this deck for magic could be very intriguing... I plan on taking this with me and using it in places where bringing my altar isn't practical (I'll give a follow-up on this!)

Overall, I'm very pleased with this deck. Parts of it I wish were more relevant to Wicca (but that's not a big deal at all since the symbolism and interpretations that don't appear heavily Wiccan still help the deck out greatly), and I could have wished that there was more to the white booklet, but those small shortfalls don't come close to ruining a great deck.

Also, I didn't have the problem with the text on the white booklet being too small to read... And I do have bad eyes! :D

The light at the edge of the forest, where the near shadows comfort and the far shadows call, while the Sun still shines beside you as you pause, held by the beckoning closeness of the light dappled bramble and woods. Or the hue of the Moon when seen to rise full at twilight with a beeswax tan, glowing ever more clearly and brightly as the last wisps of dusk blend into night's newly glittering canopy of stars. These are the sensations that come first to mind as I meditate upon the Wiccan Cards by Nada Mesar.

You may expect to encounter familiar scenes, and these there are, lovingly illustrated by Chatriya Hemharnvibul. But if some be unfamiliar, recall the words of Horatio "O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!" and Hamlet's reply to him "And therefore as a stranger give it welcome." Welcome indeed, and not at all so strange, for the precise destination you may expect to reach upon your encounter with these thirty-three carefully selected and detailed images is that of self-discovery, and the meanings you derive through your interaction with them will be precisely your own. Such is the power, and but one of the many gifts, this delicately splendid Oracle has to offer.

Each of the thirty-three cards might be considered as if a single musical note, and together they create chords and harmonies as varied as one's imagination desires. The Dance of Life echoes melodiously throughout the images, fulfilling visually what may then be experienced spiritually.

The thoughtful and intelligent research and effort that was given by Nada Mesar in the selection of the scenes and settings, the characters and their significance, of the very atmosphere and flavour of each view presented, works to form an intricately diverse completeness.

Nothing has been left out because the way is open to it, and nothing needs to be added because room has been prepared to bring it in. The path which is provided by the Wiccan Cards is as infinite as the sands along the seashore, and as personal as the journey you may take should you choose to begin, as always, and so ever on, with each step forward.