REVIEW: Dream Fairies Oracle

R E V I E W

Dream Fairies Oracle
by Bianca Luna
Illustrated by Julia Jeffrey
Published by Lo Scarabeo
ISBN-10: 8865271108
ISBN-13: 978-8865271100

FROM THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

The Dream Fairies comprise a versatile and profound deck. During the night the cards shine, literally glowing in the dark. Connected with the wisdom of the zodiac, they come to our rescue helping interpret messages from our soul and our dreams. During the day the Fairies inspire reflection and share advice to help us deal with any situations and emotions that we encounter.

Zelda, the Fairy of Leo

BASIC INFORMATION

According to the guide that accompanies this deck, author Bianca Luna is a Pisces with a long-standing interest in Astrology, Tarot, Runes, "and anything to do with the magic of existence." She lives in the mountains of Italy, where she writes, cultivates a garden, and raises sheep. She also travels around Italy and Europe "to hold seminars of Evolutionary Magic."

The Dream Fairies Oracle boxed set includes twelve full-color, glow-in-the-dark cards and a full-color companion guide. Both the cards and the book are square, measuring 4-7/8 x 4-7/8 inches. The guide is 3/4 of an inch thick and 192 pages long, but that's because the text is translated into English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German. Still, it's a much nicer book than the typical LWB (Little White Book) that comes with many Lo Scarabeo decks.

As the publisher's summary describes, these cards glow in the dark. Another unique feature is the box which can be used to prop and display cards for meditation work, as a round-the-clock reminder of a fairy's message, or as a unique frame for the enchanting art. The guide encourages us to choose the fairy we prefer and insert it into the frame, perhaps keeping it on our nightstand during the night so it can illuminate our dreams while we sleep.

As you may expect, there are twelve cards/fairies because each fairy is associated with one of the twelve zodiac signs. 

Tami, the Fairy of Scorpio

Following the Index/Table of Contents, the guide gives us a two-page spread with small versions of each card, along with each fairy's name and the zodiac sign associated with her, in all five languages. Next we have an introduction, followed by a fairy tale, the purpose of which is to "break the ice and gain some self-confidence" with the cards. The tale explains how the fairies decided once upon a time to leave their constellations each night in order to enter our dreams to "help us, protect us, and advise us in every situation."

As we move on in the book, we are given suggestions on specifically how to use the cards to help us explore issues that are on our mind. After providing an example, the book introduces us to each Fairy and her gifts, beginning with Maya, the Fairy of Aries, and ending with Cloe, the Fairy of Pisces.

Next, we come to a section that contains examples of seven common dream scenarios and what each Fairy's message would be about that dream. For example: "If we dream about a HOUSE and we draw . . . Maya: It is time to renew the home, even with small changes, like rearranging the furniture or painting the walls a warm colour." By comparison, if we dream about a house and we draw Astrid, the Fairy of Taurus: "A beautiful moment in relation to the home, as we want to spend serene and restful moments there, improving our environment."

Cloe, the Fairy of Pisces

We are then treated to a "notebook" containing sayings and advice from each Fairy. For example, "Zelda [the Fairy of Leo] says:

Shine for as long as you live.

You must be your biggest fan.

There is no victory without overcoming your own fears.

The beauty you emanate is an infinite source of joy and energy for you and others.

If you give, your gifts will double; if you do not give, they will disappear."

Next we have two readings we can do with the cards. For the Twin Fairies reading, we draw two cards: One represents "the positive side of a situation that can be seen clearly; strong points to be developed." The second card is "the dark side of the same situation that cannot be seen or we refuse to see. The deceptions that we may fall for."

The Fairies' Cross spread has five cards:
(1) us and our dreams
(2) how we can make them come true
(3) obstacles to be overcome
(4) the advice of the Fairies
(5) the direction our dreams will take

Finally, we are given brief bios of the Dream Fairies Oracle author and illustrator.

the back

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The box containing this set measures 5 x 5 x 1.3 inches. It is very attractive and sturdy, with a glossy, almost "lacquered" finish. On the underside of the lid are "thumbnail" sized images from the cards with each Fairy's name, the symbol of her zodiac sign, and the name of the sign in five languages. The box does not latch or fasten in any way, so you need to be careful not to turn it upside down.

The cards are printed on fairly thin cardboard that would not stand up to a "poker shuffle" -- but then, the size of the cards really makes it impossible to do that type of shuffle anyway. Both the cards and the guide are square, measuring 4-7/8 x 4-7/8 inches.

Each card has a dominant color and each image is framed in complimentary colors. Interestingly, four cards feature green borders, four have reddish brown borders, and then we have one each of purple, gold, teal, and dark blue. These color choices do not appear to be related to the zodiac signs or their elemental associations. The images incorporate various colors, not limited to the color of the border.

The backs of the cards are illustrated with waves or ribbons of blue, green, and white against a starry sky, framed by a dark teal border.

And in case you are wondering, the cards really do emit a soft glow in the dark!

Liliam, the Fairy of Sagittarius

ART

Scottish artist and illustrator Julia Jeffrey studied painting at the Glasgow School of Art. According to the guide, "her main artistic aim has always been to capture feeling, as expressed through the face and figure." In my opinion, she succeeds brilliantly in the images she created for the Dream Fairies Oracle.

The essence of each zodiac sign is reflected in its Fairy's facial expression and body language. For example, Lois, the Fairy of Cancer, cradles a kitten and gazes upward in a dreamy fashion. A full moon glows in the sky over a body of water, perhaps a pond or lake. Zoe, the Fairy of Libra, sits in a library, her chin in her hands, lost in thought. Ariel, the Fairy of Aquarius gazes at a globe of the world, an impish expression on her face. Her hair is wild and uncombed; her clothing is in disarray. I love the Sagittarius card (my sun sign), which depicts a young woman with a bow and a quill of arrows on her back. Beside her is a white unicorn.

I find it easy to imagine what each individual Fairy might say to me -- her attitude, her perspective, her world view, her philosophy. The personalities of these characters really come through in the illustrations. To see more of Julia Jeffrey's art, you can visit her Etsy shop, Stonemaiden Art, at www.etsy.com/shop/juliajeffrey.

Lois, the Fairy of Cancer

BOTTOM LINE

I love astrology, so I love that these cards are based on the zodiac, yet they aren't overloaded with astrological symbolism. For example, the Fairy of Scorpio is shown with a black Great Dane rather than a scorpion; the Fairy of Pisces is shown with a frog instead of fish; and the Fairy of Cancer is shown with a kitten, not a crab. Color schemes do not line up with the traditional colors associated with each sign (or its element). Some people might see those sorts of things as flaws.

The cards are not particularly sturdy, and they need to be handled carefully, but I feel that is part of their charm. After all, these are Fairies -- delicate, ethereal, elusive creatures.  As I mentioned above, the artist has done a wonderful job of conveying emotions and personalities through facial expressions and body language. I feel as though I can get to know these Fairies as individuals.

Zoe, the Fairy of Libra

I am looking forward to consulting these cards for advice as well as for insight into the dynamics of situations and relationships. I don't know how much I will use the box as a frame on my nightstand, but I imagine I'll give it a try.

If you love fairies and/or astrology, this deck will probably speak especially clearly to you.







 In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.