The Beloved Dead Oracle

The Beloved Dead; An Oracle for Divining Ancestral Wisdom
Carrie Paris and Tins Hardt
Weiser Books
ISBN 978-1-57863-810-9
$35.00

The Beloved Dead Oracle seeks to put the querent in touch with their ancestors and other beloved dead who can guide them through life’s challenges. The images use black and white photography from the Victorian and Edwardian periods—the height of the Spiritualist movement—digitally enhanced with backgrounds in muted tones of blue and gold. Printed on heavy cardstock, they feature a gilded edge reminiscent of a glimpse of heavenly light. Some cards include a yellow-grey mist evocative of spirit photography or the ectoplasm produced by late Victorian mediums.

The deck is packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with a magnetic lid and is accompanied by a 140-page book with full color illustrations of each card, suggested spreads and interpretations. In addition to the messages and advice that many oracle decks provide, the book accompanying The Beloved Dead oracle deck begins with explicit instructions for inviting spirit guidance and verifying the identity of the ancestor you’re communicating with. For those interested in spirit work or contacting ancestors, as well as those who may find the Ouija board limiting, this deck is an invaluable resource, opening up doors to deep insight and meaningful contact.