REVIEW: Resonance Oracle Cards

R E V I E W

  Resonance Oracle Cards
by Dara Caplan
Schiffer Publishing
Boxed Set: 40 cards, 96-page paperback guidebook
ISBN-10: 0764341383 / ISBN-13: 978-0764341380

TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

I am naturally attracted to the type of dark, mysterious images that dominate this deck. I find the card titles -- such as Relocation, Sensual Being, Spellbound, Musical Movement, Mind Pieces -- intriguing. Dara Caplan tells us that she channeled these messages and art, and I find that easy to believe. The titles and images are unusual and clearly not in conformation with any sort of "oracle template."

Because the images are dark, they encourage the reader to get very close to the card, to peer into it so as not to miss anything that might be important.

I like the combination of a narrative discussion of each card with bullet points that suggest activity or behavioral options. For example, the Alternate meanings for the card titled Out of the Box are:

• Love yourself and all your beautiful facets.
• Your creativity is the key.
• Be true to you and all will work out.
• Free yourself!

This truly is a deck I can recommend for beginners as well as seasoned readers because it doesn't require previous experience or familiarity with a particular tradition or set of symbols. It encourages the use of intuition and subconscious association from the reader and/or client.

THE PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY
Find answers for all your deepest questions including the emotional, mental, and spiritual guidance allowing you to find your own path of joy, peace, balance, and wisdom. Messages also embrace nuances of physical reality, such as technology and lines of communication. Author/artist Dara Caplan channeled the messages and art, and includes the power of intent in order to give you the best experience possible. The images and meanings do not discriminate between gender or type; the animals, magical beings, people, and plants of this world are all honored as special beings in the artwork. The 40 beautiful images reflect life's truths – there are some cards that are surreal and dream-like, and some that are romantic or dramatic. While each is different, they all are on black backgrounds, and have warmth and light to balance the shadows – the warmth of memories, or soft light of new beginnings. Through this magical oracle, find your own path that resonates deep inside you.

BASIC INFORMATION

"Dara Caplan has been channeling and doing other spiritual work for many years. As an energy worker seeking peace and balance, she knows that there are many people seeking the same, and she considers it her privilege to pass on these messages of wisdom." (from the guidebook)

Caplan tells us that these cards are designed for beginners as well as experienced users. She stresses that they work on the Law of Attraction and therefore, a card that falls out while shuffling is a deliberate message. She also advises readers to clear any previous energy from the deck before using it. "To do this," she writes, "all you need do is hold the deck (preferably in your left/receiving hand), and, making a fist with the other, gently knock or slap the deck with your intentions to clear it in your mind." Specific instructions are given for "making these cards your own."

For each card, the guidebook provides a paragraph containing the interpretation, plus Alternate meanings. Cards are illustrated in black and white in the guidebook.

APPEARANCE, SIZE, QUALITY

The cards and book are packaged in an illustrated storage box with hinged lid and magnetic closure. The cards are approximately 3 1/2″ x 5″ and oriented in landscape mode, with solid borders in coordinating colors, from navy blue to deep violet to sepia to terra cotta to dark teal green.

Card titles appear at the bottom of each card in a color that contrasts with or complements the border.

Card backs depict (as best I can tell) a feather, acorn, rosebud, and a blue, roundish item that could be a jewel. On either side is a branch with a few leaves sprouting from it.

The card stock is sturdy and glossy, and the self-bound guidebook has a sturdy, glossy cover. Two lined pages for Notes are provided at the back of the book.

ART

The images are dark with an infrequent burst of color -- for example, the red-orange glow of the "Sun" portion of the Sun & Moon card and the golden-orange flames on the Ancestral Legacy card. Green, teal, and turquoise make an occasional appearance as well. It is possible that someone who has poor vision might have trouble seeing these images well.

The predominant mood in these images is deep and dreamy, surreal, and dramatic -- with a sense of mystery and hidden meanings.

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.