Patrick Valenza is best known for his Deviant Moon tarot, but I prefer his his independent self-published decks such as Mildred Payne’s Oracle of Black Enchantment. The deck continues the story that he has conjured about the fictional young witch Mildred Payne. The story he provides is that this oracle was found in her coffin and was created in 1933 against the wishes of the Fenwood Coven.
The illustrations are such a (Halloween) treat, inspired by English woodblock prints, particularly those from old witch-trial manuals and grimoires. There are mischievous dancing devils, nasty hags, spooky dolls, maidens of the sabbat and skeletons of the dead which make this deck truly one of a kind and so much fun to work with.
The cards are like scenes in a story that tell a story, unleash your imagination and intuition to explore these cards and create your own story.
Even though these cards may seem whimsical, they give very accurate readings.
Would you like to receive a free 3 card oracle reading with this deck as a present for Samhain, please let me know you are interested and the first 5 emails I receive with this request receive this free reading. Trick or treat? No tricks here! Just lots of treats!
This is a reading I did with the cards for myself to celebrate the witches’ New Year at Samhain:
- 1 – What have I accomplished this past year?
This card is called The Outing and it shows four figures on a day out to the countryside. One of them is clearly a bully and one is bullied and placed outside the group. One is sort of joining them, but also looking away, not wanting to be part of this. I have written this year about my issues with groups and belonging, my past of being bullied and feeling like a square peg no matter which group I join and this year I delved deeper into the origins of my feelings around this issue. Also I have continued to join groups and made an effort to overcome my old pain of rejection. Also this card is reminding me about having fun. I lightened up this year, feeling old pain and triggers losing their sharp edges as well as grief ebbing away more and more. This year I was so much less harsh on myself and I allowed myself to play and have fun outings, without feeling guilty. I didn’t take everything so damn seriously and I allowed myself to actually enjoy life. Bullies will be bullies and for now I belong here, right where I am, I don’t need a group to show me who I am, yes life may be lonely at times, but I am never alone.
- 2. – What lessons are to be learned from the past?
The Witches Sabbath tells me of celebrations with a group, again groups comes up in this reading, this is the theme. To remember that not all groups have been scary or toxic for me, but some have been very nurturing and actually life saving. This card reminds me to shift my focus to positive memories and of times of celebration, alone or in a group. Life is all grim and I have so many blessing to reflect upon and I have achieved so much, I have come a long way. And yes this is cause for a celebration. A celebration of life; the good, the bad and the ugly.
- 3. – What advice can I take with me for the upcoming year?
Frozen Charlottes reminds me to open up to the gifts of life, which includes people. I shouldn’t be so restricted in who I connect with and let old fear protect me so much that it blocks me connecting to people. Discernment yes, always, but I can make more of and effort to connect and meet new people and not close off all the way so nothing and no-one can get through. I am guided to open to receive and be grateful when I do receive and also cherish the gifts of life and friends I already have and friendship and other gifts will find me when I perhaps least expect it.
I hope this reading inspired you and re-member if you would like a free 3 card oracle card reading with this deck, please drop me a message and I will gift this to the first five people that respond before Samhain.
Thank you for visiting and much love, Charissa x