Astrological Oracle
By Lo Scarabeo

ISBN 0-7387-1014-8
Price $12.95
 

This deck/oracle utilizes cards representing the planets and the signs of the zodiac, each beautifully illustrated and wonderfully appropriate in their application.  Again, I must repeat my Lo Scarabeo mantra of, "More INFO, More INFO!"  Particularly in a product that is marketed as an "oracle" as opposed to a traditional Tarot deck, we, the consumer, need to have detailed information on how the creators would like to see us use it.  There is a VERY brief paragraph giving a basic instruction for one spread with very little elaboration.  The formula given could just as easily be "put this here, this here and this here, now GO!" 

I do believe this divination method has merit and with greater attention paid to fleshing out its potential, it would be a very valuable tool.  This would be nearly worthless in the hands of a novice who knows little about astrology.  I am not saying that all decks should be dummied down to the level of the most inexperienced user, but in absence of marketing the oracle as an advanced tool requiring previous experience, more detailed instruction is crucial.

The artwork, however... wow.  Very impressive.

I give it:

2 pentacles out of 5

Review by Katrina Rasbold