Woodland Wardens by Jessica Roux

Woodland Wardens is beautifully designed. While I don’t have any first-hand skill with oracle decks or Tarot cards, have always drawn me to the hidden mysteries of the nature of things. The author, Jessica Roux, pairs her words and illustrations and offers visions of magic as she pairs plants and animals. Her love and knowledge of the natural world harken back to the Victorian Age when the study of flora and fauna was itself an art form. 

One need not be a practitioner of the mystical or dark arts to benefit from the thoughtful reflection gained from the deck. It is “intended as a living tool for deepening your self-awareness, especially to nature.” The author encourages you to act as a warden throughout your day. She encourages you to be a steward and to guard the gifts bestowed upon us by the things and spirits found in nature. My one complaint is that the Guide is not in color. 

This guide is perfect for those experienced with oracle decks as well as the beginner. Roux walks you through various ways to put the deck to use. She also encourages you to discover your own path. The cards themselves offer some strange and unexpected pairings. Take Card 42, the Eel and the Iris. This card symbolizes SAFETY. My first thought is that neither offers a sense of safety, but when one considers the author’s words, it is much easier to see. The eel, being slippery, enables it to escape harm, while the iris is a medieval symbol of power and victory. One can see how stealth and power can ensure “safety in our homes, relationships, and work”.

Woodland Wardens pulls from a variety of belief systems—from the ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse to Maori and other indigenous beliefs and traditions. It even draws on the teachings of the Christian Bible. I can see the deck, along with the guide, being a thought-provoking tool to reflect on life and nature. 

This deck is magical, but it does not have all the answers. That said, Roux’s thoughtful words and rich illustrations should provide enough as a basis to start your journey.