Review: The Oracle of the Pharaohs - Cards of Ra-Maat

I was recently in Michigan attending the wedding of a close family member, and while there took the opportunity to stop at the local Bargain Books to scope out any and all Tarot and oracle decks they might have in stock. Many years ago it was at Bargain Books that I came across the Runic Tarot, which was the first Tarot deck I purchased after having spent many years working primarily with oracles. So I knew they'd probably have some good stuff, for a discounted price. I was not disappointed!

Of the three decks I purchased I want to talk about the Oracle of the Pharaohs, by Norman Plaskett. I'd never heard of this deck previously, but it looked intriguing. The author claims this to be a system used by the ancient Egyptians, and I can't confirm or refute that, but the value of the cards themselves are so high that the veracity of the claim becomes irrelevant. Either way, Plaskett includes some very interesting information and photographs about Egyptian history and deities in the introduction of the accompanying manual which I enjoyed since I don't have a strong background in the topic. Of course it's a very abbreviated account, but provides enough information that you would have a starting place if you desired to do independent study.

Oracle of the Pharaohs - N. Plaskett
6 - Twin Soul

This is indeed an oracle, but I was struck by how Tarot-like the structure actually is. The deck is divided into four sections, and contains 72 cards. The first section is called Pylons and these closely match the Major Arcana in a Tarot deck, however instead of 22 cards, there are just 21 - no equivalent to the Fool card. However anyone familiar with Tarot would immediately see the close correspondence between Pylons and the Majors. For instance, card 6 is called Twin Soul, very similar to the VI Lovers card, and carries similar energy of critical decision making, and profound relation-ship. Card 11 is called Scales, and is very close to the energy of XI Justice, referring to balance, fairness, decisions, and legal concerns.

Oracle of the Pharaohs - N. Plaskett
Arit 7 - Ego

The remaining three sections are very much like suits - the Minor Arcana in a Tarot deck. The first suit is called Arit, and is composed of seven cards that represent major life energies that relate somewhat to the major chakras. They symbolize the intersection of the environment with a person's inner being. Arit 7 is titled "Ego," and represents a time when goals or accomplishments are being pursued, whether big or small. Another aspect of this card is that the querent has work that must be done which, regardless of perceived value, has importance to the global and universal matrix.

Oracle of the Pharaohs - N. Plaskett
Cubits 7 and 13

The second section is called Cubits (units of measurement) and there are 28. These represent thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns one experiences in daily life. Cubit 7 is titled "Concerns," and highlights a time when worries and fears cause feelings of isolation, and may even be blown out of proportion due to over-thinking. This card encourages the illumination of problems so that they can be dealt with realistically, and also underscores the benefits of seeking help from one's community.

Cubit 13 is titled "Energy," and reflects drive and focus toward achieving goals. Overall this is good, but the card also warns about taking care of inner resources in order to avoid burn-out, and in addition cautions financial balance so that spending doesn't end up outweighing what's being earned. If sickness is a problem this card suggests that improvement is likely.

Oracle of the Pharaohs - N. Plaskett
Isis

The third and final section is called Deities, and is like the Court Cards in Tarot. Each of the 16 cards features an Egyptian deity that reflects personality traits that can be associated with people in a querent's life, including oneself, naturally! Deity 2 - Isis would be a rather fierce mother-type - she is a wonderful and dedicated nurturer, but is also very logical and doesn't abide fools (think Queen of Pentacles melded with the Queen of Swords!). One additional aspect of this section is that it includes four element cards. These are associated with elemental deities, and represent water, fire, earth, and air. From my experience thus far these function very similarly to Aces, though they're included in the "people" section of the deck.

A reading with Oracle of the Pharaohs
N. Plaskett

I have come to deeply enjoy this deck, and find my readings with it to be precise, clear, interesting, and accurate. I enjoy the Tarot-like structure, yet how fresh and different it is at the same time. It's not a particularly intuitive deck due to the very simple and rather repetitive images, but that doesn't mean that some intuitive "hits" won't be possible - the colors and symbols allow for that to some degree. The backs are reversible, and feature a scarab beetle design. The card stock is very sturdy, and the sheen is slightly sticky - very similar to the feel of the Mary-El Tarot cards. The 128-page companion book gives succinct and helpful descriptions that will provide readers a great starting place from which to embrace the wisdom and insights offered in this lovely Tarot-like oracle deck. I very happily recommend it!