A Compendium of Witches ~ ORACLE DECK

A Compendium of Witches is a 60-card oracle deck created by Edinburgh-based illustrator and author Natasa Ilincic. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2020, the deck is an extension of her independent project, 'A Compendium of Witches,' published in 2019. The oracle is designed to guide users on a journey of self-reflection, drawing upon themes of mythology, dark history, and folklore that are central to Ilincic's artistic practice.

The deck's imagery is deeply influenced by Symbolist, Pre-Raphaelite, and Art Nouveau art movements, as well as Decadent literature and European polytheistic spiritualities. This rich tapestry of inspiration results in a deck that feels both ancient and timeless, offering profound insights through its evocative artwork. The campaign offered various editions, including a compact version with a digital guidebook and a deluxe edition with a printed paperback guidebook, catering to different preferences for physical components.

Each card is a portal to introspection, inviting users to connect with the archetypal energies and narratives presented. The deck's focus on witches and related folklore elements provides a unique lens for exploring personal power, intuition, and the hidden aspects of the self. With 60 distinct cards, it offers a comprehensive yet accessible system for divination and personal growth, suitable for both seasoned oracle readers and those new to card-based self-reflection.

This deck is ideal for readers who appreciate art inspired by mythology, folklore, and historical spiritualities, particularly those with an interest in witchcraft and European polytheistic traditions. It will appeal to individuals seeking a visually rich and introspective oracle for self-reflection and personal development. Collectors of art-focused decks and those who enjoy the aesthetic of Symbolist, Pre-Raphaelite, and Art Nouveau movements will find this deck particularly captivating.

Natasa Ilincic is an illustrator and author based in Edinburgh, Scotland, whose artistic journey began amidst the Italian Alps, fostering a deep connection to the natural world. Her academic background in Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, with a thesis on traditional Balkan tattooing, informs her work, which is heavily centered around mythology, dark history, and folklore. Inspired by Symbolists, Pre-Raphaelite artists, Art Nouveau, and Decadent literature, Ilincic has been recognized for her illustration work, including being shortlisted for the Folio Society Book Illustration Competition 2017 and World Illustration Awards 2018. In 2019, she published her first independent project, 'A Compendium of Witches,' which this oracle deck expands upon.