Hollow Valley Deck of Symbols

The Hollow Valley Deck of Symbols is a 65-card oracle deck created by artist Erin Alise, centered on the concept that everyday symbols hold profound power and can reveal the magic within and around us. The deck features archetypal symbols with deep roots across various cultures and histories, chosen for their enduring presence in human dreams, art, literature, and music. Each card presents a primary symbol alongside complementary elements from the natural world, enriching its meaning and encouraging deeper contemplation.

Designed to function much like a tarot deck, Hollow Valley aims to provide wisdom and guidance for life's questions. It encourages readers to recognize and appreciate the appearance of these symbols in their daily lives, both waking and dreaming. The deck emphasizes that the guidance we seek is often readily available if we are open to noticing the beauty in details. The included 120+ page guidebook offers illuminations for each card, insights into the deck's creation, and various spreads for both classic and novel readings.

The physical deck consists of 65 standard tarot-sized cards (2.75 x 4.75 inches) printed on high-quality 330gsm matte-coated paper with gold foil edging. It comes housed in a rigid, matte-coated box for protection and storage. The campaign successfully funded in 2018, raising $10,537 from 186 backers, which enabled the first print run and production of accompanying materials.

This deck is ideal for oracle readers interested in archetypal symbolism and those who appreciate a focus on finding everyday magic. It suits individuals who enjoy intuitive reading and connecting with symbols from diverse cultural backgrounds. Readers familiar with tarot will find the usage similar, making it an accessible option for expanding their divination practice. Its aesthetic appeals to those who prefer a grounded, nature-inspired, and slightly mystical visual style.

Erin Alise is an artist, illustrator, and barista based in the Southeast, who graduated with a BFA in 2015. Her creative journey includes commissions, booths, prints, and zines. She describes herself as someone who loves camping, casts spells outdoors, watches horror movies, knits obsessively, and is deeply moved by the way light filters through forest leaves. The Hollow Valley Deck of Symbols reflects her devotion to finding magic in the everyday and drawing inspiration from the natural world and enduring human symbols.