The Camelot Oracle: A Quest for Fulfillment through the Arthurian World [Cards]

As a long-time fan of the art of Will Worthington and the work of John Matthews, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Camelot Oracle. Fortunately, it was released early so I've now had a week to sit down and really work my way through the book.

First, you can definitely use this strictly as an oracle. That said, I would encourage people to use it as John Matthews intended - as a guide that takes you on a journey to specific destinations, on specific paths, meeting both a challenger and a champion. The questions asked by the challenger plumb the depths - and in my case (with my first question) - really hit the center of the target. So simple, and yet something I was trying to avoid thinking about.

If you are new to oracles or have 50 different decks sitting around your house, still go ahead and pick up this deck. The journey approach is novel (although Matthews has apparently been using it for years), insightful, and if you allow yourself to open up to the champion and the challenger I think you'll find real guidance.

Kudos, kudos, kudos!

It seems that most divination tools (these days) are all about the art and not so much about the Seeker. I will also admit that I am guilty of purchasing Tarot and other oracle kits based solely on the art on the box or the "oooooo" and "ahhhhhhhh" that accompanies the opening of the kit itself.

However, I am an Arthurian fan, a Seeker of the Arthurian Path, and so when it comes to an Arthurian divination tool, I want the art, (oh yes!), but I also want the substance and depth that comes from (dare I say) authentic Arthuriana.

John Matthews and Will Worthington, with The Camelot Oracle, deliver the goods. In fact, The Camelot Oracle is SO good that I will say it now: Go. Buy. It. Ask Father Christmas for it, save your pennies, whatever you must do: If you are an Arthurian Seeker, and you yearn to travel with the Arthurian archetypes upon familiar and well trodden paths, then here it is. I LOVE the concept of having a Companion for the vision of "where I am" and "where I am going".

Will's art is astounding! There are familiar faces within the cards and some not so familiar: The Questing Beast, Cundrie, Nasciens, and my new favorite, darker shade of Arthuriana, Amangons, (c'mon, maybe he's just a misunderstood, sensitive guy who can't help himself!). I heard that Will may be selling some of the artwork in print format, and you know I'll be first in line! My overall favorite card? Igraine. There's something about that look in her eye...

John's extensive knowledge of all things Arthurian cloaks the entire oracle in beautiful and satisfying raiment, (and what else do we expect from the Master?), but it's the concept of The Camelot Oracle that allows it to speak to the Seeker in a language that is familiar and ancient.

Using 32 archetype cards, a map of the Lands Adventurous, and the 8 cards for your path, the Seeker WILL get an understandable response to their query and, the response will be in Arthurian language! How so? The oracle "speaks" through familiar story, places, and characters of the Arthuriana. The Seeker will know where h/she is, where they are going, and how to get there, all conveyed through the beautiful imagery of the Will Worthington's Arthurian vision.

It was quite an unexpected oracle product. I enjoyed many of the depictions of the Arthurian knights though I would've liked to have seen many as younger men. Overall, it's unusual and that's needed in today's often cookie cutter Tarot world. I think that it is oriented for personal use and exploration above use with clients, but that is merely personal opinion. I'm sure that if your clientele were into the Arthurian legends, this would work well. Otherwise, as a reader, you'd have to do some historical education during your reading to fully explain the meaning of many of the cards. I intend to use the cards in personal exploration, so this won't be a problem for me. As usual, another interesting and fascination item from a great writer!