THE  EGYPTIAN PYRAMID ORACLE by Verona McColl

Reviewed by Serena Brink

The Egyptian Pyramid Oracle cards express the rich symbolism of ancient Egypt in striking, beautiful colours and harmoniously structured designs. Contrasting colours of turquoise and ochre make this a very attractive looking pack of cards.  Many of the images used in the pack will be familiar to those who are interested in the symbolism of Egypt, for example, the scarab beetle, the ankh and the Sphinx. The best known of the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses are also prominently featured in the cards, for example, Isis, Osiris, Horus and Seth.  

This card and book set is suitable for beginners who are interested in finding out about the esoteric knowledge of ancient Egypt and using it for divination because the presentation of the symbols, deities and artefacts of ancient Egypt in the cards is well-organized and easy to understand and follow.  The book supplies all necessary information in a well structured and easy to read format, making divination with these cards very easy.  

This set will also appeal to those who have been interested in Egypt for some years and want to apply the esoteric knowledge of Egypt to modern problems of living and experience the effect this system of esoteric knowledge has on modern consciousness.

The esoteric knowledge of ancient Egypt is codified in the hieroglyphs which are essentially symbolic images that summarize a range of related ideas.  For instance, as the book says:

'The hieroglyph for "swallow" was menet, meaning "great", and was identified with the stars. Consequently, a swallow was seen as a transfigured soul of the deceased.'  This gives a hint of the range of meanings to be found in these cards, which can be interpreted at a fairly simple level, or explored in all their depth and complexity.

The book gives helpful, clearly organized and structured information on the deck as a whole and on each card.  The cards are divided into five houses which are linked to the four elements of water, fire, earth and air; the fifth element links to the afterlife and spirituality.  The houses are divided into the following concepts: change, power, wisdom, inspiration, and temptation.  Information on each house is structured under the following headings: overview, symbol, element, cards (information in this section explains each of the symbols used in a house), and a description which explains the cards symbolic structure in more depth. The cards of each house have the same background colour which makes it easy to put the cards back into their houses.  The system of houses used in this set of cards makes the Egyptian Pyramid Oracle a coherent arrangement of the esoteric knowledge of ancient Egypt and an accessible divinatory tool.

The book also gives concise information on each card including keywords which summarize the main focus of each card, as well as a description that gives a brief background to the history and mythology associated with the central symbol or symbols illustrated in the card.  There is a brief description and discussion of each illustration, and information on how to read the cards.  For instance, if you received the card Nut, it could indicate hope, inspiration and courage.  If your question was about health, it would indicate renewed energy, well-being and good health.  If your question had to do with your relationships with other people - a sharing of love and joy with congenial people would be indicated.  There is also a reversed meaning for each card.

A pyramid layout is included among the cards, which makes it very easy to refer to the layout and it's meanings.  A glossary of terms is included at the back of the book which gives concise and useful information on the symbols, artefacts and deities of ancient Egypt.

This set of book and cards is suitable if you are interested in ancient Egypt and wish to use its symbol system to reflect upon the issues you face in your own life, or to help others to understand the influences operating in their lives.  I have found the cards a useful addition to my divinatory practice.