Full Description
A system of divination inspired by the Libyan Sibyls, the African prophetesses of the classical world
• Includes 44 full-color cards in Latin and English with a comprehensive guidebook
• Details how to consult the oracle, providing in-depth write-ups about the meaning of each card and the symbolic language represented by their imagery
• Designed to directly address the spiritual lessons underlying the seeker's query and facilitate self-examination and decision-making
• The cards feature full-color paintings in the style of the Libyan mosaics popular with the Roman elite in the 1st century B.C.E.
The Oracle of the Black Doves is a system of divination inspired by the Libyan Sibyls, the African prophetesses of the classical world. According to the Greek Historian Herodotus, two black doves flew away from the city of Waset (Thebes) and established the Siwa Oasis oracle in Libya and the first oracle in Greece at Dodona. These powerful Sibyls were consulted by all levels of Greek and, later, Roman society.
Created by tarot reader Tayannah Lee McQuillar, this contemporary oracle pays homage to the oft forgotten African founding mothers of the sibylline traditions. Drawing on both the African and the Classical traditions, it features full-color paintings by artist Katelan V. Foisy, who created the card art in a style reminiscent of the Libyan mosaics popular in the 1st century B.C.E. In the accompanying guidebook, McQuillar details how to consult the oracle, providing in-depth write-ups about the meaning of each of the 44 cards and the symbolic language represented by each card's imagery. She demonstrates how there is only one correct way to phrase a question to the oracle, making it nearly impossible to receive a vague or biased response.
Designed to directly address the spiritual lessons underlying the seeker's query, the oracle facilitates self-examination and decision-making, helping the seeker improve the likelihood of success in all undertakings and choose their best possible future by broadening their perspective of the situation. The author also includes a history of the Sibyls of the ancient world and explores the continuing Sibyl tradition in North Africa today.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
A Brief History of the Sibyls
Awakening to the Sibylline Symbols
Art, Meaning, and the Power of Symbols
How to Awaken Symbols
The Sibyls Mirror: The Significance of Dreams and Omens
Religio-Mythological Associations
The Fundamental Ethics of The Sibyls Oraculum
How to Use the Oracle
How the Oracle Works
The Structure of the Oracle
How to Use the Epigrams
Consulting the Oracle
Reading for Others
A Note about "Negative" Outcomes
Where and When to Do a Reading
Suggested Don'ts for Readings
Reading Examples
Keeping a Sibylline Journal
Applying the Oracle's Wisdom in Your Life
The Core Issue Assessment
Scoring
The Core Issue Quiz
Reflections on the Core Issue Quiz
Overall Reflections
Fortifying Your Mind against Fear
Designing Your Ideal Life
Creating Your Site Plan
Identifying Your Survival Techniques
Writing Your Mission Statements
Creating Your Personal Motto
CARD MEANINGS
Core Issue (Fundamentum) Cards
MYSTERIA / MYSTERIES
SAPIENTIAE / WISDOM
UNUM / UNITY
ADVERSUS / OPPOSITION
MORTEM / DEATH
TRANSFORMATIO / TRANSFORMATION
CUMULUS / ACCUMULATION
LIMITATIONEM / LIMITATION
NUMERO / RHYTHM
GRATIAM / GRATITUDE
VIBRATIONIS / VIBRATION
Projection (Proiectura) Cards
IUSTITIA / JUSTICE
FUROREM / RAGE
SPECULO / MIRROR
PROPOSITUM / PURPOSE
AVARITIA / AVARICE
COMPLEXIONEM / COMPLEXITY
LIBIDINE / LUST
TUMULTU / CONFUSION
DUBIUM / DOUBT
SUPERBIA / PRIDE
SUFFICIENTIA / CONTENTMENT
Action (Actionis) Cards: Blue "Cool" (Frigus) Set
PRAESIDIO / DETACHMENT
QUESTIO / QUESTIONING
ANALYSIS / ANALYSIS
SYNTHESIS / SYNTHESIS
PRIORITIZING / PRIORITIZING
OBSEQUIUM / SUBMISSION
MENSURAE / MEASUREMENT
CUPIDITAS / DESIRE
OPTIMIS / OPTIMISM
MILITARIUM / STRATEGY
INCEPTUM / INITIATIVE
Action (Actionis) Cards: Red "Hot" (Caldarius) Set
CASTITATE / PURITY
CELERITATE / SPEED
ALMUM / NURTURING
PROGRESSUS / GRADUAL
PROGRESS DEDITIO / ABANDONMENT
TRANSCENDENTIUM / TRANSCENDENCE
SILENTIUM / STILLNESS
VIDEBATUR / AGGRESSION
HABITUM / DISGUISE
LUDERE / PLAY
PRAESIDIUM / DEFENSE
Assessment Answer Key
About the Author
About the Artist
Suggested Reading
