Guest Author - Deanna Joseph

“The Fairy Ring” is a divination deck and guidebook, and is one of the most beautiful decks I have ever seen. I have to admit, it was the beauty of this deck that attracted me, and it was only later that I discovered how much I enjoyed the writing of the author of the guidebook, Anna Franklin.

The book itself is a wealth of information on the history and lore of 52 fairies. It is 248 pages and includes an extensive bibliography. She includes information on some of the more popular fairies, such as the Leprechaun, Brownie, Pixie, Banshee and Phooka, along with some of the lesser known fairies, such as Gruagach, Tryamour, Befind and the Sea Mither. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve referred to this book when writing an article or looking for information on a particular fairy. It’s become one of my favorite reference books!

Each chapter includes information on one particular fairy, and includes first a description of the card, describing items that should catch your attention if you didn’t notice it when first glancing at the card. There is then a detailed description of that particular fairy (including any related lore), the divinatory meaning (including the reversed meaning) and information on working with that particular fairy. The author also gives any recommendations on whether or not you should attempt to work with that particular fairy; for instance, it’s not recommended that anyone try to work with Jenny Greenteeth, as she likes to drown people!

The artwork is very interesting. The illustrator of this deck is Paul Mason, and he mixes real life models (dressed as fairies) with digitally enhanced backgrounds, which include scenes from nature, enchanted ruins, and charming hearths, which come together to create the most amazing images from the realm of the fairy folk.

The deck itself consists of 60 cards. There are eight fairy festival cards; Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Midsummer, Lughnasa, and Herfest. The festival cards “represent powerful energies entering or leaving the current life cycle of the questioner.”

The rest of the deck is divided into four suits; winter, spring, summer and autumn. There are thirteen cards per suit; Ace through nine, and Lady, Knave, Queen and King.

The book includes several different layouts, and though I have to admit, they were a little lengthy for me, they are enjoyable and informative if you have the time to sit with the book and read up on each fairy. I personally prefer to just pick three cards and see what they have to say to me.

I would highly recommend “The Fairy Ring” to both those interested in finding out more about the fairies and those interested in making a connection with the enchanted realm of the fairies.