The enchanting Foxfire the Kitsune Oracle deck authored by Lucy Cavendish and illustrated by Meredith Dillman features antics of the other-worldly Kitsune foxes of Japanese Shinto folklore throughout the four seasons. The deck was originally published by Blue Angel Publishing, but is currently distributed by Llewelyn Publishing.
These legendary Kitsunes are able to magically shapeshift from fox to human and back again. And sometimes a card’s image catches one in mid-process. What could be more adorable than a fox in a kimono or a proper Japanese Lady still sporting her fox ears? This is the subtle touch of whimsy that I love the most about this deck.
Cavendish’s inspiration for the title of this deck comes from the gift of a special fire or “Foxfire” the Kitsunes acquire as they grow older and wiser. The Kitsune use their Foxfire to light their own path and the paths of others who’ve lost their way.
Regardless of their cuteness, the Kitsunes are renowned for their clever trickery by those who encounter them. But they may just as well offer their blessings, protection, or sage advice. Regardless, it’s advisable to always approach them cautiously with reverence and openness to receive what one needs. But be forewarned that aid may not come in the form one expects. For the Kitsunes offer what one needs, not what one wants.
Foxfire the Kitsune Oracle Boxed Set
This deck comes in a mid-sized box with an enclosed companion book and is available at this affiliate link, https://a.co/d/aei1EYC. The cards are fairly large, as Oracle cards tend to be, and they are borderless, which I love. Still loving the current borderless card trend!
Although, this deck’s card size is somewhat large for my smallish hands, the cards have a slick finish for easy gliding while shuffling. And even though the cards are thin and flexible, their plastic-like card stock resists the chipping and fraying common of cardboard cards after consistent use.
Artist Dillman’s imaginative and richly colored images adorn the 45 numbered cards. Moreover, she has sprinkled each card with traditional colors of the four seasons and elements of nature. And Dillman has not neglected the card backs. For her card backs depict two multi-tailed opposing foxes on a deep red background.
Messages from the Kitsunes
Dillman’s inspiration for the card images come from the shapeshifting power of the Kitsune. They can shapeshift into just about anything such as humans, animals, trees, flowers, lakes, mountains, and other magical creatures. And one will meet up with all of these along their journey through the cards.
The card messages offer great wisdom and sage advice to deck users. Each card’s word or phrase message is emblazoned on its surface along with its number. The numbers are quite helpful for looking up the more expanded meaning offered in the companion book.
Some examples of card messages are:
- Acceptance
- Be Still Awhile
- Time to Restore
- Transcendence
- Bringer of Change
- Follow the Signs
The visible message on a card is often sufficient to catch the card’s meaning for the user on the go. However, it’s only the appetizer, for the expanded meaning in the companion book is the full meal.
Besides their sacred Foxfire, the Kitsunes acquire a total of nine tails with gained powers over their 1,000 year lifespan. Consequently, the last card in the deck is appropriately named “Coming of Age” and depicts a fox with nine tails.
Should you meet up with a “Ninetailed Fox,” rest assured that you have before you the most powerful and wise of the Kitsunes. And, at this stage, their purpose is to bestow their considerable magical blessings upon you.
Foxfire the Kitsune Oracle Companion Book
The 144 page companion book initially details the Kitsunes special powers and great wisdom and their connection to the Shinto deity Inari.
Next, Cavendish offers four reading spreads; Kitsune’s Threefold Knowledge, The Four Seasons, Ninetails Reading, and The Celtic Cross spreads. The first three of these spreads are unique to this deck. And the fourth is an ancient Tarot Spread.
As a professional Tarot Reader I don’t give readings with Oracle decks. Rather, I pull single cards for the day from various Oracle decks for inspiration and advice. I feel insightful readings need the light and shade in equal number offered in Tarot decks. Conversely, Oracle decks are predominantly positive cards with their inspirational messages. See our previous Tarot Cards vs Oracle Cards – What’s the Difference blog post for more musings on this topic.
However, with modern Oracle decks now including spreads in their companion books, more Oracle card enthusiasts are giving readings using these decks. So if this is your thing, go for it!
Finally, Cavendish gives in-depth explanations of the meaning of all 45 cards in numbered order. And I find these card meanings wonderfully insightful and spiritual, as are those of all of Cavendish’s other decks. And there are many!
Additionally, the companion book offers an identical card image preceding its typed meaning. The plus is the images are good-sized, but the minus is they are uncolored in shades of grey. Personally, I’ve become spoiled by the full-colored images in the more recently published deck companion books. And I would love to see full-colored images added to this companion book in a future reprinting.
Final Words on the Foxfire the Kitsune Oracle Deck
As stated above, I pull a card from several different Oracle decks daily and this deck is always among the selection. And I own approximately 70+ beautiful Oracle decks!
Nonetheless, Foxfire the Kitsune Oracle deck remains one of my fav Oracle decks since the day I brought it home. For I find the Kitsunes adorable and their magical shenanigans endearing.
I hope you will give this magical and whimsical deck a try. For I know you will love the Kitsunes as much as I do.
Note: To book a professional Tarot reading with Jeannette see our Book a Reading page.
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