HoroscopoDiario
Written and illustrated by: Fez Inkwright, a Bristol-based artist and the creator of the Seed &
Sickle Oracle Deck, she is also the author of Folk Magic and Healing and Botanical Curses
and Poisons.
Published by: Liminal 11
Published: May 2023
Printed in: China
RRP: £28.99/US$29.99
ISBN: 978-1-912634-56-9
Available for preorder here: Standard Edition Special Edition
First Impressions
The Citadel Oracle deck comes packaged in typical Liminal 11 style, a sturdy cardboard box
with a magnetic closure and an inner slip case to house the deck and guidebook. The
packaging is beautiful, full of tiny hidden details and intricate designs, with copper foil
detailing on the outside. Inside the slip case are two small cardboard wedges to keep the
octagonal cards safe from rocking around inside during transit.
The deck comprises 60 octagonal cards made of 350gsm card stock with a matte machine
laminated finish, in the standard edition the edges are unfinished (I believe the special
edition is edged in red). The cards are pliable but don’t seem to hold a bend, they overhand
shuffle pretty smoothly but I can’t speak to how the cardstock and octagonal shape would
manage riffle shuffling as that’s not something I do. The matte finish does make the cards
cling to each other a little.
The art is almost tattoo-ish in style, with fine, intricate line work in a limited colour palette of
off-white, black and red with stunning copper foil accents.
The soft-cover guidebook has 181 pages in full colour, it is introduced by Mark Hulmes of
High RollersDnD and some words from the author.
Working with the deck
When drawing a card in an oracle deck, particularly to start with, I rely heavily on the
guidebook. The Citadel Instruction Booklet starts with a “Quick Reading Guide” which serves
as both exactly that and as an index to help you find further definitions within the booklet,
this index is crucial as the cards are not numbered so I would’ve been flicking forwards and
backwards forever to find all the cards in a larger spread. The Citadel Oracle is organised
into four suits, while each has its own name – the court, the academy, the crowd and the
troupe – each suit is also allocated an element, which for me as a tarot reader brings in a
whole other level of understanding and connection with the cards, these groupings also help
you narrow down where to find the card within the booklet, within each suit the card are
arranged alphabetically.
I cannot get over how well executed this deck is, down to every tiny detail. The descriptions
of each card are so transporting, conjuring an incredible sense of place. Each card is so
atmospheric with layers of meaning and detail, providing such a strong idea of each
character/archetype. While the meanings of each card feel a little surface level, often
revolving around relationships, the depth that comes from the descriptions and artwork give
the reader so much to work with to draw their own conclusions.
Deck Interview
Before I began my deck interview, a single card flew out of the deck, The Patron. A
Hierophant type character, this card offers mentorship and stability, it feels very supportive
and empowering and fits perfectly with my general impression of the deck so far.
Top characteristic: The Twins
This card reminds me of the power of archetypes, that each of us contains multitudes and
may possess every one of the sixty characters in this deck inside ourselves. Beyond that,
these cards can give a huge variety of perspectives towards any situation and can help us
communicate with views that may differ from our own. If you were so inclined, I can see the
potential to use this deck for shadow work or psychological parts-work, taking the time to
think about how each of these characters shows up in our lives.
Strengths: The Shepherd
A card of peaceful simplicity, a character that brings nourishing guidance to their flock, loving
support that aids growth and adventure. I can feel that the tone of this deck is one of playful
curiosity, while there is the potential for deep work and insights, it holds things with a light
touch.
Limitations: The Hound
This card suggests dogged loyalty to the theme, which I can absolutely accept might not
attract all people. To counterbalance the high-concept nature of this deck I think the reader
might need to break the chains of the guidebook and the world building and get creative
about what it means for their situation.
How best to collaborate: The Tailor
Attention to detail is the feeling I get from this card, reminding me to take real time to
percolate on the meanings and the stories of these characters. To focus both on the stitches
and the garment, the micro and the macro. So much effort has been put into all the tiny
details on each card, but also how they play with each other.
Quality of relationship: The Herald
The bringing together of new perspectives, taking wisdom from struggle and finding silver
linings. This card highlights the whimsy of this deck but also its potential for deep work.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been thoroughly won over by this deck. Although I was already a fan of both the creator
and the publisher, I’m very new to oracle decks on the whole and hadn’t quite figured out a
place for them in my tarot world. This deck has changed that and I completely see the value
in it. I think this deck will bring a whole new level to my readings both professionally and
personally and I’m excited to play with the tabletop gaming elements should I get the
opportunity.
Reviewed by: SageOakes/Imogen
