Oracle's Card of the Month: November '23

For November I pulled the Rose card from the For Strange Women Oracle deck. A card of romance and relationship. Roses have been associated with love since ancient Greece. The red rose is sacred to Aphrodite. It was said that all roses used to be white until Aphrodite cut her ankle on a rose thorn while running to save her lover, Adonis. Her blood stained the roses she ran past red thus connecting them to her and passion.

The Romans considered roses to be symbolic of romance, secrecy, and luxury. Roses were put in the bedroom and petals were thrown at celebrations. Even today roses continue to be an icon of romance and are given as a token of affection.

As the winter approaches it may be a good time to call in some romance. Fill your space with warmth and glamour. Light candles, burn a sensual incense, drape luxurious furs over your furniture, display flowers and art. Romance isn’t only for lovers.

Pink Amethyst is a rare form of Amethyst found in Patagonia. It is said to bring emotional balance and overall peace through calm, understanding, and grace. Crystal towers with sparkling caverns and soothing hues make for a simple romantic touch to any table or shelf.

Ethically/sustainably-sourced furs add a luxurious and tactile element to your environment. Persian Lamb, Rabbit, or Muskrat pelts look lovely as a surface covering on tabletops.

In the Oracle studio we love highlighting the beauty of nature in our art. One particularly romantic piece is our framed snake and florals assemblage. Some traditions associate serpents with desire. This taxidermy snake is nestled in a cushion of lush green foliage and soft pink flowers.

Things made by hand have an intrinsic romance to them. November 25th is Small-Business Saturday… and we’re hosting a slow craft pop-up! Please Send Word will be in the shop with their handmade goods.

November marks Oracle’s 10-year anniversary! We’re celebrating this month by featuring the individual work of our 3-person team. It’s a Pop-Us (get it? Instead of pop-up it’s a pop-US). Art by shop owner and lead taxidermist Alessandra Dzuba, assistant taxidermist and lead illustrator Melissa Chepren, and me… studio manager and lead writer Laura Pensar. Drop in and help us celebrate a decade of Oracle Natural Science!

Alessandra Dzuba

Melissa Chepren

Laura Pensar

This November, fall in love with the changing seasons… get cozy AND sensual (they aren’t mutually exclusive after all)! Cheers! - Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: October '23

This month we pulled The Ship card from Lulu’s Lenormand. In traditional Lenormand decks the ship takes the form of a tall ship with sails out on the sea. The Ship card refers to movement, travel, and foreign places. It can be a call to get out and explore or a signal that your “ship is about to come in.”

In a world of daily international travel and global communication, Lulu’s Lenormand takes the Ship’s province even farther outside with a vintage-style UFO (or UAP as they’re now labeled). Take the appearance of this Ship as a sign to not only get moving or explore new places… but also as a call to get “outside of the normal.” Investigate places both outside and within.

This October get outside of your comfort zone, get weird, and look to new horizons!

If you’ve been in our studio this year you’ve seen the ongoing installation art piece “Odyssey of the Oracle” by Dani Hurst Brown. This large hand-woven wreath has become a beautiful document of the turning seasons. Dani has now released a zine that takes you through the practice of “Seasonal Wreathing” in which the creation of your own handmade wreath becomes a work of art, a nature offering, and a diary of the year.

For a cute pick-me-up or to gift as a little token of friendship we have new enamel pins by Kitty with a Cupcake! The Kitty Tarot Death card and the Pocket Familiar bat are adorable and fill that Halloween fun need.

This month we head out to Philadelphia. Alessandra and I will be joined by Tyler Thrasher, Ash Miyagawa, Jane Almirall, and Sweet Destructor for a weekend pop-up event at Bloodmilk’s Sphinx and Snakeskin 45 N 2nd St, Philadelphia. Friday the 13th 6-9pm and Saturday the 14th 12-5pm. If you’re in the Philly area come say hi! And KC folks, Melissa is holding down the fort in our studio so we will be open our normal hours still!

If you’re looking for some ideas for trying something new… Oracle has several classes on the roster for October. On Friday the 20th I (Laura) will be teaching a Candle Divination class. That Sunday the 22nd Alessandra will teach a Scorpion pinning class. And on Thursday the 26th she will give a Bone Lecture.

So this October have some fun trying out new things, stretching your wings, and go for a wild Autumn ride! - Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: September '23

September leads us into the official start of Autumn! This month we have pulled the Queen of Pentacles card from The Rainbow Heart Tarot. Earthy, grounded, caring energy. After a Summer of harsh environmental tragedies, the message of this card seems spot-on.

In this deck the Queen of Pentacles is shown in front of a snow-capped mountain range. The Queen’s crown and the crystal cluster held near to their chest echo the purple colors and angled points of the mountains in the background. The Queen’s veil is decorated with autumn leaves and the warm tones contrast with the cool colors of the environment; a visual call to bring our own warmth as the outer temperatures cool.

As an archetype, the Queen of Pentacles is a keeper of resources. This card speaks to nurturing and tending to the physical world. The tiny crystal cluster held lovingly in the hands is a lovely symbol of the kind of care we should be taking for the larger world as a whole. The berries growing on the greenery framing this card serve as a reminder that we are dependent upon nature and its gifts.

This month as we transition into the Fall season, look to ways you can care for and remain connected to the Earth. That our relationship with nature requires care and attention.

Loot for small ways to remind yourself that we are of this planet (no matter how alien you may feel at times… Earth is home.) A pocket crystal, a cup of herbal tea, admiring the spectacular beauty of an insect’s wings. There is so much that is magical and awe-inspiring about the Earth.

Our newest zine is out now… “Oracle’s Crystal Guide” - a crystal-clear guide to a FEW of the world’s classic rocks! Written by me (Laura Pensar) and illustrated by Melissa Chepren. This full-color booklet includes information on more than 30 crystals, the mineral composition of each crystal, metaphysical associations, facts and tips. A great guide for the crystal curious and a perfect pocket reference for the seasoned rock hound!

For Strange Women has reformulated our Taxidermy Protector spray! It’s an all-natural-ingredient spray to help deter pests that may damage your precious taxidermy collection. The main ingredient is Hiba Cedar with other pure essential oils distilled from plant defense systems.

Woodchucks (also known as Groundhogs) create their homes in the Earth in extensive burrows. Although Woodchucks have many natural predators, they have many survival strategies including retreating to and hiding in their burrows, climbing trees, and when necessary defending themselves with their sharp claws and long incisor teeth.  Woodchucks are highly attuned to their surroundings and keep on the alert for potential dangers. When a threat has been detected they will signal to others in their colony by making a high-pitched whistling sound (which gives them the nickname of “whistle pig.”)

Ruby Zoisite (also known as Anyolite). Ruby found within Zoisite deposits. Said to aid in the manifestation of your ideas and dreams. Ruby is a “heart stone” associated with courage and strength. Zoisite is a stone of returning to the Earth and rebirth. Together this beautiful crystal embodies aligning with our goals and soothing our emotions through connection.

This month take some extra time to tend to the natural world within your sphere. Whether it’s a garden, a few house plants, a friendly pigeon that frequents your windowsill. Wherever you encounter nature in your life approach it with care and love. And remember, you too, are a part of nature so treat yourself with this same care. You are something precious as well. — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: August '23

August is a transitional month as schedules change and the heat of the Summer brings its full energy. For August we turned to The Forbidden Forest (playing cards by the Toronto-based design studio Humble Raja) and pulled the High/Red Joker!

The High Joker is Wild Light. Unpredictability, spontaneity, and general antics out in the open. This Joker brings their wild side into the light and embraces all the chaos under the sun.

The High Joker in The Forbidden Forest has popped some fresh cut Summer flowers into a skull and made a lively vase out of decay. But on closer look we see that what appears to be a skull is truly just a vase with strategically placed blooms and leaves… not so scary after all. A reminder that even in the light of day things may not always be as they seem.

This month embrace your wild side and let your individual quirkiness see the light.

Hyenas seem like a fitting symbol for the wild energy of the High Joker. With their unusual vocalizations, ability to seemingly double their size by raising the hair along their back, and bone-crushing teeth (just check out the jaws on this Hyena skull!)… Hyenas are very unique creatures. So take up space, gnash your teeth, and make whatever noises feel right. Get wild.

Tourmaline is a highly sought-after crystal… and the green variety is particularly lovely. It can range in color from a pale mint green to a deep emerald hue. A great stone for staying brightly active during the heat of the summer. Green Tourmaline is said to be associated with healing, strength, vitality, and wholeness. A gentle reminder to tap into your stamina and embrace all aspects of yourself.

This month we head out to Denver for a pop-up and jam-packed weekend of classes at RitualCravt! Oracle will be there along with Tyler Thrasher, Moth & Candle, and Weaves-Shoots-And-Leaves. There’s a Candle Divination class, Spider Magic class, Wreath Art class, and Bone Articulation workshop! So if you are in the Denver area come take part in the fun! Our KC studio will be closed while we head West (August 17th-20th), but we will be back to normal shop hours August 24th!

And finishing out the month, we will be hosting Handsome Devil Puppets for a special KC show on Monday the 28th. HDP shows are always a special experience. Tickets tend to sell out quickly so if you think you want to be there you may want to reserve yours now.

This August I hope you can feel at-one with your inner Joker and when life throws you a wild card keep it light! — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: July '23

July is Summer break… which somewhat ironically is hardly a break at all for many of us! This month we’ve pulled the Spoonbill + Labradorite card from the Obsidian Oracle deck by Megan Buccere.

This card is associated with taking a break and introspection. While it may seem counterintuitive to be thinking in terms of taking a break just as Summer activities are ramping up, it’s important to remember the value in rest.

“There’s no shame in retreating from the world to indulge in some introspection. Don’t be afraid to give your mind and spirit what they need . . . give yourself time to breathe and think.” (From the Obsidian Oracle guidebook by Trish Sullivan).

This month take a break here or there to center yourself and tend to your needs. Maybe wade through some shallow water and feel your way forward really connecting to your tactile senses.

The Spoonbill’s skull is so distinctive from other birds, including its close relative the Ibis, because of the flat spatula-like bill. The Spoonbill’s nostrils are close to the base so that it can breathe while the rest of its bill is submerged in water. Spoonbills forage by slowly wading through shallow waters and feeling for food with their sensitive bills. While they remain in large colonies, they are focused as they take care of their individual needs.

Labradorite is a stone associated with connecting to your inner vision and higher awareness. Labradorite has an iridescent quality known as labradorescence: “the peculiar reflection of the light from submicroscopical planes orientated in one direction.” Each piece of labradorite is a unique visual experience, a world of its own.

This month our friends from RitualCravt in Denver will be coming to KC for classes and a special market pop-up in Oracle! Friday, July 21st Jess Ellis (Atropos Curios) and Alessandra Dzuba will teach “The Magic of Spiders” workshop. Saturday the 22nd will be the pop-up market from 11am to 5pm here in the Oracle studio. And Saturday evening Missy Rhysing will lead a Beginning Past Life Meditation workshop.

And following our own advice… we will be taking a very small break ourselves. Oracle will be closed on Sunday July 2nd. (But back in the studio and open again on Wednesday July 5th!)

This July I hope you can find some time for yourself amongst the hustle and bustle of the Summer. — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: June '23

June is for Lovers! This month we are using a new (to us) deck: The Numinous Tarot by Cedar McCloud. With June being Pride month and the official beginning of Summer, the Lovers seems like a perfect fit.

“This card represents not just romantic love, but the love between family members, between friends, between mentor and mentee; the love we have for out planet, our pets, our favorite foods, our hometowns, our heart homes; every caring connection that lights us up from the inside and encourages us to be our best selves.” (From the Numinous Tarot’s guidebook).

I love this interpretation of The Lovers. And here the illustration is very much a circle of community and loving support. Traditionally, the Lovers card is also about choices and decisions. So considering the people we choose to bring into our circle, the things we show preference for, how we choose to fill our hearts and the hearts of others.

This month, try focusing on the threads of connection that bring you joy, light you up, and help you to feel and express love in all its forms.

June 10th we will have a special artist pop-up with Tyler Thrasher from Tulsa and Mickey Alice Kwapis from Chicago! Tyler is bringing his glow-in-the-dark plants and bouquets… a unique way to give your dear ones flowers! And Mickey will help you create special memento lockets!

Here at Oracle we are all enthusiastic about insects! And we are so happy to have our brand new instructional zine out “The Bare Basics of Bug Pinning.” Alessandra wrote this fantastic zine on everything you need to know to start pinning your own insect specimens at home! So if you (or someone you care about) loves bugs like we do, pick up a copy!

We are also super excited to announce the release of “Persephone’s Broom Closet!” This zine is a collaboration between myself (Laura) and Melissa (our lead illustrator). Filled with magical tips to clear and renew your space. Fall in love with your home all over again (or maybe for the first time!)

The 21st is the Summer Solstice! We will be offering custom dressed candles and special bundles in the shop Wednesday the 21st through Saturday the 24th! Stop in for a little summery seasonal pick-me-up.

The days are longer, the weather is definitely warm here in KC, and school is out (unless you’ve signed up for some extra learning credits)! So spend some time filling each and every choice you make with love. May your June be filled with the people and things you love! — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science