Seed and Sickle Oracle
The Seed and Sickle Oracle was created by British author, illustrator, and tattoo designer Fez Inkwright, whose main passions lie in conservation, folklore, and ethnobotany. Originally published by Liminal 11 (ISBN 9781912634347), the deck was later released in the Modern Tarot Library series by Sterling/Union Square & Co. (ISBN 9781454944270). The deck is accompanied by a unique dual-guidebook structure — a Dawn guidebook for card readings about starting new things and moving forward, and a Dusk guidebook focused on guidance for self-care, rest, and looking after oneself. This innovative two-book approach means every card carries two distinct interpretive layers. The 55 cards are divided across the four seasons, with the first card being The Seed and the last card being The Sickle, completing the agricultural cycle from new beginning to harvest.
Official Website →Art Style & Visual Character
Inkwright's illustrations are a rich blend of intricate line work and bold, evocative colors that breathe life into each card. The aesthetic is both enchanting and grounded, reminiscent of old-world botanical illustrations but infused with modern vibrancy. Reviewers note a modern minimalist reinvention of chinoiserie influences, with the lightness and elegance of Japanese artistic sensibilities. The deck is absolutely packed with gorgeous botanical imagery — primarily focused on plants that are often overlooked, such as common weeds and hedgerow plants, rather than showy garden flowers. Beyond botanicals, some cards feature symbolic elements like snakes, skulls, and daggers, adding an edge of folkloric mystery. The illustrations are described as so stunning that the cards could serve as small art pieces for display.
Core Concept & Symbolism
The Seed and Sickle Oracle centers on the eternal cycle of sowing and harvest, exploring themes of productivity and rest. Each card carries two meanings through the Dawn/Dusk system: one for times when moving forward is important, and one to help cultivate wellbeing during periods of rest. Many card interpretations weave in folklore from around the world relating to the featured plant, alongside factual botanical information, making it simultaneously a divination tool and an educational resource on ethnobotany. The four-season structure mirrors the agricultural year, with the symbolic framework embracing the understanding that growth and dormancy are equally necessary parts of any cycle — in nature and in life.
Reading Experience
The Seed and Sickle Oracle has received universally enthusiastic reviews from prominent voices including Benebell Wen, TABI, Spirit Element, Women Write About Comics, and Dark Reads. Benebell Wen applies Taoist-based art theory to Inkwright's work, noting the depths of spirituality embedded in the illustrations. The dual-guidebook system is praised as innovative, allowing readers to choose between action-oriented or self-care-oriented interpretations depending on their current needs. The botanical and folklore educational content adds exceptional depth, making it a great deck for learning about plants alongside divination. Reviewers consistently describe it as "a treasure of beauty, nature wisdom, and playful elements" and "truly a deck not to be missed."
Best Used For
- Botanical and nature-connected spiritual practice
- Balancing productivity with self-care and rest
- Seasonal readings aligned with the agricultural year
- Learning plant folklore and ethnobotany through divination
- Green witchcraft and herbalism practitioners
- Readers who appreciate fine art and intricate illustration
Not Ideal For
- Those seeking a quick, simple oracle with straightforward messages
- Readers who prefer human-figure-centered card imagery
- Practitioners looking for a traditional spiritual or religious oracle framework
All Cards (55 cards)
Explore every card in this oracle deck for intuitive guidance
