introduction

This deck is inspired by my

childhood growing up in the
Pocono Mountains. While I
now live in the city, I always
loved the woods and
beautiful landscape of the
Northeast.

There are no true rules to

reading with this deck. Allow
your intuition to guide you.
I hope this deck inspires
curiosity and adventure
within you.

1
table of contents Card meanings
Card Meanings 3

Card Spreads 55

How to use with tarot decks 60

Art Process 62

About the Creator 72

2 3
 badger bat
persistence skill
courage practice
generational wisdom process
Badgers are short legged, Bats are able to hunt through
ground dwelling creatures. the use of their sonar abilities.
They burrow homes called setts They are agile and adept at flying
that can remain in a lineage of and hunting bugs, but this skill
badgers for generations. Despite doesn’t happen overnight. From
being small, they are known to the time they are born, their
fiercely protect themselves from wings grow faster than the rest
larger predators. Their thick skin of their bodies. They need time
provides protection from insect to learn to fly, build muscle, and
stings and bites. It’s time to face practice. For this reason, it takes
the world head on. Get tough. bats much longer than other
Ask yourself, what gifts did my small mammals to wean from
ancestors give me? How have their mothers. Take your time
they shaped my worldview? learning. Perfecting a skill takes
a lot of trial and error.
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 bear beaver
Motherhood Industriousness
feminine power Creation
protection Practical Abilities
Mother bears are known to Beavers are notably productive
fiercely protect their cubs at all creatures. They take raw mate-
costs. She teaches them all they rials and craft beautiful homes.
need to know over the course They are constantly repairing
of two years, and once they are and perfecting their homes.
prepared, she chases them away. Beavers show us the
The bear is a sign to know when necessity of practical abilities.
to protect something and when Keep working to perfect your
to let go. If you have been homemaking skills. If you are a
nurturing an idea, don’t be creative or tradesman, the
afraid to share it with the world. beaver is a sign to get back to
the roots of your passion.

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 bees Beetle
life strength
harmony conflict
Consequence Armor
Bees are the creatures that Stag beetles are strong and
pollinate the world’s food. They fierce warriors. They are very
collect pollen and nectar and territorial and will fight any
create honey. Without the bee, competition that tries to come
the survival of many species, between them and their sap.
including humans, would be at They use their strong
great risk. While bees are peace- mandibles and lock into one
ful creatures, they do have the another, eventually throwing
ability to sting. When a honey one of the beetles off. Now is
bee stings it leaves behind not the time to steel yourself.
only the stinger but vital or- Conflict may be arising and
gans, killing it. Sometimes, even now is the time to prepare your
in self-defense, we can harm armor. You are strong and ready
ourselves by harming others. to battle.
Look to maintain order in your
collaborations.
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 boar Cardinal And
power
confrontation
Blue Jay
Personal expression
matriarchy
Flair
Boars are powerful and
style
aggressive animals. They are The cardinal and blue jay are
notoriously hard to kill and are a both very flamboyant birds.
wildly invasive species. They are They are instantly recognizable
known to battle over by their flashy red and blue
mates and live in matriarchal feathers. Blue jays are even able
societies. Now is not the time to to imitate the sounds of larger
back down from a fight. If you competing birds. Seeing these
are seeking guidance, perhaps birds means it is time to share
turn to the strong women in your personal style and express
your life. yourself to the world. Do things
with the flair that is uniquely
yours. Feel free to take
inspiration from those you
admire.
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 catfish centipede
flow Multitasking
acceptance Speed
survival Perfectionism
Catfish feed on algae and small The centipede is known for its
organisms from the bottom of legs - there are 100 of them! The
rivers. Some species of catfish front two legs are even able to
will travel over 100 miles, just pierce skin. Sometimes we all
following the river as it goes. feel like having another arm (or
They are a sign to let the rivers hundred) would help us
of life take you where you need juggle the tasks in our lives. The
to go. Now is the time to roll centipede is here to reassure
with the punches and accept you that you can keep all your
what comes. plates spinning. Also be aware
that some tasks do not require
the same degree of attention. It’s
best to know which obligations
are most important.

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 Chickadee Chipmunk
Innovation Hoarding
Creativity Thriftiness
DIY forgetfulness
Chickadees are small birds with Chipmunks are known to store
an impressive ability to adapt to more food than they will ever
their environments. They do not eat. Many scatter-hoard and
build their own nests but hide food all over, but may
inhabit nests left by never find it. Some of these
woodpeckers. It survives in cold hoarded seeds may grow from
temperatures by lowering its the chipmunk’s forgetfulness.
own body temperature. When It is always a good idea to have
a chickadee appears it is a sign savings and be prepared but do
that it is time to get creative. not hoard. Look for the growth
Bring your best do-it-yourself from forgotten investments.
attitude and remember to build Check your coat pockets...
off existing ideas instead of maybe you’ve stored away a few
trying to reinvent the wheel. dollars.

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 cougar coyote
Balance Commitment
Patience Partnership
Solitude Cooperation
Cougars are ambush predators Coyotes mate for life and
that dwell in mountains and remain faithful to their partner.
deserts. They sit and wait for By having a present partner,
hours in underbrush to attack they are able to supply more
their next meal. They are natural food and ensure a higher rate of
loners, only occasionally being survival for their young.
willing to share a meal or Coyotes have also been found
territory. They gracefully leap to cooperate with badgers to
through rocky terrain, scaling hunt together. Now is a time to
mountain sides easily. Patience is stick to your commitments and
important at this moment. Think draw strength from your bonds.
your actions through and trust Reach out to those who love you
your own judgement. Find peace and seek out new and
in solitude. unexpected friendships.

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 cricket crow
luck magic
good vibrations intuition
happiness problem solving
Known for their musical Crows have long been
prowess, cricket chirps can be associated with magic.They are
heard on quiet summer remarkable birds that are so
evenings. Across various forms intelligent they are capable of
of folklore, crickets have been making tools. Crows are here to
a symbol of good fortune. They remind you that there is magic
are omens of financial gain and all around you. Take the
good times ahead. When you energies you need and apply
hear a cricket chirping them practically to your life.
appreciate the calm around you. Stay alert and focused.

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 deer dove
Rebirth good news
Gentleness motherhood
Sacrality peace
Many cultures revere deer as Doves have long been the
sacred creatures. In some universal symbol of peace. They
cultures, it is because their make beautiful and sweet coo
antlers reach into the sky, while sounds and are incredibly
others believe in their deep gaze. docile. They are able to feed
They are gentle creatures, their young with milk and have
herbivores that feast on grass, been associated with several
leaves, and fungi. Male deer goddesses and sacred maternal
grow antlers throughout the figures. It is a time to celebrate
year, only to shed them during when the dove comes your way.
the winter. The deer can be a Good news and calm seas are in
sign that you require a more your sight. Take a deep breath
gentle touch. What should you and enjoy the calm.
shed to allow for new growth?
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 fox firefly
opportunity self reliance
craftiness Extraordinary ability
games inner light
Foxes are known to be trick- Fireflies light up evenings with
sters. They are able to avoid bioluminescence to attract mates
hunters’ traps and outwit hunt- and prey. They seem magical but
ing hounds. They love to play their light comes naturally. What
and have even been caught on extraordinary abilities come
camera stealing balls from golf natural to you? You don’t need
courses and backyards! Know permission to express yourself.
when to take an opportunity. Share your light with the world.
Like the fox you can use your
cunning to get yourself out of
any sticky situation that comes
your way.

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 goose Groundhog
travel Superstition
change Optimism
teamwork Tradition
Geese are known to migrate Every year since 1886 in
thousands of miles during the Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,
spring and fall. They fly in a local residents pull a
V-shaped pattern that makes it groundhog named Phil out of
easier on the flock to work against a hole and observe its shadow.
the windy skies. If one is injured, This old-timey superstition
one or two other geese will break dictates whether spring will
from the group to protect it. come early, or not. If the
When geese arrive, it is a sign of groundhog appears, it may be a
warmer times to come. You may good time to consider how your
have a change in scenery coming reactions affect those around
your way. Through teamwork you you. Is it better to think spring
can keep moving towards sunnier might come early even if it
days. won’t?

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 hawk lynx
Authority vision
Domineering awareness
Discipline stealth
The Hawk is known for its The Lynx is a wild cat and keen
strong vice-like grip. It clench- predator. Its feline eyes are able
es its prey, who doesn’t stand to see in the dark and its coat
a chance under such pressure. changes with the seasons. It
They circle the sky looking for stealthily stalks its prey, and is
their next victim. Learn from powerful enough to prey upon
the authoritative hawk that in deer. The lynx shows us a need
order to get what you want, you for vision towards the future.
need to grab it. The hawk is very Now is a time for planning and
efficient, and you should be as preparing to pounce on
well. It is also worth taking note opportunities. Look closely at
of domineering forces in your your situation and stay alert.
life.

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 mosquito mole
Drawing energy Faith
Interdependence Trust
Death internal Guidance
Mosquitos are terrors to The blind mole does not need to
humans. Often we cannot see see. It digs its way through the
them, while they cause so much subterrain, finding nourishment
death to us. They are, however, and purpose away from the sun.
vital to the survival of many It uses its other senses to make
species. There may be a force in its way in the dark. Follow your
your life draining your energy - faith into the unknown. Now is
now is the time to sever ties. It the time to pursue goals oth-
is also vital to understand how ers may not think are possible.
something can be a drain on You don’t always need to see to
one but provide enrichment to believe.
another. We are all
connected and may seem like
pests to others as well.

28 29
 moth Mothman
obsession omen
lunar energy Warning
distraction preparation
Moths are known to be drawn Nobody truly knows what the
to light. Nobody knows for sure Mothman is. Some say it is an
why moths are so attracted to omen of disaster ahead, some
light, but one theory is that say it is the cause of destruction
they are hardwired to follow the itself; others insist it is just a
moon’s light. Interference from large heron. Either way it may
artificial light may be a distrac- be best to heed this being’s
tion from their true mission. warnings if you see it. Prepare
Take time and check yourself for for the worst but know that
harmful distractions. Are your sometimes things that seem
own obsessions keeping you like omens are actually just
away from your goals? unusually large birds.

30 31
 mouse Opossum
Adaptability Pacifism
Productivity Conflict Avoidance
Power in numbers Nurturing
Mice are incredibly social The opossum is known for its
animals. They enjoy each ability to play dead to save itself
other’s company and become from predators. It survives not
depressed in isolation. They are by attacking but by opting out
also incredibly good at of conflict altogether. Opossums
multiplying. Now is a bright are also nurturing and carry
time of connection and their young, first in their pouch,
creation. Meet up with friends and later on their back. The
and brainstorm ideas. Lean into opossum shows us the need for
creative activities and a gentle touch to our solutions.
productive actions. If you work It might be a good time to step
with others, you can achieve back from conflict and not get
great things. involved in drama.

32 33
 owl porcupine
wisdom Protection
attention Security
editing Empowerment
Owls have been a symbol of Porcupines are sweet and gentle
wisdom since the days of creatures covered in thousands
Athena. They are masterful of sharp quills. They are able to
predators who are able to see calmly and peacefully live their
and hear their prey with intense lives with the security of their
accuracy. They also produce natural defense. They only harm
pellets from food they are others in self-defense. Empower
unable to digest. Turn to the yourself with protection, either
wise leaders in your life for physically or emotionally, so
answers. Pay close attention to you can weather any dangerous
your life - what can you edit situation. Seeing the porcupine
from your life? is a sign not to take any s**t.

34 35
 rabbit raccoon
Escape Curiosity
Victimhood Questioning
Survival Disguise
The raccoon is known for its
Rabbits are prey animals. They
burglar mask. They sneak
are constantly alert and aware
around backyards at night look-
of their surroundings. They are
ing to take whatever food they
very fast creatures able to run
can find. They are also incredi-
up to 45 mph. Rabbits multiply
bly curious and inquisitive. They
rapidly in order to ensure their
turn over gardens, trash cans,
species’ survival. Like the rabbit,
and even get stuck in chimneys.
you are seeking an escape. While
You have lingering questions
sometimes you may find yourself
in your life and are willing to
feeling trapped, know there is
turn over whatever you can to
always a way out. Plan your next
find the answer, but remember
move and act fast.
sometimes curiosity can lead
you places you never expected.
Like the raccoon on this card,
you may find something you
36 never expected. 37
 rat rainbow trout
Intelligence Environment Change
Abundance transformation
Innocence homebound
Rats get a bad rap. They have Rainbow trout are born and
been blamed for spreading begin their lives in shallow
plague and for destroying crops rivers. Once they reach adult-
throughout the years. However, hood they go through a process
rats are incredibly sweet and of smoltification and physically
social creatures. They are also transform to survive in the sea.
incredibly intelligent and They only return to the rivers in
capable of learning. When the order to lay eggs and the
rat appears to you, it may be process begins again. Now is a
time to rethink preconceived time of transformation; your
notions. Sometimes first experiences in the world will
impressions can be wrong. The transform you. It may be time to
rat can also be a sign of reconnect with your past self.
comfortable times to come.

38 39
 river otter salamander
joy Oddity
simplicity imagination
fun Nonconformity
River otters are known for their A salamander’s thin permeable
playfulness. They will chase, skin easily absorbs water and air.
tackle, and wrestle to learn and This skin can produce a slimy
practice hunting skills. They are layer of mucus that can make it
incredibly social and form fa- unappealing to predators. They
milial units. Lay back and enjoy are mainly water dwellers but
yourself. Now is a time to pick have retained a lizard-like
up a new hobby or just celebrate appearance from their land
life. Remember that sometimes based ancestors. The salamander
the simple comforts bring the calls on us to embrace the weird.
most joy. What might make others
confused is what will work out
best for you right now.
Sometimes it is a good thing to
be underestimated.
40 41
 Sasquatch skunk
tall tales privacy
mystery independence
earthly connection rebuke
The Sasquatch is an ape-like Skunks are solitary creatures
creature that has been claimed with a powerful defense
to have been seen by many. He mechanism - everyone knows
has avoided scientific detection what happens when you upset
and is now a staple of a skunk! Their powerful odor is
American folklore. Whether directed at anyone they perceive
he has a connection to aliens, to be a threat. The skunk comes
serves as a steward of the earth, to us when it is time to retreat
or is just a massive ape, and take time for ourselves. Now
Sasquatch has become a beloved is not the time to rely on others.
legend. Everyone has a story If there is someone in your life
they love to tell - it’s your time that needs to be given a stern
to share it. talking to, now is the time to do
it.

42 43
 spider spotted
Darkness
Discomfort
lanternfly
Destruction
Manipulation crisis
The spider catches its prey in
sticky, masterfully threaded
Common Enemy
While the spotted lanternfly
webs. They are able to paralyze
may seem elegant, it is actually a
their prey with their fangs,
destructive and harmful crea-
leaving them to be easily
ture. Without native predators,
transported and eaten. Beware
this invasive species kills host
of traps in your own life.
trees and plants. The spotted
Nobody wants to play the fool,
lanternfly is a harbinger of de-
but sometimes we fall face first
struction. There may be a crisis
into uncomfortable situations.
on the horizon. Change can be
Be on the lookout for those that
scary and destruction can feel
may wish to manipulate you.
like the end of the world. Lean
on your community for support
during trying times.

44 45
 snake snail
Transmutation Lost in Thought
Healing Stagnation
Personal growth Lack of Focus
Snakes are intimidating The snail slowly and aimlessly
creatures. They are often moves through life. Pretty much
poisonous, unseen threats. the only thing snails are known
However, the snake is also for is their lack of speed. When
constantly changing since they the snail shows up, it may be a
shed their skin several times per sign you are stuck in a rut. You
year. Some types of venom have may have thought about doing
even been harnessed to create a lot but have nothing to show
medications. The snake slithers for it. Sometimes this is due to
into our lives to tell us it’s time too many ideas, and other times
for a change. It’s time to heal old not enough. Don’t settle for the
wounds, shed negative energies, humdrum of life if you are not
and step into a new phase of life. content.

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 squirrel toad
Childishness Toxicity
Playfulness Stress
Nostalgia negativity
Squirrels dart amongst the trees, The toad makes its home in dark,
chasing each other and damp places. They are often
harvesting food. They display associated with witches and dark
wild acrobatics among the magic due to their ugly
branches. It is easy to long for appearance. While they may
days of hanging from trees and seem unassuming, they have
spending all our time playing. glands that secrete a poisonous
The squirrel indicates it is time substance when they are
to embrace your inner child. threatened. Manage your stress.
Learn to find fun and Don’t lash out at those around
excitement throughout your you. Take time away from those
day. Don’t let others’ opinion of that wallow in the darkness of
childishness hold you back from their negativity.
enjoying yourself.

48 49
 tortoise tree frog
stability Communication
slowness Secrets
longevity Conformity
Tortoises are famously slow. Tree frogs are incredibly small.
They stay low to the ground and They must be light enough in
live long lives; some upwards of order to hide amongst leaves
150 years. They are sheltered, and twigs. They are also masters
protected, and hidden by their of camouflage. On a summer
large shells. The tortoise is a sign evening, they can be incredibly
that you can slow down. You are, loud and yet incredibly hard to
or soon will be, in a grounded find. You may need to behave
and stable place. Now is not the differently in some groups than
time for a “live fast, die young” others. Now is a time to blend in
attitude. Stability is far more with the crowd. When you find
comfortable than constant yourself in a high place, it is time
chaos. to make the noise you need to
make.

50 51
 UFO Weasel
The Unknown Wit
newcomers Cunning
travel Resourcefulness
Unidentified flying objects Weasels are naturally curious
are most often associated with creatures. They find their food
aliens. Whether for good or ill, in burrows, nests and water.
they are visitors from another Their coats change from brown
world. When a UFO appears it to white to camouflage them
could be the start of an throughout the seasons. Like
important relationship or the weasel, you know to look
adventure. It could also bring everywhere for resources. You
you out of your element and to find what you need even when
unknown spaces. others don’t know what they are
looking for. Let your curiosity
lead you.

52 53
 wolf woodpecker
leadership Resourcefulness
family niche
loyalty beneath the surface
Wolves travel in nuclear family Woodpeckers are known for
structured packs. They have their ability to chisel holes with
strong familial bonds and are their beak to extract bugs and
virtually unchallenged by any larvae from beneath the bark of
other animal. While the “lone a tree. They have adapted to find
wolf ” is a popular archetype, it food in places where other birds
is far from the truth. Typical- cannot. Take the woodpecker as
ly, lone wolves were recently a sign to find your niche.
dispersed from a pack. The wolf Sometimes the more specific
tells us it is time to claim you become, the more
leadership and have confidence. opportunities can be found.
It also tells us to rely on our
family and draw strength from
our support network.

54 55
 Three Card
oracle Spread

spreads 1 2 3

The three card spread is a great

beginner spread. You can
familiarize yourself with your
deck by seeing how 3 cards
relate to each other. Other
options include:

Past, Present, Future

Option 1, Option 2, Advice
Option/Situation, Pros, Cons
Endless other options

56 57
forest path This spread is designed for
Spread times you feel you might stray
from your path. It’s important to
know if it is safe before straying
from a trail. You don’t want to
1 get lost!
2 1. My energy
2. Problem/choice I am facing
3. What to avoid
4. What can help
3 4 5. Potential outcome

58 59
 forest fog
spread This spread is designed to
figure out what secrets hang
like a fog in your life. It is for
help deciding what should and
1 2 should not be communicated.

1. What am I not seeing?

3 4 2. What am I not sharing?
3. How is this affecting me?
4. How is this affecting others?
5. How to move forward

60 61
 Oracle cards can also be pulled
How to use with with tarot cards. When reading
tarot decks two cards together you can get
more detailed narratives in your
reading.
Combining oracle and tarot
cards for more in depth reading There are many other ways to
is about using intuition. read oracle and tarot cards
together. Feel out how your
One option is using oracle cards interact, find out which
cards as significators (cards decks “get along”. It can even be
that will be used to determine interesting to match decks with
the overall theme or vibe of a drastically differing vibes!
reading). You can pull a
significator at the beginning or
end of a reading depending on
your instincts.

62 63
 art process
The beginnings of this deck
started in October 2019. The
following pages are early
versions of artwork that have
since become part of this deck.
Some are very similar to their
final iterations and some have
drastically changed.
This deck was hand painted
with POSCA paint markers
and gouache.

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 Copyright © 2020 by Gabrielle Kash

About the All rights reserved. No part of this book

may be reproduced or used in
creator any manner without written
permission of the
Gabrielle Kash is an illustrator copyright owner except for the use of
and stop motion animator based quotations in a book review. For more
information,
in Brooklyn, NY. She loves cats address: [email protected]
and created The Weird Cat
FIRST EDITION
Tarot. Check out some of her
other work at gabriellekash.com Printed in China
and follow her @pinkgabbercat
Proofreading by Maryanne Kash,
on all social media platforms. Nicole Keiser, Kaityln Taylor, Jessica Park
www.gabriellekash.com

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