Getting To Know The Alchemy Oracle (by The Wild Unknown)
We don’t do a huge number of deck spotlights on this site, however I couldn’t not write about the final deck in the Wild Unknown Series, Alchemy, by visionary artist Kim Krans.
And even though we’ll be talking about the deck at length, I wouldn’t regard this article as a review in any way. These will be mine and Tim’s personal thoughts, ideas on how we plan to work with the cards, and any stirrings that come from our initial impressions. We are huge fans of The Wild Unknown series and regard both the Archetypes and Animal Spirit oracle as some of our most loved and most used decks. When we caught wind of this newest installation, we were extremely excited to get our hands on it, and even more thrilled that it overtly tackles alchemy; a subject that underpins much of our work, conversations and contemplations, especially as of late.
Before we go too deep, let’s start with some basics.
The Specs…
The set includes 71 gorgeous hexagon shaped cards. The hexagon may seem like a strange choice, but it’s actually very fitting as it represents the fifth element or the quintessence in alchemy. It is also the shape found in the centre of the hexagram (Star of David), or the two opposing triangles, one representing fire and the other water. In other words, it’s an interesting and, we assume, intentional feature.
The cards themselves have a nice matte feel, similar to what we find with the Archetypes oracle. They are not as thick as Archetypes, but I think that works well for Alchemy because the shape of the cards make them a bit more awkward to shuffle. So, having a thicker stock would likely get in the way. I would recommend shuffling these lightly. I can’t do my normal routine, but it’s easy enough to adapt with something gentler! As well, I was worried they would be too big, but the size, at least for us, is just right.
Aside from the cards, the box they come in is sturdy and beautiful, and the guidebook is also really well done. It contains 224 fully-illustrated pages, and is laid out in a fashion similar to what we see with Archetypes. The whole set is definitely a piece in itself, suitable to display on any shelf or altar.
Visually Speaking…
While there are clearly many similarities between Alchemy and Archetypes, I have to say, I do prefer the illustrations of Alchemy overall. They are striking, captivating and appear to come alive. There is a very interesting effect to be experienced when you hold a single card out in front of you. Something about the imagery and the shape of the card, creates this really expansive, almost 3D impact. It’s quite trippy, and we will definitely use this approach any time we want to “step into” a particular scene.
Using The Deck…
The readings we have so far done with the deck have been really informative. You don’t need to have any serious knowledge of alchemy to get a lot from working with them. This deck will meet you where you are, and I think if you’re called to it for any reason, then it has something for you. And while it obviously draws on themes, terms and concepts that may be new to some, the guidebook does a good job at grounding the information into practical form.
And besides, if alchemy is a field that’s new to you, you could consider these cards not just a tool for insight, but one for learning as well. For those already exploring these ideas, then I can see these cards being a fantastic device to work with consciously. Whether you’re setting intentions toward an aim, working with a particular planet, or sifting through some internal debris, you could select a card whose energy you want to call upon to aid in the process. Simply isolate it from the deck and allow its imagery to focus your intent and draw you in for further exploration.
Looking to tap into health and abundance? Call on Splendor Solis. In need of some spirit aid? Bring in Benevolent Guide. Want to cut ties? Select Separation.
If you’re overwhelmed by some of the cards or their messages, we would encourage you to find ways to simplify your approach with this deck. It should be understood that alchemy is a highly personal and individual journey. These concepts are meant to provide some intellectual framework, but all the true unfolding happens within. Let these cards and their guidebook be just that - a guide. If the book’s message doesn’t resonate, or make sense to you, put it aside and simply look at the card and ask: “What does the imagery say?” “What do the colours suggest?” “How does this make me feel?” Those insights are as valuable as any word on a page.
As far as divination goes, there are probably those who would opt to use this deck entirely for self-exploration and forgo any traditional “fortune telling” practices. We obviously agree the themes perfectly suit spiritual inquiry/development, but we wouldn’t throw out other uses altogether.
Aside from the self-development type of inquiries, we think the following could also be effective ways to work with the deck:
Assessing an upcoming decision i.e. advice or possible outcome
The status or state of a relationship (could be romantic, platonic, or even one’s relationship with their career, for example)
How to approach, or what to expect from a creative project
We also think Alchemy would be great for dream analysis, shadow work or reading the energy around a situation.
Symbolically…
Similar to tarot, Alchemy is divided into various suits. Unlike tarot, Alchemy contains 6 and they follow a much different format. We like this because this particular structure lends itself nicely to both insight and study. The 6 suits are as follows:
Cosmic Forces (11 cards)
Colours (4 cards)
Seasons (4 cards)
Materials (22 cards)
Mysteries (22 cards)
Operations (8 cards)
The 6 suits shown as follows (start top left): Cosmic Forces, Colours, Seasons, Materials, Mysteries, Operations.
We may be reading too much into things (this is what we do), but 6 would be fitting as it represents harmony and also, there are 6 sides on a hexagon and 6 points on the Star of David (as discussed earlier).
In addition, there are 71 cards in the deck and the number 71 can be interpreted in many different ways. We could say that it is the energy of the 1 — the quintessence — seeking expression through the power of the 7 — the seven ancient planets, along with their metals and psychic centres. This certainly lines up with the central theme of the deck, for what is alchemy if not a quest for unity consciousness through the agency of the cosmic forces and their expressions within the world and ultimately ourselves? Furthermore, 71 reduces to a sum of 8 — the number of alchemical operations Kim Krans chose to include within the deck. The number 8 is also associated with the tarot key Strength, which is esoterically linked to the raising of the kundalini energy — the "secret fire" of alchemy. As snakes are seen throughout the deck, this is a fact that likely wasn't lost on its designer.
Learn More…
While this is the end of the “review”, I am left with a lingering feeling of “have I said enough or done justice to this deck?”. The truth is, the arrival of it was incredibly meaningful and synchronistic to Tim and myself and so I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and taken by its presence. I suppose, over time, we will come to know it more and be able fill in those gaps I can already sense are there waiting. Until then…if you’re called to work with Alchemy, You can find all the ways to purchase it here. As well, if you are interested in delving further into alchemical studies, here are a handful of books we’d recommend:
The Alchemist’s Handbook by Frater Albertus
The Philosopher’s Stone by Israel Regardie
The Path of Alchemy by Mark Stavish
Alchemy - The Great Work by Cherry Gilchrist
Alchemy by Marie-Louise Von Franz
And of course, if you’re also a user of tarot, you may already be engaging with the practice and study of alchemy unknowingly. While not as obvious, your standard tarot deck is rich with alchemical symbolism and attribution. So while not the only path, tarot is certainly one doorway into the great work that the Alchemy oracle overtly speaks to. Whether you know it or not, and regardless of your medium of choice, when you seek to know yourself, you are unlocking these principles deep within, and transforming, in the truest sense, lead into gold.
Julia & Tim