Enter the Enchanted Forest and Experience the Power of Cat-omancy
Nature's magick flits through dappled oaks, and feline oracles bound from tree to tree. In the Enchanted Forest, you'll think clearly and see situations anew. The court cards in this Rider-Waite-Smith-style deck are ruled by Bombay (king), Egyptian Mau (queen), Himalayan (knight), and Munchkin (page) cats. The four suits are transformed into dandelions (swords), saucers (cups), branches (wands), and mushrooms (pentacles). Through Iva Dukic's irresistible illustrations and Jen Sankey's insightful guidebook, the cats will help you recognize your true self and intrinsic nature.
Includes 78 cards and a paw print cutout on the box cover that reveals the 160-page, full-color guidebook underneath.
You can see the complete flickthrough on Tiktok or youtube. I posted two spreads, a deck interview and the Cat's Meow spread.
I. First Impressions
II. The Cards
Minor Arcana: The Minors are fully illustrated. Suits are Dandelions (Swords), Mushrooms (Pentacles), Saucers (Cups) and Branches (Wands). They are all RWS and I love some of the tiny details that have carried over - the snail on the 9 of Mushrooms, the red cloak on the 10 of Dandelions, the Queen of Dandelions sitting side on!
Handling & Durability: This is a standard tarot size and shuffles well. The matt surface lets the cards pass over each other easily, I had almost no jumpers while working with this deck.
III. The Guidebook
IV. In Use
V. Final Thoughts
📌 Specs & Quick Summary
Deck Name: Enchanted Forest Felines
Publisher: Llewellyn
Deck Size: Standard 78 card deck
Card Dimensions: Standard size, box is much smaller than Llewellyn's standard
Card Stock: Matte finish, flexible card stock, sturdy feel
Guidebook: 152 pages, upright and reversed meanings, spreads
Spreads Included:
- Quick Kitty Swats (one card read)
- It's Meow or Never (three card read)
- Visiting the Shadows in the Enchanted Forest (five cards)
- Self Care with the Magical Kitties (four cards)
- The Cat's Meow (four cards)
- Kitty Kuddles (six cards)
Special Features: Reversible back image, renamed Minor suits
Skill Level: Intermediate - it's based on RWS so any reader familiar with that system should feel comfortable
Great For: Cat lovers, intuitive readers
Quick Verdict: This deck will judge you in the best way
I. First Impressions
Unboxing & Packaging: Unlike most Llewellyn decks, this comes in a small box that almost feels like wood. There's a tiny paw cut out, a very cute detail! It's definitely sturdy enough to carry around in your bag.
Overall Vibe: Cats are always a bit liminal. These are definitely cats doing cat things, but they manage to be a bit unearthly at the same time. They'll give you good advice, and then stare unblinking at you until you actually do the thing.
Initial Reactions: I always prefer when the cats in cat decks are cats - I've worked with decks where they were basically people with cat heads, and that was a bit too uncanny valley for me. This deck looks like real cats, and I couldn't wait for them to start knocking things off the desktop of my life.
Overall Vibe: Cats are always a bit liminal. These are definitely cats doing cat things, but they manage to be a bit unearthly at the same time. They'll give you good advice, and then stare unblinking at you until you actually do the thing.
Initial Reactions: I always prefer when the cats in cat decks are cats - I've worked with decks where they were basically people with cat heads, and that was a bit too uncanny valley for me. This deck looks like real cats, and I couldn't wait for them to start knocking things off the desktop of my life.
II. The Cards
Major Arcana: Traditional structure, with Strength at 8 and Justice at 11. Majors have their numbers, in Roman, and names written on a small banner across the bottom.
Minor Arcana: The Minors are fully illustrated. Suits are Dandelions (Swords), Mushrooms (Pentacles), Saucers (Cups) and Branches (Wands). They are all RWS and I love some of the tiny details that have carried over - the snail on the 9 of Mushrooms, the red cloak on the 10 of Dandelions, the Queen of Dandelions sitting side on!
Handling & Durability: This is a standard tarot size and shuffles well. The matt surface lets the cards pass over each other easily, I had almost no jumpers while working with this deck.
III. The Guidebook
Writing Style: The guidebook is written in a friendly, chatty style. It's one of the only books I've seen that doesn't have images of the cards inside, and I was surprised at the difference that makes leafing through! The meanings are clear and thorough and I love that most of them explain how the image relates to the meaning as well.
Card Meanings: Card pages have both upright and reversed meanings. They're written with a touch of humour which I always like.
Spreads & Extras: Several really interesting spreads; as far as I can see they were written for this deck. I've tried one and plan to come back and try some more soon!
Card Meanings: Card pages have both upright and reversed meanings. They're written with a touch of humour which I always like.
Spreads & Extras: Several really interesting spreads; as far as I can see they were written for this deck. I've tried one and plan to come back and try some more soon!
IV. In Use
Intuitive Connection: When I first looked through, I wasn't sure. The cards didn't seem to match RWS, the colours are quite muted, it just didn't seem to work. But almost as soon as I started reading with it, I realised how wrong I'd been. Some cards aren't exact copies of RWS, but they all have the same spirit, and as I noted above there are plenty of details added in - for instance, the Death card has a white rose drawn on a tree in the background! The more I worked with the cards, the more easily they read, so if you've picked this up and aren't sure, please do give it a chance.
Reading Style: 'Blunt'. Blunt would be my answer. Or straightforward. Like cats, this deck doesn't beat around the bush. I got mostly Majors, Dandelions and Branches in my readings, all very clear and deliberate.
Best Uses: For me, this deck didn't like questions based in emotion - although it did very well on a self care read. In general, the readings were clear but practical, not fanciful.
Reading Style: 'Blunt'. Blunt would be my answer. Or straightforward. Like cats, this deck doesn't beat around the bush. I got mostly Majors, Dandelions and Branches in my readings, all very clear and deliberate.
Best Uses: For me, this deck didn't like questions based in emotion - although it did very well on a self care read. In general, the readings were clear but practical, not fanciful.
V. Final Thoughts
Strengths: It's very straightforward. It will answer what you ask, so be aware of that.
Weaknesses: It doesn't do quite as well on emotional questions.
Recommendation: If you like cats, decks that will be very honest, or cute art, this is the deck for you.
Closing Impression: I've really enjoyed working with this deck. It's straightforward and clear. My readings didn't turn up many Saucers or Mushrooms but I have enjoyed looking at the art! If you want a deck that will really prod you into acting on the readings, this one will do it.
Weaknesses: It doesn't do quite as well on emotional questions.
Recommendation: If you like cats, decks that will be very honest, or cute art, this is the deck for you.
Closing Impression: I've really enjoyed working with this deck. It's straightforward and clear. My readings didn't turn up many Saucers or Mushrooms but I have enjoyed looking at the art! If you want a deck that will really prod you into acting on the readings, this one will do it.
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