call me moon | it/thon/that one | lvl 19 | divination wizard
'aracanabula' (or 'orizon') describes a wizard's working spellbook. among completed and usable spells, the book also includes research notes, concepts and works-in-progress, and some spells usuable even to the author.
pronouns; it/thon/that one ( he/hymn is acceptable :/ )
i am an adult, but i'm only freshly an adult ( 19 )
minors are welcome to follow/interact and send asks - privately message me with the knowledge that i am an adult. keep yourself safe, and i will enforce boundaries.
this is my pop culture magic and paganism side blog! - a diary of sorts, and a digital collage
focused on d&d 5e at this time
◦ divination wizard
◦ i put way too much thought into the silliest of things<3
arcanabula index;
Oracle Deck of Many Things Masterpost - (WORK IN PROGRESS)
please bear with me as i try to figure this all out x
while i don't have a DNI, i love to use the block button! x
feel free to chat and send asks x
i started this blog with no experience in sharing my practice, or even really putting it to words. i apologize if things are incoherent, messy, or confusing at times - i'm not an educator, just a person sharing my experiences.
Feeling like maybe wands should come back in witchcraft because they are easy to ethically source, can be used for like a million different things, and can be used for many years.
[Image ID: Three sisters weave, measure, and cut the threads of fate. /end ID]
The Fates card effects in-game are, unsurprisingly, related to the concept of fate - past and future. In the 2014 version of the deck, the card allows the PC to respin the threads of reality and alter, erase, or avoid past events. The 2023 card allows the wielder to grant another (or themself) a glimpse into the future.
I connect better with the card pictured above than the card within the deck I use, as these Fates are clearly meant to resemble the Moirai. I connect better with these thread-spinners. Alas, that is not the card I use.
The card I use has the three Fates holding one another, in a dark scene. Their eyes glowing, seeing things unseen to us. They seem cold, and distant.
This card's meaning is one I connect with most in its 'official' capacity so far.
A link to the official card meanings can be found at the bottom of this post, but the below meanings are ones I have derived in my experience with the card. I encourage you to consider the meaning you take from the card, and find your own. I hope this can serve as inspiration:)
The Fates card explores the repercussions of decisions and reflects on the past.
Upright, the Fates card illustrates an individual troubled by their past.
While reflecting on the past can be helpful, it may be clouding your view of the future. Are you learning from the past, or are you keeping yourself stuck there? The past cannot be changed. There is only one way to move now.
Alternatively, maybe you feel stuck in a situation strangely similar to another. This déjà vu illustrates a cycle you may be stuck in, whether you're aware or not. Reflection may be exactly what you need.
Reversed, you may feel stuck and without many choices - that your destiny is woven and unchanging. Your decisions may seem forced. But you must find a way to communicate that, or find alternatives. Maybe you are stuck, but you must know that you won't be stuck forever.
Perhaps you are in a tough place - it is busy and dark. You aren't able to reflect on the past or the future, and you feel stuck here, now. Find ways to quiet the noise.
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
The Fates card within the Card Reference Guide (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg,3,fates)
[Image ID: A roguish kenku lurking in the shadows holds a dagger, poised to strike. /end ID]
The effects of the Rogue card in-game are centered around combat and hostility; When you pull the 2014 card, an NPC becomes the PC's enemy and seeks to harm them, and when the 2023 card is pulled, the PC can deal an extra 6d6 force damage.
The official Card Reference Guide says "This card suggests treachery and deception." This meaning is certainly reinforced for me by the image on the card I use; It depicts the back of a woman, with long, dark hair, and a beautiful purple-magenta dress. She is holding a dagger with a wavy blade (a Keris?) behind her back.
A link to the official card meanings can be found at the bottom of this post, but the below meanings are ones I have derived in my experience with the card. I encourage you to consider the meaning you take from the card, and find your own. I hope this can serve as inspiration:)
The Rogue card illustrates treachery and the unexpected beneath the surface.
This card comes as a warning, signifying terrors we would hope to never encounter, or be smart enough to see the red flags and avoid. But no matter what, you aren't able to see everything, and you can't avoid everything painful.
Alternatively, it's you that's hiding something beneath the surface. Either way, whether you knew it or not, something isn't right. Something hasn't been right for a while.
The card can indicate a secretive person, lying to get what they want; Self-sabotage also falls under this card.
Stand up for yourself, fight back - especially if it is a case of self-sabotage. Take a difficult step.
Reversed, this card may represent good intentions resulting in mistakes. Miscommunication and frustrations surrounding it can often make situations worse. Sometimes, things aren't what they seem.
The reversed aspect can also represent a kindness in the midst of darkness and difficulty, something good in a bad situation.
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
The Rogue card within the Card Reference Guide (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg,3,rogue)
while i'm working on writing my other posts, i thought i'd also prompt some ways to connect with the cards! this will become a post series in and of itself, outside of my DoMT series, offering magic prompts for your practice.
take it or leave it - i just needed some time between card posts lmao
According to the Book of Many Things, to trigger the effects of the Deck of Many Things, one must state the intention to do so. Without this stated intent, one may use the Deck safely in gaming or in divinatory practices.
The Book also emphasizes that single cards can be just as powerful as when they are in the Deck, and can be given effects and properties as standalone items, brought along on one's adventures.
To get to know each card better, consider their effects in-game and their meanings as oracle cards. Think of ways to utilize the cards in spells, rituals, or in prayers.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
i'm back! though, i'll be spending today going over my drafts and editing. the queue of DoMT posts will resume tomorrow, and will hopefully be more regular x
i'm taking a spontaneous trip back home this weekend - all activity on this blog (and my others) is paused until further notice!
while i have a backlog, the posts are largely unedited and need to be re-read. and, i don't want to queue posts until i am finished with all in this series. thank you for understanding!
[Image ID: The Gem card from the Deck of Many Things (2023). A large, purple faceted gemstone set in intricate filigree gleams in the center. Three smaller gems sit below the central one; two slightly below and to either side of the central gem, and the third sitting yet even lower and centrally as well. Two more small gems sit in either top corner, with the smallest gem set between the two. Seven total purple gems within the silver filigree. /end ID]
The in-game Gem card effects focus on, well, shiny things. Wealth is accrued when you pull the 2014 card, and you are able to cast a 6th-level spell with the 2023 card. Unsurprisingly, the BoMT says the Gem card "brings vast wealth."
A link to the official card meanings can be found at the bottom of this post, but the below meanings are ones I have derived in my experience with the card. I encourage you to consider the meaning you take from the card, and find your own. I hope this can serve as inspiration:)
The Gem card is one of opportunity and illusion.
Upright, this card brings forth good fortune - but you must seize it.
Dreaming is a wonderful practice, but passive wishing very rarely results in anything tangible. Take control of your reality! Fantasizing can't be all there is!
This card could also be telling you to look beyond the surface - perhaps you are being presented a new path, opportunity, or even meeting a new person/entity; upon first glances, all seems good and shiny. Is it really? Are these promises really all they seem to be?
Reversed, the Gem card may be warning you may not be grounded in reality. You may be sat on only your thoughts for so long that you need to reevaluate; separate reality from fiction.
You may be unwilling to face reality at this time, coping with your imagination and daydreaming. Avoidance, however, can make things much worse.
Alternatively, you may be dealing with 'shiny object syndrome.' You are getting excited to start things, or go head-first into anything new. This can be fun! But is it overwhelming you? Are you finding it difficult to finish tasks and projects?
Have you lost focus?
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
The Gem card within the Card Reference Guide (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg,3,gem)
[Image ID: The Balance card from the Deck of Many Things (2023). A woman stands, holding a set of spectral balance scales. You can see through them, and they glow golden. Night (a scene with the moon and stars glowing behind the clouds) and Day (a scene with the sun glowing behind the clouds) are held in balance on either plate. Around the woman, smoke swirls and blows her hair. /end ID]
The in-game effects of the Balance card focus on change, opposites, and magical equilibrium; In the 2014 version, the PC's alignment is swapped to the 'opposite' if it isn't neutral already, and in the 2023 BoMT, the PC chooses a target, drains its life force, and the amount of damage dealt is turned into a gain of HP for the PC.
The card's imagery is very reminiscent of the Justice tarot card, and the cause/effect of the 2023 card really emphasize that this is where the inspiration from this card came from.
A link to the official card meanings can be found at the bottom of this post, but the below meanings are ones I have derived in my experience with the card. I encourage you to consider the meaning you take from the card, and find your own. I hope this can serve as inspiration:)
The Balance card represents your ability to craft a new life, perspective, and reality through deconstructing limiting beliefs.
The Balance card reminds you to attempt impartiality - seek truth above all.
Listen, speak, and know truth before passing judgement. You must maintain balance. Be fair and honest. - This card may also be telling you to reject false dichotomies and forced choices.
You may be required to give attention to something important - have you been unsure of something? It may be time to seek a solution - weigh all your options carefully.
Reversed, the card may be calling you out for ignoring one perspective in favor of another. Perhaps you are succumbing to confirmation bias, or shutting out dissenting opinions.
Consider where you may be stuck. Reevaluate some things. Are you being limited in some way? Are you limiting yourself? Can you find alternatives?
Perhaps your routine or the flow of things has been upset. You must try to remain calm and steady.
Feelings are always valid - but are your actions?
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: https://5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: https://5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
The Balance card within the Card Reference Guide (link: https://5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg,3,balance)
[Image ID: The Key card from the Deck of Many Things (2023). The central focus is of an ornate key. The bow of the key is square and features an animal's head (I think a lion) in the center. Its mouth and eyes glow yellow. The key's bit also has a lion-like head, with the eyes and mouth glowing yellow. The wards on the bit remind me of spiked soft soldered jewelry. The key is connected to a long chain and sits on a metal tray. /end ID]
The Key card's effects in-game are centered around gaining access to secrets and locked-away things (with the granting of the use of the Knock spell in the 2023 version), and gaining new magical items (the appearance of a Rare+ magic weapon).
The official card reference guide has this to say of the Key card;
The Key card represents the perfect solution to a problem or having the right tool for the job.
This, to me, is very reminiscent of the Artifact card from the Tarokka deck, which is also known as the Key.
The imagery on the card I use does not have such a drastic difference between it and the official 2023 card featured above, unlike the Fool card of my previous post. It features an ornate glowing key in two open palms. The main difference in the imagery of the card above and the card I use is the feelings it brings out in me. The card I use feels more cozy, gentle.
A link to the official card meanings can be found at the bottom of this post, but the below meanings are ones I have derived in my experience with the card. I encourage you to consider the meaning you take from the card, and find your own. I hope this can serve as inspiration:)
The Key card illuminates the solution to your problem.
The Key card I use has the image of the key placed in the open palms of two hands - to me, this reminds me to look at the tools I already have within and around me to solve my problems.
Perhaps this Key has been around you all along, unassuming, and waiting to be utilized. You may be using the wrong skills to solve your problem. Reevaluate your toolkit, and seek another answer. The solution may be hidden in plain sight.
I feel that this card points to another, and prompts a question rather than offering an answer.
Reversed, this card indicates that you may be ill-equipped to face the problem. You may need to seek help, and accept that sometimes you cannot solve things solely on your own.
Now, depending on the reading and context within which this card shows up, I have connected an alternate meaning;
The Key card unlocks secrets deeply hidden away.
This card may warn that you are lacking information, and should seek out more answers.
Perhaps someone is keeping things from you, or outright lying. Maybe you are ignoring or dismissing key information.
Reversed, this card may force you to look at your own secrets and vulnerabilities. Are you being entirely honest? What are you keeping locked away?
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
The Key card within the Card Reference Guide (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg,3,fool)
[Image ID: The Fool card from the Deck of Many Things (2023). It features the side profile of a person in heavily mended clothes, patched, and with holes, walking to the right of the card. They are wearing a hood and mask, and they hold a sack - also heavily mended. It has torn, and is dropping valuables. The person doesn't seem to notice. /end ID]
The Fool card's effects in-game are focused on loss and weakness; in the 2014 version, the Fool drains the PC of EXP (enough to keep the current level), and in the 2023 expanded version, the Fool's target (on a failed save) cannot cast spells, activate magic items, has disadvantage on saving throws, and other creatures have resistance to the damage it deals (for one minute).
Although the Book of Many Things and the official Card Reference Guide state that the Fool card represents innocence, and while I see the obvious connection to the Fool card of tarot, I see these cards differently.
Perhaps this is because the deck I use is not the one pictured. The image on the Fool card I have before me pictures a person in defeat; on their knees, head bowed - this person is dealing with the effects of the card. A loss and a drain.
A link to the official card meanings can be found at the bottom of this post, but the below meanings are ones I have derived in my experience with the card. I encourage you to consider the meaning you take from the card, and find your own. I hope this can serve as inspiration:)
The Fool card illustrates a new beginning, at the start of an end, and the great strength it takes to rise again.
Although the card represents new beginnings to me, this Fool card comes in to shake you up. These new beginnings are ones of reluctance, and nervousness. You have faced a loss, or are at a crossroads with no clear path before you.
Perhaps to great criticism, you must make a decision that is difficult but right for you. Where others may think you foolish and irrational, you try in the face of adversity. You pick yourself up and keep going.
Maybe you've lost progress you've worked hard for. Maybe you've relapsed. Maybe you're struggling and see no way the situation can improve. The Fool reminds you to keep going, despite it all. Mistakes are bound to happen, and progress is not a straightforward path.
The Fool is the gritty determination to keep moving forward, even when the path is winding, foggy, and seemingly never ending.
Reversed, the card tells you to slow down. Take a breath and consider your actions - are you truly thinking things through?
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
The Fool card within the Card Reference Guide (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg,3,fool)
For my first post series on this blog, I'll be putting my use of the Deck as an oracle deck to words.I have been using the Deck only for a few months, and only with my intuition. This series serves as an excuse to do research on these cards - so, learn with me!My resources will be found at the bottom of each post, so even if you do not read my posts, I hope you are inspired to look into this deck as part of your own pop culture magic practice:)
Within the Book of Many Things, there are an additional 44 cards alongside the original 22 (the Deck of Many More Things, Ch 7). For this project, I will only be focusing on the original 22, as those are the cards I have access to at this time.
Cards:
◦ Fool (link: tumblr.com/arcanabula/789961027143008256);
↳ The Fool card illustrates a new beginning, at the start of an end, and the great strength it takes to rise again.
◦ Key (link: tumblr.com/arcanabula/790059758156693504);
↳ The Key card illuminates the solution to your problem.
↳ The Key card unlocks secrets deeply hidden away.
◦ Balance (link: tumblr.com/arcanabula/790327489773846529);
↳ The Balance card represents your ability to craft a new life, perspective, and reality through deconstructing limiting beliefs.
◦ Idiot (or, Puzzle) (link:);
◦ Gem (link: tumblr.com/arcanabula/790424193810481152);
↳ The Gem card is one of opportunity and illusion.
◦ Rogue (link:);
↳ The Rogue card illustrates treachery and the unexpected beneath the surface.
◦ Vizier (or, Sage) (link:);
◦ Fates (link:);
◦ Knight (link:);
◦ Sun (link:);
◦ Moon (link:);
◦ Comet (link:);
◦ Star (link:);
◦ Jester (link:);
◦ Throne (link:);
◦ Ruin (link:);
◦ Donjon (link:);
◦ Void (link:);
◦ Skull (link:);
◦ Flame (link:);
◦ Talon (link:);
◦ Euryale (link:);
**Idiot and Vizier will be the last posts to come out. They may be late, as I try to put my thoughts together.
Spreads:
The Journey Spread [2+ cards]
The Quest Spread [5 cards]
The Adventure Spread [9 cards]
Mage Prompts:
x
x
x
The deck I use is Stratagem's Deck of Many Things from their two-deck set, also including the Deck of Many Fates.
The Book of Many Things can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#bmt)
The Deck of Many Things: Card Reference Guide can be accessed here (link: 5e.tools/book.html#dmtcrg)
