THE SIBYLS ORACULUM

The Sibyls Oraculum – Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa, Tayannah Lee McQuillar, Artwork by Katelan V. Foisy, Destiny Books, Rochester, VT, 2018, 44 cards, 148pp book, $19.99

Greek historian Herodotus wrote: “Two black doves had come flying from Thebes in Kemet, one to Libya and one to Dodona … the people of Dodona understood that the [dove’s] message was divine, and therefore established the oracular shrine. The dove which came to Libya told the Libyans … to make an oracle of Ammon…”

        As McQuillar notes, “In the ancient Mediterranean world, the dove was a symbol of the soul … the two ‘black doves’ (dark-skinned women?) from Thebes … identifies them as sibyls.” A sibyl is a prophetess. Greek poet Pindar named the “cluster of dazzling stars located in the constellation of Taurus ‘the Peleiades,’ which means ‘a flock of doves’.” The Pleiades are named for the seven sisters of Greek mythology, all of whom were linked to Africa.

         In ancient times, the “Sibyls were consulted by the aristocracy prior to all major undertakings and provided comfort and spiritual guidance for all who sought them.”

        What happened to the Sibyls? Their temples were outlawed by Constantine and Nicene Christianity, and secret societies were formed to avoid persecution. “The legacy of the Sibyls is still with us…” and this oracle deck can help you awaken that legacy.

        So much history is packed into McQuillar’s book! It’s time to reawaken the Sibylline symbols. Katelan V. Foisy has done an admiral job of designing the cards. The images could be mosaics found on ancient Libyan walls. I have spent hours poring over the cards, marveling at their beauty, letting their meanings touch me on many levels. 

        Instructions on how to use the oracle are outlined clearly and are easy to follow. The cards can be used for self-examination, decision making, and can be used to help others. I’m tempted to outline the process, but that is best left to Ms. McQuillar. Unlike some oracle decks, when you know how to phrase your question or concern, the Sibyls Oraculum does not give a vague, biased or ambiguous answer.        You will need two things when using the Sibyls Oraculum: an open mind and a journal. Recording the results of your readings, your responses to and reflections on the exercises in the book, and any dreams or events you may think of as omens will help you see what the cards are telling you. This isn’t an “instant” reading; events can (and will) play out over time. You may get a message through “coincidence” after a reading that lets you know there is more work to do to resolve a situation. Your journal will help you recognize these “coincidences”.

        Do you truly understand yourself? Ms. McQuillar offers an exercise to determine your “core card”. Your reaction might be, “Wow, this is who I really am? I can do better than that!” You now have insight into how you’ve limited your possibilities and how you can make new choices as you “become an active player in the game of life”.

        Each card has a key symbol, a religio-mythological association and a divinatory meaning. These are listed, and the information is valuable.

        The Sibyls Oraculum is different from any oracle deck I’ve ever used, and I love it. I recommend that you give it a try and see how it can help you.

Jean Brooker