Exploring The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal Oracle Deck
The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal cards offer a unique journey into self-discovery, usable alongside The Wild Unknown Tarot or as a standalone oracle deck. Creator Kim Krans maintains her signature style of intricate ink drawings accented with vibrant color pops. Despite this being her third deck, each card retains a distinct identity. If you’re drawn to animal-themed decks or enjoyed her previous works, this deck is likely to resonate. It promises “an exploration of our inner contradictions, our complex natures, and the endless mystery of who we are.”
Detailed ink illustration of the Dolphin card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, featuring splashes of blue watercolor.
Intricate black and white ink drawing of the Elephant card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle set by Kim Krans.
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck Structure
The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck consists of 63 cards, organized by elemental associations: Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Ether. The first four elements (Earth, Air, Water, Fire) each contain fourteen cards, while the Ether element features seven cards. Each Ether/Spirit card corresponds to one of the chakras. Unlike some other animal decks, like The Ark Animal Tarot and Oracle Deck, the elemental association here is primarily linked to the animal’s natural habitat rather than its symbolic energy. Consequently, Earth animals are found in fields and forests; Water animals reside in rivers, lakes, and oceans; Fire animals inhabit deserts and grasslands; and Air animals are connected to the sky. The Ether/Spirit cards represent more mystical or otherworldly creatures.
True to its name and the creator’s intention, The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal focuses solely on wild creatures, excluding domesticated animals like cats and dogs. Instead, you’ll find powerful figures such as Lions, Cheetahs, Panthers, and Wolves. The inclusion of the Horse might seem slightly ambiguous, but it’s presented in the spirit of wildness and freedom, though the plaited mane adds a touch of contradiction.
The artwork across the deck showcases considerable variation while remaining cohesive. Most cards are instantly recognizable through Krans’ emphatic line work and minimalist color palette. However, differences are apparent when comparing cards like the Dolphin and Elephant (pictured above) or the Tiger and Earthworm (pictured below). Despite these variations, every card undeniably bears Kim Krans’ artistic signature, creating a unified deck.
The Earthworm card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, depicted with simple lines and earthy tones.
Striking illustration of the Tiger card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, using bold lines and orange watercolor highlights.
Notable Card Examples
The deck features two spiders: one simply named Spider and the other Tarantula. The Tarantula is associated with Fire due to its common habitat in grasslands and deserts, while the Spider is classified under Earth. The Spider card’s rainbow web is visually captivating, but the Tarantula possesses a commanding presence that stands out even during a quick browse through the deck.
The Spider card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle, featuring a rainbow web design.
The Tarantula card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, conveying a powerful presence with dark inkwork.
The Gazelle card often surprises because it depicts the animal lying down, contrasting with the common image of it in constant motion, fleeing predators. This portrayal perhaps suggests a deeper message: an individual’s actions or circumstances don’t define their entire being or potential. It serves as a reminder not to judge based on a single aspect.
Conversely, the Cheetah card shows the animal in full sprint, capturing its characteristic energy. Both the Gazelle and Cheetah cards use coloring and circular motifs that evoke the feeling of a hot, sun-drenched environment. The Gazelle seems to represent finding peace amidst the heat, while the Cheetah embodies the heat’s dynamic energy. Observing them side-by-side prompts reflection on potential threats and the need to face challenges.
The Gazelle card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, showing the animal resting peacefully.
The Cheetah card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle, illustrating the animal in mid-run with dynamic lines.
The energy emanating from the animals, combined with the expressive use of lines, makes these cards highly interactive and communicative on multiple levels. Even without the animal figures, the colors and linework alone could convey meaning.
Card Quality and Packaging
The cards are printed on a low-sheen, relatively thin card stock, which unfortunately can bend easily. They may feel slightly clumpy initially but become easier to handle with use. Measuring 7 x 12cm, they are a comfortable size for shuffling. The overall aesthetic feels raw and authentic – the imperfect hand-drawn borders, the handwritten font, and the flexible black or white elemental symbols and lettering contribute to a feeling of holding the creator’s original work. Interestingly, while this thinner cardstock enhances the ‘original art’ feel, the indie version of the deck reportedly had thicker cards.
The packaging deserves mention. While some find multi-layered packaging excessive, the presentation of The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal (and other decks in the series like The Wild Unknown Tarot and The Wild Unknown Archetypes) is quite impressive. The outer slipcase features a holographic “dragon skin” texture, protecting a sturdy, book-sized box with a magnetic closure. Inside, lifting the guidebook via a ribbon reveals another box housing the cards themselves. While a simple tuck box is less imposing, this elaborate packaging conveys a sense of care and value, and it’s durable enough to keep.
The Phoenix card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, representing the Ether element with fiery colors.
Mystical Dragon card illustration from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle, associated with the Ether element.
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guidebook
The accompanying 207-page guidebook is equally well-crafted, reinforcing the impression that significant thought and care went into the deck’s creation. Details like the hand-drawn dragon scales on the inner covers and the overall handwritten aesthetic give it the feel of a high-quality indie project, even though these are mass-market editions. It feels like a genuine passion project.
The book begins with a personal story, then explores the historical and mythological significance of animals in human culture. The writing style is direct, inquisitive, and conversational, making it engaging to read.
The Horse card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, depicted with freedom despite a plaited mane.
Majestic Whale card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle, representing the Water element.
Guidebook Content
Sections cover “Understanding the Deck” and “Using the Deck.” The “Using the Deck” part includes advice on “What to Ask,” encouraging users to focus on heart-centered questions rather than purely intellectual ones. This guidance aims to bypass repetitive mental loops and connect with deeper inquiries.
There’s also a “Shuffling and Cutting” section. While many books prescribe shuffling, cutting, and dealing from the top, the author shares a personal preference for fanning the deck and selecting cards manually, which can alleviate pressure during shuffling, especially for those new to card reading. Ultimately, the suggestion is to adopt whatever method feels most comfortable and intuitive.
The “Deeper Insights” section is particularly valuable, adding layers to card interpretation. It encourages learning about the animals themselves – their habitats, behaviors, diets, communication methods – rather than relying solely on generic “spiritual” meanings. This approach fosters a deeper connection to the animal, the natural world, and the reading itself.
The Panther card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, radiating mystery and power through dark inkwork.
Intense Fire Ant card illustration from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle, associated with the Fire element.
For each card (except Ether), the left page features a black and white image, while the right page lists the title, element, keywords, core meaning, and keywords for “When in balance,” “When out of balance,” and “To bring into balance.” The Ether/Spirit section offers initial keywords, a more extended meaning, and details on the creature’s connection to a specific chakra. Overall, the meanings provide substantial guidance without being overwhelming.
Included Spreads
The guidebook includes five spreads:
- Card a Day
- Past, Present, Future (3 cards)
- The Path, The Obstacle (2 cards)
- Relationship Spread (4 cards)
- Year Ahead Spread (13 cards)
While a general-purpose spread isn’t included, numerous options are readily available online. Although the author primarily uses oracle cards alongside tarot, the inclusion of more spreads might have been beneficial for users who prefer using oracle decks independently.
Conclusion
The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck stands out due to Kim Krans’ distinctive artistic style and its unique approach compared to many other animal oracles. Its focus on wild creatures, elemental associations based on habitat, and the quality of the accompanying guidebook make it a compelling tool for self-reflection. For enthusiasts of animal-themed decks or fans of the Wild Unknown series, this deck offers a rich and engaging experience, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection. Its thoughtful design and insightful content encourage a deeper connection with both the animal kingdom and one’s inner self.
The Hummingbird card from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal deck, representing the Air element with delicate lines and color.
Intricate Dragonfly card illustration from The Wild Unknown Spirit Animal oracle, part of the Air element group.
Publishing Details
Deck Creator:
Kim Krans
Pictured Version:
Published by Harper One (an imprint of Harper Collins) in 2018
Website:
