- The divinatory art of the 52-card deck -
Where the work has been reviewed, carried, broadcast and argued with over the years.
The deck, book and other items from C.J. and Ana are carried in the gift shop, and in the Meow Wolf online shop. C.J.’s original art featured in the main exhibit from 2018 to 2024.
“Egyptian Cartomancy, Angelic Mothmen, and Time Archons” - streamed live November 2025.
A three-part interview, originally broadcast June 2011.
Some links point to sites that have changed hands or gone offline since first publication.
The book that she wrote and CJ Freeman illustrated is one of the favorites in my personal library.
(The) Playing Card Oracles should be on the required reading list for card readers of all levels. I simply couldn’t put the book down.
Your work, along with Mr. CJ Freeman’s, is, in my opinion, the most accomplished and profound in the history of cartomancy. Thank you so much.
This deck has changed the way I look at the world. It is amazing that the 52 card deck is perhaps the most magic item that circulates the global population, but goes entirely unseen for its esoteric purpose…
Out of the literally hundreds of oracle/tarot decks I own this one never leaves my tarot table, it is in constant use.
Once Oracle Alchemy finished downloading on my Kindle, to my surprise, I couldn’t stop reading. There were no vapid clichés or long discussions of whether silk or cotton is better for card pouches here. No platitudes or pink, fluffy clouds, either, just a profoundly spiritual take on card reading expressed in simple, straight-forward language that had me saying “ah hah” and “amen” every few pages.
“The Playing Card Oracles” is not meant to be a pale companion to the tarot. On the contrary, it is a revolutionary system that goes way beyond mere “card reading”, and teaches you a whole new way of understanding divination itself.
The art is incredible and the characters and imagery create a magic window into a world that was lost to time until it was excavated by professional dreamers.
Well written, thorough and easy to follow. On my top favorite list for playing card divination books. There are many ways to read playing cards and of all the methods this is the one I recommend.
There is no other story in cartomancy like this. Or in any magic that I’ve glanced at. You saved a lifetime of passionate work and started your own. Fascinating, Mesmerizing.
This is a truly unique card deck, and unlike any cards I have seen before. Beautifully illustrated. But be aware that this is not tarot! How refreshing it is to find an original take on such an ancient art form. Ana’s approach to card reading also includes a system of timing, making predictive work even more precise. Highly recommend.
I use both tarot and general oracle cards in my spiritual practice, and enjoy them both. But I had held off on any use of ‘playing card’ divination because it felt dry and hollow to me. Then I found this deck, the previous deck, and Ana Cortez’s books and it was like I had found the system that resonated with me. So fantastic!
This is a very honest and intimate read. Similar to Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, Ana’s journey teaches the importance of inner deconstruction of challenging life-defining moments and points of failure, and being able to create something new from the ashes… The second half of the book is just brimming with messages, secrets and rituals… and Ana’s timing is wonderful for sharing her book of knowing in these uncertain times when just such a book is needed for guidance. Thank you Ana!
The book is amazing — an interesting and rich mix of images, poetry, fairy tales (all original) and divination. Ana Cortez’ writing style makes you feel as if you were talking to her.
I was immediately magnetized. I’ve never been pulled in like I have with this.
Best written subject ever on understanding overall structure of the playing cards. Very insightful read. Ana Cortez has a book to be really proud of. Consider her a guru with the deck of playing cards.
…the way she mixes original tales, poetry and pure esoteric wisdom is rich and delightful. You do not read “The Doors of Somlipith” - you kind of dive into it. It’s a fully immersive experience.
The Playing Card Oracles is a seminal work in the art of card reading. A must for serious and ambitious students…
I love this book and system of reading the cards. The book is so full and easy to read and comprehend… I never have this book far from me as I’m always referencing it.
It goes beyond teaching divination and feels more like a ‘travel book’ into the realms of the cards themselves.
It’s the kind of book that is both logical and creative, which makes reading it quite fun in many ways. I recommend truth seekers and the awakened to give this book a try, it’s indeed one-of-a-kind!
I first saw this book at the Meow Wolf “art experience” in Santa Fe, NM… I couldn’t stop thinking about the book… It is a beautiful book to read, full of history as well as inspired illustrations.
If what you want is a system that is deep, unique, innovative and different from everything you ever saw before, then this is definitely the book to get.
At this time, readings with Ana are available only to Order of the Black Ace members.
Requests for interviews, review copies and images are welcome.