So many things to love about this deck and book set, it’s hard to know where to start – but I’m going to start with the packaging, which is superb. The top of the sturdy flip-top cardboard box features a lush collage of Pierre-Joseph Redouté’s Victorian flower art, including the dahlia, coreopsis, asters, forget-me-nots, and amaryllis, among others. This box is roomy enough for a perfect-bound guidebook with the same illustration on its cover, the deck of 44 cards, a trifold pamphlet listing keywords for all of the flowers shown on the cards, and an organza pouch the same shade of mint green as the box, booklet, pamphlet, and card backs. Also included is a card providing detailed information about Redouté, who was born in 1759 to a Flemish family of decorative painters.
By the late 1790s, Redouté was the most famous and sought after flower painter in Europe. Card faces are a tan parchment color, an attractive background for the artwork. The cards do a beautiful job of combining science and sentiment. At the top, centered, is the common name of the flower, with the Latin name or alternative name centered immediately under that in flowery script. Next comes the Redouté’s illustration of the flower. The style is realistic, and it is easy to see how the artist was influenced by the botanist Charles Louis L'Héritier, who offered Redouté free access to his botanical library and plant collection. Centered below the artwork is the meaning attributed to that flower. Finally, also centered, we have a quotation that reflects that symbolism.
For each flower, the guidebook provides a black-and-white version of the Redouté illustration, the common name and Latin name for the flower, symbolism, quotation, a long paragraph discussing the flower and its meaning, and an Inspirational Message. The eloquent writing in the guidebook is a pleasure to read, offering tidbits of the fascinating history and cultural interpretations associated with each flower. The Botanical Inspirations cards are perfect for drawing a daily Affirmation, and the guidebook can be used as a resource when researching the various flowers and their meanings.
—Zanna Starr, Tarot Notes
The Botanical Inspirations Deck, by Lynn Araujo, comes beautifully packaged in a sturdy floral box with a lovely spring green deck bag. The deck and box set includes a Secret Language of Flowers fold-out reference guide that is a shortcut to understanding the secret meaning of the flowers. If you are an herbalist and gardener like myself, you will appreciate the simple beauty and vintage look and feel of this deck. The cardstock is substantial, but shuffles well and the cards have wonderfully rounded corners, which add to the luxury feel of this wonderful deck. The illustrator is Pierre-Joseph Redoute (1759-1840), and the pictures are classic illustrations that everyone can relate to in a reading. Who can resist the "Red Rose" which Lynn calls her card of Hidden Secrets. Red Roses have been given as a sign of romantic love as far back as antiquity. On the card, Ms. Araujo quotes Buddha with the phrase "Three things cannot be hidden, the sun, the moon, and the truth." No truer words have been spoken. It is said that romantic love is the elixir of the Gods and the card of the Red Rose when pulled speaks to our inner-longing to love and be loved without condition. If you are looking for a beautiful and inspirational deck to begin your day with by pulling one flower out of the deck to meditate on then look no further than the Botanical Inspirations Deck, by Lynn Araujo, beautifully published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. You won't be disappointed!
—Karen Hollis, Readings by Karen
Wow! It is beautiful with fantastic cardstock I love the box, booklet, pamphlet and bag that comes with it. It full of amazing flowers and quotes. I think all decks (Oracle, Tarot and Lenormand) should be made at this level of quality!
—“Lost Lovely Lady”
