The Poison Path Oracle Deck

A divinatory deck to engage the power and wisdom of poisonous plants

Includes 23 poisonous plants along with 13 venefica, the historical and mythological women who’ve used these poisons.

Explores the nature of the poison path, containing a specific reading for each poison and poisoner, and plant spirit glyphs for use in meditation and spellwork.

Provides spreads that allow you to meditate on the nature of each poison and connect with its essence on a spiritual and energetic level.

Though the word “poison” tends to cause fear, some of the most potent healing medicines are poisonous at high doses. Similarly, many substances thought of as poisons can, in small amounts, provide powerful therapeutic benefits.

In The Poison Path Oracle Deck, occult herbalist Coby Michael enables readers to access the power and wisdom of 23 poisonous plants, including nightshade, henbane, datura, foxglove, mistletoe, and hemlock. Each card contains plant lore, a description of the plant’s poisonous and medicinal qualities, and a plant spirit glyph that can be employed in meditation and spellwork. The author also offers 13 cards representing famous women—the venefica—from history and mythology who have wielded poison in empowering ways. Included among the venefica are Circe, Hekate, and Lucrezia Borgia. Similar to the Major Arcana of the tarot deck, the venefica cards convey archetypal messages, and they encourage you to embrace your power in transformative and often unexpected ways.

Each card is beautifully illustrated in full colour, with the 23 plant cards using 18th–early 20th century botanical illustrations and the 13 venefica cards drawing inspiration from folk art. They offer insights in a direct way, often revealing truths that may at times be difficult to receive. The author’s unique spreads are designed to allow you to reflect and meditate on the nature of each poison and connect with its essence on a spiritual and energetic level.

“Poisonous plants act as mirrors, reflecting aspects of our shadow,” Michael writes. With The Poison Path Oracle Deck, you can engage the most complex aspects of your nature to find clarity, wisdom, and power.