The Sibyls Oraculum

A system of divination inspired by the Libyan Sibyls, the African prophetesses of the classical world.

The Sibyls Oraculum includes 44 full-colour cards in Latin and English with a comprehensive guidebook. It details how to consult the oracle, providing in-depth write-ups about the meaning of each card and the symbolic language represented by their imagery. Designed to directly address the spiritual lessons underlying the seeker’s query, it facilitates self-examination and decision-making.

The cards feature full-colour paintings in the style of the Libyan mosaics popular with the Roman elite in the 1st century B.C.E.

The Oracle of the Black Doves is inspired by the Libyan Sibyls, the African prophetesses of the classical world. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, two black doves flew away from the city of Waset (Thebes) and established the Siwa Oasis oracle in Libya and the first oracle in Greece at Dodona. These powerful Sibyls were consulted by all levels of Greek and, later, Roman society.

Created by tarot reader Tayannah Lee McQuillar, this contemporary oracle pays homage to the often forgotten African founding mothers of the sibylline traditions. Drawing on both the African and Classical traditions, it features full-colour paintings by artist Katelan V. Foisy, who created the card art in a style reminiscent of the Libyan mosaics of the 1st century B.C.E. In the accompanying guidebook, McQuillar provides in-depth write-ups about the meaning of each of the 44 cards and the symbolic language represented by their imagery. She demonstrates how there is only one correct way to phrase a question to the oracle, making it nearly impossible to receive a vague or biased response.

By directly addressing the spiritual lessons underlying the seeker’s query, the oracle facilitates self-examination and decision-making. It helps the seeker improve the likelihood of success in their undertakings and choose their best possible future by broadening their perspective of the situation. The author also includes a history of the Sibyls of the ancient world and explores the continuing Sibyl tradition in North Africa today.