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Title: Ocean Oracle: What Seashells Reveal About Our True Nature
ISBN: 158270113X
Author:
Michelle Hanson
Publicate Date: 2007-07-01
Publish: 2007-07-01
List Price: $26.95
Average Customer Rating: 5.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $16.82
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $20.46
Amazon Merchant Price: $26.95
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Bursting with information, the author has a true passion for what she writes about
I received it as a wedding gift from my mother to commemorate my Oceanside wedding. I had never really investigated it before owning it, and I knew absolutely nothing about seashells for Divining purposes. So I really opened this deck completely ignorant. I have to say, I was instantly blown away by this deck, its book, and all of the information that was provided. Within 5 minutes of opening the deck, I went from never hearing of seashell Divining to doing a reading, and understanding it.
I will freely admit that immediately upon opening the box to see the 200 shell cards, the accompanying 106 page manual, and the two double-sided posters to assist in readings, I felt completely overwhelmed. I'm used to 78 cards and a teeny booklet. ;) But the author took such time, care, and effort to organize the information so that it was not only intuitive, but not at all daunting to use. And, as a refreshing change from many Oracles, you can use the book independent of the cards, the cards independent of the book, the poster and the book independent of the cards, and the information you glean not suffer in the slightest because the author took great lengths to make this as intuitive as possible. This is the first Oracle I've ever owned that accomplished the feat of being completely intuitive, which in and of itself makes it a unique and fabulous Oracle. I've always thought that Divination tools *should* be intuitive and you *should* be able to use it without having to consult a book for all of your information and it's nice to see that there is at least one person out there who agrees.
The pictures of the shells used on the cards are just gorgeous, as were the specimens that were photographed. On the reverse side of each card, there is the number of the card, the name of the shell pictured on the card, along with a one-statement analysis of what the card stands for. This makes reading the card easy, and makes consulting the book unnecessary (though if you do, you're rewarded with a complete and well thought out analysis of the shell, what it stands for, and why), and it lends well to the intuitive nature of the book. A thin, colored boarder of either red, yellow, bright blue, and purple (or maybe dark blue hard to tell for me since I can't distinguish between dark greens, blues, and purples ... Sorry) frames the back of the card indicating quickly if the statement applies to an interpretation of behavior, interaction with others, name of the shell itself, or your intuition. This is very handy, adding more to the intuitive and user-friendly nature of the deck. With constant use of the deck, I think most users will find in short order that they can use the deck independent of the book. It's amazing because the pictures capture the feeling and intent of the shells, which really lends itself to remembering what the cards stand for.
Accompanying these fabulous cards is a book, 106 pages long, that details with great accuracy not only the author's passion for shells, but gives her a chance to show off her knowledge, which she does beautifully. The interpretations of the shells are well thought out, relevant, easy to follow and understand, and showcase her extensive knowledge. Even though the cards are intuitive, when you consult the book, you're rewarded with an outpouring of information that adds a personalized depth to your reading that many other Oracles do not match. There are also 2 posters included with the deck so that you may take advantage of one of the methods of reading suggested by the author, and although they are beautiful, I don't really use them often. Because these cards are so intuitive, I read the cards as suggested by Shelly once or twice, but then quickly adapted a system that works better for me personally. Even though I've been doing Tarot for awhile, I think even a beginner to the realm of Divination could in relatively short order could become proficient enough to adapt readings and drawing methods that suit them and their needs.
Another nice little bonus is that this deck is very educational when it comes information on seashells and their inhabitants as well as the practical use of the shell by humans. I found my self saying "Huh... Well that's cool" a number of times. I'll even admit that I took this deck with me on our honeymoon to the British Virgin Islands, and when I went shell collecting, I used this deck to identify what I found! It was amazing and tons of fun, not only for me but my husband (who is so *NOT* into Tarot or Divination) because the information in her book has universal appeal and fascination.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this deck. I really can't. I've used this deck numerous times for others, and myself and I've been repeatedly astounded by the accuracy that these cards provide me. I've been asked by some people I read for regularly to stop using Tarot and use this Oracle instead because they found the information much more accurate, constructive, pertinent, and personal. I have to even admit that as a long time Tarot user, I find this deck to be deeply rewarding, and I am drawn to using it regularly. When I find myself lonely for the ocean that is conspicuously absent in mid New Hampshire, I go to this book for fond memories, great information, and I feel that connection to the water all over again.
If you are a beginner to Divination, a soul attracted to the Ocean, Water, or the Shore, have a general interest in Divination, or a fascination with the Ocean and her creatures, you will adore this deck.
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2: Ocean Oracle: What Seashells Reveal
I had the personal pleasure of meeting with Michelle (Shelly) for a seashell reading. Her knowledge of the subject is truly amazing! I used the card set to do "readings" for my friends and family - and they were all amazed! Very entertaining and quite enlightening!
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3: Seashells Now Have a Voice
I have the great good fortune to be a friend of Michelle (Shelley) Hanson. I have always found myself calling her "Shell" for short, to no surprise. My copy of The Seashell Oracle is one of the originals, and I have laid eyes on her childhood journal of incredible seashell drawings and notes. This is not your run-of-the-mill "just another card and book set." You have in Michelle Hanson someone who deeply and without quite understanding it all herself KNOWS the seashells on an "oceanic" level. She could as easily stand in front of a grade school class and teach the manners, movements and ways of each seashell creature as she could sit with you in private and tell you the deepest movements in your own psyche, using the seashells to do it! Michelle has a rich, scientific mind and loves detail, combined with a deep unconscious knowing that mirrors the ocean itself. She will hunt to the ends of the earth to find this seashell knowledge for you and to ensure it is accurate and complete. She taught me it is best to let the shells speak to you, versus trying to ask very specific questions of the shells when using this as an Oracle. I have been in one of Michelle's classes on the seashells and their stories are both romantic and heroic. You would be amazed! To know that this one area of nature, as vast as it is, is only one area and it operates so intelligently, so marvelously -- is to stand in awe. Get this gift for yourself and take time with it. Use it. Don't rush through it. You will be rewarded. I will tell you a secret that may make you smile. My friend "Shelley" is not necessarily a great ocean-goer. That has always amazed me and tells me she truly IS meant to be the Seashells Voice.
Patti Greco, yogavisionaries.com
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4: Great Educational Tool, On Many Levels...
I have an affinity for the ocean and seashells, and I own several Tarot decks. However, I had not quite found a deck that "spoke" to me, until I personally met Shelley Hanson and was introduced to Ocean Oracle. After talking with Shelley for just a few minutes, I realized that she had incredible expertise in the area of seashells, and that it was her life's work. I knew I had to have Ocean Oracle, and I bought one on the spot (I now own 3 boxed sets).
Ocean Oracle is eye-catching, and for anyone who is fascinated by seashells, it is almost impossible to put down. And yes, it is an incredible tool for divination. However, as I started to review the book and cards, it occurred to me what a great educational tool this boxed set is. Shelley has assigned meanings to all of the shells used in Ocean Oracle, largely based on scientific fact, in four categories: behavior, interaction, name and appearance, and intuition. Many of us don't realize or think about the fact that an animal once inhabited any shell we see! The stories and history recounted in the explanations are so fascinating that they are easy to remember. In all cases, I find that the meanings are educational, and the meanings based on intuition had me coming up with my own explanations, which is a fun exercise in itself!
Ocean Oracle is a great tool for personal growth many levels - you can become quite knowledgeable about mollusks and seashells, gain personal, intuitive knowledge about yourself, learn how to interpret meanings and behavior in the world around you, and use your imagination. Best of all, it's FUN! As far as divination goes, I am a beginner, and the "keys to interpretations" and sample readings make it so easy - there is no "wrong way" to use it. I highly recommend Ocean Oracle - you won't be disappointed!!!
Melissa Birtwell
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5: Customer Review
I was lucky enough to meet Michelle at a Holistic Fair in Hyannis. Massachusetts this Fall(year 2004). Her extensive scientific background and her passion in dealing with the sea creatures who inhabit and/or adapt shells immediately connected with me. I have always loved the Ocean and am a Master Scuba Diver who has been on dive trips aound the World. When under water I had time to observe the behavior of the mollusks and other shelled creatures.
After meeting with Michelle and purchasing the Ocean Oracle set I found I could not put the cards or the book away. I enjoy alternative therapies and the guidance which a variety of cards have been able to give me over the years. But I never resonated to such a degree with any other book or card set as I did with the Ocean Oracle. The behaviors of the animals certainly are directly related to the behavior and problems of those people who have come to me for card readings. I use them myself daily and would recommend them highly, especially for anyone who feels a strong connection to the Ocean....Greg Downs Attorney, Reiki Practitioner, Diver...East Sandwich, Massachusetts
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