When I go walking through the woods, what catches my eye the most are the countless mushrooms along the path. In all their variety, they are captivating and endearing, so prosaic yet mysterious. I often can’t resist stopping, kneeling to their level, saying hello, and taking their picture. Admittedly, as fascinated as I am by mushrooms, I have never really delved into their spirit, so to speak. I haven’t explored their spiritual meaning beyond maybe the most basic introduction. When I received a copy of the Mushroom Folk Oracle by Sharon McLeod with the May 2026 Witches Moon Box, I was curious and excited, but didn’t know exactly what to expect. Needless to say, I was surprised and delighted.
McLeod really has explored mushrooms, the fungi world or mushroom kingdom, and in ways far deeper than simply looking at their symbolic meanings. She has, as she says, “always been obsessed with mushrooms,” as well as “faeries, gnomes, mermaids, and everything that seems magical or nature-based.” This lifelong love and affinity for the “mushroom folk” were the perfect inspiration for her Mushroom Folk Oracle.
Rich, colorful artwork
The Mushroom Folk Oracle consists of forty-two cards, with artwork hand painted by McLeod herself. She is an accomplished artist, and her work shines in this deck. The artwork is richly colored, and expresses love, warmth, and a deep sense of aliveness. I don’t want to say these cards feel “happy,” because they depict emotions or experiences other than happiness, however there is a joyful feel to the cards as a whole. They speak in a very accessible, welcoming way. They beckon to us quietly but vividly, quite like how mushrooms along a wooded trail do.
Mushroom folk!
Most of the cards depict an obvious mushroom type, for example, Amanita Muscaria, or Porcini. Some cards portray other woodland creatures or fae, like Dryads, or even Toad. We also see Faery Ring, Host Trees, and Enchanted Forest. Going beyond just being a deck of cards that each correspond to a specific mushroom, this successfully creates a deck that is comprehensive in reflecting experience. In reading the accompanying guidebook and in doing readings with the cards, I was surprised at just how deep the deck goes. Not all oracle sets feel quite so expansive.
Full-color and insightful guidebook
The accompanying guidebook is an in-depth exploration of each card. McLeod explains her artistic choices well and with clarity. Each card’s meaning is lovingly explained. For each card, there is an Affirmation, a long Divinatory Meaning, a concise Description, a list of Key Themes, and a chart outlining various corresponding Symbols and a Crystal. These things give us a lot to consider when using the cards in readings, or in meditations; they could also provide tips for including mushrooms in magical workings or ritual. McLeod has also provided information on how to get started in using the Mushroom Folk Oracle, as well as a few spreads to try.
In my own use, I find these cards very enjoyable. They have a great, warm and engaging energy, and the accompanying guide offers much true insight and honest wisdom. I highly recommend them, if you love mushrooms (of course!), the magic of the woods or forest, or connecting with nature.
Learn more about the Mushroom Folk Oracle
Visit Blue Angel Publishing to see more about this delightful set.
You can also learn more, read user reviews, or purchase Mushroom Folk Oracle at Amazon.
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Mushroom Folk Oracle at Amazon
As always, thanks for reading. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with comments or questions, or just to say hi.
~ Nellie
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