Barbieri Unicorns Oracle

Barbieri Unicorns Oracle - fantasy art with power instead of kitsch

Unicorns in popular culture tend to be sweet, pink and glittery. Paolo Barbieri takes a different starting point. In this oracle they are ancient beings with majestic strength. They appear as planets, dragons, snowstorms and elements. The images are dynamic, detailed and painted with a technique reminiscent of classic fantasy illustration.

The deck consists of 34 cards, each with a title beginning with 'Not a...'. This is not a language trick. It is a reminder that what you see is symbolic. 'Not a Leaf — Ending' shows a unicorn in gold leaf and autumn atmosphere, but the card is not about leaves. It is about closing a cycle.

What you see on the cards

Barbieri works with layered compositions. In the foreground stands the unicorn, often in motion. Behind it cosmic backgrounds, forests, rocks or clouds. Colours are intense: deep red, purple, blue, gold. The glossy finish strengthens that effect. Each card has an English title and a short affirmation at the bottom.

The guidebook is multilingual and describes the symbolism and possible application for each card. The tone is positive. No warnings or dark meanings, but encouragements to allow transformation.

Two extra cards, Man 2 and Woman 2, are intended for readings in which you want to designate a person. That gives some more room for personal questions.

Who this works for

This deck is designed for daily inspiration and brief reflections. The affirmations are clear enough to work with directly. You do not need experience with oracle cards to find meaning here.

Anyone who appreciates fantasy art will value these cards. Barbieri is internationally known for his technique and his ability to make magic tangible on paper. His work appears in multiple book collections and is used for game cards and illustrations worldwide.

Draw a card and place it somewhere you will see it all day. Look at the image occasionally without reading the text. What stays with you?

About Paolo Barbieri and Rachel Paul

Paolo Barbieri has worked as an illustrator in the fantasy genre since the nineties. His style combines realism with mythical atmospheres. This deck is based on his book Unicorns from 2018.

Rachel Paul wrote the texts for the cards. Her focus is on accessible spirituality with a positive undertone.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 34
• Card size: 88 x 125 mm
• Finish: glossy
• Language: multilingual, including English
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo / Llewellyn Publications
• Extra: two additional cards (Man 2 and Woman 2)
• Guidebook: multilingual instruction booklet
• Packaging: sturdy box with removable lid
• Illustrator: Paolo Barbieri
• Author: Rachel Paul

Questions we often get

Why do all titles begin with 'Not a...'?
It is an instruction to look symbolically. The unicorn on the card is not a literal being, but a carrier of meaning. That construction forces you to look beyond what you see.

What kind of guidebook is included?
A multilingual booklet with a description of the symbolism, an affirmation and suggestions for use for each card. No spreads, but brief applications for meditation and reflection.