Casanova Oracle

Casanova Oracle - erotic art from the Belle Époque as oracle

Erotic art works differently than most people think. It is not only about what you see, but about what stays just out of frame. This oracle uses that tension.

The Casanova Oracle is illustrated by Umberto Brunelleschi, an Italian artist who made his name in early 20th-century Paris. His work appeared in fashion magazines, on theatre costumes and in erotic publications. The style is elegant, refined, and explicit enough to leave no doubt about the subject matter.

What you see on the cards

The thirty-two cards show scenes of seduction, intimacy and physical desire. The drawing style is that of the Belle Époque: flowing lines, close attention to clothing and fabrics, and bodies that are aware of their effect on others.

The imagery is sensual, not subtle. Some cards are more explicit than others, but none pretend that passion is something abstract. The colours are muted, the compositions theatrical. These are illustrations originally intended for an audience that knew what it was looking at.

The guidebook by Alice Mastroleo is multilingual and explains for each card how the images relate to questions about relationships, desire and the dynamics between lovers. No fixed meanings, but directions.

Who this works for

This oracle is designed for an adult audience. That is also stated on the packaging. If you feel uncomfortable with erotic art, or with questions that directly address sexuality and desire, this is not the deck to start with.

It works best for readings about relationships, attraction and the question of what you truly want in your love life. The cards do not give answers in terms of yes or no, but show where the energy is and where it gets blocked.

Do not put this deck on the table if you expect people to be present who have difficulty with nudity or erotic themes. That sounds obvious, but it is good to know in advance.

About Umberto Brunelleschi

Umberto Brunelleschi was born in 1879 in Italy and studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence. He moved to Paris, where he built a career as an illustrator and costume designer. His work appeared in leading magazines and he designed sets and costumes for the theatre.

Brunelleschi was known for his ability to combine fashion and eroticism without it becoming either one or the other. His illustrations are technically strong and have a clear signature. He died in 1949.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 32
• Language: English, multilingual guidebook
• Dimensions: 98.55 x 30.23 x 144.53 mm
• Weight: 272 g
• ISBN: 9780738778730
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Illustrator: Umberto Brunelleschi
• Guidebook author: Alice Mastroleo

Questions we often get

How explicit are the images exactly?
The cards show nudity, erotic poses and sexual tension. This is classic erotic art, not pornography, but clearly intended for adults. Look at the sample images to see if the style suits you.

Can I use this deck for questions other than relationships?
You can try, but the symbolism is so specifically focused on desire, attraction and intimacy that it works less well for other subjects. There are better decks for general questions.