Oracle of Eleven - Southeast Asian legends in 44 cards
Not all folklore gets equal attention in the world of oracle cards. Most decks draw from Greek myths, Celtic symbols or Indigenous American traditions. This deck takes a different route and focuses on the oral stories from Malaysia and the surrounding region.
Oracle of Eleven is a collaboration between illustrator Ambi Sun and writer Sha Roose. Sun previously drew the Oriens Animal Tarot and brings that same style here: detailed, full of floral and cosmic elements, with a preference for layers and symmetry. Roose wrote the stories down, first in Tales of Eleven, later translated into this oracle deck.
What you see on the cards
Each card carries a keyword and an illustration that depicts a specific legend. The drawing style is rich and dense. Colours are saturated, compositions full. That fits the material: the stories themselves are layered and often have multiple readings.
The cards are printed on 350 gsm cardstock with a matte finish and gilded edges. The format is standard tarot, 70 by 120 millimetres. They feel solid in the hand and shuffle well. The two-part box has foil stamping and protects the deck thoroughly.
How this deck works
The guidebook is compact: 46 pages in black and white, with a keyword and brief explanation for each card. No spreads, no extensive instructions. You draw a card, read the word, look at the illustration and make the connection with your question yourself.
That does ask something of the reader. If you have no background in Southeast Asian legends, some images will remain closed. The guidebook gives an opening, but those who want to dive deeper can pick up the separate book Tales of Eleven. That is not a requirement, but it is recommended if you want to know the story behind the card.
Study the background details in the illustrations. Sun does not draw decoratively. Every element carries meaning, and that is often culture-bound.
About Ambi Sun and Sha Roose
Ambi Sun is a Malaysian-Australian graphic designer and illustrator. Her work is characterised by a preference for symmetry, botanical motifs and cosmic patterns. She works both digitally and by hand.
Sha Roose is a creative writer and researcher. Her focus lies on recording oral traditions and making cultural heritage accessible to a broader audience. She wrote the stories that form the basis of this oracle deck.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 44
- Language: English
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm (standard tarot)
- Cardstock weight: 350 gsm
- Finish: Matte with gilded edges
- Guidebook: 46 pages, black and white
- Packaging: Two-part box with foil stamping
- Paper: FSC-certified
- Illustrator: Ambi Sun
- Author: Sha Roose
Questions we often get
Do I need to have read Tales of Eleven to use this deck?
No. The guidebook gives enough context to work with the cards. The book does offer extra depth and background stories that further open up the symbolism.
How does this deck differ from the Oriens Animal Tarot?
Both are illustrated by Ambi Sun, but the focus is different. Oriens Animal Tarot works with the classic tarot structure and animals as central figures. Oracle of Eleven is an oracle deck without fixed structure, built around legends instead of animals.
