The Book of the Dead Oracle

Book of the Dead Oracle - Egyptian oracle for soul and shadow

Most oracle cards deal in opportunity, growth and light. This one goes somewhere else. The Book of the Dead Oracle by Cilla Conway and John Matthews is built on the Egyptian tradition of the 'Book of Going Forth by Day', known in the West as the Egyptian Book of the Dead.

Conway designed it for spiritual transformation, not for everyday questions. The themes are loss, judgement, rebirth and the confrontation with your own shadow. The artwork reflects that without apology.

What you see on the cards

Conway painted 48 cards in oils. The images are dense with texture: deep black backgrounds, radiant gold evoking the rising sun of Ra, and compositions filled with sacred geometry and hieroglyphic influences. The style has a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality, but is more figurative and direct than her earlier work on the Devas of Creation.

Each card carries a title pointing to a stage of the soul journey or a specific deity, Anubis, Thoth, Isis. These titles serve as focus points for meditation. The cards are borderless with glossy holographic edges, and the backs carry holographic details to match.

The cards measure 88 x 126 mm. The complete set weighs 510 grams.

How this oracle works

The guidebook was written by John Matthews, who provided the historical and mythological context. Matthews is an established author in Celtic and Arthurian mythology and brought his knowledge of esoteric traditions to the text.

Reviewers describe working with these cards as clarifying, sometimes uncomfortable. The images help translate fear of change, what Conway frames as the 'death' of an old situation, into acceptance of something new. There are no quick answers here, and no reassurance for its own sake. The cards ask the large questions: who are you, and where is your journey going.

Draw one card in a quiet moment when you need a wider perspective on a significant change. This oracle works best when you give yourself time to stay with an image rather than looking for an immediate answer.

About Cilla Conway and John Matthews

Cilla Conway is a British artist who has illustrated oracle and tarot cards for many years in a distinctive, texture-rich painting style. She previously collaborated with Matthews on the Byzantine Tarot. For the Book of the Dead Oracle she worked extensively with esoteric traditions to bring the ancient symbolism of the Egyptian death rites into imagery that still resonates today.

John Matthews wrote the accompanying texts and provided mythological and historical context for every element of the set. His background in ancient wisdom traditions is visible throughout the guidebook.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 48
• Card size: 88 x 126 mm
• Finish: borderless, glossy holographic edges, holographic details on reverse
• Language: English
• Publisher: cc3 Publications
• Weight: 510 g
• Artist: Cilla Conway
• Guidebook author: John Matthews

Questions we often get

Do I need knowledge of Egyptian mythology to work with these cards?
No. John Matthews wrote the guidebook specifically to provide the historical and mythological background. It explains which deities and rituals appear on the cards and what they mean within the Egyptian tradition.

What language are the cards and guidebook in?
Both the card titles and the guidebook are in English.