Wisdom of Hafiz Oracle Deck - Sufi poetry translated into oracle cards
Hafiz wrote in the fourteenth century. His poems about love, freedom and divine unity are still read and translated today. This oracle deck by Daniel Ladinsky transforms that poetic language into 45 cards with texts you can use directly.
Each card design combines a simple illustration with a short quotation from Hafiz. The texts are not literal translations from Farsi, but adaptations by Ladinsky that make the essence of Hafiz accessible to a contemporary audience. The 104-page guidebook contains an extensive interpretation and contextual background for each card.
What you see on the cards
The imagery is calm and symbolic. No detailed scenes, but simple motifs that refer to Sufi themes: light, water, birds, stars. The gilded edges give the whole a warm, luxurious appearance.
The front shows the illustration and a short text. The back has a symmetrical pattern. The format is 76 x 127 mm, similar to standard tarot cards. The cardstock feels sturdy and the finish is matte.
How the guidebook is structured
The booklet follows a fixed structure. Left page: the card illustration in colour. Right page: the interpretation, written from the poetic philosophy of Hafiz. Each card image is explained as a reflection on love, inner freedom or the relationship between the self and the divine.
The texts are not prescriptive. They offer no concrete predictions or advice, but invite contemplation. This fits the Sufi tradition, in which poems often function as a mirror for the reader.
Draw a card in the morning and read the text slowly. Let it settle for a few minutes before you start your day. The language asks for space, not speed.
About Daniel Ladinsky
Daniel Ladinsky is a poet and translator. He became known for his English adaptations of Hafiz, Rumi and other mystical poets. His work is praised for its accessibility and emotional directness, but also criticized for moving far from the original texts. Ladinsky himself calls his work 'translations of the spirit' rather than literal translations.
For this oracle deck he has selected 45 themes from the work of Hafiz and translated them into short, meditative texts that suit a card reading.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 45
- Guidebook: 104 pages, full colour
- Language: English
- Card size: 76 x 127 mm
- Finish: gilded edges, matte cardstock
- Packaging: sturdy box with magnetic closure
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
- Author: Daniel Ladinsky
Questions we often get
Is this a literal translation of Hafiz?
No. Ladinsky writes free adaptations that convey the essence of Hafiz in contemporary English. His approach is poetic and interpretive, not academic or literal.
Can I use this deck without knowledge of the Sufi tradition?
Yes. The guidebook provides enough context to understand the cards. You do not need prior knowledge of Hafiz or Sufism.
