I reviewed Bela Síol and artist Igor Alexandre’s The Transformational Oracle of The Morrighan here previously, and I’m impressed by how versatile Síol and Alexandre are with their style and point of view, because The Oracle of Nehalennia is so distinct from the artwork and point of view in Oracle of the Morrighan.

I’m not as educated as I should be, because — real talk — I did not know who the goddess Nehalennia was prior to receiving this oracle deck. So I very much appreciated the opportunity of learning through this deck.

Nehalennia is a Germanic and Celtic goddess venerated in the Netherlands, along the Rhine River’s delta region where maritime trade was historically and culturally important. In some ways she’s a tutelary deity of the Morini territories. Nehalennia protects seafarers from storms and helps assure safe travels. She’s also invoked to ensure successful trade, prosperity, abundance, and plenitude.

While she is distinctly Germanic/Celtic, there’s a resonance here with pantheons from other maritime regions of the world, case in point the importance of the goddess Matsu to the South China Seas. Or Nāmaka in the North Pacific Hawaiian islands. There are these goddesses that seem to be sovereign in specific seas, who protect the native seafarers of that region. She’s often depicted with a rudder, and the epithet “The Steerswoman.”

This is a 33-card deck comprising of symbols associated with the goddess Nehalennia, per archaeological findings related to the history of her worship. Incidentally, the companion guidebook consists of 33 chapters. The namesake of Nehalennia is believed to mean “She who lives by the sea,” originating from the Netherlands.

Each card, featuring a symbol of Nehalennia, is read like an omen. The dog, often associated with the goddess, suggests Her connection to the underworld as a guide to souls in transition. The basket full of bread and fruits corresponds with her blessings of abundance, plenitude, and fertility. The cloak is a symbol of protection.

The companion trade paperback size guidebook will definitely help with orientation. You get a keyword that succinctly summarizes the meaning of the omen, a few sentences for the card description so you get a better sense for the illustration, and then two pages per card detailing the oracle message. There’s also a table listing all cards and whether they answer in the affirmative or negative to yes-or-no questions.

The first half of the guidebook is in English and then you have its equivalent in — I believe — Portuguese for the latter half.

The illustrations look to be either watercolor or art markers and ink. They’re simple yet poignant, evocative and perfect for this oracle deck. I love the framing of the cards in the seashell with the ornamental and multi-color braided border design.

For those interested in Celtic or Germanic paganism, you will really appreciate this deck. The deck conveys a soothing, nurturing, and maternal energy that can help you to navigate difficult times.

Order The Oracle of Nehalennia

FTC Disclosure: In accordance with Title 16 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 255, “Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising,” I received these decks from the creator for prospective review. Everything I’ve said here is sincere and accurately reflects my opinion.