Fearless

Familiars
An Oracle Guidebook

J Edward Neill
 All Art by J Edward Neill

Copyright © 2023 J Edward Neill

All rights reserved

ISBN- 979-8393425678
Welcome to Fearless Familiar Oracle. This 52-card oracle
deck includes all original art by artist J Edward Neill. The
theme of Fearless Familiars? Black cats, all of whom
represent a protective force in our lives.

Fearless Familiars is my third oracle deck. I paint a lot of

felines, I mean a LOT, and so my focus this time is all the
cats of earth, air, fire, and water whose spirits protect and
enlighten us. Some people might look at a cat and see
simply another beast. But with a keen eye, a wise observer
will see creatures with whom we humans share a deep
kinship. As goes their fate, so goes our own.

Herein you'll discover an array of haunting and intelligent

felines. Each card embodies a single facet of protection,
guardianship, and enlightenment. Reading deeper, and
using your intuition, you’ll discover the ways in which you
protect yourself, sometimes for the better, and sometimes
unnecessarily.

Fearless Familiars is an intuitive deck. The keywords and

meanings for each card are but starting points. Please take
the time to connect to each image in a meaningful way.
For those who possess Haunted Cat Tarot, Fearless
Familiars may be used in tandem with the tarot cards.

Always remember - this deck was made for you.

 Awakener

Keywords: Alertness, Knowledge, Alarm

If you’ve pulled the Awakener card, it could mean

you’re in for a big surprise. Perhaps you’ve just become
aware of a new and exciting (or even risky) life situation.
Or it could be that you’ve just learned something new
and important, likely something about which you
previously knew nothing. Whatever it is, it’s significant to
your near future.
The Awakener wants to bring you enlightenment. And
although no knowledge is bad knowledge, it’s what you
do with it that counts. After the surprise wears off, you
must decide.
Be awakened and wiser for it…
…or remain asleep.
 Balance
Keywords: Harmony, Equilibrium, Stability

The Balance familiar desires to keep you away from the

perilous edges of life. If he’s arrived in your card spread,
it’s a sign that you may be nearing the precipice of
something important.
A big decision.
A take it or leave it opportunity.
A new job, relationship, or living situation.
When you see Balance in your hand, remember that it’s
possible to make big changes in your life without losing
your sense of self. Stay true to you. Remember to
consume all things in moderation, not excess.
 Bliss
Keywords: Pleasure, Joy, Naivety

Ignorance is bliss, right?

If you’ve encountered the Bliss familiar, perhaps now is
the time to sit back and savor a happy moment in your
life. Let nothing ruin your fun. Send all naysayers back
from whence they came.
It may be that you’ve recently reached (or are about to
reach) a pleasant goal. Or perhaps you’ve discovered a
new hobby or leisure activity. Or it might be that you’re
simply having a bit more fun than usual. In any case,
consider allowing yourself to cherish the moment. They
can be fleeting, these happy times, and over before you
know it.
Bliss reminds us that sometimes the simplest shield
against anxiety or worry is to enjoy what you already
have.
 Curiosity
Keywords: Questions, Newness, Seeking

Curiosity killed the cat?

Maybe not.
One of the best ways to protect ourselves in this sticky
thing we call life is to arm ourselves with knowledge.
And one of the best ways to acquire knowledge is to seek
it out. If you’ve pulled Curiosity, it might be time to sniff
out a hidden truth.
Feel like someone’s hiding something from you?
Be curious.
Need to know what really going on?
Dig deeper.
In any case, never stop being curious. It could make all
the difference between being prepared and being caught
totally off your guard.
 Elusive
Keywords: Enigma, Mystery, Quickness

Some things are harder to catch than others.

If you’ve pulled the Elusive card, now might be the right
time to stay extra light on your toes. After all, you don’t
owe it to the world to reveal everything about yourself or
to be always accessible. It’s okay to be mysterious at
times, especially in new situations or when mingling with
strangers.
Be nimble. Steer clear of trouble. Keep your head down
until the storm passes. Remember to offer only as much
of your heart and mind as you desire, and not one ounce
more. While sometimes it’s wise to meet life’s problems
head-on, this might not be one of those times.
The Elusive familiar reminds us to gauge new life
situations carefully, and if needed, to leave them swiftly
behind.
 Evil Eye
Keywords: Guarded, Wary, Distrust

We’ve all seen this look.

…in cats.
…in other people.
If you’ve pulled the Evil Eye, it might be that someone
or something you don’t quite trust has popped up in
your life:
A sneaky coworker.
An unpleasant situation.
An ex-lover.
Whatever it is, it might be the right time for you to give
this person or situation an evil eye of your own. Proceed
with caution. Trust isn’t always given freely, so make
them earn it. And until they do, be on your guard.
 Fearless
Keywords: Boldness, Bluntness, Confidence

Just as life sometimes calls for caution and trepidation, it

just as often asks us to plunge into situations headlong. If
you’ve pulled the Fearless familiar, today might be the
day to shrug off your worries and anxieties. Ask for that
promotion. Go on that date. Take what you want, and
fear no repercussions.
Fortune favors the bold, or so they say. This isn’t to
suggest you embrace arrogance or overconfidence, but
instead that you set aside words and wishes, and convert
them to action.
The Fearless familiar wants you to chase down what you
desire.
What are you waiting for?
 Fearsome
Keywords: Power, Control, Mastery

Not to be confused with the Fearless card, the Fearsome

familiar desires that you become a force with which to be
reckoned.
Thriving in this world means contending with people,
places, and things that all seek to distract, coerce, or
manipulate us. The best method of avoiding these fates?
Rise above them.
If you’ve pulled the Fearsome card, now is perhaps the
right time to adopt a more formidable posture. It may
mean that you need to assume a leadership role at work
or home. It may suggest that you stop allowing others to
dictate the pace of your life, and to seize control of your
own destiny. At the risk of appearing brash, maybe even
ruthless, you should consider standing a little taller,
puffing out your chest, and suffering no one to
undermine you.
 Fury
Keywords: Anger, Righteousness, Emotion

If the Fury familiar has arrived in your card spread, you

might be experiencing powerful emotions. An injustice
may have occurred in your life, and now there must be a
reckoning.
Now…this isn’t to say that the Fury card desires you to
unleash your rage while wading, unrestrained, through a
battlefield of your enemies.
But…
It could be time to vent. To focus on your powerful
emotions and decide what needs to happen. To take raw
feeling and shape it into meaningful purpose.
Fury reminds us that life’s most important moments,
good or bad, are accompanied by strong emotions. And
while sometimes it’s wise to hold those emotions at bay,
at other times the only course is to embrace them, feel
them deeply, and let those who matter know exactly
what your heart is experiencing.
 Illumination
Keywords: Enlightenment, Clarity, Vision

When Illumination is pulled, it usually portends that

some key facet in your life is about to shined upon by
the light of truth. Like sunshine brightening a once
cloudy day, things will soon come into focus. Blurry
thoughts and feelings will become sharp. If doubt and
uncertainty were fogging your mind, everything will now
be clearer.
The Illumination familiar urges you to gaze skyward. It
wants you to pry yourself from the mundane, domestic,
and repetitive motions of your life, and to open your
eyes to what lies above and beyond. For at least a little
while, escape the doldrums and be filled with fresh
hope.
Now is the time of new ideas, strong motivation, and
renewed goals. Opportunity is close at hand.
 Immortal
Keywords: Indestructible, Untouchable, Soul

Though your body may ache and your mind grow

fatigued, in the end you above these things.
This is the message the Immortal familiar wants to bring
you. Perhaps you fear sickness, exhaustion, or growing
older. It might be that a nagging fear of death is on your
mind, either for yourself or a loved one.
If you’ve pulled the Immortal card, it’s likely because
now is the time to see beyond the material. Money,
possessions, and even people are temporary things. The
only enduring power in this universe is your inner self,
your soul. Nothing and no one can destroy this essential
part of you. Remember this, and you truly are immortal.
The Immortal familiar reminds us that while fear and
worry are natural things to feel, we should never let it
become the largest part of ourselves. We are eternal,
after all.
 Incorruptible
Keywords: Integrity, Honesty, Endurance

When the Incorruptible card arrives, it may be that your

strength of character is about to be tested. Temptation
awaits you, and you could be pulled toward actions that
misalign with who you really are.

This is your reminder to endure. Whether temptation

arrives in the form of another person, the allure of
money, or an old vice rearing its head, you have the
power to reject things you don’t need in your life.
Alternatively, if you do decide to give in, do so with a
clear head and for reasons that will serve you in the long-
term. In other words, don’t compromise yourself for
temporary gains.
 Indignation
Keywords: Disgust, Humiliation, Resentment

If the Indignation familiar is pulled, you may feel as

though someone or something has affronted you.
Perhaps you’ve suffered some humiliation, or it might be
that you’ve uncovered an unhappy truth which displeases
you. It’s a normal response, after all, to turn your nose
away from unpleasant things.
If you’ve taken offense to something, it’s wisest to gauge
the intent. If you find yourself insulted or angry at
something which wasn’t intentional, it might be best to
forgive and move forward. However, if offense was
delivered to you on purpose, it’s often prudent to
remove yourself from the situation. Don’t give the
offenders what they want, which is typically a display of
injured emotions.
Indignation reminds us that the feelings of disgust or
emotional injury are useful if remembered and applied
to the future, but damaging if they lead to lingering pain
and suffering.
 Innocence
Keywords: Newness, Youth, Virtue

The youngest and most pleasantly naïve of all familiars,

Innocence is here to teach and guide you. When it
arrives in a card spread, it could mean a desire to return
to simpler times, and to get back in touch with childhood
experiences. Alternatively, it may be that you’ve found
yourself in a new and possibly intimidating situation,
such as a new job, relationship, or living space. Your
innocence might be revealed, and it may be
uncomfortable.
Innocence reminds us that it’s completely acceptable to
be a novice, and also understandable to desire a return
to a younger, un-jaded state of mind. There is no shame
in being a new arrival and no apology owed for making
rookie mistakes. We were all innocent once, and we
possess the power and often the desire to be innocent
again.
 Patience
Keywords: Waiting, Persistence, Even-Temperedness

Slow and steady wins the race, or so they say.

If you’ve pulled the Patience card, it might be time to
find yourself a comfy chair, because it could be a while
before you get what you desire. A promotion at work, a
new relationship, a question not yet answered—these
things take time. Not everything in life accelerates at the
rate we want.
On the other hand, it might be that you’ve started or are
about to start a journey toward a brand-new goal, one
that promises to consume plenty of time and energy. In
this case, the Patience familiar wants you to take it step-
by-step, day-by-day. Rushing things might earn you a
subpar result. Playing the long game is the surest path to
success.
Patience reminds us that the best things in life aren’t
free, they’re earned. Be disciplined, and win the
marathon.
 Pride
Keywords: Ego, Confidence, Self-Respect

‘Pride before the fall,’ so goes the saying. And yet, if

you’ve pulled the Pride familiar, that’s not the kind of
pride in question here.
When this card appears, it’s often because you’ve been
presented with an opportunity to take a well-deserved
bow for a recent accomplishment. Perhaps you’ve
reached a goal or milestone in life, and you’d like to
bask in the glow for a moment. Or maybe you’ve
overcome some difficult hurdle, and feel as though it’s
worthy of self-praise.
The Pride familiar reminds us that there is strength in
self-love, and that sometimes the best shield against
negative emotions is a healthy dose of confidence. After
all, feeling good about one’s accomplishments isn’t
arrogance. Rather, it’s an essential life skill in order to
reach happiness.
 Silence
Keywords: Tranquility, Privacy, Peace of Mind

If you’ve encountered Silence, the pressure might be

upon you to react to a person or situation. Whether at
work or in your private life, someone or something may
be pushing you for an answer. A feeling of immediacy
could be weighing on you.
And yet…
Now is not the time for rashness, rushing in, or loudly
spoken words. Sometimes, when prodded to action by a
force which may not have your best interests in mind,
your wisest recourse it not to react. It could be that
saying and doing nothing in response to whatever or
whoever pushes your buttons is not only a sound
strategy, but could also lead to a better decision in the
end.
Silence is a reminder not to let the world annoy you into
motion. Reserve your actions for when they matter to
you.
 Sleepless
Keywords: Guarded, Awareness, Tension

The Sleepless familiar is here to keep a close eye on

you. If you’ve pulled this card, the time to be on your
guard is right now. It could be that a big opportunity is
just around the corner, one you don’t want to miss. Or it
could portend trouble is on its way.
Sometimes, the best way to prepare for the future is to
anticipate difficulty. That’s not to say you should expect
disaster, just that change seldom arrives without at least a
dash of struggle. But if you’re prepared for it, and if
you’re vigilant, your ship will sail all the smoother.
On the flip side, if difficulties are indeed inbound, you’ll
be best served not to be blindsided. It may cost you a
few restless nights, yet it’s far better to confront fresh
challenges with a plan already in mind.
Sleepless reminds us to trust our intuition, and to
exercise forethought whenever possible.
 Soulful
Keywords: Conscience, Nurturing, Meaningful

When the Soulful familiar turns its gaze upon you, it’s
likely time to consider the deeper meaning of life.
Whatever is happening to you right now, it’s important
to dive below the surface of things to discover what’s
really going on.
The Soulful card should invoke questions, such as:
Why is this really happening?
What do I truly desire the outcome to be?
Am I conscious of everyone’s feelings in this matter?
What is the right thing to do?
Too often, we view things only from an outsider’s
perspective. We see only the tip of the iceberg, and not
the depth and nuance of what lies deeper. The Soulful
familiar reminds us to look beyond the veil of everyday
existence to see what lies beyond.
 The Untouchable
Keywords: Hidden, Elevated, Immunity

There are times in our lives during which we must either

rise above situations around us or remove ourselves
from certain situations utterly and completely. If The
Untouchable arrives in your card spread, now could be
one of those times.
It could be that something is happening to you (or
something you’re actively pursuing) that is beneath you.
Engaging in senseless debates, carrying on with
detrimental relationships, working on goals without
passion…these are examples of things The Untouchable
wants you to exile from your life.
If this familiar could speak, it would say:
“You’re better than this.”
Right now, as in today, could be your best opportunity to
climb higher than the things which drag you down.
Remove yourself from negative things and remove
negative things from yourself. Become untouchable.
 The Adept
Keywords: Skill, Deftness, Professional

When The Adept arrives, the moment is right to

exercise your best talent.
It could be that you’ve shown restraint until now. Or
maybe your confidence has wavered in the recent past.
In any event, you should consider moving past any
hesitation and bring to bear the full force of your skills.
Perhaps you’re being challenged at work.
Or a purely physical obstacle is in your way.
Or an opportunity has arisen in your field of expertise.
The Adept wants to you to utilize your biggest strength,
whatever it may be. You’ve put in the practice and
honed your skills. You know you’re good at this. Now
it’s time to show it.
 The All Seer
Keywords: Vision, Foresight, Realism

The All Seer is here.

It wants to show you something.
Actually…it wants to show you everything.
When this familiar shows up, it’s a sign that you need to
open your eyes wide to what’s happening in your life.
The All Seer reminds us that the truth is out there, and
that all it takes is someone ready and willing to learn it.
If a person in your life has tried to deceive you or your
loved ones, you need to see through the deception. If big
changes in your life are coming, you must be prepared to
anticipate the fallout. In doing so, you might learn a few
difficult truths, but these are things you’ll need to accept.
The All Seer is someone who can’t be lied to, who
doesn’t accept half-answers or tricks, who isn’t satisfied
living a life of ignorance. Now is the time for the All Seer
to become you.
 The Bastion
Keywords: Defense, Walls, Resistance

If The Bastion comes to your card spread, you may find

that you need to defend yourself.
There are times in life during which it’s not appropriate
to build high emotional walls. After all, being defensive
all the time isn’t generally healthy.
But today the time could be right to properly protect
yourself. It may be that legal troubles loom, that
someone is undermining you at work or home, or that
some external threat has become too large to ignore.
The Bastion wants you to not just defend yourself, but to
do so vigorously. Put on your emotional armor, strap a
truthful sword to your waist, and stand up for what’s
right.
As long as your cause is righteous, and as long as your
heart is true, you cannot be defeated.
 The Champion
Keywords: Bravery, Leadership, Honor

Sometimes we either need a champion in our lives.

Or…
We need to become one.
If you’ve pulled The Champion, it could be that you
need someone to stick up for you, to lead the way, and
to help you overcome a big obstacle. In other words, you
need a hero.
Alternatively, you might need to take on these duties
yourself, either for your own benefit or to help someone
who is vulnerable. A family member, a friend, or even
your partner could be in a state of weakness. And you
might be the only one who can support them.
It's time to take a good, hard look at the state of things.
Something needs overcoming. There’s an obstacle in the
way. The Champion reminds us not to rest on our
laurels and hope it’ll all work out by itself. Find a friend
who can be your hero, or become the hero yourself.
 The Charmer
Keywords: Allure, Attraction, Warmth

Need to win someone over?

Looking to make an impact at your place of work?
Just want to make someone smile?
The Charmer makes itself known when it’s time for you
to tap into your warm, fuzzy self. For some, wooing new
friends and exerting influence on others comes naturally.
But if this card shows up in your spread, it might be that
you need a little reminder. Perhaps a situation in your
life calls for more tact and diplomacy than usual. Or
maybe you’ve grown a little hard around the edges of
late.
The Charmer doesn’t want you to manipulate people.
Rather, it wants you to remember the good feelings of
laughter and of true, soulful human connection. In many
cases, positive things come from a softer, gentler
approach. Be your charming self, and pleasantry will
usually result.
 The Clever
Keywords: Intellect, Competence, Ideas

Sometimes it’s best to use a scalpel, not a hammer.

What this means is—brute force isn’t always the answer.
Solutions to many problems require brains, not brawn.
The Clever arrives when it’s time to use your wits. You
might find yourself in a sticky life situation. A choice
might need making. Money troubles or difficulty in your
job or social life could be at hand.
Now is not the time to let emotions run the show. Tap
into your inner genius, meditate on the challenge you’re
facing, and find the most rational solution.
The Clever reminds us that our greatest strength isn’t in
the power of our bodies, but instead in the adaptability
of our minds.
 The Conqueror
Keywords: Confidence, Poise, Determination

The Conqueror reveals itself when the time is right for

you to be your strongest self. Contrarily to The Clever or
The Charmer, now could be the time for you to exert
yourself forcefully.
If someone in your life needs confronting, it’s time to
face them head-on.
If a situation is getting out of hand, set aside all
distractions and take control.
If you’ve set a goal, especially a big one, focus all of your
energy on it until it’s done.
The Conqueror reminds us that some things require a
firm, steady hand. If it arrives in your card spread,
consider the biggest challenges in your life…
…and conquer them.
 The Elder
Keywords: Wisdom, Guidance, Ancestry

Knowledge is simply knowing a thing. But wisdom is

possessing the experience and perspective to put that
knowledge to its best possible use.
If you’ve encountered The Elder, it’s likely you’re either
in need of sage advice…or that you’re in a position to
help someone with an offering of your own wisdom.
In the former case, you may be seeking a mentor. You
could find yourself in an unfamiliar setting, one in which
an ounce of guidance would go a long way toward
helping you. Don’t be afraid to approach a parental
figure, an elder in your family, or a friend with more
experience than you.
In the latter situation, it could be you who is tasked with
helping a novice, teaching a friend, or simply showing
someone the ropes of a place unfamiliar to them. It’s
best to treat this responsibility with reverence. Your
impact could change someone’s life.
 The Flame
Keywords: Motion, Freedom, Passion

Sometimes in life, it’s best to release yourself of all

constraint.
…to become as free as fire.
The Flame arrives when the moment is right for you to
be your most passionate self. Whether in a new
relationship, at your job, or in the throes of a big life
change, now is the time to let your heart beat loudly and
freely. Sitting still and taking caution is for another day.
For the moment, desire has become your compass. Let
it burn hot and unquenchable.
The Flame reminds us that not all moments in life are
best approached calmly. There are times when your
inner bonfire will need feeding. While making sure not
to burn anyone else, it’s important to let yourself feel
free, independent of limits.
 The Gatekeeper
Keywords: Vigilance, Discerning, Attentive

If The Gatekeeper makes its presence known, it’s

probable you’re going through a time in your life during
which you’re being choosy, even picky.
Whether for better or worse, you’re not in the mood to
let everyone and everything into your life. The
Gatekeeper stands vigilant watch at the door to your
soul, rejecting anything which doesn’t deserve to be
invited inside.
This could be because your heart has been wounded
recently.
Or because you’re feeling distrustful of a new person in
your orbit.
Or it could be that your intuition is particularly sharp
right now, and it’s time to be extra-attentive.
The Gatekeeper wants to keep out any and all negative
influences in your life. Just remember not to block out
the good along with the bad.
 The Guardians
Keywords: Protection, Shielding, Avoidance

The twin familiars of The Guardians make themselves

known when you are in some sort of danger. They’re
meant to guard both your body and your mind, and to
allow no physical or emotional harm to come to you.
If this card has come to you, it may be that you are
engaging in risky behavior. You could be in peril of
physical danger, of at risk of being taken advantage of by
another person…or both. The Guardians desire to
protect you, not necessarily by removing you from all
risk, but by increasing your awareness of it.
It is, of course, impossible to move through the world
without assuming any risk. That said, The Guardians
intend to open your eyes about the true nature of the
hazards before you. Whether you’re skydiving, driving
without your seatbelt, or dating, they want your eyes
open and your head clear. In most cases, simple
awareness of danger is enough to minimize it.
 The Herald
Keywords: Messenger, Augury, Omen

When The Herald appears, it’s a clear sign that

someone or something is trying to get your attention. If
you feel a nagging sensation that something big is about
to happen, you might want to pay closer attention to
your surroundings. If someone’s been giving you advice
or trying (but failing) to spend time with you, it could be
time to listen to them, and to open your schedule for
them.
The key here is availability. For a change, don’t ignore
your incoming phone calls. If a friend wants face-time,
give it to them. The universe itself might be trying to
deliver a message to you, and you’d be wisest not to
ignore it.
While the meaning of the message could be just about
anything, what’s important is to let it through. Don’t
shoot the messenger. All The Herald asks is that you
clear your mind and listen closely.
 The King
Keywords: Masculine, Fatherly, Provider

The King is the embodiment of masculine energy. If

he’s appeared, it’s time for you to get in touch either with
your own masculine side or to seek out a patriarchal
figure among your friends and family for guidance.
It could be that it’s time for you to seize the reins and
provide financially for those around you.
Or to take a new student under your wing, teaching them
the virtues of honor, courage, and discipline.
Or perhaps your focus needs to be more personal.
Money, leadership, assertiveness…these could be areas
in which your attention is needed.
Or it could be a male figure in your life has something
important to show you.
The King wants to guide you on a path of inner strength.
Harness your experience, your determination, and your
willingness to be better in all you do.
 The Lover
Keywords: Romance, Desire, Temptation

The Lover is what you suspect. If this familiar slips into

your card spread, something could be brewing in your
heart.
It may be that you have a choice to make regarding a
romantic relationship. One lover, or even several, could
be knocking at your door, and now you must decide
what to do about it.
The Lover could also portend a new (and often exciting)
romantic entanglement is near. You may find yourself
tempted by someone you didn’t expect.
Lastly, The Lover could signal the end of a relationship.
In this case, The Lover is acting as a protector, shielding
your heart from the pain of wounds suffered due to a
romance turned sour.
The Lover reminds us to balance our wants against our
needs, and to weigh the nurturing of our hearts against
the desire of our bodies.
 The Navigator
Keywords: Guidance, Instructions, Counseling

The Navigator is the same as a ship’s captain on stormy

seas. Though the waves may be high, the winds
powerful, and the shores far away, this familiar will see
you to safety…if you allow it.
When The Navigator sails into your sights, it’s time to
remain steady. If you’re in the midst of a big project,
don’t despair. Seek the aid of others if you can, and
don’t be afraid to follow the path of those who came
before you. At this time in your life, there’s no need to
reinvent the wheel. You’ll reach your goals faster not by
resisting the winds of change, but by accepting that many
have taken this journey before you.
The time to forge your own path and exert your highest
level of creativity will come…but not today. Now is the
time to stay the course and to follow the river where it
takes you.
 The Novice

Keywords: Youth, Newbie, Enthusiasm

Are you ready for adventure?

The Novice hopes so.
This familiar appears when something so new and fresh
is upon you, you might not know what to do.
Perhaps you’ve moved to a new location, accepted a new
job, or started learning a skill you’ve never before tried.
Whatever the case, a sense of newness is either already
upon you or just around the corner.
You might be anxious about it. Or outright afraid. The
Novice is here to walk beside you and remind you that
although you’ve taken a big leap into something new,
you’re going to be fine. Once you overcome the first
hurdles, your fears could become passions, and your
worries will melt away.
The Novice reminds us to try new things as often as
possible, and to go boldly into new situations.
 The Predator
Keywords: Initiative, Aggression, Directness

The Predator is unlike most of the other familiars.

It doesn’t want to protect you, at least not in the usual
ways.
If you’ve pulled The Predator, it’s a hint that the time for
sitting back and allowing things to happen is over. If
you’re patiently waiting for something good to come, if
you’re daydreaming, if you’re always hoping, but rarely
doing, this is your time to change.
Be the aggressor. That’s not meant in a violent sense, of
course. Rather, The Predator wants you to take the
initiative, to strike first, and to become (for at least this
one moment) the pack leader.
This card reminds us that sometimes, when something
has to be done just right, you need to do it yourself, and
you need to do it now.
 The Queen

Keywords: Feminine, Nurturing, Protective

The Queen is the embodiment of feminine energy. If

she’s appeared, it’s time to tap into your caring,
emotional side or to seek out a matriarchal figure in your
life for guidance.
It could be that it’s time for you to help or care for a
younger person or a close friend.
Or to mentor someone in need, teaching them the
virtues of wisdom, spirituality, and wisdom.
Or perhaps your focus should be more personal.
Intuition, protection, overcoming emotional
turmoil…these could be areas in which your attention is
needed.
Or it could be a female figure in your life has something
important to show you.
The Queen wants to guide you on a path of inner
strength and spirituality. Harness your experience, your
wisdom, and your love.
 The Resolute
Keywords: Acceptance, Diligence, Single-Mindedness

The final stage is acceptance…or so goes the saying.

If this familiar shows its face, it could mean one of two
things.
1. You’ve decided to strive toward a new goal,
something which will require your focus for a long
time to come.
2. You recently (or you’re about to) reach the final
stage of grief or some other emotional turmoil,
which means you will soon be required to accept a
difficult truth.
In either case, The Resolute wants to be your guide. If
you’ve decided to pursue a new and challenging goal,
this familiar wants to push you, support you, and remind
you of your own inner strength. The more difficult the
goal, the stronger your determination must be.
If a difficult truth requiring acceptance is near, The
Resolute wants you to reach it with a sense of purpose.
Do not fear the truth. Embrace it.
 The Sacrifice

Keywords: Giving, Unselfish, Humility

One of life’s greatest challenges is to give without the

expectation of receiving something in return.
If The Sacrifice is revealed to you, an opportunity to give
of yourself could be at hand. Someone in your life may
be in dire need. You may be even called upon to put
away your pride and ego, and to listen, not speak.
However this opportunity arrives in your life, The
Sacrifice wants to remind you that giving of yourself is
one of life’s highest honors. Making offerings that can
never be repaid are rewarding in that they enrich your
soul.
This familiar doesn’t want you to make a martyr of
yourself or to suffer senselessly. Rather, it desires that
you choose the right moment to be generous and to set
aside self-concern for the benefit of others.
 The Secret
Keywords: Privacy, Honesty, Confidential

When The Secret arrives in your card spread, it’s for

your own good.
A friend or family member may be trusting you with a
private matter of utmost importance. Or an exciting
piece of information might have landed on your
doorstep.
In any event, now is not the time to open up or breach
anyone’s trust. Keep things close to your chest, no
matter how tempted you might be to reveal what you
know. Sometimes, less is more. When it comes to self-
preservation, it’s often better to remain silent until the
perfect moment presents itself.
The Secret reminds us not to overshare and to always
honor sacred truths told to us in confidence.
 The Sentinel
Keywords: Observant, Guarded, Control

Everyone needs someone to watch their back.

The Sentinel reveals itself when yours is in need of
watching.
When this familiar arrives, it likely signals that something
is changing (or will soon change) in your life. A marriage,
a divorce, a big move, or a shakeup in your financial
situation. During this period of transition, you may be
tempted to let the cards fall as they may, to leave things
at least partly to chance.
But the Sentinel wants you to keep a closer eye.
Now is the time to cross your T’s and dot your I’s. Dig
deep, remain vigilant, and steer your upcoming life
change in a direction that feels right. When everything
settles, you’ll want to be in a better place than you
previously were.
 The Swift
Keywords: Quickness, Flexibility, Cutting-Edge

The early bird gets the worm…or so someone once said.

The Swift has a simple, direct message for you. Be first.
If you’re working a challenging job, be first to the jobsite.
If you’ve got a romantic date coming up, arrive early. If
you’ve got a difficult task to be done, finish it now and
relax later.
When this familiar arrives in your card spread, it’s time
for maximum effort. Some goals in life can be met with
mere coasting or by sticking to a comfortable routine.
But when The Swift shows up, it’s time to accelerate to
the next level. Striving for absolute perfection isn’t what’s
needed at the moment. Staying in motion and letting
others see your raw effort is the key.
The Swift reminds us to steer clear of procrastination,
and that the most important steps in life are often the
very first ones we take.
 The Tribe
Keywords: Friendship, Companions, Strength in
Numbers

If and when you pull The Tribe, it’s time to remember

the old adage:
It takes a village.
It may be that you’ve been going at it alone for a while.
Your sense of independence might be strong at the
moment, if not particularly rewarding. If you encounter
The Tribe in your reading, it’s likely time for a change.
Spend more time with family and friends.
Invite others to participate in your latest project.
Gather up your team and head out into the world as a
unified force.
The Tribe reminds that while success may come to us
when we work alone, strength in numbers is a very real
phenomenon. Now is the time for friendship,
collaboration, and unity.
 The Trickster
Keywords: Cunning, Nimble, Indirect

The Trickster isn’t here to deceive you, of course.

Nor does she wish you to trick or manipulate others.
When this familiar slides into your card spread, the
moment may be right for you to be creative, crafty, and
to take the long way around, rather than move in the
most direct path. It’s time to avoid trouble, not confront
it headlong.
It may be that a certain situation in your life right now
requires maximum tact, diplomacy, and possibly even
the withholding of information. You may find yourself in
a vulnerable or compromising state, not necessarily of
your own making. The Trickster wants you to tap into
your wily, witty self to escape trouble.
Alternatively, when this familiar appears, it may be that
someone else is playing the role of trickster in your life.
In such a case, determine who this could be and root out
what they desire.
 The Vanguard
Keywords: Forefront, Independence, New Beginning

When The Vanguard is revealed, it’s likely time for you

to strike out on your own.
If you’ve been delaying a big decision involving another
person, you should consider taking the lead and making
the decision by yourself.
If you’ve been guilty of procrastination, The Vanguard
wants you to immediately get back into motion.
If you’re facing doubts about a course of action that have
immobilized you, it’s time to proceed now or forget the
course of action entirely.
The Vanguard wants you to put yourself first. It
encourages you to think with a risk/reward state of mind,
and if the reward is high, take the plunge. You may have
to go at it alone for a while, but others will follow in time.
 The Ward
Keywords: Shelter, Safety, Home

If you encounter The Ward, it’s probable that you or

someone close to you needs to retreat to a safe space.
This space could be a physical location, such as a new
living situation, or a safe emotional state, such as
spending extended time with loved ones. This familiar is
concerned primarily with building a safe haven for you
and your emotions, and with providing you a stable life
situation.
Sometimes in life, it’s best to stay home, to convalesce,
and to begin building a new foundation. With a safe,
stable home and a steady support network, you will be
capable of much greater feats than if you set out into the
world from a position of weakness and instability. The
Ward wants you to consider all the volatile and
unpredictable elements around you, and to avoid them
for the time being.
 The Warlock
Keywords: Ambition, Charisma, Manifestation

The Warlock wants you to harness your power and to

make your dreams come true.
Typically, this familiar will present itself as a strong male
figure in your life or as masculine energy harnessed
within yourself. In any case, The Warlock is concerned
with your advancement, usually either financially or on
the social ladder of your life. He desires you to project
strength and to move throughout your surroundings with
confidence, albeit not arrogance. He wants only the best
for you. If you’ve pulled him, consider your strengths
and your personal desires, and take appropriate steps,
often loudly and boldly, to attain what you want.
 The Warning
Keywords: Alarm, Intimidation, Danger

Someone or something is bringing you trouble.

But this time, there’s no backing down.
The Warning is here for a reason you might not expect.
She’s not here to warn you. Rather, she intends to puff
up, to raise her hackles, and to frighten away intruders.
When she appears, it might be that you’re feeling under
attack. Someone could be pressuring you to move in an
undesirable direction. You might feel the walls of a
difficult situation closing in around you.
The Warning won’t stand for it, and neither should you.
If you’re feeling pressured, walled-in, or bullied, it’s time
to take a stand. Show the world you mean business.
You’ll move when you’re ready, and only then. This
time, you won’t bend a knee to anyone or anything.
The Warning reminds us to stand up for ourselves.
Everyday.
Always.
 The Warrior

Keywords: Discipline, Toughness, Resilience

If you’ve pulled The Warrior, you might think it’s time

for a fight.
You’re only half right.
If this familiar raises its ears in your direction, it’s
typically because the time is right to tighten the reins on
your lifestyle, to cut the excess, and to carve yourself into
the very best version of you. If you’re feeling
lackadaisical or soft of late, it’s time to double down on
an exercise routine. If you’ve been showing up late to
work or only putting in the bare minimum of effort in
some area of your life, it’s time to sharpen up and do
better.
There’s a time and a place for softness. But right now
isn’t it.
The Warrior reminds us to always strive for self-
improvement, even if it’s incremental. Do the work to
shape yourself into a strong individual, and good things
will come.
 The Watcher

Keywords: Study, Investigation, Evidence

A learning opportunity is always at hand. This is what

The Watcher wants you to remember.
When this familiar arrives, it’s time for you to exercise
your brain. Read that book you’ve been putting off.
Attend those classes you’ve been meaning to take. Look
deep into your life, open your mind to its fullest, and
learn.
If you’ve been stuck in a particular thought-pattern or
resisting the flow of incoming information, now is the
time to make a change. We are all students until the end
of our days, but only if we allow it. This is your chance to
listen to what the other side has to say, to investigate the
truth for yourself, to watch and to learn.
The Watcher reminds us to keep our eyes open. Don’t
assume you already know everything. Consider
perspectives and experiences beyond your own. Never
stop getting smarter.
 The Witch

Keywords: Creation, Healing, Spirituality

The Witch desires to empower you, to nurture you, and

to heal your spiritual wounds.
Typically, this familiar will present itself as a strong
female figure in your life or as feminine energy
harnessed within yourself. In any case, The Witch is
concerned with the health, both physical and emotional,
of you and those around you. She desires to shape the
world by connecting with nature and with the soulful
individual within all people.
If you’ve pulled her, consider your own spiritual health.
Are past emotional injuries taking their toll on you even
today? Is there someone close to you in need of
uplifting? The Witch believes there is power in all of us
to cure the wounds of yesteryear. By attuning with
oneself and with the natural world, all things become
possible.
More Decks by J Edward Neill
 About the Author

J Edward lives in the volcanic South, writing books, making art,

and listening to weird, esoteric music.
Get in touch with his upcoming projects at
ShadowArtFinds.com
 Books by J Edward Neill

The Fall of Castle Carrick

Lords of the Black Sands
A Door Never Dreamed Of
The Hecatomb
Hollow Empire – Night of Knives

Eaters of the Light series:

Darkness Between the Stars
Shadow of Forever
Eaters of the Light

Tyrants of the Dead trilogy:

Down the Dark Path
Dark Moon Daughter
Nether Kingdom

Coffee Table Philosophy:

101 Questions for Humanity
444 Questions for the Universe
101 Fun Questions to Ask Your Kids
The Little Book of BIG Questions