Oracles of February

Here we are one month into 2024: February, the month of love and Winter weather. We’re all (somewhat) recovered from the holiday season and the multiple ice/snow storms. We are so happy to be back in the studio working on projects!

Feeling grateful for our community, our friends, our fans, our fellow artists. We made it through the past few years with hard work, quick pivots, true luck… and most of all, with your support! Thank you!

So obviously we’re feeling a little lovey-dovey and we decided to lean into the “month of love” theme. And we mean ALL the love (not just romantic partnerships). It seems like a great opportunity to make sure you let those in your circle know what they mean to you.

And if you’re like us (which given that you’re reading the Oracle blog, there’s a strong chance you are)… then the way to your heart is through science, nature, and magic!

So here are some gift ideas for the curious at heart:

  • Send a bit of fun in the form of a fortune scratch-off card.

  • Set the mood with Smells Like Spells incense. Beauty, intelligence, success, and vivacity.

  • Our bookish friends might enjoy Magic Flowers by Christine Blystone. Part plant folklore and ritual reference, part poetic memoir; Magic Flowers “asks us to dare to love a thousand times — especially when we don’t know if we’ll ever bring some of our deepest desires to fruition.”

  • Why give a regular bunch of flowers when you could honor your love with a beautiful Curioscape art piece by Atropos Curios. Beautiful glasswing butterflies alight upon poppy flowers and lavender over a bed of crystals and a skull cap nestled within a hinged glass curio box.

  • For the loved-one that truly has everything… the heart from the famous two-headed calf!

We’ve been working in the studio creating some fun Valentine-themed gifts. A sweet spin on our signature insect specimen mini-domes make lovely mementos. The Bee Sweet dome has a bee pinned in “mid flight” just above a small rosebud, a moment frozen in time while the Romantic Weevil cheerfully holds up his rosebud.

And because you all loved our Oracle Holiday Ornaments so much… we made Oracle Valentine Sets! Set of three specimen vials each individually labeled with a cute message card. Three styles: friendship, sweetheart, and just-for-fun/suggestive.

Love Oracle? (Awww… we love you too!) Now we can all rep our favorite taxidermy studio everywhere we go! “Science is Magic” illustration of a fox skeleton and dermestid beetles by our very own Melissa Chepren and printed at Oddities Prints in KC. Long-sleeve sweatshirt (with bone motif on the sleeves!) or T-shirt styles available. Warm weather or cold, we’ve got you covered… literally.

- Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracles of January

2024 is upon us!!! And my goodness it’s coming in with some Winter chill! The beginning of the calendar year has always been a time of ritual, traditions, and superstitions. We are closing out an old year, giving ourselves permission to move on from what has passed and open up our path forward.

Many traditions suggest that one should burn a candle over New Year’s Eve past midnight until it burns itself out for prosperity and good luck. Lighting candles to amplify an intention can, of course, happen any time of year. Simply choose a candle style that speaks to you.

We love all kinds of candles here in Oracle. If you love scented candles… Smells Like Spells has poured soy-wax candles with fragrances “based on old customs, traditions and the belief that every plant or aroma has its own magical purpose.” New to Oracle, we now carry Calamus & Honey!

Their 7-day Pillar Candles are dressed with oils, herbs, curios and prayed over by people practicing a variety of magical traditions including but not limited to Santeria, Southern Rootwork and traditional Witchcraft. Their oils are also perfect for anointing taper candles! And… although I’m most certainly not impartial here… the Moth & Candle limited edition Year of the Dragon tapers are pure hand-dipped beeswax ritual tapers dressed with cedar, juniper, palo Santo, and a dragon blood stone crystal.

If you’re like me, pen and paper play an important part in my new year preparations. Open Sea Design Co. has made these luxurious Spell Cards so you can track the various aspects of your ritual. And Arin Murphy-Hiscock (author of The Green Witch) has released a guided Grimoire… part guide, part journal and magical record book, this hard-bound volume gives you just enough guidance and ritual instruction to get you going in your spell crafting journey.

The Calamus & Honey oils are a fun and quick way to tap into your selected intention(s). This year I am focusing on Road Opening work… making space to move forward in the direction I hope to go. I keep my bottle of Road Opener on my bedroom shelf with my incense and crystal collection. When I feel like I’m going to be working on projects and need some extra ease in the process I dab a quick spot on my wrist and go about my day. So whether you too are seeking new horizons, open roads, a bit of fast luck, or your crowning success… Calamus & Honey has an oil for it! Plus the labels and floating ingredients look so magical!

An overwhelming majority of New Year’s traditions from around the world focus on driving out the old unwanted energies, calling in the desired energies, and protecting that balance throughout the year to come. This stunning Epidote and Quartz crystal cluster makes a unique addition to any collection. Epidote is often associated with abundance and prosperity while Quartz both clears energy while amplifying intention.

Our “paw”quets (dried floral bouquet with a taxidermy paw) act as lovely gifts of beauty and protection. As many of our parts are the result of conservation and abatement programs we do typically have plenty of paws. We take them through a full cleaning and mummification process before hand-sealing the ends and doing finishing touches. We dry the bouquets here in the studio ourselves before assembling these unique nature bouquets. The claws on the paw or foot, in this context symbolize protection while the flowers symbolize beauty. They can be hung on the wall, especially near doorways or windows, or can be displayed on a shelf or altar.

Or stop in and have us help guide you with your intentions for the new year!

The Oracle team, left to right:

Melissa, Alessandra, and Laura

What rituals or practices do you like to do to start the year? Let us know in the comments… we love to know how you all work with the items you get at Oracle!

- Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

{ No Public Studio Hours }

Hello friends! We’re on our second week at home and continuing to survive with you all… we wanted to share our stay-at-home offices, as blundered, little, frantic, and (lots o’) hodge-podged as they are! But overall, trying to bring a little solidarity to you. As we struggle to find our rhythm and lets be honest, trying to re-find ourselves, we threw together our online shop (some things we only offer through the brick and mortar) and move our hands-on projects home and online. It has been a drastic change and for sure was a struggle for all of us. But our makeshift lives have been interesting to watch fall together, acting like little sneak peeks into our personalities…

Our dear Quinn had to move homes on top of everything else! So while having so much on her plate, she beautifully pulled together her work space. I see her motif of classic pastel pinks and turquoise, plants, and planets? Quinn’s astrologist is showing! ;) And are those more beautiful #wip bundles on that table? Can’t wait to see!

Laura’s work space looks so cozy… makes we want to come over and sit with a cup of tea! It is funny to see how we all have our little color palettes and personalities in these. Anyone who knows Laura well, this exemplifies her hard work and study. She has been hard at work coming up with some ‘at home - whatch ya go in the pantry’ diy’s and tips - so stay tuned! Excited for what she has in store for us.

Thankfully my art studio is already in my home! I can still continue to work on my custom orders and articulations. But as I always have multiple projects going… this is my make-shift office in my plant/cat room where we have been taking online orders, stock, and do all the fun (not fun) back-of-the-house work. Mine, for sure, is a glimpse into my brain; chaotic mash-up and eccentricity, with little things, trinkets, art work; reminders to stay present and stay positive. *My cats for sure have not been happy about me taking over their space, hah! But they are also good cheerleaders.

Overall, this period has been hard for all of us. Changing our tactic, our ways of life, and immensely missing each other and our little studio (especially working together IN our studio!) But during these hard times we realize what we are grateful for and the ability to be here. We miss you all the most and hopefully you are hanging in there; but remember, these times are not easy. We keep saying things like, this is so surreal or how is this happening… But it’s true, these are difficult and triggering times. If you are having a hard time producing work - it’s ok. If you are having a hard time getting out of bed - it’s ok. If you are struggling - it WILL be ok. Remember your community, reach out, get excited about little things, (ex. baking something new, getting a small studio space set up, working on a diy, trying something new, doing some doodles, keeping a journal, etc.) However lame or small, look at all that you’ve accomplished. Something tiny can build to something big. We pray for everyone who is sick and light candles for everyone to stay healthy and safe. We can do this. You can do this. Can’t wait to see you again soon.

- xo Alessandra

{ Oracle News & Oracle's of the Month }

Dear Oracle Family,


Big Announcement!!!

We are moving - After 5 beautiful years at our current location, we will be moving on finding a new home  (back) in the Alley Shops of the Bauer Building. As many of you who have stuck with us since the beginning know; Oracle started as a small little boutique in the Bauer back in August of 2013. We have grown so much since those days, expanding as a business and focus into the natural sciences, introducing our workshops, classes, and community based gatherings... it feels like so much has changed yet we are just coming back home to our roots. We will be continuing our March classes as scheduled with upcoming classes with Mickey Alice Kwapis, Witch of the Midwest, and Bug Clubs with Alessandra; but come April 1st we will be moving everything over with a grand reopening April First Friday. It is bittersweet leaving our home of 5 years... but looking forward to seeing you in the new space. We have to say a super thank you to everyone who has supported us and stood up for what Oracle stands for the past 6 months, we couldn't have done it without you. But also can't wait to see how our community will grow with such amazing talented family at the Bauer.

{ March Oracle’s of the Month }

Curioscape Designs

Curioscape Designs uses ethically sourced insects and bones and blends them with natural ephemera to create environments that honor the cycles of life, death and rebirth. Created by Denver based artist Jess Ellis the assemblages reflect her desire to honor the imperfect and give new life to specimen that may have otherwise been overlooked because of a broken wing, faded colors or being already in decay. Ellis creates jewelry and small sculptures that are inspired by 16th-century cabinets of curiosity, magic, science and the natural world. We have a wide variety of styles in the shop from tiny vial to large glass domes. 

Piebald Peacock

The Piebald Peacock is one of natures wonders with patches of white feathers that are the result of a genetic anomaly. The term Peacock refers specifically to the brightly colored male birds while the females are grey or brown in color. The beautiful plumage of the male bird draws many associations to spirituality and the occult. The “eyes” of the tail feathers are a symbol of divine vision. In terms of appearance, the peacock is closely tied to the phoenix which rises from its own ashes to encapsulate the life, death and rebirth. 

Aragonite

Aragonite is a form of Calcium Carbonate that grows in an orthorhombic form. Aragonite in its star form is mined in Morocco and radiates its energy into the energetic fields and spaces it occupies. The energy it projects is serene yet energizing. It can be used for balancing emotions and healing energetic blocks. It is excellent for cleansing and opening the chakras in energy healing. This stone is a wonderful tool for releasing pain and fear because it enhances emotional strength. It is an ally for personal transformation and guidance over life’s thresholds. We all experience the life, death and rebirth cycle as we change and grow as humans and this stone supports deep emotional work and personal rebirth.

Hope to see you soon,

-xo Alessandra

{ Oracle's of the Month - Feb }

Starting the year back up with some of our favorites in the shop - the people and things that make Oracle who she is…

February Oracle’s of the Month

:: Moving Eternity ::

Moving Eternity specializes in creating handcrafted natural goods for your body and magical workings. Their natural wands are made with oak branches found in Kansas City, quartz crystals and is set in beeswax and leather. Each wand comes with a tiny zine. Their pins feature beautiful metallic elements and real snake skin. The beeswax candles are hand dipped and sprinkled with dried flowers and herbs. Each candle is dedicated to a planet or intention. Moving Eternity also creates custom candles with your own intention or deity.

:: Lapis Lazuli ::

Lapis Lazuli ha a rich history that includes being one of the favorite stones of ancient Egyptians. Lapis is a stone that strengthens the Divine connection to the high self. In our daily lives it supports honest communication, inner peace and freedom from negative thoughts. This stone is excellent for those wishing to deepen their intuitive knowing and self compassion. It ties to ancient cultures makes it excellent for connecting with ones past lives or ancestors. It’s dark blue color invokes a sense of calm and peace in ones home or aura. It activates the third eye and throat chakra making it a powerful ally in speaking ones truth from their higher self.

:: Bobcat ::

Bobcats invoke a sly and cunning energy. Their coat act as an invisibility cloak in their natural environment. This is a metaphor for us to live in our authenticity and we will find safety there. Bobcats are a solitary animal and they symbolize the strength in being alone. The bobcat is a patient and observant hunter, like we aspire to be in meditation when we develop our connection to ourself and the Divine. Bobcats are fast learners and that makes them a supportive guide to all students and those who wish to expand their knowledge. They use their fluffy ears and whiskers to detect the most subtle messages in their environment, making them a symbol of a deep connection to our intuition.