Deck Review: The Sacred Biodiversity Oracle

Deck Review by Ruah Swennerfelt

The Sacred Biodiversity Oracle: A 36-Card Deck and Guidebook By Angela Manno. 36 cards & 160 pages. Bear & Company, 2026. $30/set.

This amazing resource of 36 cards and a guidebook reveals how the loss of biodiversity is leading to the warming of the planet. Angela Manna, the world-renowned artist, says she spent decades devoting her art to celebrating the Cosmos, the Earth, the Natural World, and humanity’s place within it. She is an iconographer who has used that art to depict endangered species as sacred. They are each a masterpiece in love.

I’ve known Angela for many years, meeting her in the early years of Quaker Earthcare Witness (then named Friends Committee in Unity with Nature), where she supported the mission. She attended worship at 15th Street Meeting in NYC. Her artwork has been exhibited around the world, including the Smithonian’s National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

According to the publisher:

Rich with insights from geologian Thomas Berry and other ecological elders, the guidebook reveals the preciousness of each organism, specific challenges to its existence, and its effect on the great biological community and human health.

The cards include mammals, birds, fish reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates, and plants. Each comes alive, filled with Spirit. On the front of the card is the painting with a QR code that leads to the websites of organizations working to protect that species.

The guidebook provides background to the language of biodiversity, the origin of Angela’s artwork with photos of the steps of creating an icon, and instructions for each icon. Each individual icon chapter has four subheadings of Wisdom, Contemplation, Reflection, and Action. The Wisdom section allows the species to speak in the first person, and includes some information about what is causing their endangerment. Contemplation leads us to a 3-step practice with the image. Reflection suggests finding ways to deepen understanding. And Action suggests ways we can help. The original icons are sold with half of the proceeds contributed to an appropriate organization. There are prints available, as well as greeting cards.

I am in awe of Angela’s work. I’ve been privileged to view the early icons, and followed along as new ones were created. She always amazes me with each creation, knowing they come from her heart and her connection to Spirit.