Kate Forsyth’s Fairytale Oracle

Find your way through the dark forest of life.

Legends and fables are as old as language: as long as people have been speaking they have passed down their wisdom encoded in the form of stories of wonder and transformation. Known today as ’fairytales’, these ancient narratives of good and evil, joy and sorrow, and struggle and triumph are like a trail of white stones through the dark thorny forest of life. They show us the way forward and give us hope. If we are brave enough and strong enough we can outwit the ogres that seek to entrap us. In this oracle, Dr Kate Forsyth explores 11 of the world’s most powerful fairytales. You will learn where they came from, what they mean and how you can turn to them for guidance. Fairytales are not merely stories designed to enchant and entertain: on a more profound and mysterious level they explore very real and difficult human dilemmas, warn us of dangers and give us the tools we need to overcome those hazards.

Kate Forsyth is a renowned author, storyteller, and fairytale scholar. She has won several awards for her work, including the American Library Association Award for Best Historical Novel for her book ’Bitter Greens’, and Aurealis Awards for multiple titles. In recognition of her contribution to Australian fairytale culture, she was awarded the Australian Fairy Tale Society Award in 2018. Kate holds a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairytale studies and is an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She also teaches writing retreats in locations like Australia, Fiji, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Her work has sold over 1.5 million copies across various formats and languages

Merle Hunt is an illustrator specialising in traditional illustrations that reflect the natural world and the universality of stories. Merle’s illustrations tell stories inspired by literature and fairytales. Using nature and animals as the main reference, Merle’s use of watercolours and in-depth, colourful detail creates an immediately accessible, warm appeal.