Review: The Doors of Somlipith by Ana Cortez

My first contact with the method created by Ana Cortez and her father, C.J. Freeman, was through the original Playing Card Oracles, more than a decade ago. The book had a revolutionary effect on me as a divination practitioner, with its unique system that blended colours, numbers, elements and geomancy, creating a whole new divinatory mythos.

Now, so many years later, we have a new addition to this universe, The Doors of Somlipith. In her new work, Ana Cortez presents us not only with a new deck, but also with a new book that both expands and deepens what the original book taught us. But make no mistake – this is not a rehash of what has been published before. Absolutely not! Somlipith stands on the 'shoulders' of the original Playing Card Oracles, and uses it as a platform to launch itself to exciting new frontiers.

I believe the biggest difference in The Doors of Somlipith is that it goes beyond teaching divination (which it also does, in detail, in case you are a beginner), and feels more like a 'travel book' into the realms of the cards themselves. The lands and characters we first met in the Playing Card Oracles are explored in transformative ways. The potential interactions between such characters, influenced by the elemental and numerological aspects, helps you weave their stories in readings, turning The Doors of Somlipith into a living oracle, one that beckons the imagination while rooting itself in a very solid, logical method.

Geomancy, which was one of the greatest innovations of the original PCO, receives an even more in-depth treatment in this book, culminating with the connection between the court cards of the deck and the 16 geomantic figures themselves. The traditional 4-card reading is also deeply explored, with Ana providing countless examples on how to see the cards as a whole, and how to interpret the many layers a spread can provide.

As usual, Ana Cortez's writing style is a joy to read. The conversational tone makes us feel like she's right there beside us, and also lends a light touch to what is, in fact, a very deep and elaborate book. And, like with the first book, the way she mixes original tales, poetry and pure esoteric wisdom is rich and delightful. You do not read The Doors of Somlipith – you kind of dive into it. It's a fully immersive experience.

Last but not least, let me talk about the cards: pure luxury! They have a good size and a matte finish, which makes them a pleasure to handle and shuffle. The suit symbols and the names are in golden foil, and the colours are rich and breathtaking. The art is different from the original PCO, but still has the unique spirit of C.J. Freeman in it – always hinting at something magical, dark and mysterious…

Reading The Doors of Somlipith has been so mind-opening, at times even a bit overwhelming, to me... It's not fast-food oracle or spirituality; it's something the soul needs time to fully absorb, and I'm loving it! I see it as a deepening of the revolution started by the Playing Card Oracles, and one I am happy to be able to be a part of.