Magic of the Swamp: Inside the Floridian Mythos Oracle Deck
An interview with Shuffled Ink
Inspired by the Swamp: The Story Behind the Deck
Amber Rae Malott’s Floridian Mythos Oracle Deck is more than just a card set—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the wild, mysterious beauty of her home state. “This is my first card project,” she explains. “My sister got me my first tarot deck a few years ago which ignited my love for tarot and oracle decks.”
Her inspiration? The Florida wetlands where she grew up. “It was a place of magic and sanctuary for my sister and I. We would pretend the butterflies were fairies in disguise… the water would rise, dyed like tea with fallen leaves… we thought mini mermaids were hiding beneath it.”
Years later, Amber returned to those same woods during a difficult time in her life. “In a low period… I decided to put on my old muck boots and face my fear. I walked out into the water and I saw it - the magic was still here, if not stronger than ever before.” That moment became the catalyst for creating her own deck, channeling the healing power of nature through illustration.
The Creative Process: A Collaboration with the Land
Each card in the Floridian Mythos Oracle Deck is hand-painted by Amber. “Every border is unique. I wanted the artwork to push me to get creative and try new things,” she says. “Genuine ground gemstone paint was used in every artwork. While the cards are printed scans of the original art, you can still feel the energy that went into them.”
Even the materials played a surprising role. After Hurricane Milton devastated her home and warped her watercolor paper collection, Amber adapted. “The paper did strange things, not taking paint in areas or pooling. I felt like the hurricane was collaborating with me. How fitting for a Florida-themed deck shaped by this land’s powerful elements.”
Deep Symbolism and Emotional Resonance
Amber intentionally included cards with emotionally challenging messages, such as “Uncertain Waters.” She explains, “Sometimes the cards push you to think. If you pull a negative card, you have to gauge your own reaction. Is that what you want? Is there a reason why it might be good or bad?”
More than just illustrations, each card is infused with memory, mythology, and emotion. “I was drawn forward by it, I felt I couldn’t stop creating the cards no matter what happened. They had become too special to me.”
Amber is passionate about authenticity in creative work. “Do what you are passionate about. Don’t make art that is trendy or that you think will sell.” She adds, “Also, don’t use AI for your artwork, especially if you are creating an oracle or tarot deck. You want there to be actual feeling behind your artwork.”
A Florida-Made Deck, by a Florida Artist
When it came time to print the Floridian Mythos Oracle Deck, Amber chose us here at Shuffled Ink. “My original sample was with a company in China, but after the tariffs hit, I had to pivot fast. I’m so happy I had to,” she says. “When I saw that [Shuffled Ink] was located in Florida, I knew that it was meant to be! How cool that a Florida deck was made in Florida?”
Amber continues, “They were great to work with, so friendly, and the quality was beautiful. Their quality control is outstanding.”
What’s Next for Amber Rae?
With her successful Kickstarter fulfilled and glowing feedback from customers, Amber is excited for the future. “It really warms my heart to know that this will be cherished by many and I have found others who truly love Florida’s wildlife.”
She’s currently planning a new deck for Kickstarter and aims to “prioritize [her] art projects and ideas” in 2025. “No more fear of failure,” she says. “I don’t just want to create—I need to. That is me.”
Written by: Seetara B. | Social Media Manager at Shuffled Ink
Now a note from me....
I am not one to gatekeep my manufactures, I want to see other creatives succeed and this is the hands down the best factory I have worked with. A huge plus they are located in my home state. If more artists end up using them I am not worried I won't be able to as easily in fact I want to see their business grow so they can offer more fun products to get me dreaming of my own future projects. If you are in the game or tarot realm check them out here: https://shuffledink.com/
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