A one-day project that never quite left.
The Matriarch Oracle Deck started as one of those “one-day” projects that never quite left my mind. Two years later, it clawed its way back — this time with help from my 17-year-old daughter, who has an uncanny knack for artistry, and calling me out when I start overthinking.
Together, we remodeled the entire thing (yes - there’s an earlier version that never saw the light of day) and fought through what it could be and who it was for.
We built the deck around five matriarchal species — the African Lion, African Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Orca (Killer Whale), and the Ring-tailed Lemur — each with their own brand of wisdom: leadership, connection, adaptability, empathy, and joy. But don’t expect soft, fluffy affirmations here. These cards were made for women who have seen some sh*t.
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When we were developing the deck, my daughter and I recorded a conversation essentially asking, “What would a lioness do?” or “What would (insert your favorite matriarch) do?”
Because a head lioness doesn’t get the luxury of second-guessing herself. She doesn’t sit around pondering if she’s qualified to hunt. She makes a call, takes action, and feeds her pride. That’s literally her job. There’s no overthinking when survival — or purpose — is on the line. That became the heartbeat of this deck: a reminder that instincts are meant to be trusted, not tamed.
The Matriarch Deck isn’t here to fix you. You’re not broken.
It’s here to remind you that you’ve been powerful all along — even on the days you’re running on f*cking caffeine and spite.
So pull a card, take a breath, and channel your inner matriarch.
Because this deck isn’t about finding yourself — it’s about remembering who the hell you already are.
The Matriarch Oracle Deck started as one of those “one-day” projects that never quite left my mind. Two years later, it clawed its way back — this time with help from my 17-year-old daughter, who has an uncanny knack for artistry, and calling me out when I start overthinking.
Together, we remodeled the entire thing (yes - there’s an earlier version that never saw the light of day) and fought through what it could be and who it was for.
We built the deck around five matriarchal species — the African Lion, African Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Orca (Killer Whale), and the Ring-tailed Lemur — each with their own brand of wisdom: leadership, connection, adaptability, empathy, and joy. But don’t expect soft, fluffy affirmations here. These cards were made for women who have seen some sh*t.
-
When we were developing the deck, my daughter and I recorded a conversation essentially asking, “What would a lioness do?” or “What would (insert your favorite matriarch) do?”
Because a head lioness doesn’t get the luxury of second-guessing herself. She doesn’t sit around pondering if she’s qualified to hunt. She makes a call, takes action, and feeds her pride. That’s literally her job. There’s no overthinking when survival — or purpose — is on the line. That became the heartbeat of this deck: a reminder that instincts are meant to be trusted, not tamed.
The Matriarch Deck isn’t here to fix you. You’re not broken.
It’s here to remind you that you’ve been powerful all along — even on the days you’re running on f*cking caffeine and spite.
So pull a card, take a breath, and channel your inner matriarch.
Because this deck isn’t about finding yourself — it’s about remembering who the hell you already are.
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The Deck
Five b*tches and a deck inspired by their matriarchal societies. Choose the one closest to your personality to remind you who you are. OR choose the one whose attributes you aspire to. There is literally no way to mess this up.
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Elephant — The Pathfinder
Calm enough to never raise her voice. Wise enough to never need to. She's been carrying others long before anyone noticed. -
Elephant — The Pathfinder
Calm enough to never raise her voice. Wise enough to never need to. She's been carrying others long before anyone noticed.
Lioness — The Huntress
She leads from the front and the pride moves because she does. Confident, courageous, and built for the moments that matter.
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Hyena — The Rebel
Misunderstood by design. Her laugh makes people nervous — and she's completely fine with that. Loyal to the bone for the lucky few who earn it. -
Orca — The Strategist
Adaptable, razor-sharp, and always three moves ahead. She solves one problem, unlocks three more, and makes a clean break when someone crosses the line. -
Lemur — The Visionary
The breath of fresh air every room needs. Don't mistake her lightness for indecision — she plays hard and delivers harder.
The deck that doesn't sugarcoat it.
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50 cards. Five matriarchs - 10 cards each. Zero toxic positivity.
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For women who've checked all the boxes and still feel like they're winging it.
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Physical deck ETA is August 2026. The digital version is ready and waiting...
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Our 2-Matriarch Team
It's literally just the two of us. If you have any questions at all, one of us has the answer. shelley@thematriarchy.ca
FAQs
Matriarch Deck is a 51-card oracle deck built around five animal matriarchs — Lioness, Elephant, Hyena, Orca, and Lemur. Each card carries a message rooted in instinct, leadership, and the kind of wisdom that comes from actually living life. What makes it different? No soft, fluffy affirmations. No toxic positivity. These cards were made for women who've seen some sh*t and already know what to do — they just need a reminder.
Nope. Think of it less as a mystical experience and more as a conversation with the most grounded, no-nonsense version of yourself. Pull a card when you need a nudge, a reality check, or just something to think about. Believe in whatever you want. The cards work either way.
Your Matriarchetype is your dominant matriarch energy, the animal whose leadership style, instincts, and personality most closely mirrors yours. Also, it's a word we totally made up. Take the quiz HERE to find out which of the five matriarchs you are. It takes about 3 minutes, and the result might surprise you.
That's allowed. Sometimes, the matriarch you get is the one you need right now, not necessarily the one you identify with most. But if you're firmly Team Hyena and got Lemur, you can always retake the quiz...or just claim whichever matriarch feels right. No wrong answers here.
Your order confirmation email will include your access code. Head to app.thematriarchy.ca click "I Have an Access Code," enter it, and the full wallpaper collection unlocks immediately.
Save the email — the code is yours to keep.
All of them. The wallpapers are sized for both iPhone and Android lock screens and home screens. Instructions for saving are included in the app.
If you have any issues at all with your wallpapers, reach out at: shelley@thematriarchy.ca
Yes! Your order confirmation email includes a discount code worth $19 CAD off the physical deck. When the deck launches, apply it at checkout, and your digital purchase is credited in full.
The physical deck is currently in production and expected to ship in late summer 2026. Get on our email list (hint: take the quiz) or follow us on Instagram at @society.of.matriarchs to be the first to know when it drops.
Canada and the United States to start, with more regions to follow. Shipping is handled through Chit Chats for fast, reliable cross-border delivery.