For divination, I use Oracle Cards more than anything else. I wanted to make an informational post about them, since they're not as popular as Tarot Cards.
What's the difference between Oracle and Tarot?
Tarot has a fixed set of numbers in each deck, 78 cards. They are divided into two groups: The Major and Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana is further broken down into Suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles.
Oracle cards have none of that. Oracle decks do not have a fixed number of cards per deck. The number of cards can range anywhere between 20-100.
Some Oracle decks include written phrases or words on each card to help with interpreting them. Other decks do not include any words on their cards at alland rely solely on the artwork.
Most decks do include a guidebook to help with interpretation, they may also include card spreads that are unique to that deck (or you can use the spreads with other decks).
How to use Oracle Cards
Oracle Cards rely on the reader's intuition, and are easier to use than Tarot because they are not as structured and fixed as Tarot Cards. They also go a lot more in-depth than Tarot does.
Disclaimer: The above paragraph is based on my personal experiences, the experiences of friends, and even strangers.
Oracle Cards go beyond predicting the future. They can draw your attention to issues you may not be aware of or buried but need to be addressed. They can show you what you can do to improve current relationships, as well as improve yourself. They reveal problems, solutions, and possible outcomes.
Before using new Oracle Cards, as well as Tarot cards, it's a good idea to cleanse them first and incorporate your own energy into your deck. I always use the smoke of my favorite incense to clean my cards. To add my energy, I shuffle the deck multiple times and look at all the cards at least once.
To use:
Shuffle your deck. Shuffle as many times as you would like. As you shuffle your cards, keep your question in mind.
There are many ways to draw your cards. You can draw cards from the top of the deck. You can cut the deck into 2 or more groups, and draw from the top of those groups. You can also spread all your cards in front of you (face down) and hover your hand over the cards until you pull the desired amount. This method allows your intuition, spirits, or deities to guide you.
Once you draw out the cards, try to contemplate what you think they mean before you consult the guidebook. Using the guidebook is completely fine, but you can also assign your personal interpretations to cards.
It's a good idea to record your readings in a journal. Write down the date and time of the reading, the deck you used, the question you asked, the spread you used, the cards you drew and your interpretation.
Sometimes a reading may not make much sense at the time, but you may discover something later that relates entirely to a previous reading (which is one of the reasons why it's important to record your readings).
Spreads:
Here are some basic and easy to use spreads if you are new to Oracle Cards.
One-Card Draw
This one is simple. You only draw one card. This is often used for daily guidance or general advice for the day ahead. A good question to ask for a one card readingis "How should I focus/direct my energy today?"
Three-Card Spreads:
There are multiple ways to use Three-Card spreads. When you draw the cards, lay them left to right, 1 -> 2 -> 3.
First Card - What you are ignoring/the problem.
Second Card - What you need in this situation.
Third Card - What action you should take to resolve the issue.
First Card - The past, the energy that is influencing this situation.
Second Card - The present, current energy.
Third Card - Potential future outcome regarding the situation.
First Card - The heart of the issue or question.
Second Card - The challenge.
Third Card - The solution.
There are many other spreads that can be found online or are included in the guidebooks.
That's it! I hope this has been a helpful introduction to Oracle Cards! Feel free to ask questions and/or leave any feedback!
Re: Oracle Cards By: SilentSyren
Post # 2 Jul 31, 2017
This is wonderful! I agree with everything said. In fact, this is so good I would be delighted if you'd add this to our articles. I will temporarily promote you to council so that you may post it. Just let me know when you have finished. I appreciate you putting this together. It's well written and beautifully structured.
Re: Oracle Cards By: TempestQueen
Post # 3 Jul 31, 2017
This is great! Very well written and informative! Thank you for posting this :)
This post is so informative! I need to get myself an oracle card deck too. I believe I have 4 tarot decks but not an oracle deck. I've always wanted to try the daily one-card draw, I feel it would be very helpful. Thank you for the information on them!
