Oracle cards are a powerful and accessible tool for anyone interested in tapping into their intuition, exploring self-reflection, and engaging in practical magic. Unlike traditional tarot cards, oracle cards do not follow a set structure, allowing for a wide range of themes, messages, and guidance tailored to personal needs. This beginner’s guide will help you understand what oracle cards are, how they work, and how you can use them to bring a touch of practical magic into your everyday life.
What Are Oracle Cards?
Oracle cards are a type of divination tool similar to tarot cards but with more flexibility in design and interpretation. Each deck is unique, often created around a specific theme such as angels, animals, affirmations, or goddess energies. Unlike tarot, which typically consists of 78 cards with a defined structure (including Major and Minor Arcana), oracle decks can have any number of cards, usually ranging between 30 and 60. Each card in an oracle deck offers a standalone message or insight, making them versatile and easy to use.
The purpose of oracle cards is to provide guidance, insight, and answers to life’s questions through intuitive readings. They are often used for self-reflection, daily inspiration, or to gain clarity in decision-making processes. Oracle cards are a great starting point for beginners because they do not require a deep understanding of traditional tarot symbols and meanings, allowing for a more intuitive and personalised approach.
How Do Oracle Cards Work?
Oracle cards work by tapping into your intuition and connecting with your subconscious mind. When you draw a card, it is believed that your higher self, spirit guides, or the universe provides guidance relevant to your current situation or question. The messages on the cards serve as prompts that encourage reflection and help you consider different perspectives.
The process of using oracle cards is less about predicting the future and more about gaining insight into your present circumstances. It is a tool that fosters a connection with your inner wisdom, helping you navigate challenges, set intentions, and explore your emotional landscape. The beauty of oracle cards lies in their ability to adapt to any question or scenario, providing a personalised experience for the user.
Oracle cards are a wonderful tool for anyone interested in exploring practical magic and intuitive guidance. They offer a simple yet profound way to connect with your inner self and the universe.
Getting Started with Oracle Cards
1. Choosing Your Deck:
There are many differing oracle decks available, each with its own unique artwork, themes, and focus – such as animals, spirit guides, angels, crystals, wicca, shamanic. When choosing a deck, consider what resonates with you visually and thematically.
2. Connecting with Your Cards:
Before using your oracle cards, take some time to connect with them. This can be done by holding the deck, shuffling the cards, or simply spending time looking through them. Some people like to cleanse their cards energetically by using crystals, sage, or placing them in moonlight. This helps to establish a personal bond and clear any residual energies from the cards.
3. Setting an Intention:
Before you draw a card, set a clear intention or ask a specific question. This helps focus your mind and direct your energy towards the guidance you’re seeking. For example, you might ask, “What do I need to know about this situation?” or “What message will support my growth today?”
5. Drawing a Card:
Shuffle the deck while holding your intention in mind. You can draw a card in various ways—cut the deck and take the top card, spread the cards out and pick one that catches your eye, or draw a card at random. Trust your intuition during this process; there’s no wrong way to do it.
5. Interpreting the Message:
Read the message on the card and take a moment to reflect on how it applies to your situation. Many decks come with guidebooks that offer deeper explanations, but feel free to rely on your intuition and personal feelings about the card. The message might not always be immediately clear, but with patience and reflection, the insights often become more meaningful.
6. Practical Uses of Oracle Cards
Oracle cards can be used in numerous ways to enhance your daily life:
- Daily Draws: Pull a card each morning to set the tone for your day or provide focus.
- Decision-Making: Use the cards to gain clarity on important decisions or to explore potential outcomes.
- Emotional Reflection: Oracle cards can help you process emotions and provide comfort during difficult times.
- Journaling Prompts: Incorporate card messages into your journaling practice to deepen your self-reflection.
- Meditation Aids: Use cards as focal points during meditation to connect with specific energies or messages.
Some of The Modern Psychics Favourite Oracle Decks
These can all be found online.
Animal Oracle Cards
“Magic Of Nature Oracle” by Sheena Cundy – a deck of 39 cards based on British animals, birds, trees and seasons.
“The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit” by Kim Krans – delve into the magical world of sacred animals.
“Urban Crow Oracle” by MJ Cullinane – tap into the wisdom of the intelligent crow.
Divine Being Oracle cards
“Goddess Power Oracle” by Colette Baron- Reid – discover your inner goddess.
“Gods and Titans Oracle “ by Stacey Demarco – masculine energy.
“Crystal Oracle Deck” by Kathy Banegas – self healing.
“Mystical Shamen Oracle” by Alberto Villodo – Shamanic.
“White Eye Medicine Wheel” by Wa-Na-Nee-Che – medicine wheel.
Healing Oracle Cards
“The Fairies Oracle“ by Brian Froud.
“Angels of Light Cards” – Doreen Virtue.
The Modern Psychics offers oracle card email readings focusing on specific questions. This can be a quick and different means of garnering an answer to something that does not necessitate a full Tarot reading.
