Oracle Cards are tools of Divination, used to help you connect to the Divine. Each card contains an image with a message or word providing guidance or cause for personal introspection.
Oracle vs Tarot
Tarot is a very formal system, very much like the playing card deck with 4 suits. It is very structured with 78 cards, four suits, a system of major and minor arcana. People who work with Tarot spend time learning the system and may need to keep their guide handy to work for reference. Multiple spreads exist to help answer questions and divine the future. The themes can vary based on the artist and their interpretation, thus allowing people to have multiple decks and enjoy a variety.
The Oracle Cards can exist in a variety of formats, themes, and messages. There is no set number of cards and messages can be single words or more complex messages. Each author and illustrator work together to create a product providing the tool you see on the shelf or website. The size of the cards can vary considerably from one deck to the next. There are even mini decks and pocket-sized versions of the full-sized decks.
Both Tarot and Oracle decks typically come with a guidebook written by the author of the deck, but there is no guarantee one will be included. Mini decks and pocket-sized versions of decks may not be exact replicas of their full-size versions and may not include guidebooks, this will vary by deck and publisher.
Purchasing Oracle Cards
Before shopping for your new Oracle Cards, either online or in person, please take the time to ground yourself and to set your intentions for a deck of Oracle Cards' to be matched with your highest good.
Grounding
When you are ready, sit or stand comfortably with your feet planted firmly on the floor or ground. Picture roots going firmly into the floor or ground while a golden cord extends into the heavens from the head. Take a deep breath from your abdomen and fully exhale. Repeat your breaths twice more.
Selecting an Oracle Deck
Online Stores
Consider the following when choosing your Oracle Deck if you are shopping online.
Search by Theme: Example search terms you can use include Angel Oracle, Animal Oracle, and Energy Oracle.
Search by Author/Illustrator: If a friend has a deck you like and you want to see decks by the same author/illustrator, you can search by that person. For example, Colette Baron-Reid or Kyle Grey.
Please note, these are just some of the options available.
It is recommended you click on the photos to see what the cards look like and to check the physical dimensions of the cards to ensure they will fit your hands.
There are far more themes available in oracle cards than listed here. Oracle cards vary in size and dimension.
Note: Mini and pocket-sized versions of some Oracle decks have been made. Typically these versions are not exactly the same as the full-sized version of their counterparts and may or may not include a printed guidebook depending upon the publisher.
Brick & Mortar Stores
When selecting your oracle deck from a brick-and-mortar location, it is great if you have a general idea of what you want before you go, but do not worry if you are unsure.
First, ensure you have taken time to ground yourself, before entering the store. This is important because it can become easy to become overwhelmed with the number of options available to you when it comes to selecting an oracle deck.
Scan the shelves for an Oracle Deck that catches your eye.
If it feels right, pick up the deck with your non-dominant hand. Note how it feels to you.
Look through the pictures and messages. If it still holds your interest, continue to the next step.
Take the deck in your non-dominant hand and place it up against your heart. Assess how it feels to you. Do you get a good feeling or do you get feelings of cold and panic?
Note: Positive feelings would suggest a good fit with the deck. Any negative feelings would suggest this is not a good fit for you.
Making Your New Deck Your Own
After purchasing your deck, it is time to make the deck your own.
Knock three times on the top of the box to remove the energy from the factory.
Remove the plastic wrap, and remove the cards from the cardboard container.
Unveil your new cards.
Take the cards in your non-dominant hand and bring view the card.
Move the card across your heart then repeat the process with each card.
Your deck is now connected with your energy.
Using Oracle Cards as a Tool for Divination
There are two general ways to use Oracle cards, random daily messages, and more structured readings.
Daily Message Readings
Take a moment to centre yourself.
Shuffle the deck.
Fan the cards face-down in your dominant hand.
Use your non-dominant hand to feel the energy of your cards.
Pick a card from the fanned cards.
Flip the card over.
Take a moment to examine the picture.
Read the message.
If necessary, refer to the guidebook for additional details.
Structured Readings
Use one of the structured readings detailed in the accompanying book provided with your Oracle deck or one of the layouts you find online to get answers to your questions.
Have fun getting to know your Oracle Cards!
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