Stepping into the Unknown: A Beginner's Guide to Oracle Cards

In today's world, brimming with questions and uncertainties, an increasing number of individuals are yearning for insight, solace, and direction. This growing desire to connect with our spiritual selves has propelled the practice of divination into the mainstream. People are increasingly turning inward, seeking guidance from within themselves. If you find yourself standing at the threshold of divination, uncertain of where to begin, oracle cards might just be your ideal starting point. Far more than mere cards, oracle cards serve as profound guidance prompts, thoughtfully designed to illuminate our life's journey and prompt introspection. In this blog post, we will embark on a fascinating exploration of oracle cards, delving into their essence, discovering how to choose your perfect set, and unravelling the art of using them effectively. Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced seeker, the world of oracle cards holds secrets waiting to be unveiled and key guidance to enable you to become your best self.

What are oracle cards?

Oracle cards open the door to a captivating world of divination tools, sought after by those wishing to find wisdom and guidance in life's labyrinth. These cards, found within a deck adorned with beautiful imagery, symbols, and sometimes words or phrases, serve as aids to enlightenment across walks of life. While oracle cards may share some similarities with tarot cards, they possess distinctive traits that set them apart—which we will explore later in this blog post.

The realm of oracle cards thrives on diversity, a testament to the boundless creativity of the artists and creators who craft them. Each deck boasts its unique visual charm, an embodiment of its creator's imagination. This artistic liberty ensures that there exists an oracle card deck to resonate with every individual, harmonising with their tastes and belief systems.

A defining characteristic of oracle cards is their liberating absence of strict rules or prescribed structures. This freedom allows each oracle deck to chart its own course, offering an exclusive flow of insight. This inherent flexibility makes oracle cards particularly inviting for novices, who can readily engage with the cards, fuelled by their intuition and the card's guidance.

Oracle cards, much like their tarot counterparts, serve as instruments to our subconscious thoughts and emotions, guiding us toward the messages that need our attention. They present a means to explore inquiries, seek clarity, and embrace fresh perspectives in the face of life's many challenges and opportunities. Whether employed independently or under the guidance of a seasoned reader, oracle card readings extend an accessible invitation, in short, they are the perfect gateway to divination and exploring the unknown.

The history of Oracle cards.

While oracle cards may appear to be a more modern concept, their roots extend far back into ancient civilisations, with the fundamental principles remaining largely unchanged. In ancient China, for instance, around 1200 BCE, divination took the form of oracle bones. These inscribed bones and shells were subjected to heat until they cracked, and the resulting patterns were interpreted as messages from the spirit world.

However, the history of oracle cards is most intertwined with that of tarot cards. Originating in 15th-century Europe, tarot cards initially served as playing cards. Over time, they evolved into a powerful tool for divination, and it is widely believed that oracle cards represent a natural evolution from tarot decks. If you're interested in delving deeper into the world of tarot cards, you can explore my tarot-related posts here.

Another close relative of oracle cards is the Lenormand Cards. In the late 18th century, a French fortune-teller named Marie Anne Lenormand popularized a deck known as Lenormand cards. Comprising 36 cards, each adorned with a specific symbol and meaning, Lenormand cards continue to be widely utilized for divination throughout Europe.

While tarot and Lenormand cards gained prominence in Europe, oracle cards emerged as a distinct category of divination cards, likely inspired by these established practices. Oracle card decks frequently feature themes related to angels, animals, nature, and various other spiritual or mystical subjects. In more recent times, contemporary artists have increasingly left their unique imprint on these decks. The 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in divination practices, including oracle cards, partly attributable to the New Age movement. As individuals sought alternative spiritual and metaphysical avenues for self-discovery and personal growth, oracle cards gained popularity and accessibility.

Today, there exists an abundance of oracle card decks, each distinguished by its distinctive artwork, themes, and messages. These decks cater to a diverse spectrum of interests and belief systems. Additionally, oracle cards have ventured into the digital realm, where many individuals now turn to online oracle card readings and apps to access guidance and inspiration. Platforms like TikTok frequently host live-streamed readings for their audiences.

Whether employed for personal reflection, spiritual growth, or the pursuit of answers to life's enigmas, oracle cards persist as a valuable tool for those seeking guidance and a profound connection with their inner wisdom and the enigmatic forces of the universe.

Tarot Cards Vs. Oracle Cards

At first glance, tarot and oracle cards may appear deceptively similar, both adorned with intricate artwork that beckons seekers to unlock their mysteries. These divination tools indeed share the common purpose of providing guidance, insight, and inspiration. However, as we delve deeper into their realms, we discover nuanced distinctions that make each technique uniquely special.

Format: One of the foremost disparities between oracle and tarot cards lies in their structural design. Tarot cards adhere to a standardized format, maintaining consistency across various decks. Regardless of the tarot deck's artistic style, it generally comprises 78 cards, including 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana cards, with a typical size of 7x12 cm. In contrast, oracle cards embrace a far more flexible structure, with no set number of cards per deck, ranging from 20 to 100 cards, and no standardised size.

Artwork & Themes: The divergence between tarot and oracle cards is most apparent in their artwork and themes. While tarot decks exhibit their own unique aesthetics, even indie decks often adhere to a framework inspired by the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, maintaining consistent card names and themes. Independent artists frequently use the Rider-Waite-Smith deck as a foundation for their designs while infusing their artistic interpretations. For example, when I designed my “The Fool” card, I had a completely different artistic interpretation to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, however the core meanings of my fool card and the name of the card remained the same.  Oracle cards, however, know no bounds when it comes to theme, format, or artwork. Each oracle card is a canvas for the artist's chosen interpretations and themes, fostering a remarkable level of originality.

Interpretation: Another significant difference emerges in the process of card readings and interpretations. Tarot cards typically offer a standard interpretation for each card, ensuring consistency across all tarot decks. For instance, the Fool card universally carries themes of freedom, a leap of faith, and a new adventure. Tarot readings necessitate a degree of proficiency to decipher the cards and extract their meanings. Conversely, oracle cards pivot towards intuition, with many cards featuring keywords or advice directly on the cards. For example, Rebecca Campbell's "The Star Seed Oracle" provides explicit guidance beneath each card, simplifying interpretation and application to personal experiences.

Readings: Oracle cards grant readers the freedom to conduct readings with no fixed rules. The number of cards drawn, and the interpretation method are entirely at the reader's discretion, guided by their intuition. Tarot cards, conversely, are traditionally read within specific spreads and structured layouts, such as the three-card "past, present, and future" spread.

In summary, while both oracle cards and tarot cards serve as potent tools for divination and personal insight, oracle cards offer greater flexibility, encompass diverse themes, and rely heavily on intuitive interpretation. Tarot cards, conversely, adhere to a standardised structure, employ specific rules, and often delve into deeper psychological and spiritual symbolism. It's not a matter of choosing one over the other; many readers prefer to switch between both types of cards, depending on the reading's purpose or their current intuition.

Where to Begin with Oracle Cards?

Embarking on your journey with oracle cards is like setting sail in a sea of enchanting possibilities. The world of oracle decks boasts a captivating diversity that can initially seem overwhelming, leaving you pondering, "Where to begin?" To navigate this mystical realm with confidence, here are some invaluable tips to illuminate your path.

• Choose Your Oracle Deck: The first step is as simple as following your instincts. Select an oracle deck that resonates with you, whether it's the artwork, the messages it conveys, or an unexplainable draw. There's no right or wrong choice. For beginners, a slightly smaller deck may be a good starting point, with the option to explore larger decks as your confidence grows.
• Cleanse and Connect with Your Deck: Before diving into readings, it's a wise practice to cleanse and attune your oracle cards to your own energy. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as carrying the deck with you during your daily routines, placing it beside your bedside while you sleep, or meditating with it to establish a connection.
• Shuffle the Deck: When you're ready to begin your exploration, give the deck a gentle shuffle. There's no prescribed way to do this; choose whatever feels most comfortable. While shuffling, set your intentions, focusing on the questions you seek answers to and the guidance you need.
• Draw a Card: When the moment feels right, draw a card that resonates with you. If you wish to integrate oracle cards into your daily routine or simply practice, drawing a single card each day can foster a deeper bond between you and your deck while familiarising yourself with its energy.
• Observe the Card: Take a moment to observe the card you've chosen. Delve into its colours, imagery, emotions it evokes, and the immediate messages that spring to mind.
• Interpret the Card: Read any messages or words on the card and trust the intuition within you. Consider how the card's symbolism resonates with your current questions and life situation.
• Keep a Journal: Maintaining a journal serves as a valuable way to stay connected with your cards and track your progress. Remember to date and time your entries for future reference. Document the card drawn, your interpretation, your feelings, and your evolving understanding of the cards.
• Practice Regularly: As with any skill, practice is key to improvement and confidence. Make it a habit to draw cards regularly, allowing yourself to become more attuned to your deck's nuances.
• Trust Your Intuition: Above all, remember that there's no rigid right or wrong way to read oracle cards. Oracle readings are a deeply personal journey. Trust in yourself and the messages you receive, allowing your intuition to be your guiding light.

Commencing your oracle card journey is a personal and enriching experience. Embrace the process, have faith in your instincts, and welcome the wisdom and guidance these cards offer on your spiritual odyssey.

As we conclude our exploration of oracle cards today, it becomes evident that these mystical tools offer not only a gateway to deeper self-understanding but also a profound connection with the wisdom of the universe. In today's world, where questions abound, oracle cards provide a beacon of insight and solace for those who seek answers and guidance.

Whether you're a newcomer stepping onto the path of divination or an experienced seeker, the world of oracle cards remains an enchanting realm waiting to be unveiled. These cards, adorned with captivating imagery and carrying messages that resonate with our innermost thoughts, are your companions on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to engage with oracle cards. Trust in your intuition, allow the cards to speak to you, and let the messages they convey guide your steps on life's intricate labyrinth. Whether you draw a single card for daily reflection or conduct intricate spreads for deeper insight, the oracle cards will meet you where you are and illuminate the path ahead.

As always, I hope this post was useful, I’d love it if you shared your favourite oracle decks with me in the comments section or via my social media.

Happy reading!

Laura