Oracle cards are powerful divination tools used to gain insight and understanding of situations and events. They offer guidance and spiritual advice to help interpret specific scenarios and address particular concerns. ✨
While similar to tarot, oracle decks differ in structure. Unlike tarot, which has a fixed set of 78 cards, oracle decks vary widely in the number and type of cards, with each deck having its unique format and theme.
Oracle decks are designed with themes based on animals, spirituality, higher beings, plants, places, etc. 🐱 They have no fixed structure or prescribed interpretations, allowing for flexibility and reading personalisation.
How to Read Oracle Cards
If you're familiar with reading tarot cards, you'll likely find similarities when working with oracle cards. However, oracle cards tend to be more open to personal interpretation, as each card doesn't have a fixed meaning.
Because of this openness and flexibility, reading oracle cards often requires you to rely more on your intuition and personal experience to uncover each card's unique message.
Imagery & Symbolism
The most popular method is to begin by carefully observing the artwork on the card. Look closely at the imagery's symbols, colours, figures, and other details. 🦋
Certain elements may catch your attention more than others; these standout features often carry important messages.
Also, notice how the images make you feel—do they evoke calmness, anger, sadness, or even memories from your own life? These emotional or mental responses can be valuable clues to the card’s meaning.
The imagery on an oracle card offers subtle hints about its message, and tuning into what you see, feel, and think will deepen your intuition and enhance your readings. If you are drawn to particular symbols or images, it means that the symbol holds an important message.
Numerology
The number on an oracle card can hold significant meaning and add depth to its interpretation. Most oracle cards have an assigned number, often arranged intentionally within the deck, however, this isn't the case with every oracle deck.
For cards with double-digit numbers - like 42 - you can add the digits together to reduce it to a single number:
4 + 2 = 6
In numerology, the number 6 often represents harmony, responsibility, success, and nurturing energy. This added layer can enhance the card’s message and make it more personally meaningful.
Learn the numerology meanings of the numbers 1-9, to easily identify numerological meanings among the cards.
🔮 1: New beginnings, independence
🔮 2: Duality, choices, balance
🔮 3: Growth, progress, support
🔮 4: Foundations, structure
🔮 5: Changes, conflict, loss
🔮 6: Security, stability, healing
🔮 7: Consistency, reflection, reassessment
🔮 8: Cycles, learning, strength
🔮 9: Releasing, fulfilment, empowerment
Message or Keyword
Most oracle cards feature a keyword, phrase, or brief description.
Take a moment to consider how the card’s message connects to your question or the question of the person you're reading for. 💌
For example, if the keyword is “perspective,” it might suggest the need to re-evaluate your outlook on a situation or try viewing it from another person's point of view.
Psychic & Intuition
When reading oracle cards, tapping into your intuitive and psychic energy can be incredibly helpful. Trust your instincts as you look at each card, and notice any emotions that arise. Sometimes a card will trigger a strong response that deserves closer attention. 🪶
For instance, you might draw a card that’s typically positive, yet it stirs feelings of sadness. This reaction may be prompting you to explore why this card evokes those emotions and what they reveal about your situation.
The Guidebook's Interpretation
Most oracle decks include a guidebook with interpretations for each card. If you're feeling confused or overwhelmed by a new deck, the guidebook can be a helpful resource to understand the cards' meanings. 📖
However, while consulting the guidebook, remember to explore your personal interpretations and take note of your intuitive reactions to each card. Relying solely on the guidebook for every reading can limit the development of your intuition and your connection with the deck.
In Conclusion
Depending on the deck you have, how you interpret oracle cards will vary. Unlike the tarot where there are set meanings you can learn, oracle decks are limitless, meaning a level of intuition or knowledge of image interpretation and symbology is essential.
✨ How do you read your oracle cards?
