Oracle cards are tools used to help people get in touch with their intuition. Therefore, choosing the perfect oracle deck is imperative whether you plan to use it for divination, meditation, or spellwork. Many people use oracle cards on a daily basis for guidance and direction. Some people use oracle cards for personal reasons, others use these tools to divine, and still, some use them in rituals.
Oracle cards can be used by themselves or alongside tarot cards, runes, or other tools. These instruments often provide insight into the future, past, and present. Once a diviner has been guided through a series of questions by the reading, they are able to interpret the answers that have been provided for them through the cards.
Some decks may be better for beginners, while others are more complex and suited for experienced readers. Because of the many uses of oracle cards, it is very important to choose your deck wisely. The deck plays a major role in the type of reading, the interpretation of the cards, and individual beliefs. Therefore, deck selection should be given much consideration.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ORACLE CARDS
There are many factors to think about when deciding which deck to purchase. The following are some of the most important considerations when choosing oracle cards:
PURPOSE
The first thing you should think about is the purpose of the deck – this factor will ultimately guide everything else. With so many different types of decks available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But before you begin, the first thing you should think about is the purpose of the deck. The type of deck you are creating will dictate many other aspects like style, design, and content.
There are many different types of decks available, and each one has its own unique qualities and benefits. Some decks are more suited to love or health readings, while others are more conducive to career or business guidance. Once you decide what you want to use the deck for, you can then search for decks that capture a specific theme.
THEME
Oracle decks are known for being thematic versus their tarot counterparts. While tarot cards can range in design, they are primarily based on the underlying principles inherent in the major and minor arcana. Conversely, oracle cards are typically built around a theme, which often limits their scope and functionality.
Oracle cards are comprised of pictures (or symbols) and corresponding words or phrases. These divination card sets typically have one theme or category that they address, like travel, astrology, or other aspects of spirituality.
The potential limiting factor of oracle cards is their narrow scope. Yet, at the same time, this is what makes them perfect for certain types of readings or readers. Because they are not as broad-based or general as the tarot, oracle cards are ideal when you want to receive a very specific message.
GUIDANCE
Next, you should consider how much guidance or direction you want from the cards in your reading. Some decks come with a guidebook and other materials that can help provide insight into what your cards mean, while others leave it up to you to interpret them on your own. Keep this in mind when selecting your deck.
Also, some oracle cards only present pictures, while others may include keywords or phrases. Conversely, other cards come with full sentences or affirmations that specify or clarify a message even further. Be sure to take this into consideration based on the level of guidance you need.
SIZE
Oracle decks come in many different sizes, which can make them easy or difficult to shuffle. Because oracle decks often come in oversized cards, decks of about 40-60 cards tend to be easier to shuffle. Smaller size decks of 10 or fewer cards provide fewer messages and aren’t as easy to shuffle. And larger decks of more than 60 cards can be difficult to secure in your hand, depending on the dimensions of the cards.
PRICE
Lastly, it’s important to think about the price of a deck before making a purchase decision. You should take into account how much money is in your budget before buying a deck so that you don’t end up spending more than you bargained for.
The average deck costs around $20-$30. However, some premium decks are priced between $40-$100. Typically the card stock, packaging, and uniqueness of the theme determine the price. So, definitely consider these factors when choosing oracle cards.
SUMMARY
For centuries, people have used oracle cards to clarify their thoughts and bring peace to their minds. These cards are one of the best tools for self-reflection and empowerment. Whatever your reason for using an oracle card deck, be sure to choose wisely. Otherwise, you may regret your decision, and oftentimes these divination tools can’t be returned once opened.
Check out my tarot and oracle card readings on the African Tarot podcast for more insight on how to use oracle cards: