Oracle Decks
To the right, the Hekatean Oracle in a standard 3 card spread.
Oracle decks are a popular form of divination. Alongside the numerous Tarot decks I am proud to own, I have a few Oracle decks as well. But what’s the difference? Why might I choose an oracle deck rather than a tarot deck?
Oracle decks, simply put, are decks of cards that do not follow the major and minor arcana format traditionally found in tarot decks. Oracle decks can be found everywhere tarot is found, and each brings their own flavor and options to the table. For this post, I’ve included a couple of my own favorite decks (see pictures below).
Typically, oracle decks come with their own guidebooks, and follow their own themes. Some of my favorite decks are The Women of Myth deck, Oracle of the Witch, and Oracle of the Hekatean Path (Pictured below), but there are many, many more. I have a friend who has an oracle deck that is horse themed, there are decks with deity associations, fairy tale associations, mermaids, dragons, and so much more.
Every oracle deck is a little different - the guidebooks will often explain the sort of questions and divination uses in mind when a practitioner uses them, and recommended spreads to lay out with them. In my own practice, I shuffle and draw oracle cards according to when I’m drawn to the deck.
For the purposes of this post, I am using Oracle of the Witch, and utilizing one of the suggested questions:
“How can I shift my energy around this situation I’m facing?” And I will draw one card. In my situation, I am asking about how I can shift my energy regarding making my living.
Card #28: SCRYING
Right side up, this card is about a new path opening through unseen forces. (I am, of course, simplifying). The guidebook offers rituals regarding what’s on the cards, and, includes reversals (not all oracle decks do). Decks like this can act almost like miniature grimoires, some with rituals and workings to enhance your practice. Others can offer prompts for shadow work and/or journaling - personally, I like using tarot and oracle decks for shadow work, and I include a lot of journaling too.
