A Beginner's Guide to Oracle Cards

Are you feeling drawn to begin working with oracle or tarot cards but unsure where to start? Let’s walk through this journey step by step, easing any uncertainty and helping you tap into your intuition.

Addressing Apprehension

First, let’s talk about any apprehension you might feel. Oracle and tarot cards are powerful tools for connecting with your intuition and receiving messages from your spirit team. Remember, the true power lies within you. It's your connection to spirit and your intuition that brings the cards to life. Like any other tool, whether it’s a book, a car, or even a leaf blower, how you use them is what truly matters. There’s no inherent reason to fear these tools; they are here to support and guide you.

Choosing the Right Deck

Selecting your first oracle or tarot deck can feel overwhelming because of the vast options available. Take your time and trust your instincts. Here’s how to approach the process:

1. Explore Recommendations: If you’ve seen your favorite creators or spiritual mentors using specific decks that resonate with you, use that as a starting point. However, stay open to discovering decks you’ve never encountered before.

2. Shop Around: Oracle and tarot decks are available in various places, including metaphysical shops, bookstores, online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy, thrift stores, and directly from deck creators.

3. Listen to Your Intuition: When you feel drawn to a particular deck, pause and reflect. What about this deck calls to you? Pay attention to sensations like goosebumps, a magnetic pull, or an energetic buzz in your body. These are often signs that the deck is aligned with you.

4. Do Your Research: If you’re undecided, watch YouTube unboxing videos or read online reviews to get a closer look at the deck’s artwork and energy. Some metaphysical shops even allow you to browse open decks before purchasing.

5. Create a Wishlist: To avoid impulse purchases, maintain a list of decks you’re considering. This allows you to revisit your choices with a clear mind and make an intentional decision.

     

Cleansing, Clearing, and Charging Your Deck

Once you’ve chosen your deck, it’s essential to cleanse, clear, and charge its energy. Every item holds energy, and your deck is no exception. Cleansing removes any residual energy it may have picked up on its journey to you and ensures clarity in your readings. Regular cleansing between readings keeps your deck’s energy aligned.

Methods for Cleansing and Charging Your Deck:

• Smoke Cleansing: Use incense or cleansing herbs to envelop your deck in smoke, setting the intention to release any unwanted energy. Alternatively, you can also use the mist from essential oil diffusers. 

• Tapping: Knock or tap on your deck to energetically reset it.

• Crystals: Place crystals like selenite or clear quartz on top of your deck for a few hours.

• Moonlight: Leave your deck under the full moon overnight for simultaneous cleansing and charging.

• Breath: Hold your deck between your palms and blow into it, infusing it with your energy and intention.

• Energy Visualization: Visualize white light flowing through your body into the deck while holding it between your hands.

• Touch: Handle each card individually to infuse your personal energy into the deck.

Feel free to experiment with these methods and adapt them to your preferences. The key is to set clear intentions and listen to your inner guidance. As with all spiritual practices, it's important to do what feels best to you. 

Working with Your New Deck

Now that your deck is ready, it’s time to start using it. Here’s how to begin:

1. Set an Intention: Before pulling a card, ground yourself and decide what guidance or message you seek.

2. Shuffle the Deck: Try different shuffling methods, such as:

   • Drawing the top card after shuffling.

   • Allowing a card to “pop out” while shuffling.

   • Spreading the cards out and hovering your hand to feel which one calls to you.

   • Mixing the cards face down and selecting one intuitively.

3. Interpret the Card: Look at the card’s imagery, colors, and any words. Notice what stands out and how it makes you feel. Write down your first impressions to deepen your understanding.

4. Consult the Guidebook: Read the guidebook’s interpretation of the card, focusing on the phrases or meanings that resonate most with you. Combine this with your initial impressions for a fuller understanding.

    

Trust the Process

The messages you receive may not always make sense immediately. Trust that spirit and the Universe are guiding you, even if the meaning becomes clear only in hindsight. Keep a journal of your readings to track your insights and observe patterns over time. This practice also strengthens your intuition.

Final Thoughts

You are your own greatest guide. Oracle and tarot cards are tools to help you access the wisdom already within you. Be curious, playful, and open to experimentation. There is no one “right” way to use your deck, just the way that feels right for you.

Trust yourself, follow your intuition, and enjoy the journey of working with these beautiful spiritual tools. You’ve got this!

With love, 

Amy

Take Your Intuitive Abilities to the Next Level with 1:1 Coaching

Choosing a tarot or oracle deck is just the beginning of your journey. If you’re ready to deepen your connection with your intuition, strengthen your spiritual gifts, and gain confidence in your readings, I invite you to work with me one-on-one.

Click the link below to learn more:

https://www.amycrandallmedium.com/spiritually-guided-coaching