They're a deck of cards (anything from 44 cards upwards) that can be used for a variety of things, mainly spiritual guidance. Now this doesn't mean 'spirits' are going to pop out and be your Agony Aunt for as long as you need, the use of the word spiritual (to myself) simply means that it affects parts of you that aren't material or physical. 

Oracle cards are different to the more well-know Tarot cards in that there are none of the same rituals, connotations or purposes attached; oracle cards also tend to be mainly optimistic and serve the purpose of giving advice rather than trying to tell the future. They're also a damn sight easier to read than Tarot cards as they go off of finding your own definitions attributed to the cards you pick, you can't make mistakes because it's a process based on energy and vibrations so your gut instinct will lead you to the answers you seek, whether you realise it or not. For many this can seem similar to horoscopes where you draw your own meaning from what is written and apply that to any part of your life that seems fitting; oracle cards have the edge in that you can imagine questions whilst shuffling the cards and then be drawn to your own answer cards, so for me I find them much easier to get value and comfort from than horoscopes. 

The main reason I enjoy oracle cards is because they're so thought provoking and they're a brilliant mindfulness tool as they never fail to bring me right into the moment. The deck featured in this post are the first I ever owned and to this day they're my favourites, I love the simplicity of the cards messages and I adore the artwork; that's another reason I love oracle cards as there is such a brilliant variety of beautiful art featured on each deck.

They are much less pressure than tarot cards and anyone can use them as a multipurpose tool, you don't have to believe in magic or anything like that! A few great uses of oracle cards include:

Anyone! The fact that they can be used in any way to suit personal preference means they are perfect for anyone to give them a go; there are no right or wrong 'answers' or 'reflections' as it's all down to your own personal interpretation and whether there is significance/non-significance there for you in the cards you've drawn. Oracle cards are such a useful tool for self-development as well as mindfulness and I figure that however you use these, as long as you find it beneficial then that's all that really matters!

These are instructions for how I typically use oracle cards but as I've mentioned they can be used in all sorts of ways, just play around to find what works for you!

Many like to 'bless' their cards before using in order to get them in touch with your own energy, especially if someone else has used them before you. The extent to which you do this can range from nothing to anything like a tarot card ritual. I find simply holding them against your heart for a few seconds whilst focusing on the cards seems to do the trick, you can also ask for them to help guide you but it's all down to what you feel is right! 

A quiet environment is usually best if you're wanting time to reflect but not essential, you can use them anywhere at anytime you need. It's recommended that you sit somewhere you can firmly plant your feet on the floor so that you're as grounded as possible, then taking 3 long, deep breaths before you start will help to clear your mind and get you focused on the cards. Now you can shuffle the cards or lay them face down on a table and 'swish' them about if you're not too great at shuffling.

My Reading