Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a spiritual dabbler, or a total divination newb… selecting the right spiritual deck can be a daunting task…
There are hundreds (maybe even thousands?!) of different tarot decks and oracle cards out there… each boasting different artwork, spiritual meaning, messages, symbolism, and energy purposes. It can be super overwhelming to shift through the endless options that are available… and if you’re anything like me, you might just search endlessly, get overwhelmed and confused, and then end your search altogether without ever pulling the trigger on the ‘perfect’ one.
Well, first, let’s just start with the basics.
What the heck is the difference between tarot decks and oracle cards?
Think of tarot decks as the more traditional, and structured version. Tarot decks are usually structured very similarly, with a typical number of cards, rules, and general meanings – most decks are all based on the Rider-Waite system. With tarot, the only major difference you’ll find is the artwork and pictures. When using tarot decks, you will typically pull numerous cards in order to do a reading… pulling just one card usually won’t give you the full picture you’re looking for. These are best used when you’re trying to gain a wide perceptive on an entire situation, event, or relationship.
When it comes to oracle cards, however, they are more like a wild card (pun intended, hehe). Oracle cards are very loose in their meanings… leaving much open to the interpretation of the card puller. And when it comes to having anything in common with other card sets?… oracle cards play by their own rules, and that is: there are no rules. Each deck can be completely different, in the number of cards, meanings, and artwork. When using oracle cards, you normally just pull one card… because it packs a serious punch and gives you “the one answer” to whatever question you’re asking (which btw, is completely open to your interruption, that’s the whole point!)
Now when it comes to choosing the right deck?… The only real way to do it is through your own intuition (I mean that’s kind of the whole point of spiritual decks in the first place, right?) Forget about buying the deck you saw your fav influencer using on social media. You should pick a deck that you’re drawn to and intuitively pulled towards. And to be honest, it might not make any sense. Maybe you just like the pictures, or maybe you FEEL like that’s the right deck for you… Trust your gut and go with your first instinct. It’ll be good practice for actually using the decks.
If you need some inspo, here are 10 of our favorite spiritual decks to choose from.
1. Modern Witch Tarot Deck
Amazon Description: “Acclaimed illustrator Lisa Sterle marries the symbolism of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck with youthful, stylish characters and items from our modern lives. With its diversity and all-female celebration of womanhood, this vibrant, fashion-forward, and colorful deck brings fun and fresh air to the tarot!”
2. The Starseed Oracle
Amazon Description: “Have you always had a longing for home without really knowing what that meant? If so, you could be a Starseed Soul – one who has incarnated elsewhere in the cosmos before your time on Earth. The 53 cards in this oracle are designed to support you on your soul’s path and embody who you truly are. They guide you to connect with the portal to your heart, remember who you are at soul level and unlock your soul’s gifts.”
3. Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards
Amazon Description: “In whichever culture or religion they appear, Angels have always had one mission: to love, help and guide humans. On the earthly plane, Ancestors are the wise ones, healers and warriors who have offered to share their knowledge, experience and magic with us. In this empowering 55-card oracle deck, Celtic, Native American, Aboriginal and Earth-based spiritualities bridge the gap between this world and the next. The Angels and Ancestors know what you need to know, and by using the accompanying guidebook you’ll learn how to unlock their secrets and messages, and live a life touched by divine, magical guidance.”
4. The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck
Amazon Description: “Kim Krans is not only a vanguard of the new tarot movement but the person who is redefining it for the twenty-first century. For a legion of contemporary seekers, The Wild Unknown is more than a tarot deck; it’s become a resonant guide for people all over the world, inspiring them to share countless images of their readings, tattoos, and art prints from the deck. Each of the seventy-eight cards in Krans’s The Wild Unknown tarot deck is a work of art that explores the mysteries of the natural world and the animal kingdom. Hand drawn in her spare, minimalistic style, the striking images invite deep contemplation.”
5. The Spirit Animal Oracle
Amazon Description: “The spirits residing in the natural world have much to share, and the secrets of their forgotten language are now available to you through The Spirit Animal Oracle. They urge us to reclaim our essential Truth–that we are one in Spirit, connected to every living thing on this earth in a unified consciousness. With the draw of a card, you can share in this wisdom and better navigate your life, move beyond the obstacles of your perceived limitations, and tune in to your infinite potential.”
6. Mystic Mondays Tarot
Amazon Description: “Mystic Mondays provides you with a stunning tarot deck that is vibrant, beautifully illustrated, and ready to help you connect to your intuition. Includes 78 brightly designed cards with hardcover guidebook: This deluxe tarot deck offers fresh interpretations of each of the major and minor arcana in a standard tarot deck. Mystic Mondays is full of positive vibes that invite you to start fresh any day of the week and helps you connect to your intuition.”
7. Moonology Oracle Cards
Amazon Description: “The phases of the moon and the position of the stars have a powerful effect on our everyday lives. Astrologer Yasmin Boland is an expert on the moon’s influence on our lives and knows the tricks of working with its phases to yield positive results. Following the popularity of her book Moonology, she has created this oracle deck to bring more answers and guidance for those who feel a connection or are drawn to working with the moon’s natural magic.”
8. The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck
Amazon Description: “Hand drawn in Krans’s detailed and emotionally evocative style, The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck and Guidebook is a work of art that explores the mysteries of the natural world and the animal kingdom. Krans’s powerful animal archetypes offer insight into relationships, personalities, behaviors and tendencies and can be used alone or alongside The Wild Unknown Tarot to add an additional layer of depth to readings.”
9. Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot Deck
Amazon Description: “Every detailed image in the 80-card deck is hand-drawn and colored. Each card is illuminated with gold foil stamping, to elegant effect. Includes a 48-page booklet. Matt Hughes is a self-taught artist who focuses on the aesthetic approaches referred to today as “The Golden Age of Illustration.” His style combines inspiration from the Art Nouveau, Pre-Raphaelite and Symbolist movements, to produce an artistic expression uniquely his own.”
10. Light Seer’s Tarot
Amazon Description: “By reimagining the traditional tarot archetypes and symbols in a contemporary, boho, and intuitive style, The Light Seer’s Tarot expresses the light and shadow sides of our natures and explores the lessons that can be learned from both. The expressive characters who live within the landscapes of the cards tell stories, ask questions, and provide guidance. This deck is an ideal companion as you seek to uncover the places in your life-and in yourself-that are most in need of illumination.”
So you found love at first sight, now what?
Once you allow yourself to be naturally drawn to a set of tarot or oracle, and you commit to buying it… then what? How do you actually use them?
Well, lucky for you, it’s really quite simple. Before you pull any cards, you’ll first want to sit with them and clear your energy – there are many different ways you could do this. Whether it’s burning white sage, playing a singing bowl, using a favorite crystal, taking deep breaths, or lighting a candle… find what feels right to you and do that.
After you clear your energy, set your intention for the reading and ask yourself a clear and concise question: “How can I overcome X obstacle?” or “What is my message for today?”
Then shuffle your deck, and allow one to jump out at you. Allow your intuition to guide you to how the meaning of the card influences the question you asked – or consult the guide book that came with your deck if you need help. But remember, when it comes to using spiritual decks, your intuition is SUPPOSED to lead the way. Notice the associations you draw and the first thoughts you have when you pull the card, don’t overthink or complicated it.
And voila! You’ve just become your very own Madame Blavatsky and, at the very least, you and your deck are sure to be a hit at your next party (whenever that will be).
Which do you prefer, tarot decks or oracle cards? Comment below and let us know!
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