Going from Tarot to Oracle - Tips?

[ReginaFaythe]

I'm thinking about moving into Oracle decks and exploring them. Any advice? Good decks to start out with?

[PathWalker]

I have found that each oracle deck can be a system unto itself - no underlying similarities like tarot decks have.

So pick one that really appeals to you, that you can already feel a connection to the art, the symbols, so that learning someone's personal system (because that's what most oracles are) won't be too difficult.

 

And ENJOY  :)

[DanielJUK]

start with the decks and their themes that you like! if you like animals, get an animal oracle. Also look for oracles that can cover areas that you wish to read on, like some oracles are more analytical, some are just fun and some have really interesting systems they use (but some are very complicated and hard to work out!). Finally choose oracles that you like the art work!

 

They are really not that different to tarot decks, just have their own order and mostly less cards

[Flaxen]

I don’t have much more to add to the great replies you’ve had.

 

One thing to bear in mind is to think about what it is you like about Tarot and how you prefer to read. Are you more intuitive or do you love learning about the symbolism?

 

Depending on where you fall, you may get more satisfaction from an oracle which is based on something you can learn more about e.g. the Camelot Oracle or the Anubis Oracle. If you prefer an intuitive approach, the Soul Cards could fit the bill.

 

 

[Raggydoll]

There are also some oracles that follow a more tarot-like system - for instance the Animal Spirit Oracle which has four ‘suits’ corresponding with the elements, and then 7 ‘trump-cards’ corresponding with the chakras. I know that some people that are used to tarot and really like to have a system to fall back on does appreciate those kind of decks a lot. But you might also be drawn to oracles because you want to have a more free approach and if that is the case - I say, go with you gut when choosing a deck!

[PageOfCups]

If you already own a tarot deck that features keywords (such as the Thoth deck, Barbara Walker Tarot, or the Oceanic Tarot) maybe you can try working on the keywords and see how you like working with just the keywords rather than drawing upon the traditional meanings you're already familiar with.

 

As someone already mentioned above, you're basically working on the creator's personal system. So I'd suggest you find out about the author, familiarise yourself with them, and see how you feel about them and their worldview, etc. (unfortunately for me, I had to learn this the hard way).

 

I'm thinking about moving into Oracle decks and exploring them. Any advice? Good decks to start out with?

 

• Secrets of the Mystic Grove
  
• Mudras for Awakening the Energy Body, if you intend to use them for meditation
  

 

Personally, I own 4 oracle decks but only actively use 2 of them (for meditation).

[Saturn Celeste]

I'm thinking about moving into Oracle decks and exploring them. Any advice? Good decks to start out with?

Hi Regina!  You've come to the right place to discuss oracles!  I love oracle decks and use them all the time paired with my tarot readings.  Typically I use 3 tarot cards and an oracle for almost all types of readings.  I used to try to match the oracle decks to tarot decks but found it's better to pick the oracle organically instead of forcing pairs.  I have a couple words of advice for you.

• Watch the price of the deck.  Oracle decks can be really expensive, sometimes more than tarot decks. Honestly if the deck does not have at least 44 cards, I pass it by.
  
• Know what you're looking for in a deck.  There are so many on the market, it's easy to get caught up in just wanting an oracle deck but if it doesn't end up what you had in mind, you might not use it.  Have something in mind when shopping.
  
• Have an idea of the keywords you want.  Oracles can have long flowing lines of affirmations or sentiment or just one keyword.  Know what type of text you would like to work with ahead of time.
  
• Do some research.  Check out decks that interest you on YouTube before buying if you can.  There have been decks I thought would be so cool but when I saw them on YouTube I decided they weren't for me.
  

Don't worry about memorizing the keywords at first, just explore your new deck.  But do read the companion books even the LWB that comes with them.  Most Oracle decks have fairly well developed companion books unlike most Lo Scarabeo tarot decks (known for their tiny LWB).  Usually it's the artwork that attracts people to oracle decks in the first place but make sure that's just not why you're buying the deck.  And if it is, then enjoy the art!

[ThreeCircleTarot]

Do you have any hobbies? I'm curious about astrology and love herbs, so I found oracle decks for these topics.