Oracle Decks - Do's and Don'ts?

[DownUnderNZer]

Oracle Decks

 

I am in the process of making my very own unconventional Oracle deck for personal use. I am on card 33 out of 48 and started late Wednesday night. Two night ago.

 

My question or two  to all you wonderful TT&Me'ers out there is simply this:

 

What do you find is not answered for you with an Oracle deck when asked (if at all) and what do you feel is the main purpose of an Oracle deck?

 

DND <3

[Raggydoll]

I’m not sure if this answers exactly what you asked but I thought I could share what things I really like to see in an oracle and what I’m not as keen on.

 

First, I think it’s important that the deck works as a whole; that it feels well rounded and that the creator has had a clear vision for what they wanted to achieve with their deck.

 

I really dislike repetition in themes or energies. What I mean is that some decks have multiple cards that basically mean the same thing or has overlapping meanings. This makes me feel like the creator did not plan their project and just kept adding cards to fill out the deck in order to have a more substantial deck.

 

I also think it’s very important that there is balance and complexity in card meanings if I’m going to be able to use the deck for readings. I quite like when a card can be interpreted more than one way, and when the tone can change depending on the circumstances of the reading. Decks with affirmations or empowering messages definitely has a place but they are much less versatile and I tend to never use them as stand alone decks in a reading. So I much prefer decks that feel ‘meatier’.

 

Keywords can bug me if they are too specific or narrow, but I don’t mind it if the feel more open and suggestive. And it’s important that any keywords that you use actually look like they resonate with the card in question. It has to tap into the energy (or at least one aspect of it) in the depiction.

 

Unusual keywords/meanings are a big bonus if they feel relevant and workable. Being too creative is a problem in case no one gets it. If a creator wants to aim at a larger market then it’s important that non native English folks understand it too.

 

Another thing I quite like is when there is a system within the system, a bit like with tarot. It doesn’t have to be apparent but it definitely adds to the impression that the deck is well planned. Those inner systems usually represent the creators vision (or even world view, in a way) so that can make a deck feel extra special.

 

Those are just some pointers, if I can think of anything else I’ll add it too.

 

 

 

[DownUnderNZer]

 

Hear! Hear!

 

No truer words were spoken.

 

I agree with most of what you write in that a lot of cards have the same undelying meaning, there should be balance, and different meanings for each card  not just one etc.

 

And that is what I'm doing with my deck - different meanings per each card but no words. The images I have chosen some will dislike but they are easy enough for me to read as they are portrayed, in depth, beyond and hopefully any subject.

 

I will work on balance with mine, but I don't want another deck with meanings like compassion or inner beauty and that is why mine has no words.

 

I don't really want a self help deck, but will be a little flexible about that matter because not everyone has an easy time or non eventful life. However, the purpose is to create something that is not too in line with the majority of decks that are out there already and adapted to me personally.

 

So, am working on it.

 

Thanks for your thoughts and how you find Oracle's to be. Really appreciated - also something for me to keep me on point.

 

DND X/

 

 

 

I’m not sure if this answers exactly what you asked but I thought I could share what things I really like to see in an oracle and what I’m not as keen on.

 

First, I think it’s important that the deck works as a whole; that it feels well rounded and that the creator has had a clear vision for what they wanted to achieve with their deck.

 

I really dislike repetition in themes or energies. What I mean is that some decks have multiple cards that basically mean the same thing or has overlapping meanings. This makes me feel like the creator did not plan their project and just kept adding cards to fill out the deck in order to have a more substantial deck.

 

I also think it’s very important that there is balance and complexity in card meanings if I’m going to be able to use the deck for readings. I quite like when a card can be interpreted more than one way, and when the tone can change depending on the circumstances of the reading. Decks with affirmations or empowering messages definitely has a place but they are much less versatile and I tend to never use them as stand alone decks in a reading. So I much prefer decks that feel ‘meatier’.

 

Keywords can bug me if they are too specific or narrow, but I don’t mind it if the feel more open and suggestive. And it’s important that any keywords that you use actually look like they resonate with the card in question. It has to tap into the energy (or at least one aspect of it) in the depiction.

 

Unusual keywords/meanings are a big bonus if they feel relevant and workable. Being too creative is a problem in case no one gets it. If a creator wants to aim at a larger market then it’s important that non native English folks understand it too.

 

Another thing I quite like is when there is a system within the system, a bit like with tarot. It doesn’t have to be apparent but it definitely adds to the impression that the deck is well planned. Those inner systems usually represent the creators vision (or even world view, in a way) so that can make a deck feel extra special.

 

Those are just some pointers, if I can think of anything else I’ll add it too.

[DanielJUK]

I think the worst oracle decks are the ones from mass produced companies where they just take any theme and put a whole load of random cards to fit, they are just not great to use. You've got to think carefully about the system and covering each thing that came up (balance). Like when people know the Fool's Journey in the Majors in tarot, there is a story there, it fits together well. If you are going to make a Celtic glittering unicorn oracle (I would so buy that! but just an example!), what is the progression and story overall? I love Roxi Sim's Joy and Sorrow Oracle (she did the Pearls of Wisdom tarot) because all the theming is about joy and sorrow in her life, her personal experiences she learnt from in the cards.

 

I have also really started to hate oracles where the creator / artist just randomly has associations to the cards. Animal oracles are especially bad in this area, I love the Animal Spirit Oracle but some of the associations are just crazy, how on earth does the characteristics of an animal mean that! Okay the creator does say find your own meaning of them and readers will always disagree with some of the original ideas but there is a line of the meaning fitting. Most of the animal cards are wonderful in that deck I should say but some give me a lot of disagreement in my thinking.

 

I think creating artwork where people can find their own meaning is best. Also calling a card a name or a keyword is helpful to refer to the card but annoying on the actual card picture but I do love in Linnie's A'ha Oracle that they are only numbered on the cards. You can look up the number in the book and find it's name / keyword a page of text about it or use it in a really intuitive way. Making them as flexible for different readers as possible is the best! Some people look up in books, some people are intuitive, some people mix both. That's my ideal oracle  <3

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

I like what you have to say as well DanielJUK.

 

The art I'm striving for in this deck is either going to be literal, busy and/or abstract. I don't want words, but am considering symbols and/or numbers.

 

It is going to be a personal deck - so designed for me to be able to read and understand it - not anyone else. But I do understand what you mean when some meanings are way out there like some of the Animal decks you mentioned or mass produced.

 

Am going to have to work on being a bit more considerate towards things like relationships and when people are having hard times, but not every card is going to be about emotional upliftment or one word - one meaning cards. No way!

 

All about keeping balance yet creating something in line with what I want.

 

It may fail - it may succeed, but I won't know if I do not put it to the test.

 

Thanks for your thoughts too!.

 

DND X/

 

 

 

 

 

I think the worst oracle decks are the ones from mass produced companies where they just take any theme and put a whole load of random cards to fit, they are just not great to use. You've got to think carefully about the system and covering each thing that came up (balance). Like when people know the Fool's Journey in the Majors in tarot, there is a story there, it fits together well. If you are going to make a Celtic glittering unicorn oracle (I would so buy that! but just an example!), what is the progression and story overall? I love Roxi Sim's Joy and Sorrow Oracle (she did the Pearls of Wisdom tarot) because all the theming is about joy and sorrow in her life, her personal experiences she learnt from in the cards.

 

I have also really started to hate oracles where the creator / artist just randomly has associations to the cards. Animal oracles are especially bad in this area, I love the Animal Spirit Oracle but some of the associations are just crazy, how on earth does the characteristics of an animal mean that! Okay the creator does say find your own meaning of them and readers will always disagree with some of the original ideas but there is a line of the meaning fitting. Most of the animal cards are wonderful in that deck I should say but some give me a lot of disagreement in my thinking.

 

I think creating artwork where people can find their own meaning is best. Also calling a card a name or a keyword is helpful to refer to the card but annoying on the actual card picture but I do love in Linnie's A'ha Oracle that they are only numbered on the cards. You can look up the number in the book and find it's name / keyword a page of text about it or use it in a really intuitive way. Making them as flexible for different readers as possible is the best! Some people look up in books, some people are intuitive, some people mix both. That's my ideal oracle  <3

[DanielJUK]

I hope you will make it available for us all to get  <3

[AJ-ish/Sharyn]

out of curiosity, are you drawing from online images, personal photography, hand drawn images? (you KNOW we'd love to see one)

I love oracles, and am a book/intuitive reader. I like to know what the maker was thinking and go from there.

 

as mental process exercises I've pulled a number of oracles together over the years which in hindsight show a great deal about where my heart and mind were at that moment. And the titles I gave them don't match with what I might title them now. Or next year.

 

I guess what I'm saying is with a Personal oracle keep your mind open, and keep building it. 200 cards isn't too many because You have hundreds of facets. More than you'd ever touch on when reading for others.

[DownUnderNZer]

 

 

200 cards?!?  Wow! I think I'm happy to stay with 48 for now, but how phenomenal. Truly. I don't know if I could remember that many.

 

Because I want this done quickly I am using everything at my fingertips pretty much that is available. 

 

I have done a few things so far that are along the lines of collage work,  I think that is the right word, and am really happy with how all of them have turned out so far. One more to do! Possibly more...

 

I am actually thinking of manipulating photos I have taken myself to put in it, but I am 50/50 on that idea. Not because they are not great, but because they need to fit the purpose.

 

Still working it all out! So far what I liked one day I do not like the next day - so a bit of chopping and changing going on as well.

 

Enjoying it though.

 

 

DND X/

 

 

out of curiosity, are you drawing from online images, personal photography, hand drawn images? (you KNOW we'd love to see one)

I love oracles, and am a book/intuitive reader. I like to know what the maker was thinking and go from there.

 

as mental process exercises I've pulled a number of oracles together over the years which in hindsight show a great deal about where my heart and mind were at that moment. And the titles I gave them don't match with what I might title them now. Or next year.

 

I guess what I'm saying is with a Personal oracle keep your mind open, and keep building it. 200 cards isn't too many because You have hundreds of facets. More than you'd ever touch on when reading for others.

[stephanelli]

The oracle decks that annoy me most are the ones that are all happy happy happy and positive uplifting messages without having any negative cards so you delve into the more negative aspects of a situation.  I guess that's the balance previously mentioned!

 

However, I think oracle cards that suit one person don't suit another in the same way.  You need to make this deck in a way that works for you, even more so than tarot because oracles (excluding Lenornsnd) don't have a traditional system to start from (whether you end up staying with the traditional system or not!).  Whatever all of us here think, if it's right for you then that's the right way to do it.

 

But we'd love to see pictures of your deck :-D

[Decan]

I follow the previous poster concerning oracle decks with cards all positive.

For me negative cards are important, because if we haven't them there is no possibility of warning about a particular situation that could reveal some unpleasant aspects (and it happens pretty often!).

On the other hand of course an oracle deck "too Dark" with no positive cards can make paranoid  :)

Well, balance is important!

[Saturn Celeste]

I'm another one that does not like happy happy oracles!  I don't like sentiment either, just one word is all that is needed for me.  I do like to have one word though because I don't read for myself so it's nice when the client sees the card image and word used in their reading.  I buy my oracle decks like I buy my greeting cards.  If it's too pretty or too many words, I skip it and move on to deeper image and less words but words that hit home and mean something.  It doesn't take a lot of words to get the point across.  The images on the card are as important as the words.

[DownUnderNZer]

Cannot Multi Quote So...

 

It is most definitely not a happy happy happy Sandra Dee or Good Feel only Oracle as there are some heavy cards in it for balance.

 

Seeing it in my head is one thing - putting it all together is completely another. I really am intent on making it like one was consulting a Psychic Medium

with an Oracle flare.

 

As to whether or not this is going to work - only one way to find out.

 

I will post images once it is printed off by a printer although I might do a bit of a teaser before it arrives.   :shhh:

 

This will not be published commercially - it is just for my personal use.

 

 

 

DND X/

 

[DownUnderNZer]

Just a quick update:

Am about 9 cards from completion and still have some things to iron out in the way I read them (method) and how to read them intuitively although some are literal (can be played with) and some require thought. Also, am still chopping and changing which has to be the perfectionist in me. But am loving every moment!

Anyways, I was showing online samples to my friend today who, fortunate for me, has no idea about Tarot, Oracles or the Lenormand. Nada!

 

So, I told her what did she think about me doing a demo with her so she could see how it works with how I want my Oracle to be. She was fine with the idea.

 

More or less - I told her that in this position (two cards) there is man (father's side) in spirit and he has a message for you. This man has grey/blonde to brown hair and is fair to medium (complexion) plus is over 20 to about 45 to 50 yrs.

 

Giggling away thinking what a fool she must see me being I turned to her and asked: "So, is there anyone like that that you know that has passed over?".

 

She said: "Yes. My brother. He was ??? (age) when he died. And you just described his features".

 

A little later when showing her how I'd read in a general way...

 

I kind of told her if I was to put this card like this and this that way - then this is how I would read it: " I see that you are thinking of taking a road trip and.....".

 

She stopped me there because guess what?  She has actually been thinking of taking a road trip and had just discussed it with her son in the passed week!!!

 

PS My friend is adopted and I have never met her family, so her features are not the same as the others.

 

I think my Oracle has promise.

 

DND

Edited May 2, 2019 by DownUnderNZer

[Raggydoll]

That is awesome!! I got chills from reading that. I’m so happy for you! 

[DownUnderNZer]

18 hours ago, Raggydoll said:

That is awesome!! I got chills from reading that. I’m so happy for you! 

Thanks. Appreciated.

I think it is the best thing I have done in a while and am now  starting to see it as a deck that came to be due to everything I know from start to now.

I had no plans to do one either so it's kind of ironical really.

However, it is still yet to be put to the test properly. So until then...working on it to completion.

 

DND

[DownUnderNZer]

My Oracle deck is complete - it took about 10 days, but I could not be happier.

 

However...

 

Me thinking it is cool is one thing - seeing if it actually works and not being like 100 other decks is completely another. One way to find out! Either this will be a little gem in the making or my brand new door stopper.

 

Am in the final stages of making sure it is aligned in the printer's software and waiting to hear back from the printer as I cannot find the correct entry to select it when actually placing the order. Hope soon.

 

It should take between 2 and 4 weeks to be delivered as it will go in a queue to be printed off in the order it is placed and then and only then can I really start ironing it all out and playing around with it.

 

Cannot wait!

 

DND

[Saturn Celeste]

@DownUnderNZer I am really excited for you!  I can't wait either!  Please send us pictures of your deck in action!

[DownUnderNZer]

"ORACLE 48".

 

Thanks for the good wishes!

 

Just gave it the title above about 10 minutes ago when I placed my order as could not come up with anything original enough.

 

Really excited too!!!.

 

Hopefully, it will come before the estimated dates the printer has given which looks to be between 2 weeks and up to mid June! From abroad.

 

I will be putting it in to action as soon as it is in my hands and will demo it on here.

 

Only problem is - with the changeover I can no longer use the features and so forth with IE, so will cross that bridge when it comes to that time.

 

DND