Why You Need Oracle Cards and How to Use Them

From diving into the weeds of astrology to charging crystals and even making moon water, there's always room to learn more—even if you've been into metaphysical practices for decades. And given how challenging life can get, it's always a good time to tap into these spiritual tools. One modality that is truly accessible for just about anyone is oracle cards.

People often turn to these decks to find something that helps them through "weird times and darkness," says witch Gabriela Herstik. Fellow witch Lisa Marie Basile adds that incorporating oracle cards into your spiritual practices is also a great way to boost introspection.

Meet the expert

Below, these two experts explain what oracles cards are, how to use them, and share a few of their favorite decks.

What Are Oracle Cards?

Herstik defines oracle cards as a set of divinatory cards that are used for personal exploration and ritual. If that sounds a lot like tarot, that's because it is. But unlike tarot decks, which always have 78 cards, oracle cards aren't defined by any set structure, Herstik notes.

"Oracle cards can be used for any kind of exploration based on whatever the artist and author of the deck decide," says Herstik. "There's no one thing that makes an oracle deck an oracle deck, besides the fact that they're a deck of cards that are used for spiritual insight."

How to Choose Your Deck

To find the deck that most speaks to you, you'll do well to go to your local metaphysical or bookstore that sells oracle decks and browse around for one that resonates with you. If you can't make it somewhere in person, shopping online works. Herstik likes TarotArts.com and I'm a fan of House of Intuition.

As you peruse, Basile recommends asking yourself questions like:

• What speaks to you? What calls your name?
• How does the imagery align with you?
• Is it focused on an ethnic or cultural aspect of who you are?
• Does it feel right?

You can always buy a couple decks, and see how the energy feels. Herstik adds that finding a deck that appeals to you artistically is "super important." And in general, you want to "allow your intuition to guide you."

How to Use

Cleanse Your Cards

Once you have your deck in hand, Herstik recommends cleansing it with sacred smoke (from sage or palo santo). Take the cards out one by one and run the palo santo along the front, back, and edges of each card. This will remove any negative or stale energy stored in the deck.

Get to Know Your Deck

Basile likes to hold the cards in her hand to make a deep connection with them before asking a specific question. Then, she'll pull a single card, pouring her intention and energy into the moment. Herstik recommends spending time looking at each card carefully to become more familiar with their messages.

Do One-Card Readings

Individual cards are top-tier magical tools. "You don't have to just divine with your oracle cards," notes Herstik. "You can pick a card that encompasses the energy that you want to embody or that encompasses the energy of a ritual you want to do."

This is one of my favorite ways to use cards in my go-to deck. When I've spied oracle cards that reflect a particular headspace or philosophy I want to embrace (like being creative or playful and passionate), I've placed them in a prominent place (like an altar) with crystals and other artifacts that align with that message.

Try a Spread

Herstik is a big fan of the three-card spread because it's highly versatile. You could do a past, present, future spread; a mind, body, spirit spread; a spread in which one card represents what you know, one is what you don't, and the third is how to move forward. This allows the deck to provide a more nuanced and layered answer.

Write Down Your Experiences

Once you're ready to take it to the next level, try journaling after you pull a card, advises Basile. "Get past your immediate interpretation and go deeper," she advises. "Do you resist a message? Why? Does a message feel right? Why? In a sense, you are the oracle. You have to interrogate yourself."

Pick a Time and Place That Work for You

Basically, when, where, and how you use your deck is up to you and what feels right intuitively. Once you start implementing them into your spiritual practice, you could find you're drawn to using them in a particular way. For instance, Basile loves to use hers while traveling.

"Travel can put you in a receptive, transient mindset where you can really get to know yourself," she says. "I usually ask a question about my journey or what I should keep in mind, and what sort of message it might hold for me. It helps me to touch base with the space I'm in and get in touch with where my mindset is in my journey. What should I keep in mind? What is my emotional state?" For example, while traveling abroad, the cards inspired Basile to stay creative. She recalls later "writing so much on that trip."

Our Favorite Products

The Moon Deck by Aarona Lea

My personal favorite is a set of 44 cards that each display an affirmative statement. According to the author, the cards can be used daily for reflection, meditation, or in a tarot-inspired spread and are meant to help you develop your intuition, self-love, inner beauty, and emotional well-being.

Wild Unknown Animal Spirit by Kim Krans

"Working with nature feels really right to me," says Basile. Since these cards are inspired entirely by nature, it makes sense Basile would want to work with them. "[This deck feels] optimistic, actionable, supportive, wise, and soft rather than alarmist or scary."

The Tantric Dakini Oracle by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger

Herstik recommends this 65-card deck that stems from Tantric mystical teachings. The imagery is vibrant and uses a lot of loud colors like red, yellow, turquoise, and green. There are Sanskrit and Tibetan influences in it since one of the authors is a scholar of both.

The Starseed Oracle by Rebecca Campbell and Danielle Noel

Herstik loves this "beautiful," ethereal, 53-card deck, written by Campbell and illustrated by Noel. It's "designed to support you on your soul's path and embody who you truly are." The cards are beautiful too.

Vera Sibilla Della Sophia

Though it was traditionally used for predictive purposes, Basile has integrated this deck into ancestral work and uses it to gain clarity on specific questions. "When I pull an oracle card, especially with this deck, the answer is interpreted through the lens of ancestral magic," she explains. "So, I might ask a question about how my grandmother might do something or what sort of message my lineage—or a family archetype...has to offer me."

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