Holistic Healing for Addiction

Oracle Decks

 Oracle Decks for Recovery

If you have ever seen an oracle deck, without being familiar with it, you may confuse them for tarot cards- and while the two are similar, they have marked differences creating two unique experiences. But before I launch into the beneficial aspects of this vibrational healing therapy, I would like to address the stigma surrounding tarot cards and oracle decks. It is no secret many reject the use of tarot and oracle decks, because some religions notions believe the practice to be "evil-" akin to other means of divination. Yet this branding of tarot and oracle decks alike is a common misconception; likely stemming from hostile histories of Pagan conversions to Christianity resulting in the defilement of a once sacred art. The stereotype was then exacerbated by later prejudice against gypsies. The Bible asserts followers of Christ "shall not interpret omens of tell fortunes," or "burn his son or daughter as on offering," claiming "anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens. . . [is] a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead."

If this notion has been ingrained into your being since childhood, and you feel uncomfortable traversing any farther, please proceed to the next chapter. Yet if you are willing to entertain an alternate opinion to what is an art surrounding your vibrational energy, similar to crystal healing, I entreat you to read on.

Foremost, consider the construction of oracle decks: merely ink and glossy paper, produced in a factory and shipped to retailers. There are no ignoble rituals, hexes, or any such "paranormal" or "occult" happenings. Many use oracle decks as a means of self-discovery, and derive comfort from the messages printed on the cards. There are innumerable decks in existence spanning from angels, dragons, flowers, and faeries complimenting the interests of all who enjoy them. The oracle differs in the tarot simply in the number of cards (sometimes) and presentation. Tarot cards are stiff in their interpretation, and always follow a formulaic inclusion of certain cards, whereas oracles may be constructed around a central theme (like romance and relationships), or the creator has the freedom to fashion cards differing from the normally expected construction of a tarot deck.

For instance, the tarot is comprised of 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards. Each are divided into four suites to represent the elements, controlling certain aspects of our mentalities; fire for creative passion, water for emotions and nurturing, earth for grounding and monetary concerns, and air as a symbol of the mind. Oracle decks may draw upon these elements and construction for inspiration, yet they are not bound to them. Think of oracle decks as free verse poetry, as opposed to form poetry.

For general holistic use, oracle decks are used to help users find purpose, and to direct their thoughts in constructive means, elucidating underlying thoughts and emotions not apparent to the subconscious mind. Oracle reading is yet another form of vibrational healing and medicine, where we rely on our intuition to guide our fingertips to the cards revealing the indwelling aspects of our lives. Unlike traditional tarot cards, many oracle decks print the meaning of each card under the artwork to help speed understanding of the card's meaning.

One may interpret the symbolism portrayed in the art depicted on the card, coupled with either thematic phrasing, or short sentences. Undoubtedly one's initial intuitive impressions should be immediately heeded. Do not second guess yourself. Many Oracle readers begin the day with a morning reading, and draw a card for guidance throughout the day. In my personal experience with both tarot cards and oracle cards, I have been able to face underlying fears, anxieties, and unnecessary fonts of turmoil by listening to what the cards communicate. Because I am someone who has difficulty understanding the full extent of my feelings, as a result of bottling them, sometimes the cards offer me the wake-up call I need. Oracle decks are not works of "magic," but rely on our own understanding of the situations around us. The boon of an oracle deck lies within its ability to encourage us to contemplate our own behaviors, and take action to prevent unwanted outcomes.