Playing Card Oracles ~ Alchemy Edition

[Nica]

The Playing Card Oracles are quickly replacing my love for the tarot, which I thought had no cure. It has so much logic and life to it. I never thought I'd replace my love for tarot, but so it has happened.

While it has been awkward wrapping my head around numbers and geomancy, it's humbling to go back to the basics and trace your steps through the learning process.

 

[MoonGypsy]

The Playing Card Oracles are quickly replacing my love for the tarot, which I thought had no cure. It has so much logic and life to it. I never thought I'd replace my love for tarot, but so it has happened.

While it has been awkward wrapping my head around numbers and geomancy, it's humbling to go back to the basics and trace your steps through the learning process.

Dear Nica, i echo everything you have said...The Playing Card Oracle System is
inexpressible in both its Logic and it is so Vibrant and Alive with depth and meaning.
Both The late CJ Freeman and our Ana Cortez have given us a great tool. It is life changing.
And certainly has changed the way i look at the cards..

 

[MoonGypsy]

i read this little question and answer on one of Ana Cortez's public
FB pages, and thought it might clarify some things for peeps still considering
purchasing the new PCO: Alchemy edition deck.

Q: A couple months a ago I bought your oracle deck. And started learning. Now there is a new one. Why? Is it better? Is it more intuitive to learn or how about easier to learn?
Thank you for your time

Ana: Thanks for your questions. I’m sure many people are wondering the same things. This “Alchemy” deck is simply different than the originally published Playing Card Oracles, and a lot is personal preference. One thing about the first PCO is that it displays pip designs on card faces, emphasizing numerology and pip (suit) meanings, which I feel is very good for work with cards. In this new Edition, you have the richness of color that draws the reader in, so can help with the imagination. So again, personal preference. Each can augment the other.

As for the other part of your question, it has been 13 years now since the original PCO was first published and I felt time was due for publishing more of Dad’s incredible illustrations for cards. It just wouldn’t be right to leave them unseen. And there will likely be another PCO! There are so many wonderful pieces of art, none less or more valid. All work within the PCO structure outlined in the book.
Thanks again for your questions.

www.anacortez.com

 

[Madrigal]

I've been back and forth with these for a couple of months. I recently downloaded her playing card calendar....very cool! So I had another look at the cards and decided to go with the original deck. The images felt less imposing and a little lighter. It's due to arrive tomorrow. Quite intrigued by her approach so I bought the accompanying book which reviews indicted was a necessity in learning her system.

 

[MoonGypsy]

I've been back and forth with these for a couple of months. I recently downloaded her playing card calendar....very cool! So I had another look at the cards and decided to go with the original deck. The images felt less imposing and a little lighter. It's due to arrive tomorrow. Quite intrigued by her approach so I bought the accompanying book which reviews indicted was a necessity in learning her system.

Hi Madrigal!

i do love [and have] both decks; however, i must admit the original PCO [especially
the vintage one] is still my personal favorite.] But i do LOVE and use both...
There are sooooooo many different versions of the cards that Ana's late artist dad--CJ Freeman--created, that i wouldn't be surprised if there is a 3rd edition with all new card versions someday.

It is a way of honoring her dad and his wonderful visionary art. Personally, i would want
most everything he ever did. He was such a talented man, and a very interesting
character. i am totally fascinated in the whole story of the creation of these cards
and the man behind the pallette...and his wonderful daughter who is so lovingly
carrying on his artful leagacy.

i am in the middle of reading Ana's new book: "Oracle Alchemy" and can't put it
down...

 

[Madrigal]

I've read through a few pages of this thread and feel even happier with my choice. But my vintage, borderless self now wants that original OOP deck, too I saw a pic of the cardbacks and the lack of borders gives a very different vibe.

How long did it take folks to find their way into her system?

 

[MoonGypsy]

How long did it take folks to find their way into her system?

i am not exactly sure...because everyone is different...so i don't think there is really a definitive all encompassing answer to that question...

but i can tell you that i personally first discovered it around 2008 or so...

Some may have found it earlier, and plenty more--later. And some, only recently.
More tomorrow...

But i didn't seriously start studying it in depth until last year...

i also recommend viewing Ana's videos; i found them very inspirational. i still
watch them on occasion when i need a boost of fresh inspiration in my PCO studies.
Her voice is very calm and soothing; and her teaching method clear and authentic.

Ana also offers a "Master the Oracles online Workshop" , which i would LOVE to be able
to have access to, by i just don't have the extra $$$ to do it. i am sure it is well
worth it, though. i am hoping sometime i will be able to take it.

Find out more about it here:

http://anacortez.com/mastering-oracles-workshop/

 

[Madrigal]

Thanks, MoonGypsy. I guess I'll read through the book and work with the cards alongside it. The workshop you posted sounds great and feels like something to work towards wrt these cards.

I wonder if this system and the cards would lend themselves to a study group, like the ones in the Tarot forum. Because I don't have any experience with the PCO I don't know if it would be feasible but if it were perhaps there'd be interest here.

 

[Madrigal]

My original PCO arrived today along with the book. The cards are really lovely. Not disappointed even though I have no clue of her system. I'll be wading in to this lineage eagerly. There's something wonderfully basic and very appealing about using actual playing cards for divination.

I'm going to do a four week spread and see what might be on the horizon.

 

[greatdane]

The new vs the old PCO

I have watched a youtube video comparing both and I admit the newer one. I am thinking of getting the book and the newer deck (I thought the older deck was oop anyway?). I do enjoy watching her youtube vids.