Hmm???

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 15 Aug 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Athena	15 Aug 2001
Hello Everyone! I feel a little silly asking this question, but I know this is the best place for it :) In my experience, there has always been a vast difference between Oracle decks and Tarot decks. Am I the only one who thinks and feels this way? Inside my head I even categorize them as similar, but still different. Even the energy involved *feels* drasticly different to me. I'm curious how readings go with others when you use an Oracle deck? My Oracle Decks are very spiritual in nature, and the every day person seems to not connect as well. Is this a fault of mine? Am I not doing my job as a Reader???

dalilou	16 Aug 2001
When I use an oracle deck the reading tends to be a lot more intense, possibly because oracles tend to be more spiritually based (?) or the fact that the meanings of the cards themselves are usually more specific or delve deeper with longer explanations and sometimes a prayer to go along with it. So don't think that you're alone...

Athena	16 Aug 2001
I definitely hear you about it being more intense, which I think is one of the reasons I strayed from straight Tarot for so long. Which decks do you use, Oracle wise, if you don't mind me asking :) Glad I'm not alone...

Dee 04	16 Aug 2001
What decks r u referring to exactly????

dalilou	16 Aug 2001
The deck I'm referring to is actually not my own- a friend of mine does readings for me with the Faery Oracle sometimes and will lend me a card for a few hours to meditate on. But other than that, I think she really feels closer to the deck and that helps to make it more in-depth also. I used to use the Tarot of the Orisha which is not really tarot but closer to a divination deck and the energy in the room was thick and palpable. Almost too powerful. I've been thinking about getting the Faerie's Oracle or the Goddess Oracle. I wonder if anyone has an oracle deck they they feel close to?

Dee 04	17 Aug 2001
dalilou: In the old forum I remember discussing the Tarot of the Orisa with you. I do not read this one but I know someone who does. She'd agree with your experience of the "energy being palpable." I read Tarot and I am not too familiar with many oracle/divination decks (is it the same thing?). The only deck I own that is a divination deck is the Medicine Cards. But now I am getting curious...

Dee 04	17 Aug 2001
what i mena by "is it the same thing" is between oracle and divination. I know the difference b/w a Tarot deck and a divination deck.

truthsayer	17 Aug 2001
i've worked w/ several different oracle systems over the years: i ching, playing cards, dice, cartouche, runes, druid animal oracle, medicine cards, sacred path, and maybe more i can't remember. to me what's special about the tarot is that it's like a beloved story that has many different renditions. it's like in mythology, all civilizations have a creation myth and other stories come out of the creation myth. a simpler example is boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. i can't even count the number of books or movies based on this theme. each will have the author's individual flare but it's still the same theme but told in a fresh way. the tarot decribes the spiritual and mundane stages of growth of human kind. oracle systems seem to have more their individual personal flair that's often based on culture. for example, you aren't going to find a thread of the same story told in the i ching that's told in the runes. the tarot use the same story based on multiple individual interps of the collective unconscious. other tarot decks can be made about different cultures but there is a general predictable pattern as to what each stage is going to be even if the arthor changes the names of some of the cards. you prob won't see this happening in oracle systems. the tarot has a continuing history over the centuries. not all oracle systems have a connection that goes back centuries except maybe the i ching and a couple others. i think it would be pretty difficult to set the i ching up to work like tarot and vice versa. i know there are i ching cards but i don't know if this is an attempt to make an i ching tarot. i know from what i've seen of rune cards, i felt disappointed in comparison w/ tarot or the clay runes. some thing seemed lost in the translation. keep in my i'm no expert on the differences. this is just my opinion.

Athena	18 Aug 2001
Dee, Th decks are very different, I mean between Oracle and tarot. One example is there is no cups, swords, or any of that. Most Oracle decks are set around a theme, one of my favorites being the Druid Animal Oracle, which is thee most beautiful cards (in my oinion). The cards have pictures of animals, then the oracular meaning for the spread, and then ancient stories passed down about each particular animal. The Druids believed that animals were very sacred, and that each one had a lesson or wisdom that it could teach people. So, basicly, there is a theme, and the interpretations are much longer, and intensely spiritual if you can open up to the power of animals. Plus, I have found that animals are intensely attracted to the area where I give my readings. They almost look at you like "yeah, now you're starting to get it." :) It is likewise with other Oracle decks. Like the Faerie Oracle, which I also have. It not only gives you oraclular guidance and the possibility of friendship with the fey folk, but it can also teach you to be more aware of your own surroundings. And if you are lucky, to actually see the fairies!! I suppose the overview of Oracle Decks is to open one's mind in different ways, depending on what deck you use. I just find that when I try to give a reading to an every-day-person, when I start talking about the power of the salmon, they look a little weird at me. (Not that I'm not used to weird looks :) ) Plus, there is an energy in the room that I just don't get with the Tarot. For me, it is almost like coming in contact, or being watched by a higher power. I feel connected to the world. I hope this helped, Dee! Athena

Dee 04	19 Aug 2001
That is very interesting Athena - the way you describe the difference in energies. I already knew the difference b/w Tarot and Divination decks. My question was "is an oracle deck the same as a divination deck" and your answer seemed to have been yes. I find this interesting since as divination decks I only own the Medicine Cards (which I love) and I will purchase the Soul Cards 1 and 2 tomorrow. What about them, in your opinion, do you find them more spiritual?

EveAnna	19 Aug 2001
I've never seen an Oracle deck other than the various cards pictured online but the way Athena has described using hers has certainly got my interest.

dalilou	19 Aug 2001
Hey truthsayer, I find what you're saying really interesting. I know that most cultures have some form of divination, although many are waning due to the influence of the Christian church. I think I feel the same way as you do, in that tarot invites you to create a story within the context of the Fool's Journey whose themes and archetypes can be found in almost every culture. I think oracle cards, if they're done properly, invite you to be open to closer contact with spirit. The problem is that because a lot of these decks are based on specific cultures, they can be totally off the mark especially when the creator of the deck does not come from that particular culture. It's also a little tempting to think that we can package a particular culture's spirituality and culture in a box for our own consumption. So in that respect, I think it's important to choose very carefully. For instance with tarot of the orisha, I really enjoyed working with orisha energy, a subject that I've studied and deities or energies that I've always felt close to. But in the end I had to stop using them because I felt as though I was working with the energies outside of cultural context, which is possible but also gave me too many mixed emotions. The yoruba religion has its own form of divination that was just too different from the cards. Maybe that was the problem. Also, the author of the deck used their book to bash Vodun by stating in not so many words that Santeria was the better religion. At first, I tried to ignore it but I was too conflicted inside me. I think Tarot can be a bit easier to work with because whatever the author wants to add when you strip away their extras the essence is still tarot. With oracle decks it's difficult to figure out what is the truth outside of the author's particular slant. They can make up whatever they want so be careful. I do however love the Faerie's oracle. I never thought I was interested in them until my friend gave me that reading. dalilou

purplelady	19 Aug 2001
I am honestly not sure of the difference between a divination deck , and an oracle deck.I'm not sure there is a difference! Perhaps it's just the choice of words the author chose to name it. I once had "The power deck" by v.c. andrews ,and I still regret giving it away!It gave me some very spiritual and accurate readings. It's now out of print.The other day when I couldn't locate a "Tarot of the moon garden" I bought "Flower Speaks" oracle deck instead , and I really really like it! It's very beautiful! :) :) ;D !

Athena	22 Aug 2001
Dee, My experience with straight Tarot is limited, so I am not exactly sure where the differences are. The obvious one that comes to mind is Oracle decks, in my experience, usually tell you what kind of question to ask for particular spreads that are listed in the book. Like, The Druid Animal Oracle has a spread that can explain all the influences that make up a person. It covers from 'when you were born - to why you born there, the lessons that you learned because of where you grew up, as well as past life influence. It is a 7 card reading, and the interpretations of the cards are long, and vary a lot. (Thinking here) I suppose another diffrence that I am finding is there is a different kind of intuition needed with Tarot, as well as with Oracle. There is also less freedom to a degree, such as suggesting how to shuffle, what spreads coordinate to the deck (and really do work the best!), and the interpretations are also long! Let me try this a different way... Say that we are doing a reading, me for you, and you want to know why it is you are so kind and compassionate. (Which you are :) ). I would suggest 'The Spirits of The Circle Spread', which covers 1)the self, 2)Spirit of Ancestors, which is basicly the influence of gene's, 3) Spirit of the Tribe, basicly is culture in which you have been raised, 4)Spirit of time, basicly the time that you were born, 5) Spirit of place, basicly is where you were born, 6)Spirit of the journey, strong past life influence, and 7) Awen, which is a fancy term for gift, grace, or blessings from the Gods. Something special that you do alone. This spread is great for looking at how you have been influenced through your life and why you took a certain direction over others, and has never failed me. I usually put people into tears with this spread and these cards because it is so accurate. Also, even though I don't claim to be any part Druid, or follow that particular faith, I still revere and respect the animals in it. Maybe that is why it works so well for me. Spiritually though, I think any pagan would connect with this deck as it almost always mentions the God or Goddess in each card, and how they correlate to the animals, emotions, and so on... So anyway, I do my shuffle thing, we talk a little because most people get nervous. (I live in an itty bitty small town and tarot readers are like myths to the people who live here). You get to shuffle, then you (the querent) tell me how to lay the cards as there is an inverted meaning for each card. (Did I mention how gorgeous this deck is, it is right up there with the "Goddess Oracle,' maybe prettier :) ) Have to continue on the next, it is too long, Haha

Athena	22 Aug 2001
So, lets say that for Spirit of Place, and you picked The FROG. Straight out of the book it says... "Losgann (gaelic for FROG) unites the elements of water and earth, bringing joy, delight and healing in its singing and hopping, and leading you to the sacred spring from which you may be refreshed and renewed. A cold-blooded creature living half on the land and half in the water, the frog possesses an extremely sensitive skin, considered magical by shamans. A companion of the rain spirits, the fron can help you develope your sensitivity to others, to healing and to sound through your skin and your whole body and aura. Nothing is what it appears to be, and life is more fun than you at first suspected! There is a hidden beauty and a hidden power in all of nature, and as you open yourself to this you will feel close to the Goddess and close to both the water and the earth. Look for the beauty and magic BEHIND appearances." From all that, I would surmise that wherever you were born, it was a place with a duality. An outside view, and inner view. A place where people might present one side of themselves to the world, and another at home to the family for an important reason. Growing up in that, you would learn to see behind the masks that people put on, you would recognize the goodness and the need for that mask, but you would also see beyond it, to where it is not necessary to hide. That hardship makes the person who he/she is, and you would understand all the aspects with compassion and kindness. I would also use my intuition to guess that someone around you, someone in direct contact with you, taught you how to give to others, while receiving on the inside. (This always reminds me of Nurses for some reason, as it always seems to be a thankless job). As well as feeling connected to the land, as it is rich with beauty as well as harvest. As each card usually remind's me of one or two elements I would guess that you, or the person who taught you this was either an earth or water person, meaning as in their sun sign, or whatnot. I could definitely go on, and on, about each individual card. This reading usually takes me about an hour, and thats without added questions for interpretations of the cards, and just plain sharing on the querants' side. Usually they will be reminded of something, or someone, and then tell me about where they feel it fits in. I almost never stray, but when I use Oracle decks the energy is astounding, and I can always tell when a person is open to really hearing the truth of the cards, or whether or not they lie to themselves. Other strange things happen to me as well, but thats another story :) Is this like a divination deck? I am not sure personally. I am just trying to figure out how to incorporate these into every day readings, and am finding that it is not easy. Where with Tarot, people seem almost more comftorable with me knowing less about them, or something... I am really not sure. One thing is for certain though, it may be a lot to memmorize, but when I use Oracle decks, it cuts right to the heart of people and their situations. I learn more about them in one hour, then they share with others in a lifetime. (Thinking, growing here) Maybe I should have asked how I can interpret these cards better for the every day average person. I was thinking that it was my fault when people weren't receptive. But maybe, they weren't ready to hear what the cards and I have to say. Maybe...thoughts anyone? Hope that helped, let me know if the are similar :) Athena "is an oracle deck the same as a divination deck" What about them, in your opinion, do you find them more spiritual?[/quote]

misifu	25 Aug 2001
I personally use different decks, depending on my mood and/or what the client likes. Aside from Tarot, I also read the Spanish cards which look a little like the older Minor Arcana, I also use the Parlour Sibill, the Gypsy Witch fortune-telling deck, Gong Hee Fot Choy and regular playing cards. I find that they all possess a certain magic that in no way makes them better or worse; it's just like comparing apples to oranges. Some people like apples better some like oranges and others like bananas and others no fruit at all. It all depends on what you feel comfortable with, and if the the Tarot "speaks" to you, then stick with it, but I think different oracle decks and other forms of divination are wonderul and all that diversity is what makes the world go 'round. Besides, I love what different cultures have to offer aside my own. Lots of love, Misifu.

The Hmm??? thread was originally posted on 15 Aug 2001 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.