stella01904
Helvetica said:As a product of the Renaissance, these archetypes and their progression derive from the Christian-inspired neoplatonism that was popular at the time. But they have proved wider than their origin - and can be thought of as universal archetypes arranged in a universal progression of the soul - or indeed, a Hero's Journey.
Oracle decks are often more free-form, with no set structure, though their creators may well devise a structure for them. You tend to read them in a more intuitive, free-associative way.
Precisely!
Tarot requires study, as in reading books, lol. You need a little background in history, numerology, iconology....
SOME oracle decks require a bit of study, as well. The Well Worn Path, for instance, requires some knowledge of Witchcraft. Any deck of rune cards would require you to learn the runes. Decks like these usually come in a kit with a real book, not a LWB.
Grand Lenormand calls for a smattering of Greek and Egyptian mythology, geomancy, and whatever else you can bring to the table!
Oracle decks such as Petit Lenormand, the Italian Sibillas, etc. are read by simple free-association. A Dog-Rider combination, for instance, might be news of a friend, since the Dog represents friendship and loyalty and the Rider brings news. Other neighboring cards might tell you the nature of the news. But a more introspective reading could be gotten from this, as well. It could represent the querant's tendency to constantly run to the assistance of others.
Stella