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The Oracle of Delphi -

In Ancient Greece, relying on the wisdom of the Gods before making a fateful decision was considered normal. The temple at Delphi was home to the oracle. Named the Pythia, she delivered prophecies believed to come from the God Apollo.

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The Oracle of Delphi -

A high priestess, her messages were sought by lawmakers, cult founders, and colonists. As a famous fortune-teller, she was often asked to forecast the outcomes of political moves or war. The influence of the oracle began to die out when the Roman emperor Theodosius established laws to restrict pagan activity.

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The Lenormand Deck -

Oracle card decks can be traced back to the Lenormand, first created in the 18th century. A deck of 36 cards portraying simple imagery, they were originally named "The Game of Hope." Derived from the symbols found in coffee grounds readings, the cards were used in parlor games. Later on, their function became associated with the esoteric.

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The Lenormand Deck -

The cards were renamed after the death of Marie Anne Lenormand. Known as Madame Lenormand, she was a famous psychic who customized her own version of "The Game of Hope" deck. This deck is the Lenormand version, still in use today.

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What are oracle cards? -

Oracle cards generally range from 30-60 card decks. They commonly depict artwork of animals, angels, flowers, nature, symbols or objects. They can also feature words and numbers.

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Differences with Tarot -

The tarot is a fixed system of cards, each with a specific meaning. Sometimes, the strict nature of tarot is intimidating to beginners. There is a strong tradition surrounding tarot cards and a large number of definitions to be learned.

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Differences with Tarot -

While tarot is sought after for advice, oracle decks encourage users to develop their intuition, as they are more open to interpretation.

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A 6th sense? -

We are all familiar with our five senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. What is commonly left underdeveloped is our sixth sense or psychic ability. Whether you believe in it or not, we experience intuition and gut feelings. They provide us with clues, and learning to trust them helps to develop our psychic senses further.

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A 6th sense? -

Activities like meditation and breathwork or spending time in nature help us to become more present. This in turn makes it easier to hear your intuitive nudges. Connecting to your intuition using oracle cards is another way to engage with the present moment. They're a way to practice openness toward the possibility of psychic abilities.

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Archetypes, myth, and the unconscious -

Oracle decks work with symbolic meanings. The interpretation of these symbols will vary from person to person. However, throughout history in both storytelling and art, and across mythologies, there are many common, enduring symbols.

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Archetypes, myth, and the unconscious -

Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist who developed many theories about the human psyche. Jung's theory of archetypes identifies common images recorded in art and literature that represent shared memories.

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Archetypes, myth, and the unconscious -

To get in touch with the unconscious influences in life, he recommended making these images conscious to understand ourselves and the factors driving our "fate." Oracle cards present a practical way to examine our own psyche through random, symbolic imagery.

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Choosing a deck -

One of the first ways to develop your sixth sense using oracle cards presents itself when you choose a deck to work with. Using your intuition, choose the deck you are most drawn to. There doesn't need to be a reason why. Perhaps there is a message in the artwork that you need to learn, or you find yourself drawn to something unexpected. Suspend judgment and go with the one that feels right to you.

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Open to interpretation -

Generally, there are no rules when it comes to using oracle cards. They can be used in whatever context or setting you feel comfortable with. This freedom allows you to tap into the creative, intuitive mind—leaving your logical, thinking brain behind. Your mind can wander, exploring ideas that don't necessarily make sense.

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Inspiration -

If you're feeling blocked in a creative sense, oracle cards can help. By asking a question and pulling a card, you might be inexplicably drawn to a certain aspect of it. Similarly, if you choose several cards, you can establish a pattern or recurring theme between them, whether it's a color, shape, or number. As one or more themes emerge, they can point you in a new, inspired direction.

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Self-analysis -

Oracle cards provide a way to analyze yourself and a situation. When you pull a card, you give it meaning—just like your mind does with the events and people in your life. This naming helps you to see where you make judgments, helping you to become more aware and in touch with yourself.

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A different perspective -

Unlike friends or family who may have strong opinions, oracle cards are neutral. They provide a space to examine different perspectives and ideas. Pulling oracle cards can help you to reach a perspective you might not reach alone.

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Journal prompts -

Journaling is a way to get in touch with your emotions. You can pull an oracle card or an oracle spread to help get you started, focusing solely on describing what you see on the card. Writing about the energy of the card can help you to link events or circumstances in your life to the message of the oracle.

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Spreads -

There are many different spreads you can use when pulling oracles for deeper clarity. One of the most common is to pull a card that represents the past/present/future of a situation. You can create your own spread using the cards you feel most drawn to.

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Rituals -

Make rituals using your oracle cards. The full moon is a time for releasing, the new moon is a time for welcoming. You can use your cards to gain insight at these times, as well as birthdays, and at the beginning or end of the month or year.

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Divining tools -

Use your oracle cards with other divinatory tools to obtain more wisdom. For example, use crystals alongside your oracle cards. Crystals also have their own meanings, that can overlap with the cards. A pendulum can be used to to clarify the guidance with a yes/no answer.

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Create an Alter -

Make an alter in your home where you can display the card you are working with. You can place crystals, candles and offerings like books or objects that are meaningful on the space. Place it in a spot where you can meditate and receive further guidance from your intuition.

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Practice -

Practice with your cards by playing with them as much as you can. Opening to your intuitive mind more frequently makes it easier to connect. You will begin to notice cards that reappear when you are in the same mood.

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Pay attention -

Shuffle the deck well each time you use it. You might notice an intuitive message before you pull a card. Sometimes, a card will fall out of the deck as you shuffle. Use your intuition to decide if the message feels right.

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Play -

Have fun with your oracle cards. Use your oracle cards with friends to receive guidance together. Try to guess the card before you pull it and see if you can get it right. Bringing play into your card pulls helps to open your mind and expand your intuition.

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Use guidebooks -

After you've explored what the card means to you, you can consult the guidebook. Most oracle card decks contain guidance about the messages of each card. Reflect on how the meaning of the card corresponds to your interpretation.

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Cleanse your deck -

Cleanse your cards with herbs or incense before using them, to remove any stagnant energy. Before beginning your reading, hold the cards in your hand. Imagine them surrounded by light, helping to dispel any lingering energy.

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Ask clear questions -

If you have a question, make sure it is clear. You can do this by writing it down, or speaking it out loud. Focus on yourself and avoid asking yes/no questions, remaining open to the guidance you receive.

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Connect your higher mind -

Keep your readings positive. Oracle cards encourage you to access your higher mind guidance. This allows you to view situations in a detached way, focusing on energy and themes rather than whether you are "right" or "wrong" about something.

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Body language -

Notice any sensations or feelings in your body as you examine your card, focusing on the potential meaning. The body provides subconsious clues and messages. This intuitive exercise helps you to tune in with yourself more easily when you aren't using your oracle cards.

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Meditate -

Use your card as a supplement to your meditation. Meditating helps to quiet the mind and allow insights to emerge from your subconscious. By meditating in silence on your card, you make it easier to hear your intuitive voice and the message it holds for you.

Sources: (Britannica) (Labrynthos) (Structural Learning) (Harappa Education) (Paritasha Healing)

See also: A quick guide to reading tarot

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