Beginner’s Guide to Oracle Cards: A Simple Way to Start Reading for Yourself

Curious about Oracle cards but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Oracle decks are growing in popularity for a reason—they're intuitive, beautiful, and incredibly personal. If you're feeling drawn to them, trust that nudge. This beginner’s guide is here to help you understand what Oracle cards are, how they’re different from Tarot, and how you can begin reading for yourself with confidence and heart.

So, What Are Oracle Cards?

Think of Oracle cards as a spiritual toolkit—each deck is a unique set of cards designed to offer insight, clarity and gentle guidance. There’s no fixed system like Tarot; instead, every deck is crafted around a theme or intention. Some are based on angels, some on affirmations, others on archetypes or nature spirits.

The beauty of Oracle cards lies in their flexibility. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to use them. They’re a mirror for your intuition, helping you connect with your inner wisdom and see things from a higher perspective.

A single Oracle Card can set the tone for an entire reading!

Oracle vs Tarot – What’s the Difference?

People often ask if Oracle cards are the same as Tarot. While they both fall under the umbrella of divination tools, they’re quite different:

3 Card Tarot Spread

• Tarot has a fixed structure: 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. Each card has a traditional meaning and symbolism that follows a system, which can take time to learn.

• Oracle cards, on the other hand, are free-flowing. The number of cards and themes vary from deck to deck. They’re more fluid and intuitive, often used for general guidance rather than detailed readings.

If Tarot feels a bit intimidating, Oracle cards can be a gentler way in.

Starting Is Easier Than You Think: In this guide to Oracle cards - A Step-by-Step Approach

If you’re just beginning your journey with Oracle cards, this simple guide will walk you through the basics—no overwhelm, just ease. Here’s how to begin:

1. Choose a Deck That Speaks to You

This part is all about intuition. Trust what you’re drawn to—whether it’s the artwork, the theme, or the energy of the creator. Your Oracle deck should feel good in your hands, like an old friend you're just getting to know. You’ll know when you’ve found the one—there’s usually a connection you can feel.

2. Cleanse & Connect

Before using your deck for the first time (and regularly after that), take a moment to energetically cleanse it. This is like giving the cards a reset, especially if others have touched them or if they've been sitting on a shelf gathering dust.

You can:

• Pass the deck through incense or sage smoke

• Place a crystal on top

• Hold them in your hands and set an intention

Say something like:“I command that this deck be cleansed and purified, harmonised and healed. I ask for clear & loving guidance and for it to be for the highest good of those involved. May these cards & I be a clear, pure channel.”

You're asking that anything not yours—or not aligned with your highest good—be cleared. You're setting the tone for a sacred connection.

3. Ask a Simple Question

Start with something open, gentle and non-specific. You’re not looking for hard answers—you’re opening a conversation with your higher self and the wisdom of the cards.

Some great beginner questions include:

• What do I need to know right now?

• What energy is surrounding me today?

• What message does my higher self want to share?

Keep it positive and curious. This is about insight, not prediction. You’re tapping into your own guidance system, not giving your power away.

4. Pull a Card (or Three)

There’s no strict rule here—just a gentle reminder: less is more, especially when you’re just starting. One card can often say plenty.

You might:

• Pull a daily card as a focus or affirmation

• Try a simple 3-card spread (Past – Present – Future)

Trust me—I’ve been there, pulling 6 or 7 cards because I wasn’t “getting it,” only to feel totally overwhelmed and confused. Don’t overdo it. Stay in your lane. One card is often the clearest message.

5. Tune In Before Reading the Guidebook

Here’s where the magic starts to unfold.

Before reaching for the guidebook, pause. Let yourself feel into the card:

• What symbols or colours catch your eye?

• How does the card make you feel?

• What message or word pops into your head?

This is your intuition speaking—let it. This is how you start to build trust in your inner knowing.

Then, if you’d like to dive deeper, read the message in the guidebook.

But here’s a pro tip: Don’t discount what you received first. Let the guidebook enhance your understanding, not override it.

Your own feelings and perceptions are gold. The card's meaning isn’t limited to what’s printed on the page. That inner nudge, that flicker of knowing? That’s the real magic.

(Want to learn more about how your intuitive senses work—including the "clairs"? You can read more about them here.)

6. Journal What Comes Through

Write down the card you pulled, the message, and anything you felt or noticed. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns—and build trust in your own intuitive voice.

A Final Word

Oracle cards aren’t here to tell you what’s going to happen—they’re here to help you drop into the moment, reconnect with your inner voice, and remember that you already hold the answers. They offer a gentle nudge, a whisper from your higher self, and a reminder that you are never alone on this journey.

So take a breath. Shuffle the deck. Trust what comes.

Your soul is always speaking—this is just one way to listen.

With love,

Joanne x

Ready to Go Deeper?

If you’re feeling the spark and want to explore your intuition, your psychic senses (the clairs), or you're just not sure where to begin—you're not alone. That’s exactly what I help with in my 1:1 sessions and spiritual mentoring.

Whether you’re new to this or you’ve been on the path for a while, I’d love to support you in trusting your inner wisdom, strengthening your psychic gifts, and connecting to something deeper.

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🌟 Want a gentle start? Download my free guide to 'The Clairs' here.