Oracle cards are one of my favorite tools for guidance, inspiration, and clarity when I’m feeling like I need some insights about life situations.
In this post, I’ll cover the different types of oracle card decks, including the best ones for beginners as well as the most popular ones. So, whether you’re a beginner looking for the perfect deck to start your journey or a seasoned oracle card reader interested in expanding your collection, you’ve come to the right spot.
First off, let’s take a brief look at the history of oracle cards. The concept of using cards as divination tools goes way back to ancient Greek times and ancient China. However, oracle cards were inspired by what is known as “Lenormand cards” which originated in Western Europe in the early 19th century. Lenormand cards were used for spiritual guidance, and oracle cards soon became popular, similar to the way Tarot cards were already popular.
What are Oracle Cards?
Oracle cards today are used for inspiration, guidance and inner connection. However, unlike a tarot deck which always consists of 78 cards, oracle decks can have anywhere from 10, to 25, to 40, to 78 cards. It completely depends on the artist and creator, and how the theme they decided to create them around. Both oracle and tarot cards are powerful tools for connecting with your inner self, but they follow different reading patterns and are very different in design, structure, and appearance.
The different types of oracle cards
Oracle decks come in many different themes and styles. The deck you choose will depend on what you’re interested in, such as connecting with angels, exploring mystical realms, or seeking guidance in specific areas of life. It will also depend on whether you like the art, the colors, and the overall feel of the deck.
Let’s take a look at the different types of oracle decks available:
Angel oracle decks
Angel cards are specifically designed to connect with angelic energies and guidance. These decks often feature beautiful artwork depicting angels and offer messages of love, support, and divine intervention. Best for: Comfort, inspiration, and assistance in various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, and spiritual growth.
Goddess oracle decks
Goddess oracle decks focus on the divine feminine energies and archetypes from different cultures and mythologies. These decks allow you to connect with the power and wisdom of goddesses, offering guidance, empowerment, and nurturing energy.
Best for: Tapping into your intuition, embracing self-love, and invoking the qualities of specific goddesses for guidance and support.
Animal Spirit oracle decks
Animal spirit oracle decks draw inspiration from the animal kingdom, incorporating the wisdom and symbolism of various animals. These decks provide insights into the natural world, animal spirits, and their messages.
Best for: Helping you gain a deeper understanding of your own instincts, tapping into your animal guides, and receiving guidance on specific life situations.
Tarot-inspired oracle decks
Tarot-inspired oracle decks combine elements of traditional tarot with the freedom and flexibility of oracle cards. These decks often feature unique artwork and interpretations, providing a more intuitive and personalized approach to divination.
Best for: if you’re drawn to the symbolism and structure of tarot but prefer a more fluid and open-ended reading experience.
Astrology oracle decks
Astrology oracle decks incorporate astrological symbols, planetary energies, and zodiac signs into their card meanings. These decks can offer insights into your personal astrology, help you understand astrological influences in your life, and provide guidance based on the current astrological transits.
Best for: Those interested in exploring the connections between astrology and divination.
Chakra oracle decks
Chakra oracle decks focus on the energy centers in the body known as chakras. These decks help you understand and balance your chakras, providing guidance on energetic blockages, emotional healing, and spiritual growth.
Best for: Assisting in identifying areas of imbalance and offering affirmations, meditations, and practices to restore harmony within your energy system.
Healing oracle decks
Healing oracle decks are designed to provide guidance and support in matters of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. These decks offer messages of encouragement, self-care practices, and affirmations to aid in the healing process.
Best for: Those on a healing journey or seeking guidance in navigating challenging times.
Nature oracle decks
Nature oracle decks celebrate the beauty and wisdom of the natural world. These decks often feature stunning artwork depicting landscapes, plants, animals, and elements of nature. Best for: Providing insights, guidance, and inspiration from the natural realm, allowing you to connect with the healing energies of Mother Earth and gain a deeper understanding of your relationship with the environment.
These are just a few examples of the many types of oracle decks available. Each deck has its own unique focus and energy, so remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to oracle card selection – trust your intuition and choose the decks that speak to your heart and align with your intentions.
Oracle Cards for Beginners
How to choose an oracle deck
If you’re new to the world of oracle cards, this section is for you! With so many decks to choose from, it can be overwhelming picking the best one. So below are a few general tips for picking a deck and how to use it.
1. Choose beginner-friendly oracle decks
When you’re just starting out, choose oracle decks that are beginner-friendly and easy to connect with. Look for decks that have clear and concise meanings for each card, as well as accompanying guidebooks or resources that provide interpretations and guidance. Decks with beautiful and relatable artwork can also enhance your intuitive connection with the cards.
2. Oracle deck themes and intuition
Consider the theme of the deck and choose one that resonates with your current interests or areas of focus. Whether you’re drawn to angels, nature, or personal development, selecting a deck that aligns with where you’re at in that moment can make the experience more fun. Trust your intuition and choose a deck that speaks to you on a deeper level.
3. Get familiar with the cards
Once you have chosen your beginner-friendly oracle deck, take some time to familiarize yourself with the cards. Personally, I love exploring the artwork and symbolism on each card, paying attention to the messages and feelings they evoke in me. The guidebook is always helpful for understanding the meanings and interpretations of each card.
4. Establishing a connection
I love to hold the deck in my hands, shuffle the cards, and infuse them with my energy. That really helps in establishing a ritual or practice to connect with the cards.
5. Practice with simple spreads
As a beginner, it’s beneficial to start with simple spreads or layouts for your oracle card readings. A popular and straightforward spread is the three-card spread, where you draw three cards to represent the past, present, and future or to gain insights into a specific situation.
6. Journal and reflect
This is probably my favorite part, but I love keeping a journal of my feelings and insights after an oracle card reading. If you felt you had a particularly powerful reading or cards, take some time to write down about the cards you drew, their meanings, and any intuitive impressions or messages you received.
7. Get guidance and support from others
If you can do readings with friends or connect with others online, it can be really fun to share the experience and learn more!
A List of Different Types of Oracle Card Decks
Below is a list of some popular oracle card decks, their creators, and what you can use them for. In this article we don’t go into much detail about each of the decks, but you can find more in-depth reviews of oracle card decks over here.
The Spirit Animal Oracle
Created by internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher and best-selling author Colette Baron-Reid, this 68-card deck combines beautiful illustrations of animals with insightful messages, providing guidance and wisdom from the animal kingdom.
Buy the deck here.
Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards
Created by Doreen Virtue, this deck celebrates the divine feminine energy through powerful goddess archetypes, offering guidance, empowerment, and nurturing energy.
The Oracle of the Fairies
Designed and created by Karen Kay and Ginger Kelly, this enchanting 44-card deck connects you with the magical world of fairies, offering messages of joy, inspiration, and whimsical guidance.
Earth Wisdom Oracle Cards
Created by Cristina Scagliotti and Barbara Moore, this deck draws inspiration from nature, featuring vibrant artwork of landscapes, plants, and symbolic patterns. It provides guidance and insights from the natural world.
Learn more here about the deck.
The Crystal Spirits Oracle Deck
This deck, created by Colette Baron-Reid, focuses on the energies and properties of different crystals. It offers guidance, healing, and spiritual insights based on the timeless wisdom of Crystal Spirits.
The Sacred Geometry Oracle Deck
Created by Francene Hart, this deck 64-card explores the intricate patterns and symbols of sacred geometry, often referred to as the “language of light”. It provides guidance and wisdom through the universal language of shapes and forms. The detailed guide includes spreads, card explanations, and reflective insights from a wide variety of sacred traditions.
White Light Oracle Deck
Created by Alana Fairchild, this deck follows the theme of the white light which holds all the frequencies needed for healing ourselves, each other, our planet, and all her precious creatures.
Learn more about this deck here.
Archangel Oracle Cards
Another amazing deck by Doreen Virtue, the 45 oracle cards focus on the energies and messages of 15 archangels. The deck provides guidance, protection, and spiritual insights from these celestial beings.
The Soul’s Journey Lesson Cards
Created by Spirit communicator James Van Praagh, this deck takes you on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. It offers guidance and reflections to help you navigate life’s challenges and find your true purpose. There is a special “soul spread” to help reveal a soul lesson you’re currently being taught.
Enchanted Forest Oracle
Created by Britta Baumann, this deck transports you to the enchanted forest full of magical and mystical creatures, offering guidance, inspiration, and connection to the wisdom of nature spirits. Each of the beings in this 58 card deck has a unique and healing message to bring to you.
The Intuition Oracle Deck
Created by Monte Farber and Amy Zerner, this deck is very different compared to the usual style of oracle cards! There are 52 illustrated oracle cards correspond to archetypes and universal symbols, which are meant to guide intuitive and meditative thought. Unlike the usual oracle cards, the cards in this deck have only art on the one side and a keyword and phrase on the other.
Mythic Oracle: Wisdom of the Ancient Greek Pantheon
Created by Carisa Mellado and Michele-lee Phelan, this deck is for those who feel a connection with ancient Greece. The cards draw on the wisdom of the mythic figures and heroes of ancient Greece.
These are just a few examples of the many oracle card decks available. Remember to choose the decks that resonate with your energy, interests, and intentions!
Best Oracle Card Decks
There are so many decks out there, so below are the best oracle decks according to online reviews and popularity. The “best” deck is of course, very subjective, so this is a general overview of the most used decks out there.
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck
Created by Kim Krans, this deck beautifully combines minimalist and intricate artwork to depict animal spirits. Each card offers profound insights into the symbolism and energy of different animals, allowing for deep connections and guidance from the natural world.
The Wisdom of the Oracle Deck
Created by Colette Baron-Reid, this deck features stunning artwork and provides powerful messages that touch on various aspects of life. It offers guidance, clarity, and intuitive wisdom to support personal growth and decision-making.
The Earth Magic Oracle Deck
Created by Steven D. Farmer, this deck taps into the energies of the Earth and its elements. It offers guidance, healing, and a deep connection to nature, allowing users to explore the wisdom and messages of the natural world.
The Work Your Light Oracle Deck
Created by Rebecca Campbell and Danielle Noel, this deck is designed to help users tap into their inner light and purpose. It offers guidance, encouragement, and support in aligning with one’s soul’s calling and living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
The Mystical Shaman Oracle Deck
Created by Alberto Villoldo, Colette Baron-Reid, and Marcela Lobos, this deck combines the wisdom of shamanism with powerful artwork. It offers profound insights, healing guidance, and spiritual teachings to connect with ancient wisdom and navigate life’s journey.
The Enchanted Map Oracle Deck
Created by Colette Baron-Reid, this deck uses maps as a metaphor for life’s journey. It offers guidance, inspiration, and intuitive insights to help users navigate their paths, overcome obstacles, and embrace their true potential.
The Moonology Oracle Cards
Created by Yasmin Boland, this deck focuses on the energies and phases of the moon. It offers guidance, affirmations, and rituals to harness the power of the lunar cycles and manifest your desires in alignment with the moon’s energy.
The Sacred Rebels Oracle Deck
Created by Alana Fairchild, this deck encourages users to embrace their authenticity and rebel against societal norms. It offers guidance, inspiration, and intuitive messages to support personal growth, empowerment, and spiritual transformation.
The Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards
Created by Kyle Gray, this deck bridges the gap between the angelic realm and ancestral wisdom. It offers guidance, blessings, and support from angels and ancestors to provide comfort, direction, and spiritual connection.
Where to Buy Oracle Deck Cards
There’s many online and physical stores that sell oracle cards. You can access a much bigger variety of decks online, but you can find some real gems in physical stores that are dedicated to spiritual stuff. You can check out places like Amazon, Etsy, and bookstores for cool oracle cards. I might also add some really unique ones for sale on here too, so stay tuned!