What is an oracle and how to start using it: a guide to connecting with your intuition

Have you ever felt like you need a little guidance to make a decision, better understand what you're experiencing, or simply connect with yourself?

Oracles can become a beautiful tool for reflection and intuition. Their cards invite us to pause, observe what we feel, and pay attention to those messages that perhaps our busy minds don't allow us to hear.

You don't need experience or to know how to interpret complicated symbols to start using an oracle. The most important thing is to approach the cards with an open mind and use the reading as a space for personal connection.

In this article, we tell you what an oracle is, how it differs from tarot, how to formulate questions, and how to create your own intuitive routine with the cards.

What is an oracle?

An oracle deck is a set of cards containing images, words, symbols, or messages intended to encourage reflection and connection with our intuition.

Unlike a tarot deck, there isn't a single structure that all oracles must follow. Each deck has its own number of cards, theme, symbolism, and interpretation system.

That's why we can find oracles focused on different aspects, such as:

• Love and relationships.
• Self-love and self-esteem.
• Angels and spiritual guides.
• Energy and chakras.
• Manifestation and abundance.
• Moon and cycles.
• Daily messages.
• Personal growth.
• Protection and energetic cleansing.
• Spiritual connection.

One of the most beautiful characteristics of oracles is precisely their freedom. You can use the cards as a tool to ask yourself questions, observe your emotions, and discover new perspectives.

The message of a card doesn't have to give you a definitive answer. Sometimes, an image, a word, or a phrase can awaken a reflection within you that was already there.

Are oracle and tarot the same?

Although both use cards and can be employed for intuitive readings, oracle and tarot are not exactly the same.

Traditional tarot has a defined structure: a tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.

Oracles, on the other hand, do not have a universal structure. Each creator can decide how many cards their deck will have and how their messages will be organized.

For example, an oracle can have 36, 44, 50, or any other number of cards, depending on the system created for that deck.

Another important difference is the interpretation. Tarot has a symbolism and traditional structure that has developed over time. Oracles are usually freer and can include messages written directly on the cards.

So, is tarot or oracle better?

There isn't one better than the other.

It depends on what you're looking for and the tool you feel most connected to.

If you're new to the world of cards, an oracle can be especially easy to use, as many include words or messages that help you begin interpretation.

And if you already have experience with tarot, you can incorporate an oracle into your readings to complement your reflection.

How to formulate questions to an oracle

One of the keys to enjoying an intuitive reading is learning to formulate good questions. You can ask questions that help you understand what you can do in a given situation.

For example:

Instead of:
"Will I find love?"

You can ask:
"What do I need to work on within myself to open up to love?"

Instead of:
"Will I get this job?"

You can ask:
"What do I need to consider regarding this opportunity?"

Instead of:
"Is this person for me?"

You can ask:
"What can I learn from this relationship?"

Open-ended questions allow the reading to become a space for reflection, rather than merely seeking a "yes" or "no" answer.

Some questions you can ask your oracle

If you don't know where to start, here are some ideas:

• What do I need to know today?
• What energy accompanies me right now?
• What should I observe in my life currently?
• What do I need to let go of?
• What can I work on to feel better?
• What learning is behind this situation?
• What can I do to trust myself more?
• What needs my attention right now?
• What message do I need to hear today?
• How can I better connect with my intuition?

Remember that cards can be used as a tool for self-knowledge and reflection, not as a guarantee that certain events will happen.

How to store and care for your cards

If you have an oracle or tarot deck, you can also create a small ritual around its care.

There isn't a single correct way to store cards. The important thing is to find a way that is meaningful to you.

You can keep them in their own box, in a cloth bag, or in a special box designated for your cards.

Some people prefer to store their oracle with crystals they associate with intuition and protection, such as amethyst or clear quartz. Others simply prefer to keep the cards in a clean, quiet, and private place.

The most important thing is to prevent the cards from deteriorating and to keep them in a place where you can easily find them when you want to use them.

If it makes sense to you, you can also incorporate small energetic cleansing rituals for your cards, using methods appropriate for the deck's material. For example, some people prefer to use incense smoke around the cards instead of exposing them directly to elements that could damage them.

You don't need to perform any complicated rituals. The meaning you give to the moment is what can make it a special space.

How to create an intuitive routine with your oracle

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with an oracle is to use it frequently, but without making it an obligation.

You can create a small routine of a few minutes a day.

Find a quiet moment, put your phone aside, and breathe deeply for a few moments.

Then, shuffle the cards while thinking about how you feel or what you want to observe.

You can start by drawing one card a day.

Ask yourself:

What do I need to hear today?

Observe the card before reading the meaning from its accompanying book.

What is the first thing that catches your eye?

Is there any color, symbol, word, or image that particularly stands out?

How does it make you feel?

Then you can consult the card's interpretation and compare the message with what you had perceived.

Keep a journal of your cards

A beautiful idea to develop your intuition is to create an oracle journal.

Each day you can note:

Date:
Card drawn:
How I felt when I saw it:
What I think it means to me:
Message from the book:
How I felt throughout the day:

Over time, you can look back and observe how your interpretations have changed and what themes appear recurrently.

More than trying to "predict" what will happen, you'll be learning to listen to your own inner voice.

Do you need experience to use an oracle?

No.

In fact, starting without prior knowledge can be an opportunity to develop a very personal relationship with your cards.

Don't be afraid to interpret a card differently than it appears in the book. The meaning proposed by the author is a guide, but you can also ask yourself what that image represents to you.

Intuition doesn't always appear as a spectacular sensation. Sometimes it's simply that first word that comes to mind, an image that catches your attention, or a feeling that arises when looking at a card.

With practice, you will learn to recognize it.

A small ritual to start

If you want to turn your reading into a special moment, you can create a small ritual.

Prepare a quiet space, light some incense you like, and place your oracle in front of you.

Breathe deeply a few times and set aside the day's worries.

Shuffle the cards slowly and formulate a question.

Then, draw a card.

Don't immediately look for an answer. Observe it.

Ask yourself what it conveys to you and what part of its message resonates with you.

You can end the reading by writing a short sentence:

"Today I choose to pay attention to..."

You don't need more.

Spirituality doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, a few minutes of calm, a question, and a card are enough to reconnect with yourself.

The oracle as a tool for self-knowledge

An oracle can be much more than a deck of cards.

It can become a small space to stop, breathe, and ask yourself how you truly are.

Its messages can help you observe situations from another perspective, identify emotions, ask new questions, and connect with your intuition.

And perhaps that is one of the most beautiful parts of working with an oracle: you don't need to seek all the answers outside of yourself.

The cards can accompany you on the journey, but the person who interprets, feels, and decides is always you.

✨ Would you like to start your own journey with oracles?

At Drusalunar, you'll find oracles, tools, and rituals to accompany you in your moments of introspection, connection, and intuition.

Choose the deck that most appeals to you, create your own space, and let each card be an invitation to listen to yourself a little more.

Your intuition is already within you. The cards can simply help you listen to it.

Thank you✨