Have you ever wished there was a simple way to connect directly with the Universe and your own intuition to receive clear guidance on your path?
This is the magic that’s possible when you learn how to use Oracle Cards!
I always say Oracle Cards are a mind-blowing mystical yet practical tool – because once you get the hang of working with them, they lead to extraordinary epiphanies and extraordinary evidence that the universe really sees you and is available for conversation! Plus, they are easy and accessible to use and they really can provide you with clear guidance and direction on your path to your highest good.
Whether you’re brand new to Oracle Cards or you’ve been using them for decades, there’s always more to discover about the cards. In this Ultimate Guide to Oracle Cards, I’ll share why I love Oracle Cards so much, how to choose the right Oracle Card deck for you, and why Oracle Cards have helped transform so many people’s lives.
In this Ultimate Guide to Oracle Cards, I’ll Cover:
- My Oracle Cards Story
- Why Use Oracle Cards?
- What is the difference between Tarot Cards and Oracle Cards?
- How To Use Oracle Cards
- The Meaning of Reverse Cards In My Decks
- My Favorite Oracle Card Decks
- How To Select Your Oracle Card Deck
My Oracle Cards Story
When I think back to the very beginning of my incredible, blessed career as a medium and intuitive counselor, I never could have imagined that I would go on to create 14 Oracle Card decks (and counting)!
I had been introduced to card reading as a young child by my Scottish nanny, Mrs. Kelly. When my parents were out, she would read cards for her little old lady friends at the dining room table. So at a very young age, I saw the power of these cards, and what they revealed mostly by the reactions of her visitors who would Ooo and Ahh every time she turned over a card and told a story about it.
I was fascinated. I came to love everything about divination and card reading and I was permanently hooked when my dad taught me how to read the leftover grounds in Turkish coffee cups! It was all about destiny, hope, and possibilities.
Since I was little I knew the world was mystical and magical. But fast-forward to a time in my life when those mystical moments and my connection to Spirit faded into the background. Throughout my teens and twenties, I struggled through years of painful experiences and trauma, and I lost myself in alcohol and drug addiction.
Then, at 27 years old I had a life-changing moment of hitting rock bottom, which led me to a women’s recovery center where I started my path to healing and rediscovering and reclaiming my spirituality.
During this time, (and ever since) I committed to a daily spiritual practice, staying sober a day at a time, meditating, praying, and journaling. I also read every mystical book I could get my hands on but I felt the craving for something more concrete, so I dove into studying divination in all its forms. It led me to discover what I needed. Something I could hold in my hands that would help me get direct guidance on the next steps of my healing and my path. Something that would remind me that I was being looked after by a power greater than me.
That’s when Oracle Cards came back into my life.
As I started experimenting with these cards, I found they were a true mystical tool that allowed me to make a conscious connection with my Higher Power on a daily basis. They helped me make better choices and kept me on track when I felt lost during these early years of reclaiming my life.
Over time, I got very, very good at reading the cards, so it was a natural progression that I started doing it professionally. I even created my very own personal deck using playing cards with stickers on them. Yes, you read that right! Playing cards with stickers!
Soon, in addition to the predictive element, I added the prescriptive element – advice the cards could give to help people make better choices along their path rather than see their future as a fixed experience. What if there could be more possibilities? The cards had helped me immensely in changing my life, and I wanted others to have access to the same kind of spiritual support.
To this day, Oracle Cards are an essential part of my spiritual routine and I get so much joy out of sharing their magic with others. And, I am so grateful I can continue with my passion and calling by continuing to develop new decks and innovate their divination structure to meet us where we all are now in modern times.
Why Use Oracle Cards?
As you can see, Oracle Cards were a pivotal tool in both my personal and spiritual journey, as well as my career. And since I started working with the cards professionally nearly 35 years ago, I’ve watched them transform thousands of people’s lives around the world by giving them a practical way to connect with Spirit and get clear guidance on their path.
Before we dive into why YOU might choose to use Oracle Cards, you might still be wondering exactly what are Oracle Cards in the first place?
The simple answer is that Oracle Cards are a set of cards that are artistically rendered to symbolically represent a series of universal life experiences that are part of life as you know it.
If you’re someone who is seeking spiritual transformation and a path to living the life you were meant to live, I know you’ll love experimenting with Oracle Cards.
Learning to use these cards will help give you a grounded spiritual practice. A place you can come when you have questions about your path or are looking for a sense of direct guidance and insight.
The better you get at reading the cards, the more confident, naturally intuitive and genuinely empowered you’ll become in your life. You’ll gain a whole other vantage point through which to see the world by forming a relationship with the cards.
What is the difference between tarot cards and oracle cards?
If you’ve heard of or worked with Tarot cards in the past, you might be wondering what the difference is between Oracle Cards vs Tarot Cards…
Tarot Cards are a fixed system, which means the tarot will always be consistent in meaning and structure and rarely moves too far beyond their traditional meanings. The Tarot is meant to have a specific, reliable 78 card structure. A Tarot deck will always have 22 major cards and 56 minor cards divided into 4 suits. Card decks will differ slightly in how the creator writes them and how the art is stylized.
Oracle Cards, on the other hand, are a more fluid system, as they are all unique and are structured on a system the author creates. Each card deck is like an independent system unto itself.
What they have in common with tarot is that in order for them to work as a true divination system, they must also depict universal life experiences in order to work accurately. They have different numbers of cards and each one can have a unique meaning. The meaning and structure of the cards are completely up to the author.
Unlike Tarot, which has been around since the 15th Century and has a rich history, Oracle Card decks are relatively new in terms of popularity as a divination tool.
Although I did Tarot readings for many years, still love it and still work with Tarot at times, if you’re new to all of this, I highly recommend getting started with Oracle Cards since they are accessible and easier to learn.
Oracle Cards can be used in many forms including for a daily card, in divination systems to give full readings, for affirmations, and more.
All of my decks were created to work together like a mystical council of wise beings that can connect you to your highest good and deepest wisdom.
Later in this article, I’ll introduce you to some of my favorites so you can begin to see how to use each deck and create your own mystical council to support you on your path.
How To Use Oracle Cards
When you first discover and begin experimenting with Oracle Cards, it may feel daunting or overwhelming. But rest assured, Oracle Cards are truly simple and easy to get the hang of.
In fact, you don’t even need your own physical deck to get started! Simply visit my FREE online card picking tool to start playing with Oracle Cards on your own.
All you need to do to get started is…
- Find a way to reach a neutral state of mind – I like to start with a simple prayer or meditation. I love the Serenity Prayer and 5 minutes of counting my breaths, but you can find what works for you.
- Ask the cards, “What do I need to know today?”, “What’s in my highest good today?”, or “What do I need to know about __________?”
- Then simply pick a card, read the meanings in the guidebook, and reflect on what they mean to you!
The only way to do it wrong is to disregard the card you pull or assume it’s wrong because you don’t understand it right away. If it doesn’t make sense at first, just take some time to sit with the meaning and keep a curious and open mind – chances are the meaning will reveal itself when you’re ready to see it!
The Meaning of Reverse Cards In My Decks
As you read through this guide, you’ll learn that many of the decks I’ve created have specific meanings for each card depending on the direction in which you pull it. In other words, if when you pull a card and set it down the image is upside down for you, it has a slightly different meaning.
I like to think of reverse cards as an area where you’re needing a little extra love right now. With each of my decks, there’s a comprehensive guidebook where you’ll see a message specifically for cards that are pulled in reverse position or “in protection.”
When you pull a card in protection, remember that it doesn’t mean anything negative! It’s simply a nice little nudge from Spirit to slow down and trust that you are being protected and safeguarded in this area.
My 7 Favorite Oracle Card Decks
Over the course of my long career using Oracle Cards, I have created 14 decks (with another in the works as we speak)! In today’s guide, I’m going to share the decks I’m using and loving most in my practice lately.
Each of the decks has its own spirit and personality, and I turn to each for different reasons and at different times. My intention in sharing this Oracle Card list with you is that you get a small taste of each deck and get a feeling for which ones might serve you best right now in this moment on your ever-evolving path and story.
Here are my current favorite decks to work with and how/why to use each one:
1. Wisdom of Avalon
This was the very first deck I ever created with Hay House. The theme came to life after I read the book, The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I visited ancient Britain’s Isle of Avalon, where the book took place and had some of the most extraordinary experiences of my life, which I wrote about in my book, Remembering The Future: The Path To Recovering Intuition.
I’m very personally proud of this deck! It’s inspired by the legend of Avalon and the wisdom and teachings of its priestesses. This is a wonderful deck for beginners or anyone who is looking for an easeful experience of working with Oracle Cards.
The cards in this deck are only read in the upright position.
If this deck were a friend: This is the friend you would come to for calm & gentle advice over a cup of tea. If you’re seeking a gentle yet deep perspective, The Wisdom of Avalon is the perfect deck to consult.
2. The Good Tarot
As someone who did Tarot professionally for 25 years, I created this deck as a version of the Tarot that anyone could use. The focus of this deck was honoring the traditional Tarot while offering a more uplifting spin on the traditional meanings.
Even the most troubling or challenging cards in this deck have a process to help people move through the energy. Each meaning is focused on personal growth and transformation.
In a world that can already be unstable and anxiety-producing, this modern spin on the Tarot is aimed at the expression of the highest good of all. Even so, traditional tarot enthusiasts can still apply their favorite spreads to this deck as its formation doesn’t stray too far from what is already familiar, and the breathtaking original artwork will be sure to inspire.
If this deck were a friend: When you use this deck, it’s like a good chat with a kind old wizard who has a degree in psychology.
3. The Enchanted Map
I created this deck to reflect the concept that despite our unique journeys, each of us moves through familiar metaphoric places throughout our lives. The cards like “Storm Fields” or “Peaks of Joy” will be experienced by each of us on our path. When we ask the cards, “Where am I right now?” we will be shown on a metaphoric map some of the places and conditions we will encounter along the way.
This deck is a companion as you chart the inner map to the sacred vision of the life you’ve always wanted to live.
If this deck were a friend: This conversation is like chatting with a wise friend who can help you have a thoughtful conversation about where things are and where they’re going, or the environment of your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
4. Postcards from Spirit 
This deck came to be when in meditation, I connected with a postman who was wearing blue lamé with sparkly shoes and sprouted wings. When I met him, he was dancing and I laughed out loud at the sight! This little vision led me to create Postcards From Spirit. I think of these cards like getting a little 2 cents from heaven.
Unlike the other Oracle Decks, which can be used in many different types of readings, this deck is designed specifically to pull one daily card. Each card is like a little message straight from your angels or your spirit guides.
If this deck were a friend: Using this deck is like sitting down around the kitchen table with your angels, spirit guides, and loved ones who have passed on. Imagine being able to ask them exactly what you need to hear today – that’s what this deck is for!
5. Wisdom of the Oracle
Wisdom of The Oracle is my teaching deck and the first deck I ever created with individual meanings for each card that are subject-oriented. For each card, there is an essential meaning, a relationship message, a prosperity message, and a protection message. This was also the first time I called the upside-down cards “in protection.” It was a turning point where I realized that upside-down cards didn’t mean the opposite of the card’s core message, but instead that they meant to take extra care around that topic.
The deck includes blended elements of the I-Ching, Norse runes, traditional tarot, and other ancient divination tools into a sacred communication system. It’s the perfect deck for anyone who wants to go deep and learn about Oracle Cards and themselves.
If this deck were a friend: This deck is like having a conversation directly with your higher power or your own Divine inner-self.
6. Spirit Animal Oracle
This deck is very special to me because it reflects my worldview as a practicing Animist. Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. If you’d like to know more about Animism and my upbringing, check out this simple guide.
Growing up, both my father and my nanny taught me about this world view and it has remained and since blossomed into an important aspect of my spiritual beliefs and practices. I believe that every living thing, including a blade of grass, has a presiding spirit. I created this deck as a quiet nod to my awesome Serbian father and my Scottish nanny.
When I created the deck, I decided to make it a global deck, which includes animals that aren’t distinct to any one part of the planet. The Spirit Animal Oracle deck helps us connect to archetypal energies of living beings that share our planet – helping us connect with them as sacred teachers, healers, and allies. This deck reminds us that we are connected to every living thing on this earth in a unified consciousness. Find out more about these beautiful Oracle Cards here…
If this deck were a friend: This deck can allow you to connect with the spirits of the natural world as your companions and friends. This is a wonderful deck to use when you want to get in touch with nature.
7. Crystal Spirits Oracle
This deck is perfect for anyone who is a crystal enthusiast! Each card shows the spirit of a specific crystal or mineral from the natural world. This deck also stems from my Animist worldview because it reflects the belief that everything in the natural world can have a conversation with you if it chooses to.
I love using this deck as a second opinion deck or to pull a clarity card when I need another perspective on something. If you’re curious about this deck and want to know more, check it out here…
If this deck were a friend: Imagine if rocks could talk! That’s what this deck is all about. Like sitting down in a favorite spot in nature and chatting with a grounded stone friend.
How To Select Your Oracle Card Deck
After reading about all of these beautiful Oracle Cards, you may be wondering how to choose the right deck for you. There’s really no wrong way to choose a deck!
If you’re an Oracle Card beginner, you might enjoy starting out with the Wisdom of The Oracle deck since this is my teaching deck and it’s designed to be accessible to anyone for learning. Wisdom of Avalon is also a wonderful Oracle Card deck for beginners.
If you’re not a beginner or if you’re looking to try out something new, simply choose the deck that speaks to you right now! As you’ve seen, each deck has a unique personality and vibe and each will serve you at different times and with different needs.
I highly encourage you to choose a deck and have fun playing with it! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite!
If you’re ready to begin your journey with Oracle decks or to deepen your exploration and learn more, check out my Oracle Card store!
Thanks so much for sharing this.
my pleasure, Darlene! 💞
This is a great share for people starting over or reconnecting as a little reminder at the moment I have been using the 7 energies cards in my yoga well-being challenge and have a new insight in using them thank you for sharing these amazing decks with us
thank YOU for the support, Kylie! so grateful that you appreciate this guide 💞
My best friend sent me your wisdom of the Oracle deck while I was in rehabilitation treatment and they are so amazing and they are very accurate and in tune with me I often have trouble surrendering to spirit but these beautiful cards have helped me with so many questions in my life at this point in my journey thank you they are amazing
I’m so glad that you found them helpful, Laurina! 💖
I love Crystals, so I chose ‘The Crystal Spirit’ set which arrived today. It’s beautifullly illustrated, lovely colours and I’ve also managed to fit some small crystals into the box too.
The 3 cards I pulled today couldn’t have been more clearer for me about what was on my mind and what I need to do to focus on making decisions for my future living arrangements. I don’t really want to move, but with grown up sons in their 20’s and their friends, girlfriends etc, I feel the need for my own peaceful space, with no stairs for health reasons.
After picking my cards I’ve now decided
I’m now definitely going to build a wonderful bungalow at the bottom of my garden! 🙂
Thank-you for this lovely deck and helping me clearer guidance.
I’m so happy that you’re loving it, Marie! 💓
I’m very new to oracle cards and I am grateful the spirits are guiding me.
I did a reading this morning and the coyote card fell out sideways. How do you read a horizontal card? What does it mean?
Love the Wisdom of the Oracle -it’s my go-to! And I really love the Sacred Dreams deck-I’m a crazy dreamer so was drawn to this instantly when it came out.
love that you do! thank you so much, Roxanne! 💖
Could I get a list of all your Oracle card decks that you have had published please.
I’m trying to see if I am missing any from my collection. Can’t wait until your new one comes out.
hi! here’s a complete list of all my card decks! click here! make sure you’re getting the official ones by buying them from my online shop at shop.colettebaronreid.com!
That was a wonderful read. Thank you for all your great insights. I use your oracle everyday & they never disappoint. They are always full of insights I had not thought about before. I feel loved & I feel safe.This has been a a spiritual reconnection for me like I never experienced before.
happy that you’re loving my card decks, Kathryn! which deck of mine do you use more often? 💗
very educational,its the first time i learn the comparison of the cards
so delighted that you find this helpful! thank you so much for taking the time to read this! 💗💗
I’ve been using Spirit Animal Deck this past week or so. Prior to that it was The Enchanted Map. When I do readings for others, I have them tell me what they want to know and then a deck will reach out to me, volunteering to be of service.
oh that’s amazing, Judith! is there a message that keeps on showing up for you and the people you pull cards for?
I love your decks. I have 4 of them and use them at different time. Depending the question I have. Thanks Donna
perfect! thank you so much for using my decks, Donna! 💖
I have 3 of your decks as of today
They are beautiful and easy to learn
that’s awesome! thank you so much, Dova! 💖💖
Dear Sweet Colette, have been following and using your cards for awhile now, love them, still get stuck sometimes, have tried switching to another of decks that helps a a little. Would love if you would do more training on what each card means and the inspiration behind the art that really helps me. Much love to you and Mark, Patricia
that is such an awesome idea, Patricia! but for now, I do suggest you take your time look at the cards and the card on them. see if there is imagery on the art that reflects your life right now. much love to you! 💖💖
Hah, turkish coffe, that’s our Balkan oracle style, greetings from Croatia 😘 my favorite is 7 energies, but all are fantastic 👍
woohoo! sending my love from here to Croatia! have a fantastic week! 💖
Thank you, so I have two decks out of your favorite seven. How do you decide which deck to use and/or what is your suggestion from someone like me who is very new to Oracle cards and only pulling a card a day?
Best,
I pick the deck that I am feeling connected to at that moment, the deck that calls out to me the most. next time you are about to pull cards, clear your mind and really go into the options clear-minded with no deck on your mind and see what deck calls your name! let me know how it goes, Rose Marie! 😉💖
Love this! And especially the “If this deck were a friend” element! That’s great!
thank you so much! I’m so happy that you appreciate this, dear! 💖
I was super excited to get the Enchanted Map in the OraclePalooza VIP box this past summer! I have WOTO, Spirt Animal, Crystal Spirit and I could not decide which deck I wanted next. LOL So signing up for OPV2021 made the decision for me. These cards are exquisite! Super excited to see the next decks that come out. I promise, I am being a good girl in Oracle Experience and sticking to WOTO alone. *grins* Even though I really want to dig deeper into the Enchanted Map at the same time. Until then I sleep with the cards next to me so they can feel my energy. Many thanks for all you do, Colette.
that’s fantastic, Lizzie! you’re gonna love the Enchanted Map deck once you get to know it more, I promise! 💖😉
I was fortunate enough to win a pack of your Wisdom of the Oracle cards which I love using regularly, and I never cease to be amazed at how accurately these cards reflect back to me messages or advice about situations that are happening in my daily life. It’s a real joy, and I have come to trust these messages as being from the Divine. Thank you Colette.
oh that’s wonderful, Mary! I’m so happy to hear that the deck speaks to you! 💖💖💖
Really enjoyed reading all the interesting details behind your amazing & creative Oracle Decks. Each time you offer more in depth descriptions about Oracle cards, I learn more & understand them better & better. I’ve always taken every opportunity to read all the information you’ve been kind enough to share with us to further explain your gift & the connection we all have to Spirit. Each time you write about the cards, it brings more clarity & helps me grasp the meanings & your intention. Thank you soooo much!
I’m so glad that you learn from this, dear! thank you for taking the time to read this! 💖
I loved reading about the different cards, I used the Spirit deck today to find an answer to a question, I needed to know
perfect! how did it go, Angela? 💖
your first deck which i bought is enchanted map oracle and I loved its personality I feel its like a person whose company I enjoy
awesome! do you still use it for your readings, Dr. Rreddy? 💖
I was in your class in Red Deer Alberta Canada in 2006. You changed my life forever I am sooo grateful. I bought a meditation cd then. I can’t remember the name of it but you walked on the beach and picked crystals from the sand. I love it but can’t find it. We have a lot of stuff packed and I think it is in there but would love to purchase it again.
oh that was such a wonderful memory, Brenda! I think you’re referring to the Journey Through The Chakras! also, I have tons of new meditations! here’s where you can get them: shop.colettebaronreid.com/product-category/meditations/
Thank you so much Colette – you’ve helped open up a new world for me since the beginning of COVID. I have your Spirit Animal, Shaman’s Dream and just received Wisdom of the Hidden Realms. I’m just beginning on my journey of reading cards and am looking forward to learning more about them!
you’re very welcome, Darcel! I’m so grateful we crossed paths 💖 keep on going! 💖
I love all your beautiful decks 😍 It’s so hard to pick just a few 👌🏼 Thank you for collaborating with Spirit to create them for us!!
🙏🏻 So grateful for everything 🙏🏻
Sarah
thank you, Sarah! happy that you appreciate them! 💖 have a fantastic day! 💖
I recently started my journey with Tarot and Oracle cards after having a reading done for my 35th birthday. It blew my mind, the things that she knew about me. It started me on a path to reclaiming who I am as a person and what I want in my life. I have the Spirit Animal deck and was eyeing up the Postcards From Spirit deck, after reading this I know for sure that deck is being added to my collection! Thank you for this article, it’s just what I needed! ❤️
woohoo! glad that you loved this, Lisa! you’re gonna love the Postcards From Spirit deck! 😉💖
I love watching your videos and have learned so much about oracle cards. I have the Enchanted Map and the 7 Energies decks. I pull a Map card and sometimes a jump card if the meaning is not clear to me and then an energy card to clarify the energy to use to address the first card. It is always interesting and informative.
so glad that you find my videos helpful! thank you for sharing your reading process with us! 💖
Hi Colette! Thanks for all that you do! I’m super excited! I bought 2 of your decks (Goddess Power and the Shamans Dream) and a Starseed one from Rebecca. Love love love them. I have been pulling the cards, per your instructions, for myself and I feel the truth and so much love pouring from the messages that I ended up crying every single time. I have a question: my girl wanted me to pull the cards for her (she is 14) and I wasn’t sure if I read the cards (upside or upside down) facing her or facing me, who is pulling the cards for her? Can you clarify this for me? I looked at several of your videos and I couldn’t find the answer. Thank you so much! Sending you, Mark and your team much love!
ohhh, these are great questions, Evie! ok, so when pulling cards for someone, if the card shows upside down for YOU, then you are to read them the message you’re receiving from Spirit in protection (upside message). if the cards you pull show up in an upright position when facing YOU, then you are to read that message Spirit is sending you in the upright position. you’re the reader in this situation, so the messages are flowing through you in order to relay them to her. make sense? I also want you to pay attention to the decks you’re using. for instance, you mentioned you’re sometimes using the Shaman’s Dream Oracle when doing a reading, right? The guidebook will always help you in knowing how to deck is to be used, so be sure to pay close attention to that. The Shaman’s Dream Oracle is a little different from other Oracle Decks. there are no protection messages for that deck, so the meaning of the cards you pull, no matter if you pull them upright or in protection, the message it’s relaying will be the same! you can check out how I used that deck in this reading if you’re more of a visual learner (I am huge on visual learning haha): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykvEcKGDI54&t=1s – I hope this helps you!
This was wonderful! Yes I know a few of your deck is read as one main message like the 7 energy one too. I so appreciate your time and love to reply my message. Thank you thank you thank you!
Love love love your Oracle cards ! I am quite new to Woo, but just loving learning. Eventually I’d like all of your decks, but just now I have Wisdom of the Oracle ( WOO 😉) and Spirit Animal – just beautiful. You’re amazing too. 🌈✨💞😘 thankyou for all that you share with us. 🙏🏻🕉
I love all your decks, so I had to have them all!!!!
They are so wonderful to work with! I’m still learning and collecting!
I can’t get enough 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Xxxooo,
Kim
omg that’s so wonderful, Kim! I know this is a hard question to asnwer but I can’t help but ask you, do you have a favorite card deck of mine to use? 👀
I love the Wisdom of the Oracle deck!! Which one should I try next?? Thank you!!
glad that you loved it, Erin! what’s the deck you’ve got you eye on?
I’ve got ALL of the above card decks!
I think It’s getting a bit like a record collection!! you’ll start to use different ones for different moods or people and you can match up personalities with card decks…Wisdom of the Oracle is My Oracle School Deck so I find I use that one a lot. I use them all but that one the most.
love that! what’s your favorite deck to use?
I use Moon Oracle cards. Based on the phases of the moon.
that’s perfect, Nicki! 💖
I have several of your decks, and they all resonate with me, but my very favorite will always be the Spirit Animal Oracle deck. I get very clear messages every single time, and the artwork is beyond the pale. Thank you, Colette, for the amazing work you do!
thank you, Angela!