How to Make Your Own Oracle Cards
Oracle cards come in a variety of formats, but their common denominator is they help people tell the future. The most popular deck is the Tarot. If you want to create your own oracle cards, base them on the Tarot since there is so much information available about its symbols and interpretations. Create a deck that is as decorative or plain as you wish.
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Things You'll Need
- 78 unlined index cards
- 78 decorative stickers, all the same
- Computer
- Printer
- Printer paper
- Microsoft word
- Felt-tip pens
- Clipart
- Old magazines
- Glue sticks
Instructions
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1
If you don't already know the Tarot, read a book that shows the symbols and descriptions of each card. Many books will show examples of different decks, which can give you some ideas for your own artwork. See Reference 1 for some suggestions.
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If you want more than a plain white background on the back of your cards, place a decorative sticker on each card. The sticker can be any style you wish. You can buy your stickers and index cards at an arts-and-crafts or office-supply store.
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3
Design the major arcana cards. The Tarot is divided into two sections: the major arcana, which as 22 cards and the minor arcana, which has 56 cards. The major arcana represents the entire archetypal experience beginning with "The Fool" at card zero and ending with "The World" at card number 21. You can draw the images with felt-tip pens or use your computer to create artwork. Print out your artwork, then cut and paste it onto your cards. You can also use images from magazines. No matter what, include the name and number on each card.
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Design the minor arcana cards. Much like regular playing cards, the minor arcana consists of four groups of different suits: cups, wands, swords and pentacles. There are 14 cards in each group. On your computer, use clipart images to create your symbols. For example, take an image of a sword and paste it into a Word document four times. On the bottom, type "Four of Swords." Print it out, cut and paste it onto one of the cards card and now you have the "Four of Swords" card.
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Create your interpretation sheet. Using the books you've found on the topic, use your word processor to type out a key to the symbols. Type out the name of each card along with its meaning.
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To effectively read your cards, create a guide for laying out your cards. The books you read in advance should show you how to lay out your cards and what each position represents. The most popular spread is the Celtic Cross, which starts with the "Present situation" card and ends with the "Outcome" card.
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Tips & Warnings
The more popular Tarot decks feature artwork that includes added symbolism to help the reader interpret the card. For example, the "Six of Swords" usually depicts a family traveling by boat to a new locale. The current behind them is rough, while the current ahead is smooth. Include these symbols in your own artwork or note them on your interpretation sheet to help you better understand the cards' meanings.
With the Tarot, you can read the cards when they appear upside down, also known as reverse cards. However, reverse cards usually come with negative or fear-inducing interpretations. For a positive experience, read your cards exclusively in the upright position. It's acceptable to focus on interpretations that inspire, rather than alarm or frighten, you.
