Using Oracle Cards for Writing Poetry
Example oracle cards
By Jennifer Trieckel
First of all, if you have never heard of oracle cards, or have, but don’t know much about them, what the heck are they?
Oracle cards have traditionally been used to tap into one’s intuition, inner wisdom, and to gain clarity through visual creativity and symbols. Unlike tarot decks, oracle decks differ in the number of cards per deck, depending on the creator, and each deck varies in both imagery and the meanings of each card.
Yes, most use them for divination. And if you’d like, you can too. But we’re here to talk about how to use them in a different way.
I love to use oracle cards to write poetry. I find them inspirational. The words. The images. The colors. I have several decks now, and I may be a little obsessed. I do not use them for divination, however, I would like to learn how so I can use them as short story, and even novel prompts.
I allow the images, meanings, and keywords to inspire me. One of my favorite decks is the Victoria Frances Gothic Oracle Cards. As I love all things gothic, this deck called to me. It was my first oracle deck, so I am quite partial to it.
For instance, one day I wanted to write a poem and had no idea what to write about, so I drew a card. And wouldn’t you know, I drew the only solo male in the deck, number 28, The Colorless Duke. I almost put it back, because being female, I didn’t think I could write from the perspective of a man, however, I decided to hold on to it and draw another card. And I drew number 13, Through the Woods.
Victoria Frances Gothic Oracle Deck
Through the Woods and The Colorless Duke
The Colorless Duke is more of a portrait with no action. However, Through the Woods depicts a woman running through the woods in what looks like a wedding dress, tears streaming down her face. An idea was born. A dark-haired man and tawny-haired runaway bride.
Can you see where I’m going with this? Maybe not, but it got my juices flowing.
Still not one hundred percent satisfied, because I didn’t know the situation, I drew a couple of cards from my Spirits and Shadows oracle deck (my other favorite), and pulled The Journey, which has the image of an old schooner on a stormy sea, The Secret, The Hunter and Otherworldly. I won’t describe those because it was their names that gave me inspiration.
Spirits and Shadows Oracle Deck
The Journey, The Secret, The Hunter and Otherworldly
Do you see a story forming? As a speculative fiction and horror writer, I certainly did. I had my characters, a setting, a problem, and a solution. I won’t bore you with the details about what I wrote, but suffice it to say, I could see the entire story.
Sometimes, one card is enough to inspire an entire poem. The images, or meanings, or both. At times, I will draw three cards, intending to use them all, but one card will catch my attention and pull me in. Then I will write about that one card. I often read the meanings multiple times to see if anything resonates with me, sparks something, and if it does not, I move on.
However, if it does, I will reread it several times until I get a feel for what I would like to say. At times, I don’t know how to start, and I struggle, but at others, a line or phrase will come to me and I’m off. Sometimes, the poem flows out. Other times it’s like pulling teeth. But it is always worth it.
If you are new to oracle cards and would like to experiment with using them as prompts, I would suggest window-shopping multiple decks to find images that draw you and art that inspires. You can also watch unboxing videos of any deck that catches your eye on YouTube. Many times, the videographer will show the guidebook as well, and may even read some of the meanings and descriptions so you can get a feel for the author’s vibe. That way, you can see if it fits what you are looking for.
The Victoria Frances Gothic Oracle Cards feature beautifully painted images on sturdy cardstock and are larger than a normal deck of cards. I am partial to the larger cards as I am drawn to the art and enjoy being able to see the details. The accompanying guidebook is well-written and detailed enough for me.
I am obsessed with the Spirits and Shadows oracle deck, by J Edward Neill. I cannot get enough of his art, and I would like to get all his decks. My only wish would be that the cards were bigger, so I could have larger images to admire. The vibrant colors and dark theme of the Spirits and Shadows deck inspire nearly all of my poems.
This is how I use oracle cards to write poetry. And if you are interested, or at least curious, I would highly suggest finding a deck you like, and giving it a try. It may not be your cup of tea, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.