Oracle Cards. A Guide to Choosing, Reading & Actually Enjoying Them

Have you got an oracle card deck or too lurking in your drawer from 1995? Or, like me, do you have about 20 different decks but never seem to find the time to use them or connect and get value out of them? In this blog, I will take you through the basics, or back to basics if you are returning to use them. Where they came from, how to choose a deck, how to read them, and how to build tiny rituals that make everyday life feel more enchanted.

There comes a moment in midlife when you realise a couple of things.

1. You’ve spent years looking after everyone else’s needs… and

2. You’d quite like to listen to your own inner voice for a change.

   
   

Enter oracle cards. Those beautiful little doorways into intuition, symbolism, and a much-needed moment of calm that doesn’t involve hiding in the loo with your phone.

Whether you’re returning to spirituality after a long break, or dipping your toe in for the first time, oracle cards are a gentle, playful way to reconnect with yourself, and summon up a little magic.

A brief (but interesting!) history of Oracle Cards

Oracle cards aren’t as ancient as tarot, but they’re not as modern as people think either.

The earliest known “oracle decks” appear in the 19th century, when Victorian spiritualists (who loved nothing more than a good séance and a dramatic velvet curtain), experimented with symbolic cards for divination. Before that, people used playing cards, runes, shells, or literally whatever was lying around that felt spiritually potent.

Oracle cards as we know them today developed properly in the 20th century. By the 1970s, psychology and spirituality began mingling, and modern oracle decks emerged as tools for self reflection rather than fortune-telling. That’s why oracle decks vary so wildly in theme. You can find angels, mermaids, botanicals, cosmic cats, moon cycles, literary archetypes, shadow work, fairytales. You name it, there’s a deck for it.

Fun fact. Historically, many European folk practitioners made their own divination cards using scraps of packaging, portraits from newspapers, even leftover wallpaper. They personalised them with symbols that meant something to them. So if you ever feel guilty for owning more than one deck, remember, collecting is practically a folk tradition.

Why Oracle Cards are perfect for Midlife Magic

Midlife is messy, transformative, sometimes infuriating, and definitely powerful. Your intuition changes around this time, part hormonal, part experience, part “I simply have no time for nonsense anymore.” Oracle cards work beautifully here because:

1. They help you come home to yourself.

In a stage of life where roles shift and identity can wobble, pulling a card creates a moment to check in with you.

2. They’re grounding without being heavy.

Meditation is wonderful, but some days, if your brain is like mine, it feels like there are 58 browser tabs open. A simple card pull gives a focus point and acts like a tiny anchor.

3. They’re accessible even on low-energy or “my brain has melted” days.

Zero pressure, minimal effort, but surprisingly meaningful.

4. They strengthen intuition.

Menopause and perimenopause often heighten inner knowing. Oracle cards help you tune into that rather than dismiss it.

5. They make spirituality feel fun again.

Because personal growth shouldn’t feel like homework.

Choosing your first (or next) Oracle Deck

You may already have one or 2 ( or 25...dont tell anyone) Oracle card decks lying around, or you could be completely new to this . The trick is you don’t have to overthink it. The right deck will usually give you a little “pull.” Not dramatic lightning bolt energy, more like "Ooh, I like that."

Here’s what actually matters:

1. Artwork

If the imagery doesn’t speak to you, you won’t pick up the deck. Go for something that feels beautiful, intriguing, or comforting. Once you start looking you will find so many different kinds, it can be overwhelming. Often it is the artwork that makes all the difference.

2. Language and tone

Some decks are soft and nurturing. Some are cheeky. Some are direct. Some are mystical. Choose the voice you most want whispering guidance into your morning cuppa. Obviously just start with one deck that you love, but you can always add to this and have a variety which suit your mood or your interest.

3. Structure

Unlike tarot, oracle decks vary. Some have 30 cards, some 60. Some follow a theme (seasons, chakras, animal guides), others are a mix. Read the guidebook description to get a feel for how you’ll use it.

4. Practicality

If you have small hands, giant cards can be an upper-arm workout.If you like pulling cards on the go, maybe don’t choose a deck the size of a paving slab. However, if they are really calling to you and you love the artwork and imagery, then go with what feels good.

5. Creator and artwork story

Sometimes the magic is in the maker. Some decks are created through years of research or spiritual practice, others are inspired by folk traditions or lesser known myths. These add richness and depth to your readings.

Preparing your reading space (without needing a full altar)

You don’t need to light 17 candles or chant in a forgotten language. A simple ritual does the job. Here are a few practical, and easy options. I often just take a minute in the morning and clear a space on my coffee table.

The One-Minute Reset Ritual

• Place your deck in your hands.

• Take one slow breath in… and one out.

• Think of what you need clarity on. Nothing more.

Perfect for mornings that involve lost keys, sulky teenagers, and a menopausal mood that has no logical explanation.

The Cozy Corner Ritual

• Sit somewhere comfortable (window seat, sofa, bed).

• Add a cup of tea or something warm.

• Pull a card while your shoulders relax and your jaw unclenches.

  
  

The “I Need Answers Fast” Ritual

Shuffle vigorously.Pull one card. Trust your first thought. No overthinking allowed.

How to read Oracle Cards without second-guessing yourself

Oracle cards aren’t about predicting your future, they’re more about helping you reflect.

Think of the card as a conversation starter between your inner wisdom and the part of you that’s been too busy to listen. Once you have taken a breath and calmed your mind take a few seconds with the cards in your hands. Once you have chosen one, then do the following.

Step 1: Look at the image first.

What grabs your attention? Colours, symbols, characters? Your first reaction is usually the intuitive one.

Step 2: Notice how you feel.

Annoyed? Calm? Curious? Resistant?Your reaction is often more revealing than the card itself.

Step 3: THEN read the guidebook.

Treat it as a supportive resource, not rulebook law. Often cards may have a further explanation or insight on the back. You obviously can use this a guidance, but try not to take it literally. This is more about instinct and intention, trusting your inner wisdom.

Step 4: Ask yourself, “How does this apply to my life today?”

Bring it into the real world. Your mood, relationships, work, goals, habits, energy levels, dreams.

Simple card spreads to try

So a card spread means how you lay the cards out in front of you. Depending on what you are looking for guidance with, how much time you have, and what sort of insight you need, will depend on which one you choose. You will find some different spreads in the guidebook that come along with your oracle cards, and you can use those too if you wish. The thing to remember is there is no hard and fast rule. You will not get anything "wrong". Just go with whatever spread feels right in the moment.

1. The One-Card Daily Anchor

Ask: What do I need to know today?Quick, grounding, and brilliant when life feels like juggling cats. Even though this would be a good choice if you are short on time, do just make sure that you allow yourself to ground and connect or you will get an answer to something your mind is unconsciously drifting off thinking about.

2. The Two-Card Insight Spread

• Card 1: What’s going on beneath the surface?

• Card 2: What will help?

Simple but surprisingly clarifying.

3. The Midlife Magic Spread (My personal favourite)

• Card 1: What part of me wants attention right now?

• Card 2: What inner strength is waking up?

• Card 3: What’s the next small step?

This spread works beautifully during transitions. Career shifts, hormonal shifts, spiritual shifts. Pull one card out at a time. For each card, ask the question you are seeking an answer to.

4. The “What’s Draining Me / What’s Filling Me” Spread

Perfect for energy management during perimenopause. See what guidance comes up and you may be able to make small adjustments in your day to help.

5. The Intuition Builder Spread

• Card 1: What am I learning?

• Card 2: What am I avoiding?

• Card 3: What wants to emerge next?

This one gently stretches intuitive muscles without pressure. It allws you to build up your spiritual practice and connect to the energy of the cards and trust them more and more.

Bringing Oracle Cards into everyday midlife life

You can pull cards:

• With your morning tea

• When you’re feeling stuck

• Before bedtime

• As part of journaling

• During your moon cycle (the lunar one or the hormonal one)

• Before making decisions

• Or during a “reset” moment when everything feels too much

The real magic isn’t in the cards, it’s in the pause they create, and your deepening connection and trust in your intuition and inner guidance. A short, meaningful moment where you return to yourself.

And honestly? Midlife deserves more of those.

Final Thoughts

Choosing and reading oracle cards isn’t about being mystical or perfect or deeply spiritual all the time. It doesnt have to be a formal practice and you definitely cannot get it wrong. It’s about reconnecting with your intuition in a stage of life where you’re wiser, bolder, and a lot less willing to tolerate nonsense.

Oracle cards give you space to breathe, reflect, laugh at yourself, and maybe discover something new within. Trust what you get from a particular card. Sometimes you may think it doesnt make much sense, or you struggle to understand its relevance. But always let it sit with you for a while. I often find that it will become apparent later in the day, or even later in the week, what guidance it was trying to show you.

A tiny ritual. A beautifully illustrated card. A moment of “oh… that actually makes sense.”

That’s all it takes to bring a little magic back.