History and Origin of Oracle Cards

Meaning of Oracle

The origin of Oracle cards dates back in time when the Cards themselves were not in existence. Yet, the Oracles were. In Ancient Greece, the term “Oracle “ held a significant meaning for the people. The word Oracle was symbolic of God, “The One” who predicted future, also synonymous with The Greek God Apollo. He was the Greek God of light, knowledge and harmony. In those days people often Visited the temple in search of guidance and help. At the temple, they would receive guidance and directions from a human representative, a priest or priestess.

The term Oracle carries varying meanings and all are interconnected.
For example, Oracle may mean a place within the temple in Ancient Greece. At the same time, Oracle may also refer to the high priest or priestess whom people would consult at the Oracle, As The Oracle. Alternatively, the prophetic message given by the priest or priestess was also known as the Oracle.

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Oracle as divination

The ancient Greeks believed that man could communicate with God at certain times, at specific places and through certain gifted persons or mediums or Oracles.
The Oracles were few in number. Mostly one Oracle served at one temple. It was the sanctum within the temple, a high mound where the Priest or Priestess would often be seated. One such example is the famous Oracle of Delphi, in Greece.  Pythia was the name given to the high Priestess there. She served as The Oracle at the Temple of Apollo also known as the Oracle of Delphi. It was believed that she was the messenger of Apollo, through whom predictions and messages were passed on to the seekers.

The responsibility of the Oracle or the priest or priestess was to primarily help the person visiting them develop a connection with God. The Oracle was an anchor that connected the visitor to the divine. In this way, the seeker received the messages that he or she was meant to receive at that time and place in their life. In a way, the Oracles did the combined work of the modern-day Lifecoach, Counsellor and Psychic.

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Present-day Oracle & Tarot cards

Originating in Western Europe, primarily in France, during the early 19th century, Lenormand cards were the pioneers in printed Oracle cards. Soon the illustrative Lenormand cards came to be practised and used as a form of divinatory tool. These Lenormand cards were used for a psychic reading and spiritual guidance. Oracle cards soon became popular, similar to the already existing Tarot cards.

Today there is a wide variety of Oracle cards available worldwide. There are different themes,  patterns and Number of total cards in a deck. Unlike a Tarot deck, which often comprises of 78 cards (22 minor and 56 major arcana), the number of cards in an Oracle deck can be any number. The number of cards in an Oracle deck may range from as less as 10 in number to as much as 44 or 78. There may even be 100 cards in a single Oracle deck.  Depending upon the designer or artiste of the cards, they may vary in number and theme. The cards may differ in their form, shape, pattern, theme or composition.

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It is important to know that Oracle card readings are equally accurate and powerful if one compares them to Tarot card reading. Although the two follow a different reading pattern, based on the presentation, appearance, inferred and adopted the meaning of the cards. Both serve as authentic and effective tools in connecting to the Spirit world. Oracle cards are magical and beautiful in the way they allow guidance to flow through.