.png)
How to Use Oracle Cards for Beginners: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Alicia Anspaugh
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
How to Use Oracle Cards for Beginners: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
By Alicia Anspaugh
I have gotten this question a lot over the years, and honestly my answer is much the same as my answer for learning tarot:
One card at a time.
One card per day works wonderfully when you’re first starting out.
Shuffle your deck and pull a card at the beginning of the day, then leave it face down until you come home. At the end of the day, compare the card to what happened and see what message it may have had for you.
Once you become more comfortable with your deck—and begin seeing it as:
a companion rather than an all-knowing guide
a tool rather than something that is never wrong
and a support for your own intuition rather than a replacement for it
—you can begin pulling the card at the beginning of the day and reading it immediately.
Take a picture with your phone and reflect back on it throughout the day whenever you get a moment.
Think of it more as a meditation and intuitive exercise rather than hardcore prediction work.
*I did an article on this already, but some of my clients asked for a VERY step-by-step version, so here it is 😄
🌙 Before You Begin
Before we even get into readings, first things first:
1️⃣ Cleanse Your Deck When You Get It
Especially if it has passed through many hands.
2️⃣ Cleanse Your Deck Before & After Readings
Even setting it beside white selenite for a minute or two can help.
Especially if you’re short on time—although you don’t want to be too rushed while working with divination tools.
3️⃣ Say a Protection Prayer
This can be to whomever or whatever higher power you personally resonate with.
Now you’re ready 😄
✨ Step-by-Step Beginner Oracle Card Reading
1️⃣ Pick Your Deck
Choose an oracle deck that resonates with you personally.
There are MANY decks out there, so explore a few.
The best way to get a feel for a deck is honestly to visit a local metaphysical or new age shop and handle them in person if possible.
You can buy online, but sometimes something gets lost in translation.
2️⃣ Familiarize Yourself with the Deck
Spend time looking through the cards.
Read the guidebook if it comes with one.
This is especially important because oracle cards are not standardized in the same way tarot is. Oracle systems vary greatly from deck to deck.
3️⃣ Set Your Intention
Before starting, set a clear intention or question.
This helps focus the reading.
You can also ask for:
the general energy of the day
guidance on a situation
or pull a clarification card if needed
4️⃣ Shuffle the Cards
Shuffle thoroughly while focusing on your question or intention.
5️⃣ Draw Your Card or Cards
In the beginning, keep it simple.
Start with:
a one-card pull
or a basic three-card spread (past, present, future)
6️⃣ Interpret the Cards
Read the guidebook meaning first.
Then set the book aside and ask:
“What is this card saying to ME?”
This is where intuition begins strengthening.
7️⃣ Reflect & Record
Take notes on your readings.
You can:
write them down
take a picture
or use a voice recording app
Reflecting later often helps the message become clearer.
8️⃣ Practice Regularly
The more you work with your deck, the more natural it becomes.
Honestly, it’s a bit like making friends with someone—you usually need a few coffee-and-chat sessions before everyone gets comfortable 😄
Helpful Beginner Tip
Closing your eyes while selecting cards can sometimes help you tune into your intuition more deeply.
Beginner Oracle Card Spreads
🌙 One-Card Draw
Shuffle, pull one card, and interpret it.
Simple and effective.
🌙 Two-Card Draw
Shuffle and pull two cards.
You can interpret them as:
problem/solution
energy/action
situation/advice
🌙 Three-Card Draw
Shuffle and pull three cards.
Traditionally:
past
present
future
But honestly, use the spread in the way that feels most intuitive to you.
Storage Tips
You can absolutely keep your deck in its original box.
However, I highly recommend getting a non-transparent bag for it.
Even if the box stays inside the bag, it helps the deck feel more protected and intentional.
Crystals for Oracle Card Work
I personally recommend keeping your deck with:
White Selenite — energetic cleansing
Black Obsidian — protection
Clear Quartz — clarity and amplification
If readings start feeling fuzzy:
cleanse the deck
set it aside for a bit
go take a walk
clear your head
Many times the answer becomes clearer once you stop forcing it.
(Or you accidentally answer your own question while out walking 😄)
Every answer begins with a question
Alicia Anspaugh
Comments