Other Uses For Tarot/Oracle

When most people think of tarot (or oracle), they think of discovering what their future holds. While that is a possibility to an extent (as the future is always in flux, and our thoughts and decisions help shape that), that is not the only reason to use tarot or oracle cards. Other reasons one might consult the tarot/oracle include (but are not limited to):
*To see other possible outcomes if we change our path
 *To see the energies/influences surrounding a situation to see how we might change them (if we want to), or why they are happening.
*To see the energies/influences surrounding a situation that has already happened so we may understand it better, or prevent a similar situation from happening again.
*As a focal point for meditation or journeying. Not only is this a good way to get to know your deck better, it can help hone your visualization, meditation, and journeying skills as a whole.
*In spell work to bring in certain energies, manifest something, to call on certain entities/deities/guides for their assistance. Really, your imagination in your only limit.
*To do shadow work
This last one is about using tarot/oracle for introspection. Discovering parts of yourself you keep hidden, why they are there, what purpose they serve, and how you can integrate them into your whole self. The Major Arcana cards represent various archetypes of self that we could explore for such work. I recommend the Archetypes book by Caroline Myss, if you are interested in this concept. While most people don’t consider this option when they pick up a tarot or oracle deck, I have noticed an upward trend of shadow work decks hitting the market over the last few years. I am hoping that that means there is a demand for more shadow work tools, and more people are looking to do the necessary work by whatever means speaks to them. If you are one of them, there are many decks available with many themes (like Halloween, angels, ethereal creatures, etc..) that could appeal to you. One I would recommend is the Dark Wood tarot by Sasha Graham (art by Abigail Larson). The reason I recommend this box set is not just for the fabulous art, but the amazing companion book it comes with. A most compelling journey through the tarot (and the self). I would also recommend it as a beginner’s deck. Tarot really is a story, and this author tells it well. Oracle cards can also be used for this purpose, though not as much is written about that, since each deck is vastly different. Oracles like Dark Mirror by Laura Sava, Mausolea Oracle of Souls by Jason Engle,  or the Lantern Oracle by Angelina Mirabito PhD are all good ones. Of course, if you are in to crystals, angels, or any other particular theme, as long as you get to know your deck, you can use it for any of these purposes.
So, how do you use the tarot? Would you use it for shadow work? Do you already?
​When most people think of tarot (or oracle), they think of discovering what their future holds. While that is a possibility to an extent (as the future is always in flux, and our thoughts and decisions help shape that), that is not the only reason to use tarot or oracle cards. Other reasons one might consult the tarot/oracle include (but are not limited to):
*To see other possible outcomes if we change our path
 *To see the energies/influences surrounding a situation to see how we might change them (if we want to), or why they are happening.
*To see the energies/influences surrounding a situation that has already happened so we may understand it better, or prevent a similar situation from happening again.
*As a focal point for meditation or journeying. Not only is this a good way to get to know your deck better, it can help hone your visualization, meditation, and journeying skills as a whole.
*In spell work to bring in certain energies, manifest something, to call on certain entities/deities/guides for their assistance. Really, your imagination in your only limit.
*To do shadow work
This last one is about using tarot/oracle for introspection. Discovering parts of yourself you keep hidden, why they are there, what purpose they serve, and how you can integrate them into your whole self. The Major Arcana cards represent various archetypes of self that we could explore for such work. I recommend the Archetypes book by Caroline Myss, if you are interested in this concept. While most people don’t consider this option when they pick up a tarot or oracle deck, I have noticed an upward trend of shadow work decks hitting the market over the last few years. I am hoping that that means there is a demand for more shadow work tools, and more people are looking to do the necessary work by whatever means speaks to them. If you are one of them, there are many decks available with many themes (like Halloween, angels, ethereal creatures, etc..) that could appeal to you. One I would recommend is the Dark Wood tarot by Sasha Graham (art by Abigail Larson). The reason I recommend this box set is not just for the fabulous art, but the amazing companion book it comes with. A most compelling journey through the tarot (and the self). I would also recommend it as a beginner’s deck. Tarot really is a story, and this author tells it well. Oracle cards can also be used for this purpose, though not as much is written about that, since each deck is vastly different. Oracles like Dark Mirror by Laura Sava, Mausolea Oracle of Souls by Jason Engle,  or the Lantern Oracle by Angelina Mirabito PhD are all good ones. Of course, if you are in to crystals, angels, or any other particular theme, as long as you get to know your deck, you can use it for any of these purposes.
So, how do you use the tarot? Would you use it for shadow work? Do you already?