In January of 1992 Spirit lead me to a lady named Judith.  She was a Tarot reader in the Kansas City, MO area.  When I became fascinated in this ancient wisdom, Judith took me under her wings and shared her vast knowledge on the subject.  She bought me my first Tarot deck, and since then I've collected over 35 different types of oracle card decks.

I resonated with this topic because I am really into symbols.  They seem to penetrate my being in ways that words alone don’t.  The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is a perfect fit for oracle cards.  According to the dictionary, Oracle means “one held to give divinely inspired answers or revelations.”   This can be a place, a person, or an item. 

What is the difference between an oracle deck and a Tarot deck?

All Tarot decks are oracles.  But not all oracle decks are Tarot.

• Oracle cards have no set structure.  They can be any number of cards, with any topic or name.
• Tarot decks have a specific structure.  They all have 78 cards consisting of 22 Major Arcana cards and the remaining 56 cards are called Minor Arcana, which are divided up into 4 suites consisting of 14 cards each.  Think of the two types of Arcana in this way:
• Major Arcana cards as the “big issues” that concern character and destiny.
• Minor Arcana are concerned with circumstances and behavior and illustrate how these energies manifest in your daily life.  The suites of the Minor Arcana are like the building blocks of the Major Arcana.  They can correspond to the four elements, the four directions, the personality types, the four seasons, etc.

Judith taught me that in her opinion there is no "right or wrong" way to read, handle, or use the cards.  There are many different options on this topic as there are readers.  I was blessed to have a teacher that encouraged me to find the way that resonated best for me.  She demonstrated that as long as I come from a place of integrity, honor the process, and be in a place of receiving and gratitude, than it's all good!  What a great foundation for my learning.

I admit that in the beginning it would take me about two hours to do a basic 10 card spread.  There are so many meanings to each card, to each position that the card is in, to what cards surrounded the others, to what the topic of the reading was, and on and on.  I would bring out multiple books to refer to for meanings and analyze the reading to the point of confusion.  With time, patience, and practice I got better, faster, and more at ease with what I was doing.

Finally I came up with a method that worked best for me at the time.  I was using what is considered the "classic Tarot deck", which is the Rider-Waite (or Universal Waite) deck, and wrote notes on the actual cards.  This was a "cheat sheet" way for me to remember some of the meanings better, as seeing the images and verbiage together helped anchor it for me.

I made an agreement with Spirit that my style was to read the cards in their upright position, as revered can have different aspects to the meanings if you desire to use that method.  I also figured that when a person chose me for the reading that Spirit guided them to me for a reason.  So I became was less concerned about "being profound and insightful"  and just let the process take it's natural course.  While I tended to be more literal in reading the cards, where some others were more intuitive, I found that by being open to the process my intuition would come into play naturally.  For instance, I might say something about... "It's like the nervous excitement of going off to college to be a doctor"... and the client would say... "How did you know I just signed up for nursing school?"  Spooky huh?

Over the years I experienced different techniques from different teachers.  I even stretched myself, moving beyond my comfort zone, and did readings at the local Renaissance Fair for a few years. 

My style of reading includes teaching the client about the positions of the cards and how the reading becomes a story.  I personally believe all the cards are positive messages and explain the "why" to clients.  My favorite card, which many people are afraid of, is the Death card.  Simply put, for me this is a card of "finally releasing" whatever the reading's subject is.  Allowing something to die so something new, with a new level of consciousness, can be born. 

Here are a few of my Tarot Tips:

Asking the Question

An important aspect of the reading is the phrasing the question you want to ask.  The more specific your question the more specific your answer will be.  When your vague, the ansers will be vague.  It's my understand that these oracles are not here to tell us what to do.  They do not predict the future.  What they do is show us what energies and paths we are on.  They help us open up to a new level of consciousness.  They teach us how to listen to that inner knowing that's within each of us.

When a client wants a "yes or no" answer, I explain that what the cards will show them is what the energies will be if you chose "yes" and if you chose "no".  This also works for any either / or situation.  Like taking a different job or not.  Like moving into this place or that.

“Tell me what I need to know about....” is one question that works really well. For example: What do I need to

... know to find a fulfilling career?

... know about myself so I can attract my ideal mate?

... understand in this situation?

... see to work through this challenge?

Giving Away Your Power

Please do not take any oracle reading as "gospel" because that is "giving your power away.  Only you know what is "true" for you.  Remember, each person reading the cards is filtering it through their own life experiences and knowledge.  No one has stood in your shoes except YOU. 

There Are No Rules

It’s so easy to get caught up in the dogma of peoples rules regarding Tarot.  I recommend you discern what is right for you.  For example, if you feel that anyone can touch and handle your cards, then go for it.  If you prefer to not have others touch them, then go for it. 

Here is a list of the Tarot and Oracle decks that I personally own, so far.

The subject of oracle and Tarot cards is unending.  This is just a sampling of the information available.  If I can answer any of your questions, please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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