Tarot Cards & More

Blue Lotus Treasures carries three main types of card decks: Tarot Cards; Oracle Cards; and Self Development Cards. So the first question to ask yourself is how do you plan on using the deck and what type of information you would like to obtain.

• Tarot Cards are generally used for divination - to gain insight into a particular question or situation. Many professional psychics and intuitive counselors use them when working with a client as a tool to aide with obtaining information concerning issues the client may be facing. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of different designs to choose from. They are generally made up of 78 cards divided into 4 suits  - the most common being Swords (Air), Wands (Fire), Pentacles (Earth), and Cups (Water). For more information, Wikipedia has a wonderful discussion of the history and evolution of Tarot Cards.
  
  If you are new to tarot and interested in learning the basics, we recommend starting with either the classic Rider-Waite Tarot, or a deck that is based on the Rider-Waite, for several reasons:  1) the Rider-Waite Tarot is simple to use - the images are clear and easy to understand; 2) in spite of its simplicity, its imagery is rich in the symbolism of the Hermetic Qabalah and can provide a great depth of meaning and insight; and 3) because it is so popular and has been around for such a long time, there is more information and instructional materials published for the Rider-Waite Tarot than any other tarot deck.
  
  
  
• Oracle Cards are another type of divination tool. The two basic differences when compared to tarot decks are that oracle decks frequently have fewer cards and generally do not have a 4-suit structure. What they generally will have is stunning imagery that often focuses on spiritual beings such as angels, goddesses, and gods; mythical creatures including mermaids, dragons, faeries to name a few; and ancient legend, lore, and magic.
  
  Whereas tarot cards are frequently used for 10-card spreads, oracle cards are generally used with smaller spreads or single-card draws. Each is its own unique creation, and as such each has its own unique personality. While their whimsical imagery and unifying theme can make them easier to learn, they just as powerful and insightful a tool as tarot cards.
  
  
  
• Self-development Cards provide us with personal insight, guidance, inspiration, and healing. Whereas tarot cards are best suited to provide insight for a client (because it can be very difficult to remain objective when interpreting their symbolism for ourselves), self-development cards are designed to provide the user with personal guidance. The face of the card is often decorated with a beautiful, uplifting image and includes a short inspirational message. The back of the card generally provides a more in-depth discussion of the card's message. The images are often based on original works of art that have been created by inspirational artists to convey or express the card's message.
  
  Self-development cards can be used in many different ways:
  
  
  • Daily Message: Pull one card from your favorite deck(s) at the beginning of each day to provide yourself with an inspirational message to carry with you throughout the day. This is also a insightful method to determine what challenge(s) you may face or need to work on that day.
    
    
  • Insight Into a Question: Write down or hold in your mind a question or situation you would like you like assistance with. With your eyes closed, draw a card to provide insight into how to resolve the situation.
    
    
  • Meditation: Self-development cards provide a wonderful focal point for any meditation. This can be done by simply selecting an image that you are drawn to and focusing on it as you enter your meditative state. This method can also be used to obtain insight and guidance while meditating.

Focusing on your purpose for purchasing a deck, identifying artistic styles that appeal to you, and concentrating on the features you find useful will help take some of the mystery and confusion out of selecting a deck. And I have found that on those occasions where the deck I was so drawn to doesn't appeal to me when I begin working with it, I actually had purchased it unknowingly for a friend who it is perfect for.