Tarot and Oracle
Welcome to Season 10 of Every Day Tarot!
This season, I’m exploring the rich, magical intersections between tarot and witchcraft.
What we explore in this episode:
The key differences between tarot and oracle cards, and how to know which might be right for you
A brief history of tarot as cartomancy
Why the Waite-Smith deck is foundational (and why I make a point to honor Pamela Coleman-Smith, the artist behind its iconic imagery)
Why some people love the structure of tarot, while others prefer the intuitive freedom of oracle
Tips for choosing a deck you actually vibe with
How tarot and oracle can complement each other in readings and reflection practices
A 3-card Calling–Doubt–Action spread using The Citadel Oracle, to explore where you're being invited to step forward, what resistance is showing up, and how to move with purpose and clarity
In today’s episode, I’m talking all about tarot and oracle decks... how they’re different, how they overlap, and how to choose the right deck for your needs and style.
Decks mentioned and referenced in this episode:
Therapists Who Tarot Deck, Prompts by Dreya Blume and Images by Rebecca Bloom
The Goddess of Love Tarot Deck: A Book and Deck for Embodying The Erotic Divine Feminine by Gabriela Herstik and illustrated by Julia Popescu
I pulled one card from the Wild Kuan Yin Oracle: The Velvet Goddess Edition by Alana Fairchild
I did a 3 card spread from the The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright deck
Callings- The Captain
Doubts- The Cartographer
Actions- The Sentinel
Oracle card pull from Wild Kuan Yin Oracle: The Velvet Goddess Edition by Alana Fairchild
I got The Slave Dances Into Freedom (upright). This is a sacred ending—a clear release, not a slow fade or a final hurdle. The struggle that once defined you is over, and you're no longer bound by it. Now, you’re invited to grieve what’s passed, name the fight, and let go. Lay down your armor and allow your being to breathe. This card captures that threshold: the moment between grief and freedom, when your soul kicks off its shoes and dares to dance.
How to do a 3-card Calling–Doubt–Action spread:
1. Ground Yourself
Take a few deep breaths. Center your body. You might place a hand over your heart or light a candle. Set an intention like: "Show me where I’m being called, what’s getting in the way, and how I can move forward with clarity."
2. Shuffle and Pull 3 Cards
Lay them out from left to right:
Card 1: (Calling) – What energy, path, or invitation is pulling you forward right now?
Card 2: (Doubt) – What fear, resistance, or story is causing hesitation?
Card 3: (Action) – What grounded next step can you take to align with your calling?
3. Reflect and Integrate
Spend time with the cards. Let their imagery speak. You might journal, voice-note, or just sit quietly with the insight that comes through.
Helpful questions to explore:
Where am I being invited to show up with more courage or clarity?
What fear or belief is clouding my momentum?
What’s one small action I can take today that honors my truth?
Here’s what came up in today’s reading using the The Citadel: A Fantasy Oracle by Fen Inkwright:
Calling: The Captain - You’re being called to lead—but through collaboration, not control. Share the vision and move forward together.
Doubt: The Cartographer - You may feel stuck or over-plan. Doubt here shows up as the fear of picking the “wrong” map. But the truth is, movement brings clarity.
Action: The Sentinel - Hold your ground. Protect your energy and act with integrity. Boundaries are your next move.
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Season 8 - Suit of Swords
Season 9 - Suit of Cups
Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Desert Illuminations Tarot by Lindsay D. Williams, I pulled The Sun (Reversed). A reminder that even radiance needs rest. The reversed Sun might be telling you it’s time to slow down, recalibrate, or simply… go to bed. This isn’t failure; the light will return in its own time.
Reflective prompts on this card:
What brightness am I afraid to step into?
Where do I need warmth, but can’t quite access it?
What kind of rest would allow me to feel more alive?
Ways to Connect & Support
Thanks so much for those who were able to attend my VIRTUAL tarot card creation event last week. If you signed up but were unable to make it to the live event, you should have the replay of the event recording, the PDF I made with my step-by-step process and an offer to join my upcoming series called Tarot for Transformation. Check your email!
Patreon: For new moon readings, tarot Q&As, individual card pulls, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.
Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.
Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup: If you’re local to the Greater Puget Sound area I’d love to see you at one of my Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group events where we all bring some of our favorite decks and play around with tarot and oracle decks together.
Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.
Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. If you’re looking for a therapist and I seem like a good fit, please reach out and book a free consultation: camilleasaunders.com