Tarot & Oracle Cards
At The Energy Alcove, tarot and oracle cards are central tools for co-creating the life you were meant to live. Whether you're completely new to card work or looking to deepen your understanding, this page will walk you through everything you need to know - what the cards are, how they work, and what to expect when we sit down together for a reading.
What Is Tarot?
Tarot is a deck of 78 cards rich with symbolism, archetypes, and layered meaning. Originally created in 15th-century Italy as a card game, tarot wasn't used as a tool for reflection and divination until the late 18th century in France — and it has been evolving ever since. Today, tarot is widely used as a powerful mirror for the soul. The cards don't predict a fixed future — they illuminate the energies, patterns, and possibilities present in your life right now, helping you make clearer, more empowered decisions.
The Structure of a Tarot Deck
Every tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into main groups
The Major Arcana (22 cards)
These cards represent the big themes, turning points, and soul-level lessons in your life. Together they tell the story of the Fool's Journey - the universal human experience of moving from innocence and new beginnings all the way to integration and wholeness. Cards like The High Priestess, The Tower, and The World speak to forces larger than everyday circumstances. A few examples of what these cards represent:
The Fool
New beginnings, innocence, a leap of faith
Death
Transformation and necessary change (not physical death)
The High Priestess
Hidden wisdom, intuition, the power of knowing
The World
Completion, fulfillment, coming full circle
The Minor Arcana (56 cards)
These cards reflect the everyday experiences, emotions, and challenges that shape our lives. They are divided into four suits, each connected to one of the four elements:
Wands
Fire, action, passion, creativity, career
Swords
Air, thoughts, conflict, communication, decisions
Cups
Water, emotions, relationshisps, intuition
Pentacles
Earth, material life, money, health, stability
Each suit runs from Ace through 10, plus four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Once you understand the suits, you can begin reading almost any tarot deck.
Common Myths About Tarot
Tarot predicts the future ----->
Tarot doesn't tell you what will happen - it shows you what energies are at play and invites you to choose your next step with clarity.
The Death card is bad ----->
The Death card almost always represents transformation, an ending that makes way for something new - not literal death.
You shouldn't buy your own deck ----->
You can absolutely buy your own deck. What matters most is the connection you feel with it..
Reversed cards are bad ----->
Reversed cards simply offer a different angle - often pointing to internal energy or a block - not an automatic negative.
What Are Oracle Cards
Oracle cards are a broad category of divination cards that don't follow any fixed structure. Where tarot has a set system of 78 cards, oracle decks can have any number of cards and are built around whatever theme the creator chooses — angels, animals, the elements, affirmations, moon cycles, and much more.
Oracle cards tend to be more direct and accessible. Many have the card's meaning or a guiding message printed right on the card, making them wonderful for daily pulls, affirmations, and emotional check-ins. They're also a beautiful complement to a tarot reading, often offering a big-picture message or energetic theme to hold alongside the more detailed story the tarot tells.
Key Differences at a Glance
Tarot
78 cards, fixed structure, suits and arcana - consistent across all decks.
Oracle
Variable number of cards, no set rules, completely unique to each deck's creator.
Learning Curve
Tarot requires learning a system; oracle is more intuitive and accessible for beginners.
Purpose
Both offer insight, clarity, guidance, and a pathway to self-reflection.
Combined Use
Many readers (including me!) use both - tarot for depth, oracle for the bigger message.
How A Reading Works
A tarot or oracle reading is a collaborative, intuitive conversation — between you, the cards, and the deeper intelligence that wants you to thrive. Here's what to expect:
Setting Intention
Before we begin, we'll take a moment to get clear on what you're seeking. You might come in with a specific question, a situation you want perspective on, or simply an openness to receive what's most needed right now. There's no wrong way to enter a reading.
Shuffling & Selecting Cards
The deck is shuffled with your energy and your question in mind. Cards are then laid out in a pattern called a spread — each position in the spread holds a specific meaning (for example, what's supporting you, what's blocking you, what's coming next). The combination of the card and its position creates the story of your reading.
Interpreting the Cards
I will interpret the symbolism and energy of each card, weaving them into a coherent narrative that speaks to your situation. The reading isn't about telling you what to do — it's about helping you see clearly so you can make the choices that are right for you. Your free will is always honored.
Coaching Conversation
At The Energy Alcove, readings don't stop at card interpretation. We move into a coaching conversation so that the insights from the cards become real, actionable steps you can take forward in your life.
How to Prepare for Your Reading
The quality of a reading is greatly shaped by how you show up for it. Here are a few things you can do to get the most from our time together:
- Come clear on what area of life you want to explore — love, career, purpose, relationships, personal growth, or something else entirely.
- Spend a few quiet minutes before your session reflecting on what you most want to understand or move through right now.
- Write down any specific questions you'd like to explore. Open-ended questions tend to yield the richest readings: try "What do I need to understand about..." or "How can I approach..." rather than simple yes/no questions.
- Come with an open mind. The cards may confirm what you already sense — or they may surprise you. Both are valuable.
- If you're getting a virtual reading, find a quiet, private space where you can be fully present.
You don't need any prior experience with tarot or oracle cards.
I'll guide you through everything.
What to Expect From Working With Me
My approach is grounded, practical, and deeply personal. I'm not here to tell you what the universe has decided for you. I'm here to help you access your own wisdom, see your situation from a fresh angle, and leave with a clear path forward.
Every session at The Energy Alcove blends:
- Tarot guidance to illuminate the patterns, energies, and possibilities at play
- Oracle card support for big-picture themes and encouraging messages
- Life coaching conversation to turn insight into action
- Reiki energy support
Whether you're at a crossroads, working through something difficult, or simply ready to step more fully into the life you were meant to live — the cards are a powerful starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to believe in tarot for it to work?
Not at all. Many people approach tarot as a tool for self-reflection and storytelling rather than divination. The cards work as a projection surface for your own inner knowing — your reactions to them are often where the real insight lives.
Can tarot tell me what to do?
Tarot can illuminate your options, the energy surrounding a situation, and the potential paths ahead — but the choice always belongs to you. Think of it less like a fortune teller and more like a wise friend who helps you see what you might be missing.
How often should I get a reading?
This varies by person and circumstance. Some people love a monthly check-in to set intentions; others come when facing a significant decision or transition. Trust your own intuition about when you're ready for another session.
What if I don't understand a card?
That's completely normal — and it's what I'm here for. We'll work through the imagery and symbolism together, and often the cards that confuse us most hold our most important messages.
Is there anything the cards can't help with?
Tarot works best for personal growth, clarity, and navigating life decisions. It's not a substitute for medical, legal, or financial advice — but it can be a powerful companion alongside those resources