How to Create Your Own Divination Cards

Creating your own divination cards isn’t just about putting together a collection of images; it’s also a profound spiritual journey and a cathartic one that at. It allows you to connect with your intuition while you explore your inner world. You get to develop a visual language that speaks directly to your higher self and the universe at large. In this post, we’ll work through the steps involved in crafting your own personalised tarot or oracle deck.

Excited? let’s get started!

1. Setting Your Intentions: The Heart of the Journey

Before diving into your art materials or deciding on your card designs, it’s important to reflect on why you want to create your deck. Tarot and oracle cards are tools for divination, self-reflection, and spiritual growth, so the energy behind your creation is everything. Take some time to meditate and ask yourself:

• What do I want my deck to help myself and others explore?

• What themes do I want to explore (e.g., healing, transformation, intuition)?

• How do I want to connect my artwork to the spiritual journey?

Journaling your thoughts and intentions will guide your design process and keep the energy of your deck focused. It’s like planting a seed that will grow throughout the creative process.

2. Choose Your Divination Card Type: Tarot vs. Oracle

The next thing to decide is whether you want to create a tarot or an oracle deck. Both are tools for introspection and clarity, but they are structured differently.

• Tarot Decks are traditionally divided into two main parts: the Major Arcana (22 cards that represent life’s major themes and lessons) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards divided into four suits, each with its own symbolic meaning). Tarot decks have a specific structure, and the imagery you create will follow these well known and established archetypes.

• Oracle Decks, however are more flexible and open-ended. There are no set rules for the number of cards, suits, or themes. You are free to create whatever resonates with you. Oracle cards can focus on themes such as ,spirit guides, ancestors, moon phases, animals, elements, deities, chakras, affirmations, shadow work, past lives, and personal empowerment. Which a vast array of theme to choose from, this allows more personal expression in your artwork.

3. Choose Your Art Medium

This is where your unique arty style shines in all its glory. The medium you choose will influence how the messages on your cards are received. Whether you work in watercolour, digital art, mixed media, or collage, your art should feel connected to the energy you want to invoke in the user. Here’s some ideas to help you choose:

• Watercolour and Acrylics: These mediums allow for vibrant, fluid designs that feel soft and intuitive. Watercolors work especially well for cards that evoke dream-like or spiritual energy.

• Pen and Ink: For a more detailed, precise aesthetic, pen and ink can create bold, graphic imagery that adds clarity to complex themes.

• Digital Art: If you enjoy using technology, digital illustrations give you the flexibility to adjust and refine your artwork easily. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate various textures and layers.

• Mixed Media: A great way to incorporate different materials (like fabric, metal, or natural elements) can give your cards texture and depth, which adds an extra layer of symbolism.

4. Develop Symbols and Imagery

As you start designing your cards, you’ll want to create images that resonate with both the traditional meanings of tarot (if you’re making a tarot deck) and your own intuitive messages. If you’re creating an oracle deck, the imagery can be as abstract or as literal as you like, as long as it connects to the energy and messages you wish to convey.

Some things to consider:

• Colour: Colours carry deep symbolism. For example, blue can represent intuition and spiritual clarity, while red can symbolise action or passion. Choose colours that align with the themes of your cards.

• Symbols: Think about what symbols have personal significance to you. A feather might symbolise spiritual guidance, while a mountain might represent resilience. Incorporating personal symbols can help your deck carry a with energy that’s unique.

• Archetypes: If you’re making a tarot deck, understanding archetypes (such as The Fool, The High Priestess, and The Empress) is key. How do these energies manifest in your artwork? How can you convey the core messages of each card in a way that speaks to your intuition?

5. Spiritual Practice: Infusing Your Deck with Energy

Creating divination cards isn’t just about visual art—it’s also about infusing your cards with spiritual energy. As you work on each card, take moments to meditate, set intentions, or even perform a small ritual. Here’s some ways to connect to your art while you work:

• Bless Your Workspace: Create a sacred space for your art. Light candles, burn incense, or play soft music that resonates with the energy you want to invoke.

• Intuition Over Perfection: Allow your intuition to guide you through the process. Don’t worry about making your cards “perfect”; trust that the images are coming from your higher self.

• Charging Your Cards: Once your divination cards are complete, consider performing a blessing or charging ritual for the deck. Hold each card and focus on the energy you want to infuse into it. This is an opportunity to direct your intentions into the physical cards.

6. Card Layout and Final Touches

After all the artwork is complete, it’s time to design the layout. This includes adding card titles, numbers, and any other elements you want to include (such as keywords, affirmations, or messages). Consider the following:

• Card Titles: These should clearly communicate the essence of each card. In tarot decks, the traditional names work well, but you can also adapt them to suit your own language and style.

• Text and Font: If you’re adding text to your cards, choose a font that complements the aesthetic of the artwork. You want the text to be readable and seamlessly integrated into the design.

7. Printing and Assembling Divination Cards

Once your designs are complete, it’s time to bring your deck to life. You can either print the cards at home if you have access to quality card stock, or you can use a professional printing service to create a more polished deck.

If you’re creating a physical deck, think about the feel and texture of your cards. A matte finish can add a mystical quality, while a glossy finish might make colours pop! The card size is also important—make sure it’s comfortable to hold and easy to shuffle.

8. Working with Your New Deck

Now that your deck is complete, it’s time to begin using it! Whether you created it for personal use or to share with others, your deck will offer you a deeper connection to your intuition, inner wisdom, and spiritual path. Take your time to bond with your deck through daily pulls, readings, or simply sitting with the cards and meditating on their meanings.

Creating your own divination cards is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to connect with your higher self, channel your creativity, and manifest a tool that serves as both art and a spiritual aid. Whether you use it for personal growth or share it with others, your deck will be a unique expression of you and your spiritual journey.

Remember though, the process of creating your divination cards is just as important as the deck itself. The energy you pour into the artwork, the intention you set, and the connection you cultivate along the way will guide your journey with this powerful divination tool.

Join me over on Pinterest and share your creations. I’d love to hear all about your journey towards creating your very own divination cards.

Happy creating!