Reading Gypsy Oracle Cards Their Meanings And What They are Trying To Tell You
Reading the Meanings of Oracle/Tarot Cards
What Are Tarot Cards?
Tarot cards are a form of cartomancy, or fortune-telling. In principle, it's similar to the practice of divination. The difference is that divination involves religious rituals, invoking deities or spirits, while fortune-telling is less serious and formal. That said, it's best not to think of tarot or oracle cards as sage predictors of the future but rather as a set of suggestions for spiritual or practical guidance and affirmation.
With any of the various tarot or oracle decks, the user needs to read between the lines and creatively interpret the symbols and images. If you're seeking a specific answer, it's important to remember that the placement of the cards will not necessarily make sense in relation to the question being asked.
Tarot vs. Oracle: What's the Difference?
Tarot reading follows a more rigid set of rules and structure that is based on 78 traditional cards (the 56 suit cards of the Major Arcana and the 22 trump cards of the Major Arcana). Oracle reading can be similar to tarot, but the cards range in number from 22 to 88 and are more open to interpretation.
While oracle cards are similar to your typical tarot deck, they do not hold any particular suit. Rather, each card supplies a picture or situation that is meant to be interpreted symbolically.
What Oracle Cards Are Trying to Tell You
According to legend, a wise nomad spoke of two elements that had to be kept in mind: the image, which 'provoked feelings and memories in the heart and mind,' and the sentence (the card's title), which 'guided sensitivities and perception in the right direction.'
Admittedly, I am a novice in the world of tarot decks and oracle reading, but I'm interested in the idea of interpreting ancient archetypes in the context of our modern world. The combined elements of spirituality and creative detective work at play makes me want to dig deeper into the meaning behind these mysterious and beautiful cards.
Below you will find a detailed description for each and every oracle card. The cards have alternate meanings depending on what's going on in your life and what position the card is in. Make sure to read both the typical interpretation as well as the reversed or alternative meanings for each card. They have been arranged in alphabetical order for your convenience.
Cheerfulness or Party
When Facing Right Side Up
When facing right side up, this card could mean a social event, a reception, a wedding, and/or baby shower is coming your way. It may suggest a great need to get out more and enjoy yourself. Let yourself escape the mundaneness of normal life for a little bit. You deserve it.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Alternately, when facing upside down, this card could mean that you are feeling uncertain about your social skills and/or fearful of social situations. It may serve as an omen that you will face an event requiring you to interact meaningful with others. Take note of the other cards that you have pulled in your reading to possibly narrow down the nature of this event.
Child or Baby
When Facing Right Side Up
When facing right side up, this card could be telling you about a new start, such as a pregnancy, or a child coming into your life. It is sometimes interpreted as representing the infancy stage of life.
The card could also represent the start of a new project or relationship. Or, you may be called upon care for someone who is less fortunate than you.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
When facing upside down, the card could mean naivety or inexperience. It may also suggest that you are nostalgic for the past or need to satisfy repressed desires and unfulfilled hopes.
This card is sometimes interpreted as representing a new addition to the family.
Consolation or Money
When Facing Right Side Up
When this card is facing up, it could mean a bonus, raise, purchase, small win, or refund is in your future. This could include finding lost assets, receiving a check, or even an entitlement.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
In reverse, it could mean that you are not receiving what you are owed or that a small financial loss is on the way.
Constancy
When Facing Right Side Up
Forward-facing, this card can represent a lack of change, accountability, and that everything will stay the same but in a positive light.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Alternatively, if you are wondering about a negative situation when the card is upside down, then your situation is unlikely to improve. This may be due to stubbornness.
This card represents the quality of being dependable and faithful, as well as enduring and unchanging. Take note of the surrounding cards that you've pulled in order to narrow down this card's meaning.
Conversation or Judge
When Facing Right Side Up
When this card is presented facing forwards, it could mean that a conversation is going to take place soon, or a final verdict/decision will be made by those in authority. Weighing the pros and cons in a situation may be the solution for you at this time.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
If this card has been presented upside down, you are either being put through some kind of a test or you are seeking acceptance to move forward.
Above all else, this card represents judgment and finality. A discussion is to take place soon. Take note of the surrounding cards pulled in your reading to determine what the conversation or decision will be about.
Death
When Facing Right Side Up
Despite the ominous name, when in the upright position, this card's meaning usually relates to the start of a new cycle, a time to move on and forget the past. It's time to head off in a different direction.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
When placed upside down, it means farewell, a finalization or ending; if a yes or no question has been asked, the answer is no.
It's often depicted as a negative card to pull, but it also brings some joy. This card represents endings, but also brings in new beginnings (similar to how the Faithfulness card has alternate meanings). It can also be used to answer yes or no questions.
Despair or Anger
When Facing Right Side Up
When placed right side up, this card usually regards a provocation or a circumstance that tests one's patience. This is a card of emotions that could be telling you how you, or others, are feeling. It could also represent the despair of other people, and may suggest that someone around you will be in need of your help or compassion.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Upside down, this card signifies that someone near you is prone to sudden outbursts or will 'fly off the handle.' There are some anger issues that exist along with frustration, negative emotions, annoyance, and an all-around bad mood.
This card represents the many hardships and cruelties that you will experience in the world. Alternatively, it may be a pun on 'the spare.' Perhaps the meaning is hinting at the fact that you may need some backup.
Doctor or Physician
When Facing Right Side Up
When this card has been placed in the upward position, it can represent a medicine man or woman. Perhaps there is someone near you who needs care and advice.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Alternatively, in the reversed potion, there is a need for emotional or physical healing, and perhaps even medical concerns are present.
On the card, you can clearly see a doctor comforting his patient. The card may be telling you to seek guidance or to pay attention to the health of the person receiving the reading.
Enemy
When Facing Right Side Up
This card can suggest a variety of conflicts:
Weakness
Hostility
Impostor
Self-doubt
Opposing ideas and contradictory attitudes
Denial or rejection
Inner conflict
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
This card means the same forward as it does in reverse, though the severity of the situation may differ. Consult the surrounding cards to decipher this card's meaning. Is there someone near you that has ulterior motives? Perhaps an acquaintance that does not have your best interest at heart?
Faithfulness or Good News
When Facing Right Side Up or Upside Down
This card is positive in either position. It is a "Yes" card signifying positive results. It also represents a joyful announcement, generosity, loyalty, protection, and intuition. It could also be telling you that you were recently or are about to be put through a test that you will pass.
This is a positive card to receive. Just like the Death card can be used for "yes" or "no" questions, this is a "Yes" card, suggesting that good news is coming. Strong values and good intentions will enable you to move forward in the world and succeed.
Falseness
When Facing Right Side Up or Upside Down
This is a card of lies, corruption, defensiveness, and negativity. Perhaps there will be a betrayal by someone in whom you have put your faith. There is some kind of deception going on and someone is trying to cover it up by lying to you. This card can also represent the person that is getting the reading. If this is the case, the card is telling you to make things right.
This card's meaning is the same forward as it is reversed, though the severity may differ. This card represents lies and manipulation. Consult the surrounding cards in the reading to decipher its meaning.
Foe or Rival
When Facing Right Side Up
There is an embrace of some new joy. Something may not have gone your way but something good will still come from it as long as you can be aggressive and make good things happen. Are you competing or comparing yourself to others' accomplishments? It is sometimes better to do things that are just for you and not out of competition.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
When in the reversed position, you are losing your credibility by standing with or against others. It also may suggest that you have neglected your duties or abandoned your responsibilities. Don't be reluctant to assert your rights and stand up for yourself or for a cause you believe in.
Fortune
When Facing Right Side Up
There has been a victory or a string of luck happening at this moment. Something is happening that is most satisfying and praise should be given for your abundance. This could be pertaining to inner riches rather than a more literal fortune.
This is a positive card to receive. It is either saying you will soon reap your rewards or advising you to take the first step to making your dreams come true.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
When reversed, there may be some unexpressed talents that should be pursued. You're not moving in the direction you should be in to achieve your fortune.
Friend
When Facing Right Side Up
It could represent a friend or a friendship. They are an important person to have around you at the moment for they are teaching you things about yourself that you need to be in tune with. Lessons will be learned and positive reinforcement is high.
The card may signify aspects of your personality that you have rejected but are now ready to incorporate and acknowledge. Most people don't like accounting for their own flaws, but sometimes it is crucial in order to grow as a person and become the true self you are meant to be.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Whether reversed or forward, this is a good card to receive when surrounded by other positive cards. Take into account what your surrounding cards are. There is someone close to you who can be beneficial.
Frivolity or Inconstance
When Facing Right Side Up or Upside Down
With change comes new beginnings. They could be rocky at first, but they end up turning out for the better. Something is changing and an embrace is needed at this moment.
If change isn't embraced, it could lead to some negativity and irrational actions. Do not be disheartened about things not being the way they used to be. Without the river moving, it can not awaken life along its path.
When drawn, this card usually means something uncertain is about to happen, has happened, or is happening at the moment. Perhaps you must rely on your own instincts rather than seeking out wisdom from the cards. What are your instincts telling you?
Gift
When Facing Right Side Up
A gift may be perceived as anything of value to the individual. Rewards are plenty at the moment but it may not be a reward in the more literal sense. This card represents a donation, a contribution, or an inheritance and may also be representative of a generous person.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Alternatively, you may be trying to express some kind of awkward feeling that needs to be "carefully packaged." This card could be telling you to allow yourself to have a more generous reaction toward a situation.
Something is coming your way in some shape or form. It could be rather grand or may be something small but special. A kind word, an inheritance, or some news that you could be waiting for. Do you need to break some hard news to someone?
Haughtiness or Pride
When Facing Right Side Up
Ambition is key to your situation at the moment. This card is telling you that you should not expect the rewards you seek or the treatment from others with which you long for if your ambition is lulled and no action on your part is taken.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
When reversed, it may mean there is an arrogant air about you that isn't being received well. Others may be perceiving you as conceited.
When this card is in place, take into account the surrounding cards. Is this card representing you or someone else? Does your pride get in the way of things, or are you dealing with a prideful person? Or perhaps it is the opposite and the cards are telling you to go after what you need to be doing. Don't let fear hold you back. Go for it! You have nothing to lose as long as you try.
Hope
When Facing Right Side Up
You have been patient and put your faith into the future and now a positive outcome is your reward.
Reversed or Alternate Meaning
Alternatively, in your waiting you let other opportunities slip past you. A patient man can either be wise or a fool-hearted. It is up to you to determine which one you are.
There is nothing wrong with being patient. After all, it is a virtue. But don't let waiting for something allow other opportunities to pass you by. There is no sense in letting something that may or may not happen hold you back from the reward you deserve.
