Contemplation: Consult the Oracle, Discover Thyself by Leela Williams

Moments of peace and introspection can feel like a luxury. You can create these moments while cultivating inner calm and insight with a humble deck of tarot or oracle cards. With imagery that is often steeped in symbolism and wisdom, these divinatory tools offer a gateway to deeper contemplation and self-discovery. Here’s how you can harness the wonder of your favourite deck for a journey of introspection.

While you can do this exercise at any time, you might find it easier to move into a contemplative state within the tranquillity of dawn or the serenity of dusk. The best time is whenever you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. Create a sacred space by imagining a circle or sphere around you and your immediate surroundings. You may like to use crystals, bells, feathers or charms to mark the boundary of your circle. Settle into the ambience of your space by relaxing into your breathing – slow and deep into your belly.

When your energy shifts, shuffle your cards. Unlike a divinatory reading, ask no question of your deck. Quiet your thoughts and let your hands move with the cards in a gentle rhythm. Be aware of the cadence as the deck separates and returns to wholeness. Listen to the cards falling into place, like whispers of destiny. Shuffle until you feel another shift in your energy. It is then time to choose a card at random. As you do this, be aware of the card choosing you.

Hold the card in both hands, high enough that your chin does not drop toward your chest. Approach the card with reverence and openness, letting your gaze linger on the imagery. Allow the colours, shapes, and symbols to stir something within you. You may feel a response in your belly or chest or a tingling in your third eye. When you are ready, let the visual elements interact with any words inscribed on the card. Feel their invitation to delve deeper into your contemplation process.

Maintain a steady rhythm of slow, deep breaths to ground yourself in the present moment as the wisdom of the card permeates your consciousness. Observe any thoughts or feelings that arise without questioning or pursuing them. Simply let them float into being and drift away. Be patient with yourself, allowing understanding to unfold gradually, like a delicate flower unfurling its petals. Remain in this space for a few minutes, longer if you wish, while insights emerge and weave into the tapestry of your being.

Close your practice by holding the card to your heart and saying thank you. You may wish to place the card on your altar or a bedside table with a crystal of your choosing. Invite the wisdom of the card to continue to reveal itself over the next 24 hours. You may feel its presence in your thoughts, actions and dreams bringing past experiences to light, influencing present circumstances or guiding future outcomes. Honour your newfound insight with gratitude and journalling.

Connect with Leela at https://linktr.ee/leelajwilliams. Image features Peace Oracle by Toni Carmine Salerno and Leela J. Williams and available from Tarotopia.