Oracle's Card of the Month: April '23

For April we went ahead and chose Lulu’s Lucky Lenormand deck because it has such a Spring feel. The Clover card speaks of luck and auspicious opportunities. But the essence of Clover is fleeting. Your ship has come in, but there IS a departure time. This luck won’t just wait around for you to decide whether or not you’re on board. This is a seize the moment card.

So much of the way we work here in the studio at Oracle is reliant on what becomes available to us because we source our materials as sustainably as possible. That means when we are presented with and purchase certain items there is no guarantee that we will get it again. The trick is knowing what to say “yes” to and what to let go. As a small business we just can’t say yes to everything after all… and as an individual you need to be discerning with your time and energy too!

So recognizing the opportunities that line up with your best interests is key. Taking time to assess not only where you want to go but also the things you’re enjoying and benefitting from in the here and now is essential.

Practice checking in with yourself as you make simple day-to-day decisions. Trying to decide on what to order at the cafe? Ask yourself “what is the best option right now?” And whichever choice flashes through your mind at that second… order that one! (Narrow it down to 2 or 3 viable options before you ask yourself this question…) Figuring out which sweater to grab before heading out the door? “What is the best option right now?” And without rationalizing it… the one that flashes into your mind first is the sweater for the day!

By flexing your intuitive muscle this way regularly and with low-stakes choices helps you gain confidence in knowing which opportunities are right for you. You don’t always have control over what options you are presented with, but you can be confident that you will make the best possible choices you can with what you’re working with.

Much like the challenge of playing a card game, we have to work with the cards we’re dealt. If you know me, you know I LOVE playing card metaphors… almost as much as I love playing cards themselves! And Oracle has added a few GORGEOUS decks to the shop and I will be teaching a Divination with Playing Cards workshop next month!

Some believe skunks to be a lucky omen and are often viewed as messengers of Spring. Skunks remind us to trust our intuition and move with quiet confidence in our own power and ability to defend ourselves. The striking beauty of black and white stripes in the skunk’s tail is a visual reminder of balance and patterns. The small skunk skull reminds us that big power can come in tiny packages.

Setting up a crystal grid is a stabilizing meditative practice. When you feel like you need a little extra boost of intuition, setting up crystals in a formation to help you feel connected to spirit can be helpful.

April brings with it, if not warmer weather and sunshine, at least the promise of sunnier times soon ahead. As the world “springs” back to life keep your eyes open for opportunities as they emerge! Like the skunk, move calmly and with confidence knowing you have the capacity to handle what comes your way. And when you see that lucky clover, pick it up and carry it with you! — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

Oracle's Card of the Month: January '23

To start off this year we chose The Rainbow Heart Tarot deck by Rachel Rosenkoetter. The Hermit card leads us into the new year, with its message of slowing down, turning inwards, and self-reflection. As the new year is often a time for setting intentions and making plans The Hermit encourages us to take our time and be mindful with our goals.

Here at Oracle, the retail-side slows down a bit in January (after the holiday rush) and we buckle-down in the workshop.  We spend some time planning out our projects for the year and the calendar fills up surprisingly quickly!

Part of our year-transition ritual involves acknowledging what we accomplished throughout the previous year. Looking back over the goals we had set for ourselves in the last year and seeing how it compares to our current plans. Taking this extra time to reflect may seem counter-intuitive to the go-go-go nature of our culture, and especially of small-businesses. But without taking time to contextualize, you may find yourself veering off course or even demoralized thinking you haven’t progressed when, in actuality, you truly have.

Finding ways to let the dust settle and get some clarity is a nice way to direct your energy beginning your year. (What energy you may have remaining after ringing out 2022!)

Spending time settling into the season and reflecting on what has happened while also looking forward to what is to come can be a tricky balancing act. Things which ground us will help bring a sense of stability. And things which inspire us will help spark optimism as we look to the future. Small and simple things can act as anchors and guiding lights. What helps you feel grounded? Breathing exercises? Holding a stone in your pocket and feeling it’s surface and edges? Does a beautiful insect inspire wonder? Or maybe the intricate details in a flower or leaf? Re-centering can happen in humble ways. Don’t feel pressured to make grand gestures.

Pink Amethyst is a stone said to bring emotional balance and overall peace through calm, understanding, and grace.

How to Make Space by Dr. Arlene K. Unger is an inspired guide to a clearer mind and home. A lovely hard-bound book filled with practical exercises to clear your home, calendar, and mind.

Using divination cards is a nice way to bring your mind into focus. The Rainbow Heart Tarot by Kansas City-based artist Rachel Rosenkoetter is a bright and psychedelic twist on a traditional Tarot deck. Uplifting and insightful.

Animals can be a helpful example of how to embed certain qualities. Nothing feels quite as grounded as a strong horse hoof planted firmly on the earth.

January can feel like a sudden “dead stop” after the hectic end-of-year hustle and bustle. The heart of Winter and the turning of the calendar are intense. Whether you feel it as an intense chill or an intense sense of optimism… Take time to settle into your present moment. Acknowledge all you’ve come through from the previous year while allowing yourself to feel hope and look forward to what comes next. May your new year be full of insight. — Laura Pensar for Oracle Natural Science

{ Oracle Origin Story :: Update }

Oracle Fine Curiosities was founded in 2013 by psychologist Carrie Parker and artist/illustrator Jane Almirall. Oracle, a natural science and oddities shop with an interest in divination tools, attracted a beautiful community of customers and clients who were interested in science, art and metaphysical ephemera. Not long after opening it’s doors, Oracle entered a partnership with artist, Alessandra Dzuba, whose background in entomology and osteology became the literal backbone (*articulated spine) of the shop.

In November of 2017, Ms. Dzuba assumed sole ownership of Oracle - now Oracle Natural Science - and has continued to grow the community of natural science enthusiasts as well as spiritual growth seekers, healers and artists with her sustainable and thoughtfully curated space. Alessandra Dzuba continues her work as an artist, www.alessandradzuba.com, and showcases her one of a kind works and assemblage pieces at Every Day Original, which can be found here.

Carrie Parker has turned her focus on her intuitive counseling practice, Sacred Psyche, and has opened a beautiful space for her clients located in the Historic Tower East neighborhood at 901 East 31st St., KCMO 64109. Ms. Parker hosts events and workshops which explore a variety of divination modalities, all of which can be found on her site, www.yoursacredpsyche.com and on instagram.

Jane Almirall has returned to her first love, competitive hot dog eating. I kid! Ms. Almirall is creating an oracle divination deck, collaborating with fellow artists and creators, as well as teaching workshops and reading Tarot for clients. Her illustrations and drawings can be found at www.janealmirall.net, and on her instagram.

{ Mentat Monday }

Hi Y'all, I hope you had a great weekend! Are you ready to dig into this week's focus card? It's a good one....

Ace of Swords

In Tarot, Swords always represent the intellect and mental process of the querent. Our rational minds provide us with the necessary tools to discern between illusion and truth and the Ace of this suit is indicative of the beginning of that clarity. 

We are approaching a 'break-through' of with our insight and perception. Ace of Swords suggests that we hold steady, to better know - and therefore speak - our truth. 

We have great intellectual potential and mental capacity, Y'all. Let's do this thing!

 *These tarot card readings are intended for us all as a community and are therefore broad. If you are interested in a more specific, in-depth reading - we offer individual readings at Oracle as well! If you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual reading, you can do that here or give us a ring at 816.982.9550. You can also join us for one of our monthly Tarot Workshop & Happy Hour events and learn more about cartomancy!    

{ Mother's Day Monday }

Yes, it's the day after Mother's Day, but who am I to miss out on a perfect alliteration when opportunity presents itself? In the spirit of honoring motherhood (in all the forms this archetype can represent), I decided to choose a card deliberately today. Our focus card for the week is none other than the ultimate 'Mother' in Tarot, The Empress.

The Empress represents all things nurturing, including the experiences of conception, gestation, birth, guidance and the care needed to facilitate growth. Qualities associated with this card are patience, creativity, fertility, nature, wisdom, abundance, beauty and the capacity for giving and receiving love. 

When the Empress turns up in your reading, she is usually there to herald a time of directionless, explosive creativity. While the directionless part is a little scary, I always take this as good news, as my old ass can always use some youthful energy with my visionary rebirth. And how do we apply the lessons of the Empress? Baby your ideas, give them patience and care - cultivate a healthy environment for them to thrive in and then watch them develop into something good. Remember to be receptive to this type of fertile energy when you feel it, and don't be afraid to get weird, y'all - the Arts and Sciences (and all of us other weirdos) need you. 

 *These tarot card readings are intended for us all as a community and are therefore broad. If you are interested in a more specific, in-depth reading - we offer individual readings at Oracle as well! If you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual reading, you can do that here or give us a ring at 816.982.9550. You can also join us for one of our monthly Tarot Workshop & Happy Hour events and learn more about cartomancy!    

{ Mingledingle Monday }

I felt like this week really called for one of those loud and clear kinds of messages, so I went to my beautiful Scrying Ink deck for guidance. This week's focus card is really keeping in theme with our last couple of card pulls (Hanged Man and Nine of Swords), hold on to your butts because this week I pulled.....

BROOM

Ah yes, Broom. In traditional Lenormand decks this card is presented with the Whip, but this particular deck takes that message one step further by being even more specific. Broom is indicative of clearing away, separation, dissolution and truth - it also signifies a time for some fresh starts. Unlike the argumentative nature of Whip, Broom is more of a cleansing card, sweeping away lies and unhealthy situations to give way to a new beginning.

Lenormand Broom (Whip) is represented by the Jack of Clubs (AKA Page of Wands) in cartomancy, which means this is also a time that is ripe with opportunity. It's good for us to embrace this change with positivity and enthusiasm, but to keep our impulsiveness in check. Change is not easy, Y'all. I know some of you may be experiencing some difficult or uncomfortable transitions right now and it might be hard to keep your chin up about it. Broom here is letting you know that you are making room in your heart for things which truly enrich your soul, and you will come out of this a happier, healthier person. 

We have been working on changing our perspective, on breaking our bad mental habits and now we are being asked to really clear the air and make space for those new possibilities that are opening for us. Let's do this shit!

 *These tarot card readings are intended for us all as a community and are therefore broad. If you are interested in a more specific, in-depth reading - we offer individual readings at Oracle as well! If you would like to schedule an appointment for an individual reading, you can do that here or give us a ring at 816.982.9550. You can also join us for one of our monthly Tarot Workshop & Happy Hour events and learn more about cartomancy!