How To Create An Oracle Deck With AI Art
Back in 2010, after taking my first Tarot class, I became enamored with having a deck made specifically for me from my symbolism. However, the cost of hiring someone to do the art or the time investment of drawing all the art myself made this passion feel like a far-off dream. Over the years, friends of mine created their own decks and in 2022 I was introduced to Dall-E and Midjourney. I became well-versed in commands and prompting for AI art programs. In 2023 the desire to finally create my own deck became too strong for me to push it off, so I dedicated months to creating my decks. Now, I have 3 completed decks both Tarot and Oracle and I will give a blueprint on how to do it by sharing my process. NOTE. If you want me to mentor you through creating one or more decks with AI art, I do offer one-on-one coaching for $500 that’s done over 6 months.
First, what is an oracle deck?
Oracle and Tarot are both divinations that are like your spiritual sidekick, helping you tap into that cosmic knowledge and wisdom to determine hidden meanings or causes of events. An oracle deck is a special, divinatory tool in the form of a deck of cards that you ask questions. Every oracle has its vibe and theme - plants, angels, gods, and goddesses, —you name it! The pictures and symbols give the reader messages. Oracles use things called archetypes. Archetypes are symbols we all know, like the mother or the Sun. When you make your own oracle, you pick what symbols and energies you want to connect with. Oracle cards can be whatever you want and however many cards you decide but they are usually between 25 and 65 cards, but I’ve seen up to 100 cards. Divination can be used for rituals and manifestation.
Please be aware that the only difference between Tarot and oracle is the tradition, card number, and system e.g. Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, Courts cards, and suits. So, the same process I’m sharing works for doing a Tarot deck, also.
Now oracles don’t have to be only for spiritual people. You can be an atheist or agnostic who wants to discover more about your subconscious and unconscious mind through archetypical exploration. Self-reflection might be your only aim. With my Christian background, the fear was that oracle cards could open the floodgates to evil. A notion I never believed to be true and never experienced. When you make your oracle, it's up to you what you believe and who you want to ask your questions to (High Self, God/dess, the Great Mystery, spirit guides, angels, saints, deceased loved ones, ancestors and some will never care where the messages come from, as long as they are helpful). However, it’s a good practice to consider where you want these messages to come from.
Here's where it gets real: Making your own oracle! That's where the magic is! It's yours, through and through. You're calling the shots, picking the symbols, laying down the meanings. It's all you! Creating your own oracle is an act of self-love? That's some powerful stuff. Creation is a journey of self-discovery, showing you what really matters to you. Sure, it might take some time, especially if you're hunting down the right objects. And hey, if drawing ain't your thing, no sweat. Now you can use AI art to assist you. There are ways to get creative with it. But trust me, crafting your own oracle? That's the next level in the divination game!
PREPLAN YOUR DECK CREATION
The Start. Acknowledge the call and honor the intention to create a deck. Bring all of your enthusiasm to the table.
Prayer & meditation. This will reveal the reasons why and your intentions for your deck. Since this deck is yours, it can reflect you, so ponder the needs/wants of those who will use your deck. Get clear on the why behind creating it.
Research. Look through other decks you already own. Go online and search decks and art for inspiration and ideas. Ask yourself, why do I like this deck, why did I choose this oracles/tarot deck over others? When I first saw this deck, what stood out to me? What has this deck helped me with?
Play. You probably don't know exactly the theme and type of deck you want to go with but maybe you do. If you do not, start to play around with different words, and thoughts and let your intuition guide you. Continue in the spirit of play and make accounts on different free AI art sites and start playing with prompting.
Clarity. Determine what will make your cards unique and different from others. You can ask yourself: Do I have themes or styles that I’m drawn to and which ones do I not resonate with and why? For theme-based decks settle on your concept and quantify your theme. Be patient, because creativity and ideas have a way of coming out of the blue or sneaking up on you at odd moments.
Specifics. How many cards? What type of deck? How big? What questions is the deck answering? Is the deck only for you or will you be selling it? Are you creating a new system or staying with common practices? Digital deck or physical or both? What type of paper do you want it on? Which font?
Schedule. Set a schedule but preplan how long it will take you and how much time you’ll need to dedicate to it each week. Don’t overestimate how long or underestimate. Set an idea and moment by moment adjust it.
Design. Take action. Inact your plan and design your cards with the assistance of AI. Review it and get other’s insights. Your card designs should include the back of the cards and the design for the box they’ll come in.
Instructional. Write an instructional card, or descriptions of symbolism in a guidebook.
Fund. You. might want to fund via backerkit, Kickstarter or Indiegogo.
Print. Decide on a company that does printing and order a prototype of your deck. Make changes as needed. Use the deck.
Trademarks. File for a trademark but bear in mind that AI art -unless modified by you or uses your photography or art as a reference- it’ll be harder to get it fully legally protected.
Responsible. If you are selling, prepare to be a real business and listen to your customers.
Sell. Decide on distribution. Study the market, create interest, partner, promote and sell.
There are other types of decks you can create such as affirmation cards, mystery cards, manifestation cards, mindfulness cards, inspirational cards, angel card cards, meditative cards, soul collage deck, destiny deck and vision cards, etc.
I taught a class of 8 in 2024 how to create their deck and was impressed by all thier unique creations. I don’t plan to teach a group again. Do you want to do it but need assistance from someone who’s invested in your success and will help pull you through any issues? Email us through the contact us page for more.
