How do you use your oracle cards?

[BlueStar]

I love my tarot cards but haven't really been that drawn to oracle cards....until now! I think I've been put off by some of those with quite long meanings written on the front (made me think it was a bit too defined). But, whilst looking at some videos on YouTube I saw a card a reader had and was instantly drawn to it. I hadn't planned on getting any more cards, I thought I was done for now...On finding out more about what deck it was etc. I felt instantly drawn to getting it (it was a 'must have this now!' reaction which I don't normally have about anything generally-).

I've heard some opinions that say you mustn't use them like tarot (I don't believe in such rigid rules..). I plan to use them in the same way I do tarot - use the imagery to stimulate my intuition. The deck has just a simple title of the card and then beautiful imagery to go with it.

How do you personally use your oracle cards? Do you find you just take the meaning given, or do you apply your intuition to get deeper meanings? Something else entirely?

[Libra]

Some of my oracle decks don't even come with meanings at all, and those really are my favourite. It's kinda funny because my first deck ever started the book with "Put this book down. Wait, first do these activities with your deck to build a relationship and your own meanings, and after that - ONLY after that - should you come to the book to add another layer to your understanding." and that's really coloured my relationship with divination as a whole. It doesn't matter to me whether I'm holding an portable deck or a tarot deck, the card in front of me will speak its message, and the prescribed meaning will either add to that or simply be tossed out the window upon occasion!

[Amoroso]

I use book/prescribed meanings at first. As I work more with a deck, I begin to develop my own, personal interpretations. Worked for me.

[SaturnCeleste]

I use book/prescribed meanings at first. As I work more with a deck, I begin to develop my own, personal interpretations. Worked for me.

I do too until I'm familiar with the deck. Each oracle deck has far different meanings than tarot cards. I actually use them as an extension of my tarot readings. My typical general reading is 3 cards and an oracle. The oracle's role changes depending on the reading. I can be the subject, additional advice or an additional comment on the reading. It's fluid to the reading. I rarely do straight oracle readings although they are fun, I should do more of them I guess!