Strix Craft by Oracle Hekataios

An oracle deck has no fixed structure to learn, so it's an easy way in when tarot's 78 cards feel like too much right now.

Draw one card in the morning and notice how it shows up over the day.

Lay out a spread, such as past, present and future, when you want the bigger picture.

Read for friends and family.

Pull a single card for a yes or no, or a fast read on a question.

Write about the card you drew: what you see in it, and what it brings up.

Set one card where you can see it and let its imagery hold your attention.

Stand a card on your altar as the focus of a working, so its symbolism points your thinking where you want your life to go.

Do a reading for a sabbat, a birthday or the new year.

If you're not sure how you're reading a card, hold a pendulum over it to check.

Pull a card from this deck alongside a tarot spread for extra context.

It suits beginners and art lovers, and it makes a good gift.

Cleanse it, go through the cards one at a time so you get used to each other, then spread the cards face down on a favorite surface and swirl them together like a lake. Every card gets turned every which way, so the deck starts out well mixed. Our guide to reading tarot walks through your first reading.

Keep the cards stacked neatly in their box or a bag. A crystal on top is a nice touch.