Ashwood Tarot Oracle
System
an oracle system for artists and creators
By Brigid Ashwood
WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT THEN?:
I'm a Tarot enthusiast. I just love tarot and oracle decks of all kinds. I collect them and yes I even use
them, reading for friends and for fun. I met my husband when I read his cards. (But that's a story for
another day.) I enjoy the tarot from the perspective that it's a tool to unlock the subconscious mind,
and it can challenge the reader to think outside the box. For more insight into my philosophy of Tarot
check out this great article. )
But I digress...
IN A NUTSHELL: I've made my own Oracle Deck system based off of the Tarot - and I'm sharing
this system for FREE under a Creative Commons license.
(PLEASE NOTE: I'm sharing JUST THE SYSTEM for free. I do SELL THE COMPLETED DECK as
well if you wish to simply buy the deck. The deck can be found here:
http://www.brigidashwood.com/ oracle-tarot/. The system itself is free to creators who might
wish to create their own deck - read on below)
WHY FREE?: I'm releasing this under a Creative Commons license because I would love to see this
system widely adopted. If a variety of artists use this system to create Oracle decks that would be a
lovely thing, we'd have some semblance of familiarity with at least a portion of the Oracle decks on
the market, and EVEN BETTER - readers could mix and match their decks, selecting their favorite
cards for each archetype and customizing a deck for their own use.
HEY ARTISTS: I know a lot of artists that find Tarot fascinating. Many of us have ambitions/fan-
tasies of creating our own deck. But creating a deck of 78 original works of art is a daunting task.
It can take years to finish the art for a Tarot deck. The Major Arcana offer layers of symbolism and
diverse imagery, a joy to paint but the suits are full of monotony.
Because of this many artists resort to creating an Oracle deck instead of Tarot. But there are issues
with Oracle decks. There is no standardization with Oracle decks, unlike Tarot which you can count
on to have the same cards, with the same meanings, despite a change in artistic style. Because of this
lack of standardization a reader might be learning a new system with EVERY Oracle deck they buy.
I find I long for the familiarity of Tarot whenever I'm playing with an Oracle deck. I know the Tarot
system so well that I instinctively look for parallels in oracle systems. I've not found an oracle deck
yet that made this easy.
So what's a lazy artist to do? I'd love to create a Tarot deck. I don't want to paint 78 cards. I certainly
don't want to paint the boring cards.....
Necessity is the mother of invention as they say - so I created my own Oracle system based off of
Tarot. I've been using it for years. I've given it to friends to try out. It's easy. It works. I'm sharing it
now with you - for free. I'm releasing the Ashwood Tarot Oracle under a Creative Commons license.
You can use it for personal or commercial use to create your own decks. You don't have to pay me to
use. BUT you do have to give me credit. More about that later. The main point here is FREE!!
2
HEY NON-ARTISTS: This is still for you! Even if you have no ambitions to paint your own cards.
Guess what? You can still use this system. Maybe you've always been attracted to plant energies of
classic Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Using my Tarot Oracle system as a guide you can MAKE YOUR
OWN DECK. Just find images that match the energies and themes of each card, and create your own
deck. Awesome, a custom deck all your own... FREE!
Free stuff is awesome.
GET ON WITH IT!
THE ASHWOOD TAROT ORACLE SYSTEM
INTRO: This system relies heavily on its association with the Major Arcana. There is much tradition
in creating an Oracle deck that mainly consists in associations with the Major Arcana. The earliest
Tarot Decks featured only the Trump cards - the Major Arcana, with the suits following in later ad-
aptations. Indeed to this day there are many readers who work with Major Arcana only when doing
readings. However this deck does accommodate the minor Arcana as well thru the use of an Elemen-
tal suit.
EXTRAS
This Oracle deck uses a set of Dice and a Polarity Coin for readings. These props are not necessary,
readers can rely on their intuition, but are a helpful addition for readers that are interested in fine tun-
ing a reading. From a creative standpoint the Polarity Coin and the Dice offer another opportunity to
customize the deck according to your own aesthetics.
DICE: provide numerological associations with each card. Clearly the pip cards in the suits are num-
bered 1-10, but the rest of the Tarot has numerological associations as well and the dice can be used
to further deepen a reading.
POLARITY COIN: The coin is used for readers who prefer to include right side up and upside down
cards in their readings. (Also referred to as justified and ill-justified). A basic Polarity standard for
this coin would be Sunside/Positive/Male Moonside/Negative/Female (note that positive and nega-
tive are used from an energetic standpoint not a social one ie negative = bad positive = good)
The 22 Archetype Cards
Twenty-two cards of the ASHWOOD TAROT ORACLE correspond with the twenty-two cards of
the major arcana of the Tarot. The cards represent timeless archetypes and are powerful divining
tools. In the creation of this deck I strove to break down each card of the Tarot's major arcana into
the essence of it's archetype. Artist's painting these cards can feel free to draw upon the traditional
symbolism of the classic Tarot cards, or explore their own unique take on the card's energy. However
care should be taken that the point of this system is that the reader should be able to use the card's
Tarot based correspondence to rely on an instant connection to the card.
On the left is the name of the card in the Ashwood Tarot Oracle System - on the right is the name of
the card as found in the Major Arcana of the Traditional Tarot Deck.
Caution - The Moon
Confrontation - Judgment
Destiny - Wheel of Fortune
Development - The Empress
Freedom - The Fool
Fulfillment - The World
Integration - The Star
Manifestation - The Magician
Meditation - The Hermit
Movement - The Chariot
Partnership - The Lovers
Patience - Temperance
Prosperity - The Sun
Rebirth - Death
Revelation - The Hanged Man Security - The Emperor Self Destruction - The Devil
Strength - Strength Tradition - The Hierophant Upheaval - The Tower Wisdom - The
High Priestess
WILD CARD SUIT
The 3 Wildcards
Three additional cards reside with the 22 Cards of the Archetype Suit. These are the Wildcards and
have been added to specifically address issues that are frequently found in divinatory readings.
Choice, Mystery and Passion each address specific needs. These are issues that often come up in a
reading yet do not have a clear and dedicated corresponding card in the traditional Tarot.
Choice - Empowerment, it's up to you
Mystery - The Unknown, this just isn't knowable right now. Akin to the Magic 8 Ball answer of "ask
again later"
Passion - Desire, is there to much or too little of this emotion at play in this situation?
The 5 Elemental Cards
Five cards are added to the 22 archetype cards to represent the 5 elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water
and Spirit. Four of these can be used to represent the elements associated with the four suits of the
Tarot. Spirit (card title - The Divine), while not represented via a suit in the traditional Tarot is still a
powerful card in representing our relationship with the divine and can be freely used in the same
manner as if it were a suit of its own. There is great benefit to breaking the suits down into their ele-
ments. For years debate has raged in the Tarot community as to the original elemental associations of
Swords/Air Wands/Fire - Many reverse these associations. Using the Ashwood Tarot Oracle system
removes the association completely, and these suits are represented solely as their elements.
PIPS: When reading an Oracle Deck based on this system the reader will use a set of dice. To fine
tune a reading and explore cards 1-10 in the suits, a reader simply pulls an elemental card from the
deck and rolls the dice to find it's numerical accompaniment. This number will give the reader the
cards correspondent in the Tarot. So for instance pulling the Imagination card (Element Air) and roll-
ing the dice for a result of three would be the 3 of Swords in Traditional Tarot. To further fine tune
the interpretation of this card the reader flips the polarity coin.
FACE CARDS: To determine if a card pulled from the Elemental Suit is a Face Card (King, Queen,
Knight, Page) the reader will flip the Polarity coin and interpret it according to their own assigned
symbolism. For example Sunside flipped twice = King------ Sunside followed by a Moonside =
Knight -------Moonside flipped twice = Queen -------Moonside followed by a Sunside = Page
Creation - Fire (suit of wands - creativity, drive)
Emotion - Water (suit of cups - feelings, relationships)
Imagination - Air (suit of swords - mind, intellect)
Practicalities - Earth (suit of pentacles - body, security)
The Divine - Spirit (suit of the sacred - divinity, higher self, true purpose)
TERMS OF USE:
You are free to use and share this system for personal and commercial use. You must give credit as
follows:
Ashwood Tarot Oracle System by Brigid Ashwood is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
3.0 Unported License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available - email me at brigidashwood@gmail.
com with inquiries.
You are free to change and adapt the system to your needs. HOWEVER you must indicate the
changes made if you are publishing the resulting materials. You may not sell the system as is, or take
credit for it as your own.
PRINT PUBLISHING: If you use this system to create a deck and you subsequently publish it as a
printed deck for sale to the public, you do not have to pay me any royalty. HOWEVER, I ask that
you contact me first and inform me, and I do require a credit to me in the printed materials.
© Brigid Ashwood 2012
brigidashwood.com
[email protected] The following pages are the inserts that come with my self published deck Oracle of the Tarot.
It is a deck based on my Oracle system. To view or purchase this deck please go to http://www.
brigidashwood.com/oracle-tarot/
I’m providing these pages here for free as helpful tool for those interested in learning this Oracle
system.
All rights reserved. You may not redistribute or sell or copy or claim these items as your own.
© Brigid Ashwood 2012
When I print these pages I print them as two sheets, with content on both the front and
back. You are welcome to do this as well, but I cannot begin to tell you how. Sorry! But
printers are all different, I just can’t anticipate how yours might work.
The sheets are formatted at 8x10 so they should print out nicely on 8.5x11 paper.
Oracle of the Tarot UOIJBUI JO JU[
^ SpeOjUMOp 33JJ JOJ
Oracle of the Tarot is a system of divination based on the Tarot. With just 30 cards (traditional Tarot UJOO’SapBJOpOOMqSBMMM
has 78) this deck is perfect for readers who prefer smaller spreads. Readers who prefer larger JISIA asBajd
spreads, with plenty of detailed information, have it right at their fingertips. The addition of a
polarity coin and a 10 sided die allow for deliberate refinement of readings and deeper interpretation
of the cards. auo
All 22 cards of the Tarot’s Major Arcana are clearly present in this deck as Archetype Cards. piqoog
The four suits are represented in the Elemental Cards - Earth(Coins), Air(Swords), Fire(Wands),
Water(Cups). The 10 sided die is used at will to indicate Pip Cards in the suits, while the polarity
coin determines upright and reverse meanings. Use the polarity in conjunction with the cfie, to reveal
the Court Cards of the suits (King, Queen, Knight, Page)
The 4 Elemental Cards are joined by a 5th element not found in traditional Tarot.
The Element of Spirit represents The Divine and our relationship to the natural world and the m JO
universe, a higher power, our perfect self, spirit guides and spiritual education. This card can be used
just as you would any other suit - with numbers 1T0 and the court having specific meaning. apejQ
The final cards in the Oracle of the Tarot deck are the Wild Cards. These 3 cards represent specific
scenarios and fulfill a divination purpose that is not explicitly addressed with traditional Tarot decks.
Mystery, Choice and Passion may turn up when the querent is blocked or projecting to much personal
bias into a reading. When these cards show up, pay heed, clear the deck energy and the energy of
your space. ReTrame the question and try again.
About the Deck
The art in this deck is adapted from artist Pamela Colman Smith’s classic images for the 1910 Tarot
deck that is popularly known as Rider Waite, or Rider Waite Smith. When creating this deck I worked
from high resolution scans of the originally published deck. I cleaned up the images, redrawing
sections, clarifying the design and polishing the colors.
There are additional cards in this deck that are of course, not found in the original 1910 deck. In this
case I created entirely new art and tried to complement Pamela Colman Smith’s charming style. The
cards Crea tion, Emotion, Imagination, Practicalities, The Divine, Choice, Mystery and Passion are
original designs, unique to this deck.
The system of divination used with Oracle of the Tarot is called The Ashwood Oracle System and is
my own creation. Learn more at www.ashwoodoracles.com
About the Creator
Brigid Ashwood is an artist, blogger and author. An east coast native she currently resides in the
suburbs surrounding Dallas Texas with her husband, daughter and two enormous lovable dogs. Learn © Brigid Ashwood 2012
more at www.brigidashwood.com www.brigidashwood.co
m
Polarity Coin
Use the polarity coin to fine tune your reading. You can shuffle the deck randomly, or flip the coin to determine if the card should be read
upright or reverse.
Sun Side - upright, positive, light, additive, masculine, right, odd numbers Moon Side
- reverse, negative, shadow, subtractive, feminine, left, even numbers
10 Sided Die
Use the die to fine tune your reading of the Elemental Cards (representing the 56 cards of the suits of the Tarot). Toss the die to determine
the Pip Ca rds - U10. The die used in conjunction with the Polarity Coin can determine the Court Cards. (See key below)
TUPRIGH This table reveals the meanings behind the Pip and Court Cards of the suits of the Tarot. In this Oracle deck each suit is represented by one card only.
T Roll the die to determine the number of the card in the suit. Plip the polarity coin to determine upright or reverse meaning. The suit of Spirit is unique to
this deck and is not found in traditional Tarot.
jREVERSE
Spirit/The
Pip Number/ Earlh/Coins Air/Swords Fire/Wands Waler/Cups Divine
Court Card possessions, prosperity intellect, conflict creativity, energy emotions, love higher energy, universe
I new: venture, home, job, gift, money tnew: victory, triumph f conflict, battle, tnew: path, direction, creation idelays, I new: relationship, love, family 1 closed tnew: revelation, journey, calling Hack
1 beginnings ilose home, job, money, opportunity loss, unfair win uninspired off to new love/experiences of faith, closed mind
I balancing life, supportive partner Itruce, assistance in fight, progress tfirst success, partnership, ideas ifear, tattraction, reconciliation ibreak-up, t spirit guide, mentor idisconnection,
2 duality, balance, partnership Ifalling apart, drop the ball Stalemate, betrayal disorganization quarreling abandonment
^ growth, fruition, increase I gains, teamwork, collaboration 1 t separation, sorrow, heartbreak tfirst goal achieved, expansion tfriendship, community, trust iadultery, tcommunity, group spirituality i
body-'mind-'Spirit disorganization, insubordination iforgiveness, emotional healing iobstacles, initial setbacks gossip, breach of trust isolation, drama, distraction
4 stability, foundation I stability, security, prosperity 1 miserly, I rest, recovery, introspection 1 restless,
materialism, greed overwhelmed, shaken
I marriage, community, celebration
Idiscord, tension, noncommittal
t soul-searching, reflection i boredom,
apathy, monotony
I serenity, divine connection, grace
Idespair, emptiness, lack of guidance
r imbalance, disruption, ^ instability, Ihardship, loss, worry, isolation Ifinancial t conflict, betrayal, defeat, deceit i Icompetition, confrontation, stress 1 tdisappointment, regret, grief Idisillusionment, lies, corruption
conflict recovery, materialism resolution, mediation, agreement passive aggressive, avoidance iacceptance, forgiveness Iconfession, absolution
Igenerosity, charity, altruism 1 debt, I rite of passage, needed change 1 t recognition, achievment, accolades I nostalgia, reunion, old flame/friend 1 Iforgiveness, growth, understanding
6 balance restored, victory selfishness, hoarding clinging to past, unfinished larrogance, dishonor, shame immaturity, living in the past Igrudges, bitterness, victimhood
7 choice, change, imagination Iinnovation, reward, perseverance 1 Ideception, hidden agenda Idiscovery of t competition, strategy, defend I delusion, wishful thinking, fantasy Iprophetic dreams, intuition 1 false
mysticism, insight myopia, apathy secrets, discernment isubmission, hopelessness lavoidance, indecision, denial prophet, abuse
leducation, apprenticeship Hack of t isolation, imprisonment, exile, fear 1 t sudden movement, swift change idelay, tturning point, breakaway iconfusion, t self discovery, profundity idepression,
8 power, success, justice education, arrogance renewal, release, catharsis grinds to a halt escapism, disillusion selfdoubt, sabotage
Q endings, mastery, attainment, Ifinancial success, prospering Ifinancial t despair, anxiety, depression i paranoia, t persistence, tenacity, faith tested twish fulfillment, luxury, comfort igreed, tdivine connection, sovereignty
* three planes physical-mental-spiritual over commitment unfounded worry idelays, giving up, surrender materialism, emptiness iignorance, arrogance
A A completion, end of cycle, new Iwealth, inheritance, security Ifailure, labject failure, disappointment i t hard work leads to success Tbliss, happy home life/relationship 1 Iservice, ministry, humility
beginnings bankruptcy resistance, necessary ending, rebirth iexhaustion, burdened, burn-out scandal, disrepute, broken home Icharlatanism, fraud
masculine Die: Odd # + Coin: Sun Successful man, money, power 1 control, I man of authority, law, government I man of creativity & charisma t man of generosity & kindness i moody, I male teacher - knowledge, patience
King men of authority, fathers dominance, neglect labuse, tyranny, manipulation idemanding, ruthless, hot-headed emotionally unavailable loppressive, patronizing, abuse
feminine Die: Even # + Coin: Sun
QllCCn women of authority, Iwoman of wealth, independence
Idependence, imbalance
Iwoman of authority, perceptive 1 cold,
malicious, unsympathetic
t woman of warmth & charm i nagging,
high-maintenance
Iwoman of intuition & compassion
linsecure, co-dependant, flighty
Ifemale teacher - grace, wisdom 1
manipulation, dependence
mothers
masculine Die; odd # + Coin: Moon I dependable young man, hard work Imovement, good communication t energy, change of home, journey i t romance, grandeur, affectionate I development of metaphysical skills
Knight action, movement, young Haziness, irresponsibility Ichaos, recklessness, inconsiderate impulsive, daredevil ijealous, possessive, deluded Idisconnection from higher self
feminine Die: Even
man# + Coin: Moon I good news, opportunity Ibad news, I progress, good news, queries 1 delay, tgood news, inspiration, joy ipessimism, tgood news, love, happy surprise i t message from spirit guide
Page change, message, child, young missed opportunity bad news, tantrums complications immaturity, over sensitive idisconnection from elements
woman
Card Spreads 5 Elements Spread UOIJBUI JO JU[
^ SpBOJUMOp 33JJ JOJ
UlOO’SapBJOpOOMqSB'MMM
First Second JISIA asBajd
3 Card Spread Layer Layer
/ /\
OMX
/N
A4 A y A4
1 2 3 jatfoog
J
^
_______ v
1. Past/Problem - past or issues
that have led to problem,
overview
2. Present/Obstacle - current
situation, challenge and
obstacles
3. Future/Solution - the action
that must be taken and the
mind set advised to solve the
issue.
(You can also shorten this
reading to
include Cards 2 & 3 only
Question and Answer)
First Layer - Elemental Cards. Establishes situation in ah areas. Use .
1. Practicalities/Earth - Foundation. Roll die for #, flip coin for polarity
2. Imagination/Air - Mind set. RoU die for #, flip coin for polarity
3. Creation/Fire - Talents. RoU die for T, flip coin for polarity
4. Water/Emotion - Feelings. RoU die for #, flip coin for polarity
5. The Divine/Spirit - Eligher Purpose. RoU die for #, flip coin for polarity
Second Layer Cards 6-10- Archetype Cards. Informs and affects first layer. FUp coin for polarity Upright is solution, Reversed is obstacle.
(Use intuition, there are exceptions.)
Baker s Dozen Spread 3. Action - what must be done. Second
Layer - Use
4. Obstacles - mental blocks, negative thinking, other
entire deck.
people/circumstances. 712 Flip coin
5. Solution - what will happen. for polarity.
6. Outcome - long term result of action taken/solution. (RoU die for
# if card is
Elemental)
These cards
inform and
First Layer - Use entire deck. 16 Flip coin for polarity. affect the
(RoU die for # if card is Elemental) cards in the
first layer.
1. Problem - the question/situation.
7. Block -
© Brigid Ashwood 2012
2. Mind set - your current thinking. www.brigidashwood.co
this is making m
things worse. Wild Card Spread
8. Unblock - this will make it better. A4 rN
9. Be Aware - be sure you address this.
10. Warning - look out for this. 1 2
11. Caveat - potential side effect, sacrifice.
12. Lesson - head this to avoid future issues.
V
r
13th Card
General overview and tone of reading and outcome.
First Layer - Use Wild Cards
1. Passion - question/problem/situation
(what drives the querent, deep desires)
2. Choice - what must be addressed, path to
take.
3. Mystery - the outcome, result
Second Layer - These cards inform and affect the
cards in the first layer. Continue placing as many cards in
each column as you feel is needed.
Use die and polarity coin as desired.
Archetype Suit JUPRIGHT JREVERSE
Freedom - 0 - The Fool - J new beginnings, open mind, spontaneity, innocence, carefree Jfoolish, naive, fearful, impulsive, bigotry
Manifestation I - The Magician - f initiative, discipline, confidence, creativity Jfraud, deceit, selfish, idle, unreliable, manipulative
Wisdom - II - The High Priestess - fintuition, psychic ability, gnosis, divine connection Jobtuse, moody, self doubt, superficial
Development - III - The Empress - f fertility, union, harmony, good health, home life Jillness, infertility, stagnation, poverty
Security - IV - The Emperor - f ambition, authority, status, leadership, material wealth, stability Jtyranny, abuse, neglect, hopelessness,
chaos Tradition - V - The Hierophant - I conformity, the establishment, puritanical, spiritual inquiry J promiscuous, revolution,
propaganda, bad advice Partnership - VI - The Lovers - f commitment, romantic love, sexuality, choice, duality Jadultery, divorce,
obsession, emotional disconnection Movement - VII - The Chariot - f progress, willpower, achieveme nt, conquest, stamina ^failure, loss of
focus, direction-less, overcommitted Strength - VIII - Strength - f empowerment, endurance, fearless, courage, self assertive Jcowardly,
pushover, violent, addiction, anxiety Meditation - IX - The Hermit - f inner wisdom, safe space, centeredness, wisdom of maturity
^isolation, immaturity, mental illness, self-pity Destiny - X - Wheel of Fortune - f good luck, opportunity, karma Jbad luck,
disappointment, turn for the worse Balance - XI - Justice - Jlegal matter, fairness, impartial, good advice, a wrong righted Junfairness,
bias, conflict, litigation, bad advice Revelation - XII - The Hanged Man - f enlightenment, sacrifice, selflessness, prophecy, mysticism
fmartyrdom, futility, materialism Rebirth - XIII - Death - f transformation, change, blossoming, new era, renewal f stubbornness, inertia,
delay, fear of change Patience - XIV - Temperance - Jmoderation, adaptation, compromise Jimbalance, overindulgence, impatience,
selfishness Self Destruction - XV - The Devil - Jself sabotage, addiction, ego, cruelty, oppression Jletting go, rehab, self love,
freedom Upheaval - XVI - The Tower - J abrupt change, catastrophe, punishment Jpicking up pieces, turn for the better, awakening,
liberation Integration - XVII - The Star - Jhope, faith, the stars align, talents & abilities at work Jbad timing, pessimism, self doubt
Caution - XVIII - The Moon - J beware, betrayal, deceit, uncertainty, delusion Jtruth, clarity, heightened awareness, trust intuition
Prosperity - XIX - The Sun - Jcontentment, partnership, affirmation, achievement Jseparation, vanity, arrogance, discontent
Confrontation - XX - Judgment - Jrevelation, wake-up call, transformation, certainty Jconflict, chastisement, rejection, doubt
Fulfillment - XXI - The World - Jultimate joy, perfection, wholeness, recognition, satisfaction Jloose ends, unfinished business
Elemental Suit
Practicality - Earth - Coins - business, money, property, possessions, fertility "[prosperity, growth, wealth, stability ^failure, poverty, loss, instability
Imagination - Air - Swords* - conflict, communication, intellect, action J original, ideas, innovation, critical thinking J plagiarism, aggression, fuzzy headed
Creation - Fire - Wands* - enterprise, creativity, energy, activity Jtravel, inspiration, productivity ^creative block, stagnation, immobility Emotion - Water - Cups
- feelings, sensitivity, relationships Jlove, harmony, compatibility, fulfillment Jhate, discord, rejection, discontent The Divine - Spirit - “god”, great spirit, higher self, the
universe f connection, wisdom, insight, serenity Jemptiness, confusion, distress
* Some traditions flip
Wild Card Suit the
elements for the suits of
Wands and Swords.
Choice - it’s in your hands, call to action Jover thinking, just do it Jbe cautious, weigh the options Mystery - the unknown flet
In this deck it’s not a
it go, it will work itself out Jask again later, deep down answer is known Passion - desire, longing fchannel impulses wisely for a concern since the card’s
positive outcome J judgement is clouded focus are the elements,
not
the suit.
