The Double-Edged Sword

I've been in the testing phases with my deck as mentioned in my last entry. Before I attempt to make any further (and final) artistic modifications, I'm working on a clear idea of what the oracle can and can't do. I know, it's a huge undertaking... and I didn't expect it to be.

The way I've been going about answering such a question is by asking more questions that yield a more specific reading.

Another significant question that ties in with the first is: how will the deck change my previously held experience of what a reading is? How specific can it be? I think I've gone the farthest today with this question in one of my weekly readings.

Another way I am going about discovering this deck's potential is to go through each card. How much can a reader get out of a single one? How might vagueness be a problem? What can I do about it? I know, it's a lot to get lost in, but it can make a huge difference in the deck's quality.

One thing is for sure, I want to keep its look as simple as possible, and this might mean the elimination or minimization of some indicators. I created this deck because I wanted something simple but then the need arose along the way to have something that was specific inside. I think it's going to be one of those "deceptively simple decks."

I also did a reading on where I need improvement. The main concern was how much the reader's freedom plays a role in using the deck. Again, I'm on the side of simplicity. I think the more simple a deck is, the more room (or freedom) a reader has in using it to complete their reading style. However, that reader needs a creative awareness in order for the deck to be of any use. With this blog and deck, I would like to raise more of an awareness of that creativity in readers. Not to get all philosophical, but some readers have "maybe," "either," "or," and "I'm not sure" in their vocabulary. I'm one of them.

How and where does awareness become achieved? Are you actually limiting a reader's creativity by the more options you make available to them, or less? I'm really going Hermit here! As a creator of an oracle deck, one can only go so far in trying to help readers feel more creatively free with tools that otherwise place limits. I am definitely on the side of believing readers should be encouraged to transcend the limitations of what is provided in tools.

Ironically, I've been reading with this deck without using any real spreads. I think now is as good a time as any to begin trying this. When working with specificity, it becomes much more of a challenge to keep an open mind. Again, this is what either makes or breaks a reader, just try not to nick yourself.