Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BY victoria moseley
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anas Nin
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Made in China
Published by
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
179 Ludlow Street, Stamford, CT 06902 USA
www.usgamesinc.com
Introduction
The Vintage Wisdom Oracle deck is the fruit of an unplanned journey that evolved over the course of several years.
Having worked extensively in the world of interior design, I
longed to delve beyond the superficial world of appearances,
explore my love of art and deepen the intuitive gifts I was
born with.
The adventure began after deciding to offer clairvoyant
readings in my spare time, and with it the task of designing
a suitable business card. I wanted to illustrate the card with
something unique and avoid anything stereotypically New
Age. As serendipity would have it, I had already collected
some very special vintage postcards during a recent trip to
France. The first flashes of inspiration came about while
browsing in a small market town set on the side of a snowy
mountain in rural Provence. The innocence and sweetness of
the women featured on the postcards called out to me from
behind a gloomy shop window. I wondered what lay beneath
those ladylike smiles, and what these womens lives were like
away from the glamour of the photographers lens. If portraits
could speak, with the benefit of hindsight what would their
messages to the world be now?
We rang the lovely old doorbell and after we inquired about
the cards, the elderly shopkeeper disappeared into his attic
for quite some time. The silence was broken by the sound of
drawers being opened and closed repeatedly, followed by some
colorful parochial French. He eventually descended down the
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The Cards
Here
Abundance
Adventure
This card speaks of a willingness to learn. The spirit of adventure tests both rational and intuitive boundaries, and beckons us to boldly step into the realm of uncertainty and risk.
Now is the time to review your direction or contemplate a
new way of dealing with an existing situation.
Inner or outer adventures have the power to inspire new
perspectives, which may involve some pain and discomfort as
we find the courage to discard outmoded ideas and behaviors
that no longer serve our journey.
By drawing on your inner resources and connecting with
your deepest potential, the soul can be touched and uplifted
as profoundly from an armchair as it can out in the world. Adventure in any dimension compels us to overcome obstacles
and move efficiently toward our goals and dreams.
The presence of this card could also mark the start of a new
phase in your life. Reset your internal compass, shake the dust
from your wings and head for new horizons.
Ancestors
Awakening
woman emerges from a bed of roses, symbolizing pleasure and pain. She is surrounded by cowslips, called little keys of heaven or our ladys keys for
their shape. In a room infused with rays of a sunrise shining through an old windowpane, her upward gaze is one
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of recognition or seeing the light. The illuminating power of light, revered as a metaphor by many world cultures
and faiths, represents truth, godliness and the dispelling
of darkness.
This auspicious card speaks of new light on your pathway.
The process of awakening can take many forms, whether subtle like the soft dawn of a new day, or challenging, as when the
searing blade of truth is needed to sever ties that no longer
serve you well.
Could it be time to wake up and own your part in a situation where it may be otherwise tempting to blame others?
Or maybe you need to be brave and release old fears. Make
a conscious choice to open like the rose and embrace a fresh
perspective on your life.The transitional energy of awakening
helps liberate you on your journey of awareness, and assists
you in discerning the valuable from the valueless.
Balance
Beauty
Celebration
stances. You will be forever wealthy if you can learn to celebrate the simplest things in life.
In the wise words of Oprah Winfrey, The more you praise
and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Centering
Change
Choice
Compassion
Depicted
Discernment
Portrayed
Divine Timing
Drawn to lakes and flowing water, this powerful totem represents the unconscious mind and the realm of dreams.
The appearance of the Divine Timing card invites you to
align with your intuitive nature, while being patient and flexible. Things may happen at a different pace than anticipated or opportunities may spontaneously arise, so be ready for
synchronous happenings, unexpected blessings, and sudden
endings or beginnings.
Divine timing may well gift you with a beautiful happening, but if progress seems thwarted by dead ends in spite of
your efforts, look heavenward for guidance. Have faith that
your sincere efforts and intentions will be heard. Life doesnt
always manifest in accordance to our will, but there are specific lessons that can only be learned precisely because of frustrating delays or sudden changes. And you never know when
those lessons will come in useful.
Take care to guard against blame or becoming the victim of
circumstance. Cultivate your ears to hear inner prompts and
your eyes to read the signs. Dreams and meditation can reveal
valuable insights, which point toward the deeper truths behind recurring events and realign you with the rich, organic
flow of divine timing.
Divine providence always delivers what we need, when we
need it and for our highest good. The responsibility lies with
each individual to adapt accordingly. Ask for the necessary
understanding of why things are as they are, and for any gifts
or benefits hidden within the seeming disruption.
If you wonder how divine timing plays a part in your life,
reflect on how seemingly unplanned synchronicities have
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Dreams
Enchantment
Expression
There is a vital place for discretion and self-restraint, especially if our actions or words could harm others. But to be
true to the spirit within requires us to express our authentic
selves. Old fears of ridicule, rejection and rendering ourselves
vulnerable can prevent us from taking ownership of our individuality and self-expression. Not only can it move us out
of alignment with our center, it may block emotional growth
if our outward expression does not match our inner reality.
Some people measure their creative potential by school
performance, even if many years have passed. Experience,
however, constantly molds and redefines our relationship to
life, which in turn brings new talents to the surface.Therefore,
it is illogical to assume that our creative expression remains
the same throughout our lives. This is the beauty of it! We are
never too old to excavate hidden talents that have not yet seen
the light of day.
The presence of the Expression card invites you to look
closer for any restrictive fears that might veil the glory of your
god-given authentic self-expression.Verbal communication is
just one aspect to self-expression. When words fail, there are
many ways to interact with the world, find your voice and
innovate new ways to do things: through the creative arts,
the way you dress, or how you relate to others and the world
around you. However you feel moved to respond, be open
to new ways of communicating, dare to risk, then go forth
and shine!
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This
Faith
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can help unearth valuable lessons and show how the Higher
Power is revealed to us because of lifes challenges, not in spite
of them.
Freedom
Gentleness
Snowflakes flutter through soft rays of dappled light onto a veiled ghost bride. Strolling through a deserted forest, she personifies the spirit of gentleness. An escort of doves flies nearby, guiding her onward journey as she
moves closer toward the open fields.
By drawing this card, you are reminded of the virtue of
gentleness. Life can be harsh at times, but the way we respond
to challenges determines our receptiveness to its spiritual
gifts, and our connection to the world.
Life beckons you to draw on this quality when it may be
more tempting to react in the opposite way. If this is the case,
the presence of this card is an opportunity for growth. By
handling a predicament with the wisdom of gentleness, you
bend with the ebb and patient flow of its quiet and humble
countenance.
If you feel tempted to revert to old ways of dealing with
a situation, remember the wise council of Chinese writer
Han Suyin, There is nothing stronger in the world than
gentleness.
Poised
Grace
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This
Gratitude
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Guardian Angel
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The
Harmony
Depicted
Healing
selves. But when you feel you can do no more, remain open
to the miracle of restorative healing in its many forms.
Here, amid
Hope
Innocence
Here is a heartwarming vignette of two little children dressed up in their Sunday best. The warmth of their
embrace, along with swallows darting playfully in the sky and
the safe haven of home in the distance, create a picture of
innocence. In todays modern world, there is precious little
which escapes the unrelenting shadow of suspicion and fear.
The innocence we once knew and trusted may seem to be in
relatively short supply.
Retrieving and preserving the spirit of innocence has become a conscious necessity for many. Perhaps this is why the
vintage movement has remained popular for so long.We crave
the visual safety of the past and the niceties associated with an
age where innocence and decency in our fellow beings was
more commonplace.
This presence of this card directs you to look through the
lens of innocence, either to see yourself or a situation where
judgment, guilt or blame may be present. The long shadow of
these feelings, either to self or another, serves no useful purpose.
By remembering the message of this card, you can find renewed
inspiration and clarity in relation to your question.Through the
eyes of innocence, the world is bathed in a light that casts no
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Intention
Night
Intuition
This
Kindred Spirits
mark of a kindred spirit connection between seeming strangers, many believe that soul recognition is forged over lifetimes,
and we reunite through the law of karma for the purposes of
spiritual evolution and alignment.
Whatever your beliefs, the mysterious resonance between
kindred spirits is something we cannot ignore. Keep in mind
that fate can sometimes conspire to bring people or groups
together, to gradually unearth a kindred spirit connection
over time.
By selecting this card, you are reminded of the gift of
kindred spirits. It may be affirming an existing relationship, prompting you to look differently at an ongoing one,
or it could be the universe preparing you to expand your
horizons in readiness for a new meeting. Be aware of this
energy at work and contemplate its relevance to your present situation.
L istening
Love
Love
A passing dove hovers in the air above Aphrodite, as if enchanted by the hypnotic sound of her music. According to
folklore, Pan created the panpipe in memory of his lost love
Syrinx, which is still the Greek name for panpipe to this day.
We can easily forget that we are spiritual beings having a
mortal experience. At times we are blinded by fear, scarcity and material survival. Fear and love cannot occupy the
same space. As souls, love is what we are and love is where
we came from. The appearance of this card calls for you
to realign with the mighty healing power of love so its light
can illuminate your pathway.
It may be your time to powerfully give or receive love, to
forgive someone or overcome issues from the past where
there has been hurt and disappointment. Love invites you to
leave judgment and prejudice at the door. Let her warming
rays move through you, touching those around you, whether
family, strangers or enemies. Dont let the moment pass if you
are given an opportunity to do things differently by expressing love in some way, no matter how small. Love invites you
to dissolve barriers and let in the magic.
All obstacles can be transcended because where love is present with no conditions or agendas, all things become possible
and miracles can happen. Love underpins the very foundation of life itself. Trust in its power and look forward to the
prospect of giving, receiving and sharing love. Above all, be
willing to be guided by the wisdom of your loving heart.
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An
Nature
flowers and seed heads in a faraway field. Free from the restriction of worldly cares, her sun-kissed body and delicate
skin blend organically with the wild beauty around her.
This image captures all of natures elements, in the sky beyond (air), the distant sea (water), the warmth of the sun (fire),
and the soil beneath her feet (earth). Although the dry land
looks barren, dandelions and poppies abound. The red poppy
is associated with death, remembrance and renewal. Red is
the color of energy life force and the root chakra in the human aura. By nourishment absorbed through the earth, this
chakra helps sustain all the other chakras, enabling them to
thrive and remain healthy.
With the quickening pace of technological culture and urbanization, our connection with nature has severely eroded.
And yet it is Mother Nature who provides us with so many
gifts by putting us directly in touch with the seasons cycles
and bounties of life. She reveals the smallness of our place in
context with the unfathomable mysteries of her infinite wisdom. Mother Nature inspires humility and wonder, leading
us to question and hopefully respect the miracle of life, death
and transmutation.
By observing and honoring the sacredness of natures kingdom, we gain a fuller understanding of what it means to be
united through our connection to the universe and cosmos.
She can lead us to oneness by providing a living bridge be42
New Beginnings
Patience
Surrounded by a field of wildflowers, an exasperated fairy-child stands with her head buried mournfully in
her hands. Perhaps the treat she hoped for did not come when
expected, or maybe she had not yet earned the right to it.
Patience is a simple virtue, but we struggle to cultivate it, no
matter what our age. In fact, many of us spend whole lifetimes
learning and relearning the wisdom of this profound virtue.
The modern world is a tough place to develop patience.
Hyper-speed technology and quick-fix solutions have raised
our immediate expectations to the point that it feels almost
archaic to have to wait for anything. A me first mantra
seems to have become an accepted approach to life. With the
ego so firmly rooted in its own sense of entitlement, the tests
on our patience come faster than ever. When we can do no
more, do we let go and surrender to the unfolding of life as it
is, or waste valuable energy by resisting what is?
See how the presence of this card applies to you. Perhaps
the answers you seek are not manifesting in accordance with
your expectations, or you feel time is running out. You may
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This
Peace
The
P erception
This card highlights the skill of perception, which encompasses the realm of intuition and extra-sensory perception. It
is at work while divining with these Oracle cards, or indeed
any system of divination. While the Perception card invites
you to be open to its gifts, realize that like the actress, it has
equal power to delude as it does to facilitate clear thinking.
Residue from past experiences, the roles we currently play,
and our desires and goals for the future can all color the way
we perceive. By being mindful of these potential influences,
we can be free from their limitations. Stand back from the
play of life as part of the audience, to not only enjoy a better
view, but to gain a greater appreciation of the storyline.
P layfulness
P ower
This
P rotection
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Depicted
P urity
help, you have opened a spring within you, and now you can
leave love to do its purifying work.
Reflection
In the privacy of her own company, a young woman is captured in a quiet moment of contemplation. Behind
her, an ornate mirror is suspended in the air. But our subject
has turned away, preferring to muse instead on the inner landscape of her thoughts. Her silk shawl is clasped modestly to
her naked form, and her downcast eyes suggest her mind is
far away in deep reflection. Purple violets, chosen for their
color and symbolism, surround her. Because they bloom in
February, violets are associated with love and renewal. Purple
represents the crown chakra of the human aura and corresponds with enlightenment and liberation.
The hurried pace of modern life can often dictate that we
make quick decisions, which sometimes result in costly mistakes. The pressure of juggling multiple responsibilities can
lead some to feel their lives are on autopilot, yet paradoxically,
a constant focus on getting things done can cause us to lose
sight of what we are doing and more importantly, why.
The presence of this card invites you to step out of the
realm of reaction and into the realm of reflection. Take a full
view of your life as a whole. Witness how patterns emerge
and how God has guided you.
By reviewing past mistakes, you can gain clarity to why
something did not work and evaluate whether change may
be appropriate. Reflection is a vital component of our learn52
Release
Sanctuary
A vintage goddess sits peacefully in quiet reflection beneath the arches of her sacred temple. Subtle shades
of green represent the harmony found in forests and fields.
A lone peacock stands atop a stone pillar. These auspicious
birds of protection and watchfulness are said to be symbols
of the heavens and eyes of the stars, as depicted on their
cascading tail feathers. Early belief held that a pair of peacocks
guarded the gates of Paradise. Our goddess muse wears a dress
made from similar plumage. A beautiful jay flies into the foreground, its loyal and protective nature a fitting presence.
For some, the first experience of communion, celebration
and sanctuary begins in the safety and security of the family
home. But as we grow, our perception of sanctuary evolves
according to how we relate to the world and its ever-quickening pace. In contrast to seeking escape, the renewing balm
of sanctuary helps us find sustenance and rejuvenate from
within, while allowing us to simply be in the present moment.
Your personal idea of sanctuary may manifest in the form
of a special place, your spiritual beliefs or the inner refuge of
prayer and meditation. Whatever your preference, the appearance of this card speaks to its relevance for your life at this
moment. Cultivate a little distance from an issue by nourishing your spiritual resources in the safety of your private oasis.
Viewing life from a renewed sense of perspective will help
you arrive at more attuned choices for the future.
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Shadow Self
exposing your fears to the light, you will dissolve the power
they once had and transmute them into powerful allies.
Depicted
Strength
Surrender
A lone woman stands motionless in a field of flowers, as if caught in a poignant moment of realization. A gentle
breeze carries tiny seed heads upwards and butterflies float
from her open palm, like surrendered thoughts ascending to
the heavenly realms.
By drawing this card, the universe is highlighting possible
resistance and attachments in need of your attention.You may
have reached an impasse within a challenging predicament,
or perhaps you are struggling to maintain control within a
situation. If you are satisfied you can do no more, now is a
good time to let go and surrender. Let your meditation be on
the words, Thy will, not my will.
Unlike its little sister, resignation, the mighty act of surrender demands that you relinquish control by opening your
heart and mind to the Higher Power. Have faith that whatever is given will be for your highest good, and for the good
of all concerned.
Butterflies are powerful symbols of transformation and renewal. Now is the time to embrace change, step bravely into
the unknown and surrender what you are, for that which you
could become.
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Thought
Transition
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Trust
From an earthly perspective, trust is a fragile flower, difficult to earn but easily broken. At some point in our lives,
we must all endure lessons regarding trust, which deepen our
understanding of life and enable us to discern more wisely.
These components are both integral and vital to our spiritual
growth.
When we lose sight of our place within the bigger picture,
broken trust can lead to blame and bitterness, restricting our
capacity to live in the moment and fully give and receive with
a whole heart. Sometimes, hurtful experiences can be seen as
blessings that come to test our strength and result in a desire
to seek out deeper meanings to life.
The presence of this card highlights your need to trust your
judgment, or that of another person or situation. Now may
be the time to confront old patterns seeded by a lack of trust,
or a propensity to misplace trust in some way.
There are no coincidences in karma, so if you struggle to
see the justice in a situation, trust that you are only given what
is necessary for your highest good. Look for valuable insights
hidden amid disappointment, or the rewards of a wise decision.
Both have equal power.
Your relationship to life is a direct reflection of your ability
to trust your own powers of discrimination, and to embrace
the wisdom of your divine and knowing nature. Allow the
power of love to loosen negative attachments, and focus on
any areas in need of the soothing presence of trust.
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Truth
Union
A tantric goddess sits within an ancient temple of worship. She is filled with the ecstasy of divine union, which
permeates the room in a rainbow of hues radiating from her
aura. All the colors of the chakras are represented. The goddess wears a pink lotus flower, symbolizing transcendence
in Buddhist culture. The lotus thrives in muddy water, yet
reaches beyond the murky depths for the light, emerging as
a perfect bloom.
Whether you seek spiritual union from within or a physical
connection with another, the search to rise above the surface
of illusion toward the light of divine understanding is a worthy goal.
We often seek the missing parts of ourselves in others, only
to be met with disappointment. This craving can drive many
to addiction, forever searching for the elusive other in the
realm of extremes. Through the relentless cycle of trial and
error over lifetimes, we can learn to love and accept ourselves
just as we are, and loosen our attachment to outcomes. Meditation and sincere self-inquiry help steer you toward a deeper
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Wisdom
The last rays of the setting sun fall on this portrayal of mythic Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and her
wise protector, the Little Owl (Athene noctua).
As stealthy night hunters, owls are revered as powerful totems. They have the ability to see things others miss, coupled
with an acute sense of instinct. In ancient Greek mythology,
Athena was said to have a blind side on which the owl would
sit, enabling her to see the whole truth. She wears a rose, symbolic of love and the marriage between love and truth. After
all, without love there can be no wisdom.
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Think
SELECTING A SPREAD
The following spreads offer different perspectives and creative
ways to reflect on the issue. For example, if you want an indepth view of a situation, you might choose the Walled Garden Spread, or the Spyglass Spread may shed light on a burning issue in need of focus. Whichever spread you choose, be
sure that it can capably answer the question at hand. If none
of the spreads here answers your questions, feel free to invent
your own card spread. They dont have to be complicated
to get results; the most basic spreads can provide a wealth
of information.
REVERSALS
Many readers incorporate reversed cards into their readings
but whether you choose to use them is a matter of personal
preference. In most cases, the card descriptions have incorporated both the light and the shadow elements contained
within each card to help provide balance meanings. However,
some people find that reversals reveal even more information such as hidden blocks, delays, or simply a yes or no
answer. It depends on your way of working and there is no
incorrect approach, as both methods have their place. If you
are not sure, experiment to find out which way works best for
you and then stay with it. Defining your own unique style of
reading is key to building confidence.
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1
2
Card
Card
Card
Card
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Card
Card
Card
Card
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1.
2.
3.
4.
The
The
The
The
Perceiver
Focus
Challenge
Fulfillment
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The Questioner
Possible pitfalls along the way
Areas in need of balance
Unseen influences that could
have a bearing on the future
5. Influences that aid momentum
6. Signs to be aware of
7. The Destination
1.
2.
3.
4.
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
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