How To Get The Most Out Of An Oracle Deck (Win!)

Contemporary Canadian artist Zoë Pawlak‘s latest work isn’t on canvas, but on a deck of cards. Her newly launched Vessels and Muses Oracle Deck pairs words and Zoë’s original artwork to create a uniquely beautiful offering for those seeking insight and freedom. Guiding people into a deeper understanding of themselves, the deck aims to support those moving through challenges, channelling their infinite potential and stepping even further into their awakening. Draw a card daily, or whenever guidance is needed. We chatted with Zoë to learn more. —Vita Daily

Hi Zoë! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

My name is Zoë Pawlak and I am a Vancouver-based artist. My 16 year practice has focused on painting, drawing, and industrial design for interior designers and private clients. My paintings are in the private collections of many people and companies worldwide. In 2007, I co-founded an offline group for female entrepreneurs and most recently, I have released an oracle deck, Vessles and Muses. My heart is for the conversation around emotional, physical and spiritual wellness and sobriety. I’m a sober mom of two teens.

For those who don’t know, what is an oracle deck, in general?

An oracle deck is a deck of cards that provides inspiration. Unlike tarot, which is very formal and has set rules and imagery, wording and traditions, an oracle deck is inspired, fluid and poetic. It can be used for serious spiritual seeking or just for fun. As a bonus, my Vessles and Muses deck includes journal prompts and the addition of the 12 astrological signs integrated into the deck.

When and why did you decide to launch the Vessels and Muses Oracle Deck? What inspired/went into creating it?

I have been writing informally since I was 12 years old. I was encouraged to publish some of my writing and didn’t really know where to start. The paintings often start with a piece of writing or words and I have never been able to figure out how to incorporate formal writing into my practice until now. This deck is a total combination of everything I care about. It is a culmination of my practices and gifts all in one box.

Who is this deck for? How does it work/what does it do?

This deck is for everyone who is interested in self-reflection. Research shows that if you take some time in your day to read, write and quietly contemplate, you’re wayyyy better off. To get started, one would draw a card from the 40-card deck. Each card features original artwork paired with one word. You then look up the word in the booklet that accompanies the deck. What makes this deck unique is that each card also comes with a journal prompt. This is an optional part of the practice that would help you in establishing or keeping an ongoing journal practice. 

Can you give some examples of situations in which you’d perhaps want to draw a card? 

There are two ways I see people using their decks. You may want to have a daily practice or you may want to only draw a card in a time of need. People often look to this practice for insight into how they might change habits or shift their perspective. You get to spend some time with yourself and read into what may be presented to you as a fresh idea.

Some examples of the types of cards that could be drawn, what they mean, and what guidance they may provide?

The cards range from Grace to Justice. Each card is connected to a painting of mine and the meaning of each word is expanded on in the booklet. The Freedom card, for example, might come up when you are feeling particularly stuck. It might mean that it’s time for you to liberate yourself from anything as serious as a job you don’t love or encourage you to get up and dance around. The cards provide you with ideas about the significance of their meaning and ask you to look a little more closely at how you may be sleeping or co-participating in areas in your life that could use some further investigation, compassion or action.

What are your top tips around using the deck, or any oracle deck?

Use regularly. The more you get to know the deck, the more you will get to know yourself. My goal is that people are guided towards more self awareness (ahem, take more and more thoughtful responsibility for your life and choices) and feel supported in your (new?) journaling practice. 

What card did you draw most recently, and how did it help/guide you?

Recently I pulled the Ignite card, which I feel asks us to fire things up. I’m feeeeelin’ it and loving it. If you want to see me do some reading, check out TikTok @zoepawlak. 

zoepawlak.com

Win! A Zoë Pawlak Vessels And Muses Oracle Cards Deck + A 16″ H x 12” W Print

Congrats Vanessa N. of Thunder Bay, ON, who will receive a Zoë Pawlak Vessels And Muses Oracle Cards Deck + A 16″ H x 12” W Print; total value $300! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.