Introducing the Neophyte Oracle Deck
About Neophyte (Dream Oracle Cards)
This 77-card oracle deck contains surreal, dream-like imagery, with the intention to offer a number of meanings and interpretations for personal insight and self-awareness.
The deck was inspired by a dream I had. In the dream, I was holding a deck of cards in my left hand. The edges of the deck were worn, as if I’d had the deck, and had been using it, for some time. I stepped out into traffic, walking around cars, in broad daylight, with the deck still in hand. I moved around the traffic with ease. Then, the scene changed; I was now talking with a man, and he said to me that he wanted to create a deck for those new to reading cards.
I started to wake up at this point in the dream, with the word “neophyte” in my head. Once awake, I just knew that the dream was a prompt to create a deck of cards – and Neophyte was to be its name. And, it just so happens that one of the meanings of the word “neophyte” is a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.
And here we are.
The Cards
You can see each of the cards by watching the walkthrough video of the deck below.
Deck specifications:
- Size of cards: 3.5” x 5” (89mm x 127mm)
- Number of cards: 77 (plus a title card)
- Card stock: (S33) Superior Smooth (330 GSM)
- Packaging: Custom rigid box (gloss laminated with smooth finish)
Companion Materials for Neophyte
When I first created Neophyte, I didn’t plan on having any reference material to accompany it. My intention was for the deck to be a tool that would be read intuitively, as an aid for the growth and development of that faculty.
As decks have gone out to the public, though, I’ve had a few requests to provide written material for the deck. So, I’m in the process of honoring those requests for companion material.
I have two types in mind. The first will be a short list of meanings that can be put to use right away, while the second will be more in the form of a book. The list most likely will be in a pdf format, while the larger guide might be in e-book form. The larger guide will elaborate more on the individual cards, and share more techniques on how I personally work with the cards.
Below are a couple of samples, just to give you a sense on how I read and/or interpret the cards:
Spiritual Waters
When Spiritual Waters turns up, you may be about to step into a new phase in your spiritual growth and development.
In the image, two children stand on a beach, facing the ocean. The ocean can symbolize spirituality, making the beach a symbol that represents your approach toward it. With that, the children can represent your potential to grow and develop in this area. One appearing to be a boy and the other a girl holding hands can suggest both your intellectual (boy) and intuitive (girl) sides having a role or part to play in that growth and development – in other words, they go “hand in hand.”
In the sky above them looms a large jellyfish. In one respect, the jellyfish, being luminous, can represent your inner light – and that you’re being led to let this light shine. The jellyfish in the air might say this is your time of emergence spiritually, that you’re “breaking the surface” in some way.
With that, the jellyfish prompts this question for you to reflect on: “Where in my life am I ready to express myself more forcefully?” The “forcefully” part comes from the fact that a jellyfish is spineless; this might suggest that a (spiritual) lesson for you might be to consider where you might need to have a bit more “backbone” in your life – especially in those situations where you’ve been “stung.”
Whatever the steps you choose to take in your spiritual growth and development going forward, Spiritual Waters implies movement – from your heart (emotions; the water) to your mind (thinking; the air), and becoming more aware (conscious) in the process.
Sit This One Out
When Sit This One Out turns up, its message is that it might be time to hit the “pause” button. It’s time to sit back and relax. You may have had a lot going on lately, and now’s the time to get some rest, to withdraw, to take a break. Basically, it’s a message for a “time out” or some much-needed “me time.”
Since the person on the bench is in a tranquil state, another possibility for you to consider is bringing more tranquility into your life, engaging in activities that bring you to a state of peace. For example, meditation is a gentle activity that’s great for relaxation; there are many forms of meditation, so it’s just a matter of finding the right and perfect one for you.
Sit This One Out could also be encouraging you to put an issue to rest, so to speak. If there’s a situation like that going on for you at the moment, Sit This One Out says seeking peace in your outer world first begins by calming your mind with peaceful thinking. Allow yourself to go within and open up to the peace and wisdom that resides there. And as you do so, affirm that moments of peace and quiet bring you the clarity you need.
And the final possibility I’ll offer here is that Sit This One Out is encouraging you to step back and use your powers of observation today. Watch the people you interact with – really pay attention to their reactions and responses to situations and circumstances. My minister calls this being “the non-judgmental observer.” What you observe might be important to note for future reference – for when you metaphorically get off the bench and get back into life – and re-engage with others once again. Allow experience to be the wise teacher it is.
Using the Cards
There are many ways to work with the cards. One of the ways I use the deck is for what I call a “daily draw.” I ask a simple question, like “What is my guidance for today?” or “What do I need to focus on today?” I then draw a single card as the answer, and reflect on the possibilities being offered as guidance.
I also work with the cards to answer more specific questions, using “What do I need to know about (the particular situation or experience)?” as the prompt. This is just one example of the numerous types of questions you can put to the cards. I then draw three cards: the first representing the situation; the second offering guidance or advice; and the third suggesting a potential or possible outcome. As with the single card draw mentioned above, I take time to reflect on each of the cards for the insights they can provide.
And the third way I like to use my deck is to read a line of five cards. As with the three-card draw, I ask a clear and specific question; for example, “What do I need to know about my study and work as a card reader?” I draw five cards: the first represents the situation; the second, my expectations; the third, any possible hidden influences; the fourth, guidance or advice being offered for consideration; and the fifth card, a potential or possible outcome.
As I shared above regarding the inspiration for the Neophyte (Dream) Oracle Cards, the deck has been designed to be used by people with all levels of reading experience. Whether you’re just staring out reading cards, or you consider yourself to be an expert, Neophyte can be a tool for your personal and spiritual growth and development.