The Heretic's Oracle

Divination Cards

Deck and Descriptions by

J.E.Moores ~ 2023 ~ EvilBay.com

BEFORE THE BEGINNING

I have always had a thing for the woodcut prints of witches and demons from the witch hunting days of the 1600-1700's. They have such an authentic look and feel because the hopes, worries, fears, and concerns were real.

By studying and collecting copies of these old relics, I have found many of the images to be perfect narratives for an oracle deck. Shuffle through the cards to see so many human emotions and high stake situations portrayed. Passion, fear, desire, lust, greed, power, terror, destruction, hope and love are all found within the details of these amazing old 17th century woodcut block prints.

When these images were printed long ago people really did fear witches and demons. Many real life problems were blamed on witchcraft. People also feared being tortured and ruined as a witch within the punishing court system. Fearful times indeed.

Practicing any kind of tarot oracle magic of this sort was strictly forbidden for hundreds of years, so I'd like to call this deck, The Heretic's Oracle. Use them wisely. ~ J.E.Moores

THE HERETIC'S ORACLE ~ EVILBAY.com

When one uses these cards for divination, let the images speak and the story will reveal itself. Let these narratives jump start your imagination but realize they are not intended to represent the only way to interpret any given card. The Heretic's Oracle is sold for entertainment purposes only. Live long and prosper!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DIVINING WITH THE HERETIC'S ORACLE
Allow victim to shuffle cards. Set the first three cards in a row facing up. The card on the left is the past, the middle is the present, right is the future. From out of no where a fourth card suddenly wedges in between the second and third to become the barrier which you must overcome to reach your goals. The fifth card is the final outcome. Look closely at the cards. This is the creative leap: Using all that information and your intuition to guide your narrative, make something up and say it. You are now practicing witchcraft!

CARD # 1 : WITCH RIDING BROOMSTICK : I

I like witches. I also like hot homemade soup, hand knit sweaters, and a lush summer garden. Just saying. Witches are the ultimate in female power. So much so, they are still revered and feared today. They hold so much power because many of our mamas are witches of one sort or another. You know who you are. And rule number one is that you don't mess with mama. So read this card as you will. Enter a witch riding her broomstick. Has she come to rescue us all? On the attack? Off to a Sabbath party with the great lord Satan? Who knows? You must decide. How does this powerful flying witch fit into your narrative? Who is the big mama in your world? What is her role in this story?

CARD # 2 : THE DARK SIDE : II

So you have this friend, who is into a lot of the same things you are into, but lately has began to go a bit too far. What do you do? You still get along and have fun together, but what do you do when a friend begins to cross over to the dark side? Should you try to save them? Can you save them or will it all turn against you for trying? Trouble is afoot!

CARD # 3 : SPRING FROLIC : III

This is a time of Spring Celebration. Gather together and look outward toward a bountiful future. Frolic with good food and good music setting everything in bloom. A bumper crop is in the field. Little birds (or are those wee demons?) flutter and fly among the trees. It's a lovely pastoral scene of Satyrs and witches celebrating the oncoming Spring. New beginnings! This is the start of something exciting and new.

CARD # 4 : THE HEAD TABLE : IV

Sure, meetings can be boring, but getting to sit at the head table can change your life. Get together. Brain storm. Create an alliance, network, organize a wedding, start a business, have a feast. It takes good planning and an amazing crew to pull it off. If it all seems a bit overwhelming, you can always sell your soul to the devil and the Great Lord Satan will do everything for you. Did I mention guaranteed success?

CARD # 5 : THE BUTT KISSING CARD : V

This is the world famous butt kissing card. Every business subordinate knows about the butt kissing card. Laughing when it's not funny, agreeing when you don't, keeping quiet when you want to burst out, and doing all this because a higher up authority or boss has you bullied into submission. If you pucker up for demon butt, you can rise to power in this world. If you are not good at kissing Satan's anus, then maybe you need to rethink your life and get out of line, because if you stand in this line you better be ready to kiss Satan's anus, because this is the line to kiss Satan's anus. Dig?

CARD # 6 : THE DEVIL : VI

Collecting babies for Satan may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but you'll have Hell to pay later. I understand, it was exciting. Everyone else was doing it. But will it define you? Will it follow you through life and hurt you in the long run? Maybe this is a good time to think about what you are doing. Maybe there is a better way to do it, or maybe stop doing it all together. Life is about choices, and our choices define us. A good witch will tell you there is an infinity of solutions. There is always more than one way to accomplish something. There are so many different ways to get to the same end. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, to do what you do want to do.

CARD # 7 : VANITY : VII

Vanity can be strange. You need just enough so that you believe in yourself and not fall victim to the self saboteur inside your head. Is there a voice inside your head that talks you out of getting the stuff from life that is important to you? You must know that voice is not your voice. Your voice is the voice that wants to get out and make things happen. Your voice is the fun, positive voice. The Negative Nilly who shoots down your idea is not you, so you must try not to listen. You must believe in yourself. Believe that you are unique and one of a kind. An independent and irreplaceable part of it all. Believe in yourself. Be beautiful. Make something. Be something.

CARD # 8 : SIBLINGS : VIII

Siblings are important. They are part of your identity. When you connect with your siblings, you are returning to your regressed self and connecting with people who knew you since you were a kid. If you are an only child, imagining a close childhood friend will work. The level of insight you have for one another is worth nurturing. Stay in touch. See one another when you can to keep the nostalgia alive. Remember that hot evening when we all rode that giant pig to the summer fair? Yeah, what a great memory. I loved that pig. What was that pig's name? Her name was Myrtle? Oh my gosh, that's right. I had forgotten her name was Myrtle. I miss that pig. Those were the days. Get in touch. Catch up.

CARD # 9 : HOME COOKING : IX

Hot soup, just like grandma used to make. Yeah, there is nothing more satisfying than a good home cooked meal. Unless that's a brew of toxic death potion! I guess it could be a love potion or an old fashioned elixir or snake oil medicine. Who knows? It could be socks and underwear! Granny has been around the block a few times by now so she could be up to pretty much anything if you think about it. She's a wealth of knowledge, but whose side is she on? Go Granny, Go! This card is about the comforts of home, being grateful to have a warm meal, heat, and good people to gather with. This card is also about all the hidden dangers and struggles of life to keep those comforts alive. You would never guess what it takes for mama to bring home the bacon.

CARD # 10 : THE WITCH : X

This witch has her feet planted firmly on the ground. She has a wispy sprig wand and is doing some sort of mysterious plant based magic. Does she bring rain? Hope for a good harvest? Or power over the small buildings and town way off in the distance? What is she up to? Maybe she is just foraging for her evening meal. Regardless, she is solid and sure of herself. Whatever she's doing, this witch is getting it done. What do you hope happens next?

CARD # 11 : IMP FOR SALE : XI

It's amazing what you can get at the farmers' market. Here a witch is offering a slightly used demon imp to a lady customer. The lady is not sure what to do. This is a big decision. She's always wondered what it was like to have a demon imp of her very own. It could help her do the house work and chores. It could do her bidding. Some of her friends in the glen have their own imps, and they get on rather well. But the lady is unsure. She's never been this close to an imp before. It smells weird. Looks weird. Yeah, that thing is definitely weird. So what do we do? Say a polite no thank you, or lose your soul to eternal damnation for the convenience of having a personal demon imp? Then a thought suddenly strikes her. Wait, would I have to have sex with that thing? What will the lady do?

CARD # 12 : CARING FOR YOUR FAMILIAR : XII

Familiars make wonderful companions. My family tend to be cat people, but any kind critter can make a good friend. A wise old woman once told me it is best to have one quality pet, so there's that advice. It is a lot of work to be a good pet person. Some pets get us outside, force us to take walks, meet new people. Some pets need special environments. Animal friends can bring a lot of joy. Do you have a pet? Do you wish that you had a pet? Do you need to fix your space to better accommodate your pet? Maybe a relative has a pet that needs attention? Reach out. Get outside. Take a walk. Breathe the air. Do something kind for an animal and feel the magical impish connection. Ain't nature nifty?

CARD # 13 : HANGING A WITCH : XIII

There was a time when they were not burning witches. They were either pressing or hanging them. It was awful. A good witch didn't stand a chance. The entire world had lost its mind executing innocent folk because of crazy superstition. Being a weirdo, I can still feel the terror of it. Imagine, living in a world so crazy that the powers that be put victims through a farcical system that leads to death whether innocent or guilty! Imagine the accused tossed into a river with hands and feet tied. If the convicted sinks and drowns, they are considered innocent. If she floats and somehow lives, she must be using magic, and therefore a witch, who then needs to be executed. It was terrifying to be accused a witch. Still is. Think, how are you being singled out and treated unfairly? Who do you put through an unfair test they cannot win?

CARD # 14 : CUPBOARD OF SECRETS : XIV

We all have an ugly task that we have to do now and then, and we really don't want anyone to see us doing it. These toads, imps, and familiars all bring good luck, but they eat a lot, smell weird, and are hard to hide. It's not easy keeping them a secret. Do you have a secret that you work hard to keep? Neil Young mentioned that Bob Dylan said you can end up invisible if you have too many secrets. Got an ugly task that you have to face that you really don't want anyone to know about? Now's the time to focus and get ready. Gather up everything you need so you can get it over with fast. Oh yeah. Be careful. Don't get caught. You don't want to explain any of this to anyone.

CARD # 15 : THE DEATH CARD : XV

Here it is, The Death Card. Because everything ends. But really, the death card can be seen as a new beginning card. Death leaves behind the living who must pick up everything and move forward. The people who do best in life seem to flow with fate's punches by reinventing themselves at each turn. People migrate out of war torn countries, move entire families, learn new languages, and eventually prosper and succeed by working slowly toward the goals they had set out long ago. Chaos and disruption brings opportunity because the gaps must be filled in. New people can rise to power by leading the reconstruction. So this isn't a card only about physical death, but the ongoing cycle that is the exciting new start caused by the end of all things.

CARD # 16 : THAT BIG UGLY TOAD : XVI

So the old woman invites you in for a smoke. She offers you a pipe of stuff she grew herself. You sit back, take a few puffs, relax, and enjoy the quality sample. You look down and notice that she has a huge ugly toad on the floor, and you really don't know what to do. It's very big and it makes you uncomfortable because it's rather close to your leg. You don't want to hurt it. You don't want it to touch you. The old woman just nods and smokes. She laughs a bit. Is she laughing at you? Yes, I think she is laughing at you. You better get up and get out of there before that toad crawls up your leg. It's just a matter of time. Dang. What was in that pipe? This card is about uncomfortable situations when you don't say anything about something everyone else is already thinking. Maybe someone owes someone an apology or a secret has been revealed. The thing about bad news is that they can only find out once. It's like the elephant in the room, but in this case it's the big ugly toad in the room. Something has not been communicated and it's obvious and ugly. Come out and say it already. Ribbit.

CARD # 17 : THE MAGIC CIRCLE : XVII

There are some situations in which you have to follow the rules. With magic, spelling really matters. That's why they call them spells. We all know that in the beginning, there was the word. We also know a string of words becomes a sentence. Once pronounced, you must serve your sentence. Spelling counts. Here, a witch stands in her magic circle conjuring up little demons and imps to give her friends the power of flight. How cool is that? If you follow directions and do everything properly, you'll get it right too. If you deviate and are not aware of fine details, who knows what will happen? Study your magic grimoire, follow the incantation, stay inside the circle, and hold on tight to that wand!

CARD # 18 : THE KEY : XVIII

It's good to have the key. Keys open things. Keys open doors, treasure chests, or maybe even your mind. Yeah. This key is all magical and mystical and is a symbol for all kinds of cosmic stuff. You see, if you find the key to life, then you're all set, so it's a good thing to have the key. Everyone is hoping to find the key, but very few ever do. Go for it. Reach for the key. When you get it, keep it, and don't ever let go.

CARD # 19 : THE LOVERS : XIX

Yes indeed. Young love. It's wonderful to behold. The thrill and excitement of being together for the very first time. First time anything can be really exciting. What new thing are you getting into? Where is your muse leading you these days? Do you follow your muse or do you put it off, postponing all your creativity and personal time until it never happens? This card can be productivity or procrastination depending on where you're at. We have to manufacture joy to have a good life. We are most attractive when we are doing something we personally find exciting. Get into something, make something, learn something, discover something, take a risk, write it down, cook a new recipe, meet new people, or paint something a new color. Do it now, full of excitement, and do it with love.

CARD # 20 : THE ART OF SEDUCTION : XX

Lady run! Can't you see that man has chicken feet? He's a demon! A demon! Ahhhh, she can't hear us. All she can hear is the wooing and cooing of the charming promises being made to her. How she can rise up to be a queen, rule over the land, amass great wealth and power. All she must do is submit to be his bride. It's true, he is rather ugly, but it's been very boring and dreary during the pandemic and all. A gal gets lonely and his touch feels so good right now. What kind of deals do you have to make to earn your hopes and dreams? What concessions do you make and what do you gain? Gold is not the only currency people trade with. There are many ways to pay for what we desire. Look about you. What neglected assets do you already have that could be put to work for you instead of going to waste?

CARD # 21 : GETTING WEIRD : XXI

Sometimes relationships can be so symbiotic that together the two become a whole new single organism. I mean, look at these two. I don't like it. They don't look right to me, but look at 'em go. I couldn't stop that and I wouldn't try. I'm just glad to not be part of it. I'll keep a safe distance and let them both have at it. What about unorthodox relationships that actually work? Got a strange partner in crime somewhere? Maybe you need one. Reach out and ally with the strangest and unlikely of partners. Your combined influence can have far reaching implications. Diversity has a super power. What is in your reach? How can you get weird for the win?

CARD # 22 : TEAMWORK : XXII

Finding the right team or mate is difficult. A good team can accomplish anything. Who you team up with will define who you are. Sometimes you have to choose your friends depending on whether or not you can handle suffering their mistakes. You will often have to pay for your friend's mistakes just by being along for the ride. If you roll with idiots, you will go down with idiots. Maybe you are only now becoming aware that you have teamed up with the wrong person. Now what to do? It's hard to stay with someone and it's hard to leave them. In this case, think about the mistakes your team is likely to make, and if you can handle being part of those mistakes. If the price is too high, you have a lot to think about and may have to move on. If you don't mind all their mistakes, there is a chance you may be the idiot.

CARD # 23 : BUDDIES : XXIII

Father Time and Death like to hang out together. Lovely pair, really. It's nice to see old buddies hanging out and spending time together, even if they get up to no good. Really, these guys are awful, but they have so much fun, it's hard not to smile at least a little bit. Father Time holds an hour glass waiting for someone's time to come up. Death has a single arrow. Father Time and Death have an ongoing bet if Death can hit the target with a single arrow or not. If he cannot, Father Time will hand him the sickle, and Death has to go all the way down to the earthly plane to do it manually, much to his own chagrin. The little game keeps it interesting for them. They ask us, what do you know about waiting? I guess if you're just going to stand there and wait, it is more fun to have a friend along for a little company. Do you have a boring task that could be made a little more fun just to make it bearable? Got a buddy? What are you waiting for?

CARD # 24 : HELL : XXIV

You know, if this is the mouth of Hell, why does it have to look so cool? Yeah, it's pretty scary, but it looks so cool. The giant lion mouth doorway with those architectural bits around the border. Not so bad. I guess if I was there I'd have to suffer the bad smell, heat, and sharp pointy bits causing burns, cuts, and pain. That would suck. So this is a strange card. If this is Hell, then maybe Hell ain't so bad. I may even have a few friends there. You can only get to Hell by making decisions that are bad for you. People live in eternal torment every day. It's a common sight on commuter buses and trains. Most folk do not have to wait for the afterlife to end up in Hell because this Hell is on earth. All those voices in your head that keep you from happiness are beckoning you to Hell like sirens singing you to ship wreck. Do not let your self saboteur be the guide for your life's journey. You are good, worth it, and capable. Stand up and keep going for everything you want in life. Here's a secret: Enduring constant failure is the true key to success. When you fail, revise and try again until you succeed. As long as you don't stop at failure, you are always one step closer to success. When you quit at failure, you live forever with the regret, anguish, and frustration which only brings you one step closer to Hell on earth.

CARD # 25 : EDUCATION : XXV

Being wise and learned is great, but it opens up some strange doors that cause you to become more difficult to relate to. There's an Andy Warhol quote that goes something like, “One could become terribly depressed if they weren't smart about what they're smart about.” This is good to ponder. Education is important, but are you focused on the right things? Maybe you're distracted by the wrong things? Ask yourself, are you gathering the tools, gear, contacts, and info you'll need to get you where you want to go? Guidance is good to have, but be sure your mentors are helping you and not holding you back. Maybe it's time to close the book and gain some focus. Take the time to think and absorb before you make a move. Rearrange the pieces around in your mind. Make your decision and move forward. Oh yeah, and watch out for that cute little guy just under your right shoulder. He owes me five bucks.

CARD # 26 : THE QUIET MOMENT : XXVI

A gentle breeze on a warm sunny day. The flowers and herbs you planted have all come up. It is quiet and you are all alone. It feels good to be now. Just feel it. All the little things you did have added up to this moment. All the time crawling around digging in the dirt has led to this heavenly calm stillness. Do you need more moments like this in your life? More wonderful personal moments of calm and reflection? It can take a lot of work to get to moments like that. Do you ever take a few minutes in the middle of the day to lay down and think through your process before you do it? Meditating on your process can make it more energized and more thought out. I allow myself only five minutes. I lay there and plot out what I have to do. I like to roll around all the possibilities in my mind and discover possible problems or mistakes to avoid. Then at the end of the 5 minute rest I get up physically refreshed and ready to do my task with confidence because I've thought it all out beforehand. Enjoy the flowers.

CARD # 27 : UPPER MANAGEMENT : XXVII

I once saw a video on YouTube about how King Solomon used the help of demons to build his temple. The foundation stones still outline the remains of the site, and are rumored to be too large to move by any modern equipment. The gigantic foundation stones are a mystery to archaeology. Maybe Solomon's Temple really was built by demon magic. If so, it only goes to show what you can get done if you know the right folk. Keeping a working relationship with demons is not easy. They can easily get upset, distracted by vices of all kinds, or just downright ornery and persnickety when pulled away from those vices to get them back on the job. It takes a good manager to lead such a crew. Solomon must have been a great manager. Take care of the teams below you. Maintain your contacts. The success and quality of the final outcome depends a lot on this relationship. Be a good leader, even if you're only leading yourself.

CARD # 28 : GRADUATION : XXVIII

Congratulations! March on up and get your diploma. In life we have many different graduations, but they are mostly invisible. Most colleges require about four years to get a bachelor's degree. Life is not like school and does not offer rituals to mark these occasions. You have to realize when you have graduated something and that it is time to move on or move up. Do not allow yourself to stagnate. Have goals. When you reach them celebrate by using the experience to move up the ladder of success toward a larger goal. If you are frustrated with your job, it may be because it is time to move onward or upward. This can go for relationships of any kind, especially difficult ones. Sometimes you graduate people. It feels like you have finally learned the lesson you were meant to learn all along and now it's time to move on with the knowledge you acquired.

CARD # 29 : THE BURNING WITCHES : XXIX

It may be too late to rethink your plan. Sometimes things do not go as hoped and it all comes crashing down. This card is also about exposing the true monster. Every time witches were burned or hanged in the past, innocent people died. The court system was the monster for using their belief in the supernatural to justify their right to kill innocent folk. The witch hunt still goes on in so many different ways. The accused witches were not monsters, the murderous system was the monster. Are you the target of such a system or how are you targeting another in a witch hunt? We are all part of some sort of witch hunt, whether we know it or not. Free your mind and you free the innocent.

CARD # 30 : AUTUMN HARVEST : XXX

Life is a good thing to celebrate. Stop using the excuse that you are too old to... (fill in the blank). Create or join rituals that bring people into your life. Here is a lovely Autumn harvest image of devils and witches celebrating the end of a good season together. This image reminds us to look toward others who will help and guide us for only the small price of your soul.

CARD # 31 : THE NOSEY NEIGHBOR : XXXI

This is a kind local lady witnessing two town folk flying on broomsticks along with the devil! You know, you have to be careful who you let in on your secrets. As fun as riding around on broomsticks with the devil may be, you have to be careful who sees you doing it. Dealing with an embarrassing moment can often lead to another embarrassing moment. Apologize for having scared the good woman. It's the right thing to do. In the future, think about where you seat people in the “theater audience” of your life. Who do you put up in the balcony and who gets front row? Who doesn't get a seat at all because you're all sold out? Learn how to control your public image.

CARD # 32 : TWO COOKS IN THE KITCHEN : XXXII

The witch on the left is making chicken soup, the other is making snake oil poison. You must decide and work together. What do you wish to produce, nurturing food or toxic venom? Are you creating more garbage for the planet to absorb when you could be helping out instead? What do you help produce in this world? Who does it help compared to how many it harms? We all have to be responsible for what we contribute to the soup if we all want to eat well and be happy healthy magical citizens. Mmmm... I like soup.

CARD # 33 : THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS : XXXIII

This is where the devil explains to the good church goers that his is also a Bible-based philosophy. That he is part of it all and cannot be separated from it. The history of the Fallen Ones are contained in the pages of the Bible. You could try to argue with the devil all day, but he is very versed in scripture. If you argue long enough, you find out that you actually both agree and it feels very confusing by that time. Have you ever agreed with someone and it still felt like an argument? Small details can make some folk crazy. Maybe things should be going forward a bit faster, but for some small reason everything has slowed down to a creep. Ever have a five dollar wire stop you from setting up your new expensive computer gear? Ever have red tape slow down a project? Many times in life the smallest detail can destroy or derail success. Keeping track of all the details can ensure success, but it's not easy trying to foretell the future. If your divination skills are not up to par, expect things to take longer than anticipated.

CARD # 34 : LOSS : XXXIV

Sometimes the earth opens up and you fall into a hole and disappear forever leaving nothing but your hat. It's sad. When things end, they often end fast. People pass, relationships end, life goes on. Trains, planes, and automobiles all have some place to go. What do you fill the hollow spaces these losses leave inside us? What meditation, prayer, or pleading will ease the empty feeling? Human grieving is a long process. We miss our lost loved ones because they knew a part of our story. They knew a little bit about who we are. When we lose a loved one, we lose a little piece of our self. A piece of the narrative that is our very own story. We grieve because it's sad to lose so much of ourselves.

CARD # 35 : THE CRONE'S TWO CROWS : XXXV

This old hag has a decision to make. Obviously there are plenty of loud opinions to offer guidance, but she has to make up her mind and make it up now. Hmmmm? I wonder which crow's advice she will take, or will she come up with her own magical solution and surprise us all? Stay tuned!

CARD # 36 : DEVIL RIDING BROOMSTICK : XXXVI

Yup, that's the devil riding a broomstick. That can only mean one thing. It must be party time out in the heath. Get out that old sticky jar of magic liniment flying ointment and grease up some long handled garden or kitchen implement, and get yourself out to the all night Sabbath party. This is a sign of a good auspicious occasion. Trouble is afoot tonight! Live, love, and be merry to the fullest, for Lord Satan has risen!