Are Oracle Cards Against the Bible? Key Bible Verses You Need to Know

By Alex Assoune May 26, 2025

Oracle cards have grown in popularity as tools for spiritual guidance, personal growth, and intuitive insight. Many use them to connect with their inner selves or seek inspiration, while others see them as a bridge to the divine. But for those who follow the Christian faith, a common and serious question arises: Are oracle cards against the Bible?

This article explores what the Bible says about divination and spiritual practices, how oracle cards are used today, and whether they align with or contradict biblical teachings. We'll also examine the differing views among Christians and consider how intent, context, and spiritual discernment shape this debate.

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What Are Oracle Cards?

Oracle cards are decks of cards used for self-reflection, guidance, or spiritual messages. Unlike tarot cards, which follow a set structure and symbolism, oracle cards are more freeform. Each deck has its own theme—such as angels, affirmations, or chakras—and the meanings of the cards are determined by the creator.

Users typically shuffle the deck while focusing on a question or area of concern, then draw cards and interpret their meanings. This practice is often described as a way to receive insights from the universe, spirit guides, or one's higher self.

What the Bible Says About Divination and Spiritual Practices

To understand whether oracle cards are biblically acceptable, we must explore what Scripture says about spiritual practices, especially divination, which is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.

Key Bible Verses Often Cited:

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV):

“Let no one be found among you who... practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

This is one of the most direct and frequently quoted passages. It places divination alongside other practices forbidden in ancient Israel.

Leviticus 19:26 (ESV):

“You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.”

Here again, fortune-telling and interpreting signs are prohibited as part of the Mosaic Law.

Acts 16:16–18 (NIV):

Paul encounters a slave girl with a "spirit of divination" who tells fortunes. Paul rebukes the spirit and casts it out.

This New Testament passage shows divination as the result of a spiritual entity—not a gift from God—and depicts it negatively.

Isaiah 8:19 (NIV):

“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists... should not a people inquire of their God?”

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God directly, rather than turning to other spiritual sources.

Is Using Oracle Cards Considered Divination?

The answer depends on how oracle cards are used and what they are believed to be.

If used to predict the future or seek supernatural knowledge apart from God, oracle cards clearly fall under the biblical definition of divination and are not compatible with biblical teachings.
If used as a meditative or reflective tool, similar to journaling or mindfulness, some argue they are simply a way of accessing inner thoughts, not invoking supernatural power.

Still, the intention matters greatly. If someone believes the messages come from “the universe,” “spirit guides,” or unnamed forces, this may be seen as bypassing God’s authority—an act Scripture warns against.

The Christian Understanding of Revelation and Guidance

Christian theology teaches that God communicates with His people through:

Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) – The inspired Word of God
Prayer (Philippians 4:6–7) – Direct communion with God
The Holy Spirit (John 14:26) – Who guides and teaches believers
Wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22) – From fellow believers

Using oracle cards to receive messages or guidance from other spiritual sources can be seen as rejecting these biblically endorsed forms of communication. This is why many Christians are cautious or strongly opposed to such tools.

The Problem with “Spirit Guides” and Universal Energy

Many oracle card decks reference:

Spirit guides
Angels not tied to biblical teachings
Energy, vibration, or “the universe”
Past lives or reincarnation

These concepts do not align with biblical doctrine, and some directly contradict it. The Bible strictly teaches monotheism, salvation through Christ, and a clear distinction between the Creator and creation.

Seeking guidance from spirits outside of God opens the door to spiritual deception. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” What may appear loving or benevolent could lead people away from God.

Arguments from Christians Who Use Oracle Cards

Despite the above, some Christians say they use oracle cards in a faith-centered way. They argue:

The cards help them reflect on Scripture, not replace it.
Their intention is to connect with God or the Holy Spirit, not foreign spirits.
They view the cards like devotionals—tools to inspire thought, not tell the future.

Some “Christian oracle decks” have even been created with Bible verses, prayers, or messages based on Christian teachings. Supporters argue that the tool itself isn’t evil—what matters is how it’s used.

However, this remains controversial. Many Christian leaders warn that spiritual tools outside of Scripture can easily become a gateway to occult practices, even if the initial use seems innocent.

Discernment: A Key Christian Principle

The Bible repeatedly urges believers to use discernment. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22, Paul writes:

“Test everything. Hold on to what is good. Reject every kind of evil.”

Christians are called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), compare teachings with Scripture, and rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom.

Using oracle cards—even if well-intentioned—can create spiritual confusion. They may blur the line between God’s truth and New Age beliefs, which emphasize self as divine, the universe as sentient, and all paths as equal.

Historical Church Teachings

Historically, the Christian Church has been cautious—if not openly opposed—to divinatory tools.

The early Church Fathers condemned astrology, sorcery, and omen-reading as distractions from Christ.
The Catholic Church continues to warn against fortune-telling and mediumship, citing the Catechism:

“All forms of divination are to be rejected” (CCC 2116).

Protestant churches generally echo these concerns, especially evangelical and Pentecostal traditions.

This historical context reinforces the idea that oracle cards are not compatible with orthodox Christian faith.

Can Christians Seek Guidance Without Oracle Cards?

Absolutely. The Bible provides many tools for spiritual direction:

Reading Scripture daily
Listening to the Holy Spirit through prayer
Keeping a spiritual journal
Speaking with mature believers or pastors
Practicing discernment and seeking godly wisdom

There is no need to turn to cards or symbols when God offers direct access to wisdom through His Word and Spirit.

Final Thoughts: Are Oracle Cards Against the Bible?

Yes—in most Christian interpretations, using oracle cards is considered against the Bible. The practice of seeking knowledge or guidance through cards is closely related to divination, which Scripture clearly forbids.

Even if a person’s intention is not to engage in the occult, the spiritual risks and theological conflicts remain. The Bible consistently teaches that believers should seek God—not alternative spiritual systems—for truth, clarity, and direction.

Summary Table:

Aspect	Oracle Cards	Biblical Teaching
Source of guidance	Spirit guides, intuition, universe	God, Scripture, Holy Spirit
Purpose	Insight, future, affirmation	Truth, transformation, obedience
Spiritual framework	Often New Age or metaphysical	Monotheistic, Christ-centered
Accepted by Bible?	Generally no	Only divine revelation is allowed

A Loving Warning

This article isn’t meant to condemn but to encourage spiritual discernment. Many are drawn to oracle cards out of a genuine desire for clarity, healing, or peace. But Christians are called to seek these things in Christ, who offers:

Wisdom without confusion
Peace without dependency
Guidance without compromise

If you're a Christian using or considering oracle cards, pray for clarity. Seek Scripture. Talk to mature believers. Ask God to guide your heart and help you walk in truth.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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