Connecting with the Beloved Dead Through ‘The Ofrenda Oracle’

When we find ourselves needing deeper insights into a particular aspect of our lives, we search for ways to attain that insight. Some go for a long walk to think, others seek advice from a mentor, and certain individuals turn to cartomancy. This form of divination involves using a deck of cards and is believed to have emerged centuries ago in Europe.

Tarot is perhaps the most popular type of cartomancy today, but there are also Oracle cards and Lenormand cards. The Ofrenda Oracle utilizes the Lenormand method while also possessing characteristics associated with Oracle cards. I used the deck for the first time and want to share my experience with it.

The publisher Red Wheel/Weiser was kind enough to send me a copy of The Ofrenda Oracle, which was released this past September. Authors Nancy Hendrickson and Carrie Paris have extensive knowledge of the Tarot and divination. Illustrator Angelica Castro, who was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in Mexico, drew the stunning artwork that adorns the cards. Author and brujeria authority Laura Davila contributed a heartfelt foreword that I feel gave the work her blessing.

The Day of the Dead forms the foundation of The Ofrenda Oracle. Its creators were inspired by San Diego’s close connection with Mexico, a city in California that lies close to the Mexican border and is rich with Mexican cultural influences. Among these influences is the annual Día de los Muertos celebration.

The Spanish term “ofrenda” translates to “offering,” referring to the offerings that are placed on a Día de los Muertos altar. The deck is meant to present a link between the living and the deceased who are referred to as the “Beloved Dead.” It is a way to communicate with our ancestors and loved ones who’ve passed.

Now, earlier I mentioned that this divination tool incorporates the Lenormand technique. Since I’m a novice, I won’t try to explain this method in detail. However, I’ll provide some basic information. It gets its name from Marie Anne Lenormand (1772-1843) who was well-versed in cartomancy and a very influential figure in the esoteric realm between the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. In divination, the Lenormand approach offers a way to glean clarification on a variety of topics, from daily practical matters to spirituality. For some people, it can give more straightforward answers and be easier to interpret.

The set contains 60 cards. A Lenormand deck typically has 36 cards and so the first 36 have the traditional Lenormand symbols and interpretations along with four significator cards. Cards 37-56 embody the essence of the Day of the Dead. The entire deck, however, is influenced by the native people of Mexico, such as the Toltecs and Aztecs, and how their practices merged with the Spaniards. Just as Día de los Muertos blends Spanish and Indigenous spiritual practices, so too does The Ofrenda Oracle. For instance, the depictions of calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons) are rooted in Aztec rituals.

When it comes to cartomancy, it’s important to work with decks that resonate with you. Being Mexican American, I knew I would connect with this set. The Day of the Dead and my heritage are very special to me, and those are concepts these cards signify. Having said that, you don’t have to have Mexican or Latinx ancestry or wait until Día de los Muertos comes around to use this deck. What matters is that you have a reverence for the Beloved Dead and have a sincere desire to connect with them for guidance.

There are various ways you can go about using the cards. This collection comes with a bilingual guidebook that explains the meaning behind each card in English and Spanish. It also recommends a few different spreads you can use to do a reading. This is perfect for a beginner like me. I went with the “The Gifts” spread; its purpose is to show you how the interaction between you and the Beloved Dead works. It seemed like a good introduction to this practice.

I spent over an hour doing this reading and sitting with the cards. I performed a small ritual beforehand, lighting my Lilith candle and saying a prayer. It was a personal experience, so I won’t go into what the cards communicated to me. I will say that it reassured me that my spirit guides are closer than I think. When our channels are blocked by outside noise, whether it’s social media or other people’s chatter, it can be challenging to listen to our intuition. This was an easier way for me to receive messages from my ancestors and guardians and access that deeper knowing.

The Ofrenda Oracle is a beautiful divination tool that gives the opportunity to gain wisdom from those who have gone before us. There is a special power in speaking with the Beloved Dead. The imagery also immerses you in this ethereal realm that represents the cusp of life and death. The authors and illustrator created an offering that the spirits will truly cherish.

Note: Center photo in top featured image is by Red Wheel / Weiser

Where to Stalk

The Ofrenda Oracle

Carrie Paris official website

Nancy Hendrickson official website