Participatory Methods

Representación abstracta de la metodología participativa "Creación de cartas de oráculo." En un estilo de collage moderno, se observan cartas ilustradas con símbolos vibrantes y mensajes escritos, representando la co-creación y la exploración simbólica.

Collaborative Oracle Card Creation

Collaborative Oracle Card Creation is a participatory activity where participants design and build a unique oracle deck with meaningful symbols, messages, and themes. This exercise fosters creativity, intuition, and collaboration as individuals contribute their artistic and conceptual insights to develop a tool for reflection and guidance.

Throughout the session, participants will define the categories of the deck, create illustrations, and write inspirational messages, resulting in a one-of-a-kind oracle that can be used for future sessions. This activity enhances symbolic thinking, teamwork, and creative exploration.

Preparation

Define the purpose of the activity

  • Create an oracle deck with a specific thematic focus.
  • Encourage creativity and intuition in a collaborative process.
  • Explore symbolic concepts through visual design and written expression.

Prepare the materials

  • Blank cards or thick paper (index card size or larger).
  • Markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or digital tools for illustration.
  • Paper or digital devices for writing messages and interpretations.
  • Examples of existing oracle decks for inspiration.

To conduct the activity virtually:

  • Use collaborative platforms for designing and brainstorming ideas.
  • Work on a shared digital board where participants can visualize the cards in progress.
  • Utilize online tools for collective illustration and writing.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Introduction

  • Explain the purpose of the activity and how oracle decks function.
  • Choose a general theme collectively (e.g., emotions, archetypes, nature, personal growth).
  • Show examples of existing oracle decks to inspire participants.

2. Define the structure of the deck

  • Decide on the total number of cards.
  • Define categories or subgroups within the deck (e.g., symbols, affirmations, reflective questions).
  • Assign cards to participants or allow them to choose freely.

3. Creating the cards

  • Each participant designs one or more cards, including:
    • Title or name of the card.
    • Representative symbol or illustration.
    • Message or interpretation (this could be an affirmation, a question, or an inspiring text).
  • Encourage participants to use different artistic techniques according to their preferences.

4. Review and refine

  • Share the cards with the group.
  • Ensure coherence among the cards and their relation to the chosen theme.
  • Adjust designs or messages if necessary.

5. Reflection and closing

  • Discuss the creation experience and how participants felt.
  • Test the deck with a brief group reading or collective interpretation.
  • Store the cards for future use or digitize them if they will be shared.
Recommendations
  • Provide examples of existing oracle decks: To inspire and guide participants.
  • Offer a variety of materials: So participants can choose the technique they feel most comfortable with.
  • Encourage spontaneity: Focus on self-expression rather than perfection.
  • Include guiding questions: To help participants define their cards.
  • Digitize the final product: To make it accessible and usable in future sessions.
Inspiration

Ways to make the activity more meaningful

  • In education: Create an oracle with learning concepts and reflective questions.
  • In community development: Design cards that represent shared values and experiences.
  • In work teams: Develop an oracle with leadership and collaboration messages.
  • In health and well-being: Focus on emotions, mindfulness, and self-care.
  • In art and creativity: Make an abstract oracle using various artistic styles.

Additional recommendations for inspiration

  • Use themed oracle decks: Instead of a general deck, create one based on a specific theme, such as emotions, nature, mythology, or cultural symbols.
  • Bring existing tarot and oracle decks: Having different decks as references can inspire participants in terms of design, structure, and content.
  • Have a clear guide for what cards to include: Define how many cards the deck will have and what categories to include (e.g., affirmation cards, question cards, symbolic guides).
  • Explore different artistic styles: Allow participants to express their creativity using collage, digital illustration, watercolor, or ink.
  • Include messages with intentionality: Encourage participants to write affirmations, questions, or phrases that invite self-reflection and introspection.
  • Incorporate interactive elements: Add QR codes linking to audios, videos, or guided meditations to complement the cards.
  • Use universal symbols: Include elements such as the moon, sun, trees, water, and animals that hold significant meanings.
  • Create cards with visual effects: Use colors, gradients, or hidden illustrations to create an aesthetic and sensory impact.
  • Design an instruction manual: Accompany the deck with a short guide explaining the purpose of each card and how they can be used.
  • Include customizable or blank cards: Leave some cards blank for users to write their own interpretations or add elements over time.
  • Encourage collaborative creation: Allow multiple contributions to each card, whether in illustration, message, or interpretation.
  • Develop variations for group sessions: Design cards that can be used in participatory dynamics where participants interpret the messages together.
  • Add action-based cards: Create cards that encourage users to perform small rituals or self-reflection exercises.
  • Work with meaningful colors and shapes: Associate colors with emotions or moods to give each card a clear visual impact.
  • Experiment with textured or tactile elements: Use embossed designs, recycled paper, or distinct textures to stimulate other senses.
  • Test the deck in a reading session: Before finalizing, check how the cards feel in a reading and whether their messages resonate.
Materials
  • Blank cards or thick paper.
  • Markers, watercolors, or digital tools for illustration.
  • References from existing oracle decks.
Online platforms
Purpose

This activity enables participants to develop their creativity, connect with meaningful symbols and messages, and co-create a reflective and intuitive tool. It also strengthens teamwork and collaboration, promoting a process of collective exploration.

Type of activity
Participatory DesignParticipatory InteractionParticipatory Learning
Level of participation
Collaboration, Shared decision-making, Collective implementation, Knowledge generation
Target audience
Educators, Facilitators, Students, Community leaders, NGOs and social collectives, Business teams, Government, Creative designers, Researchers
Fields of application
Education and training, Community development, Urban and rural planning, Health and social well-being, Art, culture, and creativity, Sustainability and environment, Public policies and governance, Innovation and design, Research and evaluation, Conflict resolution, Citizen and social participation
Estimated duration
60-120 minutes (depending on the number of cards to be created).
Ideal number of participants
5-20 people.
Topics related to this activity
Active CollaborationActive LearningArt TherapyCollaborative DrawingCollaborative GameCollaborative LearningCollaborative ToolCollective ConstructionCollective LearningCreative Problem SolvingGraphic NarrativeIdea GenerationKnowledge GenerationParticipatory StorytellingTeamworkVisual CommunicationVisual CreationVisual ExpressionVisual MethodologyVisual NarrativeVisual Thinking
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