Card Decks for Key Shamanic Principles & Animals

Card Decks for Practice:  Learning Key Aspects of Shamanic Principles and Shamanic Animals   

About Jamie Sams 

Jamie Sams was of Iroquois and Cherokee descent, a respected medicine teacher and author of several books on Native American spirituality, including: 

• Sacred Path Cards 

• Medicine Power Cards (52 Animal Totems) 

• The 13 Original Clan Mothers 

• Earth Medicine Her work is known for bridging indigenous wisdom with contemporary spiritual practice. [medicinecards.com] 

• Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths of Human Transformation book.

• Seven Sacred Paths: Sams describes seven spiritual paths, each representing a stage of human transformation. These paths are connected to the directions of the Medicine Wheel (East, South, West, North, Above, Below, Within) and are meant to guide individuals through self-discovery, healing, and spiritual awakening. [powells.com] 

• Spiral as a Symbol: The spiral is a recurring symbol in Native American and shamanic teachings, representing the journey of growth, cycles, and returning to deeper layers of self. Sams’ teachings often encourage moving through life’s lessons in a spiral—revisiting, deepening, and integrating wisdom as you progress. 

  
  

  Teachings: Her work blends Native American wisdom, personal reflection, and practical advice for living a purposeful, authentic life. She emphasizes harmony, balance, and the importance of honoring both shadow and light on the spiritual path. 

  

Key teachings & themes: Jamie Sams’ Sacred Path Cards 

Overview 

• The deck contains 44 cards, each representing a Native American teaching, lesson, or path. 

• Each card is designed to guide you on your personal journey, offering wisdom for self-discovery, healing, and transformation. 

• The cards can be used for daily lessons, spreads, or deeper divination.  

Key Teachings & Card Themes 

While the full list of card meanings is only available in the guidebook, here are some of the central teachings and card topics found in the deck: 

There are also the Four Direction Shields

• Medicine Wheel: Understanding your place in the circle of life and the four directions. 

• Peace Pipe: Seeking harmony, resolution, and peaceful communication. 

• Sweat Lodge: Purification, cleansing, and renewal. 

• Vision Quest: Seeking guidance, clarity, and purpose through introspection. 

• Shaman’s Drum: Connecting with spirit, rhythm, and the heartbeat of the Earth. 

• Council Fire: Community, gathering, and shared wisdom. 

• Dreamtime: Listening to dreams and messages from the spirit world. 

• Storyteller: Honoring tradition, sharing wisdom, and learning through stories. 

• Warrior Shield: Protection, boundaries, and courage. 

• Sacred Mountain: Spiritual perspective, higher vision, and wisdom. 

• Sun Dance: Sacrifice, devotion, and spiritual commitment. 

• Pipe Carrier: Responsibility, leadership, and carrying sacred teachings. 

• Moon Lodge: Feminine wisdom, cycles, and intuition. 

• Pow Wow: Celebration, community, and honoring diversity. 

• Medicine Bundle: Gathering resources, gifts, and spiritual tools. 

• Field of Plenty: Abundance, gratitude, and generosity. 

• Great Mystery: Trusting the unknown, faith, and spiritual surrender. 

How the Cards Work 

• Each card comes with a story, teaching, and practical advice for integrating its lesson into your life. 

• The cards can be drawn individually for daily guidance or used in spreads (such as the Four Directions Spread, Dream Weaver Spread, Peace Tree Spread, etc.) for deeper insight.   

Purpose 

• The Sacred Path Cards are intended to help you walk your “Red Road”—the path of spiritual responsibility, self-awareness, and conscious living. 

• They draw on the wisdom of many tribal traditions, offering a way to transform your life through Native American teachings. 

  
  

Sample Sacred Path Card Reading 

1. Vision Quest 

Teaching: The Vision Quest card invites you to seek clarity and guidance by spending time in reflection or meditation. It’s about stepping away from daily distractions and asking Spirit, “What is my true path?” 

Message: Now is the time to pause, look within, and ask for insight about your next steps. Trust the answers that come from your heart and intuition. 

2. Medicine Wheel 

Teaching: The Medicine Wheel represents balance, wholeness, and your place in the circle of life. It asks you to consider all aspects of your being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—and how they interact. 

Message: Reflect on where you are in your personal cycle. Are you honoring all parts of yourself? What needs attention or healing to restore balance? 

3. Storyteller 

Teaching: The Storyteller card reminds you of the power of sharing your experiences and wisdom. It’s about honoring your journey, learning from the past, and passing on knowledge to others. 

Message: What story are you telling yourself about your life? Is it empowering or limiting? Consider how you can reframe your story and share your gifts with your community. 

How to Use This Reading 

• Reflect: Spend a few minutes journaling about each card’s message and how it relates to your current situation. 

• Meditate: Hold the teachings in your mind during meditation, asking for further guidance. 

• Act: Take one small step inspired by the cards—such as setting aside time for reflection (Vision Quest), practicing self-care (Medicine Wheel), or sharing your story (Storyteller). 

Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals 

• Authors: Jamie Sams & David Carson, illustrated by Angela Werneke 

  Description: 

  This is the classic book and card deck that introduced many to Native American animal medicine and power animals. Each card features an animal and its spiritual meaning, and the accompanying book explains how to use the cards for guidance, meditation, and personal growth. The deck is widely used for divination, self-discovery, and connecting with animal guides. 

  
  

  Features: 

• 52 animal cards (in the revised edition) 

• Guidebook with interpretations, spreads, and meditations 

• Rooted in Native American tradition, but accessible to all seekers 

  
  

How Medicine Cards Work  

• Each card represents an animal and its “medicine” (spiritual lesson or power). 

• The cards are used for daily guidance, meditation, and personal insight. 

• The book provides spreads, interpretations, and stories for each animal. 

Why They’re Popular 

• Translated into more than 12 languages. 

• Highly regarded for its authenticity, clarity, and spiritual depth. 

Steven Farmer Animal Cards 

Power Animal Oracle Cards 

• Deck of 44 oracle cards featuring animal spirit guides. 

• Each card provides practical and powerful guidance from animal spirits for protection, healing, and advice. 

• Comes with a guidebook for readings and interpretations. 

• Suitable for beginners and experienced readers. 

• Details & Purchase | Amazon [drstevenfarmer.com] [amazon.com] 

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Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides Oracle Cards 

• 44-card deck and guidebook. 

• Each card delivers a message from a spirit animal for guidance and insight. 

• Goodreads [goodreads.com] 

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Sample 5-card Power Animal Oracle Reading 

Using Steven Farmer’s Power Animal Oracle Cards. The deck includes 44 animals, each offering guidance, protection, and healing. I’ll select five animals at random and provide their core messages and how you might interpret them for your situation. This spread can be used for general guidance or a specific question. 

1. Wolf – Teacher 

Message: Wolf asks you to share your knowledge and experience with others. You are being called to step into a teaching or mentoring role, or to seek out a wise teacher for yourself. Interpretation: Trust your instincts and wisdom. Be open to learning and teaching. 

2. Butterfly – Transformation 

Message: Butterfly brings the energy of change, growth, and transformation. You are in a period of transition—embrace it and allow yourself to evolve. 

Interpretation: Let go of the old and welcome the new. Trust the process of becoming. 

3. Bear – Boundaries 

Message: Bear encourages you to set healthy boundaries and protect your energy. Take time for introspection and rest if needed. 

Interpretation: Honor your need for solitude and self-care. Stand firm in your personal space. 

4. Dolphin – Playfulness 

Message: Dolphin reminds you to bring joy, play, and lightness into your life. Don’t take things too seriously—find time for fun and connection. 

Interpretation: Balance work with play. Let laughter and joy heal you. 

5. Owl – Wisdom 

Message: Owl brings insight, intuition, and the ability to see what others may miss. Pay attention to your inner voice and the signs around you. 

Interpretation: Trust your intuition. Look beneath the surface for answers. 

How to Use This Reading 

• Reflect on each animal’s message and how it applies to your current situation. 

• Journal about what each animal means to you personally. 

• Take action inspired by the cards—teach or learn (Wolf), embrace change (Butterfly), set boundaries (Bear), play (Dolphin), and trust your intuition (Owl). 

You can also try Steven Farmer’s free online oracle readings for more inspiration. [drstevenfarmer.com] 

Earth Magic Oracle Cards 

• 48-card deck and guidebook. 

• Focuses on earth-centered wisdom, including animals, plants, and natural forces. 

Spirit Animals Message Cards 

• 70 palm-sized affirmation-style cards with illustrations, messages, and affirmations. 

• Designed for spontaneous and meaningful readings. 

Children’s Spirit Animal Cards 

• Specially designed for children to connect with animal guides.