Poetic Ways

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

This is The Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden. She has a short video on YouTube about this oracle deck. You can find more of her work here. Kristen shares many creative ways of working. You might enjoy checking out her offerings!

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

Here are some suggestions for working with The Black History Oracle. I often just use the mini cards like this. I randomly spread them out on a table. I move them around in a sort of swishing way - mixing them up. I then - pull cards and place them together and write a poem or tell a story. These images evoke many emotions - thoughts - feelings as they move around on the table. On a particular day we are drawn to particular images. Take that as a sign that you will work with this story in this moment. Trust that the images will evoke something deeper inside you. Record your words in a journal. You can also collect the poetic words you write in a book. Over time you will develop a nice collection that you have formed from this particular oracle deck. Find the meaning of words that you have written through the connections made in working with this deck. This is all a part of self-discovery. I highly recommend purchasing this downloadable deck for a small donation of 5$. I store mine in a drawstring bag for convenience.

Reflective Exploration:

  • Draw a card from The Black History Poetry Oracle and reflect on the figure or event it represents. Write a poem that captures the essence of their story and impact.

  1. Intersectionality in Verse:

    • Select two cards from the oracle, each representing different aspects. Explore the intersectionality of these themes in a poem, highlighting the interconnectedness of various narratives.

  2. Empowerment Poem:

    • Choose a card that symbolizes resilience or empowerment. Write a poem inspired by the strength and courage displayed by the person depicted on the card.

  3. Time Travel Poem:

    • Pick a card and imagine yourself transported to the historical moment it represents. Write a poem that captures your experience as an observer or participant in that significant period of Black history.

  4. Symbolism and Metaphor:

    • Explore the symbolism present on a chosen card. Write a poem using metaphor and symbolism to convey the deeper meanings and emotions associated with the human figure present on the card.

  5. Dialogue with the Past:

    • Engage in a poetic conversation with the human figure on the card. Write a dialogue that explores their thoughts, challenges, and triumphs, bringing their voice to life in a contemporary context.

  6. Collaborative Poetry:

    • Invite others to join you in drawing cards from The Black History Poetry Oracle. Each person can write a poem based on their drawn card, and then collectively create a collaborative poem that weaves together different perspectives.

  7. Narrative Expansion:

    • Take a card and research further into the historical context it represents. Expand on the narrative by incorporating additional details and perspectives into your poem.

  8. Haiku History:

    • Challenge yourself to distill the essence of a historical figure or event into a series of haikus. Use the brevity of the form to capture the significance and emotion of the subject.

  9. Visual Poetry:

    • Use the visual elements on a card as inspiration for a visual poem. Create a poetic composition that incorporates text and imagery to convey the story and emotions associated with the depicted history.

Remember to approach these prompts with an open mind and a willingness to explore the rich tapestry of Black history through the lens of poetry.

Black History Poetry Oracle by Kristen Radden

“I seek”
Lindenpoetry, poetics, ancestor work, The Bone Lines, thebonelines, Poetic Ways, Black History Poetry Oracel, Poetry of HealingComment