I started reading tarot cards about three years ago. I was going through a breakup and a lot of change was happening in my life, so my friends helped me learn how to do readings for myself. Tarot helped reassure me that things would turn out okay.

Eventually I became interested in oracle cards. Tarot and oracle readings both require you to get in touch with spirituality, but they’re actually pretty different. To read tarot you really have to study and master the cards; it’s very structured. With oracle cards, there’s more room for creative and personalized interpretations. I like both, but I prefer oracle because it’s so freewheeling and open-ended.

Whenever I do oracle readings I shuffle the deck and think to myself, What does the person receiving this reading need to get out of it? In a way, it’s like being a psychic medium. You’re not really reading the person; the cards are. It’s your job to relay the messages from the cards to the person receiving them.

Humans are creatures of habit by nature, and it’s natural to feel shaken right now. Change is always uncomfortable, but it always has something positive to offer. This quarantine is the perfect opportunity to be still and look inward; oracle cards can help with that. For me, oracle cards help me get in tune with myself and stay grounded. (We also just had a full moon, so it’s an ideal time to reset intentions and start fresh.)

Oracle is also easy to learn. Anyone can pick up a deck and explore the cards without any formal training. I’ve been sheltering in place in New York for a few weeks now, and I’ve used the opportunity to do readings for myself and friends. I’ve also gone on Instagram Live a few times to do group readings—including for Playboy!

Right now people are feeling scared and panicked, but we have to remember that we’re all in this together. Whether you’re quarantined by yourself or with others, try to find new ways to connect with people. Stop and notice your surroundings. Find gratitude.

As told to Tori Adams