Tarot or Oracle Cards: What’s the Difference and Which One is Right for You?

If you’re just getting started with divination or exploring alternative spiritual practices, you’ve probably come across both tarot cards and oracle cards. These two types of card decks can seem quite similar at first glance, but they actually have some key differences.

I’m going to go over some of those differences so you can decide which one (or both!) might be the best fit for your intuitive practice. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each, and feel more confident in choosing the right cards for your needs.

What are Tarot Cards?

Tarot is a centuries-old divination system that uses a 78-card deck to explore the human experience and gain insight into the past, present, and future. The tarot deck is divided into two main parts:

The Major Arcana – 22 cards that represent the major archetypes and life lessons we all encounter.
The Minor Arcana – 56 cards that are further divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), similar to a standard playing card deck.

Each tarot card has a specific meaning and symbolism associated with it, and the cards are interpreted in the context of a reading to provide guidance, clarity, and a deeper understanding of the querent’s (the person getting the reading) situation.

Tarot readings often focus on themes like relationships, career, personal growth, and spiritual development. The cards can shed light on challenges, opportunities, and the potential outcomes of different choices or paths forward.

What are Oracle Cards?

Oracle cards, on the other hand, are a more modern and flexible form of divination. Unlike tarot, which follows a standardized 78-card structure, oracle decks can come in all shapes, sizes, and themes. They may have anywhere from 20 to 80 cards, and the imagery, symbolism, and messages on the cards can vary widely.

Oracle cards are often seen as more “user-friendly” than tarot, as they tend to have more straightforward, positive, and empowering messages. They’re designed to provide guidance, inspiration, and affirmation, rather than delving into the deeper complexities of the human experience.

Many oracle decks are focused on specific topics, such as:

Manifestation and abundance
Goddess or angel wisdom
Nature and the elements
Creativity and self-expression
Healing and personal growth

Oracle card readings are typically more open-ended and flexible than tarot. The cards are often drawn intuitively, without a prescribed spread or layout, and the interpretations can be more subjective and personal to the reader.

Key Differences Between Tarot and Oracle Cards

Now that we’ve covered the basics of each, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between tarot and oracle cards:

Structure and Symbolism

As mentioned, tarot follows a standardized 78-card structure with the Major and Minor Arcana, while oracle decks can vary widely in size and theme. Tarot also has a more complex, archetypal symbolism rooted in Jungian psychology, mythology, and esoteric traditions.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, tend to have more straightforward, often self-help oriented messages. They are whatever the author of the deck thought they should be.

Interpretation and Approach

Tarot readings generally follow a more structured, analytical approach, with the cards being interpreted in the context of a specific spread or layout. Oracle readings are more intuitive and open-ended, with the cards being drawn and interpreted based on the reader’s personal connection to the imagery and messages.

Depth and Complexity

Tarot is often seen as the more “serious” and in-depth of the two, delving into the complexities of the human experience. Oracle cards are generally more lighthearted and focused on providing encouragement, inspiration, and affirmation.

Learning Curve

Mastering the tarot typically requires more time and effort, as there are 78 cards to learn, as well as the nuances of the Major and Minor Arcana, card combinations, and spread interpretations. Oracle cards are generally easier to pick up and start using, as the messages tend to be more straightforward.

Which One is Right for You?

So, which type of divination cards should you choose – tarot or oracle? The answer really depends on your personal preferences, intuitive style, and the specific goals you have for your practice.

Here are a few questions to consider:

Do you prefer a more structured, analytical approach or a more intuitive, open-ended one? If you’re drawn to the depth and complexity of tarot, with its rich symbolism and archetypal themes, then tarot might be the better fit. If you’re looking for a more user-friendly, affirmative practice, oracle cards could be the way to go.

Are you willing to invest the time and effort to learn a more complex system? Tarot requires a deeper dive into the meanings and interpretations of the cards, which can take months or even years to fully master. Oracle cards are generally easier to pick up and start using right away.

What are your primary goals for using divination cards? If you’re seeking insight, clarity, and a deeper understanding of your life journey, tarot might be more beneficial. If you’re looking for inspiration, encouragement, and a boost of positive energy, oracle cards could be a better fit.

Do you want to focus on a specific topic or theme? Many oracle decks are designed around a particular theme, such as abundance, creativity, or goddess wisdom. Tarot, on the other hand, provides a more well-rounded exploration of the human experience.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all about finding the cards that resonate most with you and your intuitive practice. Many people actually use both tarot and oracle cards, depending on their needs and the specific situation they’re exploring.

If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to try a few different decks and see which one(s) you feel most drawn to. Pay attention to the imagery, the messages, and how the cards make you feel when you interact with them. Trust your intuition, and let that guide you towards the divination system that’s the best match for you.