Tarot vs Oracle Cards: What's the Difference?

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Whether you're a professional reader, a curious past-timer or a complete beginner, the world of intuitive card decks sprawls far and wide and has something for everyone. No matter your level of interest or experience, it’s great to have both Tarot and Oracle cards as part of your intuitive tool kit. And, it’s especially useful to know the differences between these two types of decks. 

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While both Tarot and Oracle cards are used to gain clarity on life situations, it is primarily the structure of the deck types that sets them apart from one another. A Tarot deck typically consists of 78 cards, and is almost always structured in the same manner (having 4 different suits with 56 minor and 22 major Arcana cards). The meanings of these cards, which can be intricately detailed, remain fairly consistent. As such, reading the Tarot can require a certain amount of knowledge and skill. 

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Oracle cards, on the other hand, come in a greater variety of energies and themes. These decks typically number fewer than 78 cards. Oracle cards can be more straightforward in nature. In a typical Oracle card deck, each card contains a direct suggestion and/or solution (as opposed to the more intricate and infinite discoveries offered by the Tarot). This makes Oracle cards a smart choice for beginners, or anyone interested in jumping straight to the heart of a matter. 

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Still can’t decide which deck is best for you? No problem. It's not uncommon to own multiple decks or to use both Tarot and Oracle cards at the same time to add further clarity to a reading. 

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No matter the type of deck that you choose to use, the most important thing is selecting one that you feel connected to! When picking out your deck, be sure to spend plenty of time with all of your options first. Look at the images. If possible, play with them for a while to see which ones resonate with you the most. In the end, go with the deck you are the most organically drawn to.