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When I first discovered tarot during the pandemic, it blew my mind. Before that, I’d avoided it because of all the “evil” warnings I’d grown up with. Fast forward to my first reading: I was hooked. A while later, at a tarot circle, I was introduced to oracle cards, and suddenly, the world of card reading got even bigger—and a little more complicated.
Many people wonder, “What are oracle cards?” or ask about the difference between oracle and tarot cards. A common misconception is that tarot and oracle cards serve the same purpose, but while both are tools for insight, their structures and uses can vary widely. Some people also assume that one is inherently harder to use than the other, which can feel overwhelming when choosing a deck. Let’s clear that up so you can decide which one’s right for you—or whether you’ll want both in your spiritual toolkit.
Learning the differences between tarot vs oracle cards can help you understand how to get the most out of these tools and what suits your style. Whether you’re diving into deep introspection or just want a daily dose of clarity, there’s a deck out there waiting for you.
What Are Tarot Cards?
The Basics of Tarot
Tarot is the classic choice for divination. It’s structured, consistent, and steeped in symbolism, which makes it a reliable tool for both beginners and advanced readers. Its defined system offers clarity for those just starting out, while its depth allows seasoned practitioners to uncover nuanced insights. Every tarot deck follows the same basic system: 78 cards divided into two groups—the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. This structure is one of the key distinctions in the debate between tarot vs oracle cards.
- Major Arcana: These 22 cards represent big life themes. Think transformation, love, or challenges. They’re the heavy hitters of the deck and often reflect major turning points or spiritual lessons.
- Minor Arcana: These 56 cards are split into four suits (Swords, Wands, Pentacles, Cups) and focus on day-to-day events and energies. Each suit aligns with an element:
- Swords (Air): Thoughts, communication, mental clarity, and decision-making.
- Wands (Fire): Passion, energy, creativity, and personal drive.
- Pentacles (Earth): Material world, money, health, career, and home life.
- Cups (Water): Emotions, relationships, intuition, and connection.
Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the difference between oracle and tarot, as tarot offers a detailed and consistent framework for exploring deeper questions.
The Fool’s Journey
I often describe the structure of tarot through the Fool’s Journey. The Fool (card 0) travels through three phases:
- The conscious realm—how we see ourselves and our external experiences. This phase is represented by cards from The Magician to The Chariot, focusing on themes like untapped potential, growth, and how we interact with the world around us.
- The unconscious realm—our shadow, fears, and inner growth. This phase explores deeper, often hidden aspects of ourselves, such as themes represented by cards from Strength to Temperance, including balancing inner strength, facing fears, and finding harmony.
- The superconscious realm—spiritual awareness and connection to the divine. This final phase is represented by cards from The Devil to The World, highlighting transformation, enlightenment, and a sense of wholeness and closure.
These phases make the Fool’s Journey a powerful metaphor for personal development, offering relatable insights at every stage of life.
Why the Rider-Waite-Smith Deck?
Even though I don’t use the Rider-Waite-Smith deck for readings anymore, it’s my go-to for explaining tarot. Its imagery is a solid foundation for beginners because so many modern decks are based on its structure and archetypes. It’s like learning the alphabet before writing poetry.
Tarot readings are ideal for exploring complex questions, gaining insights into recurring patterns, or diving deep into specific situations. One way to think of tarot is as the “chapters” of your life, each card offering a page of understanding within the broader story.
What Are Oracle Cards?
The Basics of Oracle Cards
Oracle cards are like tarot’s free-spirited sibling. They don’t follow a set structure or number of cards. For example, the Moonology Oracle focuses on lunar cycles, while the Fucking Honest Oracle delivers blunt, no-nonsense guidance. This diversity allows each deck to offer a unique experience tailored to its theme. Instead, every oracle deck is unique, reflecting the creator’s vision or theme. Some decks focus on affirmations, others on archetypes, and some even on specific energies like moon phases or nature.
For me, oracle cards bring a different flavour to readings. I often use two types:
- Spiritual, uplifting decks: Think Spirit Junkie or Raise Your Vibration. These decks are warm, encouraging, and often leave you feeling seen and supported.
- Blunt, edgy decks: Fucking Honest Oracle or Get Fucking Motivated. These are straight-talking cards that don’t hold back and can deliver the tough love you didn’t know you needed.
Why Choose Oracle Cards?
What I love most about oracle cards is their flexibility. This makes them particularly appealing to beginners, as they don’t require the same level of study as tarot. Their adaptability also means they can fit seamlessly into various types of readings, whether you’re seeking quick insights, affirmations, or a thematic focus for a session. They’re perfect for quick insights, daily pulls, or as an add-on to a tarot reading.
I always save them for the last five minutes of a session to clarify or underscore key themes. This approach helps wrap up the reading with a succinct, often striking message that reinforces what’s already come through.
While this is my primary way of using oracle cards, they can also work beautifully at the start of a reading to set an overall intention or theme. For instance, pulling an oracle card at the beginning might provide a guiding insight that frames the rest of the session. Additionally, if a tarot spread feels unclear or heavy, an oracle card can provide that extra layer of clarity or encouragement.
Oracle cards can also offer “big picture” energy. While tarot dives into the finer details, oracle cards step back and look at the overarching themes or lessons. This makes them excellent tools for setting intentions or reflecting on a current situation from a broader perspective.
While tarot asks you to decode and interpret layered symbolism, oracle cards often cut straight to the heart of the matter. They’re like a wise friend giving you advice over coffee—sometimes gentle, sometimes brutally honest, but always meaningful.
Key Differences Between Tarot and Oracle Cards
If you’re wondering about the difference between oracle and tarot, here’s a quick breakdown:
Structure:
- Tarot: Fixed system of 78 cards with defined meanings and archetypes.
- Oracle: No set structure; each deck is unique and tailored to its creator’s vision.
Themes and Imagery:
- Tarot: Archetypal and symbolic, often requiring deeper interpretation.
- Oracle: Freeform and often direct, with imagery and messages varying widely.
Learning Curve:
- Tarot: Takes time to learn, but the system applies across decks once mastered.
- Oracle: Easier for beginners, but each deck requires its own understanding.
Purpose:
- Tarot: Deep dives, storytelling, and exploring patterns and lessons.
- Oracle: Quick insights, affirmations, or support for specific themes.
At Moon Chi Crystal Shop, I often tell customers, “Think of tarot as the structured novel and oracle cards as poetry—every deck offers something unique.” This distinction is key when comparing oracle cards vs tarot cards. Oracle cards are less intimidating, making them a great starting point for beginners who want quick, thematic guidance. Tarot, on the other hand, provides a deeper dive into life’s patterns and challenges, evolving with you as a lifelong companion.
Choosing the Right Deck: Tarot vs Oracle Cards
When picking a deck, consider:
- Experience Level: Tarot takes practice and patience, while oracle is beginner-friendly.
- Purpose: Do you want detailed insights (tarot) or quick, themed messages (oracle)?
- Connection: Does the deck’s imagery or vibe resonate with you? This personal connection is key.
If you’re a deep thinker who loves exploring patterns, tarot might be your jam. But if you’re wondering, “What are oracle cards best for?” the answer lies in their simplicity and versatility. Oracle cards are an excellent choice for daily pulls or affirmations. Of course, there’s no rule saying you can’t use both—I do!
Practical Tips for Using Tarot and Oracle Cards Together
Combining tarot and oracle can be magical. Integrating the two can deepen the impact of your readings by providing unique insights that highlight both the big picture and finer details. Whether you’re exploring the difference between oracle and tarot or seeking ways to combine them, here are some practical tips to get started:
- Add Oracle at the End: This is my go-to approach—pull an oracle card at the end of a tarot reading to bring clarity or underscore the key messages. It helps tie everything together and leaves the client with a memorable takeaway.
- Start with Oracle: Use an oracle card at the beginning of a reading to set the theme or intention for the session. This can provide a guiding framework for the tarot reading.
- Clarify with Oracle: If a tarot spread feels ambiguous or heavy, draw an oracle card for additional insight or affirmation. This can bring a fresh perspective to the reading.
For example, in a recent session, a client and I discussed the need to cut ties with someone toxic. When they pulled from the Fucking Honest Oracle deck, the cards literally said, “You Deserve Better” and “They’re Being a Dick.” We both laughed, but it perfectly captured the energy of the session. Moments like these highlight how tarot and oracle work beautifully together, each bringing its unique voice to the conversation.
In my personal practice, I’ve found oracle cards to be the perfect bridge between intuition and action. They’re like a nudge in the right direction, while tarot lays out the full map. Understanding how oracle cards vs tarot cards complement each other can transform your readings into something truly impactful.
FAQs
Which is easier to use, tarot or oracle cards?
Oracle cards are easier to pick up and use right away because they don’t require prior knowledge or study. Tarot, however, becomes universal once you’ve mastered one deck since the system remains consistent across decks. If you’re looking for something simple, oracle is a great starting point, but tarot is perfect for those who love a challenge.
Can you use tarot and oracle cards together?
Absolutely. They complement each other beautifully. I usually save oracle cards for the end of a tarot reading to clarify or underscore key messages. You can also start with an oracle card to set an intention or theme for the session. If a tarot spread feels heavy or ambiguous, pulling an oracle card can provide extra clarity.
What if I’m sceptical about card readings?
That’s totally normal. I always suggest giving it a go—you might be surprised. That’s why I offer £2 oracle readings: they’re a low-pressure way to explore and see what resonates with you. It’s not about believing in magic; it’s about connecting with your intuition.
How do I choose my first deck?
Start with what catches your eye. Trust your gut instinct when selecting a deck. Does the artwork or energy of the deck resonate with you? For tarot, I recommend the Rider-Waite-Smith deck as a foundation. For oracle cards, consider something with a clear theme, like Moonology for lunar lovers or Spirit Junkie for uplifting vibes.
What are some good beginner decks for tarot and oracle cards?
For tarot: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a classic and widely used for learning. Modern decks like the Modern Witch Tarot or Light Seer’s Tarot also offer approachable designs.
For oracle: Decks like Spirit Junkie or Moonology are excellent choices. If you prefer a blunt and humorous approach, try the Fucking Honest Oracle. Each deck has its own personality, so choose one that aligns with your vibe.
What’s the difference between tarot and oracle cards?
Tarot has a fixed structure: 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana, with specific archetypes and suits. Oracle cards are more freeform and vary in structure, theme, and size depending on the creator. Tarot dives into detailed storytelling and patterns, while oracle cards often offer quick, overarching insights or affirmations.
Can tarot predict the future?
Not exactly. Tarot is more about reflection, insight, and guidance. While it can highlight potential outcomes based on current energies, it’s not a crystal ball. This misconception often arises because people assume that card readings are meant to foretell fixed events. Instead, think of tarot as a map that helps you navigate your journey rather than something that dictates your future.
Conclusion
When deciding between tarot and oracle cards, it’s all about what resonates with you. Tarot dives deep, offering detailed storytelling and insight, while oracle cards keep things simple and versatile. Together, they’re magic. Understanding the difference between oracle and tarot can help you discover how both fit into your spiritual practice.
If you’re curious to explore what are oracle cards or how oracle cards vs tarot cards can enhance your journey, book a reading with me or check out the diverse selection of decks at Moon Chi Crystal Shop. Let’s find the tools that align with your path and support your growth!
