Tarot vs. Oracle // What’s the Difference and How to Choose
Aside from being beautiful works of art in and of themselves, Oracle and Tarot cards can be powerful divination tools. But, if you’re not familiar with these tools, deciding which deck to choose may have you stumped before you even start.
I want to give you the confidence to choose what works best for you. So many big questions present themselves in life and, you need to know how to prepare yourself! Today I’ve got the skinny on the difference between Tarot and Oracle cards, and info on how to choose a deck that will work best for you.
The Basics
Let’s talk about the basics of Tarot and Oracle cards to help you find the best way to connect with the greater knowledge of the universe when life’s big moments pop up!
Tarot Cards
78 cards
Prim & proper
Organized into different suits
Each tarot deck has a unique energy depending on where they came from, such as their design and printing process
Measure outcomes and influence
Can be lengthy and detailed
Offers insight on situations
Only images on the card, takes some studying
Oracle Cards
Any number of card per deck
Rebel deck
Designed around a theme or deity
Use your intuition to guide you rather than the structure of the deck
Meant to give advice
Quick and more open to individual interpretation
Easy for beginners. Includes thoughtful phrases
How to Choose
Trust your intuition. You might lean towards either method on a given day, or you might use one method over another for a certain question you have.
Try them out. Which deck feels right? Is Tarot too grave, or are Oracle cards not enough for you? If you are seriously in the sticks with some relationship drama, the Tarot deck might offer the ins and outs you are searching for. If you’re less phased by this relationship woe, then a simple “You’re free to do what you choose,” might be all you need from an Oracle deck.
Structure. Do you need it or do you run from it? When I’m in a place where my internal compass is all out of whack, I know I need to use my Tarot deck as my guide. If my gut has been pretty spot on, I’ll use my Oracle cards as my quick spot-checking guide.