Published 11/10/2024 by Louise Emma

Oracle Cards vs Tarot Cards: Key Differences You Should Know

Divination by Tarot cards and Oracle cards are popular forms of divination, but they are not the same.

Tarot cards are more structured than Oracle cards. There is a standard set of 78 cards in a tarot deck, each with a strict order and form that spiritual readers use to practice tarot divination.

The Rider Waite Deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith and released by Arthur Edward Waite in 1909, is the most often used tarot deck. Tarot cards are usually thought to reflect life events and spiritual guidance because each card has a consistent set of symbols and meanings.

Likewise, oracle cards are more open-ended and freeform and don't have instructions about what a deck must look like or contain.

The number of cards in an oracle deck varies dramatically, as does the theme. Because these cards tend to use more colourful and original artwork than standard images, each deck evokes different things for different readers.

With Oracle cards, there are no prescribed rules, and beginners usually start with these types of decks.

While tarot cards are thought to have originated in ancient Greece (one of the oldest decks was found in Milan, dating back to 1440), in Kabbalah and Romany culture, Oracle cards are a much more recent invention.

Whereas Tarot requires skill and practice, as the reader must know the traditional meaning of every card in the deck and how to interpret these in the context of the reading, Oracle cards are often easier to read at face value.

The major differences between Tarot and Oracle cards are structure, ease of use and history, with Tarot being more structured and set in tradition, while Oracle is freeform and modern.

Which cards or artwork you choose is a purely personal choice. Do you prefer the range and versatility of tarot cards or the loose structure and creative freedom of Oracle cards? It's all about the style of divination you prefer.

Understanding Tarot and Oracle Cards

Whether you prefer oracle or tarot cards for divination, each type may be as effective. Use the type of cards that you are drawn to, including their symbolism and pictures that engage your psychic senses.

In spiritual practices, divination, and coaching, tarot and oracle cards provide clarity and insight into problems.

Oracle and Tarot cards both mirror the energy around you, showing you the truth of your situation and where to go from there. Think of interpreting the cards as though you were having a conversation with a wise friend or your higher self.

There is no good or bad in the messages; it is just energy contemplation and self-understanding to find a way forward through understanding your situation.

Read our article on Are Oracle and Tarot Cards the Same Thing?

What Are Oracle Cards? A Simple Guide

Using oracle cards as a powerful tool of divination tool can heighten your intuitive awareness and strengthen your bond with your inner self.

Oracle cards are free-flowing and vary in message and image. Cards come in many designs, from basic images or messages to intricate designs with colourful original artwork.

Depending on the deck, an Oracle deck might include anywhere from thirty to sixty cards, each with its own unique collection of symbols, messages, and drawings. Some decks have comprehensive manuals or simple meanings written on the cards.

Oracle cards have grown in popularity worldwide and have become widely available in recent years. Professional readers often recommend Oracle cards as an ideal way to learn about the spiritual realm for beginners interested in mystical card readings.

What Are Tarot Cards? A Quick Overview

Readings with traditional tarot cards date back to the 1500s. The Major Arcana and Minor Arcana each contain 22 cards in a normal deck, for a total of 78 cards.

Each deck has a Major Arcana card that represents an essential life lesson or event and a Minor Arcana card that represents the daily consequences and coincidences.‎ Using the esoteric tradition's pictures, characters, and numerals on tarot cards, one can acquire insight into complicated issues about life, love, careers, and more.

Tarot is a valuable tool for gaining clarity about one's emotional state, aims, and challenges. The card meanings and traditional symbolism act as a mirror, prompting one to reflect more deeply on oneself and helping one understand the deeper needs and fears one might subconsciously project onto one's life.

Experienced tarot readers use their profound wisdom to provide detailed interpretations and accurate insights into complex situations, which can reveal hidden truths and help to heal by ending confusion and anxiety.

Tarot readings help provide intuitive guidance through uncertainty; they are not about predicting future events but about giving detailed insights and advice on what to do about difficult situations and potential outcomes, whether in relationships, work, or personal issues.

For a person unsure what the 'right' thing to do is, the cards can be used to make this clearer and offer new ways of thinking about various aspects of life. This can help reduce anxiety by giving people alternative ways of seeing things and making better choices in life.

Main Differences Between Tarot and Oracle Cards

History and Origins of Tarot and Oracle Cards

In the early 15th century, the mystically charged deck of cards known as tarot cards made its way to Europe. Initially, they were purely recreational, but they soon revealed a spiritual side, which caused great interest from high society and royalty.

The first types of cards were decks of playing cards, originally from Italy, called Trionfi, which became Tarocchi and contained the 78 magical gates of the Major and Minor Arcana.

The history of oracle cards dates to ancient times, originating from early forms of divination. Early civilisations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts, used symbolic items, antecedents to oracle cards, to obtain insight into divine will and the future.

Oracle cards evolved during the Renaissance, a period of philosophical clarity and artistic elegance known today.

How Many Cards Are in a Deck? Tarot vs Oracle

Traditional Tarot decks have 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana parts. Oracle decks have no standard card count, so their number may vary. Depending on the designer, they can have 30 to 100 cards.‎

The Structure of Tarot Cards vs Oracle Cards

Tarot decks interweave the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana, 22 cards of profound insight, represent life's essential teachings. Their card meanings are consistent from deck to deck.

The 56-card Minor Arcana complements them and represents ordinary life. The Four suits of Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands make up this Arcana. Each has 10 numbered cards and a court of four (page, knight, queen, and king). These court cards add a personal and social dimension to suits.

Oracle cards are full of endless possibilities and are not limited by strict rules. Each deck is its own unique cosmos, and it wholeheartedly follows the guidance of intuition. These mystical decks vary in card count, with some having as few as 30 positive cards and others over 60, each representing a unique voice of wisdom.

Concepts in these decks range from heavenly angels to worldly animals, and visuals align with their mystical concepts.

Oracle deck cards offer unique insights into daily life and personal interpretation, fostering a close connection between the reader and the cards. Each spiritual path or therapeutic practice has its own unique set of themes, artwork, and messages. This spiritual tool is very customisable and adaptable to meet any user's demands and spiritual issues.‎

Flexibility in Tarot and Oracle Card Readings

The flexibility of Tarot and Oracle card readings allows professional readers to tailor the tools to their psychological or cognitive needs.

Tarot decks have a structured format, with 78 Major and Minor Arcana cards conveying meanings and symbolism with often complex spreads for in-depth readings.

Readers can approach the cards in various ways, from basic one-card draws to intricate multi-card configurations, regardless of the framework. In contrast, Oracle decks offer greater design and interpretation flexibility.

Oracle cards are more open-ended and intuitive than a standard deck of cards, making them ideal for readings about love, healing, or self-improvement, among other topics.

Tarot and Oracle readings offer personalised insights based on the reader's style and needs, making them versatile for single or combined use.‎

The Purpose of Tarot and Oracle Cards

Oracle cards and Tarot cards serve comparable purposes in the context of divination and the acquisition of insight into a situation. These intuitive tools provide insight and guidance in spiritual practices and coaching sessions.

The artwork and symbolism in these cards encourage psychic awareness, which in turn helps people assess their present situation and consider alternative courses of action.

Tarot and Oracle cards show the reader the unfiltered facts of a situation, helping them gain insight into themselves and their current predicament.

Whether used professionally or personally, these cards promote self-reflection and personal growth, enabling individuals to establish rapport with their higher self and achieve their optimum self.‎

Beginner's Guide to Using Tarot Cards

It is crucial to approach the practice of using Tarot cards with attention and preparation when you are a beginner. To begin, select a deck that corresponds with you and familiarise yourself with the card's basic meanings and images. Before reading:

1. Find a quiet, distraction-free space to focus on your purpose.
2. Take a few deep breaths or meditate to centre yourself, and then be specific about the issue or topic you need help with.
3. For Tarot card cleansing, try smudging with sage, leaving them under the moon's light, or adding a pure quartz crystal to neutralise energy before or after a strong reading.

Cleansing keeps cards energetically balanced and in line with intuition.

Beginner's Guide to Using Oracle Cards

As a beginner, it's best to have an open mind and heart when working with Oracle cards.

Oracle cards are simpler to use than Tarot cards because they are free-form. Choose a deck that aligns with your energy and intention, then connect with the visuals and themes found in the cards.

Create a calm, focused location to ground oneself before reading. Consider your question or guidance while taking deep breaths and clearing your mind.

While focussing on your intention, shuffle the cards and draw cards based on intuition. Consult the deck's handbook for more meanings but rely on your own interpretations based on the card's visuals and uplifting messages.

Oracle cards offer personalised insight and spiritual counsel due to their intuitive and adaptable nature.‎

Read our guide on How to Use Oracle Cards.

How Tarot Card Readings Work

Tarot card readings rely on the reader's intuition and energy to provide answers to questions or situations.

While focussing on the question, the reader shuffles a deck of 78 cards with unique symbolism and meaning. Drawing and arranging cards in spreads helps organise interpretation.

The meaning of each card depends on its placement in the spread and correlation with other cards.

Tarot readings reflect current energies, provide insights, and propose potential paths forward. A tarot reading can be helpful for introspection, guidance in making decisions and understanding one's spiritual path.‎

Tarot readings online are convenient and usually better value with the added benefit that they are available 24 hours a day, where you can speak to a live psychic reader or use the live messenger service in private from the comfort of your own home and without having to wait for an appointment.

Read our guide on How Tarot Card Readings Work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can You Do With Oracle Cards?

An individual can greatly benefit from using oracle cards for introspection, manifestation, spiritual development, and harmonisation with the cosmos.‎

Are Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards the Same Thing?

There are many subtle differences between Oracle and Tarot cards. Oracle decks range in size and subject matter, providing greater room for interpretation than the fixed-system 78-card Tarot deck.‎

A tarot deck of cards is more structured with consistent traditional card meanings that a tarot card expert can interpret to give an accurate tarot reading.

Contact Trusted Psychics Australia and connect with world-class psychics and tarot readers. Discover powerful insights and guidance through expert tarot and psychic readings designed to help you navigate life's challenges, love, and career decisions.

Don’t wait; contact the best psychics in Australia! Call now for clarity and answers.

How To Contact A Trusted Psychic

Phone a live Psychic 24 hours a day

View all our live phone psychic and tarot readers online.

View All Live readers

Message a live Psychic 24 hours a day:

View all our live messenger psychic and tarot readers online.

launch messenger

Text a live Psychic 24 hours a day:

View all our live text psychic and tarot readers online.