Are you new to the world of tarot or oracle cards? You’ve probably seen tarot cards and oracle cards being mentioned together, but they are actually quite different from each other and in the way they are used. Personally, I enjoy using oracle cards more than tarot because they are much easier to understand. Tarot requires more in-depth knowledge of different spreads, what each card means and how it changes meaning depending on the other cards that are pulled out. So reading tarot is more of a skill that you have to learn, I love others doing a tarot reading for me even though I never got into learning it myself.
Oracle cards on the other hand are easy to read by yourself and really good for getting in touch with your intuition and inner voice. There are many types of oracle card decks to choose from depending on the art and style you resonate with. Anyone can get into oracle cards, and if you want to learn to read tarot, then oracle cards are a great starting point to get a feel for it.
In this article, we will take a look at the differences between tarot and oracle cards so you can understand which one may be more suitable for you and how you can use them both.
Tarot vs. Oracle cards
There’s four key differences which you can read about below; structure and symbolism, purpose and focus, interpretation and intuition, and personal preferences and style.
Structure and Symbolism
Tarot cards: Tarot cards follow a structured system with 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards representing significant life themes) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards representing everyday experiences). Each card has specific meanings and symbolism, often depicted through archetypal figures and intricate imagery.
Oracle cards: On the other hand, oracle cards have more flexibility in structure and symbolism. There is no fixed number of cards, and the themes, symbols, and artwork vary widely across different oracle decks. While some oracle decks may have a specific theme or focus, others may be more open-ended and versatile.
Purpose and Focus
Tarot cards: Tarot cards are known for their depth and complexity, offering a comprehensive system for divination, self-exploration, and spiritual growth. They can provide detailed insights into past, present, and future circumstances, as well as guidance on relationships, career, personal development, and more. Tarot readings often involve multiple cards and intricate spreads.
Oracle cards: Oracle cards, on the other hand, are more focused on providing guidance, inspiration, and intuitive insights. They tend to offer a more direct and concise message, making them accessible and appealing to beginners. Oracle cards cover a wide range of themes, including angels, goddesses, animals, affirmations, chakras, and more. They can be used for daily reflections, specific questions, or as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth.
Interpretation and Intuition
Tarot cards: Tarot cards have a well-established system of interpretation, with each card having traditional meanings and associations. Learning tarot requires studying the symbols, archetypes, and correspondences associated with each card. Tarot readings often involve deciphering the interplay between multiple cards and their positions in a spread.
Oracle cards: Oracle cards offer more intuitive and fluid interpretations. While some oracle decks come with guidebooks that provide suggested meanings, the interpretation largely relies on the reader’s intuition and personal connection with the cards. This allows for more creative and personalized readings, as the reader can tap into their own insights and experiences.
Personal Preference and Style
Choosing between tarot and oracle cards ultimately comes down to personal preference and the style of guidance you seek. If you enjoy delving into complex symbolism, exploring various spreads, and diving deep into the subconscious, tarot cards may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a more intuitive and concise approach, with a wide variety of themes and artwork, oracle cards may be more appealing.
Many people also use both tarot and oracle cards in their readings. They complement each other and can provide different perspectives and layers of insight. So let’s check out a few ways to do a reading using both tarot and oracle cards.
How to do a Reading with Both Tarot and Oracle Cards
Integrating both types of cards in a reading can offer a rich and nuanced experience, combining the structure and symbolism of tarot with the intuitive guidance of oracle cards.
Set your intention – Before you begin the reading, take a moment to set your intention. What specific area of your life or question do you want guidance on? Clarify your intention and hold it in your mind as you proceed with the reading.
Choose your decks – Select one tarot deck and one oracle deck that resonate with you and align with your intention. Ensure that both decks are shuffled and ready for use
Decide on a layout – Decide on a layout or spread that you will use for the reading. You can choose a traditional tarot spread, such as the Celtic Cross, or create a custom spread that incorporates both tarot and oracle cards. The layout will determine the positions and meanings assigned to each card.
Begin with tarot – Start by drawing the tarot cards according to the layout you’ve chosen. Interpret each tarot card based on its position and traditional tarot meanings. Pay attention to the symbolism, numerology, and the interactions between the cards.
Add the oracle cards – Once you have interpreted the tarot cards, draw an oracle card for each position in the spread. The oracle cards will provide additional insights, guidance, or affirmation to complement the tarot cards. Interpret the oracle cards based on their individual meanings and the messages they convey.
Integrate the messages – Now, bring together the messages from both the tarot and oracle cards. Look for connections, patterns, and themes between the two sets of cards. Consider how the tarot cards provide a structured framework for the reading, while the oracle cards offer intuitive guidance and additional perspectives.
Trust your intuition – As you interpret the cards, trust your intuition and allow it to guide you in understanding the messages they convey. Pay attention to any intuitive insights, symbols, or feelings that arise during the reading. Consider how they relate to your intention and current circumstances. Your intuition can provide valuable guidance and add depth to your interpretation.
It’s always fun to experiment with different spreads, decks, and approaches to find a method that works best for you. Embracing your own unique interpretation is the best way to connect with the cards, and let the true magic of the reading unfold.
The Best Tarot Decks
The “best” tarot decks is quite subjective, since it largely depends on your personal preferences, connection with the artwork, and your specific interests in tarot. But, below is a list of some popular and highly regarded tarot decks.
Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: Considered a classic and often recommended for beginners, this deck features traditional symbolism and imagery.
The Wild Unknown Tarot: Known for its stunning and intuitive artwork, this deck resonates with those seeking a modern and artistic interpretation of tarot.
Thoth Tarot Deck: Designed by Aleister Crowley, this deck is rich in esoteric symbolism and offers profound insights for those interested in more complex readings.
The Modern Witch Tarot: A contemporary deck that reimagines the Rider-Waite symbolism with a fresh and inclusive perspective.
The Crowley-Harris Thoth Tarot Deck: An alternative to the Thoth deck, this version retains the original symbolism but with updated artwork.
The Golden Tarot of Klimt: Inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt, this deck is known for its opulent and visually stunning art.
The Morgan-Greer Tarot: This deck is praised for its vibrant and expressive illustrations, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced readers.
The Gilded Tarot: Featuring rich and vivid artwork with a contemporary twist on traditional symbolism, this deck is accessible and visually appealing.
The Mythic Tarot: Incorporating Greek mythology, this deck offers a unique way to connect with archetypal themes.
The Star Spinner Tarot: A deck that captures the essence of celestial bodies and cosmic symbolism with its captivating and colorful imagery.
The Deviant Moon Tarot: This deck is known for its eerie, otherworldly artwork, making it ideal for those intrigued by darker or surreal themes.
The DruidCraft Tarot: Combining elements of Druidry and Wicca with traditional tarot symbolism, this deck provides a unique and earth-based perspective.
The Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot: A vibrant and updated version of the classic Rider-Waite deck with enhanced colors and details.
The Shadowscapes Tarot: Renowned for its enchanting and ethereal art, this deck offers a dreamlike interpretation of tarot symbolism.
The Tarot Illuminati: This deck is celebrated for its beautiful and intricate illustrations, providing depth to traditional tarot symbolism.
Oracle decks
Below are some oracle card decks that work well in conjunction with tarot decks.
The Oracle of the Angels: Designed to connect with angelic energies, this deck offers messages of guidance and protection, harmonizing with the spiritual themes often found in tarot readings.
The Psychic Tarot for the Heart Oracle Deck: Created by John Holland, this deck combines aspects of tarot with psychic insights, providing an intuitive approach to love and relationship questions.
The Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards: Designed by Colette Baron-Reid, this deck offers profound messages that complement and expand upon the symbolism found in traditional tarot decks.
The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards: Also by Colette Baron-Reid, this deck provides guidance for life’s journey and can be used to clarify and enhance the messages derived from tarot readings.
The Psychic Tarot Oracle Cards: Another John Holland creation, this deck adds a psychic dimension to your readings and can be employed for specific insights in combination with tarot.
The Answer is Simple Oracle Cards: Sonia Choquette’s deck is ideal for quick and straightforward guidance, offering simple yet powerful messages to enhance tarot readings.
The Power of Surrender Cards: This oracle deck by Judith Orloff focuses on the art of surrender and letting go, which can provide valuable insights when used alongside tarot readings.
The Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards: Connecting with both celestial and ancestral energies, this deck can offer a holistic perspective when combined with tarot for deeper insight.
The Sacred Traveler Oracle Cards: This deck by Denise Linn offers spiritual insights and guidance, helping to enhance tarot readings with a spiritual or journey-oriented focus.
Which Cards are Better?
There’s really no better or worse option here. Personally I love using oracle cards because I find them more fun to read and connect with. But on the other hand, I do love it if someone gives me a tarot reading, especially if oracle cards are also involved! Both types of cards serve their own purpose and both are equally useful and powerful. So just play around with them and see what feels good for you.
Where to Buy Tarot and Oracle Cards
You can find them in bookstores, special spiritual shops, or online retailers like Amazon and Etsy. Many individual creators also sell them directly on their websites, but they can be harder to find unless you know the creator already.
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