Learning the Difference Between Tarot and Oracle Cards

tarot vs oracle cards

For those who love taking a peek at their future, or want to have a reading every now and then about love and relationships, you must be familiar with these. But you might be a bit confused as well. After all, does anyone really know the difference between tarot and oracle cards?

What Is the Difference Between Tarot and Oracle Cards?

So, what is the difference between tarot and oracle cards? They are similar in a lot of ways. But to know which one is better for you, you need to understand how they work. It is also an absolute thrill to know that there can actually be a magical fusion of both! We’ll get to that in a bit. But by the end of this piece you’ll have a clearer understanding of the following:

  • The real difference between oracle and tarot cards
  • What is an oracle tarot deck?
  • Tarot vs oracle cards: Who wins?

The Main Difference

How the cards are developed is basically the main difference between the tarot and oracle cards. People seek them not only for coaching and divination but also for inspiration and personal growth as well.

Both cards are in existence as an attempt to look into the future. You don’t have to believe everything to the letter, though. Interpretations may also vary depending on the methodologies and concepts used.

Tarot cards are mostly relied on for divination, as seen in the images drawn out during a card reading. The oracle deck, on the other hand, is a lot easier to read and understand. This is because practically all of its meaning is evident on the cards themselves.

The Tarot Deck

If you wish to have a very detailed and in-depth look into any situation, tarot cards can do this for you. The deck consists of 78 cards. 22 being the Major Arcana (The Fool Through the World). The remaining 56 Minor Arcana cards are then split into four suits. These are Pentacles, Swords, Wands, and Cusps. Each of these suits has cards. The Ace from 1-10, with their court cards being the Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings.

Tarot cards have been used since the mid- 15th century throughout Europe. Italian tarocchini and French tarot are two of the most common card games played during this time.

The structure basically depends on the deck theme or the intention of the artist. Some cards can be switched or even renamed. But generally, tarot cards are futuristic and spiritually inclined. The results could either be for or against the person.

The Oracle Deck

oracle cards

Another major difference between tarot and oracle cards is that oracle decks don’t usually follow a setup. There are decks with over 30 plus cards, others, above 80 cards or more. Some oracle decks could mirror a tarot, while others may have zero relations with it. Looking at the overall picture though, the main difference is in the number of these cards. Plus how they’re split between minors and majors.

Some people prefer oracle cards as they’re more positive-oriented. They allow the person to think positively and start off with a clean slate, no matter how deep the gutter they may be in.

Furthermore, oracle cards have a yes-no pattern with straightforward answers in them. Various types of oracle cards give results depending on the future and scenarios presented.

On Using Oracle Decks

Go with your intuition when using oracle cards. Once you get a new deck, there’s something new to learn and discover each and every time. So don’t rush, give yourself enough time to observe and know your cards. It’s good knowing the difference between tarot and oracle cards. Because it is actually a benefit and not a hindrance to your continued learning and discovery.

Practice using a one-card pull each day. This will hone your divination and intuition skills. Traditional tarot spreads are also utilized, like a three-card draw using oracle cards. You may also try drawing an oracle card prior to a tarot card. This way you can set an intention, and afterward, reinforce your said interpretation.

Allow the Spirit to communicate with you in ways necessary for you at the moment. Do this while exploring your cards, and jot down everything that’s happening. Your thoughts, the outcome, etc. Then compare them to the guidebook that came with the purchased deck.

What Is the Difference Between Tarot and Oracle Cards for Beginners?

If you’re asking the difference between tarot and oracle cards, as in superiority wise- there’s none. You can’t say one is better than the other. Because the reader alone can decide which one ultimately feels right.

That being said, it’s still good to remember some important points. Oracle cards are basically unstructured. So beginners might find this a more appealing alternative. However, even seasoned tarot readers are known to incorporate them into their readings.

There are times when you just want to be free from the ‘boundaries’ of the tarot. Oracle cards can be less intimidating than a tarot spread. Still, others use the oracle as a stepping stone to get better at divining with cards.

But combining tarot and oracle is quite common because they provide a deeper perspective into readings. There are endless possibilities that you can end up with. especially if you get creative with the combinations and permutations. The bottom line still is this. Do you have the patience, steadfastness, endurance to study, learn, and master the nuances of tarot card reading? If not, then you know which one is for you.

Still, Which One Should YOU Choose?

Now that you know the difference between tarot and oracle cards, you may be wondering what’s the better option for you. Tarot or oracle? There’s a simple answer and a complex one.

The simple answer being, it really depends on your personality. Some people are really comfortable with logic and structure, so they relate to the Tarot quite nicely. Those who like progression, memorization, and keeping ideas in small boxes really enjoy tarot.

Then there are those who simply do not have the patience to study or wait for answers. They want answers right here, right now! You can’t expect them to memorize or use in-depth logic. Now, these people will ultimately respond better to oracle cards.

The reason for this is because the structure of the Tarot requires a person to take the time to learn. Yes, it is true some oracle decks could also need some reflection and research. But the majority of them give straightforward answers to anything you’d like to know.

The more complex answer is this. Tarot’s structure and design’s intention is to cover the entire stretch of human existence. So if you’re into the human psyche, or wish to learn about every facet of being human, then tarot may suit you better.

What If You Want to Use Both?

That is perfectly fine! Here’s an example of how you can use them together.

Beginning your reading, draw an oracle card to get the general feeling or theme of the given situation. Then feel the surrounding energy. Next, do your tarot reading using multiple cards so you can get a fuller picture. You can also find the oracle card’s theme in your tarot reading. Surprisingly, the tarot cards will give a more detailed explanation as to what’s going on.

You can also try this. Towards the end of your tarot reading, draw an oracle card to understand its underlying theme. It’s also good for giving recommendations, advice, or a parting message to your client. This could add closure to your tarot reading and deliver multiple possible messages in it.

Final Words

The tarot and oracle cards are there, with each deck having a specific purpose. Tarots are simply more dramatic and result-oriented. Thus, they are the most divine cards. The results vary depending upon the situations at hand.

Consequently, oracles are positive-oriented when it comes to results. It relies heavily on what is good and real in a person’s life. They’re usually considered one-sided, so it’s up to you if you want to hear just the good news- for now.

Ultimately, it will depend on the individual which cards to use. Deciding whether or not you believe them is entirely your choice, too.

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