Tarot and oracle cards are often used interchangeably by those with no experience. However, the truth is such tools represent two distinctive practices, each with its own capabilities and positive aspects.
Indeed, they have many things in common as well since they can help you connect with the universe and even sharpen your intuition and instincts.
Some psychic readers work with tarot only; others focus on oracle cards. Then, there are readers who use both types of cards in their readings. They’re both great for divination.
All in all, let’s see what they actually mean and what the main differences are when you compare tarot vs oracle cards.
How Tarot Cards Work
Traditional tarot decks have 78 cards spread over Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. Major Arcana cards start with the Fool and follow the journey through life. Minor Arcana has four suits, each with 14 cards. They’re mainly used for daily activities and readings, showcasing temporary situations in life.
Understanding how each card in tarot works takes plenty of practice. Each card may have different interpretations depending on its position, the type of reading, and other cards in the spread. However, once you master them, they can be extremely useful in self-discovery.
How Oracle Cards Work
You need to understand how oracle cards work, too, in order to compare tarot vs oracle cards. Oracle cards represent another common divination tool. It’s mainly used to sharpen your intuition, enhance your awareness, and even establish a connection with your inner self.
Oracle cards are more diversified than tarot cards. Some of them are simple and crystal clear. Some others are more complex and require some sort of interpretation. Decks don’t have a set number of cards, so guidance varies widely. Finding the right deck takes experimentation.
Key Differences When Comparing Tarot Vs Oracle Cards
There are more differences between these divination tools, causing psychic readers to focus on one or another or even both at the same time.
Different Structure
Oracle cards flow freely, while tarot cards have a set structure. Practically, pretty much every tarot deck has a predictable structure. There are the same cards in Major Arcana as well as Minor Arcana.
Oracle decks vary widely. Images are different, not to mention the themes or even the amount of cards in a deck. That’s why the flow is free. Messages are extremely varied, too, and there are no rules at all.
In terms of tarot, many decks are based on the classic Rider Waite deck. Although you can find other types of decks too, the structure is pretty much the same. There aren’t too many differences in card interpretation, either.
Oracle Cards Are Modern
The origins of tarot are unknown, but it’s believed the practice derived from an Italian card game hundreds of years ago. However, there are tarot references among Romani people, too, not to mention the Kabbalah or even ancient Greece.
Tarot cards have been used for divination purposes for hundreds of years, meaning their interpretations are clear now. However, it doesn’t mean every card says the same thing, as subjective interpretation is also required.
On the other hand, oracle cards are quite modern. That’s why they’re very popular among beginners. Besides, a lot of people don’t always attach spiritual beliefs to their cards, which is something very common in tarot cards.
With all these, oracle cards are also used by professionals and can be mixed into tarot readings and even astrology.
Tarot Takes Time to Master
Mastering tarot cards can be tricky. Learning the traditional interpretation of each card takes time, especially since each card could mean something else in love, relationships, career, money, or health. Positions will also change the interpretation, as will other cards in the deck.
This means mastering tarot may take a long time. Symbolism is difficult, as well as archetypes associated with these cards. As you become familiar with tarot, you also have to use your intuition to figure out messages.
On the other hand, oracle cards are fairly simple to understand. As soon as you decide on a deck, it will usually come with a guide. Each card has the same meaning, so you can’t go wrong with it. But then, if you change the deck, keep in mind that meanings will most likely change, too.
When choosing an oracle card deck, it’s important to pick something that resonates with you.
What Should Beginners Start With?
Oracle cards are easier to understand, and they have a free-flowing profile, so they’re relatively simple to understand. Tarot has different suits, meanings, and ideas to remember.
However, this comparison doesn’t mean oracle cards are suitable for beginners only. Experienced readers also implement oracle readings in their sessions, depending on how they feel. They have rich imagery, and they come in all varieties, so they can be extremely useful for divination.
Tarot is more explicit, but oracle is better for those who fear the sophisticated interpretation of tarot. At the end of the day, it depends on what you’re after and how you feel about it.
Using Tarot and Oracle Cards Together
Just because they’re different, it doesn’t mean you can’t use oracle and tarot cards together. In fact, a lot of professional readers have realized that using oracle cards will add an extra layer of meaning. They can reduce confusion and showcase the primary purpose of a reading.
There’s no general guidance when it comes to using cards together. There’s no right or wrong way to get things done. You just need to ensure you’re comfortable with what you’re doing, hence the necessity of experimentation.
People who use both types of cards prefer having more decks, as they often let their intuition pick what feels better for the respective reading.
In the end, comparing tarot vs oracle cards will showcase some important differences in the process, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that one tool is better than the other. Different people have different needs and preferences, so feel free to adapt based on yours.
