How do tarot cards and oracle cards differ?

There are two ways in which tarot cards and oracle cards differ: the first is the 'technical' variation, and the second relates to the different ways the cards can be used.

Structure and organisation

The distinction between oracle cards and tarot cards lies in their visual appearance and organisation. Tarot cards follow a structured system of 78 or 80 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana includes 22 cards symbolising important life themes, while the Minor Arcana includes 56 cards divided into four groups: wands, cups, swords and pentacles, representing more mundane matters.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, are much more varied in design and structure. Unlike tarot cards, there are no strict guidelines or regulations regarding the number of cards or their layout. Oracle cards can cover a wide range of topics and themes, including animals, goddesses, angels, chakras, colours, and more. Some sets of oracle cards may not have a specific theme at all. What makes each set of oracle cards really special is their uniqueness, with a number of cards ranging from 30 to 100, or even more.

Usability

The complexity of use cases varies and is influenced by personal experiences and opinions. From my own perspective, I want to describe some of the differences.

Option 1: Do you want to draw one or more cards?

Option 2: Do you prefer to draw one card or multiple cards?

Drawing one card is common with oracle cards because they offer inspiration and reflection without the need for a specific question. This gives the reader insight into their current situation. However, not all oracle card games are designed for larger spreads or multiple card layouts. The suitability of a deck for such patterns depends on the specific card set.

Using multiple cards simultaneously is a very appropriate practice in the field of tarot. The intricate structure of the tarot system allows the seeker to explore the interconnections between cards, revealing deeper layers of meaning within the different positions of the card spread. By joining cards together, new perspectives and profound insights are achieved, a quality not so prevalent when working with oracle cards.

Designs and Question Types

There is a notable difference between the two designs. As a result of the organised composition and abundant symbolism found in tarot cards, one often arrives at a more complex and in-depth analysis. Conversely, oracle cards tend to focus on certain themes and offer a slightly more direct and simple approach.

The versatility of tarot cards allows you to seek advice on various topics, such as career, love, personal growth, finances and relationships. On the other hand, oracle cards do not always offer the same breadth of options. For example, if you are seeking advice on your career path, a pack of oracle cards focusing exclusively on self-love would not be enough.

Uniqueness of each oracle deck

Although the tarot follows a predetermined structure, each oracle set possesses its own unique characteristics. This seemingly technical distinction has significant implications, as it implies that each oracle set offers a distinct range of options. In contrast, you would expect to have the same options with each tarot set, at least in theory.

Combining Tarot and Oracle

An effective way to improve your tarot readings is to include oracle sets. By combining one tarot card and one oracle card for each position, you can gain deeper insights and create a more comprehensive interpretation. Using alternative oracle cards can create affirmations that have a lasting impact. They offer a convenient option for a quick morning reflection that requires less effort to interpret compared to tarot cards.

Personal Preference

When it comes to divination tools, deciding between tarot cards or oracle cards can be tricky. Personally, I am lucky enough to own a huge range of tarot and oracle cards. Each deck has its own unique qualities and they work harmoniously together. While tarot has a special place in my heart and forms the basis of my practice, oracle cards serve as delightful complements. However, if I were forced to select only one deck of cards to keep in my life, the undeniable choice would be a tarot deck (although deciding which specific deck would undoubtedly cause me considerable anxiety).

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