Tarot Cards vs Oracle Cards: What’s The Difference?

Exploring Tarot and Oracle cards is a great way to connect and develop your intuition and psychic practice. As a professional psychic medium, I work with both types of decks in my practice and clients often ask what’s the difference between the two. Both are great tools for divination and self-discovery, so let's look at the key differences between the two.

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Tarot cards have more structure than Oracle cards. Learning the traditional meanings of Tarot will add a magical reference system to your intuitive work. The Tarot typically has 78 cards that begin with the major arcana and the minor arcana that follow in suites of swords (air), pentacles (earth), wands (fire), and cups (water). The Major Arcana are 20 cards that begin with The Fool and follow his journey as he meets and collides with every facet of human existence from The Magician, Death, The Tower, and finally, The World. Learning the meanings of each card takes time and practice, however in learning you develop a valuable tool for divination and self-discovery.

Oracle cards are more free-flowing and may be easier for beginners to understand. This is not to say that Oracle decks are only for beginners. Many professional readers use Oracle cards in readings and they are great for self-development, positive affirmations and beginning or enhancing an intuitive practice. Oracle cards often have rich imagery and are available in many varieties so it may be easier to find a deck that resonates with you. I recommend Oracle decks for anyone who has any fears around Tarot decks and is looking for gentle imagery. In my professional practice, I find that Oracle cards will often point to the overall themes that a client is working through in their life.

Both Decks are Effective Tools for Divination

Both Tarot and Oracle cards act as a mirror of the current energy. They will reflect the truth of your situation and point out possible ways forward. Think of reading the cards as a conversation with a trusted mentor or your higher self. There is no judgement or “negative” or “positive” messages. There is only the reflection of energy and an opportunity to find a way forward through self-knowledge and an understanding of circumstances.

Using Tarot and Oracle Cards Together

I use Tarot cards to get an overall view of a client's situation. I’ll look at what challenges you will face, what you need to let go of, and where you should focus your intention. With Oracle cards, I will usually add them at the end of a reading and ask what the client is needing to move forward over the coming weeks and months. You can use them in any order you like. There is no wrong way or order to read Tarot or Oracle decks - it is simply your preference. With both types of cards, the best way to receive information is to remain as unattached as possible.

How to Get Started with Tarot Decks

Choose a deck that speaks to you.

There are superstitions that you need to be given a tarot deck to begin and this is untrue. Buy your own deck and take your time getting to know it. Build a relationship with your tarot deck and allow it to guide you slowly.

Let your intuition guide you as well as the traditional meanings.

By simply wondering what each card means, you will invite your intuition to provide context by communicating to your intuitive senses. This may happen through images in your imagination, feeling, sensing or knowing meanings, or even hearing words in your mind. There is so much symbolism and meaning in a tarot deck, as you draw the cards in answer to questions or queries the universe will always take the opportunity to respond and provide you with the answers you seek, then it’s up to your intuitive senses to take over.

How to Get Started With Oracle Decks

Use the cards for intention setting.

Oracle cards tend to be uplifting and inspiring. Place a card that represents your intention on your desk, altar, or someplace you can see it each day. When I was finishing writing my book, I put a card that said “little by little” on my altar to remind me to stay consistent and patient with the process. I love placing cards that represent the elements earth, water, fire, and air that I want to call in or embody. You may choose cards to call in more love, abundance, joy, or connect to intuition.

Start a daily practice.

Writing intentions and journaling can be a powerful tool in creating your reality. Pull 1-3 cards daily and journal your impressions. Take a few deep breaths as you tune into your intuition. Let yourself be free in your writing as your words become an extension of your energy. This is a wonderful way to receive messages and connect to your inner guidance.