What's the difference between Tarot and Oracle decks?
- What exactly are Oracle cards and why use them
- What exactly are Tarot cards and why use them
- Are Oracle cards and Tarot cards the same
- Should beginners start with Oracle or Tarot cards
- Key Differences Between Oracle and Tarot Cards
- Using Tarot and Oracle Cards Together
- How to Get Started with Tarot Decks
- Conclusion

Tarot and Oracle are decks of cards that are tools for fortune-telling and predictions. They show reflection of energy, show responses to various situations, indicating solutions. Tarot cards and Oracle cards are actually very similar, you also ask a question, also shuffle the cards and draw cards.
There are a huge number of Tarot and Oracle cards in the world, you can find one you like based on their designs and authors. Both tools have symbols and images that help you understand the answer to your question. Therefore, many of us may confuse them and not distinguish between their features. In this article you will learn the main difference between Oracle cards and Tarot cards and what to choose for yourself for work.
What exactly are Oracle cards and why use them?

What is an Oracle card: oracle cards come in different types that have different meanings and messages. All this depends on the author, on how the creator wanted to present them to the world for use. Decks can consist of any number of cards, maybe 12 cards, 100, or anything in between. Each deck has its own direction and meaning, while what a particular card represents is determined by its creator.
Some Oracle decks have a system that allows you to better understand your inner world. On the cards you can see various images - magical creatures, landscapes, people. These could be certain archetypes, such as the hero or the damsel, or feelings of hope or grace, for example. Other cards work with specific situations. For example, closed doors, quarrels and various moments of life can be depicted.
What is an Oracle card reading:For fortune-telling with Oracle cards, you do not need to use layouts; it is enough to draw one card and try to “decipher” it. When interpreting Oracle cards, there are no specific and strict rules; it is important to simply listen to yourself, to your intuition.
Oracles are more suitable for those who: do not want to study for a long time before telling fortunes; wants a quick and short answer to his question; has a wonderful imagination and associative thinking.
What exactly are Tarot cards and why use them?

The classic Tarot card deck contains 78 cards with images; the pictures contain not only scenes from life, but also numerous symbols indicating certain processes. The classic Tarot deck consists of 22 cards of the major arcana and 56 cards containing images of the minor arcana. The major arcana of the deck have a name, a constant numerical value.
The minor arcana contains numbered and court cards, four suits, and illuminates the everyday side of life. The image on the card contains a hint for the fortune-teller about events that may happen in the future.
There are many options for Tarot decks. There are stylized Tarot decks, for example, antique, gothic, instead of a person there may be images of creatures or animals. But they all meet the four basic signs of the Tarot.
Classic Tarot cards are a complex system that requires deep knowledge and understanding, good intuition, and the ability to completely immerse yourself in interaction with the deck during fortune telling. Each card contains the centuries-old experience of mankind, features characteristic of certain types of people, and features of human relationships.
The result of the prediction depends on the combination of cards in the layout, the correct question asked, and the further actions of the fortuneteller. Tarot cards are used for more detailed predictions when specific advice is needed.
Are Oracle cards and Tarot cards the same?

As a phenomenon, Oracles appeared in ancient times. They called any system of symbols that had an interpretation. In fact, Tarot is also an oracle. But in the modern world, we mean by oracles various decks of cards that are used for fortune-telling and getting answers to questions.
Oracle decks include cards of angels, energies, archetypes, animals, totems and many more. They allow you to turn to the wisdom of the Universe and receive advice or inspiration. Each card contains a specific message or energy that can resolve a situation and also shed light on difficulties.
Oracle decks usually have a well-known plot, the cards depict nature, everyday objects, people or mythical creatures. When interpreting, it is customary to take into account the colors, as well as the names of the cards.
The Oracle deck does not need to ask the exact question. If you took a card face up rather than blindly drawing it from the deck, ask: “Why?” What attracted you to this card? What advice does she give you? At the same time, you can agree with the oracle or disagree with it and draw the next card.
Tarots appeared in medieval Italy, at first they were used as playing cards. Now Tarot is called one of the most popular and universal divination systems. The deck almost always consists of 78 cards, each of which has symbolic images. They are interpreted as a response to a request.
Tarot cards serve as a tool for clearing thoughts, unlocking potential and finding paths to self-development. They also help you take a fresh look at relationships, career, health and other areas of life.
Should beginners start with Oracle or Tarot cards?

Oracle cards vs Tarot cards: The Oracle is considered to be the easiest to work with because, compared to the Tarot, it usually does not require preparation in the form of in-depth research and study. If you work with a channel or deity through magic, then, regardless of your karmic experience, you can easily work with the Oracle through it.
Beginners are advised to take either lunar or astrological Oracle cards - they can also be used to describe archetypes, problems, skills and to select dates. Either choose oracles of plants or stones, but do not rush to choose pantheons of gods or “fairytale” Oracles. Or choose which one you like best, but not a specific god. Who knows, maybe you somehow offended the Dark Mother in the past; in this case, it is not safe for a beginner to enter her channel through the oracle.
However, there is also a point that Oracle cards may not work for you. Because oracles are not included in any egregors, they do not describe any channels and energies. It’s more like pictures with words, if you cannot, on your own, be able to move between egregors and worlds, work with different channels and energies.
Thus, it may be different, one beginner will find it easier with Tarot, and another with Oracles. Rely on your inner voice and where you are more “pulled”.
Key Differences Between Oracle and Tarot Cards

Tarot cards have a set structure and Oracle cards are more free flowing.
When comparing oracle cards vs tarot, one might find that tarot offers a consistent 78-card system, while oracle decks vary in number and theme. Oracle cards do not adhere to a specific structure. Each deck contains its own message, its own original cards and the number of cards intended by the author. Some Oracle cards may have a theme of messages from angels, while others may be aimed at revealing specific actions.
Tarot is part of an ancient tradition of divination and Oracle cards are more modern.
The origins of the Tarot date back to medieval Europe, and they have been used as a divination tool for centuries. Tarot includes complex symbolism and archetypal images that have connections to ancient cultures and mystical traditions. Unlike Tarot, Oracle cards are more modern tools that have emerged in the last few centuries. Decks can contain a variety of themes and symbols, such as higher beings, fairies, animals and nature.
Tarot takes time to learn and develop and Oracle cards are more beginner-friendly.
Learning Tarot requires significant time and intellectual investment. It is necessary to study the symbolism of each card, its meaning in an upright and inverted position, and also learn to interpret combinations of cards in various layouts. This requires both reading specialized literature and practice. On the other hand, Oracle cards usually come with detailed instructions and explanations, which helps beginners quickly learn the basic principles of fortune telling. This makes them more accessible to those who are just starting to dive into the world of predictions.
Using Tarot and Oracle Cards Together

Combining Tarot and Oracle cards in your spiritual practices can amplify the depth and clarity of your readings. By using both sets in tandem, you can uncover more nuanced insights into your concerns. For instance, Oracle cards can be employed to elaborate on or bring clarity to the often complex messages of Tarot cards. When a Tarot card's meaning appears vague or requires further explanation, an Oracle card can provide the additional context needed to illuminate the matter at hand. In some cases, an Oracle card can act as a summary or conclusion, emphasizing the most crucial aspects that warrant attention.
It's essential to recognize that the guidelines for using Tarot and Oracle cards are highly adaptable, allowing each individual to tailor their approach according to their unique needs and preferences.
How to Get Started with Tarot Decks

Before starting the journey of working with Tarot, pay attention to 2 important points that will help you better understand and use this tool:
Choose a deck that speaks to you
The first step to starting the journey of the oracle tarot reading is to choose the deck that resonates with your soul. Among a large number of decks with different designs and themes, you need to find the one that will attract your energetic attention. Because the invisible connection with the deck is very important to start reading. Spend some time searching until you find one that's right for you.
To get started, you can turn your attention to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. It's ideal to start with, not only because of its simplicity, but also because many of the decks that came after it are based on it. If you understand this deck, others will come easy to you. The images on each card are easy to interpret and understand.
Let your intuition guide you as well as the traditional meanings
It is important to know the generally accepted meanings of Tarot cards. However, it is equally important to listen to your intuition. Tarot is a tool for accessing your inner wisdom and collective unconscious, so trust your intuition when interpreting the cards.
Pay attention to your thoughts, sensations, feelings and images that arise when you look at the card. The most valuable information comes through intuition, going beyond traditional interpretations.
Conclusion

Fortune-telling with Tarot cards and Oracles are practices that have been around for centuries. Both of them are used to predict the future, find answers to exciting questions and better understand yourself.
What to choose? The choice of tarot vs oracle can depend on whether you prefer the traditional symbolism of tarot or the intuitive messages of oracle cards. However, it is up to you to decide; you can choose one of them, but you can also combine these two prediction systems in order to get a more accurate, deeper and more detailed answer to the question or topic of fortune-telling.