Tarot versus Oracle: What's the difference?

As if there isn't enough confusion and uncertainty around Tarot, then you learn that there's another type of divination cards called Oracle cards! If you're anything like me, this new knowledge makes you wonder if one is better than the other. In my opinion: no. However, although they are used similarly and often in conjunction with each other, neither truly trumps the other. It depends primarily on the intent of use. Let's go ahead and break each down a bit.

Tarot Cards

You may already be familiar with Tarot. Tarot cards are broken into two categories: Major arcana and minor arcana. The major arcana cards are based on the fool's journey. They tell a story that we can all relate to. The major arcana generally represents big moments in one's life. The minor arcana is broken down into four suits (cups, wands, pentacles, and swords) and supports the major arcana. These cards provide the details to the bigger picture cards, or major arcana.

If you receive a tarot reading that primarily consists of mostly if not all major arcana, then a reader will generally interpret that as big life changes happening all at once. This is where we spot life themes within your reading. The minor arcana will then bring the color to the reading. Each suit has specific attributes that help the reader understand greater depth within your reading. For example, the suit of cups represents ones emotions and emotional wellbeing. This suit generally has to do with one's own heart center. The suits also have astrological signs associated with them which also add color to one's readings. Continuing with the suit of cups, you may already guess that it is associated with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces). Minor arcana can also be used to try to narrow down a timeframe for an event to occur. The suit of cups generally refers to months and the reader will use the number assigned to the card to determine the quantity. Although commonly thought of as a future reading tool, Tarot readings cannot actually read the future like many think. The future is fluid as is energy. There is very rarely a time a reader can accurately determine the precise timing an event may occur. However, with our tools, skills, and gifts combined, we can piece together a timeframe that may be helpful to you.

One of the many benefits of using Tarot or having a Tarot reading done is that it is both flexible yet precise. Tarot tends to focus more on the human experience and life stuff. This type of divination tool is perfect for the very common love readings, but can be used for a multitude of questions you may have! It's extremely flexible and with a skilled reader, highly accurate.

Oracle Cards

Some of the most beautiful cards you will come across will be Oracle cards. When I was first researching decks to start out with, I found myself energetically drawn towards Oracle decks more than Tarot. A way to compare the two could be the difference between crochet and knitting. Although the end result is very similar, the art itself is different as well as the tools used and the style. Oracle cards are fantastic for everyone, especially those intimated by Tarot. They are easier to use right away even if your intuition isn't the strongest. Oracle cards are sometimes referred to as Angel cards. In general, Oracle decks tend to focus more on the "big picture". Tarot will tell you what's happening, but Oracle will tell you the why. This is why they are often used in conjunction with each other. My favorite Oracle deck is the Messenger of Sprit Oracle deck by Whitney McNeill (this is not a paid sponsorship, I just really LOVE her deck). There seems to be an Oracle deck out there for everyone which is why I believe they're great for everyone!

I like to use Oracle cards in tandem with Tarot readings just to help highlight the bigger picture and support the reading. With the Messenger of Spirit deck, it will spit out chakra cards which will help highlight areas that may be blocked or stagnant. When coming out in tandem with other cards, it may even highlight which chakra to use to channel your power. For example, in a reading I did for myself today, I had Sacral Chakra come out with Detox and Deer (symbolizing the need to rest). These three paint the picture that I may need to detox from certain things and rest in order to balance out my Sacral chakra, which is the chakra that powers our will. I've been feeling stagnant lately and have felt like I need to slow down and rest more than usual.

Another favorite Oracle deck of mine that is a fluid all-purpose deck is The Metaphysical Cannabis Oracle Deck (once again, not a paid sponsorship). This deck is broken down into five different suits (similar to Tarot but different). The first suit is the Meta Arcana which is the major arcana from the Tarot but reimagined to fit this deck. Next is the Physical suit which helps to bring awareness to physical acts that we can participate in to help ground us in the situation we are in. Next is the Cannabis suit. This suit is geared more towards cannabis users, but anyone can still benefit from these cards emerging. For me, these cards typically come up in readings to support other cards, but they have messages on their own. I find that this deck is very dynamic and can be used in a multitude of ways. The fourth suit is the Oracle suit which highlights a multitude of long-forgotten deities and spiritual guides from African culture that carry a specific energy that is tangibly felt. Lastly, the Culture suit brings it all together with how you can carry out specific actions within our culture and live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. This deck packs so much inside of it that I find myself busting out the guidebook still just to get a better understanding of the energy. I will also add that each deck has it's own personality and this deck tends to be rather salty and will call you out on your toxic behavior (which, let's be honest, is needed sometimes).

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, it's really all about trusting your intuition and buying a deck that you feel energetically drawn to. Many readers will encourage you to start with Tarot, and truthfully, you may not be ready to learn Tarot. It takes time to build up the knowledge and skills to perform readings just for yourself. If you're feeling drawn towards an Oracle deck, then start there! I do find most Oracle and Angel decks far easier to use as a beginner. The Metaphysical Cannabis Oracle Deck may be a good in-between deck for you to start with, or it may just be way too much for you. I remember when I was looking on Amazon for my first deck, I kept finding myself drawn to The Starseed Oracle deck. I finally bought it not that long ago, and truthfully, I wish I had trusted my intuition and purchased it sooner.

If you do want to start with Tarot, I still recommend trusting your intuition. When I was researching what decks to start with, hands down almost every Tarot reader said to start with a traditional Rider-Waite deck. I still have my original deck and I use it often, but I personally connect less with the traditional Rider-Waite decks as I do other more modern deck designs. You may really like The Light Seer's Tarot or The Spacious Tarot. Again, I encourage you to trust your intuition. You know what you need more than anyone else does.

As always,

Love, Light, and Blessings

Disclaimer: none of the decks mentioned in this blog post is a paid sponsorship. This is my honest unbiased opinions. Images are not my own. The images for the Messenger of Spirit deck were taken directly from Whitney's site (they are her images) and the images for The Metaphysical Cannabis Oracle deck were taking from their Amazon listing and belong to the author. I own no rights to this content besides my personal thoughts.

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