What’s the Difference Between Tarot & Oracle Cards?

PDF download Download Article
Comparing the most popular divination cards so you can pick what’s right for you
PDF download Download Article

You’re at your local metaphysical store, holding 2 decks of cards in your hands. In the left, a Tarot deck. In the right, an Oracle deck. Which do you choose? Are they both the same thing? Help! Well, the universe has brought you to the right place because this article will teach you everything you need to know about the differences between Tarot and Oracle cards. With our help, you’ll be a Tarot and Oracle card expert in no time!

Things You Should Know

  • Tarot cards have universal meanings, whereas Oracle cards are free-flowing. They both have unique art and images, but what they reveal within a reading differs.
  • Tarot cards can have different imagery across decks, but the cards will always have very similar meanings.
  • Oracle cards hold different themes, imagery, and meanings depending on the deck.
Section 1 of 4:

Tarot Cards

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    These cards have incorporated astrology, numerology, and ancient symbolism for thousands of years. [1] Each deck holds the same themes, meanings, and principles so the reader can give accurate insights, no matter what deck they’re using.
    • Although Tarot has an ancient history, it doesn’t have to be rigid! Using Tarot cards can be fun and creative.
    • Love tarot? Take this quiz to discover which tarot card truly matches your personality.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    No matter what type of Tarot deck you pick up, it’ll have 78 cards and 2 types of cards: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. This set amount of cards makes it easier to do accurate and detailed readings with any Tarot deck. [2]
    • There are 22 Major Arcana cards in a deck. These cards represent the archetypes and depict major life influences and revelations. [3]
    • There are 46 Minor Arcana cards divided into 4 suits. These cards refer to everyday matters and influences. Although the name of a deck’s suits can vary, they all represent the same thing.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are positive and negative cards within a Tarot deck, just as there are positive and negative events in life. When you ask a Tarot deck a question , it’s more likely that you’ll receive a logical answer because there are several possible outcomes for any situation.
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Oracle Cards

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unlike Tarot cards, Oracle cards can vary in meaning depending on who made them. Decks usually have general themes, and it’s up to the artist or creator to determine what each card represents. [4]
    • For instance, a Camelot Oracle deck may have cards based on the characters from King Arthur, like Merlin, Lancelot, and Guinevere.
    • These cards could represent specific archetypes like the hero or maiden, but they might also convey overall feelings of hope or grace, depending on the creator.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Typically, Oracle decks have around 35 and 60 cards, but this can vary based on the individual. [5] Because there are so few Oracle cards, they’re a bit easier to manage.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many Oracle decks follow a specific mood or tone, which is why they’re often used as daily affirmation cards. Having a deck full of positive cards is a great morning boost, but these cards probably won’t give the most accurate responses to detailed questions. [6]
    • For instance, say you ask a fairy-themed Oracle deck , “When will I get a raise?” and pull a fairy that conveys emotions of bliss and serenity. This card can’t tell you exactly when you’ll get a raise, but it can tell you how you may feel around that time. [7]
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Which deck should you use?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The mix of themes and quantity of cards in a Tarot deck make them perfect for gathering insight on the future. A Tarot reading is far more detailed than an Oracle reading, as more concrete results can be given. So, if you’re looking for an answer to a specific question, stick with Tarot cards.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    An Oracle reading is all about interpretation, thanks to the deck’s free-flowing structure. Unlike Tarot cards, there are no set meanings or themes to memorize. Instead, you can follow you own intuition and interpret the cards however you like.
    • If you’re a beginner and gravitate more toward Tarot, pick up a Tarot deck instead! There are no rules on what you have to do—follow you heart and choose a deck that best fits your needs.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Who says you only have to use one type of deck? One of the many beautiful things about a divination practice is that it can be personalized. Pull an Oracle card to understand the overall tone, mood, or emotion, and then draw Tarot cards to identify key events or points of influence. [8]
    • Play around with your decks to create more and more layers in your readings.
    • Use whichever deck you feel drawn to during a reading.
    • Lay out your cards or create spreads based on how you feel and what you can visualize.
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Are Angel cards the same as Oracle cards?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Oracle-Cards-vs-Tarot-Cards-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unlike Tarot cards, Angel cards don’t offer specific insights into the future. Instead, they provide emotional and spiritual guidance.
    • An Angel card’s interpretation is up to the creator and reader, as they follow a free-flowing structure.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use Playing Cards As Tarot Cards
      8 Ways to Cleanse Tarot Cards & When To Do It
      How to
      Set up Tarot Cards
      How to Ask a Tarot Question: Tips and Example Questions
      How to Use Oracle Cards
      How to Do a Tarot Reading on Yourself
      What Does the King of Pentacles Mean in a Tarot Reading?
      3 of Cups Tarot Card: Everything You Need to Know
      How to
      Do an Angel Card Reading
      The World Tarot Card Meaning: Love, Money, and More
      What Does the Reversed Nine of Pentacles Mean?
      Moon Tarot Card Meaning: Upright, Reversed, and More
      What Does the Empress Reversed Mean in a Tarot Reading?
      A Beginner's Guide to the Five of Swords Tarot Card
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about tarot cards, check out our in-depth interview with Emily Christensen .

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/vyCMuk3msVQ?t=56
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ij2sNYmsIdQ?t=100
      3. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/article/tarot-cards.html
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ij2sNYmsIdQ?t=487
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ij2sNYmsIdQ?t=657
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ij2sNYmsIdQ?t=628
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/vyCMuk3msVQ?t=109
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/NEeRnsF0F9c?t=1

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,031 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement