This is the second part of my tarot post. A reader requested the topic of tarot, which is such a diverse and lengthy topic, that I just had to break it up. Please enjoy part 2!
Tarot Decks vs. Oracle Decks
With new witches especially, I am often asked, what is the difference between a tarot deck and an oracle deck? Aren’t they the same? They are very alike, to be sure, but they are not the same thing.
Both types of decks are used for insight, perspective, clarity, personal growth, inspiration, coaching, and divination. Historically the tarot has ancient roots (15th century at least) while oracle decks are much newer. However, these two deck types are structured very differently.
What is an oracle? Outside an oracle being a person who receives and delivers enlightened guidance (like the ancient priestesses in the Greek temple of Delphi), an oracle is a tool used in divination. It is an intermediary tool that is created to facilitate Divine or Higher Guidance that uses symbols to form a language through which this communication is possible. An oracle works through synchronicity, or meaningful coincidence when a person uses it. An oracle can be a card deck, a set of runes, sticks, or coins, etc. It works on a specific symbolic system that allows the information to be accessed with whatever subject the person using them seeks to know.
Now, what is the difference?
Tarot:
The tarot follows its own set of rules laid out by original masters of days gone by. The tarot is a fixed system. That means it has a strong tradition and is meant to have a specific reliable structure. Tarot always has 78 cards. There are 22 Major Arcana cards relating to major events and life pivoting events and 56 Minor Arcana with the Page, Knight, Queen, and King, as well as ace through 10. Tarot cards are divided into suits; Wands, Swords, Cups (Chalice) and Pentacles (Coins).
The tarot structure is predictable. When you pick up a deck that says tarot, you can expect that deck to have that specific structure. The meanings of each card should be similar in every tarot deck with slight variations based on the psychology and spin that the author and artist provide. If you understand one tarot deck, you will most likely be able to read any other tarot deck. with Tarot cards, there is a common theme that runs through most cards, whereas Oracle cards have no common theme. Tarot cards are studied and interpreted by expert readers, primarily to speak to a person’s life story.
Oracle:
oracle cards are like tarot in that they are directive tools, so they offer guidance, clarity, and a new perspective — often pointing you toward something you already knew, but needed an outside vision on. This is why many people have ah ha moments when they use oracle cards. Oracle cards are different from tarot because they are fluid systems. Every oracle deck will differ from the other. It’s up to the author to create the vocabulary and system the oracle card deck operates on. This lexicon is how the oracle decks operate.
Oracle cards can be a variety of things, from affirmations to work with the elements to spiritual guides. Artists of oracle cards are free to do whatever they want with the cards. Oracle decks are structured independently and each follows its own set of rules. They may have any number of cards usually between 36 and 64 and rarely contain suits.
Oracle cards are very free flowing – and they can feature almost any kind of content. An oracle deck can be whatever the creator of the deck wants it to be — they pick how many cards are in it, what sorts of imagery it’ll use, and what purpose it’s supposed to serve. Each oracle card deck is its own little universe and is generally distinct from the others by their art, author, and themes. The way Oracle card decks are created and for what purpose varies.
Oracle cards give insight into the greater sense of what is going on, but Tarot cards can provide more detailed interpretations. Think of tarot cards as the pages in a book while oracle cards are whole book or a chapter in the book.
Is one better than the other?
No. They are merely different. Because tarot takes time to study and is a more rigidly set deck, oracle decks could be more accessible and easier to learn for those who do not plan to make it a life style. Oracle Cards tend to be easier to learn, while Tarot takes a level of practice and mastery to become proficient and offers an expanse of detail at a depth that most Oracle Cards can’t reach. Oracle Decks are more free-flowing and open to many levels of interpretation that the strict rules of the Tarot don’t allow. It is up to you to choose a deck that speaks to you that you will enjoy working with and that will work best for you.
What is the deck for me?
Choosing a deck can be hard because there are so many different decks out there now. Do you want traditional or personalized? Ask yourself if you vibe with the author? Do you like the imagery? Does it work with your practice? Do your values align with the author’s?
What level of expertise or background does the author have? You may not always be able to find out that particular information but sometimes knowing that the author of a deck is highly experienced will make working with that deck easier because the author is more knowledgeable. That being said, there are great decks out there by first time authors as well so always keep an open mind and follow your heart.
When choosing a deck of Tarot or Oracle cards, you must look at the cards and choose carefully. If you get a deck that you are not in tune with then you will find them difficult, if not impossible to work with. Take your time with your choosing and pick the deck that “feels” right to you and you shouldn’t go wrong. You will find one that works for you, be it tarot or oracle. You may even find you enjoy both. And neither is better or worse – they are just different.
Can I use Tarot and Oracle cards together?
Absolutely! There are many different ways to use tarot and oracle cards together. This is a practice done by those who are very well versed in readings and are extremely familiar with their decks. You have to have more than a basic understanding of each of your decks if you are to do this but it does add an extra bit of magic to the experience when done properly.
You could, at the start of a reading, draw an Oracle card to understand the general theme or feeling that is influencing the situation. What’s the surrounding energy? Then, do the Tarot reading with multiple cards to get the full picture. Also look for the Oracle card’s theme in the Tarot reading – you’ll often find the Tarot cards explain in more detail what’s going on. This is just one method.
Another could be to, at the end of a Tarot reading, draw an Oracle card to understand the underlying theme, or to give advice and recommendations, a parting message, to the client. It adds closure to the Tarot reading, which will have multiple messages in it.
My Top Favorite Decks
A lot of people nowadays are collectors and have multiple decks. I was part collector/ part lover of the art/ part trying to find a deck that fit me and my practice well. It took about a year but I finally found a few that were perfect for my practice.
This is my all time favorite tarot deck that I own. It is also the deck I use every Samhain and New Years specifically for mine and my friends’ tarot readings. The deck is beautiful and easy to use and comes with the typical 78 cards. All of the card pictures center around what amounts to basically a wizarding school. Both the fronts and backs are lovely. The Major Arcana especially really attract me to this deck. It comes with a book explaining each card with additional information breaking the cards down. This is the deck that CALLED to me. I HAD to have it. It is also the deck I always go back to, no matter what other decks I get to try out. I am not sure why it is selling for so much now because when I bought it originally, I believe it was $20.
Next up is the Spirit de Lune Oracle Deck. This was probably my most expensive deck at $52 but it is worth it in terms of the artwork. The 56 cards are unique circles and each card image was hand painted. You can tell that a lot of effort went into their creation. Now, since I am not amazing at astrology/ astronomy, this deck is my hardest to use. I am terrible at remembering the types of moons that occur during certain months and what the zodiac signs mean. That being said, I always struggle when I use this deck, but since it comes with a guidebook, I don’t struggle too much.
And finally, my Isis Oracle Deck. I really love this deck because of how easy it is to use! This deck cost $22 so it was another really well priced deck for the quality. I also almost feel like I saved the best for last with this one. The artwork is gorgeous and very well thought out. You get to see Isis in all of her forms as a young goddess, a mother, a wife, a powerful worker of magic, and as a healer. The only downside for me is that I have small hands and these cards are rather large. Not only can you use the 46 cards as regular oracle cards, each card comes with its own meditation/ ritual. So if you are newer to the practice and are interested in 46 free meditations/ rituals on top of learning oracle cards, this would be a great deck to start you out! This deck is all about finding yourself, healing, and becoming a better you all while connecting with the divine. The book is wonderful at explaining the cards and what they mean in relation to mythology and your personal progress. After each card explanation is the meditation or ritual that accompanies it.
I hope this helps everyone who is interested in learning tarot as well as those who already dabble in the art! Tarot was one of the first methods of divination I practiced with and it will always remain my all time favorite.
From our altar to yours, with love from the sea,
