Above image: Cards from Art Through the Eyes of the Soul Oracle (upper), and the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (lower). Photo by Inkwood Tarot.
If you’re newer to tarot or divination you might be wondering what the difference is between tarot cards and oracle cards.
The tarot is a specific system consisting of (generally) 78 cards divided into two sections – 22 cards in the Major Arcana, and 56 cards in the Minor Arcana. The 22 cards of the Major Arcana, numbered 0 – 21, detail archetypes of human spiritual development from birth to enlightenment. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are divided up into 4 suits each numbered 1 (ace) through 10, with 4 court cards. The suit names might vary somewhat, but they almost always correspond to the 4 elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. These cards depict the everyday events in human lives.
Oracle cards can have any structure and any number of cards. The focus of the deck, how it works and it’s overall purpose vary from deck to deck. Since they’re more individualistic in their offerings I find I’m more choosy about my oracle decks.
Both tarot and oracle decks can have just about any theme you can imagine. And if you can’t imagine it, check out Aeclectic Tarot’s list of themes – they have over 2000 tarot, oracle and Lenormand cards in their catalog (Lenormand is a specific type of divinatory deck with its own system).
I primarily read with the tarot because I find that particular system to be an amazing tool for both personal development and divinatory work, and that is what I want to share with my clients. I do include a single oracle card draw to wrap up 60 minute (or longer) tarot readings, and I have an oracle card add-on available for shorter readings.
Blessed Be. 💟
