What is the difference between Tarot and Oracle?

Cartomancy is the art of reading cards - any kind of card, even your standard playing cards. Learning to read tarot and oracle is a lifelong, personal journey of interpretation that encompasses spirituality, history, mythology, and symbolism.

TAROT CARD DECKS

The classic tarot deck is a set of 78 cards, each with its own unique imagery, symbolism and story. The deck is divided into two sections: 22 Major Arcana and 56 minor Arcana cards. 

MAJOR ARCANA

The Major Arcana are 22 trump cards which represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons. Numbered 0 through 21 they include the Empress, High Priestess, The Magician, The Hierophant and The Fool.

MINOR ARCANA

The Minor Arcana which reflects the trials and tribulations that we experience on a daily basis, consist of four suits of 14 cards – King, Queen, Knight and Page. The four suits are Swords, Wands, Cups and Pentacles.

Using these cards, people are able to perform readings on themselves and for others as guidance to life's questions such as career, relationships, and finances.

The Rider-Waite deck is considered the classic tarot deck, if you are starting on your journey to learn about the Tarot, we recommended you start with the Rider Waite deck. Other Tarot decks also have the standard 78 cards though the cards can have slightly different names, interpretations and illustrations depending on the author.

ORACLE CARD DECKS

Oracle card decks do not have a set structure or a specific number of cards. Any card deck that isn't a standard 78 card deck and based on the classic Tarot is called an Oracle deck. The number of cards can range between 20 - 55 cards per deck depending on the author. Oracle Card decks tend to come with a guidebook to help interpret the cards and the spreads.

Oracle cards are often used to offer guidance in a quick and simple way. 

AFFIRMATION AND MANIFESTATION CARD DECKS

Affirmation and manifestation decks have been growing in popularity. Affirmation cards are similar to Oracle decks and don't have a set structure, the number of cards can range between 10 - 25 cards per deck depending on the author.

I hope you enjoy discovering the magic of your card decks! Card decks can be used in combination with other modalities including rituals, divination and rune casting.

If you have any questions about tarot, oracle or affirmation card decks or how to incorporate them into your personal or professional practice, shoot me a message.

~ Love & Light ~