What is the difference between Tarot cards and Oracle cards? This is a question I am asked frequently. One or another being "better" Is truly a point of view in the eyes of the reader. Read on to find some key differences.
Tarot cards consist of 78 cards which are structured to include 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards. This structure can be broken down even farther as the minor arcana includes 40 cards divided into four equal suits and a total of 16 court cards. It may sound a little confusing, but when they are laid out, they form very conceivable and understandable life situations.
The court cards are the people of tarot and are divided up into what a lot of readers call families. Each card depicts elements of the suits with ranks from page to King, showing a progression in maturity. These distinctions are taken into account to match with personality traits or situations in a seekers life.
While there are many, many different tarot decks; they all follow a structure similar to that listed above which is based on the Rider Waite.
Oracle cards, on the other hand, can have as many; or as little, cards as the creator would like to include. These decks usually follow an intended theme. Some may include words or key phrases directly on the cards to give the reader a brief indication of what the card means. These cards come in many themes. I personally have an oracle deck that is themed on moon phases, one that is angel based, and one, even that is an "in your face" mix of swearing and inspiration!!
My personal view is that Oracle cards are more intuitive to read, while Tarot carries a structure which allows for the same common meanings to carry over from deck to deck. I love reading with both!! What do you like better?
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