Tarot vs. Oracle Cards: Key Differences and How to Choose Your First Deck

Tarot vs. Oracle Cards: Which Should You Choose?

Tarot vs Oracle – it’s a common question for anyone starting their journey with divination or card reading. At first glance, tarot and oracle decks may look similar: both are card sets with beautiful imagery used for guidance and insight. However, the difference between tarot and oracle cards comes down to their structure, symbolism, and how we use them. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which type of deck might be better for you. We’ll even showcase examples from our own collection – the Occult Tarot (a tarot deck) and the Occult Lenormand (an oracle deck) – to give you a clearer picture. By the end, you’ll have a sense of which deck fits your style, or whether you might enjoy exploring both types!

What Are Tarot Cards?

Tarot cards have been around for centuries and follow a very specific structure. A traditional tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana (22 trump cards like The Fool, The Lovers, Death, etc.) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards split into four suits, similar to playing cards). Each tarot card has a generally agreed-upon meaning or set of interpretations, developed over time through tarot tradition. This means if you learn the basics of one tarot deck, you can usually read any tarot deck – the system is like a universal language among tarot readers.

Structure and Symbolism: Tarot decks, no matter their theme or art style, stick to this 78-card blueprint. For example, our Occult Tarot deck follows the classical tarot structure with 78 cards (in fact, it includes 3 bonus cards for a total of 81 cards, adding extra depth!). It’s built on the Rider-Waite-Smith system, so it contains all the familiar archetypes and suits, but each card is reimagined with original occult symbolism and a darkly elegant art style. In a tarot deck, you’ll encounter a wide range of human experiences and archetypes – from light and uplifting cards to a few intimidating ones (like The Tower or Ten of Swords) that actually provide honest insights rather than just doom and gloom.

Using a Tarot Deck: Tarot is often used for more complex readings. Because of the structured system, tarot cards work together in a spread to tell a story or answer detailed questions. Many tarot readers use specific layouts (like the Celtic Cross or three-card past-present-future spread) to get nuanced answers. Tarot’s consistency means there are many books, guides, and communities to help you learn each card’s meaning. It can feel like a lot to study at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate how deep and versatile tarot reading can be.

For instance, our own Occult Tarot deck is a perfect example of a tarot deck that combines this classical structure with a modern occult twist. Its 78+ cards allow for traditional tarot readings while immersing you in rich, moody imagery for intuitive interpretation.

What Are Oracle Cards?

Oracle cards, on the other hand, are a broad category that basically includes any divination cards that aren’t following the tarot format. This means oracle decks can vary wildly in number of cards, themes, and how they’re used. There is no single standard structure for oracle cards – each deck is unique to its creator’s vision. Oracle decks can have as few or as many cards as they want (30 cards, 44 cards, 100 cards – there are no rules!). They don’t usually have suits or Major/Minor Arcana divisions. Instead, an oracle deck might be organized around a theme or concept.

Themes and Styles: One oracle deck might feature angels with uplifting messages, another might have animal spirits, affirmations, or any theme imaginable. For example, Lenormand cards are a specific kind of oracle system with 36 cards and traditional symbols (like Rider, Clover, Ship, etc.) originally used for fortune-telling in 19th-century Europe. Our Occult Lenormand deck is an oracle deck based on that classic 36-card Lenormand system, but with a twist: it’s infused with occult and shadow-work symbolism. Unlike many gentle oracle decks, the Occult Lenormand is a shadow oracle designed for deep introspection. It invites you to explore what lies beneath the surface with symbols and imagery that embrace both light and dark aspects of life. Because oracle decks don’t require covering an entire spectrum like tarot, each one can focus on a specific vibe or intention. (Many oracle decks are indeed positive and inspirational, which is why people often choose oracle cards for beginners to get quick, encouraging guidance. But as Occult Lenormand shows, oracle decks can also delve into heavier themes – it all depends on the deck!)

Using an Oracle Deck: Oracle cards are typically very easy to use right out of the box. Each card usually comes with a message or keyword on it, and a guidebook will explain the meaning, so you can draw a single card and get a clear insight or affirmation. There aren’t lengthy traditional spreads to learn (unless the deck creator suggests some); you can make up your own layouts or just pull a daily card for advice. This free-form nature is liberating: there are no strict rules with oracle decks. However, because each oracle deck is its own system, you will need to learn the new meanings whenever you pick up a different deck. One oracle deck’s “Sun” card might mean something slightly different in another deck that also has a sun theme, for example. Many people love collecting various oracle decks for this reason – each offers a fresh perspective or a different type of wisdom.

Our Occult Lenormand oracle deck is a great example of how an oracle deck can be structured yet unique: it sticks to the traditional 36 Lenormand symbols (so it has some structure like tarot), but it presents them in a deeply symbolic, occult style intended for personal growth and shadow work. It can be used on its own for straightforward readings or alongside a tarot deck for added insight.

Tarot vs. Oracle: Key Differences

Now that we’ve defined each, let’s compare tarot vs oracle cards directly. Both types are tools for divination and self-reflection, but they differ in a few important ways:

• Structure & Number of Cards: Tarot decks almost always have 78 cards with a fixed structure (22 Major Arcana + 56 Minor Arcana). Oracle decks have no set number – the deck’s creator decides how many cards and what they represent. (For instance, our oracle deck has 36 cards because it follows the Lenormand system, but another oracle might have 50 totally unique cards.) Tarot’s structure means every tarot deck shares common roots, whereas each oracle deck is one-of-a-kind.

• Symbols & Imagery: Tarot covers a wide range of symbols and themes within one deck – from joyful cards to challenging ones – because it aims to represent the full human experience. You’ll find archetypal figures and sometimes old-fashioned esoteric imagery (especially in occult or Rider-Waite-based decks). Oracle cards usually stick to a particular theme or mood. Many oracle decks are positive and uplifting in tone (e.g. angel cards, daily inspiration cards) and avoid the “scarier” imagery you find in tarot. This can make oracle decks feel more approachable if you’re put off by cards like Death or The Devil in tarot. (Of course, not all oracle decks are light and fluffy – Occult Lenormand, for example, embraces the shadows to provide honest insight. But the key is that each oracle sets its own tone.)

• Learning Curve: Tarot has a richer learning curve. With 78 cards and lots of symbolic detail, it can take some study to memorize or familiarize yourself with each card’s meaning (though many beginners start by referencing guidebooks or cheat sheets – you don’t have to learn it all overnight!). The upside is that tarot’s “language” is consistent: once you learn it, you can read with any tarot deck and even do readings without a guidebook because the system is ingrained. Oracle decks are often considered easier or more immediate for beginners. There’s typically less to learn per deck – maybe each card has a keyword or short message, making it clear right away. You can draw an oracle card and usually understand the gist without needing complex spreads or years of study. However, since each oracle deck is different, the knowledge isn’t transferable in the way tarot is. If you pick up a new oracle deck, you get to learn a new set of cards and meanings from scratch (which can be part of the fun!).

• Depth of Reading & Use Cases: Tarot readings tend to be layered and nuanced. Because tarot cards have traditional meanings and relationships (for example, how two cards might strengthen or challenge each other in a spread), tarot shines for in-depth questions, storytelling, or exploring complex issues. You can certainly do simple one-card tarot pulls too, but tarot truly excels in multi-card spreads for detailed insights. Oracle readings are often more straightforward and to-the-point. An oracle card pull is great for quick guidance – like a daily affirmation, a theme to meditate on, or a gentle answer to “What do I need to know right now?” Oracle decks are fantastic for when you want clarity without complication. They also work nicely alongside tarot: some readers will do a tarot spread for detail and then draw an oracle card as an overview or final advice. (For example, you might do a full tarot reading and then draw one Occult Lenormand card to summarize the reading’s theme or give you a focused takeaway.)

In short, tarot and oracle cards both serve as tools for insight, but tarot is like a structured storybook with a familiar cast of characters, while oracle decks are each their own little world of wisdom.

Tarot or Oracle: Which Should Beginners Choose?

If you’re new to card reading, you might be wondering “Tarot vs oracle – which is better for me as a beginner?” The honest answer is: it depends on your personal preferences. Both tarot and oracle cards can be beginner-friendly in their own ways. Here are a few considerations to help you decide:

• Intuition vs. Study: Are you someone who enjoys patterns, structure, and the idea of a long-term study? If yes, you might love starting with tarot. Tarot will give you a structured framework to dive into and you’ll learn a lot about symbolism, mythology, and storytelling as you progress. On the other hand, if you want something you can pick up and use right away for quick intuitive hits, an oracle deck might suit you better initially. With oracle cards (especially oracle cards for beginners that come with clear guidebooks), you can draw a card and get a message without needing to memorize meanings.

• What Are You Drawn To?: Take a look at some deck artwork or themes. Does the traditional imagery of tarot (like the robed figure of The Hermit or the celestial figure of The Star) excite you? Or are you more drawn to a specific theme that an oracle deck offers (like a deck of moon symbols, animal guides, or in our case, an occult-themed Lenormand)? Go with the deck that calls to you the most. The connection you feel is important – you’ll be more motivated to use a deck that resonates with you visually and energetically. For some people, the mystical archetypes in tarot spark curiosity; for others, a specialized oracle (say, a goddess deck or a meditation deck) feels more personally meaningful.

• Your Goals: Think about what you want out of your cards. If your goal is to eventually become a well-rounded card reader or even read for others, learning tarot might give you a strong foundation because it’s widely used and understood. There are plenty of resources, and many people start with a classic tarot like the Rider-Waite-Smith deck for that reason. However, if your goal is more personal – like daily self-reflection, journaling prompts, or a quick spiritual check-in – an oracle deck can be a gentle starting point. Many beginners actually start with an oracle deck for instant encouragement, and then later graduate to tarot for deeper explorations (or vice versa!).

• Why Not Both? Remember, this isn’t an either/or forever decision. You can start with one type and explore the other later. Some beginners get a tarot deck and an oracle deck to experiment with both styles. In fact, using them together can be a rich experience: for example, pull a spread from your tarot deck to get a detailed picture, and then draw an oracle card to capture the overarching advice or theme from the universe. Our Occult Tarot and Occult Lenormand were actually designed to complement each other – you can use the structured tarot to navigate complex questions and then use the oracle to shine a light on the deeper subconscious or spiritual insight behind those answers.

Ultimately, there is no wrong choice. The best deck for you is one that you feel excited to work with. Tarot vs oracle isn’t a battle with a winner – they are different paths to the same destination: greater understanding of yourself and your situations. Trust your intuition when choosing your first deck. If a deck’s artwork or concept makes you say “Wow, I need to have that,” that’s usually a sign to go for it, whether it’s tarot or oracle.

Conclusion: Explore Both Types and Follow Your Intuition

In the end, tarot and oracle cards are like two sides of a wonderful coin. Tarot offers depth, structure, and a time-tested system that many people love to delve into. Oracle cards offer flexibility, creativity, and immediate clarity without rules. Many readers (beginners and experts alike) enjoy using both, depending on the situation. You might start with one and later try the other – or do what we do and keep both on hand for whatever your intuition calls for that day!

If you’re still on the fence in the tarot vs oracle decision, our advice is to explore both and see which resonates. You can’t go wrong by learning a bit about each. In fact, working with both can enhance your understanding of card reading as a whole. Tarot can teach you about common symbolism and storytelling, while oracle decks can teach you to trust your inner voice and go with the flow.

Ready to explore? Feel free to check out our shop where we offer both types of decks. Whether you decide on a classic structured deck like our Occult Tarot or a thematic oracle like our Occult Lenormand, you’ll be joining a journey of discovery and insight. The most important thing is that your deck speaks to you and inspires you to learn and grow. Happy card reading, and may your intuition be your guide!

(P.S. – Still can’t choose? Maybe treat yourself to one of each! After all, the more cards, the merrier on your divination adventure. 😉)