Oracle Vs. Tarot — What’s The Difference?

Sara Grace Stasi
3 min readFeb 22, 2023
Photo by petr sidorov on Unsplash

There is a great deal of confusion for beginners about the differences in divination card systems. Tarot and oracle cards are both used for divination and providing insight into the future. However, they have key differences that distinguish one from the other. Tarot cards are a specific type of deck with a structure and established meanings, while oracle cards are more diverse and flexible.

Structure and History

Tarot cards are a deck of 78 cards, divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). Each card has a specific meaning, and the entire deck is designed to be used in a specific way, with a particular layout or spread. Tarot cards have a rich history, with roots dating back to medieval Europe. They were originally used for playing games, but over time, they became associated with divination and mysticism.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, do not have a set structure or number of cards. There are countless types of oracle decks, each with its own set of themes, symbols, and meanings. Oracle cards can be used in a variety of ways, depending on the deck and the reader’s preference. Oracle cards have a more recent history, emerging in the 19th century as a way to access spiritual guidance and wisdom.

Symbolism and Meaning

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Sara Grace Stasi

Poems, short fiction, photography, musings on life. Santa Cruz, California. BA American Lit | BA Anthropology | MA Education. Patreon: sgstasi