Tarot and Oracle Divination

One of my frequently asked questions as a reader is, “What’s the difference between Tarot and Oracle cards?”

Tarot is a set system, with Major Arcana and Minor Arcana divided into 4 suits, similar to play cards (which is where it originated from). Tarot has a set number of 78 cards in a deck, while oracle cards don’t have set number in a deck or set elements such as Major Arcana or suits. Tarot is widely used to give us a look at our current life situations and how better to live them, while oracle gives more of channeled messages depending on the reader and artwork/card meanings set by the author.

Personally I love both as they have their different aspects that are very insightful during readings. Tarot lets you know where and what someone is going through, the lessons they may be overlooking and how to better approach the situation. Oracle, on the other hand, is less structured and is more lax with the insights that it gives. Some people prefer oracle as oracle cards are relatively more easy to connect with and read compared to Tarot, as you need to know some of the aspects and traditional meanings that come with the cards.

How do I get started?

Anyone can read cards, both Tarot and Oracle, connecting with them to deliver a accurate message is another thing. I’ve found in my reading journey that the more you practice, the more you will find YOUR flow and be able to tap in and channel messages easier over time. As with anything, it requires discipline and practice. Many Tarot teaching sources will recommend you to draw a card daily. When you do this is completely up to you, you can pull a card in the rising to give you advise for the day ahead or at the end of the day to see what you’ve learned from the day.

There’s a traditional rule that you need to be gifted Tarot cards, as this was more to keep the integrity of the art to ensure that the upcoming readers are truly gifted and meant for the work. Now with the internet, anyone can have access to getting Tarot cards. I personally bought my own Tarot cards, the first deck I did not connect with as it was more forced because I wanted to dive in. I always recommend making sure you are drawn to a deck before purchasing it. Many decks now run about $45-100 a deck, soul it is important that the deck you choose, you actually really like and connect with. One of the most important aspect is connecting with the artwork, Tarot cards’ artwork tell a story and the more you can connect with that story, the better.

Card Spreads

Regarding card spreads, I wish someone would have told me that I don’t need a spread. You can use one to make it easier for yourself to the purpose of each card, however I find it much more fun just letting the cards come out and going from there. The message flows a lot easier as you practice. I will share my favorite 3 go to spreads that I’ve come to use periodically depending on what the person I’m reading needs.

3 Card Spreads

• Past, Present & Future: This spread will let you know the past, present and future energies of the situation that you are asking about.
• Advise, Shift & Overlooking: This spread will let you know the advice for the situation, how you can shift into a higher vibration and what you may be overlooking about this situation.
• Inner Child, Present Self & Higher Self: This spread is great for tapping in with all of your selves.

Ultimately, use Tarot and/or Oracle cards however it serves you best. Use it to build your intuition, to read yourself and others, it is a tool for your growth and innerstanding. The deck is a tool to help you understand and trust your divine insights and intuition more.