Oracle decks and Tarot cards are a popular divination tool, but how do you choose the one that is right for you?
What is the difference between an Oracle deck and Tarot Cards?
It’s good to know the distinction first.
Tarot cards are a set of 78 cards comprised of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. There are four different suits in Tarot cards (just as there are in ordinary playing cards). The suits of Tarot are Cups, Wands, Pentacles, and Swords.
Each card has its own unique meaning (or several). When you do a Tarot card reading, you are laying out cards in order to create a story that answers the question you have asked the Tarot. It requires a mixture of imagination, intuition, and knowledge of the card meanings to assess a Tarot reading successfully.
Meanwhile, Oracle cards are a little simpler.
All Tarot decks, regardless of the theme/pictures, are usually based around the original Rider-Waite deck of 78 cards. But Oracle cards can be based on any type of theme!
With oracle cards, you would usually ask a question and pick a card. You can use your intuition to decipher what the card means in relation to your question or check the accompanying interpretation book to understand what the card means for you.
Oracle cards are a fun way of answering your questions because the sky really is the limit with them – your imagination knows no boundaries when it comes to the oracle.
How to Choose the Oracle Deck For You
Usually, choosing an Oracle deck is best done on an intuitive basis. If you go into a metaphysical store and see lots of Oracle decks at your disposal, it’s a good idea to browse around and simply choose the one you are most drawn to.
You can, of course, read about different decks beforehand and make a rational assessment for which one you want. But sometimes, simply feeling the best Oracle deck for you is the way to go.
Sometimes, you may have an idea of the type of Oracle deck you want and then find yourself choosing something entirely different – and that is totally fine! That’s your intuition at work – and the thing about your intuition is that you can trust that it knows what’s best for you.
Some things you might want to think about when it comes to your Oracle deck, and what might want, would be:
- The pictures
- The artwork
- Guiding words
- The size of the cards
- The color of the cards
Different Types of Oracle Decks
Below are some of the more common kinds of Oracle decks out there.
Spirit Animal Deck
These are lovely Oracle cards, especially if you are drawn to animals and feel a special connection with them. Spirit animal decks help you tap into your natural side, and help you view things from a more animalistic perspective.
Angel Deck
These are good for people who feel drawn to a higher divinity or are quite ethereal in nature. Angel decks connect you to your higher angels and spirit guides. They can be wonderful as advice cards as your spirit guides want what is best for you.
God/Goddesses Deck
There are Oracle decks based on ancient Gods/Goddesses which are usually of Greek and Egyptian origin. This is a wonderful way to tap into a very ancient power, especially one of ancestry. These decks are particularly good when asking questions about worldly issues.
Affirmation Deck
Affirmation decks are especially good when you are asking about yourself – your self-confidence, self-belief, and your own personal path. Affirmation decks can be inspiring and uplifting as they provide various affirmations to help you deal with your specific issue.
Read this next: 4 Simple Oracle Card Spreads for Deep Intuitive Insights
How to Use Oracle Cards
Once you have your Oracle deck, using them is quite simple.
Shuffle the cards with your question in mind. Then, lay the cards out and reach for one which you feel most drawn to.
You may spend a few minutes or an hour looking at the card and pondering on it. There are no rules when it comes to Oracle cards – go with what your heart tells you and listen to any intuitive wisdom coming through as you stare at the card.
You can pull another card or two if you would like confirmation. A great deal of information can come from just one card and you may be surprised at how much you can gather simply from staring at a picture!
Using Tarot and Oracle Cards Together
You can also use Tarot and Oracle cards together, especially if you have a pressing question.
For example, if you want a more detailed answer, you can use the Tarot cards with your specific question in mind. Then, if you want greater insight, you can ask the same question of your Oracle cards. The picture on the Oracle card may give you greater insight or even a completely new way of thinking – this is because, unlike the Tarot cards, Oracle cards don’t have specific meanings attached and your imagination and intuition is free to roam even more than usual.
Both Tarot and the Oracle cards can be a wonderful way to gain deeper insight and aid you on your spiritual journey. Next time you go into an Oracle store, browse around and see which one calls out to you – remember, it’s calling you for a reason!
Related article: Tarot & Oracle Cards – What’s the Difference?