However, some oracle decks might use some variation of a tarot deck. They typically don't have the five suits (majors, cups, swords, and pentacles) like a tarot deck. The number of cards is less (or sometimes more, but that's less common) than the 78 cards in a tarot deck. “There aren't any major or minor arcana oracle cards. “Oracle cards don’t follow the traditional tarot structure,” White says. In fact, Tasia White, EdD, intuitive coach and tarot reader, says that’s the biggest difference between the two.
While you can use both oracle cards and tarot to ask similar questions, they’re structured very differently. If you’re new to oracle cards, experts share some key things to look out for in the best oracle card decks for beginners. “The messages from an oracle card allow the reader to contemplate a scenario, and can even offer the opportunity to shift one’s perspective,” she says. According to Dawn Marino, expert tarot and oracle card reader, these cards can be inspiring, motivational, and insightful. Like the tarot, oracle cards are great tools you can use to learn more about yourself on a deeper level, gain a better understanding of a situation that’s troubling you, or get advice on what to do moving forward.
