Tarot v Oracle

© Copyright 2023 Fran Carey, All Rights Reserved.

One of the most commonly asked questions is what is the difference between tarot and oracle?

All tarots are oracles, but not all oracles are tarot. Let me explain.

Tarot dates to at least the fourteenth century, when some of the earliest decks were found in the Marseille area of France. Decks based on this style are still available today. What sets tarot apart is its codified structure. Tarot decks, as a general rule, have 78 cards, a 22 card Major Arcana, which depicts the Fool's Journey, and a 56 card Minor Arcana, which is divided into 4 suits that later became our playing cards. Each suit contains an Ace, numbered cards 2 through 10, and Court Cards, most often depicted as Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

Oracles, with the exception of Kippers and Lenormands, do not have a specific structure or number of cards. Those decisions are up to the creators. I have seen as few as 12 cards and as many as 300, although a common number is 36 or 44.

Kipper decks were created in Germany in the 19th century, and based on archetypes and archetypal events of everyday life, making them easy for a beginner to read.

Lenormands have 52 cards for a Grand or 36 cards for a Petite, and were developed by Madame Lenormand, fortune teller to Napoleon Bonapart. They are based on playing cards and coffee ground readings, and some spreads use the entire deck.

On a practical level, I find oracles good for big picture readings, or uncomplicated questions, while I prefer tarot for more complex issues and deeper insight into the question. An oracle can tell you yes, you can afford the red Ferrari, but a tarot will tell you yes, you can afford the car, but not the insurance, you will have a conniption the first time you scratch it, and driving it downtown will be a pure nightmare for that reason.

Both have a place in every psychic's collection, and both can be used for spell work or meditation in addition to divination. Find the deck whose artwork and concept speak to you, and get in touch with your inner self and the possibilities for your future.

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