What's The Difference Between Tarot And Oracle

At their most basic level, tarot cards are a traditionally organized deck. When it comes to Tarot, there are a few more guidelines than there are for Oracle cards. Oracle cards can include nearly any type of content because they are so open-ended. There are typically 78 cards in a deck of tarot cards. Some decks enjoy being distinctive and a little unique. In the end, you might have 80 cards or 44 cards, but 78 cards are the norm. Contrarily, there is no predetermined quantity of Oracle cards. A deck can include 12, 100, or any other number of cards.

Tarot cards have a conventional deck design and accepted interpretations. The majority of decks are variations of the Rider-Waite format, and they all have similar themes. Even though the graphics and the visuals could be completely different, the messaging behind the card is frequently fairly same. As a result, although Oracle cards lack a common subject, Tarot cards generally have one that unifies all of the cards.

I think of Tarot cards as the ingredients and Oracle cards as the main course. Since it is so filling, you wouldn’t have more than one major meal, but you could surely have a lot of ingredients.

In This Article...

Are oracle and tarot cards interchangeable?

Oracle decks are a self-reflection tool that you can use for fun or as part of your magical and spiritual practice. There are some significant differences between tarot cards and oracle cards, despite the fact that both can offer insight. The Rider-Waite deck, the first tarot deck, is the model for the majority of tarot decks.

What do tarot cards reveal?

Decks of Oracle Cards to Consider The cards, according to the author, are intended to aid in the development of your intuition, self-love, inner beauty, and emotional well-being. They can be used daily for contemplation, meditation, or in a tarot-inspired spread. Working with nature feels quite natural to Basile.

Infuse the cards with your energy

Pichinson advises first imbuing your oracle cards with your energy by playing with them or even carrying them around with you in order to develop a deep bond with them. She claims that your cards will work for and with you more the more you use and interact with them.

How frequently should Oracle cards be used?

Don’t utilize the cards excessively. The accuracy rate will drastically decrease if you repeatedly give yourself readings numerous times per day. Some people enjoy doing a daily morning or evening card draw for themselves. Every Sunday afternoon, I normally read to myself.

What do I need to ask the oracle?

What about my current situation am I missing?
What is preventing me from progressing?
How am I putting obstacles in my path?
What can I concentrate on?
What can I learn from this experience?
What must be resolved in order for me to proceed?
What could I do to change my viewpoint?
What am I in most need of right now?
Why can’t I go as quickly as I’d like?
What information do I most need right now?
Why does it feel difficult?
Why do I feel as though I’m in a rut?
Why am I the ideal candidate for this position/job/project?
Why is it certain that this will be successful?
How can I draw in more cash?
How does this relate to my soul’s mission?
How can I make sure this works out?
Which way can I help today?
How can I proceed in the most effective way?
How can I simplify this?
What fun could this possibly be?
How can I maintain my current high vibration?
What can I do to change the energy here?
Which of my qualities is currently the best support for me?
What might prevent me from being successful with this?
What could make this process go more quickly?
How does it feel to live a life of abundance?
What do I fear most in terms of money?
What might aid in my obtaining the promotion I desire?
What direction will my soul take me next?
What about my current circumstance am I missing?
What will enable me to reach my objectives?
What do I need to concentrate on in order to make the greatest choice possible?
What if I took this other course of action?
How was it possible for me to accept wealth?
How can I influence the world more significantly?
How can I be more true to who I am?
What fear do I need to let go of right this second?
What will make me more content inside?
What is currently preventing me from succeeding?
What do I actually think about money at the moment?
How do I allow myself to be open to countless possibilities?
How can I accept myself in my current state?
What would make my life more joyful?

Can I read Tarot cards on my own?

It’s normal to be a little clumsy when you first start practicing the tarot. Tarot study is similar to learning a new languageit takes time to become proficient. But what happens if you no longer require the booklet and have intimate familiarity with the deck? Are you able to read yourself? No, except for a few rare instances. Simply put, it’s a horrible idea.

You see, the majority of us turn to astrology or tarot when we’re looking for clarity amid a period of ambiguity. In contrast to astrology, which is quite technical, our consciousness restricts our capacity to read tarot cards. Working with your personal interpretation of the cards, you are not constrained by short- and long-term cycles like the planets’ orbits. It might be tricky to go beyond your current circumstances while utilizing the tarot to better understand a trying scenario. Even if all the cards are spread out in front of you, putting them together requires such a broad perspective that it is all but impossible to fully understand the meaning of each card. Basically, any biases you already have will always be reflected in your tarot reading!

How are Tarot cards activated?

What to Do First:

Get out your tarot deck.
The cards are in your hand.
“Knock or tap the pile of cards numerous times while holding them in your palm to disseminate your energy throughout the deck.
Shuffle the cards completely.
The cards are divided into three heaps, which are subsequently reassembled into one pile.

Step 1: Check Out Other Oracle Decks.

Check out the various oracle decks that other people have made on Pinterest. Which decks do you gravitate toward? Do you like playing card size or larger cards? Which form do you favor? If you prefer circles or triangles, they don’t have to be rectangles! What color palettes appeal to you? Keep in mind the objectives of each deck. Some are intended for divination, while others are just meant to brighten your day with a little inspiration.

You’ll begin to see certain patterns as you look around at what’s available. Topical or character-based oracle decks are the two main types of oracle decks. A topical deck might, for instance, include a different affirmation on each card. Each card in a character-based oracle deck can depict a different animal.

Step 2: Brainstorm Themes for Your Cards.

Take some time to write down ideas for your own deck now that your mind is overflowing with fantastic oracle deck concepts. Allow your imagination to run free while you complete this. Without filtering or judging, jot down every thought that comes to you. You could be pleasantly surprised by the themes you generate.

Consider the aspects of your life that “feel magical and spark something within of you” if you find yourself in a rut. Nature, sacred places (in your neighborhood or throughout the globe), magical objects you use in rituals, shapes, notable figures from literature, musicians, affirmations to stay motivated, food, quotes, or poetry could all be included.

Make a list of all the unique card design ideas you have after choosing a topic. Choose whether you want words or just an image on the cards. Sort through the design concepts and choose the ones that speak to you the most, even if you have no idea why. You can arrange your oracle deck’s cards in whatever number you like. The rules are up to you as this deck is exclusively yours.

Step 3: Pick Your Materials.

There are many options available to you. You can either buy the supplies at a nearby craft store or just use what you already have. Witches are resourceful individuals, and I think it’s entertaining to search through my home for unusual creative supplies.

Here’s what I’ve used to make oracle decks:

Notecards that measure 4 by 6 inches These are excellent since they are stronger than standard paper and are all the same size. And they already have a card shape. No cutting is necessary!
a stack of cards
On this paper, you can trace your playing cards and cut them out one by one. This allows you more flexibility when choosing card sizes and shapes. (Remember that these cards don’t have to be square either. Circles, triangles, and hexagons can also be used.
cardboard from cracker and cereal boxes, etc.
Oracle cards made on this sturdy, thin cardboard will last a long time. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to reuse items you already have around the house! For my card designs, I typically paint white over the cardboard to create a blank canvas.
Always useful is Elmer’s Glue-It.
Mod Podge or Gloss Medium
This can be used for image transfers or to adhere paper to items that aren’t made of paper.
paint brushes
These can be used with gloss media, glue, or paint.
Paint
Because they are less textured as they dry, acrylic paint and watercolors perform better than oil paint.
Aerosol Paint
It’s ideal for stencils. Use this outside only, please. There is a fume!
Calligraphy pens, colored pencils, or markers
Your oracle cards will have a completely unique appearance if you handwrite the words and draw your own designs.
GlitterI’m kind of obsessed with the stuff, but use it with caution because it gets everywhere.
vintage mags
Using tape or glue, attach the images that go with the subject of your oracle deck to the cards.
If you have any personal images that fit your topic, use them!
birthday cards or postcards
You can boost the potency of your oracle deck by including symbols that have personal significance in your deck.
It’s all earthy with the pressed dried grass, flowers, or leaves! When you paint the gloss medium or mod podge directly on the paper and again immediately over the plants when you’re gluing it to your cards, they stick to the paper more effectively.
sanitary paper
I enjoy cutting out tissue paper forms and adhering them with gloss medium or dilute Elmer’s glue. This gives the effect of stained glass.
Paper Gift Wrap
This is useful for creating a consistent appearance on the back of the cards.
Sticky tape
I transfer images with this.
packaging tape in clear
This works for image transfers and to give your cards a nice finish. It resembles laminating somewhat.
Exactly what you want!

Step 4: Design the Back of Your Cards.

Choose whether you want all of the cards’ backs to be identical or more distinctive “jumbled up. Traditionally, decks of cards will all have identical “backs. This has the advantage that you won’t be able to tell which cards you’re drawing for a reading.

I suggest using masking tape, scrapbooking paper, gift wrap paper, or pattern stencils to create this uniform appearance.

The alternative is to customize each card. Although unconventional, this is a lot of fun. You’ll have to keep your eyes closed while drawing a card because you’ll be aware of the variations in your deck, but others who aren’t familiar with the cards might find the reading to be interesting. Their intuition might help them choose a specific hue or pattern from among your collection of miniature works of art during readings.

Paper weaving is a different technique I adore doing for the backs of my oracle cards. I take two identically sized pieces of colored paper and cut them into strips. I’m going to tape one pair of strips vertically side-by-side on a flat surface. After that, I horizontally weave in the second set of strips, alternating over and under, until all of the strips are woven in. You can glue the resulting checkerboard-style design to the back of your playing cards.

Step 5: Design the Front of Your Cards.

Recall the list you created in step two? Check it out by taking it out. Give each card in your oracle deck a design concept.

To create and embellish your cards, you can choose whichever medium you choose. Just bear in mind that you need to be able to shuffle these cards. Treat the textured materials gently.

Try outlining your symbols or characters on the cards if you can draw. Find photographs that go with your topic and attach them to the cards to give them a collage-like appearance if you’re not too confident in your artistic abilities.

Working on one card at a time can help you avoid getting overwhelmed. Only work on them when you’re feeling inspired because making them should be enjoyable rather than a duty. While you’re creating your cards, your energy will be absorbed, so have fun!

Step 6: Create Your Card Meanings.

Take a moment to connect with each of your finished oracle cards after gathering them all. Hold just one card at a time, giving it your whole attention. When you close your eyes, pay attention to the card’s energy. Describe how it feels in your hands. Does it evoke any feelings in you? After that, open your eyes and go over the card’s details. Keep track of the thoughts that run through your head. What does this card represent, ask yourself? Make notes on your observations and assign meanings to each card in light of your observations.

Additionally, you can do this as you design your cards. Writing down thoughts, associations, and meanings that come to mind throughout the creative process so that you can review them later can be quite helpful for this phase. Additionally, when you learn to know your cards better, don’t be hesitant to revise meanings. It should be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Do not overthink it.

Step 7: Make a Unique Cover For Your Deck.

Choose how you wish to store your cards while you’re not using them to prevent losing or destroying them. They can be kept in a pouch, tied with a ribbon, or kept in a pretty box. I like to preserve my oracle cards wrapped in a piece of white fabric that I used to wipe my paintbrush when creating them. Now I have a lovely fabric that matches the hues of my deck and has been imbued with my creative energy.

Step 8: Discover How to Use Your Oracle Deck.

Try out some oracle card combinations. Aim to pick a card each day, or design some spreads centered on the subject of your deck. If you like, you may add or remove cards from your deck. Let your oracle deck develop and adapt with you as it is YOUR design!