Tarot Cards vs. Oracle Cards: What’s the Difference (and Which One Is Right for You)?
One of the most common questions I hear in the shop is:
“What’s the difference between tarot cards and oracle cards?”
They’re displayed here at the shop side-by-side; they both involve intuition and insight, and yet… they’re very different tools energetically and practically. If you’ve ever felt drawn to one but unsure why, this post is for you.
Let’s break it down in a simple, grounded way.
Tarot Cards: Structure, Story & Sacred Tradition
Tarot is a structured system that’s been around for centuries. A traditional tarot deck contains 78 cards, divided into two main parts:
• The Major Arcana (22 cards) - big life themes, soul lessons, turning points
• The Minor Arcana (56 cards) - everyday experiences, emotions, challenges, and actions
Because the Major Arcana follows a set structure, it tells a story…the journey of the fool or the hero’s journey. The cards can be viewed as stages of personal transformation, growth, and self-discovery. We start with the fool (new beginnings and innocence) and end with the World (completion and integration).
The Minor Arcana is where tarot really meets everyday life. These cards reflect the day-to-day experiences we all move through: our emotions, thoughts, actions, work, relationships, and challenges. Divided into four suits (Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands), the Minor Arcana shows how life is unfolding right now, not just the big soul-level themes. These cards often point to practical details, patterns, and choices, helping us understand what’s happening beneath the surface and where small shifts can make a big difference. While the Major Arcana speaks to life-changing moments, the Minor Arcana gently reminds us that transformation often happens in the ordinary moments too.
Tarot readings are layered and nuanced. They invite reflection, curiosity, and a deeper relationship with yourself over time. They help with gaining clarity during transitions, exploring patterns and lessons, understanding why something is happening, and looking at situations from multiple angles.
Oracle Cards: Intuition, Freedom & Gentle Guidance
Oracle cards are much more free-form. There’s no set number of cards, no required structure, and no universal system every deck must follow. Each oracle deck is created around a theme such as angels, crystals, affirmations, moon phases, animals, goddesses, you name it! The artist of oracle decks can be as creative and imaginative as they like.
Because of this, oracle cards tend to feel softer, more direct, encouraging, and supportive.
Oracle decks are perfect if you want daily guidance or inspiration, emotional reassurance, a single message or affirmation to focus on, or if you need a gentle nudge from the universe.
They’re incredibly approachable, even if you’ve never worked with cards before. Many are first drawn to an Oracle deck for the artwork and then dive into the meaning of the individual cards.
Tarot or Oracle: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s the truth I always share with customers:
There’s no “better” deck…only the one that feels right to you and that you are drawn to.
You might love tarot for deeper dives and oracle cards for daily check-ins. Many people use both together, pulling a tarot card for insight and an oracle card for guidance or affirmation.
If you’re brand new:
Oracle cards often feel easier to start with
Tarot may call to you when you’re ready for more depth, or you want to explore the journey you are on.
If you’re more experienced:
Tarot offers rich symbolism and storytelling
Oracle decks can beautifully support and soften readings
And sometimes… the deck chooses you!
A Final Thought
Whether you’re drawn to tarot, oracle, or both, these cards aren’t about predicting the future or handing over your power. They’re tools for self-reflection, intuition, and connection; gentle mirrors that help you listen to what you already know deep down.
If you’re curious, come spend some time with the decks in the shop. Hold them. Flip through them. See which one whispers to you.
Your intuition always knows!
And….
If tarot has been calling to you, whether you’re brand new, a little intimidated, or ready to deepen your relationship with the cards, I’d love to invite you to Learn to Love the Tarot, our January tarot class series over 4 Sundays here at Soulful Abundance. Guided by Psychic Medium Joanne Clarkson, we’ll explore the ancient symbolism, spiritual insight, and timeless guidance held within the cards - from their historical origins to practical, intuitive readings for everyday life.
This is a gentle, supportive space to explore the structure of tarot, build confidence, and learn how to read the cards in a way that feels intuitive and grounded. No pressure, no memorizing, just curiosity, connection, and learning to trust your own inner wisdom.✨
You can find all the details and sign up here:
shopsoulfulabundance.com/events-tarot-class-series
Date: Sundays, January 11 - February 1, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Soulful Abundance, 914 Water Street, Downtown Port Townsend
Cost: $100 for all four classes • $30 per single class
Our newest Tarot deck that just arrived!