What is the difference between an oracle and tarot?

[Menmay]

I just want to know what the differnce is. I remember my best freind was looking for her first tarot deck and she got an oracle instead. I had been reading tarot for about three years then and I thought it was the samething. when I saw that it was something that I had never seen before we returned it and she got an other deck. So what is the difference?

 

[Rhiannon]

Well, the main difference is the # of cards in the deck. Tarot decks have 78 cards. Although a Majors only deck is the exception, it only has 22.

Oracles feel different when you read with them. To me they are a little "lighter" if that makes any sense... I also don't mind having to look up the meanings of the cards in an oracle deck. But I HATE having to do that with a tarot deck. I made sure to memorize the tarot meanings so that I don't have to stop in the middle and look something up.

Any other opinions?
R

 

[Baby Owl]

Yes, you've pretty much covered it, Rhiannon. It's a little like the tarot decks are "immediate family" and the oracle decks are distant cousins. There's a "feel" to all true tarot decks, with the number of cards, order of cards, names of cards, symbolism and images.

I actually feel different when I'm reading with an oracle deck. It just seems a bit "looser" or maybe, as Rhiannon says, "lighter."

As far as results, that would be an individual matter. But if you are trying to study tarot, you want to get a traditional tarot deck.

Baby Owl

 

[Jewel]

The number of cards, and the structure of the decks. Tarot decks are clearly dividen into Majors, Minors and furthermore into suits. The suits are generally associated with a direction and element.

Oracle decks may or may not have these divisions, depending on the deck. They are less structured than tarot for the most part.

 

[Menmay]

Wow thanks for your responses, now I know. I remember the oracle my freind got was the farire deck. It was so pretty, it was a shame to turn it back in. But know that I know what the difference is I might look itno it as soon as I feel more comfortable with my tarot. Thanks again!!

 

[Jewel]

Menmay, although I am more of a tarot person than an oracle person one thing I have noticed is that the oracles I have used seem to be easier to learn than tarot. Other than personal preference I see no reason why you cannot learn both at the same time. Tarot is real true journey and I do not think we can ever learn all about tarot. For me tarot is a lifetime study.