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Tarot vs Oracle

4/15/2024

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I know that there are more deck types out there than just tarot an oracle, this is my focus for now. I may choose to write about others like Kipper, Lenormand, or wisdom cards at another time.
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As I have mentioned before, I write reviews for tarot and oracle decks for a friend of mine. I love using the cards; oracles being my favourite. I do readings mostly for myself, but I know so many more talented readers, I don’t do them professionally. That said, I have a very large collection of decks, and I am always collecting more. My favourite decks are usually oracle cards. I have my favourite authors like Barbara Moore who provides phenomenal tutorial information, card descriptions, and reading tips in her companion books (in the larger deck sets), and artists like Jasmine Becket-Griffith and her wide-eyed beings, and Paolo Barbieri and his fantastical creatures.  I love oracle cards because every deck is different. You have to work with your deck to learn how to read with it. While a lot learning to read cards is about using your intuition (regardless if you are using tarot or oracle), I always recommend reading the companion book to see how the author explains the theme of the deck and how it pertains to a reading. They often provide deck theme related spreads, and their card descriptions can help provide more in-depth meanings to the cards you may not have thought of/felt. I have also found that, depending on the oracle deck you choose, the readings they provide can range from gentle messages to really deep or bold, and sometimes provoking messages. Actually, over the last few years I have noticed an increase in decks being released that focus on shadow work, which can be tough at times.
While I do love the diverse personalities of oracle decks, there is something to be said about the comfort of a structured system like tarot. Once you learn how to use tarot cards you can pick up pretty much and tarot deck and use it. While there are some variations to card meanings, depending on the author and their intent in creating the deck, you don’t necessarily have to follow their descriptions by wrote. There are many books out there that can teach you the basics of tarot, and more that will teach you the basic symbolism and story of the cards. However, nothing really beats learning hands on working with the cards. That goes for any deck.
There is no “best” deck to use, whether it be tarot or oracle, and choosing a deck is very personal. The artwork and symbolism must resonate with you personally. Choosing a deck that has a theme you are familiar with can also help learn the deck faster. There are a wide variety of decks to choose from, that range from creatures (whether real or mythical), to beings like angels/demons, faeries, or the Gods/Goddesses, and even TV shows/movies, crystals, herbs, locations, and so much more. I really do believe there is a deck out there for everyone (should they want one). I would also point out that spreads are not generally tarot or oracle specific either. Most spreads can be used with either. Choosing a spread is mostly about what you want to ask, and how in-depth you need to go; not what deck you are using.
One final thought. I have heard that it was said somewhere that someone has to buy you a deck. I do believe this to be a myth. While my first deck (and a few since then) was actually a gift from a friend long ago, I have bought hundreds of decks since then, and I find no difference in their usability or credibility whether purchased or gifted.

So, which do you prefer? Or which would you like to learn?

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    Not just a writer, I am also an eclectic solitary practitioner, Reiki Master, and Shadow Worker.

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