Tarot Card Reading Vs Oracle Card Readings
Both are popular tools for spiritual guidance and self-reflection, but they each have their own unique history, energy, and approach.
If you’ve ever wondered which one might be right for you, let’s explore their origins and how they’ve evolved.
A Brief History of Tarot
Tarot cards have a long and fascinating history. They first appeared in Europe in the mid-15th century, originally as playing cards for games like tarocchi. It wasn’t until the late 18th century that they began to be used for divination and spiritual guidance.
Traditional Tarot decks contain 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana represents life’s bigger themes and turning points, while the Minor Arcana focuses on everyday matters.
Many people are drawn to Tarot because of its rich symbolism and layered meanings. Each card has its own imagery, archetype, and interpretation, making it a versatile tool for personal insight and intuitive work.
Introducing Oracle Cards
Oracle cards are a broad category of decks that offer insight and guidance. Oracle card decks come in many different themes. Angel cards are specifically based on the theme of angels, providing messages and guidance inspired by angelic beings.
Unlike Tarot, Angel Cards — or any other Oracle deck — don’t follow a fixed structure or set number of cards. Each deck is unique, offering its own energy and design. The messages they share tend to focus on uplifting, gentle guidance from angels, spirit guides, or other divine beings.
The Rise of Angel Cards
Angel Cards, on the other hand, are a much newer creation. They gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, often associated with figures like Jayne Wallace and Nicky Allan and Kyle Grey to name a few, along with many other contemporary spiritual practitioners who have grown a large UK following.
Angel Cards are typically designed to be accessible and comforting, making them a popular choice for beginners or those seeking a softer, more nurturing reading.
The language used in Angel Card readings is often encouraging and heart-led, aimed at offering reassurance, clarity, and support rather than prediction and absolute truths. I talk more about this on my Angel Card Reading page
Key Differences Between Tarot Cards and Oracle Card Decks
While both Tarot and Angel Cards can offer valuable insight, their energy and purpose are slightly different. Tarot can sometimes be more direct or reflective, addressing both challenges and opportunities in a reading.
It encourages deeper self-exploration and can highlight areas for growth, as well as offer practical advice.
Angel Cards tend to focus more on positive affirmations and spiritual encouragement. They often centre around messages of love, healing, and support from the spiritual realm.
Some people find Angel Cards helpful when they’re feeling vulnerable, anxious, or in need of emotional comfort.
I had planned to complement this post with a short video, but I noticed Rebecca Campbell had already done a sterling job on this subject. Feel free to explore Rebecca’s thoughts on what the difference is between Tarot and Oracle card decks.
Should I Choose Tarot or Oracle?
There’s no right or wrong answer; it depends on what you’re drawn to and what kind of guidance you’re seeking.
Some people love the rich symbolism and structure of Tarot, while others prefer the nurturing tone of Angel Oracle Card readings. Many readers (not myself) use both Tarot and Oracle cards, choosing whichever feels most appropriate for the person or situation at hand.
Ultimately, both are tools that can help you connect with your inner wisdom and the supportive energies around you.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you’d like to learn how to read cards, keep an eye out for upcoming Amethyst Angel Card Reading online workshops.
