How are oracle and tarot different?
Frequently Asked Questions: Tarot, Witchcraft, & Divination
Welcome to Season 14 of Every Day Tarot! This season, I’m answering your most frequently asked questions about tarot, witchcraft, and divination.
Today’s question: How are oracle and tarot different?
If you’ve ever wandered into a witchy bookstore or scrolled through spiritual corners of the internet, you’ve probably noticed there are so many types of decks out there. Tarot, oracle, affirmation, runes, hybrids—you name it. And one of the most common questions I get is: “What’s the difference between tarot and oracle cards?” In this episode, I’ll unpack how tarot and oracle cards differ, what makes each unique, and why you don’t have to choose between them.
What we explore in this episode:
The structure of tarot vs. the freedom of oracle decks
Why oracle cards can feel more creative and playful
Featuring some of my favorite oracle decks
Reflection on how both systems can support your spiritual practice
Tarot’s Structure vs. Oracle’s Freedom
Tarot is built on a fixed system: 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 archetypes) and Minor Arcana (four suits, each Ace through 10 plus court cards). This structure creates a shared language across decks, making it great for learning patterns, spreads, and archetypal themes.
Oracle, by contrast, is entirely freeform. Decks can have 39 cards, 44 cards, 60 cards—whatever the creator decides. Each oracle deck carries its own rules, symbolism, and design. That freedom allows for creativity, thematic depth, and fresh perspectives.
Tarot is a system with structure. That consistency is why tarot is so widely taught, written about, and recognizable. I often describe tarot as a map—a framework you can return to again and again to navigate your inner landscape, archetypes, and life lessons.
Oracle decks are the free-spirited cousins of tarot. That freedom allows oracle decks to be wildly diverse. I would describe oracle as more of a conversation starter. It opens the space for intuition, creativity, and journaling without needing to memorize a system.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose. Tarot and oracle complement each other beautifully.
Use Tarot when you want structure, archetypes, spreads, or deep study.
Use Oracle when you want a quick hit of inspiration, journaling prompts, or a deck that speaks directly to a specific theme in your life.
Use Both when you want tarot’s clarity and oracle’s creative voice in the same reading.
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Season 8 - Suit of Swords
Season 9 - Suit of Cups
Season 10 - Tarot and Witchcraft
Season 11 - Tarot and Plant Allies
Season 12- Tarot and Animals
Season 13- Divination and the Harry Potter Series
Deck references from left to right:
💭 Today's Tarot Pull:
Play & Joy - learning to manifest through pleasure
Boundaries & Renewal - tending to your own city first
Connection & Reflection - asking for feedback and allowing yourself to be seen
Community & Collective Consciousness - weaving your unique thread into the whole
Reflective prompts on this card:
Where could I invite more play into my rituals or daily practice?
What boundaries would protect and replenish my energy right now?
Who might I reconnect with for reflection, feedback, or support?
What unique thread am I weaving into my community’s tapestry?
A 12-Week Tarot for Transformation Journey
Starting at the end of September, join me for a 12-week live course based on Tarot for Transformation!
We’ll spend three months together, working through the major arcana as archetypal guides. Each week, we’ll:
Focus on one major arcana card and the life themes it highlights.
Explore journaling prompts and exercises from Dreya Blume’s book.
Share experiences and support each other in a safe, witchy, and affirming space.
Participate in live one-hour calls (with replays available if you can’t join live).
This is not just about learning tarot — it’s about using tarot as a vessel for real, meaningful change in your life.
If you've ever longed for a supportive community to explore big personal shifts, or if you’re ready to commit to discovering your most authentic self, this journey is for you.
You can sign up to receive more information (no FOMO!). We’re planning to begin at the end of August, so there’s plenty of time to get ready.
📥 Sign up for the 12 Week Live Course of Tarot for Transformation here!
Ways to Connect & Support:
Join my 12-week Tarot for Transformation Live course starting this fall where we will be deep diving into the Major Arcana to Discover Our Best Selves and Create a Life Worth Living. If you’re interested, sign up here!
If you sign up before September 12, 2025 get 25% off with code Early Bird!
Get my Tarot Card Creation Workshop including the full hour long recording with my step by step method, examples of the tarot cards I’ve created, journaling questions, and PDF to walk you through it for just $33. Click here to purchase now!
Patreon: For new moon readings, tarot Q&As, individual card pulls, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the Every Day Tarot Patreon family.
Newsletter: Get my FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF + weekly musings, event invites, and magic straight to your inbox.
Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.
If you’re Local:
Check out my Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group. Come chat with other tarot enthusiasts, bring your favorite decks and play with tarot and oracle decks with us!
If you’re interested in celebrating the Full Moon I will be holding Full Moon Womxn’s Circles for the rest of 2025. Join my colleague, Izzy, and I under the glow of the full moon for an evening of connection, reflection, and ritual. This gathering is a space for all womxn. We will be meeting at Threshold’s Collective in Tacoma, the first Sunday of the month to welcome in the full moon together. Upcoming dates: 10/5, 11/2, and 12/7.
Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. If you’re looking for a therapist and I seem like a good fit, please reach out and book a free consultation: camilleasaunders.com