Whether it’s for love, career, or family, at some stage most people need guidance in their lives. Because of this need for clarity, various divination and self-exploratory techniques have grown in popularity over the years. These include, but aren’t limited to, tarot and oracle readings, both of which are practices that can offer some insight on what one’s next actions should be.
Indeed, many turn to these card readings to get some hints about their future or to explore their emotions or subconscious more deeply. Whatever a person’s reason may be for getting a card reading, consulting a professional card reader can give them exactly the kind of advice they need to hear now—as long as these readings are done with the right intention.
If you’re curious about getting a card reading, you may wonder which type you should investigate. Unfortunately, one of the most common misconceptions about booking a tarot or oracle reading is that one practice is better than the other. The truth is, both systems of reading for clients are equally effective and it is a choice that is ultimately a matter of preference.
Which reading method is better for you? Read on to learn a little bit more about the differences and similarities between the two, as well as some tips to remember before going in for a card reading:
1. What Are Some of the Similarities Between Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards?
Ultimately, both tarot and oracle cards are a way of exploring oneself through the meaning of the images on each card. Like other forms of cartomancy or card reading, tarot and oracle cards rely on symbols. This means that the images on each card are not just arbitrary for the reader or their client. Rather, these readings evoke in both reader and client a certain meaning.
Both tarot and oracle cards can also be read in different ways. Not all card readers adhere to the standard meanings. Other readers prefer to employ an alternative method of card reading, which is called intuitive reading.
Put simply, intuitive reading in cartomancy means interpreting the cards in a way that isn’t commonly associated with their standard, more traditional symbolic meanings. The reader instead looks at other aspects of the spread, such as how the cards are arranged or the colours each card has.
2. What Are Some of the Differences Between Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards?
The main difference between oracle cards and tarot cards is the divination system they follow. This means that tarot and oracle decks have different rules on how they can be used to read the future or delve into one’s subconscious.
While tarot cards’ imagery can be diverse depending on the artist’s interpretation of each card, they still largely follow the Rider-Waite Smith (RWS) system. This means that although the artist has free rein on how they interpret a certain card, their interpretation is still based on at least a loose idea of what the card’s original meaning is.
Tarot decks are also fixed at 78 cards per deck, following the RWS system. Because of this, some people consider it easier to read tarot cards because they can memorise the cards’ standard meanings.
On the other hand, oracle cards are more diverse, and artists have full liberty on how they want their oracle decks to be used. For instance, there are plant oracle decks, oracle decks based on the descriptions of spirit guides, and even decks based on self-care tips. Unlike tarot, which has a basic structure, each unique oracle deck has its own set of rules made by its creator. The number of cards per deck can range from as few as twenty to as many as a hundred. Because of their diversity and variety, some consider oracle cards easier to read, especially when working with a more straightforward deck.
3. Things to Remember Before You Get a Reading
Before booking a reading with a trusted card reader, you’ll want to take note of a few things.
The first is to trust your intuition. This is perhaps the most important part of communing with our higher selves. Your intuition, sometimes known as your gutfeel, will inform you what type of reading you need. This could mean intuitively selecting the right reader or figuring out whether you are inclined to ask a reader for oracle or tarot cards, or both. Trusting your gutfeel will lead to a more fulfilling reading experience because it creates a sense of alignment with the self.
The next thing you need to do is to focus on your question. Take a deep breath, or meditate for a short while, and think about how you want to phrase your question. Be as clear as possible about what you want to ask. Otherwise, the reading may not resonate because your vague question contained a completely different message.
Once you’ve done these steps, you can proceed with booking a reading and feel confident that you’ll get the clarity you need.
When it comes to choosing the right type of reading for you, only you can tell which one will work best for your needs. Your set of circumstances at the time may call for one type of reading over another. You must also consider your background, the context in which you are getting a card reading, and your main reason for booking this reading in the first place.
With that said, you do not necessarily have to choose just one kind of card reading. Many card readers use a combination of tarot and oracle card reading techniques. Some do this because it helps them bring out a deeper form of self-reflection and understanding for each client.
Whether you go for a card reading that uses tarot cards, oracle cards, or a combination of both, remember to trust yourself and listen to what you feel you need now. It will make for a better experience and
ultimately help you find the message that you should hear when you need it most.
Whether it’s for love, career, or family, at some stage most people need guidance in their lives. Because of this need for clarity, various divination and self-exploratory techniques have grown in popularity over the years. These include, but aren’t limited to, tarot and oracle readings, both of which are practices that can offer some insight on what one’s next actions should be.
