135: Tarot vs. Oracle Cards: What’s the Difference? A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing and Reading Cards

What is the difference between tarot cards and oracle cards? Which deck is easier for beginners? Can you use tarot and oracle cards together—and how do you choose the right deck for your spiritual practice?In this fun and beginner-friendly episode, Bertena explains the differences between tarot and oracle cards without making either practice feel complicated or intimidating.Tarot and oracle cards can both support intuition, spiritual growth, self-reflection, journaling, and personal guidance, but they do not follow the same system.A traditional tarot deck contains 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. Tarot follows a recognizable structure that includes four suits, numbered cards, and court cards. Because the cards belong to a shared system, tarot can offer a detailed look at relationships, decisions, challenges, repeating patterns, and possible next steps.Oracle decks have much more freedom. There is no required number of cards or universal oracle-card structure. Each creator chooses the deck’s theme, artwork, messages, and method of interpretation. Oracle cards may focus on goddesses, angels, ancestors, animals, affirmations, moon cycles, chakras, healing, shadow work, or another spiritual subject.If tarot is a language with its own grammar, every oracle deck is an individual conversation.In this episode, Bertena explains why oracle cards may feel easier when you are beginning, how tarot becomes easier once you recognize its patterns, and why you do not have to choose only one.In This Episode You Will LearnThe main differences between tarot and oracle cardsWhy traditional tarot decks contain 78 cardsHow the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana workWhy oracle decks do not follow one universal structureWhether tarot or oracle cards are easier for beginnersHow to choose your first tarot or oracle deckHow to ask better questions during a card readingHow to combine tarot and oracle cards in the same readingHow to begin reading cards without memorizing every meaningWhether you need to use reversed tarot cardsWhy you do not have to receive your first deck as a giftSimple ways to connect with your intuitionHow to use cards without surrendering your judgment or personal powerBertena also guides you through a simple card-reading practice you can try during the episode.If you are using an oracle deck, you will pull one card and explore its message, imagery, and connection to your life.If you are using tarot, you will pull three cards representing:What you already knowWhat you may not be seeing clearlyOne helpful next stepYou do not have to produce a perfect interpretation. Begin by noticing the colors, people, symbols, emotions, and movement within the card. Your honest first response can be just as valuable as the meaning in the guidebook.Can Tarot and Oracle Cards Be Used Together?Yes. Tarot and oracle cards can work beautifully together.You might begin with one oracle card to reveal the main spiritual theme of your reading. You can then pull tarot cards to explore the situation, challenge, and next step in greater detail. Finish with another oracle card for encouragement, reflection, or a closing message.Think of the oracle card as the title of the chapter and the tarot cards as the pages that explain the story.Learn Tarot and Oracle with BertenaIf you are ready to explore tarot and oracle cards in a welcoming and practical environment, join Bertena for her upcoming in-person class on October 11.Bertena also offers live Zoom classes for students who want to learn from home and online courses for those who prefer to study at their own pace.These classes are designed for beginners, returning students, intuitive readers, and anyone who wants to build confidence while developing a deeper relationship with the cards.Visit Bertena.org to explore current classes and registration information.While you are there, sign up for Bertena’s newsletter to receive announcements about upcoming tarot and oracle classes, Zoom gatherings, online courses, podcast episodes, spiritual teachings, and special events.Subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with someone who owns a deck—or someone standing in front of an entire wall of decks wondering which one to choose.Episode Keywordstarot vs oracle cards, difference between tarot and oracle cards, tarot cards for beginners, oracle cards for beginners, how to read tarot cards, how to read oracle cards, tarot and oracle reading, tarot deck meanings, oracle deck meanings, beginner tarot reading, choosing your first tarot deck, choosing an oracle deck, Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, tarot card suits, intuitive card reading, spiritual card reading, tarot classes, oracle card classes, online tarot course, Zoom tarot class, tarot and oracle workshop, develop your intuition, divination for beginners, Bertena