When I first began reading oracle cards, I remember feeling both excited and a little intimidated. The artwork and mystery drew me in — each card seemed to whisper a secret — yet I wasn’t sure how to listen. Was there a “right” way to read them? Did I have to memorise meanings?
The beauty of oracle cards is that there are no rigid rules — they essentially are a tool for spirit to communicate with you.
What Are Oracle Cards?
Oracle cards are a spiritual tool for reflection, guidance and connection. They can range from decks of 36 cards or more, unlike Tarot, which follows a set structure of 78 cards divided into suits and archetypes, oracle decks are freeform — each one carries the unique energy and vision of its creator.
You might find decks themed around angels, plants, animals, or spiritual concepts. Some come with guidebooks, others encourage pure intuition. Each deck has its own voice and vibration, and thus each deck brings new ways and answers for spirit to communicate with you.
How They Differ from Tarot
Tarot is like learning a universal language — the same 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana appear across most decks, each card layered with centuries of symbolism from various sources like the Kabballah, Hermeticism, Astrology and Egyptian myth. Oracle cards, on the other hand, are different with each deck having its own theme, number of cards, imagery, and meanings.
- Tarot = structured journey through archetypes and lessons.
- Oracle = fluid messages from Spirit, Nature, or your Higher Self.
That freedom is what makes oracle cards so approachable, because it can be daunting and confining to learn 78 cards.
Why Oracle/Tarot Cards Work
When you draw a card, you are entering into dialogue with spirit – the unseen, your intuition, your spirit team, or the greater consciousness.
They mirror what already exists within you and help bring clarity, calm, and awareness to the surface.
Think of oracle/tarot cards as a bridge between your inner world and the greater world of Spirit.
Tips for Beginners
- Choose a deck that feels right. Let your intuition guide you — notice what artwork or theme you feel drawn to.
- Take a moment to centre yourself. Breathe. Open your heart to receive guidance.
- Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “Will this happen?”, ask “What do I need to know about this?” or “What guidance do I need today?”
- Trust your first impression. Spirit speaks softly. The first feeling or image that arises is often the message. Read the guidebook! You are not meant to memorise all the cards and the artist or creator of the deck will have special messages that they have brought through for each card as well. Remember there are no rules or wrong and right. The more you trust your intuition, the more accurate the messages will become.
- Can you use Tarot cards like Oracle cards? Yes! Don’t be put off my needing to learn all the cards. There are simple ways of using tarot and you can learn more as you go.
🌿 Reflection
Working with oracle/tarot cards isn’t necessarily about predicting the future — it’s about understanding the present and potential future options.
They remind us that the answers we seek are already within; the cards simply help us listen.
If you’d love to learn how to read with confidence, strengthen your intuition, and truly connect with the energy of your cards, join me for my 5-Day Oracle Mastery course.
In just five days, you’ll discover how to read for yourself or others, connect with Spirit through your cards, and create your own sacred practice — all in a calm, heart-centred way.