Can You Use Oracle Cards as Tarot Cards? MUST READ Before You Do

Oracle and tarot cards are two of the most popular tools for spiritual insight, self-reflection, and intuitive guidance. While tarot has a defined structure and centuries of tradition, oracle cards are more free-form, often celebrated for their emotional clarity and visual beauty. But what if you prefer the simplicity of oracle cards—can you use oracle cards as tarot cards?

The short answer: Yes, you can use oracle cards in place of tarot cards, but with a few caveats. While they serve similar functions, understanding their key differences—and how to adapt your approach—will help you use oracle cards more effectively and creatively.

This article will explore:

• The fundamental differences between tarot and oracle cards

• The limitations and advantages of using oracle cards like tarot

• How to create tarot-like spreads with oracle decks

• Tips for getting the most accurate and meaningful results

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Tarot vs. Oracle: What's the Difference?

Before using oracle cards as tarot cards, it’s essential to understand how each system works.

What Is a Tarot Deck?

A traditional tarot deck has a fixed structure of 78 cards, divided into:

• 22 Major Arcana cards, representing major life themes and archetypes (e.g., The Fool, The Lovers, Death)

• 56 Minor Arcana cards, divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit has ten numbered cards and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King).

Tarot readings draw meaning from both the structure and symbolism of the cards, offering insight into relationships, decisions, inner struggles, and spiritual lessons.

What Is an Oracle Deck?

Oracle decks are less structured and highly customizable, with:

• Varying number of cards (some decks have 30, others over 100)

• Unique themes, such as angels, chakras, goddesses, animal spirits, or affirmations

• Flexible systems of interpretation, often guided by keywords, imagery, or messages

Oracle cards don’t follow a rigid system, which makes them more intuitive and beginner-friendly.

Can You Use Oracle Cards Like Tarot Cards?

You can absolutely use oracle cards in a tarot-like way, especially if your goal is personal growth, self-reflection, or intuitive development. However, oracle cards cannot fully replace tarot cards in the traditional sense because they lack the layered system and symbolic consistency of tarot.

Here’s what to consider.

✅ Oracle Cards Can Be Used Like Tarot Cards When:

• You want emotional insight or spiritual encouragement

• You prefer intuitive or visual-based readings over structured ones

• You're reading for yourself or someone who needs simplicity and clarity

• You’re using a deck with a wide variety of themes (e.g., guidance, challenges, outcomes)

❌ Oracle Cards Are Not Ideal Substitutes When:

• You need detailed, multi-layered readings

• You want to explore numerology, astrology, or traditional symbology

• You’re following structured spreads like the Celtic Cross

• You're studying tarot traditions such as Rider-Waite or Thoth systems

How to Use Oracle Cards Like Tarot Cards

If you’d like to use your oracle cards in a tarot-inspired way, here are step-by-step techniques and tips to help you structure your readings.

1. Choose the Right Oracle Deck

Not all oracle decks work well as tarot substitutes. Look for:

• Diverse card themes (not just love or affirmations)

• Balanced messages (not overly positive or sugar-coated)

• Varied symbolism that can reflect challenges, growth, and choices

A deck with a broad emotional range and detailed guidebook is ideal. Some oracle decks are designed with tarot in mind and may even mimic the structure of tarot (e.g., 78 cards, suit-like divisions).

2. Create Your Own Structure

Since oracle cards don’t follow a fixed system, you can build your own:

• Assign meanings to card positions like in a tarot spread (e.g., past, present, future)

• Use your intuition or guidebook to interpret each card’s message

• Add numerology or themes if your deck is large enough

For example, you might treat the first 22 cards as Major Arcana themes and the rest as more situational, like the Minor Arcana.

3. Use Tarot-Inspired Spreads

While oracle decks aren’t built for traditional tarot spreads, you can borrow tarot layouts and adjust them to fit your cards. Try these:

3-Card Spread (Simple & Versatile)

• Card 1: Situation

• Card 2: Challenge

• Card 3: Advice

Past – Present – Future

Use this to track emotional growth or shifts in energy.

Celtic Cross (Modified for Oracle)

You can still do a full 10-card spread using oracle cards by assigning meanings to each position. For example:

• Card 1: Current energy

• Card 2: Obstacle

• Card 3: Past influence

• Card 4: Foundation

• Card 5: Potential outcome

• ...and so on

Remember, the meaning lies in how you define and connect the cards, not in following rigid rules.

4. Focus on Storytelling

Unlike tarot, which relies on symbolic systems, oracle decks invite you to tell a narrative. Each card becomes a chapter, and your intuition connects the dots.

Example:

• Oracle Card 1: “Boundaries”

• Oracle Card 2: “Healing”

• Oracle Card 3: “Expansion”
  This may suggest a journey from setting limits, through emotional repair, leading to personal growth.

Ask yourself:

• What order do these cards suggest?

• What emotions or energies are moving through this reading?

• What action or reflection is being invited?

5. Trust Your Intuition

When using oracle cards like tarot, your inner guidance is your biggest tool. Because there’s no preset system, trust what jumps out at you:

• Colors, symbols, or animals

• Phrases or keywords

• Emotions you feel as you look at the card

You can also tune in by journaling, meditating, or doing a short visualization before the reading.

Benefits of Using Oracle Cards as Tarot Cards

Even though oracle cards aren’t structured like tarot, using them in a similar way can offer unique advantages:

1. Greater Emotional Clarity

Oracle cards are designed for emotional tone and spiritual messages. They often go straight to the heart of the matter without too much analysis.

2. Flexibility

You’re not bound by a strict tradition. This makes oracle cards ideal for creative, intuitive, or inner child work.

3. Accessibility for Beginners

Many people feel overwhelmed by tarot’s complexity. Oracle cards offer immediate meaning without years of study.

4. Spiritual Connection

Some oracle decks are directly channeled from spirit guides, angels, or archetypes, offering a more mystical experience.

Limitations of Using Oracle Cards as Tarot Cards

While oracle cards offer freedom, they come with challenges when replacing tarot:

1. Lack of Symbolic Depth

Oracle cards may not include layers like elemental associations, numerology, astrology, or traditional archetypes.

2. Less Precision for Specific Questions

Tarot’s structure helps pinpoint issues. Oracle cards can be vague or repetitive, especially if the deck’s focus is narrow.

3. Risk of One-Sided Messages

Some oracle decks are heavily positive, avoiding the “shadow” side. This can lead to unbalanced readings if you're not careful.

Combining Tarot and Oracle for the Best of Both Worlds

If you enjoy both systems, consider combining them:

• Start with tarot for structure and detail

• Add an oracle card for emotional guidance or spiritual advice

This blended approach creates rich, well-rounded readings that satisfy both your logical and intuitive sides.

Final Thoughts: You Make the Rules

While oracle cards were not designed to replace tarot cards, you can absolutely use them in a tarot-like way. The key is to set your own structure, listen to your intuition, and select a versatile deck that allows for deep reflection. Whether you’re new to card reading or a seasoned intuitive, oracle cards offer a flexible, soulful path to personal insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Oracle cards can’t replicate tarot’s structure but can serve similar functions.

• Create spreads, assign meanings, and build a system that works for you.

• Use decks with variety and emotional depth for better results.

• Embrace storytelling, symbols, and intuition as your guides.

• Mix tarot and oracle cards if you want the benefits of both systems.

In the end, the cards are tools—the real power lies in you.

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Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.