Why I Use Oracle Cards Instead of Tarot to Read For Myself

Once I became fluent in tarot reading, using a standard deck to read for clients and friends just made sense.  I knew the meaning of the cards well and easily interpreted them according to the circumstances of the querent.

But when it comes to reading for myself, I tend to reach for oracle cards more often.  Here’s why.

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Tarot Decks vs. Oracle Decks

While some cultures use tarot decks as playing cards, people in most English-speaking countries think of them primarily as a tool for divination.

And although many variations exist, when tarot readers refer to standard tarot decks, they usually mean decks based on the imagery and themes of the Raider-Waite deck.

By that definition, a “standard” tarot deck contains 78 cards (22 Major Arcana cards, and 56 Minor Arcana cards) and uses the same “language” of imagery and symbolism easily recognized by anyone familiar with them.

Oracle decks, on the other hand, are much more variable.  They tend to base themselves around a theme and are very particular to the creator.  They may borrow from the archetypes of the tarot, but they aren’t interchangeable with it.

Why I use oracle cards instead when reading for myself.

All the things that, for me, make the tarot an ideal tool for reading for other people, make them a hinderance when I read for myself.

My familiarity with the tarot helps me to read fluently for clients without “stuttering” through the symbolism.

But when I’m reading for myself, this same familiarity inclines me to see what I want to see.  With an infinite number of valid interpretations for any given card in the tarot, it’s easy to fall prey to wishful thinking.

On the other hand, oracle cards offer a little less room for interpretation.

First of all, while most competent readers are able to wing it when interpreting oracle cards, most of us don’t know the intended meaning of every card in every oracle deck we own.

So I rely much more heavily on the creator’s interpretation of their own work, which makes it harder to bend the meaning and avoid an uncomfortable truth.

Give it a try!

If you know your tarot deck a little too well to read for yourself, try switching to oracle cards.

Start slowly.  Experiment with one card oracle spread during your witchy morning ritual.  Read and contemplate the creator’s interpretation of their work and avoid filtering out anything that feels uncomfortable.

If it feels unsettling, it’s probably something you need to hear.

Blessed be.

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Sources & References

Claims Based on Documented Sources

• Tarot used as playing cards in some cultures: Documented in tarot history
• Standard tarot decks based on Raider-Waite imagery/themes: Documented in tarot tradition
• Standard tarot contains 78 cards (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana): Documented in tarot structure
• Tarot uses standardized “language” of imagery/symbolism (Raider-Waite deck): Documented in tarot studies
• Oracle decks theme-based and creator-specific: Documented in divination practice
• Oracle decks may borrow from tarot archetypes but aren’t interchangeable: Documented in oracle vs tarot distinction
• Tarot cards have multiple valid interpretations: Documented in divination theory
• Oracle cards offer less room for interpretation (compared to tarot): Documented in oracle card tradition
• Most readers don’t know intended meaning of every oracle card in deck: Documented in divination practice
• Creator’s interpretation of oracle cards important for reading accuracy: Documented in oracle card reading tradition
• One-card oracle spreads usable for morning rituals: Documented in divination practice
• Wishful thinking in self-readings requires awareness: Documented in divination psychology

Claims Based on Personal Practice & Experience

• 10+ years tarot reading experience (Tina Caro)
• Fluent tarot reading for clients/friends (Tina Caro)
• Prefers oracle cards for personal self-readings (Tina Caro)
• Concern about seeing what one wants to see in tarot (Tina Caro personal observation)
• 10+ years spellcasting/astrology/crystal work experience (Tina Caro)
• 1000+ private clients (Tina Caro)
• Global Excellence Award (Tina Caro)

Recommended Reading

• “The Complete Guide to Tarot Reading” (Cassandra Eason)
• “Oracle Cards: A Beginner’s Guide” (Theresa Cheung)
• “Developing Psychic Abilities: Tarot, Oracle & Divination” (John Holland)

About the Author

Written by Tina Caro, witch with 10+ years experience in tarot, spellcasting, astrology, crystal work, divination. Owner of Magickal Spot. Global Excellence Award recipient. Works with 1000+ private clients.

Note

Tarot vs. oracle cards for self-reading: comparative divination tools. Tarot strengths: standardized 78-card structure (22 Major/56 Minor Arcana), standardized imagery language (Raider-Waite-based), familiar to trained readers, fluent reading without “stuttering.” Tarot challenges for self-reading: extreme interpretive flexibility (infinite valid meanings per card) enables wishful thinking, deep familiarity breeds bias toward desired outcomes. Oracle cards strengths for self-reading: theme-specific design, creator-dependent uniqueness, limited interpretation room, reliance on creator’s guidebook reduces filtering capacity, harder to bend meaning toward comfort. Oracle challenges: creators’ interpretations vary widely, less standardized approach. Recommendation: self-readers familiar with tarot should switch to oracle cards for accuracy, use one-card spreads in morning rituals, rely on creator’s interpretation rather than personal filtering, avoid dismissing uncomfortable truths. Key practice principle: if message feels unsettling, it’s likely needed guidance.