An Oracle Deck Might Be More Useful Than Tarot—Here’s Why

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If you’ve spent any time on #WitchTok, you’ve probably learned a bit about communicating with spirit guides using tarot cards. But did you know there’s another kind of deck that allows you to connect to the divine energy of the universe? An oracle deck is a mystical self-reflection tool that delivers messages from the spiritual world to the material one—so, yes, much like a tarot deck. But there are differences between the two.

“[Oracle decks] consist of cards with images—often of angels, animals, or deities—symbols, or affirmations to offer different intuitive messages,” says Kate Van Horn, an intuitive tarot card reader, psychic, and author of The Inner Tarot. Similar to tarot cards, oracle cards can help guide you towards an answer to a specific question, like where your relationship is headed, or whether your job is the right fit. But these cards also offer a way to look at a situation from the inside—think of them as your key to understanding your own intuition and soul.

What is an oracle deck used for?

Oracle cards are used in divination, or the practice of tapping into your intuition. The word "oracle" literally means a person providing wise opinions; commonly, people consult their oracle decks when they want to peek into the future or have an important question about their lives or specific situation.

“[Oracle cards] are used for self-reflection; conversation with others, self, or spirit guides; or inspiration and confirmation,” Van Horn explains. “They help the user gain insight, and can offer clarity and a gateway to greater personal connection or spiritual growth.”

Say you have a question about where your relationship is going—should you take the next step, or have you learned all you need to? “Often, we’ll turn to them during times of change or transition, when making decisions or when a certain path feels unclear,” says Von Horn. Pulling oracle cards can give you the insight to point you in the right direction.

Intuitive readers sometimes use oracle cards in conjunction with tarot cards when they want an extra-detailed reading. But if you’re curious about pulling oracle cards yourself, the good news is, you don’t have to be a tarot expert! In fact, there’s no right or wrong way to incorporate oracle cards in your divination practice, says Van Horn. “Some people choose to pull one card in the morning or evening each day. Others simply use their oracle deck when they feel called to,” she explains.

How often you’re pulling cards doesn’t matter too much, either, says Van Horn, but it’s worth reaching for your deck when you’re in a rut or are facing a difficult situation. “I recommend always grounding and preparing yourself before choosing cards, through a few simple deep breaths and a clear intention or question for the cards,” says Van Horn.

What's the difference between an oracle deck and a tarot deck?

Both oracle and tarot cards are divination tools that help you connect with your intuition. But unlike tarot cards, which typically all contain some rendition of the 78-card traditional Rider-Waite tarot deck, oracle cards don’t abide by the same format or allegorical illustrations.

Oracle cards come in an array of structures with different messages and illustrations, following their own set of guidelines. The number of cards in an oracle deck varies, so it’s common to find decks with 80 cards—but sometimes, they contain as few as 28!

Oracle and tarot cards can also be used together for deeper insight into a certain situation. “Most oracle decks offer lighter and more optimistic messages, while tarot has a balance of shadow and light,” explains Van Horn. That’s not to say oracle decks won’t give you tough love (more on that soon). But “they tend to have a softer tone to them, and more digestible messages than some of the feared tarot cards in the deck,” Van Horn says.

As much as they are different, though, their intended purpose is fundamentally similar: to offer perspective and spiritual guidance on a situation, problem, or question.

How do I find the best oracle deck?

The most important factor, according to Van Horn, is your intuition. So, if it feels right, chances are it *is* right. That said, it's also worth considering your personal aesthetic and the type of messages you respond to best. “In order to receive guidance from any style of oracle deck, it’s so important that you love the imagery and art and feel called to it,” says Van Horn.

Whether you’re curious about opening up another line of communication with your spirit guides or are looking to get deeper into your psyche, here are five Women's Health-tested (and approved) oracle decks to add to your collection.

The Realest Oracle Deck

The Realest Oracle is a multicultural and queer oracle deck created by Kendra Austin. Loaded with stunning illustrations that reflect diversity, the 53-card deck comes with a guidebook, too. It’s intended to affirm your inner knowing—so, no matter why you consult the oracle, you can trust that the Realest Oracle will help guide you to realize the answers that are already within you. I like to use the Realest Oracle deck for reassurance; it often gives me the push I need to accept a situation or conclusion.

The Rebel Deck

The Rebel Deck doesn’t care about your feelings. Containing 58 cards, the “oracle with attitude” gives it to you straight with humor, reminding you of truths like: You are *not* the center of the universe. I use the Rebel Deck when I need tough love or more direct insight. Expect to be shaken out of your delusions—and your comfort zone—when you pick up these cards.

Crystal Intentions Oracle: Guidance & Affirmations

If you’re familiar with the magic of crystals, the Crystal Intentions Oracle may be the deck for you. The deck comes with 42 cards that coincide with known and loved crystals, from amethyst to hematite. One side of the card depicts a specific crystal and the other contains prompts that correlate to the crystal’s magical properties.

While you don’t necessarily need these specific stones to use the Crystal Intentions, the deck encourages you to surround yourself with some of your preferred crystals to get the most out of these cards. I love using crystals as part of my spiritual practice, so I always reach for the Crystal Intentions Oracle when I need to ground myself during a reading.

Music in She Oracle Deck

Calling all musical mystics! As someone who loves music, I love using this 42-card deck when I want guidance from musical legends. From Whitney Houston (the gift) to Stevie Nicks (the crossroads) to Selena (the bridge), each card in the Music In She Oracle represents an archetype that relates to the icon’s story. Plus, the deck comes with a guidebook that explains a short story of each musician along with their spiritual archetype to paint a clear picture as you search for answers to your most pressing life questions.

Keep it Clear Oracle

Part oracle and reflection tool, the Keep It Clear oracle deck is all about promoting transparency in conversations with ourselves, the universe, and friends. The 28-card oracle deck isn’t your typical oracle deck, though: It’s a creative tool that also contains prompts that are meant to spark your vulnerable side. With questions like how your online persona differs from your life IRL, Keep It Clear begs you to dig as deep as you can.

Personally, I use this deck for self-reflection, rather than including it as part of my tarot card pull. It’s a great tool for connecting with my spirit, getting to the crux of an inner issue, and working through obstacles that are happening within me.

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