Tarot is a deck of 78 cards with a fixed structure. Oracle and angel cards are freer decks with their own themes and messages. All of them are tools for reflection: you ask a question, draw a card and use the picture and its meaning to think about your situation.
Tarot, oracle and angel cards compared
| Tarot | Oracle cards | Angel cards | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of cards | 78 | Varies, often 36 to 55 | Varies, often 44 |
| Structure | 22 major and 56 minor arcana | Set by the creator | Set by the creator |
| Tone | The whole of life, light and dark | Depends on the deck | Gentle and encouraging |
| Learning curve | Takes practice | Easy | Easiest |
Read more in Tarot vs. oracle cards.
How to start
- Choose one deck you like the look of. See How to choose your first tarot deck.
- Draw one card a day and write down a sentence about it.
- Move on to 3-card spreads when single cards feel familiar.
Try before you buy a deck
Draw one card, a card of the day or three cards with our free tool.
Draw a tarot cardCard meanings
Start with the 22 major arcana, then learn the four minor arcana suits. If a quick answer is all you need, use the yes or no card list.
Cards do not predict the future. They offer a perspective, and the decision is always your own.
All tarot and oracle guides
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Crystals to Keep With Your Tarot Deck
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How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck
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How to Read Angel Cards: A Beginner’s Guide
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How to Start a Tarot Journal
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Tarot vs. Oracle Cards: What Is the Difference?
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The Minor Arcana Suits Explained: Cups, Pentacles, Swords and Wands
The four suits of the minor arcana, their elements and themes, what the numbers and court cards mean, and a shortcut for…
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Yes or No Tarot Card List: Which Cards Mean Yes, No or Maybe?
A list of the 22 major arcana sorted into yes, no and maybe, with a short reason for each, and tips for…