Angel+Oracle Cards vs. Tarot Cards

Something my clients ask me a lot when they come for a reading is, "What's the difference between Angel cards and Tarot cards?" or "Oh, this isn't a Tarot reading?" ;)

I have even been confused for a Tarot card reader before. It's all good! But to save myself some time, I decided to write in order to explain the major differences between Tarot cards and Angel + Oracle cards! Before I start I would like to say that each method of divination (or card reading) has it's benefits and each reader/individual should use the cards that they feel drawn to based on their own personal vibrations. They are both special and have their own unique uses! In all fairness, I am a little biased!

Tarot cards began somewhere mid 15th century as a playing card game called Tarocchi or Tarock. They were decks of 78 cards, with 4 suits -- kings, queens and a joker, just like a regular deck of playing cards. Each card has a number and an image to represent the name. This game existed all over Europe, with each different region having it's own versions. Although each deck might have slightly different art interpretations, they usually have similar cards, if not all of the same cards, in each deck such as "Death" or "The Lovers" or "Queen of Pentacles".

Somewhere around the 18th century people started using Tarot cards for divination. They realized that the cards had sort of a 'mystical' power or ability to tell the future, and it was a fun parlour game to play amongst friends -- much like it is today. Many people look to the Tarot for answers about what is coming up next for them, when they will marry, and the list goes on. To some, Tarot cards have been stuck with a bad reputation of being something dark and scary that you shouldn't mess with. I don't find this to be the truth necessarily. The Tarot Cards focus on all aspects of life, the good and the bad, and can bring forward messages about the shadow as well as the light sides of life. Not every reading will come out with a positive or happy result.

Angel + Oracle cards are thought to have originated around the same time as Tarot cards were in the late 18th century, although we don't have any concrete proof of this. They were developed from the idea behind Tarot (a deck of cards that can answer your questions and tell your future based on the laws of attraction) and have a 'gypsy' or 'fortune teller' reputation following them, although there isn't much proof of that, either. Let me look into my crystal ball...

Unlike Tarot, Angel + Oracle cards come in decks varying between 40-80 cards, and all have individual authors which come up with unique card names and art for each deck. There are many different kinds of Oracle cards-- some examples being fairies, mermaids, butterflies and animals. Angel cards have some variance too-- there are Archangel decks, regular angel decks and even decks that are appropriate for children to use! The Angel/Oracle card decks don't usually have numbers or suits, however there may be some decks out there that do. Each deck is unique. And again, each person or reader, chooses the cards that they feel most drawn to based on their intuition and personal vibrations.

My favourite author of Angel + Oracle cards, Doreen Virtue, has even crossed the threshold between Tarot and Angel cards when she created her Angel Tarot deck. I don't own this deck myself, but it has 78 cards, suits and numbers, and is quite beautifully made. I'll have to put that one on my wish list!

What I think is special about Angel/Oracle cards in particular, is that they have a unique way of providing us with uplifting and hopeful messages about how we can improve our lives or attitudes about life. Even when a message comes through that might not have been what we expected, you know that the Angel Cards will always try to shed a positive light or find the blessing in whatever situation you have been given, or whatever hand you have been dealt (see, a little card pun in there).

An important thing to note is that Angel + Oracle cards are all non-denominational. Although angels have been depicted of being part of certain religions, I do not believe that they fit under any religion at all, but rather every religion and form of spirituality. After some research and prayer (I use that word because it resonates with me personally), it has become clear to me that angels are everywhere and each person has their own interpretation of what they are and how they are represented in their eyes. I've said it once and I'll say it again, everyone will have unique beliefs! Even in organized religion, you can't expect every person to hold the exact same ideals.

What I'm getting at here is that your angels don't care what you believe. They just want to watch out for you, and will intervene if you ask for their help or your life is endangered. But that's a whole other blog post.

From my own experience having Tarot and Angel card readings done on myself, I find that Angel cards have a tendency to trigger deep emotion during readings, and that is not an experience I have had with a Tarot reading. Each person has their guardian angels (even Athiests), and I feel that they are able to connect with us during Angel card readings in unique ways that stir emotions and resonate with us, always, only if we are open to it of course. All of your thoughts, feelings and emotions during an Angel Card reading matter as they are messages from your angels directly. The art on the angel and oracle cards can also hold symbolism or messages for the client or the reader, and this is all sorted out through each person's natural intuition during that reading.

To me, Angel + Oracle cards are more than just a fun party trick. They are almost a form of emotional and spiritual counselling for many, whereas Tarot is not. It's my personal opinion that Angel and Oracle cards exist on a higher vibration than the Tarot, but it does not mean that either one is better than the other. Each individual person has their vibrations, and it's up to them to go with what they feel is best.

#angelcards #angel #tarotcards #tarotreading #tarot