One of the questions I get asked most often is the difference between tarot and oracle cards. I use both all the time, but it wasn’t always like that – in fact, when I first started reading tarot, I had 0 desire to get an oracle deck. None. I eventually caved and got one, the Connected and Free Alchemist Oracle, because it was pretty and I thought it would work well with my Wild Unknown deck. (It did!) Much to my surprise, I loved it and promptly ordered 23438195804 more. (Only a slight exaggeration.)

So what’s the difference between tarot and oracle cards? The quick and dirty version is that tarot consists of the traditional 78 cards, made up of the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. They’re the ones you’re most likely to see in TV and movies and stuff because they look cool and seem ~spooky~ if you don’t know anything about them. (They’re not spooky though, I am a total baby and would know.) While the meanings of each card might vary slightly from deck to deck and due to each reader’s intuition, they’re pretty consistent for the most part – for example, Death almost always means rebirth and transformation in some capacity, the Three of Swords signifies heartbreak, etc. Once you learn how to read tarot, you can pretty much pick up any deck and be able to read with it as long as you jive with the imagery.

Oracle cards, on the other hand, don’t belong to a specific system. Each deck is different and the meanings of the cards are determined by the deck’s creator. Often they’ll come with a guidebook to explain their meanings, but for the most part it’s up to you and your intuition to derive meaning from these babies. Some cards have keywords printed on them which makes things easier! I tend to prefer oracle decks that have very few words printed on them – just enough for my intuition to run with. (There are some exceptions, as you’ll see later on.)

While there are some really incredible mass-market oracle decks out there and I’ve used and loved a few of them, I’m really drawn to indie decks – I love getting to know a bit about the person behind the creation, especially if I feel like I have a lot in common with them! Because of that, most of the decks I own tend to be from independent artists. I’ve included 10 in this list that I own and love, in no particular order (and that’s not even counting the countless decks I love but haven’t bought yet! Looking at you, Awakened Soul…) These make really great gifts for the witchy folks in your life. I’d put them on my own wishlist except that, you know, I already have them…

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a deck hoarder, so please don’t judge the fact that I have 398534098 oracle decks, okay? Also, you know I’ll always mention if a post has been sponsored or if something was sent to me fo’ free, but all of these decks were purchased with my hard-earned dollars and all opinions are my own. Just wanted to make sure we all knew that. Do you trust me?? Okay, good, here we go!

1. The Connected and Free Alchemist Oracle: The one that started it all! Mine is the first edition but there’s a second edition out now. I love the vibe of these cards and many people note it has a similar feel to the Wild Unknown deck, so if you like that style of art this might be a good one for you! I personally find that the readings I get with this deck are much gentler than what I get with the Wild Unknown, in case you were worried about that. 
2. Sacred Wild Oracle: This deck is a newer addition to my collection but I am so, so in love. The cardstock is thick and sturdy and the deck is small enough to fit in your bag! I usually keep mine in my purse along with my Linestrider Tarot in case I need a little on-the-go guidance. Each card has a gorgeous image, a word or phrase, and a few lines of how you can connect with the message of the card. Love!
3. Animal Kin Oracle: This is the first edition, but the second edition is also lovely! I freaking love the artwork on these cards, and what’s not to love about animals? Yes please!
4. Animal Spirit Oracle: Speaking of animal oracles, the Wild Unknown Animal Spirit oracle is amaaaazing. It comes with a super comprehensive guidebook which I LOVE (I read intuitively for the most part but am a sucker for reading the guidebook after I get my initial impression of the cards!) It’s a little pricey but so worth it – the box is gorgeous and shimmery and the cards are absolutely stunning.
5. Earthbound Oracle: This one is from the same artist that did the Wooden Tarot. It’s got gorgeous natural imagery with just a hint of creepiness in all the right places. It’s portable and also very affordable! I really love his art style, even if the Wooden Tarot is a little too creepy for me to really use :’) 
6. Sacred Creator’s Oracle: Another deck that comes with a super comprehensive guidebook! This deck is great for soulful business owners or really any creative looking to put themselves out into the world. The cards each have a message on them that you can get intuitive meaning from, but I actualy really recommend using the guidebook for this one – Chris-Anne has included SO much information about how to work with these gorgeous cards. Did I mention they’re pretty? They’re very pretty.
7. Spirit de la Lune Oracle: This is the first edition of the deck – I believe the newer edition has a different box. I’m a moon lover through and through (not like it’s in the name of my blog or anything….) and this deck offers a whole new way to work with the lunar cycles! I do use this for general oracle readings, but I usually incorporate it into my moon rituals by displaying it on my makeshift moon altar. Such a lovely way to connect with Mama Moon!
8. Arcana of Astrology Oracle: This stunning deck is by the artist who brought us the Antique Anatomy Tarot and the Oracle of Oddities. It’s an absolutely beautiful, highly Instagrammable, astrology-inspired deck with lovely planets and constellations on each card. And how cool are those card backs? I love it so much! 
9. Mini Mandala Medicine Cards: Okay, I love this little deck and I love Steph Burton! Let me say first of all that this deck is tiny and adorable. It fits in any purse (maybe even your pocket if you’re wearing man-pants that have actual pockets instead of the fake pseudo-pockets that women’s pants have. ARGH WHY WITH THE FAKE POCKETS) and each card has a lovely mandala, a name, and a one-word message on it. I really love this deck for traveling as it comes with its own little velvet bag! If little decks aren’t your thing, she also released a larger version of the deck with a guidebook. I’m tempted to pick that one up too but trying to tell myself I don’t need any more decks for a while!! 
10. Lavish Earth Crystal Affirmation Cards: My most recent deck and one of my all-time faves! First of all, this cardstock is my dream cardstock. It’s flexible and glossy and gorgeous. Second of all, I’m very interested in vibrational medicine and would love to have a crystal healing practice one day. I could completely see these cards becoming a part of that, and would love to offer readings with it alongside the vibrational therapy! For now, though, it’s really helping me connect more with crystals and teaching me more about my faves, like Celestite above.

So those are my top 10 oracle decks! They’re seriously all to die for and I love to support creators in the community when I can, so I hope you pick one (or all of them!) up if they hit you in the decklust.

What’s your favorite oracle deck? Do you prefer tarot cards or oracle cards for your personal practice? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!