Tarot or oracle cards: what's the difference?

We hand-picked these decks from the range we stock. Every one was chosen for who it suits and what it does, so you can see the real differences between tarot and oracle cards at a glance.

We also kept a mix of kinds and budgets in this guide. You will find a 78-card tarot deck, a larger modern tarot set and a moon-themed oracle deck, so whether you are a first-time reader or a collector, there is a starting point for you.

Want to see more? Browse everything in our Tarot Cards range, or try Oracle Cards and Divination.

Tarot and oracle cards are both decks you draw from and read. A tarot deck follows the traditional layout of 78 cards. Our 78-Card Tarot Deck comes in four designs, and the Traditional, Goddess and Requiem styles each come with a guidebook. An oracle deck is a themed set instead. The Moonology Oracle Cards have 44 moon-themed cards and a guidebook.

The Dreams of Gaia deck goes further, with 81 illustrated cards, elemental suits and a 308-page guidebook. Tarot gives you the fuller system. An oracle deck gives you one focused theme.

Two tarot decks here hold 78 and 81 cards, while the oracle deck holds 44. Most tarot options include a guidebook, and the oracle deck is moon-themed with one of its own, so the choice comes down to the style you want to read with.

78-Card Tarot Deck, Four Designs (£8.99)

Ideal for anyone who loves tarot, this 78-card deck comes in four styles, so you can pick the look that feels right. Traditional, Goddess and Requiem Arcana each come with a guidebook covering the three Arcana styles. The Requiem Arcana artwork is by Vera Petruk, and the Golden version has a gold foil design. Each style arrives in its own box: silver-grey for Traditional, royal blue with grey detailing for Goddess, a branded box for Requiem and a gold box for Golden. The three Arcana styles measure 12 x 7 x 4 cm, a compact size. This is a good choice for a tarot beginner ready to start reading, or a witchy friend who loves gothic art. A full deck with a guide makes a lovely start for anyone new to the cards.

Best for: Tarot beginners ready to read.

Dreams of Gaia Tarot Cards, 81 Cards (£26.99)

A gift that lasts long after the day, this 81-card tarot deck comes with a 308-page guidebook to read alongside it. The cards use elemental suits and an expanded major arcana, with new archetypes and symbolism for readers who like to explore new imagery. The deck is made of paper and weighs 840 g, so it has real presence in the hand. It comes in a colour cardboard box with cellophane, and boxed it measures 18.5 x 14 x 6 cm, which makes it easy to store on a shelf. A good choice for a tarot reader who already knows the basics and wants something fresh to work with, or for a collector who enjoys modern designs. The long guidebook means there is plenty to learn, and the deck is a lovely way to get to know a new set of symbols.

Best for: Modern tarot fans and collectors.

Moonology Oracle Cards (£20.49)

Hand-picked for you, the Moonology Oracle Cards are a moon-themed oracle deck of 44 cards, with a guidebook to go with them. Written by Yasmin Boland and illustrated by Nyx Rowan, the cards give every reading a soft, night-sky feel. The deck is made of paper and weighs 335 g, so it feels substantial in your hands. It comes in a picture box with cellophane, which keeps it neat on a shelf or in a bag. Because it has 44 cards rather than the 78 of a tarot deck, it is a gentle way into oracle reading. This is a sweet gift for stargazers and moon lovers, or for a friend who enjoys the idea of oracle cards. The moon theme ties the whole deck together, so every card feels part of one story.

Best for: Moon lovers and oracle readers.

	78-Card Tarot Deck, Four Designs (£8.99)	Dreams of Gaia Tarot Cards, 81 Cards (£26.99)	Moonology Oracle Cards (£20.49)
Cards	78	81	44-card deck
Size	Arcana styles: 12 x 7 x 4 cm. Golden: 12.5 x 7.5 x 3 cm	Boxed, it measures 18.5 x 14 x 6 cm	–
Guidebook	Included with Traditional, Goddess and Requiem Arcana	308 pages	–
Material	–	Paper	Paper
Weight	–	840 g	335 g
Best for	Tarot beginners ready to read	Modern tarot fans and collectors	Moon lovers and oracle readers
Delivery	Standard dispatch	Same-day dispatch	Same-day dispatch

Our pick is the 78-Card Tarot Deck, Four Designs. You get a full 78-card deck in the style you choose. The Traditional, Goddess and Requiem styles each include a guidebook covering all three Arcana styles, so you have a guide while you learn. Each style comes in its own box, and the Arcana styles measure 12 x 7 x 4 cm. For most people starting out, this full deck is a sound place to begin.

• Choose the 78-Card Tarot Deck, Four Designs if you want a full traditional deck with a guidebook to learn from.
• Choose the Dreams of Gaia Tarot Cards, 81 Cards if you want a modern tarot with 81 illustrated cards and a 308-page guidebook.
• Choose the Moonology Oracle Cards if you love the moon and want a 44-card oracle deck with its own guidebook.

Every order travels by tracked UK delivery, to your door or straight to theirs if it's a gift. Delivery is the sum of your parcels, from £3.95 each (some items travel free), and free over £60 on most orders: we pay the first £6. Each product page shows the expected delivery dates before you pay. See delivery for the details.

Choose a tarot deck, like the 78-card Traditional or Golden deck, for a full tarot set, or an oracle deck like Moonology if you love the moon and stargazing. Pick your favourite above and add it to your basket: every product page shows its size, price and delivery dates. More ideas: How to choose your first tarot deck as a beginner · Oracle cards for beginners: how to choose a deck · Gifts for tarot readers.