Tarot & Talking Boards

Choosing tarot cards and oracle cards

A tarot deck follows a set structure of 78 cards, so it suits anyone who wants to learn the traditional meanings. Oracle cards are looser: each deck has its own theme and number of cards, which makes them a gentler place to start. Most of our decks come with a guidebook, and prices run from about £15 for a classic deck to around £33 for illustrated collector sets.

Talking boards and planchettes are mostly bought as statement pieces for a shelf or a spooky evening in. For a gift, an oracle deck with a matching theme, such as Celtic, winter or green witch, is an easy choice.

Questions people ask

What's the difference between tarot and oracle cards?

Tarot decks have 78 cards in a fixed structure of major and minor arcana. Oracle decks vary in size and theme and don't follow a set system.

Which tarot deck is best for beginners?

A Rider–Waite style deck such as the A. E. Waite Tarot Original is the usual starting point, as most books and guides refer to its imagery.

Do the decks come with instructions?

Most of our tarot and oracle decks include a guidebook explaining each card. Check the product details for each deck.