A Complete Guide to Angel Cards and What Makes Them Different from Tarot

When it comes to divination and spiritual guidance, angel cards offer a unique pathway to uncovering and receiving messages from the cosmic realm.

Unlike traditional tarot decks, which draw on a broader spectrum of archetypes and esoteric symbols from various cultures and traditions, angel cards are specifically attuned to angelic energies and divine guidance.

These cards are essentially a direct channel to the angelic realm, serving as divine containers for messages of love, healing and spiritual empowerment from angels and other benevolent beings.

Whether you’re new to angel cards or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, they provide a divine yet powerful way to connect with higher realms. While exploring angel cards, spiritual practitioners can receive intuitive insights that resonate deeply with one’s personal growth and spiritual development.

Each card carries symbolic meaning and a profound sense of divine presence, inviting seekers to explore and embrace mystical messages that can guide their journey toward enlightenment and inner peace.

Here's everything to know about angel cards and how they compare to tarot.

What is an angel card reading?

Although most card readings are focused on foreseeing the future, angel cards offer a different approach. This doesn't mean an angel card reading can't nudge you in the right direction toward your future goals, but it's mainly used to offer clarity on present challenges, provide encouragement for personal growth and facilitate a deeper spiritual connection.

In addition to the intention of connecting with angelic energies and receiving guidance from higher realms, an angel card reading seeks to provide spiritual insight and guidance rather than predict specific future events. Angel cards serve as tools for spiritual introspection and understanding, helping individuals align with their higher purpose and navigate life's complexities with greater awareness and peace of mind.

Performing an angel card reading doesn't necessarily require a spiritual practitioner, but setting your intention is essential whether you consult an intuitive reader or pull angel cards for yourself. The same goes for your sacred space or spiritual altar. Be sure to cleanse or smudge your area with Sage, or Palo Santo.

Once you've cleared any residual energies from your space, begin by reflecting on a specific question that you're seeking guidance on. As you shuffle the angel cards, focus your thoughts and energies on this intention. When you're ready, draw one or more cards from the deck intuitively. Each card contains angelic imagery or messages related to love, healing and spiritual development.

Take a moment to reflect on the meanings of the cards while trusting your inner knowing to interpret the messages.

How are angel cards different than tarot cards?

Angel cards and tarot cards differ significantly in their purpose, structure and focus within the realm of divination and spirituality.

Angel cards are specifically designed to connect practitioners and users with angelic frequencies and divine guidance. Tarot, however, features a wide array of experiences and archetypes through its 78-card system, including major and minor arcana.

While tarot often explores past influences, current situations and potential future outcomes, angel card readings emphasize spiritual insight and personal growth in the present moment, offering clarity and support rather than predictive outcomes.

What are the best angel card decks?

Angel Answers Oracle Cards: A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

The Angel Guide Oracle: A 44-Card Deck and Guidebook

Angel Tarot Cards: A 78-Card Deck and Guidebook

Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards: A 55-Card Deck and Guidebook