How Many Cards Are in an Oracle Deck? The Answer Varies

Sep 3, 2025by Hope Hughes

Learn why the answer varies and what makes our decks stand out. Not every oracle deck plays by the same rules, and that’s precisely what makes them so powerful. While tarot follows a structured system of 78 cards, oracle decks are freeform by design, shaped entirely by the creator’s intention and vision. That’s why some decks contain 36 cards, others 44, and some expand beyond 63.

This flexibility gives oracle decks an unmatched creative freedom, making them perfect for intuitive readers and spiritual seekers who want a personal connection with their cards. But it also raises an important question: how many cards should an oracle deck have?

Let’s explore how deck sizes vary, why it matters, and how to choose one that resonates with you.

Why Oracle Decks Have No Set Card Count

Unlike tarot, oracle decks are not bound by tradition. Each one is shaped by its purpose, theme, and symbolism. The number of cards often reflects the creator’s vision, the spiritual system it draws upon, or the depth of meaning they want the deck to hold.

Some decks are intentionally minimalist, offering a curated set of symbols designed for quick clarity and focus. Others are expansive and layered, weaving in astrology, mythology, ancestral stories, or dreamscapes to create a broader narrative.

Most oracle decks range anywhere from 30 to 80+ cards, depending on the creator’s storytelling approach and the experiences they want you to unlock.

Popular Oracle Deck Ranges (and Why They Vary)

Many popular oracle decks fall into categories such as:

36 cards (numerologically aligned to spiritual simplicity)
44 cards (a common choice for angelic and affirmation-based themes)
52 cards (matching the calendar weeks of the year or energetic cycles)

Deck creators often select a card count that supports the message of the deck. It could reflect a spiritual system, an energy cycle, or what fits best within the artwork and guidebook.

For instance, the Dreamscape Oracle features 32 cards, each representing a specific animal, archetype, or dreamlike symbol. This keeps the deck focused while leaving room for deep symbolic interpretation.

In contrast, Mother Mort’s Carnival of Souls adopts a more kaleidoscopic approach, featuring a base of 32 cards (with 3 additional cards included in our exclusive edition). Its surreal, shadow-rich imagery is designed for layered spreads and deeper inner exploration.

Meanwhile, Lady Stirling’s Wicked Garden invites readers into a more meditative, botanical experience, using its structure to cultivate grounded reflection.

What Makes Ethereal Visions Publishing’s Oracle Decks Unique

At Ethereal Visions Publishing, we create immersive oracle experiences. Each collection combines storytelling, symbolism, and visual artistry into a cohesive, transformative journey.

Narrative Depth — Every deck is accompanied by a short story or narrative framework, inviting you into the world behind the cards.

Layered Symbolism — Our guidebooks go beyond surface meanings, integrating mythology, archetypes, and intuitive wisdom into each interpretation.

Collectible Artistry — Matt Hughes’ illustrations make every deck a visual keepsake as much as a spiritual tool.

Our goal isn’t simply to create cards; it’s to craft portals into fully realized worlds that resonate deeply with readers.

Choosing an Oracle Deck by Theme, Not Number

When selecting a deck, the theme and artwork often carry more weight than the number of cards in it. Ask yourself:

Does the artwork spark something within me?

Does the symbolism connect with my spiritual practice?
Do I feel invited into the world the deck creates?

Some decks are designed for daily pulls and reflection, while others are better suited for spread-based readings. Others combine written affirmations, poetic messages, or archetypal energies, allowing you to layer your readings with themes of transformation, self-discovery, or healing.

Themes to consider:

Botanical & earthly (e.g., Lady Stirling's Wicked Garden)
Mythological & ancestral (e.g., Gjallarhorn)
Surreal & introspective (e.g., Mother Mort's Carnival of Souls)

Choosing based on your own spiritual needs, aesthetic preferences, and intuitive resonance will always serve you better than simply counting cards. Oracle decks are as varied and personal as the readers who use them, and that’s what makes them so powerful. They are tools of self-discovery, intuitive reflection, and energetic alignment.

Key Takeaways

Oracle decks typically range from 30 to 80+ cards, depending on the creator's vision.

There is no “right” number; what matters is the theme and purpose of the deck.

Ethereal Visions decks are story-driven, richly symbolic, and designed as immersive experiences.

Choose a deck based on its energy, artwork, and narrative rather than the card count alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Cards Are Usually in an Oracle Deck?

Most oracle decks contain between 30 and 60 cards, though some include as few as 22 or as many as 80, depending on the deck's purpose and structure.

Is a Larger Deck Better for Spiritual Readings?

Not necessarily. Larger decks may offer more variety, but smaller decks can feel more focused and accessible. It depends on your reading style and preference.