How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck

1. Types of Tarot Decks

The world of tarot decks can feel overwhelming, with thousands of options available. However, most decks fall into a few major traditions, each with its own artistic style, philosophical approach, and learning curve. Understanding these traditions will help you make an informed choice.

Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tradition

The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, first published in 1909, is the most widely used tarot system in the English-speaking world and the standard for most tarot education. Created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, its defining feature is that every card, including all 56 Minor Arcana cards, has a fully illustrated scene. This makes the deck remarkably intuitive to read: even without knowing the traditional meaning, you can often derive insight simply by looking at the image.

The vast majority of tarot books, courses, and online resources use RWS imagery as their reference point. If you learn on an RWS deck, you will find it easy to follow along with virtually any tarot educational material. Many modern decks are “RWS-based,” meaning they follow the same symbolic framework and card structure while offering updated or alternative artwork. This is the tradition we recommend for most beginners.

Tarot de Marseille Tradition

The Tarot de Marseille is the oldest widely available tarot tradition, with roots in 16th and 17th century France. Its Major Arcana features bold, woodcut-style illustrations that have a stark, medieval quality. The Minor Arcana, however, uses pip designs rather than scenes: the Four of Cups simply shows four cups, without figures or narrative context.

Reading with a Marseille deck requires a different skill set than reading with an RWS deck. Without scenic illustrations on the Minor Arcana, readers rely more heavily on numerology, color symbolism, and the directional gaze of the figures. The Marseille tradition produces a more austere, structured reading style that many experienced readers deeply appreciate. However, it has a steeper learning curve for beginners, and we generally recommend learning with an RWS deck first before exploring the Marseille approach.

Thoth Tradition

The Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris, is the second most influential tarot deck in history. It features abstract, dynamic, and richly symbolic artwork that differs significantly from both the RWS and Marseille traditions. The Thoth deck integrates astrological, Kabbalistic, and alchemical symbolism more explicitly than any other major deck.

Crowley renamed several cards and restructured some elements of the traditional tarot system. The Thoth deck uses its own interpretive framework, which is thoroughly documented in Crowley's companion text, The Book of Thoth. This deck is best suited for readers with an interest in Western esotericism and a willingness to invest significant study time. It is not typically recommended as a first deck for beginners.

Modern and Indie Decks

The 21st century has seen an explosion of independently published tarot decks that reimagine the cards through diverse cultural, artistic, and philosophical lenses. These decks range from faithful RWS reinterpretations with updated artwork to radical departures that create entirely new visual languages for the tarot archetypes. You can find decks featuring botanical illustrations, cats, queer perspectives, African diaspora symbolism, minimalist design, anime-inspired art, and virtually every other aesthetic you can imagine.

Many modern indie decks are RWS-based, meaning they follow the standard 78-card structure and symbolic framework while presenting it through their own artistic vision. These can be excellent beginner decks if the artwork resonates with you, provided they come with a quality guidebook. However, some indie decks deviate significantly from traditional symbolism, which can make it harder to learn using standard educational resources.

2. What to Look For

Beyond choosing a tradition, several practical factors should influence your deck selection. The right combination of these elements will determine how enjoyable and effective your deck is to use.

Artwork that resonates with you. This is the single most important factor. You will be spending hours looking at these images, studying their details, and building an intuitive relationship with the visual symbolism. If the artwork does not speak to you, if it feels generic, unappealing, or disconnected from your aesthetic sensibility, you will have a harder time engaging with the cards. Choose a deck whose images you genuinely enjoy looking at and that evoke an emotional response.

Card stock quality. The physical quality of the cards matters more than you might expect. A good tarot deck should have sturdy card stock that can withstand repeated shuffling without bending, tearing, or losing its finish. Look for a linen or matte finish, which provides a pleasant texture and prevents cards from sticking together. Glossy finishes can look attractive in photos but tend to be slippery and can create glare that makes the artwork harder to read.

Card size. Tarot cards are typically larger than standard playing cards, but sizes vary significantly between decks. Standard tarot size is approximately 2.75 by 4.75 inches. Some decks, particularly art-focused or collector editions, are significantly larger. While larger cards showcase the artwork better, they can be difficult to shuffle, especially for people with smaller hands. If comfortable shuffling is important to you, look for a deck on the smaller side of the standard range.

Companion guidebook.A quality guidebook can make or break a beginner's experience. The best guidebooks provide detailed meanings for each card (both upright and reversed), explain the symbolism in the artwork, offer sample spreads, and provide general guidance for reading the cards. Some decks come with a small white booklet (often called a Little White Book or LWB) that provides only brief keyword meanings. Others come with comprehensive companion books. For beginners, a deck with a thorough guidebook is a significant advantage.

Fully illustrated Minor Arcana. For beginners, we strongly recommend a deck with fully illustrated Minor Arcana cards. Scenic illustrations provide visual cues that make the cards easier to interpret without memorization. If you choose a deck with pip-style Minor Arcana (like the Marseille tradition), you will need to invest more time in studying numerology and suit associations before you can read confidently.

3. Popular Beginner Decks

While the best deck is ultimately the one that resonates with you personally, certain decks have earned their reputation as excellent starting points for new readers. Here are the most widely recommended beginner-friendly decks.

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot:The original and still arguably the best deck for learning. Pamela Colman Smith's illustrations are the foundation of modern tarot education, and virtually every book and course references this imagery. The symbolism is clear, the scenes are intuitive, and the deck is available in several editions, including a centennial version with restored colors. If you want the most straightforward learning experience, this is the deck to start with.

The Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle: A contemporary reimagining of the RWS deck that features diverse, modern characters in everyday settings. The symbolism follows the RWS framework closely, so standard educational resources apply perfectly. The artwork is colorful, inclusive, and immediately engaging, making it a popular choice for readers who want a traditional structure with a fresh, contemporary look.

The Light Seer's Tarot by Chris-Anne: Another RWS-based deck with a warm, ethereal artistic style that blends bohemian and new-age aesthetics. The illustrations are rich with emotion and narrative detail. It comes with a companion guidebook and is consistently rated as one of the most intuitive decks for beginners. The slightly non-traditional artwork encourages intuitive reading while remaining grounded in the standard tarot framework.

The Everyday Tarot by Brigit Esselmont: Created by the founder of Biddy Tarot, one of the largest tarot education platforms in the world. This deck is a miniature-sized RWS with simplified, modern artwork and comes with a comprehensive guidebook focused specifically on practical, everyday reading. It is designed explicitly for beginners and is excellent for those who want a streamlined learning experience.

The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans: A modern classic that departs from traditional human figures in favor of animal and nature imagery. While it does not follow the RWS framework as closely as the decks above, its unique artwork and comprehensive guidebook have made it one of the best-selling tarot decks of the 21st century. It is best suited for readers who are drawn to nature symbolism and who are comfortable with a slightly steeper learning curve.

The Morgan-Greer Tarot:A borderless, close-cropped version of the RWS tradition that emphasizes the details of each card's scene. The colors are vivid and saturated, and the figures fill the entire card, creating an immersive visual experience. It follows the RWS system faithfully and is a good choice for readers who love the traditional framework but want bolder, more vibrant artwork.

4. Where to Buy Your Deck

First, let us address the myth: there is no tradition or rule requiring that your first tarot deck must be given to you as a gift. This is a modern misconception with no basis in tarot history. Buying your own deck is perfectly fine and, in many ways, preferable, because it allows you to choose the deck that truly resonates with your personal taste and intuition.

Local metaphysical and bookshops: If you have a metaphysical shop, spiritual bookstore, or well-stocked independent bookshop in your area, visiting in person is the ideal way to choose your first deck. Many shops have sample decks that you can handle, allowing you to feel the card stock, see the artwork at full size, and get a sense of whether the deck feels right in your hands. Staff at metaphysical shops are often knowledgeable about tarot and can offer personalized recommendations.

Major online retailers: Large online bookstores and retailers carry a wide selection of tarot decks, often at competitive prices. The advantage is variety and convenience. The disadvantage is that you cannot handle the cards before buying. To compensate, look for detailed reviews from other buyers, flip-through videos, and images of the actual cards rather than just the box art.

Independent artist shops: Many modern indie decks are sold directly by the artist through their own online shop or through handmade goods marketplaces. Buying direct supports the artist and often gives you access to limited editions, special extras, and personalized packaging. However, indie decks can be more expensive and may have limited print runs, so availability can be unpredictable.

Budget considerations: Standard tarot decks from major publishers typically range from 15 to 30 dollars or equivalent. Indie and small-press decks can range from 30 to 80 dollars or more, depending on card quality, packaging, and print run size. Premium and collector editions can cost significantly more. For a first deck, a standard published deck in the 15 to 30 dollar range is more than sufficient. You do not need to invest heavily to start learning.

5. Caring for Your Deck

Taking care of your tarot deck ensures it lasts for years of regular use and maintains the pleasant handling qualities that make shuffling and reading enjoyable. Here are practical tips for deck maintenance.

Storage: Keep your deck in a box, pouch, or wrapping cloth when not in use. Many readers use silk or cotton wrapping cloths, wooden boxes, or drawstring bags. The original box works fine too. The goal is to protect the cards from dust, moisture, direct sunlight, and physical damage. Avoid storing your deck in extreme temperatures or high humidity, which can warp the card stock.

Handling: Clean hands make a significant difference in how long your deck stays in good condition. Oils, moisture, and residues from food or lotions can accumulate on card surfaces over time, making them sticky and discolored. Wash your hands before handling your cards, especially before a reading session. Avoid eating or drinking while using your cards.

Shuffling gently: If your deck has thin or delicate card stock, avoid aggressive shuffling techniques like the riffle shuffle, which bends the cards. The overhand shuffle and table wash are gentler alternatives. Over time, even well-made decks will show wear from regular shuffling, and this is perfectly natural. A deck that shows signs of use is a deck that has served you well.

Energetic cleansing: Many readers periodically cleanse their decks of accumulated energy, particularly after reading for other people or after a particularly intense reading. Common cleansing methods include: placing the deck in moonlight (particularly during a full moon), knocking on the deck three times, passing the deck through sage or incense smoke, placing a clear quartz crystal on top of the deck, or simply shuffling thoroughly while setting an intention to clear the energy. Whether you view these practices as literally energetic or as meaningful rituals that help you reset your mindset, they can be a valuable part of your tarot practice.

6. Bonding with Your Cards

When you first receive a new tarot deck, take time to bond with it before jumping into readings. This process helps you become familiar with the specific artwork, build an intuitive connection with the cards, and establish the deck as a trusted reading tool rather than just a box of pretty pictures.

The card-by-card review: When you first open your deck, go through every card one by one. Look at each image carefully, noting details that stand out, colors that catch your eye, and emotions that arise. This process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is one of the most rewarding first experiences with a new deck. You will discover nuances in the artwork that you would never notice in photos or online reviews.

The interview spread:Many readers perform an “interview” with a new deck to get a sense of its personality and strengths. This is a simple six-card spread where each position asks the deck a question: What is your most important characteristic? What are your strengths? What are your limitations? What do you want to teach me? How can I best work with you? What is the potential of our relationship? The cards drawn often provide surprisingly apt responses that shape how you relate to the deck going forward.

Daily draws: The simplest and most effective bonding technique is to use the deck for daily one-card draws for at least two to four weeks before attempting complex readings. This builds familiarity with the artwork, helps you learn the specific visual language of the deck, and establishes a rhythm of regular use. Use our guide to reading tarot for tips on making the most of daily practice.

Sleep with your deck: Some readers place their new deck under their pillow or on their nightstand for the first few nights. The rationale, whether literal or symbolic, is that proximity helps establish an energetic connection. At the very least, having the deck nearby keeps it in your awareness and encourages you to pick it up and practice.

7. When to Get a Second Deck

There is no rush to add another deck to your collection, and we generally recommend reading with your first deck for at least three to six months before purchasing a second one. This gives you time to develop a deep relationship with a single deck, learn the card meanings thoroughly, and establish a confident reading practice before introducing new visual variables.

Signs you are ready for a second deck: You can identify most of the 78 cards by sight without consulting a guidebook. You feel confident performing readings with your current deck. You find yourself curious about how a different artistic style would change your reading experience. You want a deck from a different tradition (for example, adding a Marseille deck to complement your RWS deck). You want a dedicated deck for a specific purpose, such as a deck you use only for reading for others.

Choosing your second deck: Your second deck is an opportunity to expand your tarot horizons. If your first deck was a standard RWS, consider a deck with a dramatically different artistic style that challenges you to read more intuitively. If your first deck was a modern indie deck, a classic RWS might help you connect more deeply with the traditional symbolism that most educational resources reference.

Building a collection:Many experienced readers accumulate multiple decks over the years, each serving a different purpose or resonating with different moods and seasons. Some readers have a “daily driver” deck for regular practice, a special deck for important readings, and perhaps collector decks that they appreciate as art objects. There is nothing wrong with enjoying tarot decks as both functional tools and beautiful objects, but beware of buying decks faster than you can learn to read with them. Depth of practice with a few decks is more valuable than surface familiarity with many.

Regardless of how many decks you eventually own, the one you learned on will always hold a special place. It was there for your first fumbling shuffles, your first tentative readings, and the moment when the cards first truly spoke to you. That connection is irreplaceable.