Best Tarot Decks for Beginners
Last Updated: October 4, 2022
When you’re just starting out with Tarot it can be daunting trying to decide which deck is best for you. Do you just choose something you find visually appealing? Or do you give it more thought and choose a deck that is going to facilitate your journey?
Buying a Tarot deck designed for beginners might make you wrinkle your nose. You just want to get into it! But taking the time to find a deck that’s going to help you learn more easily is going to improve how you intuitively read in the long run. This isn’t to say you can’t expand your collection later down the line or that you can’t explore alternative interpretations either!
Buying Your First Deck
There’s a myth which still floats around today, that you must be gifted your first Tarot deck. This is not the case! Besides the gate-keeping connotations, how are you expected to connect with your deck if you haven’t chosen it for yourself? This is not to say a gifted deck isn’t welcome, but being able to choose your own means you find something which resonates with you, your tastes and your practice.
So, you’re thinking about buying your first deck but where do you start? If you’re a beginner you’ll want to think about your own personal learning style. As a general guide a beginner-friendly Tarot deck should ideally be:
- Visually rich in symbolism and having clear illustrated scenes – this is going to make it much easier for you to intuitively pick out key themes which in turn will help you to learn Tarot.
Align with common descriptions of Tarot – this will help you to learn the basic interpretations before you delve into any deeper meanings.
How to Connect with Your New Deck
Bonding with a new Tarot deck can enhance your connection and in turn your practice. But don’t forget to also energetically cleanse your deck frequently to keep the energy fresh and the readings more accurate.
Here are some tips to help facilitate that connection:
- Use your deck – seems obvious, I know! But using your deck on a frequent basis is not only going to help you learn but it’s going to start and maintain your relationship with the deck. Maybe start with a daily 1 card pull or try an interview tarot spread.
- Read the guidebook – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with reading the guidebook to get familiar with the deck and the meanings, it’s one of the ways you’re going to learn.
- Examine each card – pull a card and thoroughly examine it. Looking for obvious key themes and messages. Pay attention to the details: suit, numbers, words, colours, elements, symbols and so on. This could be done with 1 card a day, or a week if you’re busy.
- Visual Meditation – visually meditate with your cards by picking 1 out and thinking about who or what you relate to in that card, or perhaps who or what the scene reminds you of. Take note of thoughts, feelings, or images that come up for you. What would it like to be inside the scene?
- Sleep with them near you or carry them with you – this is something I heard about once but for the life of me couldn’t tell you from whom! It might sound a little strange but making your deck a part of your daily routine might help with your connection. Having your deck in close proximity to you is said to help the deck attune to you on a subconscious level, and vice versa.
- Journalling – starting a daily practice of Tarot journalling will help you to learn, reflect and understand the cards better. You can think about keywords, insights, feelings or impressions, interpretation and meaning etc.
With all that being said, here’s a list of 8 of the best Tarot decks for beginners for you to check out.
The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
The OG Tarot deck for many, the Rider-Waite (RWS) Tarot deck is one of the most traditional decks out there and many decks are based on this deck’s imagery and interpretations. Almost every single Tarot reader out there is going to be familiar with this deck, the visuals and the meanings, making this one of the most popular starter decks for beginners.
This deck is rich in symbolism and its scenes are clearly illustrated and easy to interpret.
Morgan Greer Tarot
This deck is based on the RWS system, with a slightly more contemporary feel. It features bold 1970s imagery, often described as “groovy” and “evocative”. The simplified design is saturated in primary colours making it favourable for beginners. If you’re looking for a deck which is simple and easy to understand, but not as esoteric as RWS, then this is a great alternative.
Llewellyn’s Classic Tarot Deck
Llewellyn’s deck is another classic interpretation of the Tarot with traditional illustrations and familiar meanings, also based on the RWS system with a more modern style. Its romantic but simplified visuals are easy to understand and encourage your intuition. Each card also has written names rather than roman numerals making it easier to learn.
Beginners Guide to Tarot
Designed with the beginner in mind, this Tarot deck draws upon traditional and modern Tarot visuals. It offers a clear, distinctive style which introduces you to Tarot and encourages you to hone your intuition. Its symbolism is traditional and yet evokes a modern clarity which is useful when you’re just starting out.
Everyday Tarot Mini Tarot Deck
Everyday Tarot offers simplified illustrations in an appealing modern style. The deck is based on the RWS system but is a much more refined version which focuses on key symbolism, with a simple colour scheme.
This is a fresh, approachable version of the Tarot, which is empowering and goal-focused, with an emphasis on intuition. And as the cards are mini, it makes it much easier to carry this deck on your person where ever you go.
The Modern Way Tarot Deck
Based on the RWS system, this is a simple and vibrant deck, making it super easy to interpret without getting bogged down in the details. The strikingly bold imagery is familiar yet simplified for easy learning. It’s a more modern and intuitive look at Tarot, with an interesting balance of vibrancy and minimalism which is going to help beginners focus on the key aspects of the cards.
Modern Witch Tarot Deck
This is an all-female take on the RWS deck, featuring familiar imagery and symbols with a bold, fierce new take. This deck is all about empowerment, modernity and diversity making the key messages and meanings memorable and relatable. A contemporary deck that allows you to tap straight into your intuition and connect with the cards.
Marseille Tarot
The oldest Tarot deck still in circulation today, the Marseille Tarot, or Tarot de Marseille, was created between the 15th and 16th centuries. This is a deck you want in your collection just for historical relevance alone, but it features serious traditional aesthetics and clear and easy-to-understand imagery.
Conclusion
Lastly, it’s important that you feel drawn to your deck. No matter what your learning style, or reading style, there’s definitely a deck here for a beginner.
Vicky McAfee is a witch, empath, creator, and writer. She’s a professional divination reader, dream decoder, and witchy business owner. Through her website and Instagram page Medieval Morticia she offers knowledge, guidance, and support through a variety of divination and witchery tools.
Continue your tarot journey ✨
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