11 Beginner Tips for Choosing Your First Tarot Deck

If you’ve decided you want to explore tarot, one question you might have is how to pick a deck. It’s one of the questions I get asked the most! With so many beautiful and unique options out there, choosing your very first tarot deck can be overwhelming.

But that’s okay, because we’re going to tell you some of the best tips to help you select the perfect deck to begin your tarot journey. Whether you’re drawn to the classic Rider-Waite-Smith imagery or more modern, abstract designs, this guide will help you pick a deck that truly resonates with your intuition and personal style.

So, get ready to unlock the magic and find the tarot deck that’s meant for you. And don’t worry! If you’re still unsure at the end, I’ll recommend several specific decks for starting out!

1. You Don’t Have to Start with Rider-Waite

Many people will tell you to start with the basics and get yourself a Rider-Waite deck. This isn’t a bad option, but it’s not the right choice for everybody.

It wasn’t for me. For some reason I found Rider-Waite intimidating and confusing, so I would end up putting it away in frustration instead of learning. Then I came across the Chinese Tarot Deck at a vendor stall on my college campus and bought it on impulse.

And that’s when I really started to get comfortable with tarot and learn it. Um, the organza bag is because I lost the box years ago. You can see the booklet’s a little bit yellowed too. I carried that deck everywhere with me for years and it’s still an awesome choice for your first deck or 20th!

2. Trust Your Intuition

When it comes to choosing a tarot deck, the most important factor is how the cards make you feel. Forget about following trends or listening to recommendations from others – this is your personal journey, so let your intuition be your guide.

As you browse through different decks, pay attention to which ones instantly capture your attention or give you a sense of excitement. Some decks may even feel like they’re “calling” to you. Trust those gut feelings and don’t overthink it. The right deck will make itself known.

If you don’t get any gut feelings, don’t worry about it! This can just mean you’re open-minded and willing to explore all kinds of things.

3. Consider the Artwork

Pictured here is the Light Seers pocket tarot, but there’s a larger version too. It’s known for its great artwork and symbology.

Tarot is such a visual medium, so the artwork of the cards is crucial. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time staring at and connecting with these images during your readings.

Look for a deck with illustrations that speak to you on an emotional level. Do the colors and symbols feel soothing and familiar, or do they challenge and intrigue you? The artwork should resonate with your personal aesthetic and spiritual leanings.

Keep in mind that traditional decks, like the Rider-Waite-Smith, tend to have more classical, symbolic imagery. Whereas modern or indie decks often feature more abstract, avant-garde designs. Neither is better – it’s simply a matter of personal preference.

4. Evaluate the Card Meanings

While the artwork is important, you’ll also want to ensure the card meanings align with your understanding of tarot. After all, the images are just one part of the equation – the traditional interpretations of the cards are crucial for accurate readings.

I said above I don’t think you have to start with the Rider-Waite deck, but it can be a good idea to start with one that sticks to the classic Rider-Waite-Smith interpretation system. It will give you a solid foundation in the tried-and-true meanings of the major and minor arcana.

On the other hand, some decks have very different interpretations. As you gain more experience, you can explore decks with more unique or unconventional card interpretations.

5. Consider the Card Size and Material

The physical size and material of your tarot cards can have a big impact on your overall experience. Smaller decks, around 2.5 x 4.5 inches, are great for portability and easy shuffling. Larger decks, around 3 x 5 inches, can give you a more immersive, luxurious feel.

Or if you have small hands like I do, they can just fall out of your hands a lot when you’re trying to shuffle. I love smaller decks and even mini-decks when I can get them. Above is the mini Radiant Wise deck, which is a great choice for a first deck. It follows the Rider-Waite system and has similar artwork.

As for materials, most standard tarot decks are made of sturdy cardstock. The material you choose will affect the weight, texture, and durability of the cards. Read reviews to get an idea whether there are quality issues with a deck you’re interested in.

Think about how you plan to use your tarot deck – will you be traveling with it frequently or using it at home? Do you have small hands and need a more compact size? Or do you prefer the heft and presence of a larger deck? Consider your personal preferences and needs.

5. Evaluate the Card Backs

While the front of the tarot cards may steal the spotlight, don’t overlook the importance of the card backs. The design on the reverse side can have a subtle but significant impact on your readings.

Opt for a card back that features a symmetrical, reversible pattern. If you do reversed readings, this will make it easier to shuffle the deck and maintain a sense of mystery during your readings. Avoid decks with busy, asymmetrical card backs, as they can be distracting and make it challenging to keep the cards oriented correctly.

And consider whether you want a solid color, simple pattern, or more intricate artwork on the card backs. This is largely a personal preference, but keep in mind that simpler designs tend to be more versatile and less visually overwhelming.

7. Look for High-Quality Printing and Materials

Poorly printed or cheaply made cards can be frustrating to work with and may even fall apart over time. Look for decks printed on sturdy, durable cardstock with a smooth, linen-finish texture.

The colors should be vibrant and consistent across all the cards. Avoid decks with blurry, pixelated, or uneven printing.

And pay attention to the packaging and any accompanying materials, like a guidebook. A well-crafted, sturdy box or bag can help protect your cards and enhance the overall experience.

8. Consider the Deck’s Themes and Symbolism

Tarot decks can cover a wide range of themes, from the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith to more modern, niche-specific designs. As you browse, think about what kind of energy or message you’re hoping to connect with.

Are you drawn to nature-inspired imagery, mythological archetypes, or abstract, minimalist designs? Perhaps you’re interested in a deck that focuses on a specific cultural or spiritual tradition, like the Thoth, Marseille, or Lenormand systems. Although I wouldn’t recommend starting off with those more complex systems – if you think ordinary tarot can be confusing and intimidating, those are much more so!

The themes and symbols within a tarot deck can have a profound impact on your readings and personal growth. Choose a deck that aligns with your interests, values, and the type of guidance you’re seeking.

9. Look for Inclusivity and Representation

In recent years, there’s been a growing movement in the tarot community to create decks that are more inclusive and representative of diverse identities and experiences. As you shop for your first deck, keep an eye out for those that feature a wide range of gender expressions, skin tones, body types, and cultural backgrounds. Modern Witch is a great deck for that.

Seeing yourself reflected in the imagery of your tarot cards can be incredibly empowering and help you forge a deeper connection with the practice. I also like to support creators who are actively working to make the tarot world more accessible and inclusive.

10. Consider a Beginner-Friendly Deck

If you’re brand new to tarot, it might be helpful to start with a deck that’s specifically designed for beginners. These types of decks often feature clear, straightforward imagery and include comprehensive guidebooks to help you learn the meanings and interpretations.

Some popular beginner-friendly tarot decks include the Radiant Wise (linked above), the Everyday Tarot, and the Wild Unknown Tarot. These decks provide a solid foundation in the classic tarot symbolism and can make the learning process more approachable and enjoyable.

That said, don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to “beginner” decks forever. As you gain more experience, you can always branch out and explore more advanced or niche-specific tarot systems.

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Invest in Multiple Decks

It’s important to remember that your tarot journey is an ever-evolving process. As you continue your practice, you may find yourself drawn to different decks that resonate with you in unique ways.

In fact, many experienced tarot readers have a collection of decks that they rotate through, depending on the type of reading or energy they’re seeking to connect with. Don’t be afraid to invest in multiple decks over time – each one can offer new insights and perspectives to enhance your practice.

Remember, there’s no one “right” tarot deck. The perfect deck for you is the one that speaks to your heart and intuition. Trust your feelings, and let the cards guide you on your magical journey.