CATEGORY: How to Read Tarot

Walking into a bookshop or browsing an online store for your first tarot deck can be surprisingly overwhelming. What initially seems like a simple purchase quickly becomes a choice between hundreds, if not thousands, of beautifully illustrated decks. Some are inspired by medieval Europe, others by mythology, nature, fantasy, astrology, animals, or modern art. There are minimalist black-and-white designs, colourful contemporary interpretations, and decks filled with intricate symbolism that almost resemble museum paintings.

It is easy to believe that choosing the “right” deck is the most important step in learning tarot. Beginners often spend weeks researching reviews, asking experienced readers for recommendations, or worrying that selecting the wrong deck will somehow make learning more difficult.

Fortunately, the truth is far more encouraging.

While some decks are certainly easier for beginners than others, no single tarot deck possesses magical qualities that make it objectively better than the rest. The best deck is usually the one that invites you to sit down, shuffle the cards, and genuinely enjoy learning from them. Your relationship with the cards will develop through regular practice, curiosity, and observation—not because a particular deck is considered more powerful than another.

Why Your First Deck Matters More Than You Might Think

Although every tarot deck follows the same basic structure of seventy-eight cards, the artwork can dramatically influence how easy those cards are to understand.

Imagine reading two different editions of the same novel. One contains detailed illustrations that help you visualise every scene, while the other uses abstract artwork that leaves much more to interpretation. Neither version is wrong, but one may naturally suit a beginner better.

Tarot works in much the same way.

The imagery becomes your first teacher.

When you repeatedly look at a card showing someone confidently holding a wand, climbing a mountain, or calmly standing beside flowing water, your mind begins associating those visual elements with particular emotions and situations. Over time, you no longer need to memorise long definitions because the picture itself starts telling the story.

This is why experienced readers often encourage beginners to choose a deck with artwork that feels clear and engaging rather than simply selecting the most beautiful design.

The Rider–Waite–Smith Deck: The Traditional Starting Point

If you ask ten experienced tarot readers which deck they recommend for beginners, chances are many will mention the Rider–Waite–Smith deck or one of its modern variations.

There is a practical reason for this recommendation.

Most books, online courses, websites, and learning materials use its symbolism as their foundation. When a guide explains the meaning of the Six of Cups or the Queen of Pentacles, it is usually referring to the imagery found in this classic deck.

Because of this, studying becomes much easier.

Instead of constantly translating between different artistic interpretations, you are learning directly from the images most educational resources describe.

That does not mean you must use this particular deck forever. Many readers eventually discover other decks whose artwork better reflects their interests or personality. However, beginning with a widely recognised system often provides a smoother learning experience.

Let the Artwork Speak to You

One mistake beginners sometimes make is choosing a deck solely because someone else recommended it.

Tarot is an intensely visual practice. If the artwork leaves you indifferent, you may find yourself using the deck less often, even if it is considered an excellent teaching tool.

Spend time looking through sample images before making a decision.

Ask yourself simple questions.

Do these cards make you curious?

Do you find yourself examining the small details?

Would you enjoy spending time with these illustrations every day?

Some people naturally connect with soft watercolour paintings. Others prefer bold modern graphics or richly detailed fantasy scenes. Neither preference is better than the other.

What matters is that the artwork encourages observation and reflection.

If a deck makes you want to pick up the cards and explore them, it is already doing one of the most important jobs a beginner’s deck should perform.

Ignore the Myth That a Tarot Deck Must Be a Gift

One of the oldest tarot myths claims that you should never buy your own deck and that it must always be received as a gift.

This belief is often repeated online, yet there is no universal historical rule supporting it.

Many professional tarot readers purchased their own first deck.

Waiting for someone else to give you a deck serves little practical purpose if your goal is simply to begin learning. Buying your own cards allows you to choose artwork that genuinely appeals to you and encourages regular practice.

Rather than focusing on old superstitions, concentrate on building familiarity with whichever deck you decide to use. The connection develops through time and experience, not through the circumstances of the purchase.

Quality, Size, and Practical Considerations

Artwork may attract your attention first, but practical details also deserve consideration.

Some decks are printed on exceptionally thick card stock that feels luxurious but can be difficult for beginners to shuffle comfortably. Others use thinner cards that are easier to handle during daily practice.

Card size also matters more than many people realise.

Large cards often showcase beautiful artwork, yet they may feel awkward if you have smaller hands. Compact decks are easier to carry and shuffle but sometimes reduce the visibility of intricate illustrations.

There is no perfect size for everyone.

If possible, read reviews discussing how the cards feel during everyday use, not simply how they look in photographs.

Should You Choose a Themed Tarot Deck?

Once you begin browsing, you will quickly notice tarot decks inspired by almost every subject imaginable.

There are decks based on cats, dragons, ancient Egypt, fairy tales, celestial bodies, forests, historical cultures, and countless artistic styles.

These themed decks can be wonderful once you understand traditional symbolism, but they occasionally simplify or significantly alter the original imagery.

For a complete beginner, heavily modified artwork may create unnecessary confusion because educational resources often describe symbols that no longer appear on the cards.

That does not mean themed decks should be avoided.

Rather, it means understanding that the more a deck departs from traditional symbolism, the more independently you may need to interpret its artwork.

Building a Relationship with Your Deck

Many people ask how to “connect” with a new tarot deck.

The answer is surprisingly simple.

Use it.

Shuffle the cards regularly.

Draw one card every morning.

Study individual illustrations without immediately reaching for a guidebook.

Notice which cards appear repeatedly during similar periods of your life.

As the weeks pass, familiar images begin feeling almost like old friends. Certain cards will immediately remind you of previous readings, personal experiences, or valuable lessons you have learned.

This gradual familiarity is far more meaningful than elaborate rituals designed to force a connection overnight.

There Is No Perfect Deck—Only the Right Deck for You

Perhaps the greatest source of anxiety for beginners is the fear of making the wrong choice.

In reality, very few people use only one tarot deck throughout their lives.

Many readers eventually build small collections, discovering that different artwork inspires different ways of thinking.

One deck may become your favourite for personal reflection.

Another might feel particularly suitable for creative inspiration.

A third may simply be enjoyable to admire.

Your first deck is therefore not a lifelong commitment. It is the beginning of your learning journey.

Choosing a deck that feels welcoming and understandable matters far more than selecting one because it is fashionable or highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Selecting your first tarot deck is less about finding perfection and more about choosing a companion for your learning journey. A well-chosen deck encourages curiosity, rewards careful observation, and makes you want to return to the cards again and again. While traditional beginner-friendly decks offer practical advantages, the most important factor is whether the artwork speaks to you in a meaningful way.

Remember that every experienced tarot reader once opened their very first deck with exactly the same mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Confidence does not come from owning a particular set of cards—it grows through regular practice, thoughtful reflection, and a willingness to learn from every reading. Choose a deck that inspires you, spend time getting to know its imagery, and allow your understanding to develop naturally. In time, the cards will become less like illustrations in a box and more like a symbolic language you can read with confidence.

The End

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