How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you want to read tarot, but there’s just one problem…
You walk into a metaphysical shop (or, let’s be real, open Amazon), and BAM—hundreds of tarot decks staring back at you.
Some have dreamy watercolor art, others look like medieval manuscripts, and then there’s that one deck that’s giving straight-up horror movie vibes. 😳 Where do you even start?!
Relax. I got you. Here’s how to choose your first tarot deck without overthinking it.
🔮 Step 1: Ignore the “You Must Be Gifted a Deck” Myth
There’s a superstition that says you can’t buy your own tarot deck—it has to be gifted to you. Spoiler alert: That’s nonsense.
✨ Fact: Most pro tarot readers bought their own first deck. If you wait for someone to gift you one, you might be waiting forever.
🃏 Step 2: Start with a Beginner-Friendly Deck
Not all tarot decks are created equal. Some are beautiful but hard to read (looking at you, abstract art decks). Others are rich in symbolism but feel like reading a history textbook.
Best Decks for Beginners:
1️⃣ Rider-Waite Tarot (OG Deck) – Classic, easy-to-read, and most tarot guides use it as a reference.
2️⃣ Modern Witch Tarot – A vibrant, diverse, and modern take on Rider-Waite.
3️⃣ Light Seer’s Tarot – Beautiful, intuitive artwork that’s easy to connect with.
💡 Tip: Pick a deck where the images make sense to you. If you look at a card and it feels confusing or lifeless, it’s not the deck for you.
🌀 Step 3: Choose a Deck That Speaks to You
Your tarot deck should match your energy. Ask yourself:
🔹 Do I vibe with the art style?
🔹 Does the theme resonate with me? (e.g., fantasy, nature, cosmic, minimalist)
🔹 Do I feel drawn to this deck, or am I just picking it because someone on TikTok said it’s good?
✨ The right deck will feel like it’s “calling you.” If you can’t stop thinking about a specific deck, that’s your sign.
📖 Step 4: Get a Guidebook or Tarot App
Most decks come with a little guidebook, but let’s be real—some of them are tiny, vague, or just unhelpful. If you’re a beginner, you’ll want a good tarot guide.
Top Resources for Learning Tarot:
📚 Books: "The Ultimate Guide to Tarot" by Liz Dean (easy and beginner-friendly).
📱 Apps: Labyrinthos or Tarot Simple (perfect for quick card meanings).
🖥️ Websites: Biddy Tarot (tons of free meanings & guides).
💡 Tip: Don’t stress about memorizing meanings. Tarot is intuitive—your gut feeling is just as important as the “official” meaning.
🎴 Step 5: Cleanse & Bond with Your New Deck
Once you get your first tarot deck, don’t just throw it on a shelf and forget about it. Treat it like a new friend—spend time with it, shuffle it, and set your energy into it.
Ways to Cleanse Your Deck:
✨ Pass it through incense smoke (sage, palo santo, or your fave scent).
✨ Place a clear quartz or selenite crystal on top.
✨ Shuffle the deck and hold it in your hands, setting an intention.
🔮 Final Thoughts: Trust Your Intuition
At the end of the day, choosing a tarot deck is personal. The best one for you is the one that feels right.
Reminder: You don’t need the “perfect” deck to start reading tarot. What matters is how you connect with it.
🌟 Do you already have a tarot deck, or are you still searching?
