Beginner’s Guide to Choosing a Tarot Deck

If you’re new to tarot, selecting the right deck can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience.

With so many different decks available, it’s important to find one that resonates with you. In this blog, we’ll discuss some popular tarot decks ideal for beginners and offer tips to help you make your choice.

Here you will find a selection of tarot decks suitable for beginners.

1. Let yourself be guided by what visually appeals to you

Choose a deck that visually attracts you. If the images and art style appeal to you, you’re more likely to work with it and practice.

Recommended deck:

• Light Seer’s Tarot ; a modern deck with colorful and inspiring images.

2. Start with a classic deck

For beginners, it’s often helpful to start with a traditional deck, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck. This deck forms the basis for many tarot books and online learning materials, which greatly simplifies the learning process. The Rider Waite Set includes, for example, an extensive Dutch-language book that explains the basic principles of tarot.

Recommended decks:

• Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Centennial Edition: A reissue of the classic deck with soft colors and authentic images.
• Universal Waite Tarot: An updated version of the RWS deck with bright colors.
• Rider Waite Tarot: Available in several languages, including Dutch.

3. Consider the Tarot de Marseille if you’re interested in history

If you’re interested in the historical side of tarot, you might consider starting with the Tarot de Marseille. This deck has a rich history and a unique artistic style. Click here for an overview of our different Marseille Tarot decks.

Recommended deck:

• Tarot of Marseille: A classic deck with traditional images.

4. Choose a deck that fits your interests

Do you have a specific interest or hobby, such as cats, nature, or mythology? Then choose a deck that reflects that theme. This makes learning more fun and personal.

Recommended decks:

• Cat Tarot: For cat lovers, a playful deck with cats in the leading role.
• Wildwood Tarot: Inspired by nature and Celtic mythology.

5. View images of the cards before you buy

Take the time to view images of the tarot decks online. This way, you get a better idea of the deck and avoid any disappointments. With each deck, we have added multiple images so you can see if it suits you.

6. Don’t feel pressured to find the perfect deck

Remember that there is no wrong choice. Many experienced tarot readers started with a deck they happened to come across and grew into it. The most important thing is that you start and enjoy the learning process.

7. Read reviews and ask for advice

Maak gebruik van online bronnen en communities. Stel vragen op forums of lees recensies om ervaringen van anderen te horen.

• Make use of online resources and communities. Ask questions on forums or read reviews to hear about others’ experiences.
• Spiritualiteit.net: A platform with discussions about tarot and other spiritual subjects. Visit the website at www.spiritualiteit.net.
• The Tarot Forum: An active English-language forum where members discuss tarot decks, interpretations, readings, and more. Website: https://www.thetarotforum.com.
• Reddit’s Tarot Community: The subreddit r/tarot is a large and lively community where people discuss tarot-related topics, share readings, and ask for advice. Visit the community at https://www.reddit.com/r/tarot/.
• Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI) Forum: Although TABI is mainly focused on the United Kingdom, it has members from all over the world. They offer a forum for discussions about tarot and also organize events and workshops. Website: https://tabi.org.uk/forum/.
• Biddy Tarot Community: An online platform where both beginners and experienced tarot readers come together to learn and share experiences. They also offer courses and learning materials. Website: https://www.biddytarot.com/community/.
• Tarot Town: An international community for tarot enthusiasts with forums, groups, and learning resources. Website: http://www.tarot-town.com/.

8. Consider the size and quality of the deck

Some decks are larger and may be more difficult to handle for small hands. Others come in a compact tin box, which is handy for traveling.

Recommended deck for on the go:

• Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot in Tin: A compact and durable deck, ideal to take with you.
• Rider Waite Pocket: Available in multiple languages, including Dutch.

9. Be aware of the system the deck uses

Most decks are based on the RWS system, but there are also other systems such as the Thoth or Marseille. Choose a deck that fits the system you want to learn. By understanding how these systems differ in style, symbolism, and complexity, you can choose which tarot deck best suits your interests and learning style. Whether you prefer the detailed stories of the RWS deck, the traditional simplicity of the Marseille deck, or the esoteric depth of the Thoth deck, each offers a unique path to explore the world of tarot.

The Thoth system, designed by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, is a complex and esoteric deck. It combines elements from various mystical traditions such as astrology, Kabbalah, and numerology. The cards are rich in abstract symbolism and profound concepts, making this deck suitable for people interested in a more comprehensive and philosophical approach to tarot.

The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system is the most popular and widespread tarot deck. This deck is richly illustrated with detailed images on all cards, including the numbered cards (also known as the Minor Arcana). The images tell stories and are full of symbolism, making it easier for beginners to understand and interpret the meanings.

The Marseille system is one of the oldest tarot decks and has a more traditional and minimalist style. In this deck, the numbered cards are simpler and mainly show the number of symbols (such as swords, wands, cups, or coins) that correspond to the card value. There are fewer detailed images, which means that interpretation depends more on your own insight and knowledge of the symbolism.

10. Enjoy the process

Choosing your first tarot deck is an exciting adventure. Let your intuition guide you and enjoy discovering the rich world of tarot.

Choosing the right tarot deck as a beginner doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips and staying true to what appeals to you, you’ll find the deck that perfectly suits you.

Explore our full tarot card collection here >>