How To Choose Your First Tarot Deck

Buying your first deck of tarot cards can be daunting, especially for beginners. However, when approached the right way, it can be a magical and enjoyable experience.

I remember when I decided to buy my first deck years ago. I received a flood of recommendations from well-meaning friends and seasoned readers, all eager to point me toward their personal favorites.

True to my rebellious nature, though, I ignored it all. Instead, I followed my intuition.

I visited a cozy metaphysical shop downtown and wandered to the back, where the tarot decks were displayed on a few revolving racks.

One particular deck instantly captivated me. It had an angelic theme, and even though the imagery and Roman numerals weren’t exactly beginner-friendly, I didn’t care. I knew instantly that it was mine.

Even though I was new to Tarot, I had immersed myself in as much knowledge as I could find before purchasing my first deck. I read every book I could get my hands on and spent hours combing through spiritual forums and metaphysical blogs.

The advice I received from seasoned readers, though sometimes conflicting, gave me a broad foundation of ritual practices and deck care.

I was especially drawn to the idea of treating the cards as sacred tools, rather than just objects. So, by the time I brought my new deck home, I already had a sense of how I needed to honor it and energetically align with it.

I went to my herbal room and laid the cards out on a piece of black silk. I anointed the deck with consecration oils made from rosemary, basil, star anise, frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli. Holding a pendulum above the deck, I programmed it with my intentions and asked spirit to bless and activate it.

By learning to trust your intuition, miracles seem to happen. Intuitive thoughts are gifts from the higher self ~ Susan Jeffers

I fanned the cards on my table and passed my palm over them to send my energy into the deck. I asked that it find the right hands when the time came to move on. I left the deck overnight, surrounded by crystals, gemstones, and my magical wand, to charge it with positive energy.

In the following weeks, I kept pulling the Queen of Pentacles. At the time, I didn’t understand why. I wasn’t an earth sign, nor was I pregnant or running a business. But years later, I realized the message. I was being shown my own untapped potential. The card signified that I would one day establish a successful Tarot practice and assist others in doing the same.

Tarot cards are more than paper; they are portals. Once you find a deck that resonates with you, it becomes a sacred ally and keeper of wisdom. It becomes a mirror of your soul.

Another important step is choosing a pouch or case for your deck. I prefer ones with a Velcro® top to ensure the cards stay secure during travel. I also like to keep crystals such as citrine, amethyst, blue kyanite, and black tourmaline tucked inside with the cards. Choose stones that feel protective or enhancing to you personally.

When you’re ready to practice, start with someone close to you who is open-minded. My first real reading was in a Tarot class where I was paired with a woman who didn’t give me any information. Despite my nerves, I trusted spirit. The reading resonated so powerfully with her that she was visibly stunned, even though she knew more about Tarot than I did at the time.

Whether you’re drawn to the cards out of curiosity or a deep spiritual calling, trust that if a deck calls to you, it is likely calling you too. Your Tarot deck may become one of your most cherished teachers, facilitating growth, healing, and the unfolding of the Great Mysteries.

The true Tarot is symbolism; it speaks no other language and offers no other signs ~ A. E. Waite

Guidelines For Choosing The Perfect Deck

Do some research. Before purchasing a deck, take time to read reviews from other readers and browse through sample card images online. This can give you a sense of how the deck feels in actual practice, what kind of guidance the accompanying booklet provides, and whether the style suits your needs. Previewing the imagery also allows you to gauge your intuitive reaction before committing. It’s also wise to consider who created the deck. Some decks are designed mainly for aesthetic appeal and may lack the symbolic depth or traditional structure that supports effective learning. When possible, choose decks developed by experienced Tarot readers or teachers, as these are more likely to offer thoughtful, accessible interpretations for beginners.

Follow your gut. Let your inner knowing guide you in the selection process. If you feel inexplicably drawn to a deck, regardless of how others feel about it, trust that connection. Intuition is often your best compass when choosing a spiritual tool.

Start simple (or not). If you’re new to Tarot, a deck with clear illustrations and a helpful guidebook can provide a solid foundation. However, if you feel a strong connection to a more complex or abstract deck, do not shy away. Sometimes your soul is ready for a challenge even before your mind realizes it.

Consider the design. Choose a deck with artwork that speaks to your heart and soul. You should feel emotionally or spiritually inspired by the visuals, as these images become the intuitive language through which the Tarot communicates with you. A strong visual connection makes it easier to bond with the deck over time. At the same time, avoid designs that are too abstract or complex. Look for imagery that clearly illustrates the card’s meaning, allowing you to interpret it without constantly turning to a guidebook. For beginners, it’s often best to steer clear of “pip-style” or minimalist decks, which feature only repeating symbols like cups or swords arranged in patterns rather than full scenes or characters. These decks typically rely on numerology and suit symbolism without offering the visual storytelling that helps new readers grasp meanings and build confidence more easily.

Weigh the energy. Some decks feel light and uplifting, while others may carry a darker, more introspective energy. Pay attention to how a deck feels in your hands or even in photos online. Match its overall tone to the type of guidance you wish to offer, such as gentle healing, deep transformation, or balanced insight.

Check the structure. Make sure the deck follows a system you feel comfortable with. Most traditional Tarot decks are based on the Rider-Waite-Smith structure, with 78 cards that include Major and Minor Arcana and four suits. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend using a deck based on this tradition. Some modern decks are more like oracle cards. These decks can be a wonderful addition to the expert reader’s collection, but they are often not be the best fit for beginners.

Consider the size. Think about how the cards feel in your hands. If a deck is too large or awkward to shuffle, it might interrupt the natural rhythm of your readings. A comfortable fit will make it easier to develop a confident and intuitive practice.

Assess the symbolism. Look for symbolic language that aligns with your spiritual perspective. This could include colors, sacred geometry, astrology, numerology, or archetypes. A deck rich in symbols that resonate with you will help deepen your interpretations. Be aware that while some novelty decks may be beautifully designed, they don’t always align with the traditional meanings of the Tarot and can sometimes confuse beginners.

Let the deck choose you. Sometimes the right deck seems to find you. If a certain deck keeps showing up in your searches, dreams, or even in random conversations, take it as a sign. Often, the best companion is the one that persistently knocks on your spirit’s door.