How Do I Choose My First Tarot Deck?

Ah, the thrilling, slightly nerve-wracking moment when you’re ready to buy your first tarot deck. Cue the harp music and dramatic lighting. You walk into the metaphysical shop (or scroll through an endless online catalog), and BAM! There are hundreds of decks staring at you. Cats in wizard hats. Gothic fairies. Baseball players with chalices. And of course, the trusty Rider-Waite-Smith just giving you that “pick me, I’m traditional” look. It can be a little overwhelming, I get it. So, you may be asking, “How do I choose my first tarot deck?” I’ve got answers.

Let’s clear the psychic smoke and walk through it together. Whether you’re a total newbie or just getting serious about your tarot curiosity, choosing your first deck doesn’t have to be a mystical ordeal. In fact, it can be downright delicious, especially if you let your intuition lead the way.

Do I Have to Wait for Someone to Gift Me a Deck?

Nope. That’s an old myth…kind of like needing to wear a velvet robe and chant in Latin to read the cards. While the sentiment behind it is sweet (someone sees your spark and wants to support it), you don’t need to wait around hoping a deck falls into your lap. In fact, buying your own deck can be part of claiming your path.

If you feel drawn to tarot, and there’s a deck calling your name, go ahead…buy the deck. That act alone sends a powerful message to the universe (and your inner reader): “I’m ready.”

Which Deck Is Best for Beginners?

Short answer: The one you feel a connection with. 

Longer answer: Most beginners start with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, or a variant of it, for a few good reasons:

• It’s widely recognized.
• Most tarot books and online resources use the RW imagery to teach.
• The symbolism is rich, but not overly complex or abstract.

But if you’re asking “How do I choose my first tarot deck?” – you should know you don’t have to start here. If a deck with wolves under moonlight or fierce queens on motorcycles speaks to you more than stoic medieval figures, follow that vibe.

Other Beginner-Friendly Decks to Consider:

• Radiant-Waite: A bright, easy-on-the-eyes variation with vivid colors and simple lines. I personally used this to sharpen my learning curve. It’s clean, clear, and easy to read.
• The Light Seer’s Tarot: Modern, intuitive, soulful.
• Morgan-Greer: My first love. More on that in a minute.
• Robin-Wood: Also a Rider-Waite-based deck, but the artwork is flowy with this woodsy, Celtic feel to it.

Real Talk: Let the Art Speak to You

Tarot is personal. The deck you start with should resonate with you visually, emotionally, maybe even spiritually. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel something when I look at these cards?
• Do I want to spend time with them?
• Do they feel like a friend, a teacher, a guide?

That connection matters more than what’s “popular” or “recommended.”

My First Tarot Deck (And Why It Still Matters)

Let me tell you about my first deck. I was young. I didn’t know much. But I knew I loved this deck. It was the Morgan-Greer, and it came to me used. Worn. Loved. Passed down.

It was a gift from my mentor, Ruth…a wise, compassionate reader who saw something in me. That deck had seen years of readings, thousands of shuffles, and probably a few spilled cups of tea. The edges were discolored, the box was torn, and the cards? Oh, they glowed with history. With energy. With heart.

Ruth used that deck for reading for others, and now, so do I. It still lives on my reading table, and every time I pull it out, it feels like coming home.

Later on, I bought the Radiant Rider-Waite. That one helped me get more technical, more structured. The simplicity of the drawings, the vibrant color-pencil artwork…it made it easier to study symbolism and start making my own interpretations.

Over the years? I’ve collected a lot of decks. Some are playful, some are dark and mystical, and some are just so beautiful I can’t bear to read with them. Each one brings something unique to the table, like friends with different personalities. That’s the magic of tarot: your first deck doesn’t have to be your forever deck.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Buying Your First Deck

• What will I use this deck for?

Self-reflection? Daily pulls? Meditative journaling? Readings for others? Creative prompts? Some decks are better for introspection, others for structured spreads.

• What themes speak to me?

There are tarot decks for just about everything: animals, nature, astrology, queer culture, myth, history, minimalism…you name it. Choose a deck with a theme or aesthetic that feels like you.

• Am I familiar (and comfy) with tarot’s history and structure?

If the answer’s no, that’s totally okay. You might consider starting with an oracle deck instead, which doesn’t have the same traditional framework and can feel more accessible at first.

• Where should I buy my first deck?

Online is convenient, but you can’t always preview the cards. If you can, go to a metaphysical shop or psychic fair where you can touch or at least browse through a sample deck. Some shops have open samples or let you see a few cards. Better yet, strike up a conversation with a reader there. Ask what decks they use and why.

• Do I know any readers I trust?

Ask around. Seasoned readers usually love talking about decks. They may even have an extra deck or a strong recommendation based on your vibe.

A Peek Into My Tarot Deck Collection

Since getting that first, worn-in Morgan-Greer deck from my mentor Ruth, I’ve built a bit of a tarot family. Okay, a big tarot family. Around 60 decks, give or take, and I love them all. Each one has a distinct personality, and I reach for them depending on my mood, the reading, or whether my intuition wants me to go for jazz hands or a warm hug.

In hopes to help you cipher out your own first deck dilemmas, I thought I’d share some of my top fave decks, so here are a few of my most beloved decks and why they have a permanent place on my shelf:

Intuitive Tarot

Soft, flowing, and watercolor dreamy. This deck is like a deep exhale. I love working with it for personal meditations or when I need to get quiet and check in with myself. It’s subtle and nurturing…like the tarot version of a cozy blanket and a gentle playlist.

Osho Zen Tarot

This deck keeps me on my intuitive toes. It doesn’t follow traditional tarot structure, and I love it for that. It’s soulful, reflective, and gets straight to the heart of the matter. I reach for Osho Zen when I’m not looking for predictions but rather deep emotional or spiritual insights. It’s like talking to your higher self…if your higher self wore robes and carried a big Zen stick.

Tarot of the Magical Forest

Pure whimsy. Think woodland creatures with wide eyes and secret wisdom. The imagery is slightly oddball in the best possible way, and I adore how playful it feels. It’s great for light-hearted or childlike energy, but don’t be fooled…it still serves up solid insights behind those fuzzy faces and glowing mushrooms.

New Palladini Tarot

It’s traditional in structure but electric in execution. The colors are bold, the lines are confident, and the deck practically radiates clarity. This is my “honesty oracle.” When I want direct, no-nonsense messages that still look gorgeous on the table, I grab the New Palladini. It’s a visual power move.

Aquarian Tarot

This one gives off major art-deco, psychedelic Sgt. Pepper vibes…and I’m here for it. It riffs off the Rider-Waite system, but the stylized artwork gives it a creative edge that sparks my intuition. Honestly, the design jazzes me so much I’ve even used elements from this deck (with proper permission, of course) in some of the visual touches on my website. It’s a blend of tradition and innovation, and it never fails to get my creative gears turning.

Final Thoughts (a.k.a. your intuitive permission slip)

I hope I’ve put that pesky question, “How do I choose my first tarot deck?” in abeyance with this thoughtful exploration. Just know this…your first tarot deck doesn’t have to be “the perfect one.” It just has to be yours for now. You’re not entering into a lifelong monogamous commitment with your first deck (unless you want to!). Think of it as the beginning of a beautiful, flexible relationship…with room to grow, evolve, and yes, add more decks to your collection.

Trust your gut. Trust your eye. Trust your heart.

Because if there’s one thing tarot teaches from day one, it’s this: Your intuition already knows the way.

Mighty brightly,

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