Tarot cards have captivated seekers of wisdom, insight, and self-discovery for centuries. They are a powerful tool for those who seek guidance and clarity in various aspects of life. If you’re new to the world of tarot reading, selecting the right tarot deck is crucial to your journey through tarot as a beginner. Here are the best tarot decks for beginners, each chosen for its unique features and suitability for novice readers.
Understanding Tarot Decks
Structure of a Tarot Deck
The foundation of a tarot deck lies in its meticulously structured composition. A standard tarot deck comprises 78 cards. These cards are thoughtfully divided into two distinct categories: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Knowing the basics will help you choose the best tarot deck as a beginner.
Major Arcana (22 cards): These cards are often regarded as the heart and soul of the tarot deck. Each Major Arcana card represents a significant life event or spiritual lesson, making them the pillars of deep introspection. They hold the secrets to profound transformation and serve as the keys to unlocking higher consciousness.
Minor Arcana (56 cards): In contrast to the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana cards are more focused on the day-to-day aspects of life. The Minor Arcana is split into four suits—usually Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. These themes are related to emotions, material matters, mental challenges, and ambition. These cards offer insights into the everyday experiences that shape our existence.
Tarot enthusiasts often appreciate the dual nature of the deck, as it allows for a holistic exploration of both the grand tapestry of life (Major Arcana) and the intricate threads of daily existence (Minor Arcana). As a beginner choosing a tarot deck, you’ll come to admire these qualities as well.
Rich Symbolism
Tarot cards are known best for their deep symbolism and imagery. Each card serves as a miniature work of art, thoughtfully designed to convey layers of meaning and insight. These symbolic elements can include:
Archetypal Figures: Tarot cards frequently feature archetypal figures such as the High Priestess, the Fool, and the Emperor. These characters represent universal human experiences, emotions, and traits, making them relatable and meaningful to readers.
Symbols and Motifs: From the ethereal wings of angels to the enigmatic twists of the ouroboros, tarot cards are adorned with a myriad of symbols and motifs. These symbols carry deep-seated cultural and esoteric significance, inviting readers to explore the hidden connections within each card.
Scenes and Imagery: Every tarot card tells a story through its visual elements. Whether it’s the contemplative figure in the Hermit card or the waters shown in the Tower card, the imagery within each card evokes emotions and contemplation.
It’s the synergy of these symbolic elements that makes tarot readings a unique and transformative experience. As you delve into the cards, you’ll uncover layers of meaning, each contributing to a broader narrative of self-discovery and guidance. The more detailed the cards are, the more understanding you’ll have of it’s messages. This is why well-illustrated cards are the best tarot decks for beginners to learn with
Versatility
One of the remarkable qualities of tarot decks is their versatility. Unlike some divination tools that serve specific purposes, tarot cards are diverse and adaptable, especially in readings. Whether you seek daily insights, answers to pressing questions, or profound introspection, tarot decks can accommodate a wide range of needs.
Daily Insights: For those looking to gain clarity on daily matters or find inspiration for the day ahead, a simple one-card draw can offer concise and insightful guidance.
Question-Driven Readings: Tarot cards excel at addressing specific questions or concerns. Various spreads and layouts, such as the Celtic Cross or the ThreeCard Spread, provide structured frameworks for exploring different aspects of your inquiry.
Deep Introspection: When embarking on a journey of self-discovery or seeking profound insights, tarot readings can delve into the depths of the psyche. The combination of Major and Minor Arcana cards allows for a nuanced exploration of life’s complexities.
In essence, tarot cards serve as versatile companions on your spiritual and personal growth journey, offering guidance, reflection, and wisdom tailored to your unique needs and intentions. Whether your path leads to daily illumination or profound soul-searching, tarot cards provide a versatile and enduring tool for seekers of all walks of life.
Top Tarot Decks for Beginners
1. RiderWaite Tarot Deck
The RiderWaite Tarot Deck features classic symbolism and imagery as well as a comprehensive guidebook companion. This deck is a timeless choice and is considered one of the original tarot card decks. It contains clear symbolism and because of its history, there is an abundance of resources in correlation for beginners.
2. The Modern Witch Tarot Deck
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck is actually one of my favorite decks. I may be biased because this is the deck I learned with. It has contemporary and diverse artwork featuring inclusive representation. This deck offers a modern twist on tarot while retaining the core symbolism. Its inclusivity and relatable imagery make it accessible to a wide range of readers.
3. The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck
The Wild Unkown Tarot has a minimalistic artistic design with intuitive and nature-inspired imagery. This deck encourages intuitive readings and personal connections with its captivating yet straightforward imagery that makes it an easier tarot deck for beginners to learn with. They even have a miniature pocket version that is not only cute, but also convenient for someone who wants tarot on the go!
4. The Light Seer’s Tarot Deck
The Light Seer’s Tarot Deck features vibrant and imaginative artwork and comes with a supportive guidebook. This deck’s colorful and imaginative cards make it easy for beginners to connect with their intuition and explore their readings with enthusiasm.
Choosing the Right Deck
Selecting the right tarot deck as a beginner is choosing a companion for your spiritual journey. Although it may seem overwhelming to figure out how to choose the best tarot deck as a beginner, it’s actually fairly simple. As an extra side note, don’t forget to cleanse your deck once you’ve chosen it!To ensure your tarot deck becomes a harmonious extension of your intuitive exploration, consider these factors when making your selection:
Intuitive Connection
The most crucial aspect of choosing a tarot deck is the intuitive connection you establish with it. As you explore different decks, pay close attention to your inner reactions and feelings when you encounter the cards.
Trust Your Gut: Trust your intuition—the flutter in your chest, the resonance in your heart, or the magnetic pull toward certain cards. A deck that truly speaks to you will evoke a deep sense of connection and alignment.
Emotional Resonance: The imagery and symbolism of the cards should resonate with your emotions and inner wisdom. Ask yourself how the cards make you feel. Do they invite introspection, or do they stir your curiosity?
Artwork Style
Tarot decks come in an abundance of artistic styles, each offering a unique lens through which to view the world of divination. It’s essential to select a style that not only appeals to your aesthetic sensibilities but also complements your reading style.
Classic vs. Contemporary: Some are drawn to the timeless allure of classic tarot decks, featuring traditional artwork with historical significance. Others may find inspiration in the modern and contemporary interpretations, which often incorporate diverse and inclusive representations.
Personally, the best decks I found as starting out were newer more contemporary styles because I could resonate with the illustrations better and draw deeper meaning. However, some recommend that the best tarot deck for beginners will always remain the Rider Waite deck because of its origin.
Abstract vs. Traditional: Tarot decks also span the spectrum from abstract and minimalistic designs to richly detailed and traditional illustrations. Your preference may lean towards the stark simplicity of abstract art or the intricate beauty of tradition.
Color Palette: Consider the color palette used in the deck. Vibrant and bold colors may evoke a sense of energy and dynamism, while muted and earthy tones can create a more grounded and introspective atmosphere.
Guidebook and Resources
As a beginner, having access to a comprehensive guidebook or additional resources can significantly ease your journey into the world of tarot. Look for decks that come with well-structured guidebooks or digital resources that provide insights into card meanings, spreads, and interpretation techniques.
Comprehensive Explanations: A good guidebook should offer clear and comprehensive explanations of each card, including its symbolism and potential interpretations. It can serve as a valuable reference as you start your tarot journey. If you happen to get a tarot deck without a guide, check out our Ultimate Tarot Cheat Sheet.
Practical Guidance: Seek decks that provide practical guidance on how to perform readings, explore spreads, and develop your intuitive skills. Resources that offer tips, exercises, and tarot card spreads can enhance your understanding of tarot.
Embarking on your tarot journey as a beginner is an exciting and transformative experience. The best tarot deck for beginners isn’t a universal choice. Yours is one that aligns with your intuition and aesthetic preferences. Whether you choose a classic deck or opt for a more modern and artistic option, trust in your ability to connect with the cards and unlock the wisdom they hold. With your chosen tarot deck in hand, you are ready to step onto the path of tarot mastery and self-discovery.
While you’re here, take a look at our list of the Easiest Tarot Spreads for Beginners to get you started with your journey. For more about tarot, freebies, and exclusive offers on our tarot guides and spreads, join our email list! We’d love to have you.