There are various kinds of tarot decks on the market. While traditional ones are available, others follow archetypes and symbols from different cultures; others use an intuitive interpretation similar to that found in Rider-Waite deck.

Tarot decks can be an invaluable resource for divination, therapy, personal growth and self-development, creativity and much more. There are countless decks online.

What is a Tarot Deck?

Tarot cards provide an insightful way to make sense of life and the world, providing narratives to spark discussions, spark creativity, or provide new perspectives. While learning the symbols takes practice and dedication, using Tarot may prove transformative.

There is an assortment of tarot card decks on the market today, each boasting their own artistic style and design. However, certain cards always make an appearance in each tarot deck; a standard deck contains 78 cards divided between 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana.

Many tarot readers recommend starting with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, considered by many to be “original.” Its design makes it easily available and among the more affordable options; also many other tarot decks are based on this design.

Buying a Tarot Deck

Many people say it doesn’t matter which deck they select – just so long as they like and feel connected to it. However, this statement can be misleading for newcomers learning tarot cards: choosing an intuitively incompatible deck makes learning the art harder because you won’t connect with its symbolic illustrations the same way.

Your best bet for finding the perfect deck is to visit a metaphysical store (or online) and ask their employees which decks they recommend. Employees at these establishments often know the local tarot community well and can connect you with reading groups or events where you can learn to read tarot. Alternatively, visit Aeclectic Tarot or purchase directly from deck creators on Etsy; if none resonate with you personally ask friends if any are available.

Getting Started with a Tarot Deck

Break-in your tarot deck gradually, just as with new shoes or doughy pizza dough. Reading, intuitive interpretation and media consumption (books, blogs and podcasts) should begin the process of becoming fully familiar.

Becoming acquainted with each card requires getting to know its symbols and imagery, which is best done by flipping through slowly while keeping an open mind; don’t focus on trying to decode each meaning but rather gain an awareness of colors, themes, and individual cards that speak to you.

Beginners should opt for a deck that follows the traditional Rider Waite structure with 78 fully illustrated cards. Oracle decks may only contain 56 of these 78 cards and may feature different symbology or themes; some people use both traditional book meanings and intuitive methods when reading tarot, while others combine tarot with other spiritual traditions such as astrology or Kabbalah to get optimal results.

Using a Tarot Deck

Are You Searching for Magic or Reading with Tarot Decks? Learning the art of using tarot cards requires both intuition and an in-depth knowledge of their symbols to master successfully.

When planning readings, begin by gathering a deck that adheres to the traditional 78-card structure and selecting a guidebook which describes their overall meanings as well as offering tips for spreads, practice techniques and reading etiquette.

To conduct a reading, it will require memorizing each card’s individual meanings – something which takes some time and practice. Most tarot readers find the best way to learn them is through independent study with reference books as a resource; but don’t rely solely on intuition when making interpretations; do allow your intuition guide how you connect with them! Furthermore, knowing which number of cards to pull for readings will also be necessary: three card spreads typically provide insight into current situations while five-card spreads dig deeper by exploring potential obstacles and energetic sources within.