Tarot can be an intriguing practice that helps connect you to your intuition, support artists and explore different cultures while deepening spiritually. But finding the appropriate deck can take some trial-and-error.

There’s an outdated superstition that holds that your first deck must be given to you as a gift from someone else, which is simply not necessary or beneficial to starting off your tarot journey.

Find a deck that speaks to you

Tarot cards provide much of their information through imagery and visual design, so finding a deck that resonates with you is crucial for developing intuitive understanding of tarot.

People usually begin their tarot journey using the classic Rider-Waite Smith deck as it provides a good starting point, as many books and resources use its descriptions for card meanings.

Do not be intimidated to explore other styles of deck. Modern art and color-use decks exist while others draw on an array of traditions like Renaissance art, Classical mythology, early Christianity/Gnosticism/numerology/alchemy and occultism as their symbolism sources.

Animal- or spirituality-themed tarot decks provide a gentler way into reading the cards for newcomers.

Read reviews

Tarot readings offer insight into different areas of your life and can encourage self-awareness even for those not versed in spiritual matters. To find the appropriate deck, browse reviews online to determine what resonates with other readers.

Wen is particularly fond of Tazama African Tarot, which aims to be inclusive by depicting historic African women and men from various times and places. She also recommends Light Seer’s Tarot as another diverse deck option that draws upon Rider-Waite Smith cards while including both major and minor arcana.

Search for tarot reading websites with clear policies regarding return or satisfaction guarantees, data privacy measures, customer service measures and reader bios that outline qualifications and experience – these will all serve as indicators of the level of care taken with their customers’ experiences.

Go with your gut

Your intuition should guide your search for the appropriate deck. If a certain image draws your eye, follow your gut – whether that be its artwork, feel in your hand, or something else altogether.

If you’re new to tarot, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is an ideal way to start. Comprised of 78 cards, its Major Arcana depict a journey of enlightenment, despair, love, death and rebirth. Furthermore, this easy-to-read deck can be found both online and at physical New Age stores and occult shops.

Mandybur designed the Wildwood Tarot in 2019 as another option she suggests for healing and divination purposes. “It is a contemporary, queer, and inclusive homage to Colman Smith’s work,” according to Mandybur. It includes an informative booklet which covers topics such as gifts, clairvoyance and connecting to Native ancestry while being easy to shuffle smoothly with stunning collage artwork that brings out hidden insights.

Get a deck that you love

When selecting a tarot deck, go with what feels right to you. There is an extensive range of choices out there; some more popular than others; some cheaper; and some based around specific cultures or themes. When using cards as decision aids, only use them supplementaryly rather than replacing your decision making processes with them.

Select a deck that speaks to you spiritually. Many people find comfort in the imagery of cards and their meaning, so take some time perusing through each deck until you find one that catches your eye.

Do not let the myth that you must receive a tarot deck as a present deter you from exploring and learning this practice. There are numerous online resources to assist with finding your ideal deck.