Choosing a tarot deck to work with can feel overwhelming, as there are so many different art styles, a few different card systems, and even more availability than ever before. Choosing a personal Tarot deck is a deeply intuitive and subjective process, and most readers agree that the deck you are most drawn to is the right one. My suggestion is to choose one that you will feel comfortable working with on a regular basis. If you get frustrated and not excited by the prospect of playing with your cards, they won’t do you any good, even if they have the prettiest art.
Deck System
Your first step is to identify your preferred tarot system. There are three main Tarot traditions, as well as independant interpretations of the cards. The one you choose will heavily influence the imagery and ease of learning. My recommendation is to start with a deck based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Even if you don’t like the original artwork, look for a modern deck that follows the RWS structure, as the majority of learning resources online and in books use its imagery as a reference. You can incorporate the additional systems as you progress in comfort and knowledge of the cards.
Rider-Waite-Smith
Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) is the most common and popular system. All 78 cards (Major and Minor Arcana) have unique, story-driven illustrations. Its visual scenes make the meanings very intuitive. This system is best for beginners and those who prefer rich, narrative imagery for interpretation. Most modern decks are based on this system.
Tarot de Marseille
The Tarot de Marseille is an older, traditional French system. Only the Major Arcana are fully illustrated. The Minor Arcana (pips) are not illustrated with scenes but simply show the required number of suit emblems (like a regular playing card). This deck is better for experienced readers and those interested in history, numerology, or readers who prefer to use surrounding cards and simple numerology to read the minors. Personally, I really prefer that all of my cards are illustrated.
Thoth Tarot
The Thoth Tarot was designed by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris. It is highly complex and abstract, heavily infused with esoteric, alchemical, Qabalah, and astrological symbolism. Advanced students with a dedicated interest in occult philosophy and esoteric studies appreciate it’s layered attributes.
Imagery and Art Style
Since the cards are a visual tool for your intuition, the artwork is paramount. When browsing, which deck’s artwork makes you stop, feel inspired, or immediately feel a connection? A deck that “speaks to you” is one you will want to pick up and practice with. I personally like whimsical decks, anything with a fairy tale base (Grimm’s Fairy Tales is one of my favorite books), steampunk art or specific artists such as Ciro Marchetti.
Modern decks often have themes (e.g., nature, cats, mythology, gothic, minimalist). As I mentioned, I appreciate whimsy, mythology and beautiful art. Choose a theme that is genuinely interesting to you and will help you connect to the archetypes of the cards
Look up online reviews, “flip-through” videos, or images that show the entire deck, especially the Minor Arcana. You need to feel comfortable with all 78 cards. Aeclectic Tarot isn’t used as much any more, but many readers (including myself) have submitted reviews and descriptions of popular decks. There are several Reddit forums that fill that function now.
Practical Considerations
Be aware of the size of the deck and the quality of the card stock: The dimensions matter. If you have smaller hands, a larger deck can be difficult to shuffle. I have large hands, but one of my favorite decks, The Inner Child Cards, is one I rarely use presently because the cards are quite oversized and harder to work with. Also, consider the card stock quality—some readers prefer thick, matte cards, while others like thin, glossy ones – whatever you choose needs to stand up to a lot of shuffling and handling.
If representation is important to you, look for a deck that features diverse races, body types, or genders that you can relate to or that represent the people you intend to read for. This is a good recent trend in decks. For an inclusive, beginner-friendly deck, try The Modern Witch Deck by Lisa Sterle.
If you are a beginner, try to choose a deck that comes with a helpful, dedicated guidebook. This is especially important for decks with non-traditional imagery or themes, as the book can explain the creator’s interpretation. Some people prefer to support independent artists (indie decks) rather than mass-market publishers, which can make guidebooks even more helpful in learning your deck.
Choose Your Adventure
The best way to choose a personal deck is to treat it as a gut-feeling decision. Browse online, visit local metaphysical shops, and when a deck grabs your attention and won’t let go, that’s likely the one. The relationship you build with your deck is what makes it personal, not the rules by which you acquire it.
