Tarot Decks
What Should a New Tarot Reader Look for in a Tarot Deck?
Connection & Resonance
Does the imagery speak to you? Choose a deck whose artwork, symbols and vibe you feel drawn to and comfortable with. Trust your intuition, sometimes the right deck “calls” to you unexpectedly.
Clarity & Accessibility
Look for clear, expressive images that make it easier to interpret meanings, especially when starting out. Some decks include keywords or guidebooks to help beginners learn card meanings. These are not necessary if you are planning on taking one of our online tarot reading courses
Theme & Style
Consider whether you prefer traditional decks (like Rider-Waite-Smith), modern artistic styles or themed decks, based on things like fantasy or nature. Your deck’s tone should fit your personality and the kind of readings you want to give; for example serious, playful or mystical.
Deck Size & Card Quality
A standard 78-card deck is typical but some decks might have fewer cards. If you intend on using your cards alongside our beginners ‘Tarot Unlocked’ training it is preferable to have a 78 card deck. If you are buying in person check the card quality and size for comfort in handling and shuffling. Tarot cards are usually larger than a playing card, where you see ‘travel decks’ or smaller decks advertised these are usually not genuine decks and are often poor card quality.
Cultural Sensitivity
Choose decks that respect cultures and traditions they draw from. Avoid appropriative or offensive imagery. Research the deck creator’s background and intentions if cultural themes are involved.
Affordability
As a beginner, you don’t need the most expensive deck. Choose one that fits your budget but still feels special.
Bonus Tips:
Try before you buy: If possible, look through decks in a store or check out our decks and online reviews below.
Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and Barbara Moore.
This stunningly beautiful deck is an ephemeral blend of fairy tales, myths and folklore from cultures around the world. The detailed water colour paintings will appeal to fans of the fantasy genre.
Honest unpaid review available on TikTok
Forest of Enchantment Tarot by Lunaea Weatherspoon (author) and Meraylah Allwood (artist)
‘Once you step into the enchanted forest, you will never be the same’. This delightful deck is based around fairy stories and woodland creatures but don’t let its lighthearted imagary trick you, it can still deliver insightful and powerful messages
Honest unpaid review available on TikTok
The Crystal Magic Tarot by Kerry Ward and Clare Gregory
If you love tarot and you love crystals, this is the deck for you! This bold, brightly coloured deck can be used to expand the traditional use of tarot for readings into the realm of intention setting and manifesting goals using crystals.
Honest unpaid review available on TikTok
Oriens Animal Tarot by Ambi Sun
This lovely animal-themed card deck reflects nature through mythical and ethereal means and is rich in animal symbolism. It facilitates connection with the universe, the reader and the enquirant.
Honest unpaid review available on TikTok
The Wild Wood Tarot: Wherein the Wisdom Resides by Mark Ryan (author), John Matthews (author) and Will Worthington (artist)
The cards draw inspiration from pre-Celtic mythology and a belief system steeped in shamanic wisdom and forest lore. Based on the seasonal rhythm and festivals of the ancient year, it connects us with a long-lost world – one that can help us to make sense of our own.
Honest unpaid review available on TikTok
Everyday Witch Tarot Cards by Deborah Blake and Elisabeth Alba
This deck is a whimsical and charming but deep take on the Smith-Waite deck. The colours and images are illustrative and tell a million different stories. Wherever you are in your journey and whatever questions you may have, you will find that this deck makes for a powerful tool!
Dreams of Gaia Tarot by Ravynne Phelan
The Major arcana of this deck does not contain the traditional archetypes of the classic tarot and the minor arcana are labled as their elemental parts; fire, air, water and earth. “The deck is designed to be a ‘tarot for a new era’ it’s a kind of overhauling of the entire traditional tarot system that is more applicable to the modern ageand more relatable the individual”
The Weaver Tarot: Ascendant Edition by Threads of Fate
A gender neutral deck with a more abstract touch than the standard tarot deck. The Ascendant is like a portal, it is the perfect combination of ride-or-die and IDGAF, which basically means it will tell it like it is but you’ll feel loved while it does. What more could you possibly want? The more “logical” of you may benefit from using this deck.
Tarot of the Witches Garden by Sasha Graham (author) and Natasa IlIncic (artist)
This is an enchanting deck, designed in the Rider-Waite-Smith style. It invites you to explore the realm of personal intuition and mystical possibilities. Delicate watercolour paintings decorate exquisitely crafted cards with comforting cottagecore scenes to provide gentle respite from your busy modern world.
Fyodor Pavlov Tarot
A beautiful tarot deck that pays tribute to the original Rider-Smith deck but with a focus on diverse gender identities. Soft, gentle lines and clever colouring of particular symbols give it extra depth. This deck is hand-painted in watercolor and ink, resulting in familiarity and timelessness, while exploring new and diverse representations of gender, sexuality and culture.
Ethereal Visions by Matt Hughes
This decks draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement, adopting its distinctive style and gentle colours, whilst also using gilded edges and gold foil stamping to illuminate the images. This deck also contains two additional cards to supplement the traditional Major Arcana.