Many people stop themselves from exploring Tarot because they think it’s too hard to learn.
And while there is a lot to the world of Tarot, it’s truly only as complex as you make it. With the perfect beginners Tarot deck by your side, you might be surprised how fun, deep, and rewarding Tarot can be, even as a newbie.
When I started learning Tarot, it took a while to find a deck that really clicked for me. I was determined to learn and develop my skills, but some of the decks I found just didn’t resonate with me or make sense.
But when I found the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot deck, everything just fell into place. I started feeling excited instead of frustrated about practicing Tarot. I couldn’t wait to pick up my cards, because it felt like I was having a conversation with the Universe every time.
That's why it’s so important to find the right deck for you as a Tarot beginner. Choosing a deck that speaks to you will make it easier to learn and will help fuel your love of Tarot through the beginning of your journey. If you find a deck you love and that just “clicks” for you, you’ll be much more likely to stay on your path and keep learning.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a Tarot deck as a beginner:
- Go with a Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Most Tarot courses and books teach the esoteric symbols and meanings found in the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck. So as a beginner, you’ll likely want to select a deck based on this system to make it easier for you to learn. (And don’t worry if the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck doesn’t speak to you – we’ll show you some alternative decks that are based on it!)
- Don’t get too abstract. There are many decks out there that feature minimalist art, but these tend to be too abstract for the Tarot beginner. When you’re first starting out, you’ll want your deck to have lots of pictures and symbols for you to study and interpret. Reading the images of the cards helps you activate your intuition and better understand the meanings – so the more imagery, the better!
- Quality matters. You’ll be using your cards a LOT, so make sure they’re durable and will last a while! If you can, go to a Tarot shop in person and handle some sample decks to see how the cardstock feels in your hands.
- Find that personal connection. Most importantly, you’ll want to find a deck that speaks to YOU. Interacting with your deck should make you feel excited and inspired, so make sure you choose one that visually appeals to you. If something feels “off” about any particular deck, trust your instinct and move on! Find something that makes your heart sing
With all that in mind, here are our top seven Tarot decks just for beginners!
The Biddy Tarot Deck
We designed the Biddy Tarot Deck with all Tarot readers in mind! The modern, approachable aesthetic of this deck delivers a perfect blend of classic Tarot symbolism and intuitive connection. Perfect for beginners, the deck includes 78 full-color, hand-drawn illustrations based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system. It also comes with an 88-page guidebook with easy-to-interpret Tarot card meanings from Biddy Tarot. (Plus, it’s so cute!)
Universal Waite Deck
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense deck to learn on, this is the one for you! The Universal Waite Deck is a color-enhanced version of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, making it even more accessible to Tarot newbies. We love the vibrant colors and rich symbolism throughout – it’s the gold standard for beginners for a reason!
Everyday Tarot Deck
Another one of our own creations, the Everyday Tarot Deck is a modern, minimalist take on the Rider-Waite-Smith imagery. This is a beautiful, gold-edged deck with clear, easy-to-interpret graphics. We also love it for its compact size! This 2.5 X 3.5-inch deck fits perfectly in any bag for on-the-go Tarot readings. And the price tag is super affordable for the Tarot beginner.
Radiant Rider-Waite Deck
The Radiant Rider-Waite Deck was one of the first decks I used when I was learning to read Tarot! This is another recolorized, more vibrant version of the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck. The colors and symbols really pop in this one, making it perfect for beginners who are just getting the hang of the card meanings. It’s also mini-sized like the Everyday Tarot deck, so you can take it with you anywhere to practice your Tarot skills.
True Heart Intuitive Tarot
Created by Rachel True, an actress best known for her role in The Craft, the beautiful True Heart Deck is highly visual and very easy to look at. Along with its stunning and easy-to-interpret imagery, it includes a rich diversity that Tarot beginners can see themselves in. It also comes with an inspiring, comprehensive guidebook with suggested spreads included – ideal for the Tarot beginner!
Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot
If you’re looking for a more dark, mysterious deck for beginners, the Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot Deck is the one. This modern deck is gorgeous to look at, and the imagery is strong and easy to read. We love the rich symbols throughout that help activate your intuition – you could spend hours finding new things to look at in these cards! While there are a few slight variations from the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the guidebook does a good job of translating for beginners.
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck
This contemporary, colorful deck speaks beautifully to the magic of our current world while staying true to the Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism. We love the Modern Witch Tarot Deck for its gender and racial inclusivity, diverse bodies, and modern-day details, like cell phones, laptops, and fun fashion choices. It’s truly a deck for everyone, and is perfect for Tarot beginners looking for a boost of empowerment.
We hope you found a beginner’s Tarot deck in this list that caught your eye! Give one a try, and you’ll be a big step closer to learning Tarot from the heart. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @biddytarot in your spreads!
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