Choosing your first tarot deck can feel overwhelming — there are hundreds of options, and the advice online is often contradictory. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a clear framework for finding a deck that suits how you actually want to learn.
Does It Matter Which Deck You Start With?
Yes and no. Any deck can technically be used to learn tarot, but some are significantly more beginner-friendly than others. The key factors are: imagery clarity, guidebook quality, and whether the visual language resonates with you personally.
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tradition
Most tarot learning resources — books, courses, online guides — are built around the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, first published in 1909. If you're learning from books or want to cross-reference meanings easily, starting with an RWS deck or a close derivative gives you the most support.
Many modern decks are RWS-adjacent: they follow the same card structure and symbolic language but with updated or stylised artwork.
What to Look For in a Beginner Deck
Illustrated pip cards. Some older or more traditional decks use abstract symbols (like playing cards) for the numbered suit cards. For beginners, fully illustrated pip cards — where each card tells a visual story — make interpretation far more intuitive.
A clear, readable guidebook. The companion guidebook matters as much as the deck itself. Look for one that explains both upright and reversed meanings, and ideally includes spreads and exercises.
Artwork that resonates. You'll be spending a lot of time with this deck. If the artwork doesn't appeal to you, you're less likely to practise consistently. Trust your instincts here.
Card stock and size. Standard tarot cards are larger than playing cards. If you have smaller hands or plan to shuffle frequently, look for decks described as “standard” or “compact” size. Card stock quality varies — thicker, linen-finish cards tend to shuffle better and last longer.
Popular Beginner Decks
- The Classic Rider-Waite Tarot — the original, and still one of the most widely used. Artwork is dated but symbolically rich.
- The Modern Witch Tarot — an RWS reimagining with diverse, contemporary figures. Highly recommended for those who find the original artwork inaccessible.
- The Everyday Witch Tarot — illustrated in a warm, approachable style with a witchy aesthetic. Excellent guidebook.
- The Light Seer’s Tarot — modern, inclusive artwork with strong RWS foundations. One of the most popular beginner decks of recent years.
Oracle Cards vs. Tarot: What’s the Difference?
Oracle decks don't follow the 78-card tarot structure — they're self-contained systems created by their authors. They're often more intuitive and less structured, which makes them appealing to some beginners. However, if you want to learn “tarot” specifically, start with a tarot deck rather than an oracle.
Many readers eventually use both.
Where to Start
Browse our Tarot & Oracle Cards collection for a curated selection of beginner-friendly decks, oracle sets, and tarot accessories.
If you're still unsure, our post on What Do Tarot Cards Actually Mean? Major Arcana Explained is a good companion read before you buy.