Selecting the appropriate Tarot deck holds significant importance as it serves as your gateway to the cosmic energies and aids in decision-making processes. Therefore, establishing a genuine connection with your deck is paramount.

Initially, it’s crucial to resonate with the visual aesthetics of the deck and easily interpret the card meanings from the imagery presented. Particularly for beginners, grasping the intended message behind the images and symbolism may pose a challenge. Hence, opting for a deck where the imagery aligns with your understanding of the card meanings is essential.

Each individual possesses unique associations with symbols and illustrations, leading to a plethora of available decks catering to diverse preferences. While many decks draw inspiration from the traditional Rider-Waite deck, they each offer a distinct ambiance. Some decks even integrate various ideologies and philosophies to accommodate different spiritual inclinations, thus ensuring alignment with the practitioner’s specific preferences and beliefs.

Which Tarot deck suits me best?

Determining the ideal Tarot deck for you largely depends on your personal preferences and identity. Here are some guiding questions to assist you in selecting the perfect deck:

1. What style appeals to you? Consider whether you prefer traditional or contemporary artwork. Some decks feature classic, medieval-inspired illustrations, while others showcase modern or abstract designs.
2. Do you resonate with a particular theme or symbolism? Tarot decks come in various themes, such as fantasy, nature, animals, mythology, or even pop culture references. Choose a deck with imagery that resonates with your interests and beliefs.
3. What level of detail do you prefer? Some decks feature intricate, detailed artwork with rich symbolism, while others have simpler, minimalist designs. Decide whether you prefer decks with elaborate illustrations or ones that are more straightforward and easy to interpret.
4. Are you drawn to specific colors or aesthetics? Pay attention to the color palette and overall aesthetic of the deck. Consider whether you prefer vibrant and bold colors, softer pastel tones, or more muted and earthy hues.
5. Do you connect with the energy of the deck? Take some time to hold and examine the cards of different decks. Notice how you feel when interacting with them. Trust your intuition and choose the deck that resonates with you energetically.
6. Are you comfortable with the deck’s size and cardstock? Consider the practical aspects of the deck, such as its size, thickness, and cardstock quality. Ensure that you feel comfortable handling and shuffling the cards.
7. Does the deck’s symbolism and imagery align with your beliefs and values? Reflect on whether the deck’s symbolism and imagery are in line with your spiritual or philosophical beliefs. Choose a deck that reflects your worldview and resonates with your personal journey.

By answering these questions and exploring different Tarot decks, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect deck that speaks to your soul and intuition. Trust your instincts and allow yourself to be guided towards the deck that feels right for you.

What kinds of images appeal to you?

Do you prefer realistic depictions, playful cartoons, or enchanting fairy themes? Are you drawn to vibrant hues or prefer softer, more muted tones? Selecting a deck with artwork that resonates with your aesthetic preferences can enhance your connection to the cards and facilitate easier interpretation.

Which spiritual path resonates with you?

Are you drawn to nature and animals, or do you feel a connection to fairies and elves? Are you interested in Paganism, with its focus on nature, witchcraft, and spells? Perhaps you have a Catholic background, or you’re intrigued by Eastern philosophies like Buddhism. There are tarot decks tailored to each of these spiritual paths, among others. Selecting a deck that aligns with your spirituality can deepen your connection to the cards and enhance the meaning of your readings.

Are you new to Tarot or an experienced reader?

Your level of experience will influence how much support you require with a new Tarot deck. Some decks come with extensive guidebooks explaining each card thoroughly, while others offer only brief meanings or no guidebook at all. If you’re new to Tarot reading and haven’t honed your skills with a deck that offers substantial guidance, you might struggle to interpret cards in a deck that provides minimal assistance.

What are your dislikes?

This aspect is often overlooked when selecting a deck. There’s a tendency to believe that over time, any initial dislikes will fade and the positive aspects will prevail. However, from personal experience, I can affirm that it’s crucial not to choose a deck that you have any form of dislike towards, regardless of how insignificant it may appear initially.

When searching for a Tarot deck:

Ensure that it is indeed a Tarot deck

Be certain that the deck you’re considering is specifically a Tarot deck and not another type of deck. While wisdom cards, angel cards, and various other types of decks serve their own unique purposes and can be immensely helpful, if you’re seeking a Tarot deck specifically, acquiring a different type of deck could lead to disappointment.

Conduct thorough research

Ensure to delve beyond the captivating packaging image; exploring the majority of the cards provides a genuine sense of the deck. Additionally, during your research, consider your spiritual inclinations. If feasible, review the accompanying guidebook or search for an online version. Assess its clarity and resonance with your understanding and preferences.

Be patient and thorough in your decision-making process

Take your time exploring various options for your first deck of cards. Browse through images of different decks online. For beginners, ensure that the deck you choose comes with a comprehensive guidebook containing detailed descriptions and meanings for each card.

If you’re uncertain, continue searching and exploring until you feel confident in your decision

If you encounter a deck that catches your interest but doesn’t feel entirely right, it’s worth continuing your search. With countless decks available, settling for the first appealing option is akin to choosing a chocolate that you only somewhat enjoy because it was the first one you saw, while your favorite awaits on the next shelf. Keep exploring until you find the perfect fit.

Utilize the internet

Explore the vast resources available on the internet to find the perfect Tarot deck for you. Once you’ve identified a deck that piques your interest, conduct another search using related keywords to explore similar options. Additionally, seek out reviews and videos that offer detailed insights into the deck’s artwork, symbolism, and accompanying guidebook. While visiting the creator’s website can provide valuable information, keep in mind that it’s geared towards promotion. For more objective perspectives, turn to reviews and testimonials from individuals who have actually used the deck and its guidebook. Their experiences will offer valuable insights into the deck’s usability and effectiveness.

How many cards are typically found in a Tarot deck?

Understanding the number of cards in a standard Tarot deck is crucial to ensure that the deck you’re considering is indeed a Tarot deck. A full Tarot deck typically contains 78 cards. However, variations exist among decks. Some decks only utilize the 22 Major Arcana cards. Meanwhile, other decks may incorporate an additional card or two into the Major Arcana, thereby increasing the total number of cards.

The remaining portion of the Tarot deck is referred to as the Minor Arcana, comprising four suits, akin to a standard deck of playing cards. However, each suit in the Minor Arcana consists of 14 cards instead of the usual 13, totaling 56 Minor Arcana cards. Although some decks may exclude certain Minor Arcana cards for various reasons, most include an Ace, cards numbered from 2 to 10 (often represented in Roman numerals), and four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King).

The names of the suits may differ across decks, but the most common ones are based on the Rider-Waite deck, including Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Some decks may introduce an additional “Arcana,” such as the Pagans Otherworld Tarot Deck, which incorporates an extra Major Arcana card and five additional Luna cards, resulting in a total of 84 cards.

Given these variations, it’s essential to verify the number of cards in a Tarot deck. Anything fewer than 78 cards does not constitute a full deck. In such cases, further research is advised to understand why certain cards were omitted and to determine whether the deck aligns with traditional Tarot standards.

Different kinds of Tarot cards

As previously stated, it’s important to note that not all cards used in divination are Tarot cards. The practice of interpreting cards is known as cartomancy, and Tarot represents just one facet of this practice. Here are some other types of cartomancy cards that are widely recognized:

Oracle Cards

These oracle cards can encompass a wide range of themes, styles, and interpretations. They are highly versatile, with creators having the freedom to design them as they see fit. This means they can vary greatly in the number of cards, the themes they explore, and the spreads and meanings associated with them. Many Tarot practitioners incorporate oracle cards into their readings to add depth and nuance. However, while some tarot readers venture into oracle readings, few make a complete transition because the meanings of oracle cards tend to be closely aligned with the author’s beliefs and perspectives, making them less adaptable for broader interpretations.

Angel Cards

Angel cards serve as an alternative to Tarot for individuals who may harbor apprehensions about delving into what they perceive as occult practices. They provide a lighter, more spiritually uplifting approach to cartomancy, making them particularly appealing to those with religious beliefs or a preference for positive, optimistic readings. However, some may find angel cards overly saccharine or lacking in depth compared to Tarot, which can deter those seeking more nuanced insights. Despite this, angel cards are valued for their ability to offer gentle guidance and encouragement, emphasizing themes of positivity, spiritual growth, and leading a virtuous life.

Lenormand Cards

Named after the renowned French fortune-teller Marie Anne Lenormand, who purportedly provided readings for figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Lenormand cards are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Unlike Tarot cards, which can be interpreted individually, Lenormand cards are designed to be read in pairs or groups to derive their full meaning. A traditional Lenormand deck typically consists of 36 cards, organized into four suits and featuring numbered cards from 5 to 10, along with court cards such as the Jack, Queen, and King. However, modern Lenormand decks may contain additional cards, offering expanded interpretations and broader symbolism. Despite their simplicity, Lenormand cards are prized for their nuanced readings, requiring practitioners to consider the interactions and combinations of multiple cards to unlock their deeper significance.