Introduction

Choosing the right tarot deck as a beginner can set the foundation for your journey into the world of tarot. With numerous decks available, each with unique artwork, symbolism, and themes, it’s important to find one that resonates with you and is easy to work with. This guide highlights some of the best tarot decks for beginners, offering insights into what makes each deck suitable for new readers.

1. Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

Overview

The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, is one of the most popular and widely recommended tarot decks for beginners.

Features

  • Clear Imagery: The deck’s illustrations are straightforward and rich with symbolism, making it easier for beginners to interpret the cards.
  • Extensive Resources: Numerous books, online guides, and courses are based on this deck, providing ample learning resources.
  • Universal Symbolism: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck’s symbolism has influenced many other tarot decks, making it a foundational deck for learning tarot.

2. Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot

Overview

The Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot is a vibrant, updated version of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck, featuring enhanced colors and clearer images.

Features

  • Bright Colors: The enhanced, vivid colors make the imagery more appealing and easier to interpret.
  • Durable Quality: The card stock is of good quality, making the deck durable for frequent use.
  • Familiar Symbolism: Retains the original symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, ensuring a seamless learning experience.

3. The Wild Unknown Tarot

Overview

Created by Kim Krans, The Wild Unknown Tarot is known for its beautiful, nature-inspired artwork and intuitive design.

Features

  • Modern Aesthetic: The minimalist, modern design appeals to many contemporary users.
  • Intuitive Imagery: The deck’s imagery encourages intuitive interpretation, making it accessible for beginners.
  • Guidebook: Comes with a detailed guidebook that provides insights into each card’s meaning and symbolism.

4. Morgan-Greer Tarot

Overview

The Morgan-Greer Tarot, illustrated by Bill Greer under the direction of Lloyd Morgan, is a vibrant deck with bold, detailed imagery.

Features

  • Vivid Illustrations: The colorful, detailed images are easy to interpret and visually engaging.
  • Close-Up Perspective: The close-up perspective of the images helps highlight important details and symbols.
  • Based on Rider-Waite-Smith: The deck’s symbolism is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, making it a good starting point for beginners.

5. Everyday Tarot

Overview

Created by Brigit Esselmont of Biddy Tarot, the Everyday Tarot deck features simple, gold and purple illustrations designed for practical, everyday use.

Features

  • Minimalist Design: The clean, minimalist design makes it easy to focus on the essential elements of each card.
  • Portable Size: The deck is smaller than standard tarot cards, making it easy to carry around.
  • Guidebook: Comes with a practical guidebook that offers straightforward interpretations and advice for daily use.

6. Gilded Tarot

Overview

The Gilded Tarot, created by Ciro Marchetti, is a visually stunning deck with rich, detailed artwork that blends traditional and modern elements.

Features

  • Detailed Art: The intricate, colorful artwork makes the deck visually appealing and engaging.
  • Accessible Interpretations: The symbolism is easy to grasp, making it suitable for beginners.
  • Comprehensive Guidebook: Includes a detailed guidebook that provides thorough explanations of each card’s meaning.

7. Light Seer’s Tarot

Overview

Created by Chris-Anne, the Light Seer’s Tarot is a modern, vibrant deck that combines traditional tarot symbolism with contemporary, positive imagery.

Features

  • Modern Imagery: The deck’s modern, uplifting images are easy to relate to and interpret.
  • Positive Vibes: Emphasizes positive themes and personal empowerment, making it a comforting choice for beginners.
  • Insightful Guidebook: Comes with a comprehensive guidebook that offers deep insights and practical advice.

Conclusion

Choosing your first tarot deck is an important step in your tarot journey. The decks listed above are some of the best options for beginners, each offering unique features that make learning tarot accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re drawn to the classic imagery of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot or the modern aesthetic of the Light Seer’s Tarot, finding a deck that resonates with you will enhance your tarot practice and support your personal growth. Happy reading!