Your First Deck of Tarot Cards
Choosing your first Tarot cards can be a daunting task and, judging by the number of unused and barely used decks for sale on sites like eBay, it seems to me that most buyers are overwhelmed by the choice available, frequently selecting decks which are too advanced or too complex, then giving up entirely as they believe Tarot is just not for them.
Tarot is for everyone and there will be a Tarot deck out there which suits you perfectly.
You wouldn't give a four year old War and Peace to read, now, would you?
There are hundreds of Tarot decks, some are quite beautiful but require a considerable degree of understanding before you can begin to use them, others are simpler and easier to understand.
I hope to help my readers avoid catastrophic choices by providing this breakdown from my original Tarot lens into decks suitable for beginners.
Choosing a Tarot Deck for Beginners by Katherine Carington Smith is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 UK: Scotland License.
Based on a work at www.squidoo.com.
Tarot Kit from Kathleen McCormack
... a perfect beginners Tarot
This is a delightful Tarot kit which I would recommend for a beginner.
The images on the cards have been kept simple and clear, making this an easily understood deck and the comprehensive 80 page book gives all the guidance needed to begin reading the cards.
The cards measure just under 4 inches by 2.5 inches and are very comfortable to handle.
The Tarot Set
... has everything needed for a novice
This is another Tarot Set which comes complete with book, deck and protective cloth.
By and large, these are suitable for anyone to use although I do believe there are Tarot decks which are more suitable for beginners or occasional users, for example, The Starter Tarot, shown above.
If you would like to keep your Tarot in a cloth, I recommend a dark cloth but I feel it is better to make a draw-string pouch to keep the deck secure. This you can easily make yourself.
Titania's Star Tarot
... simple imagery which doesn't distract the reader
This is a nice little set, everything fits into its own folder and it can easily be kept on a bookshelf.
I would say this is an ideal Tarot for someone who is just starting out or only wishes to use the Tarot occasionally. Complete instructions and meanings for the cards contained within the 96 page book.
The cards are a very manageable 2.5 inches by 3.75 inches in size.
Tin of Tarot
... another comprehensive set for a beginner
There are many sets of Tarot these days, whether they come with a cloth or bag to store your cards or a layout "mat".
There is nothing wrong with these decks, though some may consider them "cheap" or "gimmicky" they are perfectly suitable for reading.
The cards in this pack are the Barnes and Noble deck.
The Starter Tarot
... each cards has brief meanings included on the face
The Starter Tarot does what it says on the tin (no, this doesn't come in a tin, it's just a turn of phrase). Each card carries a written brief meaning to help the beginner make sense of their reading.
The cards are comfortable in the hand and have a traditional feel. Based on classic Tarot images and approximately 2.5 x 4.75 inches.
The cards are comfortable in the hand and have a traditional feel. Based on classic Tarot images and approximately 2.5 x 4.75 inches.
1JJ Swiss Tarot Cards
... very traditional images, excellent for a beginner
This 1JJ Swiss Tarot Cards dates from the mid-1980's and the images used are based on woodcuts of an old style of Tarot.
The Major Arcana cards are named in French.
The Major Arcana cards are named in French.
The Mythic Tarot
... one of the best with more modern imagery
The Mythic Tarot draws on symbolism from Ancient Greek Myths and Legends. The card designs are very attractive and the deck is not too big in the hand.
The cards measure c 3 x 5 inches
The cards measure c 3 x 5 inches
The Destiny Tarot
... large cards with striking imagery in a complete set
The Destiny Tarot comes with a small hardback book in a handy storage box. The cards measure an enormous 6 inches by 4 inches which, for me, makes them too hard to handle with ease.
I couldn't ask my querent to shuffle these cards, it would be a case of spread the cards across the table and ask them to choose at random.
The Secret Tarot
... traditional images presented in an easy artisitc style
The Secret Tarot is another Lo Scarabeo deck and the same size as the other Tarot decks from this maker.
The cards are beautifully styled with the look of late medieval portraiture.
The Cachet Tarot
... a modern deck, strong colours and easy to understand
The Cachet Tarot
A colourful deck, illustrated by Colin Howard and measuring almost 3.5 inches by 5 inches.
I find this size just a bit awkward for use but I do have smaller than average hands and arthritis to contend with. The size would be suitable for most people.
The Renaissance Tarot
... stylish yet traditional images, excellent beginners deck
The Renaissance Tarot is another very stylish deck with some interesting imagery.
At 3 inches by 5 inches, some with smaller hands may find these just a little large but for most people they would be quite a comfortable size.
The Tarot of the Master
... Medieval style yet traditional images, easily understood
Another Tarot deck from Lo Scarabeo, The Tarot of the Master measures 2.5 x 4.75 inches and is a comfortable size to handle.
The illustrations have a distinctly medieval look.
The Lovers Tarot
... the smaller size full deck of the Lovers Tarot is perfect for a beginner
The Lovers Tarot is the largest size of Tarot card I have seen to date. This set consists of a beautiful book and 22 Major Arcana cards only.
Each card measures 5 by 8.75 inches, making an impressive and rather beautiful spread.
There is also a 10th anniversary edition of the deck, a full 78 card Tarot in a far more sensible size which fits nicely in the hand.
The Cosmic Tarot
... modern images and traditional symbolism make this a lovely novice's Tarot
I must admit, I enjoy this Tarot. The illustrations by Norbert Lösche are wonderfully modern and yet traditional and it is a wonderful deck for an intuitive reader.
The cards measure 4.5 by 2.75 inches and are a very comfortable size to handle.
The Witchy Tarot
... perfect for a budding young Tarot reader
Another Lo Scarabeo deck, the Witchy Tarot has a "teen witch" theme and is very feminine in its imagery.
The stunning artwork throughout makes this a delightful deck to use and the card names are given in multiple languages.
The Minor Arcana 'pip' cards are fully illustrated.
Size is 2.75 by 4.75 inches, very comfortable for smaller hands.
The Witches Tarot
... traditional imagery, stunning artwork, easy to understand
The Witches Tarot from Llewellyn is quite different from that above. Where the Witchy Tarot may be considered a little frivolous by some, The Witches Tarot would not be criticised so.
First, I like the style of The Witches Tarot, with the pictures 'bled off' the edges of the cards. I also like the mix of traditional and pagan imagery which runs through this deck.
The images are presented in strong, evocative colours which aid interpretation and, at a size of 2.75 by 4.5 inches, this is a comfortable deck to use.
The Tarot of the Witches
... the 007 Live and Let Die Tarot - excellent beginners deck
The Tarot of the Witches, printed by AG Muller, is the very Tarot which was used in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die.
The striking modern yet easily understood illustrations make this a desirable Tarot to add to your collection.
Measuring 2.75 by 4.25 inches they are comfortable to handle.
The Etruscan Tarot
... stylish artwork and traditional symbolism combined
The Etruscan Tarot.
With artwork by Silvana Alasia, this is a very stylish Tarot deck from Lo Scarabeo of Italy.
The accompanying booklet within the pack gives a comprehensive background to the Etruscan civilisation from which the artist has drawn inspiration.
The Minor Arcana cards are fully illustrated.
A very comfortable 2.75 inches by 4.75 inches, this deck is suitable for anyone.
The Russian Tarot of St Petersburgh
... beautifully illustrated with traditional images
The Russian Tarot of St Petersburgh.
This was the final commission of the Russian artist Yury Shakov before his death in 1989. The deck is a marvellous legacy he has left us.
The fully illustrated Minor Arcana cards add depth to any reading.
Measuring 2.75 by 4.75 inches they are comfortable to handle.
The One World Tarot
Simplified illustrations and very easy for beginners to understand
The One World Tarot by Crystal Love and Michael Hobbs has very simple imagery which is at once easy to follow.
The cards measure 3 by 4 inches, a slightly unusual shape but nonetheless, comfortable in the hand.
The Royal Tarot
... very traditional style of deck, perfect for beginners
The Royal Tarot is very good for a beginner, a colourful, traditionally based set of illustrations in this deck from 1995.
Easily understood and comfortable to handle at c 3 x 5 inches.
I have a slightly smaller Royal Tarot deck available to purchase on eBid.net as part of The Tarot Kit (shown above). These cards measure c 2.25 inches by c 4.25 inches, a very comfortable size.
The Art Nouveau Tarot
... stunning artwork and traditional images, ideal first Tarot
The Art Nouveau Tarot by US Games Systems is certainly a thing of beauty.
At 2.5 by 4.5 inches in size the cards are comfortable to handle and with fully illustrated Minor Arcana, lend themselves well to interpretation.
Jeu de Tarot
... easy to understand, traditional, good starter deck
Dating from the 1970s, this deck is a remake of an original (see below) published in the 1890s.
As you can see, the Minor Arcana consists of pip cards and the four face cards and looks far more similar to a standard deck of playing cards. This format is true to the 1890s original design.
The cards measure a very comfortable 2.5 by 4.5 inches.
You can pay anything from £5 for the vintage deck to over £100 for the genuine antique deck. They are essentially the same deck but there is no way the 1970s and 1890s decks can be mistaken for each other.
The antique Tarot deck is in a private collection.
The Modiano Tarot
... a short deck, excellent for carrying with you
The Modiano Tarot Deck is a short deck of 64 cards, which leaves out some of the Minor Arcana cards of the full deck.
Aproximately 2 inches by 3.5 inches, this is a 'pocket-sized' deck and is just a little different from the standard 78 card Tarot but may be one to consider if you are a little daunted by the full deck.
The Complete Tarot Kit
... perfect little Tarot for a beginner to carry
This is a modern mini Tarot which comes in a small box with a full instruction booklet and even a fold out sheet showing various spreads.
Although the designs on these cards are very simple and in a style which puts me in mind of Russian Folk-art, a considerable amount of the meaning of each card is conveyed within.
Although the designs on these cards are very simple and in a style which puts me in mind of Russian Folk-art, a considerable amount of the meaning of each card is conveyed within.
In the centre above is the back of these colourful cards.
They measure just 3.25 x 2.75 inches in size, a true 'pocket-sized' deck.
The African Tarot
... very stylish small deck, easily understood
Another true pocket sized deck of Tarot cards, this is the African Tarot.
The naive art style based around traditional African themes makes this a very interesting deck to use.
The cards measure 2.4 inches by 3 inches.
Arcus Arcanum Tarot
... beautiful and striking images, excellent for a beginner
An AGMULLER Tarot deck, made in Switzerland, this has a fully illustrated Minor Arcana and, although the name might imply otherwise, I would certainly consider this deck appropriate for a novice.
The imagery is excellent and the cards are a comfortable size at 2.75 by 4.25 inches.
The Avalon Tarot
... modern style but with traditional symbolism in the images
The Avalon Tarot is a tradition based deck, drawing on the Arthurian legends, from Lo Scarabeo with a fully illustrated Minor Arcana.
c. 2.5 by 4.75 inches in size, these cards are comfotable to handle.
The Arthurian symbolism and modern style of art work particularly successfully in this deck.
The Mysteries of the Tarot set
... basic set for a beginner
This is a basic set with cards approximately 2.5 inches by 4.75 inches in size. Great for a complete beginner and an inexpensive choice if you're not sure whether Tarot is for you.
There are many more
... have fun exploring
Of course, this is only an indication of the decks which are available and suitable for beginners.
Some of the above decks are out of print but are still available on auction sites etc and can frequently be found on sale still brand new and in their wrappers. It is worth your while searching around for the best deck and the best price for you.
If you buy a second-hand (used) deck you should read my lens on cleansing your Tarot.
Those above are what I consider to be the simplest decks for a complete novice to choose from. I am certain I could add to this list and when I have an opportunity to do so I probably will.
I recommend that you also check out my other lenses on Tarot.
Some of the above decks are out of print but are still available on auction sites etc and can frequently be found on sale still brand new and in their wrappers. It is worth your while searching around for the best deck and the best price for you.
If you buy a second-hand (used) deck you should read my lens on cleansing your Tarot.
Those above are what I consider to be the simplest decks for a complete novice to choose from. I am certain I could add to this list and when I have an opportunity to do so I probably will.
I recommend that you also check out my other lenses on Tarot.
This lens belongs to ...
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0ctavias Tarot and Spiritual Lenses
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Spirituality is a very personal thing, we all come to our own understanding sooner or later. It doesn't matter if your understanding fits in with an established religion or not, developing the spiritual side of your nature will improve your life...
Is there a deck you would recommend?
Or you can just leave a comment if you wish.
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Reply
- 0ctavias0fferings 0ctavias0fferings Jul 26, 2009 @ 4:27 am | in reply to missbat
- The Halloween Tarot is a great deck but one I don't have in my collection. I've been trying to get hold of a copy for a while, must check those auction sites again ;)
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- missbat missbat Jul 26, 2009 @ 4:12 am
- It took me quite a while to find a Tarot deck that spoke to me. It's the Halloween Tarot, by Kipling West. I've lensrolled this lens to my Halloween Tarot lens. Good job!
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- prosperity66 prosperity66 Jun 21, 2009 @ 9:59 am
- You had a lot of work finding all those tarot deck pictures!
Well, while I really enjoyed reading your lens and discovering so many different tarot designs, I personally prefer to read the cards with my original tarot cards; which are, after all, the best cards for an accurate reading :)
Anyway, 5 stars for such a great lens!
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- mysticmama mysticmama Jun 17, 2009 @ 11:08 am
- nicely done :-)
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- chicandsavvy chicandsavvy Jun 9, 2009 @ 7:33 pm
- I was truly fascinated. I had no idea of the various types of tarot, but I'm less than a novice having only heard the term and know little. I found myself scrolling down and admiring so much beautiful artwork in such mythic tradition. You have presented this well according to the title, "Choosing a Tarot Deck for Beginners" and yet even this beginning lens has opened my eyes so much. 5*'s for presentation, artistry, and detailed photography. Beautiful lens.
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- 0ctavias0fferings 0ctavias0fferings Feb 6, 2009 @ 10:21 am | in reply to aj2008
- The Mythic Tarot is an excellent choice for a first deck, easily understood on several levels. If your first distant reading was so accurate I hope you kept using the Tarot yourself ;)
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- aj2008 aj2008 Feb 6, 2009 @ 9:49 am
- I had a Tarot Deck once and have had a look to see if it is here and it is. The Mythic Tarot! I only did a "distant" reading for someone once though and it was so accurate that I was not sure whether to be pleased or worried!
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- Graple Graple Jan 23, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
- You have done an excellent job introducing various Tarot Decks!
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