How Do I Choose A Tarot Deck? (What to know)


Choosing the right tarot deck can be an incredibly personal and spiritual journey. As someone who has spent years exploring the world of tarot, I’ve realised that choosing your first deck or even adding a new one to your collection is way more than just a purchase. It’s a reflection of your personal journey and growth.

To choose a Tarot deck, consider your personal preferences and connections. Explore different artistic styles, symbolism, and themes. Trust your intuition and select a deck that resonates with you.

Read reviews, browse images, or visit a local metaphysical shop to physically connect with the cards.

In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences to guide you through selecting a tarot deck that resonates with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tarot reader looking to expand your collection, I hope my advice will enlighten your path.

how to choose a tarot card deck

How Do I Choose A Tarot Deck?

Choosing a Tarot deck involves much more than just aesthetics; it’s about finding a set of cards that speak to you on a deeper level. Start by asking yourself some questions: What kind of art do you enjoy? Are you drawn to traditional imagery, or do you prefer modern interpretations? What themes or symbols resonate with you?

Next, pay attention to your intuitive reactions as you examine different decks. You might feel a particular pull towards a certain deck, or a single card might stand out to you. These intuitive nudges are important. Remember, Tarot is a tool for tapping into your subconscious mind, so your gut feelings matter a lot here.

Finally, consider the practicality of the deck. Make sure the cards are a comfortable size for you to shuffle and handle. The quality of the cardstock and the durability of the box are also important considerations.

Choosing a Tarot deck is a very personal journey. Take your time, listen to your instincts, and let your intuition guide you to the right deck.

What Tarot Deck Should Beginners Get?

If you’re a beginner in the world of tarot, it can be overwhelming to choose from the myriad of decks available. An ideal starter deck is one that balances accessible learning with profound symbolism. The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck is universally recommended for beginners. With its simple yet richly symbolic illustrations, the deck is a perfect starting point for understanding the fundamental meanings of each card.

This deck was created by Arthur Edward Waite, a Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn member and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. Their collaboration resulted in a deck rich in symbolic detail, making it perfect for beginners to learn from and interpret. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck has also inspired countless derivations, and many modern decks use it as a template, meaning it’s an excellent foundation for exploring other decks in the future.

However, remember there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ deck for beginners. What works best for you may be largely based on personal resonance and intuition. Some beginners might be drawn to the vibrant and modern illustrations of the Wild Unknown Tarot, while others might be attracted to the traditional symbolism of the Tarot de Marseilles. Trust your instincts, and choose a deck that speaks to you.

What To Look For When Buying A Tarot Card Deck?

When buying a Tarot card deck, there are several aspects to consider.

Firstly, imagery is key. Each deck has a unique artistic style that communicates the card’s meaning. The artwork should resonate with you and stimulate your intuition. Whether it’s abstract, traditional, minimalist, or richly detailed, you should feel a connection to the imagery.

Secondly, consider the symbolism used in the deck. The symbols should be understandable and meaningful to you. Some decks use traditional symbols, while others may incorporate more modern or unique elements.

Next, take into account the size and quality of the cards. They should be comfortable to handle and shuffle. Also, consider the quality of the cardstock — it should be durable enough to withstand frequent use.

Another important aspect is guidance. Many decks come with a guidebook that explains the meaning of each card and provides interpretations. This can be especially useful for beginners or when working with a deck that uses unique imagery or symbolism.

Lastly, check reviews and feedback from other users. This can give you a feel for a deck’s strengths and potential challenges, as well as its suitability for your level of experience.

Remember, choosing a Tarot deck is a deeply personal decision. The most crucial factor is that it speaks to you personally and intuitively. Trust your feelings and instincts during the selection process.

How Many Tarot Cards Should You Pull For Yourself?

The number of tarot cards you should pull for yourself depends on the type of reading you’re doing. For a daily reading, one card is often enough. This daily pull can provide insight into the energy or challenges of the day ahead.

A three-card spread is commonly used if you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or question. These three cards can represent past, present, and future, or situation, action, and outcome.

A ten-card Celtic Cross spread is often employed for a more comprehensive reading. This reading provides deep insight into a complex situation, exploring everything from your hopes and fears to the underlying forces at play.

Remember, you’re not limited to these spreads. You can create your own or modify existing ones based on your intuition and the question at hand. The key is to choose several cards that provide the depth of insight you seek without overwhelming you with information. As with all things tarot, let your intuition guide you.

Should I Cleanse My First Tarot Deck?

Cleansing your first Tarot deck is a highly recommended practice. When you first receive your Tarot deck, it may have residual energies from its creation, handling, and shipping. Cleansing is a ritual that signals the start of your relationship with the deck, clearing any previous energies and setting the stage for your personal journey with the cards.

There are several methods to cleanse a tarot deck. One traditional method is using sacred smoke from burning sage, palo santo, or incense. Pass each card through the smoke with the intention of cleansing and purifying. If you prefer not to use smoke, you can also cleanse your deck in the light of the moon, placing the cards outside on a clear night.

Another popular method is using crystals. Clear quartz and selenite are great options for this purpose. Simply place the crystal of your choice with your deck for a day or two.

You can also cleanse your deck through visualization. Hold your deck in your hands, close your eyes, and imagine a bright light surrounding your cards, purifying and energizing them.

Remember, the most important part of this process is your intention. Set a clear intention to cleanse and bless your deck for your personal use. This act of intention sets the stage for a strong, clear connection between you and your Tarot cards. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced reader, this step helps to create a sacred space for your readings.

What Should I Do For My First Tarot Reading?

For your first tarot reading, it’s essential to approach the process with an open mind and a clear intention. Start by creating a calm and quiet space where you can focus without interruption. You may choose to light a candle or incense to further establish a serene atmosphere.

Begin your reading by shuffling the deck while focusing on a question or area of your life where you seek clarity. You may voice this question aloud or hold it silently in your mind. After shuffling, draw the card or cards for your reading, lay them out, and take a moment to absorb the imagery before diving into interpretation.

Refer to your tarot guidebook to understand the meanings of the cards you’ve drawn. Remember, the guidebook is there to support you, but your own intuition is equally important. Notice your emotional reactions to the cards and any thoughts or memories they evoke. These intuitive responses are just as valid as the traditional card meanings.

Finally, take some time to reflect on the reading. You may want to journal about your experience or simply sit quietly and contemplate the messages you’ve received. Remember, tarot reading is a personal journey unique to each individual. With practice and patience, you’ll soon develop your own relationship with the cards and their meanings.

Final Mindful Thoughts

Choosing your first tarot deck and conducting your first reading is a deeply personal and intuitive journey. It is about connecting with your chosen deck, understanding its symbols, cleansing it of prior energies, and finally interpreting the cards in a way that resonates with you.

Remember, the beauty of tarot lies in its flexibility and adaptability to the individual reader.

Listen to your intuition, be patient with the process, and allow the tarot to guide you toward self-discovery. Whether you’re a novice starting out or an experienced reader, every reading is a new opportunity for insight and personal growth.

Emma Jones

Hi, I am Emma and I am on a journey to awakening. I am fascinated by the universe and the power that it has to help humanity. I am excited to explore the world around me and learn as much as I can about the mysteries of life.

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