So, you’re ready to dive into tarot, but suddenly, you’re faced with hundreds of decks, each with its own vibe, artwork, and mystical energy. And now, instead of feeling enlightened, you’re spiraling into decision fatigue. Which one do you choose?!

Take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea (or wine, I’m not judging), and let’s break this down without the fluff. Because choosing your first tarot deck should feel exciting not like you’re trying to crack an ancient, mystical code.

Many Ask…. Do You Really Have to Be Gifted a Tarot Deck?

The age-old tarot myth: “Your first deck must be gifted to you.” False.

Listen, if you sit around waiting for someone to buy you a tarot deck, you’ll be reading fortunes in your retirement home. Buy the deck that calls to you. Own your power. The universe will not smite you.

That said, if a friend wants to gift you one, amazing. If you’re drawn to buying one for yourself, also amazing.The key is feeling connected to the deck—not who buys it.

 Pick a Tarot Deck That Speaks Your Language. You wouldn’t buy a book in a language you don’t understand, right? Same goes for tarot. The deck’s artwork, symbolism, and style should make sense to you.

Here are some things to consider:

Classic vs. Modern: Do you want traditional imagery (like the Rider-Waite-Smith) or a fresh, contemporary take?

Art Style: Bold? Dreamy? Dark and witchy? Tarot decks come in all aesthetics, so pick one that visually excites you.

Symbolism: Some decks lean heavily on astrology, numerology, or mythology. If that’s your jam, go for it. If it confuses you, keep it simple.

 Pro Tip: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a great beginner option because most tarot books and resources are based on its imagery making learning way easier.

Size Matters (Yes, Even in Tarot)

Some tarot decks are massive, and unless you have hands like a basketball player, shuffling them might feel like wrestling a deck of oversized playing cards.

Here’s a quick guide to size:

              •           Standard Tarot Size: Most decks are around 2.75” x 4.75” these are easy to handle for most people.

              •           Mini Decks: Perfect for travel, small hands, or if you just like tiny things.

              •           Oversized Decks: Stunning for artwork appreciation, but a nightmare to shuffle if you have small hands.

Even If you fall in love with a big deck, get a tarot cloth and do a “spread-and-pick” reading instead of shuffling like a traditional deck.

Guidebook or No Guidebook? That Is the Question?!

A tarot deck is only as helpful as your ability to understand what the cards are trying to tell you. This is where a good guidebook comes in.

A Majority of Decks do come with Guidebooks, which is Great for beginners! They explain the meanings in an accessible way.

Some Decks do Without Guidebooks they usually require prior tarot knowledge or may require a separate book purchase.

🃏 Beginner-Friendly Picks That Come With Solid Guidebooks and also some of my favorites!

              •           The Light Seer’s Tarot. This deck is Modern, intuitive, easy-to-read.

              •           The Modern Witch Tarot. Has a Classic Rider-Waite-Smith vibes but with a fresh, feminist twist.

              •           The Everyday Witch Tarot. Brings out some Whimsical, fun, but delivers a  straightforward message.

Don’t Let Price Be Your Only Guide

Tarot decks range from $10 to $100+, depending on quality, indie vs. mass production, and included materials. But remember: a higher price doesn’t always mean a better experience.

Majority of Mass-Market Decks range from around $20-$40. They are affordable, easy to replace, and widely available.

Indie Decks above $50 but encompass unique artwork, limited editions, and often higher quality cardstock.

 The Knockoffs range from $5-$15. From experience I have purchased a cheaper knock off deck and I won’t make that mistake again! These are cheap, low-quality, and unethical I learned many will steal artwork from indie creators.  I highly recommend a budget-friendly starter deck.  The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot is usually under $25 and a solid foundation for learning.

Energy Check: Hold It, Feel It, Trust It.

Okay, this is where we get a little woo-woo (but for good reason). Tarot decks carry energy, and the best way to know if a deck is right for you is to hold it in your hands. I do recommend for your first deck checking out a local metaphysical store and just experiencing the energy before making that purchase!

If you feel a “pull” toward it, it’s probably the one. If it feels off, don’t force it. Energy is real.

If in person purchase is not an option when buying online? Read reviews, look at sample images, and trust your gut. Your intuition knows what’s up.

Oracle vs. Tarot – What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear up one more beginner misconception: Tarot and oracle decks are NOT the same thing. Tarot Decks consist of 78 cards, structured system, Major & Minor Arcana.  Oracle Decks … well they can come in all shapes and sizes, any number of cards, freeform messages, often used for intuitive guidance.

Not sure Which one should you get? Ask yourself, what kind of reading are you personally looking for?

If you are looking for something more structured with  deeper symbolism? Tarot is your go to!  If you are looking for more quick daily insights without a bunch of memorizing of decoding. Oracle is your go to!

Or maybe you’re like me and want both? Well, Get both. Who’s stopping you?  As you become more familiar you can use both the tarot and oracle to achieve a more in depth reading.  It truly is magical.

I created an Ultimate Beginner Tarot Deck Checklist to sum it up!

✅ Do You connect with the artwork & vibe

✅ Does It has a guidebook (unless you already know tarot)

✅ Is the size manageable for your hands

✅ is It a legit deck (not a knockoff)

✅ Do you feel excited about using it

At the end of the day, there’s no one perfect deck—just the one that’s perfect for you. Don’t overthink it. Your tarot journey is yours to explore, and the most important thing is just getting started.

Now go forth, choose your deck, and start pulling some cards. The universe has messages waiting for you.🔮✨

Until next time,

Breanne