So, you want to read tarot and are wondering which tarot deck is best for beginners? You’re in luck because there are a lot of options for a baby tarot reader. From the classic Rider-Waite Smith to tarot to decks like The Modern Witch, the opportunity to grab an easy to read, beautiful, starter friendly deck is waiting!
Without further ado, here’s a run down of all of the best beginner tarot decks on the market that I recommend as an experienced tarot reader.
What tarot deck is best to begin with?
The possibilities for decks are endless. In the end it will come down to preference though and your intuitive abilities. I’ll go over what makes a deck beginner friendly
Starter friendly decks offers clear imagery and simple symbolism works best. The symbols on the cards will usually follow the classic RWS decks or the Visconti-Sforza style decks. Usually, there will be the classic suits which are representations of the 5 elements: Wands, Cups, Knives, and Pentacles. Using decks with the traditional tarot symbolism is important because you can look up a plethora of information to help you when you get stuck in a reading for yourself or others. Clear and simple symbolism works best, you can even get training wheels cards until you’re ready to take it to the next level!
When starting your tarot card reading adventure, consider your interests and preferences. Do you prefer traditional designs or modern interpretations?
The right deck will resonate with you!
As a reader, It's important to connect with the artwork and the emotions the images evoke, as this will enhance your tarot reading experience. As you advance in your craft, you’ll even start to notice your own interpretations for cards. So, even if you feel you’re not ready for the complex meanings behind some of the cards, I think it matters more that you love the imagery you see.
By understanding your own tastes, you can choose a tarot deck that will make your tarot readings more insightful and enjoyable. The right deck can ignite your passion for tarot and encourage a deeper connection to your intuition.
George R. Bennett Starter Tarot Deck
The George R. Bennett Starter Tarot Deck is a “training wheels” deck. It’s a great option for beginners! When I first decided I wanted to learn tarot, I bought the classic Rider-Waite Smith deck, but quickly found out I was in too deep! I pumped the brakes and switched over to this deck to help me until I felt comfortable with the symbol and interpretations. I can’t recommend it enough! This is just me, but I also love the orange box this deck sometimes comes in.
Designed specifically with baby intuitives in mind, this deck features simple yet expressive illustrations along with keywords on each card. This makes it a great choice if you’re feeling overwhelmed by other options out there.
This is by no means the only starter deck available, it’s just my favorite because it’s the one I used first.
George R. Bennett Starter Tarot Deck
The Modern Witch Tarot
The Modern Witch Tarot deck has quickly become a beginners favorite! This deck offers the classic Rider-Waite Smith symbolism with a contemporary twist hint hint … the name! Created by artist Lisa Sterle, the Modern Witch Tarot deck is a celebration of diversity and empowerment, featuring strong, relatable characters that reflect today's world. The vibrant colors and modern interpretations make this deck an appealing choice for those new to tarot. It’s different enough to stand out, but not so different that you couldn’t use any number of meanings books or cheat codes to understand what’s going on in your reading.
If you’re interested in inclusivity, this deck showcases a variety of genders, ethnicity, and body types, allowing readers from all walks and experiences reflected in the cards.
Morgan-Greer Tarot
Since this deck is from the 1970s, I would say the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck is already a classic. I don’t know what it was about that decade, but they produced some amazing cards that I am now obsessed with collecting.
The deck was created by Lloyd Morgan, Barry Hollembeak and Bill Greer, drawing inspiration from the iconic Rider Waite Smith Tarot. The Morgan-Greer is known for its colorful, borderless illustrations that make the images feel more immersive and engaging. The deck's vibrant and clear symbolism make it easy for beginners to connect with the cards and interpret their meanings.
This is one of the first decks I bought following the Rider-Waite Smith.
To me one of the best things about this deck is the lack of borders! As a reader it’s just something I personally hate. The images also seem to have a “zoomed in” quality to them, much different from the classic RWS.
The straightforward imagery and symbolism make it an ideal starting point for those new to tarot. Additionally, the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck's rich color palette adds depth and energy to every reading.
Aquarian Tarot
I recently bought The Aquarian Tarot deck, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites! Full disclosure, I don’t read it but I am very in love with its illustrations.
Created by artist David Palladini, is a unique blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles that makes it visually stunning! The Aquarian Tarot deck is known for its elegant, intricate illustrations and soothing color palette, which set it apart from other decks. The deck's distinctive artwork and clear symbolism make it an attractive option for those looking to begin their tarot card reading journey.
One of the key features of the Aquarian Tarot deck is its balance of traditional and modern elements. The deck retains the classic structure and symbolism of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot deck while incorporating Palladini's unique artistic style. This fusion of old and new makes the Aquarian Tarot deck both familiar and refreshing for beginners. The deck's artistic appeal and straightforward imagery make it an accessible and enjoyable choice for those new to tarot.
Rider-Waite Smith Tarot
This deck truly needs no introduction! You can throw a rock and find it.
*DRUM ROLL*
The Classic Rider-Waite Smith Tarot Deck is iconic! Since it was published in 1909, it has long been one of the most widely recognized tarot decks of all time. It even eclipsed the traditional Sforza tarot.
Created by artist Pamela Colman Smith and Golden-Dawn occultist Arthur Edward Waite, this deck has been a go-to choice for beginners and experienced readers since it hit the market.
One of the reasons the Classic Rider-Waite Smith Tarot Deck is so popular among beginners is its clear and easy-to-understand imagery. The tarot card, anyone?
The deck's illustrations feature simple yet powerful symbolism that makes it easy for readers to interpret the meanings of each card. The deck's universal occultic design has inspired countless other tarot decks, making it a foundational tool for learning the art of tarot.
Conclusion
Choosing the best tarot card deck for beginners is pretty straight forward! Remember, it’s best to just go with what you feel. Trust your instincts and choose a deck that speaks to your interests and style. As you grow more comfortable with your chosen deck, you'll develop your skills and build a deeper connection to your intuition.
Despite my recommendations you may want to start with a deck that I didn’t even mention here. I would recommend going to your local new age shop, and seeing some cards for yourselves.
Each of the decks highlighted in this guide—The Modern Witch Tarot, Morgan-Greer Tarot, Aquarian Tarot, George R. Bennett Starter Tarot Deck, and Classic Rider-Waite Smith Tarot Deck—offers unique features and benefits to help you connect with your intuition and unlock the mysteries of tarot. I’ll come back later to update this with the pros and cons of each of these decks.
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