A practical guide for finding a deck that speaks your language—even if you’re just getting started.

Choosing your first tarot deck is a personal and intuitive experience. It’s also easy to overthink. Do you need to feel the deck’s “energy”? Is it bad luck to buy your own? Should you be drawn to a specific symbol? Breathe... I've got you.

You don’t need the “perfect” deck. You just need one that feels like it wants to be in your hands. That’s your starting point.

You don’t have to know how to read all 78 cards or memorize anything upfront. A good beginner deck gives you something to work with right away—pictures that make sense to you, feelings that pop up, and just enough curiosity to keep you coming back. It should feel like a deck you can actually use and not something that collects dust on your bookshelf.

What Makes a Great Beginner Tarot Deck?

Here’s what to look for:

1. Clear, Story-Rich Imagery

Can you look at a card and get a feeling or a general sense of what’s happening? Like, "Oh no, that guy’s clearly having a bad day" or "Yes, she is absolutely in the moment"? That’s a good sign. You want a deck that tells you something—even if you don’t know the “official” meaning yet.

2. A Supportive Guidebook

I'm big on guide books and other readers will tell you to throw them away.....but if you want my advice (and you're here for a reason), this is my two cents....Some decks come with a very basic booklet (often called a “little white book”) with short keywords or phrases. Others include thoughtful, detailed guidebooks that explain each card and help you connect with the meanings. If you need a place to start, go for a deck with a guidebook that doesn’t scare the life out of you or feel like IKEA instructions translated three times. A good guidebook can be your companion as you build your relationship with the cards.

3. Approachable Symbolism

You don’t need to figure out every detail. What matters is whether something in the image catches your eye or stirs a feeling. A great beginner deck gives you just enough to go on and makes it easy to start connecting the dots, even if you don't know the official meanings yet.

It’s like meeting someone for the first time and thinking, “I don’t know why, but I like their vibe.” That’s the kind of connection you’re looking for.

4. Aligned & Visually Resonant

If you wouldn’t want to have coffee with your deck, it’s probably not the one. Pick a deck that feels approachable and aligned with your values. If the artwork speaks to you—if you can imagine spending time with it, journaling with it, or pulling cards when you need insight—that’s a strong sign it’s a good match for your journey.

And here’s something important to remember: you don’t have to LOVE every single card in the deck. In fact, it’s normal not to. Sometimes a certain card might feel uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or just not quite your style. That’s okay. The deck as a whole should feel like something you can build a relationship with over time. The cards that confuse or push you might end up being your greatest teachers.

Understanding Tarot Systems: RWS, Tarot de Marseille, Thoth - What the heck is the difference?

As you begin browsing decks, you’ll come across names like Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS), Tarot de Marseille (TDM), or Thoth. These refer to different tarot systems, each with its own structure and style. Here's a quick breakdown:

Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS)

This is the most popular and widely used system today, and the foundation I teach in my workshops and mentoring program. Most modern decks are RWS-based and these decks (usually) include full pictorial scenes on all 78 cards. These rich illustrations make it easier to read cards intuitively, even if you're just starting out.

Tarot de Marseille (TDM)

Beautiful, traditional and historic, but may feel a bit abstract if you're drawn to visual storytelling. The Majors are illustrated, but the Minors are more minimalist (e.g. a picture of five cups, seven swords, etc.). If you’re very into patterns or grew up solving puzzles for fun, you might love it. Otherwise, starting with and RWS based deck in the beginning may be helpful. I am a huge fan of the Tarot de Marseille, but I didn't start there - I learned the RWS system first and then dove in the TDM.

Thoth Tarot

A symbolic, esoteric deck created by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris. It is deep, philosophical, and complex—it speaks a slightly different tarot “language.” Some readers connect and love its depth but it can tend to be challenging for beginners. I personally do not read with the Thoth system, but that's just my own preference and practice.

Bottom Line:

All three systems are meaningful and valid. You can read any of them intuitively based on what works for you.
But if you’re taking a workshop or mentorship with me, a Rider-Waite-Smith–based deck will be the most compatible with how I teach.

My Favourite Beginner-Friendly Tarot Decks

Here are some I love and recommend. They are all intuitive, beautifully designed, and come with supportive guidebooks (except the RWS Centennial edition):

Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne
Gorgeous, emotional, and deeply intuitive. The guidebook is a standout and a gem—rich with insight and heart. Perfect for visual learners who connect through imagery and feeling. This is the deck I personally learned on, and it holds a special, healing place in my journey.

Tarot of the Witches’ Garden by Sasha Graham
Symbolic, enchanted, and steeped in mystical energy. The guidebook reads like a poetic story unfolding in a secret garden—lush, lyrical, and full of insight. A wonderful deck for intuitive readers. Sasha’s work always brings magic to life.

Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert
Nurturing, inclusive, and deeply rooted in earth wisdom and daily life. It’s perfect if you want your tarot practice to feel like soul-aligned self-discovery. Joanna’s extensive guidebook and luminous artwork make this deck a true companion. It’s one you will likely return to often.

Trick or Treat Tarot by Barbara Moore

This deck is a Halloween lover’s dream—packed with playful energy, rich symbolism, and just the right touch of mystery. It’s deep while still being approachable, making it a joy to use year-round (yes, even in July). The guidebook, written by Barbara Moore, brings clarity and charm to every card. If you love Halloween—or just want a deck that feels like a magical night in October—this one’s for you. It’s one of my absolute favourites.

Earth Woman Tarot by Tarn Ellis
Gentle, grounded, and rich with nature-based symbolism. This deck is ideal for self-reflection and inner calm. The guidebook offers thoughtful guidance to get you started.

Everyday Witch Tarot by Deborah Blake
Whimsical and welcoming, but don’t let the charm fool you—it can go deep. A perfect mix of playfulness and practical wisdom, with an easy-to-follow guidebook that makes it super accessible.

Smith-Waite Centennial Edition
This is a traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck with soft, vintage tones—a beautiful choice if you’re drawn to a more muted, classic aesthetic. Any version of the original RWS deck will give you a solid foundation for learning tarot. Just note: the little white booklet that comes with these decks is pretty minimal, so you might want to pair it with a more in-depth guide. Books by Mary K. Greer or Sasha Graham are excellent companions to get you started.

Where to Buy a Tarot Deck

Support your local metaphysical and indie bookstores whenever possible:
If you're in Ontario, check out:

Online options:

💡 Tip: Before buying, search YouTube for deck flip-throughs or check out publisher images online. You’ll know quickly if a deck speaks your language.

Final Words

If a deck makes you feel even a little bit excited to pull a card—you’ve found your match.

Ask yourself: “Can I imagine having a conversation with this deck?”

If the answer is yes, trust that. The rest will come.

Want More Support?

If you’d like help choosing a deck, building a personal practice, or learning to read the cards with confidence, I’d love to connect with you.

Book your free 20-minute Trust Your Tarot Cards discovery call here:

👉 BOOK HERE

The information presented here is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.