Tarot cards have captivated people for centuries with their mystical imagery and potential for insight. When embarking on your tarot journey, choosing one of the best tarot decks for beginners can make a significant difference in your learning experience.
These beginner-friendly decks are designed to be accessible and easy to interpret, providing clarity in an uncertain world and offering deep personal insights. They feature clear, expressive images that resonate personally, making them ideal for those just starting to explore the world of tarot.
We’ve researched and compared numerous tarot decks to identify the top options for beginners, focusing on decks that offer rich symbolism, comprehensive guidebooks, and the potential to foster intuition and self-reflection.
By selecting a deck tailored for newcomers, readers can build confidence more quickly and develop a stronger connection to the cards. This enhanced connection often leads to more accurate and meaningful readings, accelerating the learning process and deepening one’s understanding of tarot’s wisdom. Let’s explore the best tarot decks for beginners, focusing on the three most respected and widely used options.
Best Tarot Decks for Beginners
For those embarking on their tarot journey, three decks stand out as the most widely used and respected: the Rider-Waite, Tarot de Marseille, and Thoth Tarot. These decks, often referred to as “The Big 3,” offer a comprehensive foundation that can take you from beginner to professional and beyond.
Each deck presents a unique approach to tarot, with the Rider-Waite known for its rich symbolism, the Tarot de Marseille for its historical significance, and the Thoth Tarot for its esoteric depth. By mastering these decks, you’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of tarot that can serve you throughout your practice.
The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck
We highly recommend this deck for beginners seeking a high-quality, traditional Rider-Waite-Smith tarot experience.
Pros
- Beautiful, crisp artwork with improved colors
- Durable 350 gsm linen-finish cards
- Helpful 86-page guidebook included
Cons
- May be pricier than some budget options
- Traditional imagery might not appeal to all
- Limited to English language users
We’ve spent a lot of time with this Tarot deck as our site is built around it, and it’s truly impressive. The cards feel great in our hands, with a nice weight and a linen finish that makes shuffling a breeze. We love how the classic Pamela Colman Smith artwork has been thoughtfully remastered, bringing out the colors while staying true to the original designs.
For beginners, this deck is a gem. The included guidebook is a lifesaver, offering clear meanings for both upright and reversed cards. We found the 3-card spread explanation especially helpful when we were just starting out. It’s like having a mentor right there with you as you learn.
The quality of these cards really stands out. We’ve used plenty of tarot decks, and these are some of the best we’ve handled. The 350 gsm art paper gives them a sturdy feel without being too thick or unwieldy. Plus, the crisp, vectorized images make it easy to spot all the important details in each card, which is key for interpretation.
Le Tarot De Marseille (Pro Edition)
We highly recommend this deck for beginners and experts alike due to its exceptional quality and vibrant imagery.
Pros
- Large, easy-to-read cards
- Vivid, detailed artwork
- Multilingual instructions included
Cons
- Oversized cards may be hard to shuffle
- No storage box included
- Slight differences from traditional Marseille designs
The Marseille Tarot deck is a true gem for tarot enthusiasts, offering a window into the rich history of tarot. This deck is based on the original designs from 1751, making it a faithful reproduction of one of the most influential tarot decks in history. We were immediately drawn to the oversized cards, which measure 4.4 x 2 x 7.7 inches, allowing us to fully appreciate the historical artwork in detail.
When we first opened the deck, we were struck by the vibrant colors and crisp images, which have been carefully updated and restored from the originals. The cards feel sturdy and well-made in our hands, reflecting the quality of the original 18th-century craftsmanship. We found them easy to read, even for those of us with less-than-perfect eyesight.
One thing we really liked was the multilingual instructions, coming in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. This makes the deck accessible to a wide range of readers, much like how the original Marseille decks spread across Europe.
We did notice some small changes from traditional Marseille designs. While this might concern purists, we found it added an interesting twist to our readings while still maintaining the deck’s historical essence. The only real downside we found was the lack of a storage box. You may want to buy one separately to keep your cards safe and preserve their connection to tarot history.
The Thoth Tarot (Most Advanced of the 3)
We highly recommend this deck for tarot enthusiasts seeking a deeper, more symbolic experience.
Pros
- Rich, detailed artwork with layers of meaning
- Incorporates numerology, colors, elements, astrology, Kabbalah & more
- High-quality, durable card stock
Cons
- Complex imagery may initially overwhelm some beginners
- Requires dedicated study to fully appreciate
- Larger size can be challenging to handle for some
The Thoth Tarot Deck is a feast for both the eyes and the intellect, perfect for beginners who crave depth in their tarot journey. We were immediately captivated by the vivid colors and intricate details of each card. The artwork is truly mesmerizing, revealing new layers of meaning with each viewing.
This deck goes beyond basic tarot symbolism, incorporating numerology, color theory, elemental associations, astrological correspondences, and Kabbalistic wisdom. While this wealth of information might seem overwhelming at first, it provides an excellent foundation for those willing to grow with the deck over time.
The cards’ sturdy stock promises durability for years of readings, though their larger-than-average size might pose a challenge for those with smaller hands. Despite its complexity, the Thoth Tarot offers unparalleled depth for beginners ready to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of tarot wisdom. It’s an investment in your tarot education that will continue to reveal new insights as your skills grow.
Buying Guide
When searching for the best tarot decks for beginners, consider starting with a traditional 78-card Rider-Waite-Smith style deck. This classic design is widely used and makes learning easier.
However, for those seeking depth and complexity, the Thoth Tarot offers a rich tapestry of symbolism. While it can be challenging for beginners, the Thoth deck’s intricate imagery allows readers to attach personal meanings to various elements, resulting in a highly personalized reading style over time.
Look for decks with clear, colorful images that speak to you. The artwork should be easy to understand and interpret at a glance. Avoid overly complex or abstract designs as a beginner, unless you’re drawn to the depth of the Thoth Tarot.
Card size matters too. Here’s a quick reference table for common tarot card sizes:
| Size Category | Dimensions (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2.75 x 4.75 | Most common size |
| Large | 3 x 5 to 3.5 x 5.75 | More detail, harder to shuffle |
| Small | 2 x 3.5 to 2.25 x 3.5 | Easy to handle, less detail |
| Oversized | 4 x 6 or larger | Best for display or meditation |
Consider the card stock quality. Thicker cards last longer but may be stiffer to shuffle. Thinner cards are more flexible but can wear out faster with frequent use.
While guidebooks are particularly recommended for the Marseille Tarot and Thoth Tarot due to their unique symbolism and interpretations. For the Rider-Waite, you can find plenty of information to get started just by exploring our site. Most general meanings apply across all tarot decks, but the Marseille and Thoth do have their own nuances to uncover.
We suggest visiting a local metaphysical shop to see and feel decks in person if possible. Many shops let you browse the cards before buying.
Remember, while these are considered the best tarot decks for beginners, there’s no “perfect” deck for everyone. Trust your intuition and choose one that resonates with you personally. Whether you opt for the classic Rider-Waite-Smith or explore the depths of the Marseille or Thoth Tarot, each deck offers a unique journey into the world of tarot. Happy tarot hunting!
