Choosing a tarot deck is a deeply personal experience. With hundreds of beautiful decks available, from classic Rider-Waite-Smith and Thoth to modern artistic and themed creations, it can be hard to know where to begin. The “best” tarot deck is not about popularity alone. It is about what resonates with you visually, emotionally, and intuitively.
Your experience level, reading style, spiritual interests, and aesthetic preferences all play a role. Some decks feel instantly familiar, while others take time to grow into. This guide explores the most loved tarot decks across categories, explains how different decks serve different purposes, and helps you choose a deck that truly supports your tarot journey.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Understanding Tarot Deck Categories
- Classic Foundational Tarot Decks
- Best Modern Tarot Decks
- Popular Themed Specialty Decks
- Choosing a Deck Based on Experience Level
- Building Your Tarot Deck Collection
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Deck
- Working With Multiple Decks
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
- Classic foundational decks like Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth, and Marseille form the basis of most modern tarot systems.
- Popular modern decks such as The Wild Unknown, Modern Witch, and Light Seer’s offer updated aesthetics while keeping traditional structure.
- Specialty decks focus on themes like animals, mythology, crystals, and spiritual traditions.
- The best deck for you depends on your experience level, artistic taste, and how you plan to use tarot.
- Many experienced and professional readers work with multiple decks, choosing different ones for different questions or energies.
Understanding Tarot Deck Categories
Tarot decks generally fall into a few broad categories, each serving a different purpose. Some decks are designed for learning and structure, while others emphasize intuition, creativity, or specific spiritual themes.
Traditional decks establish the symbolic foundation of tarot. Modern decks reinterpret that symbolism through contemporary art styles. Some decks blur the line between tarot and oracle cards, while themed decks focus on particular interests such as animals, goddesses, or astrology. Understanding these categories helps you choose a deck that fits both your skill level and your intentions.
Classic Foundational Tarot Decks
These decks form the historical and symbolic backbone of tarot. Even readers who prefer modern decks often return to these classics as references.
Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot
First published in 1909, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, created by Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, is the most widely used tarot deck in the world. Its fully illustrated Minor Arcana was revolutionary and remains one of the main reasons it is so beginner-friendly.
Most tarot books, courses, and learning resources are based on Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism. Even experienced readers often keep an RWS deck on hand as a foundation and point of reference when working with other decks.
Thoth Tarot
The Thoth Tarot, created by Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, offers a much more esoteric approach. Its imagery is dense with symbolism drawn from astrology, Kabbalah, numerology, and ceremonial magic.
This deck appeals most to advanced readers who enjoy deep study and layered meanings. While powerful, it can feel overwhelming for beginners who are still learning basic tarot structure.
Tarot de Marseille
Marseille-style decks represent one of the oldest tarot traditions. They feature simple, often woodblock-style imagery, with unillustrated Minor Arcana cards that show only suit symbols and numbers.
These decks require strong intuition and comfort with numerology and elemental meanings. They are popular with traditionalists, historians, and readers who enjoy interpreting tarot in a more open-ended, intuitive way.
Best Modern Tarot Decks
Modern tarot decks build on traditional systems while updating the art, themes, and emotional tone. Many of these decks feel more accessible to contemporary readers.
The Wild Unknown Tarot
Created by Kim Krans, The Wild Unknown features minimalist black-and-white artwork inspired by animals and nature. Its symbolism is intuitive rather than literal, inviting readers to rely on feeling and instinct rather than memorized meanings.
This deck has developed a strong following and represents a shift toward more artistic, emotionally driven tarot styles.
Modern Witch Tarot
The Modern Witch Tarot reimagines the Rider-Waite-Smith deck with diverse, contemporary characters and settings. It keeps traditional symbolism intact while reflecting modern values and representation.
This deck is especially popular with readers who want inclusivity without sacrificing structure, making it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced readers.
Light Seer’s Tarot
Light Seer’s Tarot blends Rider-Waite-Smith foundations with dreamy, photographic-style artwork. Its imagery feels modern, emotional, and visually rich while remaining easy to interpret.
It is often chosen by readers who want something beautiful and intuitive without straying too far from traditional meanings.
The Fountain Tarot
The Fountain Tarot features clean lines, geometric elements, and a minimalist aesthetic. It blends spiritual symbolism with modern design and appeals to readers who prefer a sleek, contemporary feel.
Popular Themed Specialty Decks
Themed decks focus on specific interests or spiritual paths. These decks are often used alongside a foundational deck rather than as a first learning tool.
Animal-Themed Decks
Animal decks use creatures and nature symbolism as guides. Popular examples include Spiritsong Tarot, Animal Totem Tarot, and Cat Tarot. These decks resonate strongly with readers who connect to animal wisdom, shamanic themes, or playful energy.
Mythology and Goddess Decks
Mythology-based decks draw on cultural stories and archetypes. Tarot of the Divine explores myths from around the world, while Goddess Tarot focuses on divine feminine energy. Norse Tarot and similar decks connect tarot meanings with specific mythological systems.
Crystal and Nature Decks
Some decks integrate crystals, plants, and natural magic into tarot structure. Examples include The Herbcrafter’s Tarot and crystal-based decks that emphasize earth energy, healing, and elemental wisdom.
Cultural and Spiritual Tradition Decks
These decks reflect specific spiritual paths, such as Celtic, Buddhist, or African traditions. They can be deeply meaningful when aligned with your beliefs, but often require familiarity with the culture or system they represent.
Choosing a Deck Based on Experience Level
Your experience with tarot plays a big role in which deck you will feel supportive, rather than confusing. Some decks are designed to teach structure, while others assume you already know the system and want more creative freedom.
Best Decks for Absolute Beginners
If you are new to tarot, clarity matters more than originality. Decks with clear imagery and strong alignment to traditional symbolism make learning much easier. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck remains the most recommended starting point because nearly all tarot education is built around it. Variations like Universal Waite, Modern Witch, or Everyday Tarot keep the same structure while offering updated artwork.
These decks help you learn card meanings, spreads, and symbolism without unnecessary guesswork, building a strong foundation you can return to later.
Decks for Intermediate Readers
Once you feel comfortable with tarot basics, you may want a deck that encourages intuition and personal interpretation. Many intermediate readers enjoy decks like The Wild Unknown, Light Seer’s, Fountain Tarot, or Shadowscapes. These decks still reference traditional meanings but allow more emotional and intuitive flexibility.
At this stage, artwork often becomes just as important as structure. You may notice yourself choosing decks based on mood, question type, or the kind of energy you want to work with.
Advanced and Esoteric Decks
Advanced decks tend to be symbol-heavy and less visually literal. Thoth Tarot, Hermetic Tarot, and Golden Dawn Tarot fall into this category. These decks are best suited for readers interested in astrology, Kabbalah, numerology, or ceremonial magic.
They offer incredible depth, but they require study and patience. Many readers come to these decks later in their journey rather than starting with them.
Building Your Tarot Deck Collection
As your practice grows, you may find that one deck no longer feels sufficient for every situation. Building a small, intentional collection allows you to work more flexibly and intuitively.
Starting With a Foundation Deck
Most readers benefit from having one core deck they know deeply. This is often a Rider-Waite-Smith or RWS-based deck. Even if you prefer modern or themed decks, your foundation deck becomes a reference point that supports interpretation across all others.
Adding Decks for Different Purposes
Many readers choose different decks for different types of readings. A softer, emotionally gentle deck may feel better for relationship questions, while a bold, direct deck can work well for clarity or decision-making. Themed decks may feel especially aligned with certain spiritual questions or personal rituals.
Over time, you may naturally reach for different decks depending on your mood, the client’s energy, or the question being asked.
Collecting Mindfully
It is easy to fall into collecting decks purely for their beauty. While there is nothing wrong with that, the most meaningful collections are built intentionally. Choose decks you actually use, connect with, and understand. A smaller, well-loved collection often serves a reader better than dozens of decks that never leave the shelf.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Deck
Beyond experience level, a few practical and intuitive factors can help you decide whether a deck is right for you.
Artistic Resonance
The artwork should speak to you. If you do not enjoy looking at a deck, it will be harder to connect with it intuitively. Visual resonance plays a huge role in how easily messages come through, especially for visual or emotional readers.
Symbolic Complexity
Some decks closely follow traditional symbolism, while others reinterpret meanings in unique ways. Consider how much structure you want. If a deck feels too abstract or too complex for where you are, it may create frustration rather than insight.
Physical Card Quality
Card size, thickness, and finish matter more than people expect. A deck that shuffles easily and feels good in your hands will be used more often. If you plan to travel with your cards or read professionally, durability and portability are especially important.
Guidebook Quality
A strong guidebook can make a big difference, especially with modern or themed decks. Look for decks with clear explanations, thoughtful interpretations, and learning support that matches your experience level.
Working With Multiple Decks
Many professional tarot readers rotate decks based on energy, intuition, or client needs. Some readers even combine decks in a single reading, using one for structure and another for intuitive clarification.
Working with multiple decks allows more nuance and flexibility. Over time, you may notice that certain decks feel better suited to certain people or questions. This kind of relationship with your cards develops naturally as your confidence grows.
Conclusion
The best tarot deck is not the most popular or the most expensive. It is the one that resonates with you, supports your learning, and feels intuitive in your hands. Classic decks like Rider-Waite-Smith offer a universal foundation, while modern favorites like The Wild Unknown, Modern Witch, and Light Seer’s bring contemporary energy and emotional depth. Specialty decks allow you to explore specific spiritual paths and personal interests.
Choosing a deck based on your experience level, artistic preferences, and intended use helps you build a practice that feels both grounded and personal. Many experienced readers, including professional tarot readers on Purple Garden, work with multiple decks to match different energies and questions. With intention and curiosity, your tarot deck becomes more than a tool. It becomes a trusted companion on your spiritual journey.
FAQs
What is the most popular tarot deck?
The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck is the most widely used and recognized deck in the world and is considered the standard foundation for learning tarot.
How many tarot decks should I own?
There is no set number. Many readers start with one deck and add more over time. What matters most is that you use and connect with the decks you have.
Are expensive tarot decks better?
Not necessarily. Price does not determine quality or accuracy. A deck’s usefulness depends on how well it resonates with you and supports your reading style.
Can I use oracle cards instead of tarot?
Yes. Oracle cards are more flexible and intuitive, while tarot offers structure and tradition. Many readers use both, depending on the type of guidance they are seeking.
