Choosing your first tarot deck is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many beautiful decks available, it’s easy to wonder which one is actually right for learning. While every deck has its own personality, beginner-friendly decks tend to share a few important traits. They use clear, intuitive imagery, follow traditional symbolism, and include guidebooks that make learning feel approachable rather than confusing.
The right starter deck gives you more than just cards. It helps you understand meanings, develop your intuition, and build confidence with each reading. This guide explains what makes a tarot deck beginner-friendly and highlights ten of the best decks to start with, along with insights inspired by Purple Garden’s professional tarot readers who work with these cards every day.
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Key Takeaways
- The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the most widely recommended beginner deck because nearly all tarot learning resources are based on it.
- Beginner-friendly decks feature clear illustrations on all 78 cards and include helpful guidebooks.
- Modern decks like Modern Witch Tarot, Light Seer’s Tarot, and Everyday Tarot offer contemporary styles while keeping traditional structure.
- Choosing artwork that resonates with you helps you stay motivated and connect intuitively as you learn.
- Most beginner tarot decks cost between $20 and $35 and come with an instructional booklet.
- Purple Garden’s tarot readers often recommend starting with a classic foundation before exploring more artistic decks.
What Makes a Tarot Deck Beginner-Friendly?
Not every tarot deck is ideal for learning. Beginner-friendly decks are designed to support understanding rather than challenge it. They use imagery that clearly reflects the card meanings, making it easier to interpret messages without memorizing everything at once.
A strong beginner deck usually illustrates all 78 cards, including the Minor Arcana. Some decks only decorate the Major Arcana and leave number cards abstract, which can be confusing for new readers. Traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism is also important, since most books, courses, and online resources reference it. A well-written guidebook that explains upright meanings, and sometimes reversals, makes learning smoother and less intimidating.
Just as important is personal connection. A deck you enjoy looking at and handling encourages regular practice, which is the real key to learning tarot.
Top 10 Tarot Decks for Beginners
These decks are consistently recommended for new readers because they balance clarity, symbolism, and intuitive appeal.
1. Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (Classic)
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck, created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, is the foundation of modern tarot. Its imagery defines the meanings used in most tarot books and teaching systems today.
Every card is clearly illustrated, including the Minor Arcana, making interpretation more intuitive. While the artwork may feel simple compared to newer decks, its symbolism is unmatched in clarity and educational value. For beginners, this deck remains the gold standard.
2. Modern Witch Tarot
Modern Witch Tarot reimagines the Rider-Waite-Smith deck with contemporary, diverse characters and modern settings. It keeps the traditional symbolism intact while updating the visuals to feel inclusive and current.
This deck is especially popular with beginners who want a modern aesthetic without sacrificing structure. It feels familiar and fresh at the same time, making it an easy and engaging deck to learn with.
3. Light Seer’s Tarot
Light Seer’s Tarot blends traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism with dreamy, modern artwork. Its photographic collage style adds emotional depth while keeping meanings accessible.
The deck includes a thoughtful guidebook and is often chosen by visually oriented beginners who want a softer, more intuitive aesthetic without losing clarity.
4. Everyday Tarot
Everyday Tarot uses minimalist line drawings and a clean design to reduce visual overwhelm. The imagery is simple but effective, making it easier to focus on core meanings rather than details.
Because it follows traditional structure and symbolism, this deck works well for beginners who prefer a modern, understated look.
5. The Wild Unknown Tarot
The Wild Unknown Tarot features black-and-white artwork inspired by animals and nature. Its symbolism is more intuitive and less literal than Rider-Waite-Smith imagery.
While it requires a bit more interpretation, many beginners are drawn to its organic, emotional style. It works best for those who feel comfortable learning through intuition alongside reference materials.
6. Tarot of the Divine
The Tarot of the Divine connects tarot cards to myths and folklore from diverse cultures around the world. Each card tells a story, adding narrative depth to traditional meanings.
This deck is ideal for beginners who love mythology and storytelling and enjoy learning tarot through symbolic narratives.
7. The Easiest Way to Learn the Tarot—EVER!!
This deck is designed specifically for learning. Keywords are printed directly on the cards, offering immediate guidance during readings.
Based on Rider-Waite-Smith imagery, it serves as training wheels for absolute beginners who require extra support while learning the meanings.
8. Morgan-Greer Tarot
Morgan-Greer Tarot features bold, colorful, borderless illustrations inspired by Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism. The close-up artwork feels intimate and expressive, making emotional cues easier to read.
It’s a great option for beginners who want classic structure with richer visuals.
9. Universal Waite Tarot
Universal Waite is essentially the Rider-Waite-Smith deck with updated, softer coloring. The imagery and symbolism remain identical, but the gentler palette appeals to readers who find the original colors too stark.
It offers all the educational benefits of the classic deck with a slightly more modern feel.
10. Mystic Mondays Tarot
Mystic Mondays Tarot features bold colors, geometric designs, and a modern, inclusive aesthetic. It maintains traditional tarot structure while presenting meanings in a vibrant, contemporary way.
This deck is a favorite among beginners who want something playful and modern without straying too far from classic symbolism.
How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck
Once you’ve explored a few options, the final step is choosing the deck that feels right for you. While recommendations are helpful, your personal connection to the deck matters just as much as symbolism or popularity.
Consider Artistic Style
Before buying a deck, take time to look at sample images. Some people connect best with traditional artwork, while others prefer modern, minimalist, or colorful designs. If the imagery feels inviting and emotionally engaging, you’re more likely to practice regularly and trust your intuitive responses during readings.
Evaluate Symbolism Complexity
For beginners, decks based on Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism tend to be the easiest to learn from. More abstract or highly stylized decks can be inspiring, but they often require additional interpretive skill. Starting with familiar symbolism helps you build confidence before branching out into more experimental designs.
Check Guidebook Quality
A good guidebook can make a big difference. Look for decks that include clear explanations of each card’s meaning, ideally covering both upright and reversed interpretations. Beginner-friendly language and practical examples make learning smoother and less intimidating.
Read Reviews from Beginners
Reviews from other beginners can offer valuable insight. Pay attention to comments about clarity, usability, and whether the deck helped others feel confident learning tarot. Community feedback often highlights strengths and challenges you might not notice at first.
How to Take Care of Your Tarot Deck
Caring for your tarot deck helps preserve both the physical cards and your personal connection to them.
Physical Care
Store your deck in its original box, a pouch, or a cloth to keep it protected. Shuffle gently and keep your cards clean and dry. Proper care helps your deck last longer and stay comfortable to work with.
Energetic Cleansing
Many readers like to clear a deck’s energy before first use and occasionally afterward. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, placing the deck in moonlight, or using gentle cleansing methods like incense or crystals. Choose what feels natural to you.
Building a Personal Connection
Using your deck regularly builds familiarity and trust. Some beginners like to handle their cards daily, sleep with the deck nearby, or pull a single card each morning. Over time, this relationship deepens your intuitive connection and confidence.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Learning tarot is a process, and it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. One common mistake is buying too many decks before truly learning one. Another is starting with a deck that is overly complex or symbolic, which can feel discouraging early on.
Many beginners also rely too heavily on guidebooks and worry about memorizing meanings perfectly. Tarot is a blend of knowledge and intuition. It’s okay to learn gradually and allow your understanding to grow naturally. Lastly, don’t fear “negative” cards. Challenging cards often carry the most valuable guidance.
Learning with Purple Garden Tarot Readers
Watching experienced tarot readers in action can be incredibly helpful for beginners. Purple Garden’s professional tarot readers demonstrate how to interpret cards fluidly, ask meaningful questions, and connect symbolism to real-life situations.
Many advisors are happy to answer questions about learning tarot, selecting a deck, and developing intuitive skills. Witnessing different reading styles in action can inspire your own practice and help you grow more quickly and confidently.
Conclusion
Starting tarot is about building a strong, supportive foundation. Beginner-friendly decks like Rider-Waite-Smith, Modern Witch Tarot, Light Seer’s Tarot, and Everyday Tarot make learning accessible while still leaving room for intuition and personal style. The best first deck offers clear imagery, traditional symbolism, and artwork that genuinely resonates with you.
As your confidence grows, your relationship with tarot will deepen naturally. With consistent practice and curiosity, your deck becomes a trusted tool for insight and self-reflection. Purple Garden’s experienced tarot readers can support you along the way, offering guidance, inspiration, and real-world examples of tarot in action.
FAQs
What is the best tarot deck for beginners?
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the most widely recommended beginner deck because its symbolism is used in most learning resources. Many modern variations based on it are also excellent choices.
Should I start with Rider-Waite-Smith tarot?
Yes, starting with Rider-Waite-Smith or an RWS-based deck makes learning easier since most books and courses reference its imagery and meanings.
How much do beginner tarot decks cost?
Most beginner decks range from $20 to $35 and include a guidebook. Companion books are sometimes sold separately for deeper study.
Do I need to buy a tarot guidebook separately?
Not always. Many decks include a basic guidebook. However, an additional tarot book can be helpful if you want more detailed explanations or exercises.
