The world of tarot is as vast and varied as the people drawn to it. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned reader, choosing your first—or next—tarot deck can feel overwhelming, Which tarot deck should I buy? is a question I get all the time. With countless designs, themes, and artistic styles available, how do you know which one is right for you?
As someone who has studied tarot for a lifetime and even created my own decks, I always recommend that beginners start with one of the recognised ‘big hitters’. The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS), the Thoth Tarot, and the Marseille Tarot are excellent choices because they provide a solid foundation. These decks are deeply rooted in ancient symbolism and widely accepted meanings, giving you the strongest footing to develop your own reading style.
But what if you’re drawn to something more unique? Tarot has evolved into an artistic and spiritual phenomenon, with decks covering every subject imaginable. Whether you’re interested in mythology, pop culture, or even a specific aesthetic, there’s likely a deck for you. In fact, there’s a thriving online community dedicated to discussing, reviewing, and sharing the endless designs available.
For an in-depth breakdown of classic and modern decks, take a look at my Tarot Deck Showdown & Analysis, where I explore the strengths and weaknesses of various tarot systems.
The tarot world is shifting rapidly, and AI has made it incredibly easy for anyone to create a deck just by speaking a prompt into their preferred engine. While this can be a fascinating artistic experiment, not all AI-generated decks stay true to tarot’s deeper meaning. Some feel more like collections of pretty images rather than tools for insight and divination.
As an artist myself, I use a mix of traditional and digital techniques when designing tarot cards. My process often begins with a pen or pencil sketch, sometimes incorporating watercolour, digital pens, collage, or software like Photoshop and Illustrator. AI can be a useful tool, but for me, tarot remains deeply symbolic, intuitive, and personal. The energy and intent behind a deck matter, and I believe this is something human artistry brings that AI alone struggles to replicate, for now.
That’s not to say AI-generated decks have no place—but if you’re serious about tarot for readings or spiritual development, I would always suggest starting with a traditional system. Of course, collecting tarot decks has become a passion for many—much like collecting football cards! If your focus is more on artwork and appreciation, then by all means, explore the vast landscape of indie and AI-created decks.
If you’re wondering, “Which tarot deck should I buy?”, here are a few key questions to guide you:
For beginners, I strongly recommend the Rider-Waite-Smith because it is widely used in tarot learning materials, and many other decks are based on its structure. If you feel more spiritually inclined, the Thoth Tarot offers deep esoteric symbolism, while the Marseille Tarot provides a connection to tarot’s historical roots.
If you already have experience, you might enjoy branching out into more thematic decks—there are tarot decks based on astrology, fairy tales, folklore, and even futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics!
Choosing the right deck is an intensely personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re serious about using tarot for insight, growth, and spiritual exploration, I always recommend starting with a traditional system to embed the core meanings before expanding into more artistic interpretations.
Whichever deck you choose, remember: tarot is not just about the images on the cards, but the energy and wisdom they hold. If you’re ready to dive deeper, our expert psychics and clairvoyants are here to explore your future with you—offering insights, clarity, and guidance whenever you need it.
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