Top 5 Beginner Tarot Decks
There are countless Tarot decks on the market, each offering a unique spin on this ancient divination system. With so many choices, it can be tough for a beginner to pick a first deck that will help start their Tarot practice off on the right foot. Picking the wrong deck can be frustrating, deflating, and can stop progress before you even get started.
In this post I will list my top five recommended beginner Tarot decks, plus one bonus deck for anyone interested in exploring an alternative cartomancy system. All of the decks in this post are mass market decks that are currently in print, so they are available and affordable. I intentionally stock a range of beginner-friendly decks in my shop, so all of the decks listed in this post are available for purchase through my website for anyone located in Australia.
#1 Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot
For anyone who wants to learn the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot system, a traditional RWS deck is an essential investment in my opinion. Even if you don’t feel a connection with the artwork, the majority of Tarot books and educational content refer to Pamela Colman-Smith’s art. If you don’t want to use a traditional RWS deck as your working deck, I still recommend having a copy available as a study deck as this will help you to build a strong knowledge base. If you learn to read the traditional RWS, then you will easily be able to read any deck that is based on this system.
Of the traditional RWS decks, my favourite is the Radiant Wise Spirit published by Lo Scarabeo (which is the deck pictured above). But do your own research as there are many traditional RWS decks on the market. Some other options include The Universal Waite, the Radiant Rider-Waite, the Original Rider-Waite, the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot, plus many more. The artwork between all of these decks is virtually the same, the main differences are the vibrancy of the colours and the clarity of the linework.
You can read my review of the Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot here.
#2 The Everyday Witch Tarot
Created by Deborah Blake and Elisabeth Alba and published by Llewellyn, the Everyday Witch Tarot is a great deck for any level of reading experience.
This is one of my all-time favourite Tarot decks. For anyone who wants to learn the RWS system but is struggling to connect with the traditional artwork, this is my number one recommendation. The illustrated scenes are completely intuitive, making it easy to interpret the card meanings without needing any background knowledge in Tarot. The guidebook that comes with this deck is a great resource and makes the cards relatable and practical. Highly recommend.
You can read my review of the Everyday Witch Tarot here.
#3 This Might Hurt Tarot
Created by Isabella Rotman and published by Liminal 11, This Might Hurt Tarot brings the traditional RWS imagery into the modern day and brings diversity to the forefront.
This Might Hurt Tarot puts a contemporary spin on Pamela Colman-Smith’s RWS artwork without deviating too far from the traditional imagery. Bold, bright and inclusive of people from all different backgrounds, this deck is a fantastic alternative to a traditional RWS deck. The guidebook provides a phrase for each minor Arcana card which will help beginners grasp the general message of the card whilst also giving a description of all the card meanings.
You can read my review of the This Might Hurt Tarot here.
#4 The Light Seer’s Tarot
Created by Chris-Anne and published by Hay House, the Light Seer’s Tarot is a contemporary deck with a boho aesthetic that is treasured throughout the Tarot community.
Another contemporary deck based on the RWS system, The Light Seer’s Tarot is a deck that has touched the hearts of many Tarot readers. The bohemian aesthetic will appeal to any of the free spirits out there, and the guidebook is one of my favourites because of its honest and uplifting messages. A straightforward reader, this deck is a great choice for any beginners who want a vibrant and modern deck for their Tarot practice.
You can read my review of the Light Seer’s Tarot here.
#5 Squid Cake Marseille Tarot
Created by Jess Rollar and published by Rockpool, the Squid Cake Marseille Tarot brings the traditional Tarot de Marseille system into the current age and makes it accessible to everyone.
I couldn’t have a top five without including a Marseille deck, and the Squid Cake Marseille is hands down the most beginner-friendly Marseille deck I have seen. It’s quirky. It’s fun. It’s pocket-size. But it’s the guidebook that really makes this deck stand out. It not only explains the card meanings, but also explains how to visually interpret the minor Arcana “pip” cards. This deck makes Tarot de Marseille accessible for everyone and I would recommend it for any beginners that would prefer to start off their Tarot reading journey with the original Tarot system that inspired the creation of the RWS.
You can read my review of the Squid Cake Marseille Tarot here.
Bonus - Best Beginner Lenormand Deck
Cute Little Lenormand
Created by Sara M. Lyons and published by St. Martin’s Essentials, the Cute Little Lenormand provides everything you need to start reading Lenormand.
For anyone interested in learning an alternative cartomancy system to Tarot, Lenormand might be a good option. With only 36 cards, as opposed to Tarot’s 78, Lenormand is read more systematically than intuitively and is great for practical readings and straightforward answers.
The Cute Little Lenormand provides a comprehensive guide to the Lenormand system and has a deck that uses simple artwork in pastel colours to make it easy to recognise and read the cards. Created for the beginner, this deck is the best Lenormand set I have come across for anyone new to the system.
You can read my review of the Cute Little Lenormand here.
Visit my Lenormand Blog for more information on the Lenormand system.
