Choosing a Tarot Deck

There are almost as many different types of Tarot decks as there are Tarot readers in the world. We already stated that the Tarot is basically a collection of symbols, and over the centuries people have produced thousands of different interpretations for these symbols. Some are based on ‘traditional’ decks that came before, and some are totally original or even bizarre.

If you take a look at online catalogs, or you go down to your local bookstore or metaphysical shop, you will likely find a very large selection of Tarot decks readily available. The Rider-Waite deck is probably the most easily recognized in the world, and is the deck that most people think of when they think of the Tarot. If you don’t wish to spend a lot of time to look at all the options and pick a personal Tarot deck at this time, then you can probably just pick up a set of Rider-Waite Tarot cards and you will be ready to begin. You can always go shopping later for other cards.

There are other benefits to starting with the Rider-Waite deck. First, since it is the deck that most people are familiar with, most people would expect a Tarot reader to be familiar with this deck as well. So it is to your benefit to understand the symbology contained in this deck whether or not you end up using it as you progress for your own personal deck.

Second, as you continue to study beyond here, you will find that a majority of Tarot books refer to the Rider-Waite deck. It is not that this deck is any better or worse than any other deck, as that is a subjective point of view for each to decide. The fact is when discussing the cards we all need to have a common reference point and this deck has become that reference. Because most books do refer to Rider-Waite, your continuing studies will be easier if you’re familiar with this deck.

Lastly, the symbology in this deck is good. It is typically inspiring to the new reader as well as the accomplished person, and includes all of the elements you need to learn. Some other decks tend to be vague or sparse on symbology, and therefore a bit more difficult for the beginning reader. Then again, I am not telling you that you have to start with this deck, only that you should become familiar with it at some point. There is a world of possibilities out there to choose from.