How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck: A Guide for Beginners
Picking Your Perfect First Tarot Deck: Your BFF's Complete Guide ๐โจ
OMG bestie, so you're ready to buy your first tarot deck? I'm literally so excited for you! ๐ I know it can feel super overwhelming with all the gorgeous options out there (trust me, I've been there!), but I'm going to break it all down for you. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to pick the perfect deck that matches your vibe!
Quick side note: If you're looking to dive deeper into all things tarot, make sure to check out our Complete Guide to Learning Tarot for Beginners. It's basically like having a tarot mentor in your pocket!
Why Your First Deck Choice Actually Matters Though
Okay, so here's the tea - your first tarot deck isn't just another cute purchase for your altar (although aesthetics ARE important, don't @ me). It's literally going to be your spiritual BFF, helping you grow, reflect, and tap into your intuition. Finding the right deck is like finding the perfect partner - when you know, you know!
1. Let's Talk About the OG: The Rider-Waite Deck
Not to sound like your mom, but there's a reason why everyone recommends the Rider-Waite Tarot for beginners. It's like the little black dress of tarot decks - classic, versatile, and literally never goes out of style! Created way back in 1909 (vintage vibes!), it's still THE standard that most modern decks are based on.
Why the Rider-Waite is That Girl:
The symbols are super easy to understand (no cryptic imagery that leaves you googling for hours!)
Like, every tarot book ever references it
Itโs basically tarot training wheels (but make it fancy
2. But wait, whatโs your aesthetic?
Here's where it gets fun! Just like your Instagram feed, your tarot deck should totally match your personal style. Are you more cottagecore or dark academia? Modern minimalist or vintage glamour? The options are endless!
Let's break down the main vibes:
Traditional Decks: Think Rider-Waite or Thoth Tarot - they're giving old-school mystical energy
Themed Decks: Like the Wild Unknown Tarot (nature vibes) or Tarot of the Divine (mythology but make it aesthetic)
Modern Decks: The Light Seer's Tarot is perfect if you're into that contemporary spiritual Instagram aesthetic
3. The Artwork has to be pass the vibe check
Listen bestie, you're going to be spending A LOT of time with these cards, so the artwork needs to speak to your soul! When you look at the cards, they should give you that "OMG, I get it" feeling.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Does looking at the cards give you feelings? (You want that emotional connection!)
Can you understand what's happening in the cards without needing a PhD in symbolism?
Do the images make you want to dive deeper into their meanings?
4. The Guidebook Better Deliver
Tea time: A good guidebook is like having a wise best friend who always knows what's up. When you're just starting out, you want a guidebook that's going to hold your hand through the process (not leave you on read when you need help!).
What Makes a Guidebook Your New BFF:
Spills all the tea about each card (both upright AND reversed meanings)
Explains everything in normal human language (not just mystical jargon)
Includes some spread ideas so you can start reading like a pro
5. Trust those vibes, sis!
Okay, real talk - at the end of the day, choosing your deck is like falling in love. Sometimes you just KNOW, even if you can't explain why. When you're browsing decks, pay attention to that little voice inside that goes "THIS ONE!"
You Know It's Meant to Be When:
You keep coming back to look at the same deck (like stalking your crush's Instagram)
The cards feel right in your hands (no awkward first date energy)
You're already imagining all the readings you'll do together
6. Don't Stress About Finding "The One"
Here's some advice I wish someone had told me: It's totally okay to start simple! You don't need to find your soulmate deck right away. Starting with something classic like the Rider-Waite is like dating someone stable before diving into your bad boy phase (IYKYK ๐).
When in Doubt, Remember:
Your first deck doesn't have to be your forever deck
It's okay to start basic and level up later
The most important thing is that YOU feel comfortable with it
Conclusion
Choosing your first tarot deck is such a personal journey, and there's no wrong choice as long as it feels right to you! Whether you go for the classic Rider-Waite energy or find yourself drawn to something more modern and unique, trust that the right deck will find its way to you.
Think of it like finding your perfect signature scent or go-to coffee order - sometimes you have to try a few before you find The One. And that's totally okay! The most important thing is that your deck makes you excited to practice and learn.
Remember babe, the perfect deck isn't about what everyone else is using - it's about what makes YOUR intuition light up! Trust yourself, and don't be afraid to go with what calls to you. Your tarot journey is about to be amazing! โจ
P.S. For all my spiritual besties who want to dive deeper into tarot mastery, don't forget to check out our full Complete Guide to Learning Tarot for Beginners. It's packed with all the juicy details about card meanings, spreads, and everything else you need to know to become a tarot queen! ๐