Can you buy your first tarot deck yourself?#
One of the main things that stop tarot enthusiasts from diving into Tarot reading is the old wives’ tale that says you shouldn’t buy your first tarot deck, but that it must be given to you.
Although this is a mistaken belief that almost all psychic readers have heard of, it is nothing more than silly superstition.
Most readers believe that this myth comes from a time when tarot decks for sale were not difficult to find, in some places, it was a crime to use them. Because they were sold on the ‘black market’ of the time, you would need to know the right person to get your hands on a set.
Buying or attempting to purchase from the wrong person was dangerous. Thankfully, times have changed.
Now, you can and should buy your own set of tarot cards. Giving credibility to this myth is “the surest way to get a deck you don’t like. Or to be kept waiting,” says intuitive reader and author Theresa Reed. So drop that notion right now and shop your heart out.
How to choose a tarot deck that is right for you#
Buying your first (or newest) deck is a super exciting process! It can also be extremely overwhelming because of the sheer number of Tarot decks available for purchase.
When you add in the fact that each option has its own energy and artistic symbolism, the process of picking just one can become anxiety-producing.
This was the case for Sarah, who was new to tarot and wanted to expand her collection. Initially, she bought the classic Rider-Waite deck and used it to learn all 78 tarot card meanings.
While watching an experienced reader give a reading using two different decks, Sarah decided she needed a second set of cards.
An hour after walking into her local bookstore to buy another deck, Sarah left empty-handed. It wasn’t that they didn’t have any tarot cards she liked: they had hundreds! She simply couldn’t decide on a new deck.
So, where should Sarah (or anyone looking for the perfect tarot deck) begin? Here are 8 of the best ways to select a Tarot deck that will take your readings to the next level.
1. Go with your intuition!#
My number one rule when it comes to buying a deck of cards: your tarot deck must resonate with you. Like choosing a partner, selecting a tarot deck is all about personal connection!
Just as you wouldn’t pick your wedding dress, husband, home, or vehicle-based on someone else’s opinion, the same is true of the cards.
Here’s an example. Many readers love Oracle Decks instead of Tarot decks. They like that the cards have straightforward messages such as “You are born entrepreneur and your self-employment opportunities are endless” or “You are a spiritual teacher and have the ability to counsel others.” When they read with these cards, there are no surprises and the message is clear.
If you’re more into Oracle Decks, my article about Angel Cards is a must-read!
Other readers prefer decks with symbolism that have different meanings and must be interpreted through intuition.
These spiritualists believe that how the reading falls and the cards that surround each one can change a card’s message. For this type of reader, an oracle deck wouldn’t feel right.
2. Explore the imagery of each tarot deck card#
Like many other people, I view tarot as a form of art. Most tarot decks contain very few words on the faces of their cards.
What are the front and center imagery that must be individually interpreted? Tarot decks are known for both their ability to predict the future and their beauty. This makes every reading unique, like a thumbprint.
We all have our own aesthetic preferences when it comes to the type of art we prefer. Some people frame pictures of blue dogs and hang them on their wall proudly while others might think it ridiculous to pay $25000 for a cartoon-like picture of a canine.
Maybe you like minimalism, computer-generated, or watercolor style while your best friend prefers woodblock prints, black and white, etc.
No matter what your artistic preference, there is sure to be a deck out there for you; it’s just up to you to find it.
3. Keep in mind your current tarot level#
If you are new to Tarot, you may prefer to start learning with the most popular Tarot deck, the Rider-Waite deck. This is the go-to for most tarot readers starting out for a few reasons.
For one, it is easy to understand based on the imagery alone. Take the Six of Swords for example. You can see just by looking at this card that one is (or will soon) be leaving a person, place, or situation behind.
This is one of the major meanings of the Tarot, but it isn’t something that you have to know by memory. By simply looking at the card, most readers would be able to give the person they are reading a solid understanding of what is happening.
Also, the Rider-Waite has been around for over 100 years. For this reason, there is more information available surrounding this deck than any other.
When you are first learning to read cards, it can be reassuring to have lots of interpretation info available to read. Choosing a less-known deck makes studying all 78 tarot cards more difficult.
If the thought of this seems overwhelming to you, you may prefer a deck with clear, minimalist imagery like the Modern Way tarot deck. With this set, it is easy to connect with the symbols, allowing you to focus more on your intuition than pictures and pre-determined meanings.
Once you feel comfortable as a reader, you consider venturing out a bit. The Everday Witch is a cool option for those wanting to embrace the witch within.
Animal lovers could try this fun Cat Tarot deck while those who like black and white might buy the Hermetic Tarot. Take some time to mull over cards from different sets and see which you feel most comfortable reading.
4. Do you want to go traditional or modern?#
When it comes to tarot decks that are two types: traditional and modern. A deck doesn’t have to be one or the other though. I like to think of their design as a pendulum.
A deck’s design can be traditional, modern, or something in between. Again, there isn’t really a right or wrong answer here. It is all about personal preference.
Many traditional decks follow the Rider-Waite deck closely in both card names and designs. These are known as traditional or ‘clones’ and are preferred by many readers.
They usually have more conservative images and a conventional feel. If you are reading for your grandmother, a traditional deck might be best. If you want to shake things up a little, consider purchasing a more contemporary setting.
Modern decks are quite the opposite. They use fresh, colorful imagery that is easy for our current generation to connect with.
Some include more women, minorities, and symbols that aren’t a part of traditional cards. The Rider-Waite tarot deck is not for everyone, and that’s okay!
If traditional tarot decks don’t resonate with you, that doesn’t mean that you aren’t a powerful reader. Would we say that Picasso is less of a painter than another great because they didn’t use the same paint?
Again, connect with your Higher Self and choose what feels right for you.
5. How does the deck depict your favorite card?#
Keep in mind that purchasing a tarot deck isn’t like buying a new sweater. It takes a great deal of thought and consideration.
Take time to look up the deck you’re considering and make sure that the artist’s interpretation of the tarot cards list that you love the most is spot-on with how you read these same cards.
Most of us have a favorite tarot card or one that we feel represents us well. I really love Strength and the Two of Swords, so I look for them in every deck I consider buying.
The lion depicted on the Strength card is one that I really connected with. If he isn’t featured in a certain deck, I probably wouldn’t buy it.
Take a moment to think about your favorite card. Which is the most important to you?
6. Find a size that fits#
I have small hands. This is something I never really considered a problem until started reading tarot.
Each card in the Rider-Waite deck is 6 3/4″ in height x 4″ in width. Standard Tarot card sizing is 2.75″ x 4.75″ (70mm x 121mm) which means the RW deck is a lot bigger than some other decks.
It wasn’t until I bought a second deck that I realized my trouble shuffling my cards wasn’t my ‘clumsy hands’ as much as it was the size of the cards.
Since then, I’ve gravitated toward decks with smaller cards that are easier for me to handle. Getting a real ‘feel’ for a deck is something that you should do as well.
Look at the sizing on the card packaging, do a quick Google search online, and practice shuffling the cards (if you have the opportunity.)
7. How are you going to use the tarot decks?#
Tip number seven is a reminder that it is crucial to consider the types of Tarot readings you’ll be doing before actually committing to a certain deck. If you are simply wanting to read for yourself, you easily can find a deck that’s perfect for your personal desires.
The Soulful Woman is a personal favorite because of its message of empowerment. The Love Your Inner Goddess is a deck I use a lot, as well. However, these aren’t my go-to cards for reading for others.
Energy is one of the main guides in an intuitive reading. Just as it guides us to different cards, it can also push a reader toward a certain deck.
This is one of the main reasons that professional tarot readers usually have a number of decks on hand before they begin a tarot reading.
The best reading I’ve ever received was with a reader who used two sets of cards at the same time. She used the traditional Rider-Waite first and then placed the Modern Way Tarot cards (which is a modern Rider-Waite take created for this century) over each one as ‘confirmations.’ This offered a very unique and memorable meaning to the reading.
8. Check for quality#
Finally, you’ll want to ensure the cards that you buy are of high quality so that you can use them for years to come. While writing this article, I linked my personal knowledge of tarot with a great deal of research.
Stumbling upon a deck that I thought to be the most beautiful of any that I’ve seen. I couldn’t wait to recommend them (and to buy a deck for myself.)
Continuing to Amazon to buy the cards and saw that they had a two-star rating. I quickly scanned the reviews to figure out why. The reason: buyers stated the cards were made of paper-thin card stock that easily bent and ripped.
Although the design was beautiful, the manufacturer cut corners during production. If this isn’t fixed, it will cost the creator dearly. No matter how beautiful the imagery is, it is best to avoid these types of decks if at all possible.
How to take care of your deck#
Taking care of your tarot cards is just as important of a process as buying them. Below are a few important tips that can help you make the best of your deck and protect their energy as well (yes, this is a thing).
Storing your tarot decks#
Find a place to store your cards properly and safely. Keeping them in the box is the best option, but you can also wrap them in silk or put them in a Tarot deck bag.
You’ll want to make sure that they aren’t left out, especially for others to touch since allowing others to handle your cards can disturb their energy and make them unusable for reading.
Sometimes it is much easier to put your cards in a bag to keep them shiny and new, especially when on the road. That’s when I prefer to use a bag for my cards, that I bring with me (almost) everywhere.
Clean your tarot cards#
Establish a cleaning routine for your cards. Because the energies of others can easily attach to your decks, you’ll want to use different sets of cards for private and personal readings.
Regardless of what deck you’re using, when you are done with a reading you will need to cleanse them. The options for doing so are endless, as I described in my article on how to clear and cleanse your tarot deck, but white sage and crystal cleansing are two favorites.
Getting your first tarot deck#
Hopefully, after reading this article you feel much more at ease (and excited) about buying a new deck than you did before.
Remember that you are the one who will be using your cards day in and day out, so you’ll want to choose based on your intuition, artistic eye, and other personal preferences while still considering things like sizing and quality.
Once bought, you’ll be able to start reading right away, but make sure to take care of them! If you do so, you’ll be able to use them for self-improvement and guidance for many, many years.
