The choice of Tarot decks that are available today is sometimes overwhelming for people who are just beginning to enter this strange world of divination. With so many options available, what is the best deck to learn with? Is there only one deck that should be used, or can several be learned at the same time?
I get emailed these sorts of questions several times a month, and I’ve got to admit, they’re tough questions to answer.
I’m writing this post as a way of outlining my ideas on the subject which I hope those people new to Tarot will find useful.
Let me start by saying that I was lucky enough to never encounter this dilemma. To me, you buy a deck that you like, you stick with that deck and you learn that deck. However, I know from email conversations that I’ve had that this can end up becoming a major stumbling block for people just beginning so I wanted to share my musings on the subject.
Is there only one correct deck that people should learn with?
The short answer is no, but the longer answer involves some explanation so lets get stuck in.
The most popular Tarot deck is the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, created by A.E Waite. This guy was a member of the Golden Dawn and his deck, although not actually a Golden Dawn deck, is naturally infused with this system. The reason it isn’t fully a Golden Dawn deck is that Waite took the Golden Dawn vow of secrecy with the utmost seriousness, which basically means that he made sure not to reveal any obvious Golden Dawn concepts within the imagery of the deck.
However, you can separate the deck from the Golden Dawn, but not the Golden Dawn from the deck.
Why is this useful to know?
Because most decks are clones of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. This means that they follow the same basic structure as the Rider-Waite deck, but with some unusual and at times enlightening variations on the individual cards.
With that in mind, the odds are that you will end up buying some kind of Rider-Waite clone. This is totally fine and there is nothing wrong with that. As I mentioned earlier, the variations that the artists create are often fascinating and enlightening in their own way.
People say I should avoid learning with the Thoth Tarot deck
This deck was created by Aliester Crowley, who was also a member of the Golden Dawn. The big difference between the Rider-Waite Tarot deck and the Thoth Tarot deck is simply that Aliester Crowley did not take his vow of secrecy with any seriousness, and so his deck reveals what the Rider-Waite does not.
This is actually a gross simplification of the differences between the two decks. The Thoth Tarot is also infused with Thelema and various other systems that Crowley used to understand the universe. This naturally means that it goes beyond simply being a Golden Dawn deck, but for simplicity sake it’s important to know that the creators of these two decks both have origins in the Golden Dawn.
Some people feel that the Thoth is not a good beginner deck because of the complexity of the deck. I disagree with this. However, one big difference between the Rider-Waite and the Thoth is how the Minor Arcana are represented. The Rider-Waite uses complex imagery (like those found in the 22 Major Arcana) whereas the Thoth does not — as least, not in the same. Perhaps some people may find this more challenging, or less engaging on a visual level.
The other major distinction is in how the Major Arcana are numbered. This can also end up being a big sticking point for some people so it’s worth taking the time to think about these things before you decide.
Either way, if learning to divine with the Tarot is the name of the game when deciding which deck to buy, it seems to me that the Thoth is as good as any. After all, it doesn’t matter what deck you buy, you still have to learn to work with it so if you want to learn the Thoth straight away, then go for it.
Themed decks
These types of Tarot decks can deviate significantly from the Rider-Waite or Thoth deck. Is this bad for learning with? No, it’s not. If you like these types of decks, then use them.
I think the big sticking point in people’s minds is this idea of the Tarot having some sort of core concept behind it. Historically, this is not the case. The two most popular Tarot decks today, the Rider-Waite and the Thoth Tarot, were created by two men with a background in the occult. Previous to this, there were hundreds of variations of Tarot decks, each with its own theme — these decks didn’t necessarily have any core truths to them. They were themed decks, and their concepts were based on whatever theme they wanted to use.
What we think of as core concepts are simply the concepts presented in the two most popular Tarot decks, the Rider-Waite or Thoth Tarot. Does the popularity of these decks really mean that these decks are more truthful than others? Was it just a weird set of historical conditions that allowed the Rider-Waite and Thoth to attain such iconic status, or was it because these decks really are the closed thing we have to a core Tarot?
In a nutshell, my advice is simple. Find a deck you like, buy the deck, learn the deck, enjoy the deck.
If your Tarot deck has more than 78 Tarot cards but you want to apply Elemental Dignities, Card Counting or any other Tarot technique then simple adapt them to work with your Tarot deck of choice.
Can I learn with more than one deck at the same time?
In theory you could. However, I would advise against this. The danger is that you’ll end up spreading yourself too thin. It’s much better to stick with one deck that you like and to learn it thoroughly. In much the same way as picking a Tarot spread to learn, it’s important, at least in the early stages, to allow your mind to absorb the specifics of both deck and spread. Trying to learn more than one deck could end up being counter productive.
But there is a counter argument to this. It goes something along the lines of, “when I was learning Tarot, certain cards were harder to learn than others. By buying different decks and exploring each decks unique take on the cards my learning process was actually accelerated. I learned more this way!”
That’s a fair point. It makes sense and seems valid. I guess it all comes down to personal opinion at the end of the day. If there’s one point I have to make about what is the right Tarot deck to learn from, then it would be this — it doesn’t really matter. The only crime you can commit is buying a deck that you don’t personally like just because someone else said it was the best.
Being unsure about what Tarot deck to buy or learn with says more about the myths surrounding the learning process rather than anything else. Perhaps it also says something about the hold Occultism still has over the Tarot. Who knows? All I know is that it doesn’t really matter what deck you choose. Just make sure you have fun doing it.
The question asked in the title of this post was, “Which Tarot deck is the right deck to learn with?” What do you think? Do you think it matters what deck people use? Does Tarot have core concepts that beginners should learn before buying decks that promote variations on these core concepts? Let me know what you think.
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26 comments… Let's discuss
“In a nutshell, my advice is simple. Find a deck you like, buy the deck, learn the deck, enjoy the deck.”
That is exactly how I feel, and when I worked in a metaphysical shop, people came in shopping all the time. I just showed them the way to our sample decks (which were decks in which a few of the cards had been removed so they wouldn’t be stolen, etcetera) and mentioned that if they really felt drawn to a deck, to go with their “pull” and get that deck. There are many good beginning tarot reading books out there too, and some are a closer “match” to the type of deck the person likes. As of late, I am enjoying Ly deAngelis’ “Tarot Theory and Practice” but again, the depth of this work is not for everyone!
Hi AarTiana,
Great point. I think the concern people have over just going with what they like must be part of something much bigger. I’ve noticed that if people are unsure of the deck they have chosen then it can really impact on their confidence further down the road.
Is the general vibe that people pick up when first learning Tarot intimidating? Is it all about doing things the right way?
I think it must be for people to be unsure.
The point you made about a deck (and book) being available for everyone is so true. Much like relationships, it’s the heart that has the final word, not the mind
Thanks for the comment
Now there is a good question hehe! I think it is conditioning, i.e. basically people are taught externally the right way to do stuff, so they do not rely on their intuition – in fact they think it is bad to do this. If we think about it, everything we learn in school or at work is a direct pass-down from someone else, and we never ask the person what they think – so I think for most people just starting out with things like Tarot, they are not used to acknowledging a thing like that they have their own intuition, and yes, it is OK to actually use it!
Hi AarTiana,
Thanks for getting back to me
I agree! There does seem to be some sort of unspoken thing going on – that using intuition is somehow bad. Perhaps this kind of deconditioning is something the Tarot is very good at helping people with?
Hi Aartiana my partner is into a lot of spiritual stuff and he also reads cards he has done for over 20 years, he tells me that tarot has its “well known” good and bad legacys (certain authors) can u please send me an email to tell me which decks are known as bad legacy and who does them. Thank you so much in advance for ur reply via email
“The only crime you can commit is buying a deck that you don’t personally like just because someone else said it was the best.” I totally agree with this statement. Find something you love and work with it.
I personally learnt with the Rider Waite and I couldn’t connect with the original images for years. I found the Spiral Tarot (RWS based deck) and loved it. Learning and using a Rider based deck was so much easier as many of the books published are around that basis. I now have a huge collection of all different types and read with what ever speaks to me the most at the time.
Hi Ethony,
Thanks for dropping by
Awesome approach to doing readings
I think the point you made about many of the Tarot books using Rider Waite symbolism is very relevant. It seems to me that the Rider-Waite is the most accessible Tarot deck for this reason. However, as you mentioned, once you discovered the Spiral Tarot, many things just got easier. It all comes down to finding that special deck that just makes everything that much easier, that much more engaging.
Thanks for the great comment
You need to find a deck that you relate to. Me, I can’t stand anything twee so it would get in the way of my readings if I had some kind of flowery feminine deck to work with, hence the decks I work with tend to be the more dark or dramatic ones. The deck is like clothes for your imagination so it makes sense to use one that fits and reflects you’re personality. Just like clothes, you shouldn’t get preoccupied with them either.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for stopping by
Great point! The Tarot uses symbols to represent reality so it makes sense to choose a deck that engages the person and says something meaningful about reality. If people can’t relate to it, it won’t be meaningful.
Douglas -
Great blog! Topic very well covered. From my POV, the choices for decks to learn with would be the Rider-Waite Tarot (or a Rider-Waite clone), or the Thoth Tarot. Even if your primary deck is the Thoth Tarot, it is good to understand the Rider-Waite basics, because this is the deck most often chosen for use in a class or seminar setting, and the one most often used to illustrate Tarot oriented books.
I love themed decks, have several of them, and use them for readings (as opposed to simply collecting them). I would not suggest using them to learn with, however, the main reason being that their imagery is by nature associated only with their theme.
Blessings,
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for the kind words
This is something that others have mentioned in the comments, and something that I didn’t really cover in my article.
Having thought about it, your thoughts (and Ethony’s, Anna’s and Biddy’s) on this just seems to be the right way to go about things. If people are unsure what deck to use then it’s probably a very good idea that they buy the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck (or clone) to make seminars, classes or Tarot books more accessible – which will naturally speed up the learning process.
My only reservation with this (although I know it’s the most practical approach) is that people don’t stop looking for that special deck.
However, I get the feeling from your comment that that would also be your reservation. It’s a tough subject to try and advice people on, but like I said, I think your right to suggest the Rider-Waite as the starting point for people who are unsure of what deck to buy.
Thanks for the great comment
Hello Douglas.
I started with the Marseilles deck following the advice of my teacher. That was the deck she used for readings and the one she referred to on her book.
I personally didn’t find the deck beautiful, but the messages were clear and so I stuck to it for a very long time.
As you know such deck has no images for the Minor Arcana. My teacher seldom used the minors, and I didn’t throughly understand much about them.
Fast forward 15 years or so to when Wald Amberstone kindly answered my e-mail and suggested I try the Rider Waite deck to overcome my difficulties with the Minor Arcana. What a revelation that was! To have pictures for every card was so helpful to me.
To sum it up, in my personal experience I believe a Rider Waite deck or a clone would be the best way to go. The reason being the images in the Minor and that most Tarot books refer to it.
As far as experimenting with other decks I am all for it, but not until comfortable reading with one. Using multiple decks has helped me understand better cards I was having a hard time with.
Last, it is my experience that it is possible to love the look of a deck, but not being able to read with it. When that happens, getting the companion book for that particular deck may help somewhat, as it often explains the symbols used on the particular deck.
As always thank you Douglas for your blog where I can always find inspiration and gain new knowledge.
Anna
Hi Anna,
Thanks for dropping by
From reading the other comments, and thinking about what everyone has said, I’m in complete agreement. The fact that the majority of Tarot Books, Seminars and Classes use Rider-Waite symbolism and imagery, just makes it the most practical starting place.
However, the Rider-Waite deck really helped slot many things into place for you. It sounds like it was the right deck for you – which is awesome. It’s also something that I think it is the most important consideration when choosing a Tarot deck – finding one that clearly communicates to you.
I agree! I think it’s important that people immerse themselves in one deck. After that, experimenting with other decks can really add to a persons knowledge and understanding of certain cards.
I also agree. This is a point that AarTiana’s comment also shares. Buying the companion book will often make that deck more accessible. It gives you an insight into why certain cards appear the way they do.
Thank you for your kind words and I’m glad you liked the post
I started with the Rider Waite deck, 14 years ago. I was drawn to it because the images were practical and straight-forward. I love that there is so much symbolism in these cards and that each time I see the same card come up, I look to different parts of it for different messages.
I tried the Thoth and a couple of other decks, but I always keep coming back to the Rider Waite deck. So, I’m a strong advocate of this deck as a starting point.
Hi Biddy,
I didn’t really have an opinion on what specific deck to start with if someone is unsure what deck to choose.
I always advised finding a deck that they liked. However, after reading yours and other peoples comments, I now think that the Rider Waite deck is a good starting place for people who are unsure.
I still think that finding a Tarot deck that fully engages the person is much more important than starting with the Rider-Waite, but if someone is unsure of what deck to buy, then I think the Rider-Waite is the best choice.
Thanks for dropping by
Lots of great points here. Like many others, I started with the RWS deck and, over the past 20-odd years, have experimented with other decks as well. The one thing that I often tell people is not to be afraid to abandon a deck and try to search elsewhere if the deck you’re working with doesn’t resonate with you. In this way, reading the Tarot is like reading a book; there’s no sense in sticking with it to the end if it’s not keeping you engaged.
On a personal note, I would agree that the RWS is a great starting point for many of the previously posted reasons, especially if someone who is just starting out doesn’t know where to turn.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share your ideas and experience
An excellent way to put it!!!
I think that’s the key. If someone isn’t sure about which deck to use or where to start, then the Rider-Waite is probably the best deck for them to choose.
Hi there Douglas. I have the Gilded Tarot I was totally attracted to them again I think it was because the art work is amazing, and I have the Divine Tarot – the artist is Ciro Marchetti. I feel that as two decks these work side by side amazing art work. As an artist myself, I feel that I have a link with them amazing work…. the Divine Tarot saw the Queen Wands and just had to have them. She reminds me of my wife, fiery, full of herself and I love it because of that….
Hi Colin,
Thanks for dropping by and sharing your opinion
I notice that you’re attracted to those decks because of how much you connect with the art work. That certainly is a very important part of finding a Tarot deck that you’re interest in. As you say, it helps to create that connection between you and the Tarot.
Hey Douglas!
I love practical Tarot articles like this one. It gives arguments for and against, and leaves the ultimate decision up to the student – very helpful for the confused seeker.
When I teach, I usually give a pocket-travel size RWS deck to them. I will always teach with this deck because of the compatibility – it is the ‘lingua franca’ of tarot in my experience and I want my students to be best able to learn from many places.
That said, I ask if they have any decks they enjoy or are familiar with, and have them bring that deck with them to lessons. We spend a little time bridging the concepts from the RWS into their chosen deck, and it is often very illuminating, giving them practice immediately relating different symbols and images.
The other comments are also very useful. Thanks for the good post! Thoughtful and well written.
Lionel
Hi Lionel,
I’m glad you liked the post
It does seem that the Rider Waite deck is the best deck for someone who is unsure what Tarot deck to start with.
I like how you encourage them to explore the symbolism between the RWS and their chosen deck. I can imagine that it builds confidence quickly. Also, exploring different decks (with the RWS as the base deck) can only help them find a deck they truly connect with (if the RWS does not happen to be that deck) all the more quickly.
Thank you for sharing your opinion
Hi Doug
Great post as always. I don’t think there is any hard and fast rule as to which deck is the “right” deck to learn with. It’s a matter of which deck sings to you. My first deck was the Marseilles deck and although it was cool, as soon as I discovered the Rider Waite, I abandoned it as I thought the art was better. Aesthetics are important to me and sorry to say but Marseilles just looked too crude to me at the time (now I see it as part of the charm…).
For years, I read with the Cosmic deck but I copped an attitude towards it and have put it aside and barely crack a peek these days. I’m back on the Rider Waite but have been playing around with the Thoth deck.
Hi Theresa,
Thanks for the comment. I agree! A deck has to “sing” to you.
I also went through a Marseilles phase – it’s a love hate thing!
The Rider-Waite does seem the most popular choice.
I started with a Morgan-Greer deck when I was 13 (it was one of two choices in the local bookstore) and after I was comfortable with that I expanded to about 12 core decks. I find that I’ll work with a certain Tarot deck almost exclusively for six months to a year or longer, then move on to a new deck.
I think the benefit of the Thoth deck rests in the descriptive titles for the Minor Arcana cards which are absent in the Rider-Waite (and derivative) decks. I’ve also found in some of the Tarot classes I’ve done, having the illustrated pips can be problematic in that some students get stuck on the literal illustration of the card rather than the theme of the illustration.
If I could time-travel back to age 13 (makes me shudder just thinking about it), I would have started with Thoth. Right now I’m knee deep in the Grand Etoile and once I feel somewhat adept with that, I’ll be looking for something new.
I do have to say, I ‘m starting to hate some of the themed decks (Shakespearean Tarot, I’m thinking of you) because they are often such a loose connection back to the standard deck.
I have found that certain decks resonate better with me depending on the question or issue I am exploring. Practical, economic, or other tangible world issues fit the RW deck. Psychological or emotional questions, in contrast, fit the Haindl deck better, at least for me. Basically, I use the deck that calls to me in a specific situation.
Hi Aelie,
This is something I didn’t promote in the article but I recognise that it can certainly work, and work well! This is an excellent case of everyone’s relationship to Tarot being unique. In the final analysis everyone has to find a way that works well for them … whether that’s sticking to one deck, using a variety of decks or sticking to the Rider Waite until you know what deck you’re looking for … it’s always going to be personal to the individual. All we can do is provide markers along that path that is ultimately different for everyone.
Thanks for dropping by and adding to this conversation
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