How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck: Intuition vs Tradition

Introduction: The Question That Stops Every Beginner

You're standing in the metaphysical shop (or scrolling online), staring at dozens—maybe hundreds—of tarot decks. Your heart is drawn to one with gorgeous, ethereal artwork. But your brain says, "Shouldn't you start with the Rider-Waite-Smith? That's what all the books say."

So you freeze. Paralyzed between two voices:

Intuition: "This deck makes my heart sing. I feel connected to it."

Tradition: "But everyone says to start with RWS. What if I choose wrong?"

Here's the truth that no one tells beginners: Both voices are right. And both can lead you astray.

Choosing your first tarot deck isn't about picking the "correct" one. It's about understanding what you need right now, what will serve your learning, and what will keep you engaged.

This guide will help you navigate the intuition vs. tradition debate and choose a deck that's perfect for you.

The Case for Tradition: Why "Start with RWS" Became the Rule

The Traditional Advice

Ask any experienced tarot reader, and most will say: "Start with the Rider-Waite-Smith deck."

Why?

Reason 1: It's the Foundation

80-90% of modern tarot decks are based on the RWS system. Learn RWS, and you can read almost any deck. It's like learning classical music before jazz—you understand the structure that everything else builds on.

Reason 2: Unmatched Resources

There are thousands of books, courses, apps, and websites dedicated to RWS. If you get stuck on a card, you can find 50 different interpretations instantly.

With a more obscure deck? You're on your own.

Reason 3: Visual Storytelling

RWS was revolutionary because every card—including the Minor Arcana—has a full scene. You can interpret cards by looking at the imagery, not just memorizing abstract meanings.

Reason 4: Proven Track Record

The RWS deck has been teaching beginners for over 100 years. It works. It's been tested by millions of readers.

Reason 5: Transferable Skills

Once you learn RWS, you can pick up the Modern Witch Tarot, the Light Seer's Tarot, or any RWS-based deck and read it immediately. The structure is the same; only the art changes.

The Traditional Argument: Start with the foundation. Master the basics. Then explore.

The Case for Intuition: Why Your Heart Knows Best

The Intuitive Argument

But here's the counterpoint: Tarot is an intuitive practice. If you're not connected to your deck, you won't use it.

Reason 1: Connection Matters More Than "Correctness"

A deck you love will get used. A deck you feel obligated to use will sit in a drawer.

If the RWS imagery feels cold, dated, or disconnected to you, you won't engage with it. And if you don't engage, you won't learn.

Reason 2: Tarot is Personal

Tarot isn't a standardized test. There's no "right" way to read. Your relationship with your deck is unique to you.

If a deck with animal symbolism speaks to you more than human figures, honor that. If you need diverse representation to see yourself in the cards, choose that.

Reason 3: Intuition is the Skill You're Building

Tarot is about developing your intuition. If you ignore your intuition when choosing your deck, you're starting on the wrong foot.

The deck that calls to you is calling for a reason. Trust that.

Reason 4: You Can Always Learn RWS Later

Starting with a non-RWS deck doesn't mean you'll never learn RWS. Many readers start with an intuitive deck, fall in love with tarot, and then study RWS to deepen their knowledge.

There's no rule that says you have to start with tradition.

Reason 5: Modern Decks Can Be Just as Educational

Many modern decks (like the Everyday Tarot or Modern Witch Tarot) are specifically designed for beginners. They follow RWS structure but with updated imagery and built-in learning aids (like keywords on the cards).

You can have both: intuitive connection and traditional structure.

The Intuitive Argument: Choose what resonates. Trust your gut. Learn from what you love.

The Middle Path: Intuition AND Tradition

Here's the secret: You don't have to choose between intuition and tradition. You can have both.

Option 1: Choose an RWS-Based Deck You Love

There are hundreds of decks that follow the RWS structure but with different art styles. Find one that speaks to you:

• Modern Witch Tarot: RWS structure, diverse modern characters
• Light Seer's Tarot: RWS structure, uplifting contemporary art
• Everyday Tarot: RWS structure, minimalist design with keywords
• Spacious Tarot: RWS structure, inclusive and gentle imagery

This way, you get the traditional foundation and a deck that resonates with you.

Option 2: Start with Your Heart, Study with Your Head

Buy the deck you're drawn to. Use it. Love it. Learn from it.

Then, get a cheap RWS deck (or use a digital version) to study the traditional meanings and symbolism.

You don't have to choose one or the other. You can have multiple decks.

Option 3: Trust Your Intuition About What You Need

Ask yourself: "What do I need right now?"

• If you need structure and guidance → Choose a traditional or RWS-based deck
• If you need inspiration and connection → Choose the deck that makes your heart sing
• If you need both → Choose a modern RWS-based deck

Your intuition knows what you need. Trust it.

The Decision Framework: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself

Question 1: What's My Learning Style?

If you're a structured learner: You like clear instructions, step-by-step guides, and proven methods.

Choose: Rider-Waite-Smith or a close RWS-based deck (Modern Witch, Light Seer's)

If you're an intuitive learner: You learn by feeling, experimenting, and following your gut.

Choose: The deck that calls to you, even if it's non-traditional

Question 2: Do I Want Maximum Support?

If yes: Choose a deck with tons of resources (books, apps, communities).

Best options: RWS, Modern Witch, Wild Unknown (very popular)

If no: You're comfortable figuring things out on your own.

Choose: Any deck that resonates

Question 3: What Imagery Speaks to Me?

Look at sample cards from different decks. Which style makes you feel something?

• Traditional, symbolic: RWS, Thoth Tarot
• Modern, diverse: Modern Witch, Spacious Tarot
• Minimalist, artistic: Wild Unknown, Fountain Tarot
• Nature-based: Herbcrafter's Tarot, Green Witch Tarot
• Fantasy, whimsical: Shadowscapes, Starchild Tarot
• Dark, gothic: Deviant Moon, Dark Wood Tarot

Your aesthetic preference matters. You'll look at these cards hundreds of times.

Question 4: Do I Need to See Myself in the Cards?

If representation matters to you: Choose a deck with diverse bodies, races, genders, and abilities.

Options:

• Modern Witch Tarot
• Spacious Tarot
• Next World Tarot
• The Numinous Tarot

Seeing yourself reflected in the cards deepens connection.

Question 5: What's My Budget?

Budget-friendly ($15-25): RWS, Universal Waite, Radiant RWS

Mid-range ($25-35): Most modern decks (Modern Witch, Light Seer's, Wild Unknown)

Investment ($35+): Indie decks, limited editions, special finishes

You don't need an expensive deck to learn tarot. Start affordable, expand later.

Question 6: Do I Want Keywords on the Cards?

Some decks print keywords directly on the cards (like "New Beginnings" on The Fool). This is helpful for beginners but can feel limiting later.

Decks with keywords: Everyday Tarot, Mystic Mondays

Decks without: Most traditional and artistic decks

Question 7: What Does My Gut Say?

After all the analysis, close your eyes. Which deck keeps coming back to your mind?

That's your answer.

Common Myths About Choosing Your First Deck

Myth 1: "You Can't Buy Your Own First Deck—It Must Be Gifted"

Truth: This is an old superstition with no basis. Buy your own deck. Choose what you want. Don't wait for someone else to guess what you need.

Myth 2: "You Have to Start with RWS or You'll Never Learn Properly"

Truth: Thousands of readers started with non-RWS decks and became excellent readers. There's no one "right" path.

Myth 3: "If You Choose the Wrong Deck, You'll Ruin Your Tarot Journey"

Truth: There's no "wrong" deck. Worst case? You buy another one. Decks are tools, not soulmates. You can have more than one.

Myth 4: "Intuitive Decks Are for Advanced Readers Only"

Truth: Some beginners thrive with intuitive, non-traditional decks. If it speaks to you, use it.

Myth 5: "You Need to Use Your Deck for a Year Before Getting Another"

Truth: Some readers have one deck for life. Others collect dozens. There's no rule. Do what feels right.

Real Stories: Tradition vs. Intuition

Story 1: The Traditional Path

"I started with RWS because everyone said to. I didn't love the art, but I committed to learning it. Six months later, I understood tarot deeply enough to choose decks I actually loved. RWS gave me the foundation I needed." — Sarah, 3 years reading

Story 2: The Intuitive Path

"I ignored the advice and bought the Wild Unknown because the art spoke to me. I learned tarot through that deck, and it worked beautifully. Later, I studied RWS to understand the tradition, but I'm glad I started with what I loved." — Marcus, 5 years reading

Story 3: The Middle Path

"I bought the Modern Witch Tarot—RWS structure with modern art. I got the best of both worlds: traditional symbolism and imagery I connected with. It was perfect for me." — Jasmine, 2 years reading

All three paths work. Choose yours.

The Final Decision: A Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Browse and Feel

Look at images of different decks online (Instagram, Pinterest, deck review sites). Notice which ones make you feel something.

Step 2: Narrow Down to 3-5 Decks

Based on imagery, reviews, and gut feeling, create a shortlist.

Step 3: Check Resources

For each deck, search: "[Deck name] guidebook," "[Deck name] beginner," "[Deck name] review." See what support is available.

Step 4: Ask Yourself the 7 Questions

Go through the decision framework above. Which deck checks the most boxes?

Step 5: Trust Your Gut

If you're still torn, close your eyes and imagine yourself using each deck. Which one feels right?

Step 6: Buy It

Stop overthinking. Choose. Commit. Start learning.

Step 7: Remember—It's Not Forever

This is your first deck, not your only deck. You can always get another.

What If You Choose "Wrong"?

Here's the beautiful truth: There is no wrong choice.

If you buy a deck and it doesn't resonate, you've learned something valuable:

• What you don't connect with
• What you need in a deck
• How to trust your intuition better next time

And you can always:

• Buy another deck
• Trade or sell the first one
• Keep it and revisit it later (sometimes decks "wake up" after months or years)

Choosing a tarot deck isn't a life sentence. It's a starting point.

The Wisdom: Both Voices Matter

Intuition says: "Choose what makes your heart sing."

Tradition says: "Choose what will teach you well."

The truth? Both are right.

The best first deck is one that:

• You feel connected to (intuition)
• Has enough structure and support to help you learn (tradition)

For most beginners, that means: An RWS-based deck with imagery you love.

But if your heart is screaming for something else? Honor that. Tarot is about trusting your inner voice. Start practicing now.

Final Thoughts: Your Deck is Waiting

Somewhere out there, there's a deck with your name on it. A deck that will teach you, challenge you, and become a trusted companion on your journey.

It might be the classic Rider-Waite-Smith. It might be a modern indie deck with holographic edges. It might be something in between.

The deck doesn't matter as much as you think. What matters is that you choose and you begin.

Stop overthinking. Trust yourself. Pick a deck.

Your tarot journey is waiting.