Best Tarot Decks for Beginners: Top 10 Reviewed

Introduction: Your First Deck is a Sacred Choice

You're standing in front of a wall of tarot decks—or scrolling through hundreds online—and you're overwhelmed.

Some decks are dark and gothic. Others are pastel and whimsical. Some follow traditional imagery; others are completely abstract. How do you choose?

Here's what no one tells you: Your first tarot deck matters. Not because there's a "right" choice, but because the deck you choose will be your teacher, your mirror, your companion on this journey.

A good beginner deck should be:

• Easy to read: Clear imagery that tells a story
• Well-documented: Plenty of guidebooks and resources available
• Resonant: You feel drawn to it, not just intellectually convinced
• Complete: All 78 cards with meaningful illustrations (not just pips)

This guide reviews the top 10 tarot decks for beginners, breaking down the pros, cons, and who each deck is perfect for. By the end, you'll know exactly which deck to start with.

How We Chose These Decks

These aren't just popular decks—they're decks that meet specific beginner-friendly criteria:

• Intuitive imagery: You can understand the cards without memorizing meanings
• Learning resources: Books, apps, and online communities support these decks
• Quality: Durable cardstock, clear printing, good size
• Accessibility: Widely available and reasonably priced
• Proven track record: Thousands of beginners have learned with these decks

The Top 10 Best Tarot Decks for Beginners

1. Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (Original or Universal Waite)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why It's #1:

This is the gold standard. Created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) is the most influential tarot deck in history. Nearly every modern deck is based on its symbolism.

Pros:

• ✅ Every card (including Minor Arcana) has a full scene, making interpretation intuitive
• ✅ More books, guides, and resources exist for this deck than any other
• ✅ Classic, timeless imagery that's stood the test of time
• ✅ Affordable and widely available
• ✅ Once you learn RWS, you can read most other decks

Cons:

• ❌ Art style feels dated to some (it's over 100 years old)
• ❌ Colors can be muted (the Universal Waite version fixes this)
• ❌ Lacks diversity in representation

Best For: Absolute beginners who want the most supported, traditional learning experience.

Price Range: $15-25

Verdict: If you only ever own one tarot deck, make it this one.

2. Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why It's Great:

This is the RWS deck reimagined for the 21st century. Same structure and symbolism, but with diverse, modern characters and vibrant colors.

Pros:

• ✅ Follows RWS structure, so all traditional resources apply
• ✅ Diverse representation (different races, body types, gender expressions)
• ✅ Contemporary settings (coffee shops, city streets, modern fashion)
• ✅ Gorgeous, Instagram-worthy art
• ✅ Feels relatable and accessible

Cons:

• ❌ Some purists feel it's "too modern"
• ❌ Slightly more expensive than RWS

Best For: Beginners who want traditional structure with modern, inclusive imagery.

Price Range: $20-30

Verdict: The perfect bridge between classic and contemporary.

3. The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why It's Popular:

This minimalist, nature-based deck took the tarot world by storm. Black and white line art with pops of color, featuring animals and natural symbols.

Pros:

• ✅ Stunning, artistic design
• ✅ Intuitive animal symbolism
• ✅ Comes with an excellent guidebook
• ✅ Encourages personal interpretation
• ✅ Gender-neutral imagery

Cons:

• ❌ Deviates from RWS in some cards, which can confuse beginners
• ❌ Minimalist style means less visual storytelling
• ❌ Requires more intuition (harder if you need clear scenes)

Best For: Artistic, intuitive beginners who connect with nature and animals.

Price Range: $25-35

Verdict: Beautiful and beloved, but better as a second deck after learning RWS basics.

4. The Light Seer's Tarot by Chris-Anne

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why It's Excellent:

A modern, diverse, digitally-painted deck that follows RWS structure but with contemporary, inclusive imagery and uplifting energy.

Pros:

• ✅ Follows RWS closely, easy to learn
• ✅ Diverse, body-positive representation
• ✅ Vibrant, hopeful energy (less dark than traditional decks)
• ✅ Excellent guidebook included
• ✅ Clear, detailed scenes on every card

Cons:

• ❌ Digital art style isn't for everyone
• ❌ Some find it "too positive" (less shadow work)

Best For: Beginners who want a modern, uplifting deck with traditional structure.

Price Range: $25-35

Verdict: One of the best modern beginner decks available.

5. The Everyday Tarot by Brigit Esselmont

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why It's Perfect for Beginners:

Created by the founder of Biddy Tarot (the most popular tarot learning site), this deck is specifically designed for beginners.

Pros:

• ✅ Minimalist, modern design that's easy to read
• ✅ Keywords printed on every card (huge help for beginners!)
• ✅ Follows RWS structure
• ✅ Comes with a comprehensive guidebook
• ✅ Access to Biddy Tarot's massive online resources

Cons:

• ❌ Minimalist style lacks detailed scenes
• ❌ Some experienced readers find keywords limiting

Best For: Total beginners who want training wheels (keywords) while learning.

Price Range: $20-30

Verdict: The most beginner-friendly deck on this list.

6. The Tarot of the Divine by Yoshi Yoshitani

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why It's Unique:

Each card features a deity or mythological figure from cultures around the world. Gorgeous, diverse, and educational.

Pros:

• ✅ Stunning, culturally diverse artwork
• ✅ Follows RWS structure
• ✅ Teaches mythology alongside tarot
• ✅ Inclusive and globally representative
• ✅ Excellent guidebook with deity stories

Cons:

• ❌ So much symbolism can be overwhelming for beginners
• ❌ Requires learning both tarot AND mythology

Best For: Beginners interested in mythology, folklore, and diverse spiritual traditions.

Price Range: $25-35

Verdict: A beautiful learning tool if you're willing to dive deep.

7. The Fountain Tarot by Jonathan Saiz, Andi Todaro, and Jason Gruhl

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why It's Stunning:

A modern, minimalist deck with breathtaking digital art. Cosmic, ethereal, and deeply symbolic.

Pros:

• ✅ Absolutely gorgeous artwork
• ✅ Follows RWS structure
• ✅ Gender-neutral imagery
• ✅ High-quality cardstock and printing
• ✅ Comes in a beautiful box

Cons:

• ❌ Abstract imagery can be hard to interpret for beginners
• ❌ Less detailed scenes than traditional decks
• ❌ More expensive

Best For: Artistic beginners who trust their intuition and love modern design.

Price Range: $30-40

Verdict: A work of art, but better as a second deck.

8. The Spacious Tarot by Carrie Mallon and Annie Ruygt

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Why It's Inclusive:

Specifically designed to be body-positive, LGBTQ+ inclusive, and racially diverse. Warm, gentle, and welcoming.

Pros:

• ✅ Follows RWS structure
• ✅ Diverse, inclusive representation
• ✅ Soft, watercolor art style
• ✅ Gentle, non-threatening imagery
• ✅ Excellent for self-care and healing work

Cons:

• ❌ Softer imagery may lack punch for some readers
• ❌ Less widely available than other decks

Best For: Beginners who want a gentle, inclusive, healing-focused deck.

Price Range: $25-35

Verdict: A beautiful choice for sensitive souls.

9. The Mystic Mondays Tarot by Grace Duong

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Why It's Fun:

Bright, neon, holographic, and modern. This deck is Instagram-famous for a reason.

Pros:

• ✅ Eye-catching, vibrant design
• ✅ Follows RWS structure
• ✅ Holographic edges (gorgeous!)
• ✅ Comes with a helpful guidebook
• ✅ Makes tarot feel fun and accessible

Cons:

• ❌ Minimalist style lacks detailed scenes
• ❌ Neon colors can be overwhelming
• ❌ Some find it "too trendy"

Best For: Beginners who want a fun, modern, Instagrammable deck.

Price Range: $25-35

Verdict: Great for making tarot feel approachable and joyful.

10. The Tarot of Marseille (Jodorowsky-Camoin Restoration)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 for beginners)

Why It's Here:

This is one of the oldest tarot traditions (pre-dating RWS). If you want to learn historical tarot, start here.

Pros:

• ✅ Historical significance
• ✅ Beautiful, traditional artwork
• ✅ Teaches a different tarot system (Marseille vs RWS)
• ✅ Excellent for pip reading (reading numbers and suits without scenes)

Cons:

• ❌ Minor Arcana are just pips (no scenes), making them hard for beginners
• ❌ Fewer learning resources than RWS
• ❌ Requires a different approach to interpretation

Best For: Beginners interested in tarot history or who want to learn the Marseille tradition.

Price Range: $25-40

Verdict: Fascinating, but challenging for most beginners. Start with RWS first.

Quick Comparison Chart

How to Choose: Decision Tree

If you want the most traditional, well-supported deck: → Rider-Waite-Smith

If you want traditional structure with modern, diverse imagery: → Modern Witch or Light Seer's

If you want keywords on the cards to help you learn: → Everyday Tarot

If you're artistic and intuitive: → Wild Unknown or Fountain Tarot

If you want gentle, inclusive imagery: → Spacious Tarot

If you want something fun and Instagrammable: → Mystic Mondays

If you love mythology: → Tarot of the Divine

If you want to learn historical tarot: → Tarot of Marseille

What About Oracle Decks?

Oracle decks are NOT tarot decks. They:

• Have varying numbers of cards (not 78)
• Don't follow a standard structure
• Are easier to use but less systematic

Oracle decks are great, but if you want to learn tarot, start with a tarot deck.

Can You Have More Than One Deck?

Absolutely! Many readers have collections of 10, 20, or 50+ decks. But start with ONE. Master it. Then expand.

Your first deck is your teacher. Give it your full attention.

Where to Buy

• Amazon: Widest selection, fast shipping
• Local metaphysical shops: Support small business, see decks in person
• Barnes & Noble: Surprisingly good tarot section
• Etsy: Indie and self-published decks
• Publisher websites: U.S. Games, Llewellyn, Hay House

Final Recommendation

If you can only choose one: Get the Rider-Waite-Smith (or Universal Waite for brighter colors). It's the foundation. Learn it, and you can read any deck.

If you want a modern alternative: Modern Witch Tarot or Light Seer's Tarot. Same structure, contemporary feel.

If you need extra support: Everyday Tarot with keywords on every card.

Trust your gut. The deck that calls to you is the right one.

Now go choose your deck, and let the journey begin.