nine best tarot decks for beginners

Perfect for gift giving and for your own enlightment, here's some of our favorite tarot decks for those new to the tarot. Our choices range from OG tarot decks, such as the Rider Waite, to modern classics that offer new takes on ancient wisdom and more. (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tarot, anyone?) To make your journey into the tarot all the more accessible, all the decks featured here are reasonably priced and readily available on Amazon and other retailers.

Why you should trust us: Tarot Goddess has been around since 2006 offering free tarot readings. While our online readings can't showcase every card deck available—there are dozens upon dozens of tarot decks in the world!—we know tarot inside and out. Finally, this list is written by real humans with real opinions.

Number 9:
the deck that started it all

When it comes to the tarot, chances are you already know of the Rider Waite Tarot—and there's good reason why. First off, the Rider Waite is the most popular tarot deck in the world. Since its initial publication in 1909, over one hundred million copies have been sold. Secondly, the Rider Waite is the mother of all decks when it comes to the tarot: Pamela Colman Smith's powerful art serves as the symbolic basis for most modern tarot decks. This deck is known as the Rider Tarot and the Rider-Waite-Smith—same art, different names.

Also consider: The Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot. A brighter, softer version of the Rider Waite. This edition comes packaged in a tin box for easy transport. Learn more.

Number 8:
a storybook of a deck

As much as we love the OG Rider Waite, it can be intimidating to new tarot users. The gentle fairy tale art of the Hanson-Roberts Tarot reimagines the Rider Waite in a welcoming way and has card titles in a variety of languages.

Also consider: Tiny Universal Waite Tarot. This sweet tarot baby features Pamela's original art recreated by Mary Hanson-Roberts in her signature style. Cards measure 1.5" in height. Learn more.

Number 7:
a downright pretty deck

If you want a side of beauty with your tarot readings, the Ethereal Visions Tarot draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement of early twentieth century Europe. Each card is illuminated with shimmering gold foil like a Gustav Klimt painting.

Also consider: The Paulina Tarot. Delicately detailed art for those who want their tarot seasoned with a side of magic, whimsy, and unicorns. Learn more.

Number 6:
a deck for your inner (and outer) witch

The Modern Witch Tarot is the deck Pamela Colman Smith might have created had she lived a century later. A wonderfully diverse and contemporary take on the Rider Waite that shimmers with color and style.

Also consider: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Tarot. Whether you're the Chosen One or not, follow in the footsteps of Spike, Buffy, and Willow as you explore your destiny in the cards. Packaged in a pretty gift box with guidebook. Learn more.

Number 5:
a deck encompassing the rainbow

Inspiring and affirming, the Pride Tarot was created by a global collective of artists to celebrate the powerful history of the LGBTQ+ community. This vibrant tarot deck expands upon the Rider Waite to include true stories from the Pride Movement. Includes 192 page guidebook.

Also consider: The enchanting art of the Star Spinner Tarot offers a diverse, inclusive spin on tales of fae and myth. Learn more.

Number 4:
a deck to make you giggle

Tell the truth: did you smile when you saw the Gummy Bear Tarot on this list? The Gummy Bear Tarot is a particularly welcoming deck for those who might be intimidated by the tarot. Plus gummy bears are adorable! This deck includes a protective tin box for carrying around.

Also consider: The Medieval Cat Tarot. Cats. Tarot. What's not to like? And isn't the art cute yet luxe? Learn more.

Number 3:
a feminist classic of a deck

When it comes to the tarot, the Motherpeace Round Tarot is in a league all its own. While this may not be the most traditional deck for new tarot users, its wisdom and originality make it worth embracing. First off, the Motherpeace reinvents the tarot through a multicultural matriarchal lens—no patriarchy here. Plus it has cool round cards with lovely archetypal illustrations. Need we go on?

Also consider: The Goddess Tarot. This iconic modern deck features twenty-two goddesses and their empowering stories in soft watercolors. Learn more.

Number 2:
a deck for your inner child

If you're still wavering on learning the tarot, here's our least intimidating recommendation besides the Gummy Bear Tarot: the Tarot for Kids card deck. Though this deck was created to introduce the tarot to children, you don't have to be a kid to partake. While the structure of Tarot for Kids is based on the Rider Waite, it softens some card names—for example, Death is renamed Change—and the art is downright charming.

Also consider: The Halloween Tarot. Halloween and tarot are a perfect match, especially when the cards are illustrated in such a humorous manner. Learn more.

Number 1:
a deck designed to hold your hand

This choice is for the true tarot newbie. When starting out with the tarot, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed by all the cards and their meanings. Good news: the Quick and Easy Tarot was specifically designed to include brief descriptions on the card itself. These are decorated with Mary Hanson-Roberts' soft recreations of Pamela Colman Smith's iconic Rider Waite art.

Also consider: Practical Tarot Wisdom. Like the Quick and Easy Tarot, this deck also incorporates text meanings on the card itself. However, the text here is more affirmation than description. This makes the Practical Tarot Wisdom deck particularly suited for reading tarot for yourself. Learn more.

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