The Best Tarot Cards
Tarot has been one of the most popular divination tools for hundreds of years. It is a complex system that takes dedicated study and learning to truly master. However, it's still a fun and exciting pastime for people from all walks of life. One of the first things you need to do to get started is to choose the right tarot deck for you. Many traditionalists are superstitious and say your first deck needs to be gifted, but all that really matters is that you find one that speaks to you and is easy for you to understand.
What to Look For
In order to find the best tarot cards on the market, we asked ourselves three questions: How easy is this set to use? Does it embody the spirit of tarot? Are the cards and the artwork high in quality? Our favorite tarot cards were Modern Witch’s, primarily because they’re inclusive and relevant to today’s world without sacrificing the core tenets of the practice. But we also were fond of the pocket-sized Rider Waite deck, which is just as beautiful today as it ever was. Read on below to see the rest of our picks and why we liked each of them so much.
Modern Witch Tarot
The latest and the greatest
There are thousands of decks out there. yet very few of them offer true diversity and most of them are all based on traditional decks that don’t translate well to today’s world. To read for the present, you need a deck that represents today’s problems and solutions. That is what makes the Modern Witch Tarot so unique.
This deck is designed with both modern and contemporary art. Throughout the journey, you will see empowered women of all races, nationalities, and styles, which really helps to make the world of tarot more inclusive for everyone. Follow the fool throughout their journey and meet both the major and minor arcana in the real world. The art is inspired by the traditional Rider Waite illustrations, making it easy to fully grasp all of the card meanings. With a traditional look and a modern approach, each card has been redesigned and reimagined to ensure it catches up to today’s society.
Pros:
- Unlike many decks at this price point, the card stock here is nice and thick which ensures that it stays durable and long-lasting.
- A guidebook is included to help you get started, making this a great option for any beginner who’s unsure where to begin.
Cons:
- The cards are pretty big, so they can be hard to shuffle.
Pocket Rider Waite Tarot
A timeless classic
It can be tough to practice tarot on the go, which is why it makes sense to have a pocket-sized deck to keep in your bag or purse. One of our favorites is the traditional Pocket Rider Waite Tarot. The vintage images and clear messages are easy to read and make quick readings a breeze.
This deck is a reproduction of the vintage decks people have used for years. It has been sized down for easy transportation, so you never have to leave home without them. That makes reading on the go simple. What we really love is how easy they are to shuffle and handle. They fit right in the palm of your hand, making them easy to hold onto. Most decks are based on the imagery from this one, so it makes sense to use it as your go-to.
Pros:
- While many vintage tarot decks seem outdated, the vintage art in this deck is still relevant today and displays a beautiful journey throughout life.
- If you’ve been struggling to find a deck that travels well, go with this one. The cards are small, so they’ll fit easily into a purse or in your car.
Cons:
- The traditional art style can be hard to make out on the small cards, so if your vision isn’t sharp, keep this in mind.
The Wild Unknown Tarot
If there is one thing that those of us in the world of tarot love, it is a beautifully designed and straightforward tarot deck that includes an in-depth book. That is exactly what you get when you choose The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans.
This deck is known for bringing you to the core of your question and making quick work of telling you what you need to know. The minimalistic artwork uses the natural world and simple symbolism to bring your problems to the forefront and get in-depth about your issues. The guidebook is hand-lettered and written to make the cards easy to interpret. Overall, this is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced readers alike.
Pros:
- The book and cards come together for your convenience, so you can start practicing as soon as you unbox the set.
- Some tarot decks are designed with too much ornamentation for our liking. These cards, on the other hand, are not cluttered with too many details.
Cons:
- The card stock is not as thick as we’d like, and this can cause issues with shuffling.
Shadowscapes Tarot
Gorgeously illustrated
We’re suckers for beautiful art. We love color, detail, and fantastic scenes set in another world so that we can transport ourselves and picture a story in our minds. That is why we love the infinitely detailed and wonderfully thought-out Shadowscapes Tarot.
This deck follows the story of the fool throughout a world made of fairies and other fantastically imaginative creatures. Each card is richly detailed, making it easy to figure out the meanings without needing to glance at the guidebook repeatedly. Speaking of the guidebook, this one is awesome. Each page covers a different card with in-depth explanations and thoughts, which really helps the beginner to understand the imagery. This is a truly magical deck.
Pros:
- The fully illustrated cards are full of detail, making them easy to read. This is a big plus for those with poor vision.
- Each suit is based on a different animal to help you separate ideas. This may help some attain a better grasp of the deck.
Cons:
- If you prefer minimalistic art, you might find the rich details to be a bit gaudy.
Easy Tarot: Learn to Read the Cards Once and For All
Do you want to learn how to read cards quickly and efficiently? Are you ready to get in-depth with a detailed deck? If so, you will adore the Easy Tarot: Learn to Read the Cards Once and For All deck.
This undeniably beautiful deck was designed by the world-renowned Ciro Marchetti. Meanwhile, the in-depth guidebook was written by Josephine Ellershaw. The two come together to create a simplistically detailed system that walks you through learning all the secrets of the cards. The astral themes of the Gilded Tarot help you to reach outside of yourself to get a better view of the situations in question and you can always count on having a detailed explanation for every card and placement when you use the book with it. This set even includes a map of the Celtic Cross, which is one of the most used spreads out there. It is awesome.
Pros:
- You get both a wonderful deck and an in-depth book in one set, rather than having to buy them separately.
- This set does a great job of teaching you the ins and outs of tarot.
Cons:
- The cardstock is a bit thin, so these may not be as durable as their thicker counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes tarot hard to learn?
Tarot is an intricate system of symbolism and imagery. Each card has its own meaning, which can change based on the direction it faces and the cards surrounding it. For example, if you get the fool followed by the tower, you may be headed toward a huge shift that will rock your world. Meanwhile, if that fool is followed by the world, that may be a sign that you’re on the right path. Learning to read the cards as a whole takes time. There are 78 cards and they all interact with each other differently.
How do I choose the right deck?
Choosing the right deck may feel like a challenge. However, once you know what you are looking for it gets easier. Find a deck that looks interesting to you. If you get bored, you won’t read with them. Also, focus on your intuition. If a deck keeps catching your eye, it may be the one for you. Overall, it all comes down to your preferences and interests.
About the Author
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