You want to get into tarot? Cool! But staring at a million decks online? That’s a recipe for overwhelm. And if you’re like me, you’ll end up scrolling for three hours and buying nothing. Or worse, buying every single deck. So, let’s cut the crap and get to the point.
Rider-Waite-Smith: The Tarot OG or Nah?
Everyone and their grandma will tell you to start with the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS). It’s like the training wheels of tarot. And yeah, it’s useful. Clear pictures, easy-ish meanings. But here’s the thing: just staring at those old-timey drawings might not cut it for everyone, especially when you’re facing down 78 cards and trying to remember what the hell they all mean.
Feeling overwhelmed yet? Yeah, me too. That’s why I found a tool like Astra Tarot super helpful. Think of it as Duolingo for tarot. They break down the RWS meanings into bite-sized lessons, making it way less of a brain dump. Plus, they don’t just teach you to memorize pictures. They teach you the core elements of each card, so once you get the hang of it, you can read any deck—cats, aliens, whatever—because those elements are the same, no matter the art. If you want to give your tarot learning a boost, check out the Astra Tarot lessons online or in their app (not sponsored, but I am a huge fan!).
Otherwise, if you’re set on going solo, and the RWS deck still makes you want to nap, skip it. There are decks with cats, aliens, and everything in between. Find something that doesn’t make you want to nap.
Does This Tarot Deck Make Sense? (To Your Brain)
Here’s the thing: if you can’t look at a card and go, “Oh, that’s kinda like…” then it’s useless. You need a deck where the pictures actually mean something to YOU. Don’t worry about “traditional symbolism” if it feels like reading a textbook. Get a deck where the images spark something in your brain. Bonus points if the guidebook isn’t written in ancient riddles.
Art That Doesn’t Make You Cringe
Seriously, there’s some… interesting… tarot art out there. You’re gonna be looking at these cards a lot, so pick something you actually like. Medieval knights? Minimalist lines? Photos of your favorite houseplants? Whatever floats your boat. Just make sure it doesn’t give you instant regret.
Culture and Vibes: Does It Match Your Energy?
Want a deck that vibes with your cultural background? Go for it. Want one that explores different cultures? Awesome. Just make sure it feels authentic. If it feels like a weird, watered-down version of something, it probably is.
Tarot Card Size Matters (Yes, Really)
Giant cards look cool, but shuffling them is a nightmare. Tiny cards are portable, but you might need a magnifying glass. Consider your hand size and how you plan to use them. Seriously, this isn’t rocket science, but it’s important.
Picking “The One” (Or Just One For Now)
Trust your gut. If a deck jumps out at you, grab it. If you’re still overwhelmed, pick one and move on. You can always get another one later. Hell, you’ll probably get another one later.
The “Gifted Deck” Thing (And Why It Might Actually Matter)
Okay, so there’s this whole thing about your first tarot deck needing to be gifted. And look, I get it. In this day and age, with Amazon Prime and instant gratification, it sounds…hokey. But here’s the thing: I kinda believe it.
It’s not just about the deck itself, right? It’s about the energy behind it. Someone thinking of you, wanting to support your journey, that’s powerful stuff. It’s like a little boost from the universe, a sign that you’re on the right path.
Now, I also get that waiting around for someone to magically know you want a tarot deck might take a while. And let’s be honest, patience isn’t exactly our strong suit, is it? So, here’s a compromise that works for me: if you’re really itching to start, ask a friend or family member to pick out a deck you’ve already chosen. You can even reimburse them. That way, you’re still getting the energy of a “gift,” even if you’re the one steering the ship.
Look, at the end of the day, it’s your journey. If you feel strongly about buying your own deck, go for it. But if you’re open to the idea of a gifted deck, maybe give it a shot. You never know, it might just make a difference. And if it doesn’t? Well, you’ve still got a cool deck to play with. No harm, no foul.
Playing With Your New Cards
Got your deck? Great. Now, mess around with it. Look at the pictures, read the guidebook, and just get familiar with them. Don’t worry about memorizing everything right away. Just have fun with it. And if you forget to practice for a week? That’s fine too.
Bottom Line:
Don’t overthink it. Find a deck that speaks to you, ignore the rules, and have fun. Tarot is supposed to be fun, not another chore. Now go forth and read some cards! Or, you know, do whatever your brain tells you to do. No judgment here.
And if you’re looking for more tips and walkthroughs, check out my other witchy content.