Journal Entries · 21 July 2026

"The right tarot deck doesn't simply catch your eye, it captures your imagination, your heart, your soul."

Choosing your first tarot deck is one of the most exciting moments on your spiritual journey. Whether you are curious about tarot, looking for a new way to connect with your intuition, or hoping to begin a regular mindfulness practice, your first deck marks the beginning of a relationship that may last for many years.

With thousands of beautiful tarot decks available today, it's easy to become overwhelmed.

Should you choose a traditional deck? A modern interpretation? One filled with vibrant colours or soft watercolours? Does card size matter? Is a guidebook important?

The wonderful truth is that there is no single "perfect" beginner's tarot deck. Instead, there is the deck that feels right for you.

At The Guilded Veil, we believe choosing a tarot deck should be an enjoyable and intuitive experience. This guide will help you understand what to look for so that you can confidently choose a deck you'll treasure for years to come.

There Is No Perfect First Tarot Deck

One of the biggest myths surrounding tarot is that beginners should only purchase one particular deck. While some decks are certainly easier to learn than others, there is no universal rule.

Every tarot reader develops their own relationship with the cards. Some people love traditional symbolism, while others feel immediately drawn to contemporary artwork, fantasy worlds or nature-inspired imagery.

Your first deck should be one that makes you excited to sit down, shuffle the cards and begin learning.

After all, the best tarot deck is the one you'll actually use.

Let the Artwork Speak to Your Soul

Tarot is a visual language.

Before you learn the meanings of each card, you will naturally begin responding to the artwork. Certain images may comfort you, challenge you, inspire you or spark your imagination.

This emotional connection is incredibly important.

When browsing different tarot decks, ask yourself:

• Do these images make me curious?
• Could I happily spend time looking at these cards?
• Do I find the artwork calming, inspiring or thought-provoking?
• Can I imagine myself returning to this deck again and again?

Do not worry if you cannot explain why you're attracted to a particular deck.

Sometimes intuition speaks long before logic catches up. The artwork should invite you into the story.

Understanding the Rider-Waite-Smith Tradition

Many beginner tarot decks are based upon the famous Rider-Waite-Smith system, first published in 1909.

This deck transformed tarot by giving every card detailed illustrated scenes, making it much easier for beginners to understand each card's meaning through symbolism.

Today, countless modern tarot decks build upon this foundation while introducing their own artistic style, themes and personalities. The Lucid Dreams Tarot is a lovely example, printing keywords, elements and astrological symbols directly onto each card to support a beginner as they learn.

Choosing a Rider-Waite-Smith based deck often makes learning easier because many books, courses and online resources use this system for teaching. However, that doesn't mean your deck has to look traditional. Many contemporary artists reinterpret these familiar symbols in wonderfully creative ways while remaining easy to read.

Think About Your Learning Style

Everyone learns differently.

Some readers enjoy studying guidebooks and traditional symbolism. Others prefer allowing intuition to develop naturally through colour, emotion and imagery. Consider what appeals most to you.

If you enjoy reading and learning, choose a deck with a comprehensive guidebook explaining every card in detail.

If you're more visual or intuitive, select artwork that immediately tells a story without needing lengthy explanations. Many beginners find that combining both approaches creates the richest learning experience.

Why the Guidebook Matters

A beautifully written guidebook can feel like having an experienced teacher sitting beside you.

The best guidebooks explain far more than simple keywords.

They explore:

• symbolism
• upright and reversed meanings
• relationships
• career guidance
• spiritual development
• journal prompts
• meditation ideas
• practical reading advice

As your confidence grows, you'll rely on the guidebook less frequently, but in the early days, it can become an invaluable companion. The Cosmosis Tarot, for example, comes with an especially thorough guidebook exploring keywords, planetary rulers and journal prompts for every card.

Card Size, Finish and Quality

A tarot deck isn't simply something you admire.

It's something you'll hold, shuffle and work with regularly.

That's why physical quality matters.

Card Size

Smaller cards are generally easier for people with smaller hands to shuffle. Larger cards showcase artwork beautifully but can sometimes feel awkward during long reading sessions.

If possible, check the dimensions before purchasing.

The standard tarot card size is 2.75 inches by 4.75 inches (70 mm by 121 mm), which is commonly used in many tarot decks. This size is ideal for readability and ease of shuffling.

Card Stock

Tarot cards are produced using different types of cardstock.

Some decks feel flexible and silky smooth. Others are thicker with a luxurious weight. Linen finishes, like the one used on the Lucid Dreams Tarot, add a gentle texture that helps reduce glare and often improve handling over time. Higher quality cardstock usually lasts considerably longer, especially if you plan to use your deck frequently. I generally like to read Tarot decks that have 300 gsm up to 400 gsm thickness.

It is worth noting here that older Tarot cards decks sometimes have thinner card stock, tuck box and often came with a very simple LWB (little white book). As Tarot became more popular and mainstream the decks and their boxes became better quality and more elaborate. The Somnia Tarot is a good example of a deck with a satisfyingly thick, substantial cardstock.

Some decks favour a softer matte finish instead, like The Shadows We Cast, which is wonderful for photo journaling as it avoids glare.

Edge Finishes

Many modern tarot decks feature beautifully coloured or metallic edges. Gold, silver and coloured edging adds elegance while also helping protect the card edges from everyday wear. The Rooted Remembrance Tarot is one of our favourites for its rich gold gilded edges. While edging doesn't affect how accurately you read the cards, it certainly enhances the experience of owning a beautiful deck.

Choose a Theme That Inspires You

Today's tarot creators explore an extraordinary range of themes.

Nature. Dreams. Mythology. Botanical illustrations. Photography. Fantasy. Animals. Folklore. Art Nouveau. Minimalism.

Each theme creates a different emotional atmosphere.

Some decks feel comforting. Others feel mysterious. Some invite deep psychological reflection, while others celebrate joy, colour and creativity.

There is no wrong choice. Choose the world you'd most like to explore.

Independent Artists Bring Their Hearts to Every Card

One of the greatest joys of modern tarot is discovering the incredible work of independent artists.

Many creators spend several years researching symbolism, developing concepts, producing artwork and writing guidebooks before finally bringing their vision to life. Every card represents countless hours of creativity, thought and craftsmanship.

Supporting independent artists helps ensure these unique voices continue enriching the tarot community with fresh ideas and beautiful interpretations.

Each deck becomes not only a reading tool but also a work of art created with passion and dedication.

Trust Your Intuition

You don't need years of experience to recognise when a deck feels right. Sometimes you'll browse dozens of decks before suddenly finding one that feels as though it was waiting for you.

Perhaps it's the artwork. Perhaps it's the colours. Perhaps you simply can't stop thinking about it.

That quiet feeling of excitement is often worth listening to.

Tarot encourages us to trust our intuition and choosing your first deck can be the very first opportunity to practise doing exactly that.

Your Relationship with the Deck Will Grow

Many beginners worry they'll choose the "wrong" deck.

In reality, your relationship develops through use.

The more you shuffle. The more you journal. The more you reflect. The more familiar every card becomes.

Eventually you'll notice tiny details you overlooked when you first opened the box. You will begin recognising recurring symbols. Your confidence will quietly grow with every reading.

Like any meaningful friendship, the relationship deepens over time.

Caring for Your New Tarot Deck

Once you've chosen your first tarot deck, it's worth taking a little time to care for it.

Many readers enjoy wrapping their cards in a natural cotton cloth or storing them inside a soft velvet bag to protect them from dust, sunlight and everyday wear. Others like to keep a crystal, such as Selenite, nearby or gently cleanse their deck with the fragrant smoke of sustainably sourced Palo Santo before beginning a reading. These simple rituals aren't essential, but they can help create a peaceful moment of intention and encourage you to slow down before working with the cards.

Most importantly, treat your deck with the same care you would give to any treasured book or piece of artwork. The more thoughtfully you look after it, the more it becomes a trusted companion on your journey. Our guide to caring for your tarot deck covers this in more detail.

Final Thoughts

Your first tarot deck is far more than a collection of seventy-eight illustrated cards. It is the beginning of a conversation with yourself. Some days the cards will encourage you. Other days they'll challenge your perspective. Often they'll simply invite you to pause, reflect and see a situation from a fresh angle.

• There is no need to rush the process.
• Take your time.
• Explore different artists.
• Read guidebooks.
• Admire the artwork.
• Trust your instincts.

When you finally discover the deck that makes you smile every time you pick it up, you'll know you've found the right one and perhaps, years from now, that very first deck will still hold a special place on your bookshelf, a reminder of where your tarot journey began.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best tarot deck for beginners?

A Rider-Waite-Smith-based deck is often the easiest to learn because most books and learning resources use its symbolism. However, the best beginner's deck is the one whose artwork inspires you to keep practising.

Can I buy my own tarot deck?

Absolutely. The old belief that tarot decks must be gifted is simply a tradition, not a rule. Choosing your own deck allows you to find artwork that genuinely resonates with you.

How many cards are in a tarot deck?

A traditional tarot deck contains 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards.

Should beginners use oracle cards instead?

Oracle cards are often simpler to interpret, but tarot provides a richer structure for learning symbolism and developing reading skills over time.

Does card size matter?

Yes. Smaller cards are generally easier to shuffle, while larger cards often showcase artwork in greater detail.

Is expensive cardstock worth it?

If you plan to use your deck regularly, high-quality cardstock usually lasts longer and feels more enjoyable to handle.

Should I cleanse my tarot deck?

Many readers enjoy cleansing their deck before first use, although it isn't essential. The choice is entirely personal.

Can I use tarot every day?

Yes. Many readers enjoy drawing a single daily card as a mindful way to reflect on the day ahead.

How do I know if I've chosen the right deck?

If the artwork continues drawing you back and makes you excited to read the cards, you've probably found the right deck.

Where should I store my tarot cards?

Keep them somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight. Many readers use a cloth wrap, velvet pouch or decorative box to protect them.

May your first tarot deck become the beginning of a lifetime of curiosity, self-discovery and wonder.

•♡• May your path be illuminated, your intuition trusted and your cards always reveal the wisdom you seek. Until next time... welcome to The Guilded Veil •♡•