So you’ve decided to explore tarot. Or maybe you already own a deck and you’re curious about what else is out there. Either way, you’ve probably noticed something: there are a lot of different types of tarot decks. Like… a lot. And “a lot” might actually be an understatement.
Walk into any metaphysical shop or scroll through an online marketplace, and the options can feel endless. Dark gothic decks with shadowy figures and haunting imagery. Bright minimalist decks with clean lines and limited color palettes. Decks with cats, decks with dragons, decks with Renaissance paintings, decks with modern digital art. Traditional decks that look like they haven’t changed in a century. Indie decks created by artists you’ve never heard of. Oracle decks that aren’t even tarot at all but somehow ended up in the same section.
The sheer variety is both exciting and overwhelming.
When I first started exploring tarot, I remember feeling completely lost in the options. Every deck looked beautiful in its own way. Every description made it sound perfect for beginners. And yet they were all so different from each other that I couldn’t understand how they could all be “tarot.”
If you’ve felt that confusion, you’re not alone. Most people do. The tarot world has expanded dramatically in recent years, with new decks being published constantly. Artists bring their own visions, themes, and interpretations. What was once a relatively small selection has become a vast landscape of choices.
How do you make sense of it? How do you know which type of tarot deck is right for you? And how do you avoid spending money on beautiful decks that end up sitting unused on your shelf because they don’t actually fit how you want to read?
That’s what we’re here to figure out.
This guide breaks down the major types of tarot decks you’ll encounter, from the foundational systems that shape how decks are structured to the aesthetic styles that determine how they look and feel. We’ll explore what makes each type unique, who each type works best for, and how to identify which style matches the way you want to read.
By the end, you’ll have clarity on what’s actually out there and confidence in finding decks that resonate with you. No more random purchases based on pretty pictures. No more confusion about why some decks feel right and others don’t. Just a clear understanding of the landscape and your place in it.
Key Takeaways
- The three major tarot systems shape everything else. Rider-Waite-Smith, Marseille, and Thoth are the foundational traditions. Most modern decks are built on one of these systems (usually RWS). Knowing which system a deck follows helps you understand what learning resources will work and what reading style it supports.
- Style and system are different things. A deck can be RWS-based but have dark gothic art. A deck can be minimalist but follow traditional symbolism perfectly. The aesthetic is separate from the underlying structure. Consider both when choosing.
- Different types serve different purposes. You don’t have to find one “perfect” deck. Many readers use different types of tarot decks for different purposes. A study deck, a daily draw deck, a shadow work deck. Build your collection based on your needs over time.
- Themed decks can be wonderful if they maintain readability. A deck featuring cats or dragons or Boston Terriers can absolutely work for serious tarot practice, as long as the symbolism remains clear. The theme should add to the experience, not replace the tarot structure.
- Trust your intuition when choosing. All the research in the world can’t replace your gut feeling. If a deck calls to you, there’s a reason. If a deck leaves you cold despite everyone recommending it, that’s information too. Your connection to the deck matters more than any expert opinion.
Why Understanding Deck Types Matters
Before we dive into types of tarot decks, let’s talk about why this even matters.
Tarot is a visual practice. You’re not just reading words on a card. You’re interpreting imagery, symbols, colors, and scenes. The way a deck presents those elements shapes how you read it.
Some types of tarot decks are designed for study and learning. They follow traditional symbolism closely, making it easy to use standard resources and courses. Other decks are more artistic or abstract, meant for intuitive readers who want to create their own meanings.
Neither approach is better. But knowing what you’re looking at helps you choose wisely.
If you grab a heavily stylized indie deck as your first tarot deck, you might struggle to connect it with the books and courses you’re using to learn. If you buy a traditional deck when you’re craving something fresh and personal, it might sit untouched on your shelf.
Understanding the different types of tarot decks saves you from mismatched purchases and helps you build a collection that actually serves your practice.
The Major Tarot Systems: A Foundation
Before we talk about styles and aesthetics, we need to cover the foundational systems. These are the traditions that different types of tarot decks are built upon.
Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS)
This is the big one. The most influential tarot system in the modern world.
Published in 1909, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck (often called Rider-Waite or RWS) was created by Arthur Edward Waite with artwork by Pamela Colman Smith. It established the visual language that most people associate with tarot today.
Key features of RWS-based decks:
- Fully illustrated Minor Arcana. Every card, including the numbered suit cards, has a complete scene with figures and symbolic details. This was revolutionary at the time.
- Consistent symbolism. Colors, numbers, positions, and objects all carry specific meanings that have been documented extensively.
- Strength is card 8, Justice is card 11. This numbering differs from some older systems.
The vast majority of tarot books, courses, apps, and online resources reference RWS imagery. If you’re learning tarot, an RWS-based deck makes studying much easier because everything matches.
Many modern decks are described as “RWS-based” or “Rider-Waite inspired.” This means they follow the traditional structure and symbolism while updating the art style. You get the learning benefits of RWS with aesthetics that feel more current.
Marseille Tarot
The Marseille tradition predates RWS by several centuries. These decks originated in France and Italy and were the dominant form of tarot for hundreds of years before Pamela Colman Smith ever picked up a paintbrush.
Key features of Marseille decks:
- Pip-style Minor Arcana. The numbered suit cards show only the suit symbols (cups, swords, wands, coins) arranged in patterns, similar to playing cards. No illustrated scenes. No figures acting out the card’s meaning. Just the symbols.
- Iconographic Major Arcana. The imagery is simpler and more symbolic than RWS. Figures are stylized rather than realistic.
- Justice is card 8, Strength is card 11. The opposite of RWS numbering.
Learning with Marseille requires a fundamentally different approach than learning with RWS. Without scenic imagery on the Minor Arcana, you can’t look at the Five of Cups and see a cloaked figure mourning over spilled cups while two remain standing behind them. You just see… five cups.
This means you rely more heavily on numerology (what does the number five mean across all suits?), suit associations (what is the essential nature of Cups?), and the relationships between cards in a spread. You learn to read patterns rather than pictures.
Many readers love this system precisely because of this challenge. They find it purer, more flexible, and less prescriptive than RWS. Without illustrated scenes telling you what the card “should” mean, you have more room to develop your own interpretations. The cards become a framework for intuition rather than a set of predefined images.
But it’s a steeper learning curve for newcomers. Most modern learning resources, apps, and courses assume RWS imagery. If you’re learning with Marseille, you’ll need specialized books and courses designed for that system. You’ll also need patience with yourself as you develop fluency in a more abstract visual language.
If Marseille calls to you, consider learning RWS basics first, then transitioning. The foundational knowledge about suit meanings, numerology, and card relationships will transfer. You’ll have an easier time than starting from scratch with a pip-style deck.
That said, some readers start with Marseille and never look back. If the cleaner aesthetic speaks to you and you’re drawn to the challenge, trust that instinct.
Thoth Tarot
Created by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris between 1938 and 1943, the Thoth deck is a powerful system with devoted followers. It’s not just a different art style. It’s a different approach to tarot entirely.
Key features of Thoth decks:
- Dense esoteric symbolism. The cards incorporate astrology, Kabbalah, and Crowley’s particular occult philosophy. Every element is intentional and layered with meaning.
- Different card names. Some cards have different names than RWS. Strength becomes Lust. Justice becomes Adjustment. The Page court cards become Princesses.
- Striking, psychedelic artwork. Lady Frieda Harris’s paintings are layered and complex, almost hallucinatory in their intensity. They reveal more meaning the longer you study them.
The Thoth system isn’t just RWS with different pictures. It has its own internal logic, its own philosophy about what tarot is and how it works. Crowley was a ceremonial magician with strong opinions about everything, and those opinions are embedded in every card.
For some readers, this is deeply appealing. The Thoth deck offers incredible depth for those willing to study Crowley’s system. The connections between tarot, astrology, and Kabbalah create a rich framework for interpretation. Readers who love systems, correspondences, and esoteric layers often find Thoth becomes their primary deck once they’ve done the work to understand it.
For newcomers, though, Thoth can feel overwhelming. The imagery is dense with symbols that aren’t immediately accessible without background knowledge. A beginner looking at the Thoth “Lust” card (Strength in RWS) sees a naked woman riding a multi-headed beast while holding a chalice, surrounded by serpents and rays of light. Without context, it’s hard to know where to even start interpreting.
The learning resources for Thoth are more specialized than for RWS. Crowley wrote “The Book of Thoth” as a companion text, but it’s notoriously difficult reading. Other authors have written more accessible guides, but you’ll still be learning a specific system rather than general tarot.
If you’re drawn to Thoth, it might make sense to explore it as a second or third deck after you’ve built foundational knowledge elsewhere. Or, if you’re already interested in Crowley’s work, astrology, and Kabbalah, you might dive straight in. There’s no single right path.
Just know what you’re getting into. Thoth isn’t a casual deck. It’s a commitment.
How to Identify a Deck’s System
When shopping for decks, look for clues:
- “RWS-based” or “Rider-Waite inspired” = Follows RWS tradition
- “Marseille-style” or “pip deck” = Traditional Marseille approach
- “Thoth-based” or “Crowley-Harris inspired” = Follows Thoth system
- Check the Minor Arcana. Illustrated scenes = likely RWS tradition. Just suit symbols = Marseille or pip style.
- Check the numbering. Strength as 8, Justice as 11 = RWS. Reversed = possibly Thoth or Marseille.
Understanding which system a deck follows helps you know what learning resources will match and what reading style it supports.
Types of Tarot Decks by Style and Aesthetic
Now let’s talk about the fun part: styles and aesthetics. Within each tradition, you’ll find enormous variety in how decks look and feel.
Traditional and Classic Decks
These types of tarot decks stay close to historical imagery. They honor the origins of tarot and present the symbolism in its established form.
Who they’re for: Readers who want a direct connection to tarot history. Students who are serious about learning traditional meanings. People who find beauty in classic art styles.
Examples:
- The original Rider-Waite-Smith
- The Marseille Tarot (various publishers)
- The Visconti-Sforza Tarot (reproductions of 15th-century cards)
Pros: Rich in established symbolism. Easy to use with traditional learning resources. Often affordable and widely available.
Cons: Art styles can feel dated to some readers. Limited diversity in figures. May not feel personally resonant for everyone.
Modern Reinterpretations
These types of tarot decks take traditional symbolism and present it with contemporary aesthetics. The meanings stay consistent with RWS (or another tradition), but the art feels current.
Who they’re for: Readers who want the learning benefits of traditional symbolism with visuals that feel fresh and relevant. People who find older art styles off-putting but still want to follow established meanings.
Examples:
- The Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle
- The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne
- The Everyday Tarot by Brigit Esselmont
Pros: Maintains connection to traditional meanings while feeling accessible. Often includes diverse representation. Works well with standard learning resources.
Cons: Some details from original symbolism may be simplified or changed. The modern aesthetic won’t appeal to everyone.
Indie and Artist-Created Decks
The indie tarot scene has exploded in recent years. Independent artists create and self-publish decks with unique visions, often through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or print-on-demand services. What was once a niche corner of the tarot world has become one of the most vibrant and creative spaces in the community.
Who they’re for: These types of tarot decks are for readers who want something distinctive and personal. Collectors who appreciate tarot as art. People who enjoy supporting independent creators and owning decks that not everyone else has.
Examples: There are thousands. Truly. Some follow RWS closely with fresh artistic interpretations. Others diverge significantly into completely original territory. Research individual decks to understand their approach.
Pros:
- Unique artwork you won’t see everywhere
- Often comes with detailed guidebooks reflecting the creator’s personal interpretations
- Supports independent artists directly
- Can find decks that match very specific aesthetics or themes
- Often higher quality materials than mass-market decks
Cons:
- Higher price points due to smaller print runs
- Quality varies significantly
- Some indie decks are harder to learn with if the imagery departs significantly from tradition
- Can be difficult to find reviews or community discussion about lesser-known decks
- Limited availability (once a print run sells out, it might not come back)
How to evaluate an indie deck before buying:
The indie tarot world is wonderful, but it does require more careful evaluation before purchasing. You can’t rely on mainstream reviews or widespread community feedback the way you can with popular mass-market decks.
Here’s what to look at:
Watch flip-through videos if available. Video shows you card quality, shuffle feel, and how the art actually looks in someone’s hands rather than in polished promotional photos.
Read the creator’s description of their system. Is this deck RWS-based? Does it follow traditional meanings? Does it have its own system you’ll need to learn? Good creators are clear about this.
Look at the guidebook sample if provided. Some indie creators offer preview pages. The guidebook quality tells you a lot about how much thought went into the whole project.
Check the creator’s refund/replacement policy. Print-on-demand and small print runs can sometimes have quality issues. Know what recourse you have.
Consider the price in context. Indie decks cost more than mass-market because they have smaller print runs and higher production costs. That’s normal. But extremely high prices (over $100-150) should come with clear justification in materials and production quality.
Indie decks can become your most treasured possessions. Many readers have indie decks they reach for more than any mass-market option. Just go in with eyes open and do your research.
Themed Decks
These decks build tarot around a specific theme: animals, mythology, pop culture, nature, specific spiritual traditions, and more. The theme becomes the lens through which tarot is interpreted.
Who they’re for: Readers who connect deeply with a particular theme. People who want their spiritual practice to reflect their interests and identity. Collectors building themed collections.
Examples:
- Cat-themed decks (there are many, because the internet loves cats)
- Mythology-based decks (Norse, Greek, Celtic, Egyptian, Hindu, and more)
- Nature and botanical decks
- Decks based on specific spiritual paths (witchcraft, Buddhism, etc.)
- Pop culture decks (though be careful with copyright issues on unofficial ones)
Pros:
- Deep resonance if the theme speaks to you
- Can make tarot feel more personal and accessible
- Often beautiful and fun to look at
- Can help you connect symbolism to concepts you already understand
Cons:
- The theme can sometimes overshadow the tarot symbolism
- Not all themed decks maintain strong connections to traditional meanings
- Some themes are executed better than others
- Can feel gimmicky if the theme is surface-level only
How to tell if a themed deck maintains readability:
This is the key question with themed decks. A deck can be beautiful and perfectly aligned with your interests but still be difficult to actually read if the theme overwhelms the tarot structure.
Here’s what to look for:
Can you still recognize the card meanings? Look at the imagery on specific cards. Does the Six of Swords still communicate transition and moving away from difficulty? Does the Empress still feel abundant and nurturing? If the theme makes these connections unclear, learning and reading will be harder.
Does the theme ADD meaning or REPLACE meaning? Good themed decks use their theme to deepen understanding of the cards. A nature deck might show the cycle of seasons to illustrate transformation. A mythology deck might use specific gods to embody archetypal energies. The theme becomes another layer of meaning, not a substitution for meaning.
Weaker themed decks just paste the theme on top. Every card features a cat, but the cat isn’t doing anything that relates to the card’s meaning. The dragon looks cool, but there’s no symbolic reason for it to be on that particular card. This approach creates pretty images but undermines readability.
Read the creator’s philosophy. How do they talk about their deck? Are they clearly knowledgeable about tarot? Do they explain how the theme connects to traditional symbolism? Creators who understand both tarot and their theme produce better decks than artists who just like the theme.
Look at the Minor Arcana carefully. Themed Major Arcana are relatively easy to execute well because those cards have strong archetypal identities. The real test is the Minor Arcana. Does the Three of Pentacles still show collaboration and craftsmanship? Does the Eight of Cups still feel like walking away from something? If the theme breaks down in the Minors, the deck will be frustrating to read.
We created The Companion Tarot as a themed deck featuring Boston Terriers in every card. But we made sure to ground it firmly in RWS symbolism so it works for learning and not just for dog lovers. The Boston Terriers don’t just appear randomly on the cards. They’re embodying the postures, actions, and symbolic roles from traditional RWS imagery. The theme adds warmth and approachability without sacrificing readability.
That’s what you’re looking for in any themed deck.
Minimalist Decks
These types of tarot decks strip tarot down to essential elements. Clean lines, limited color palettes, simple imagery. Everything extra has been removed.
Who they’re for: Readers who find detailed imagery distracting. People who prefer modern, clean aesthetics. Intuitive readers who want space for personal interpretation. Those who feel overwhelmed by busy, symbol-heavy cards.
Examples:
- The Fountain Tarot
- The True Black Tarot
- Various geometric and abstract decks
Pros:
- Visually striking and contemporary
- Creates space for intuitive reading without imagery “telling you” what to think
- Appeals to people who don’t connect with elaborate, detailed illustrations
- Can feel more sophisticated and less “mystical” for readers who prefer that energy
- Often beautiful objects that fit modern aesthetic sensibilities
Cons:
- Can be harder to learn with because visual cues are reduced
- May feel cold or impersonal to some readers
- Less helpful for beginners who rely on imagery to remember meanings
- Requires more developed intuition to read effectively
- Can feel like you’re “working harder” during readings
Who should probably avoid minimalist decks (at least as a first deck):
Minimalist types of tarot decks have real appeal, but they’re genuinely more challenging for certain readers. Be cautious if:
You’re a complete beginner. Traditional tarot imagery acts as a memory aid. When you see the figure on the Ten of Swords lying face-down with swords in their back, you don’t need to memorize that it means “ending” or “rock bottom.” The image tells you. Minimalist decks remove this support. You’re relying much more on memory and intuition from the start.
You’re a visual/concrete thinker. Some people process information through pictures and specific details. If that’s you, abstract or geometric imagery might not give your mind enough to work with. You might find yourself staring at clean lines and feeling… nothing.
You want to use standard learning resources. Books and courses describe imagery. “Notice the figure’s posture” or “see how the water flows behind them.” If your deck doesn’t have these elements, those descriptions become useless.
You’re looking for emotional resonance. Minimalist decks can feel detached. The clean lines and reduced imagery create a cooler, more intellectual energy. If you want your deck to feel warm, alive, and emotionally evocative, minimalism might leave you cold.
The appeal of minimalism for experienced readers:
That said, many experienced readers love minimalist types of tarot decks precisely because of what they remove.
Once you know the cards deeply, you don’t need the imagery to remind you of meanings. In fact, detailed imagery can become limiting. You see the same scene every time and think the same thoughts. Minimalist decks break that pattern. They force you to approach each reading fresh, without preconceived interpretations triggered by familiar images.
For intuitive readers, minimalist types of tarot decks create space. Instead of reading what’s literally depicted, you’re reading energy, impression, gut feeling. The cards become more like prompts than pictures.
If you’ve been reading for years and want to challenge yourself, a minimalist deck can reveal how much you’ve internalized. Can you read the Five of Cups without seeing a mourning figure? Do you know what it means in your bones?
Minimalist decks are also wonderful for readers who don’t connect with traditional imagery for personal reasons. Maybe you find RWS imagery too Western, too gendered, too dated. A geometric or abstract deck sidesteps those concerns entirely.
The middle path:
If minimalism appeals to you but you’re worried about the learning curve, look for decks that are “minimal but illustrated.” These decks have simplified, clean imagery but still include figures and scenes. They might use limited color palettes or geometric styling while maintaining readable symbolism.
This gives you the aesthetic you want without completely removing the visual support.
Dark and Gothic Decks
These types of tarot decks embrace shadow, darkness, and the macabre. They often feature darker color palettes, edgier imagery, and themes of death, transformation, and the occult.
Who they’re for: Readers who resonate with darker aesthetics. People doing shadow work. Those who find traditional imagery too “light and fluffy” for their taste.
Examples:
- The Marigold Tarot
- The Deviant Moon Tarot
- Various gothic and dark fantasy decks
Pros: Powerful for shadow work and deep psychological exploration. Visually striking. Appeals to readers who want tarot to feel edgy and real.
Cons: The darkness can feel overwhelming for some readings. Not everyone connects with macabre imagery. Some dark decks sacrifice readability for aesthetic.
Diverse and Inclusive Decks
These types of tarot decks intentionally feature people of different races, body types, ages, gender expressions, abilities, and backgrounds. They challenge the predominantly white, cisgender, heteronormative imagery of traditional tarot.
Who they’re for: Anyone who wants to see broader humanity reflected in their cards. Readers for whom representation matters. People who find traditional imagery exclusionary.
Examples:
- The Modern Witch Tarot
- The This Might Hurt Tarot
- The Next World Tarot
Little Red Tarot maintains excellent resources for finding diverse and inclusive decks.
Pros: Seeing yourself in the cards can deepen your connection to them. Broader representation expands how you interpret archetypes. Supports the movement toward more inclusive spiritual spaces.
Cons: Availability can be limited for some decks. Price points vary. As with any deck, quality of execution varies.
Tarot vs. Oracle: Understanding the Difference
While exploring types of tarot decks, you’ll inevitably encounter oracle cards. It’s important to understand that these are different things.
Tarot has a specific structure:
- 78 cards total
- 22 Major Arcana
- 56 Minor Arcana divided into four suits
- Each suit has numbered cards (Ace through 10) and Court Cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King)
This structure is consistent across all tarot traditions (RWS, Marseille, Thoth, etc.).
Oracle cards have no set structure. They can have any number of cards with any themes. Some oracle decks have 30 cards, some have 60. Some focus on angels, some on animals, some on affirmations.
Oracle cards are wonderful tools for intuition and guidance. But they’re not tarot. If you want to learn tarot specifically, make sure you’re buying a deck with the traditional 78-card structure.
Some creators release “companion oracle decks” to pair with their tarot decks. These can be lovely additions but are separate from the tarot deck itself.
Labyrinthos has a helpful breakdown of the differences between tarot and oracle if you want to explore further.
How to Find Your Type
With all these options, how do you know which types of tarot decks are right for you?
Start with Self-Reflection
Ask yourself these questions:
What draws you to tarot in the first place? If you’re drawn to the history and tradition, classic decks might resonate. If you’re drawn to personal growth and modern spirituality, contemporary reinterpretations might fit better.
What kind of imagery speaks to you in other areas of your life? Look at the art you hang on your walls, the books you read, the movies you watch. Do you gravitate toward dark and moody? Bright and colorful? Minimalist and clean? Your aesthetic preferences will guide your deck choices.
How do you plan to learn? If you want to follow standard courses and books, RWS-based decks make life easier. If you prefer forging your own path, you have more flexibility.
Do you want to see yourself in the cards? If representation matters to you, seek out diverse decks intentionally.
Browse Widely Before Buying
Spend time looking at different types of tarot decks before purchasing. Watch flip-through videos on YouTube. Browse complete card galleries on deck creators’ websites. Follow tarot accounts on Instagram to see cards in action.
Pay attention to your gut reactions. Which decks make you stop scrolling? Which ones keep calling you back? Which ones make you feel something?
Consider Your Collection Over Time
Your first tarot deck doesn’t have to be your only deck. Many readers collect multiple decks for different purposes:
- A classic deck for study and learning
- A themed deck that reflects personal interests
- A dark deck for shadow work
- A bright deck for uplifting readings
- An indie deck that feels uniquely theirs
There’s no rule that says you can only have one. As you grow in your practice, your collection can grow too.
Trust Your Intuition (It’s Good Practice)
At some point, you have to stop researching all different types of tarot decks and start choosing. If a deck keeps calling to you, there’s probably a reason. Trust that pull. You can always get another deck later if this one doesn’t work out.
Learning to trust your intuition is, after all, what tarot is all about.
Common Questions About Deck Types
Can I learn tarot with any type of deck? Technically, yes. But some types of tarot decks make learning easier than others. Fully illustrated, RWS-based decks are the most beginner-friendly because they work with the widest range of learning resources. Abstract, minimalist, or non-traditional decks require more intuition and often specialized guidebooks.
Do I need different decks for different types of readings? You don’t need them, but some readers find it helpful. A light, bright deck might feel right for daily guidance pulls, while a darker deck might suit deep personal work. This is entirely personal preference.
Are expensive indie decks better than affordable mass-market decks? Not necessarily. Price reflects production costs, not quality of readings. A $15 mass-market deck can serve you just as well as a $100 limited edition. Buy what you can afford and what resonates with you.
What if I buy a deck and don’t connect with it? It happens. Sometimes a deck looks perfect online but doesn’t feel right in your hands. You can try bonding exercises to build connection. If it still doesn’t click, set it aside. You might connect with it later, or you might not. Either way, it’s not a failure.
Building a Relationship with Your Deck Type
Once you’ve found types of tarot decks that resonate with you, the real work isn’t over. It’s just shifting.
Understanding deck types is intellectual. Building a relationship with a specific deck is personal. And no amount of research can substitute for the actual experience of living with a deck over time.
Every Deck Has a Personality
This might sound strange if you’re new to tarot, but experienced readers know exactly what I mean. Every deck has its own voice, its own energy, its own way of communicating.
Two decks can both be RWS-based, both follow traditional symbolism, both have beautiful artwork… and still feel completely different to read. One might feel direct and no-nonsense. Another might feel poetic and layered. One might feel like a wise teacher. Another might feel like an honest friend who doesn’t sugarcoat things.
This personality emerges from countless small factors: the specific artistic interpretations, the color palette, the card quality, the guidebook’s tone, even the way the deck feels in your hands. You can’t predict it from looking at pictures online. You discover it through use.
The First Few Weeks
When you first get a new deck, spend time with it before you start doing serious readings. This is the getting-to-know-you phase.
Handle the cards frequently. Shuffle them different ways. Spread them out and look at them. Notice which cards catch your attention and which ones you keep passing over. Pull cards randomly and sit with them for a few minutes.
Read the guidebook that came with the deck, even if you already know traditional meanings. The creator’s interpretations give you insight into how they designed the deck to be read. Their perspective might open up angles you wouldn’t have considered.
Try a deck interview spread. There are many versions of this, but the basic idea is asking the deck questions about itself: What’s your strength? What do you want to teach me? How will you communicate? What should I know about working with you?
Some readers think this is silly. Others find it genuinely revealing. Try it at least once and see what happens.
When a Deck Doesn’t Click
Sometimes you do everything “right” and a deck still doesn’t work for you.
You were excited when you ordered it. The artwork looked perfect online. Other readers rave about it. But when you actually use it… nothing. The readings feel flat. You’re not drawn to pick it up. Something just isn’t connecting.
This happens. It’s not a failure. It’s information.
Sometimes the timing is wrong. A deck that feels flat today might suddenly click six months from now when you’re in a different headspace. Set it aside and try again later.
Sometimes the match is wrong. You and this deck just aren’t compatible, and that’s okay. Not every deck is for every reader. It doesn’t mean the deck is bad or you’re bad at tarot. It means this particular combination doesn’t work.
Some readers keep decks that don’t click, hoping they’ll grow into them eventually. Others pass them along to new homes where they might be better appreciated. Both approaches are valid.
The point is: don’t force it. A deck that requires struggle to use probably isn’t the deck you should be learning with or reading with regularly. Save your energy for decks that meet you halfway.
When a Deck Becomes “The One”
On the flip side, sometimes a deck just clicks immediately. You open it and feel something. The readings flow. You reach for it without thinking. It starts to feel like an extension of your own intuition rather than a separate tool.
When this happens, lean into it. This is the deck you should be working with right now.
Many readers have a “main” deck, the one they use for most readings, and a collection of other decks for specific purposes or moods. There’s nothing wrong with having a favorite. In fact, deep familiarity with one deck often produces better readings than surface familiarity with many.
That said, your “main” deck can change over time. The deck that was perfect for you two years ago might not be what you need now. As you grow and change, your deck preferences might shift too.
Stay open to this. Don’t cling to a deck relationship just because it used to work. Check in with yourself periodically. Does this deck still serve you? Are you excited to use it? Or are you just using it out of habit?
Building Depth Over Time
The relationship between you and a deck deepens the more you use it together.
You start noticing things. The Seven of Swords always shows up when you’re avoiding something. The Queen of Wands appears every time you need to step into your confidence. The Three of Cups seems to mean something slightly different for you than what the books say.
This is personal meaning developing. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of long-term tarot practice.
Keep a tarot journal to track these patterns. Over months and years of recording your readings and their outcomes, you’ll develop a unique understanding of how each card speaks to you through this specific deck.
This understanding isn’t transferable. What the Eight of Pentacles means to you in your favorite deck might feel slightly different when you pick up a new deck. That’s okay. Each deck relationship is unique.
Multiple Decks, Multiple Relationships
As you explore different types of tarot decks, you’ll likely accumulate a collection. Each deck relationship will be different.
Some readers use different decks for different purposes:
- A nurturing deck for emotional questions
- A direct deck for practical matters
- A dark deck for shadow work
- A bright deck for daily guidance
Some readers rotate through their collection to keep things fresh. Some have a core deck they always return to while occasionally exploring others.
There’s no right way to manage a collection. The only principle that matters is actually using your decks. A shelf full of beautiful decks you never touch isn’t a collection. It’s a display.
If you find yourself accumulating decks but only ever reaching for the same one or two, that’s worth noticing. Maybe those are your decks and the others were just curiosity purchases. Maybe you need to spend more intentional time with the neglected decks to see if they have something to offer.
Either way, be conscious about it. Your deck relationships thrive on attention.
Final Thoughts
The world of tarot decks is vast and getting bigger every day. New artists create new types of tarot decks constantly. Old traditions continue to find new audiences. The variety can feel overwhelming.
But here’s what to remember: you don’t have to understand every type of tarot deck to find ones that work for you. You just need to know what you’re looking for and trust yourself to recognize it when you see it.
Start with the basics. Understand the major systems. Know what kind of imagery speaks to you. And then… start exploring.
Every deck you encounter teaches you something about what you want from tarot. Even the decks you don’t choose clarify your preferences.
The right deck for you is out there. Probably several of them. And the joy of discovery is part of the journey.
Related Reading:
What types of tarot decks do you gravitate toward? Are you a traditionalist or do you prefer modern interpretations? Drop a comment below. We’d love to hear about your collection!
Get Our Free Tarot Monthly Card Tracker
Keep a detailed record of your Tarot readings with our Tarot Monthly Card Tracker, designed to help you spot patterns and deepen your intuition!
Pin it for later! ⤵️
What Will You Get?
- Monthly Tarot Card Tracker – Perfect for tracking your daily pulls and spotting recurring themes.
- Separate Pages for Major & Minor Arcana – Keep your readings organized with dedicated tracking sheets for both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana.
- Beautiful & Functional Layout – Easy-to-use design for both beginners and experienced readers.
- Printable & Digital-Friendly – Print and add to your Tarot Journal, or use digitally with your favorite notetaking app!
Improve your Tarot practice with this beautifully designed Tarot Monthly Card Tracker! Whether you’re looking to uncover patterns in your readings or deepen your connection with the cards, this tracker makes it easy to document and reflect on your journey.
No responses yet