Choosing a First Tarot Deck

1. There is no official tarot deck, but the "standard" deck has 78 cards with 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into 4 suits. Most decks are built on this model. You should probably stick with a standard deck to start so that you are familiar with the most common format. In my deck section, I've divided the decks into "Tarot" and "Non-Tarot."

2. The Rider-Waite is the most popular deck in the United States. My course is illustrated with this deck, so you may want to use it while taking the course. You could also use one of its many variations.

3. If you decide to use a different deck, choose one that makes you feel comfortable and secure, but also inspired. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your cards, you don't want to pick a deck that strikes you as odd, unpleasant or boring. Later, you may seek out unusual decks for the challenges and insights they offer. If a certain deck calls out to you, go with that one!

4. Many decks are oriented around a theme. Typically, the images, the names of the suits and the court card figures reflect this theme. If you choose a deck with a theme, be sure it is one that suits you and that has lasting appeal. In my deck section, you can find decks listed by subject as well as by name.

5. In some tarot decks, such as the Rider-Waite, the pip cards, or numbered suit cards, all have unique picture scenes. In other decks, the suit cards are more like playing cards. They just show the suit symbol repeated the given number of times. For learning and memorization, it is often easier to have the pictures.

6. Some tarot decks are more light-hearted and fun. Two examples are the Halloween Tarot and the Silicon Valley Tarot. These decks are amusing, but probably not the best choices for deeper, more thoughtful tarot work.

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