How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck

The question every new tarot reader faces: which deck do I start with?

The internet will tell you many things. Some say begin with the Rider-Waite-Smith because all other decks derive from it. Others say choose the deck that calls to you, regardless of tradition. Still others recommend learning on a simple deck before graduating to more complex imagery.

Here is the honest answer: the best first deck is the one you will actually use.

That said, a few practical considerations help narrow it down.

Imagery that resonates with you

Tarot works through visual symbolism — the images trigger associations, memories, and intuitions that inform the reading. If the imagery in a deck feels cold, alienating, or simply uninteresting to you, you will struggle to connect with it. Your first deck should feel like it is speaking your visual language.

A full 78-card deck with distinct minor arcana

Some decks use pip-style minor arcana (like traditional playing cards — no scenes, just symbols). For learning, illustrated minors provide much richer material to work with.

A guidebook you can grow with

Most decks come with a companion booklet or book. The quality of this guide varies enormously. Look for one that explains not just meanings but the symbolism behind them.

The 78 Tarot Nautical deck is a wonderful first deck for those who love the sea — its rich imagery, full illustrated minors, and accompanying card meanings make it both beautiful and functional for learning. The Ecological and Animal decks are similarly accessible and visually joyful.

Whatever deck you choose: use it. Daily. The cards reveal themselves through relationship, not theory.