Welcome back, tarot enthusiasts! In our previous posts, we’ve explored the foundations of tarot and delved into the intricate structure of the deck. Now, it’s time to embark on an exciting journey: choosing your very first tarot deck.

A Personal Connection

Selecting your first tarot deck is a deeply personal experience. There’s no right or wrong choice, as each deck possesses its unique energy and artistic style. The most important factor is to choose a deck that speaks to you, that resonates with your intuition and aesthetic preferences.

Popular Decks for Beginners

Here are a few popular tarot decks that are often recommended for beginners:

• Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS): This classic deck is the foundation of modern tarot. Its clear and intuitive imagery makes it easy to learn and interpret the card meanings.
• The Wild Unknown: This beautifully illustrated deck features animal and nature imagery, appealing to those who connect with the natural world.
• Modern Witch Tarot: This vibrant deck offers a fresh perspective on tarot, incorporating modern symbolism and themes.
• Everyday Witch Tarot: This whimsical deck is filled with charming illustrations and relatable everyday scenarios.
• The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck: This deck is a faithful reproduction of the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck, making it a great choice for purists.

Intuitive vs. Themed Decks

Tarot decks can be categorized into two main types: intuitive and themed. Intuitive decks, like the RWS, prioritize clear symbolism and traditional meanings. Themed decks, on the other hand, often have a specific focus or artistic style, such as the Wild Unknown’s nature theme or the Modern Witch Tarot’s modern aesthetic.

Consider which type of deck appeals to you most. Do you prefer the familiarity and ease of interpretation of an intuitive deck, or are you drawn to the unique imagery and symbolism of a themed deck?

Connecting with Your Deck

Once you’ve chosen your deck, take some time to connect with it. Here are a few tips:

• Shuffle the cards: As you shuffle, focus on your breath and intention for connecting with the deck.
• Draw a card each day: Ask yourself a question or simply draw a card to see what message it holds for you.
• Meditate with the cards: Choose a card that resonates with you and spend some time meditating on its imagery and symbolism.
• Keep a tarot journal: Write down your interpretations and reflections on the cards you draw.

Trust Your Intuition

Remember, the most important thing is to trust your intuition when choosing your first tarot deck. There’s no need to rush the decision. Take your time, explore different decks, and let your heart guide you to the one that feels like a perfect fit.

In the next installment of Tarot 101, we’ll delve into the art of tarot spreads and explore different ways to use the cards for self-reflection and guidance. Get ready to embark on a magical journey of self-discovery!