There are so many tarot decks out there, how can we choose one that will suit us?

First to make things easier to learn it is best to start with a deck that has pictures for each card. Some have just 3 swords or 6 cups or 8 pentacles and learngint he interpretation for those without pictures takes a lot of memory work and remembering!

So try and choose a deck that is has pictures for all the cards and one that is based on the Rider Waite. This means that every card is named the same as the main deck and so makes interpretation and comparison of cards much easier.

Then make sure that you like all the cards or at least are not offended by them. Some contain very graphic pictures and many have some nakedness symbolising innocence.

The size of a deck can vary greatly too, so make sure that your hands can cope with handling them, and the cards are not too large or too small.

The finish affects the slipperiness of the cards and the ease of shuffling. Some tend to stick and wear out, others have a glossy smooth shine that protects them.

Good decks to start your search with are..

Rider Waite Smith (Rider is the Publisher, Waite the designer, Smith the artist)

Universal Waite (Universal is the publisher and Waite the designer) Much more colourful and modern.

Ancestral Path
Hanson Roberts
Halloween
Legends
Morgan-Greer
Mythic
Nefertari's
Robin Wood
Sacred Rose
Shapeshifter
Vision Quest
Witches


I am sure there are many more too.

I have an Astrology deck that consists of the 22 classic Major Arcana Cards, The ace of each of the four suits, 12 western zodiac signs, 12 Chinese horoscope signs, and 14 cards that represent the 9 planets, new and full moon, ascendandt, Mid-heavan and Moon's node. All apart from the first 22 are treated like Minor Arcana.

I have had this deck for years now and always go back to it, it feels comfy!

What I really like is that every card has an instantly reconisable character, where as I find traditional decks sometimes lack that instant feel in there four suits.  Though this is due to my lazy Leo character not having the patience to learn! (bit older and wiser now - just a little bit mind).

I guess whatever suits is the right one.

Sounds like Russell Grants Astro tarot? That deck makes it very hard to learn traditional tarot reading. It doesn't correlate at all to any of classical tarot teachings or decks. Not really one for beginners that want to learn.

Hi Gem,

Yes it is, and it is better to learn with a traditional deck, although I did learn with these and just adapted them as needed, I often use the Celtic Cross as a spread, even though that is not one of the layouts in the accompanying book.

I have grown attached to them over the years, but I still use a more traditional pack for some readings.  You always find yourself having to refer back to the traditional interpretations at some point so better to master the basics from a traditional deck.

Does the book give special astrological layouts?

I find that some 'different' decks have a new layout  designed specially for them. I know the Haindl Deck does, so wondered about yours?