This is a very good question, and being new to the Tarot myself, one I have asked myself often. Honestly I can't give you an answer. I have many friends who use the Tarot professionally and for personal use and a few of them told me that when a I go to buy a deck to get the one that jumps out to at me, that really sticks out and speaks to.

Well on that advice I headed to Barnes and Nobles and returned with 6 decks hahaha. I guess with my love for art many of them spoke to me lol. And although all of them told me as a beginner I should get the Rider-Waite I failed to listen and am now kickin myself in the behind lol.

I will get the Rider-Wait as informed but am still interested on everyone's response to the question that was posted at the start of this thread. Many of my friends use many decks for different readings in their arsenals and they all tell me I will find the ones for me, and I trust that they will in time but it is still a great learning experience to hear others experiences on how they came to find their decks and the experiences they have had. So please more responses for our curious minds.

~~ Filtereyez :P

Well I choose mine by instinct. I have lots of decks and some I have never used, others I am on my second or third deck.  I am not a fan of the original Rider Waite, its too dreary, I much prefer some of the modern Waite versions.

If I like the pictures I get the deck!

D

Do the cards tell me a story that makes sense?

Well as for everyone there are different methods to choosing.  I found my deck, the Crowley - Thoth Deck  via this method.
The deck pretty much sang out to me, the inter quite borders and the light grey color was harmonious with my being.  I felt a real magnetic attraction to them.  Almost as one feels when meeting a lover or something of the sorts.  I just knew I had to have this deck, the energy was amazing and didn't feel comfortable with most other decks. The artwork was another major factor as these cards did look cartoon like as with some decks do.  My two favorite Decks are the Rohrig and Thoth.  Btw anyone know where I can pick up another Rohrig for my significant other as they are out of print these days and ebay (cough) only has them from Spain.  Need the English ones. Her's have been used quite extensively and I know she would love a new deck. Anywho, I hoped that helped.