The 25 Best Tarot Decks for You—Whether You’re a Beginner or a Pro
Lavish fantasy worlds, mysterious symbols, or modern illustrations: Which tarot deck will captivate you at first glance? These 25 decks offer inspiration, whether you’re just starting out or building a collection. But don’t choose based on looks alone! It’s also important that the cards spark your curiosity and help you interpret them—from trusted classics to extraordinary showstoppers.
How to Find a Tarot Deck That Speaks to You
A tarot deck is more than a collection of pretty pictures. Its symbols can prompt you to reflect on relationships, career questions, or your own habits. What matters is finding imagery that resonates with you.
Tarot expert and astrologer Aria Gmitter recommends clear symbols, bold colors, and an easy-to-understand guidebook for beginners. Also look for sturdy card stock: frequent shuffling can wear out your deck. Before buying, compare the illustrations, size, and included explanations. A striking design alone can’t replace a guide if you’d still like some help interpreting the cards.
25 Tarot Decks Worth a Closer Look
1. Rider-Waite Tarot Deck
Pamela Colman Smith’s illustrations form the basis for many other decks. Its rich symbolism and wealth of available resources make this classic especially beginner-friendly. If you want to learn a well-documented visual language, this is a great place to start.
2. New Age Gilded Tarot Deck
Across 78 cards, Ciro Marchetti blends medieval fantasy worlds with steampunk elements. Hand-drawn and digital techniques bring the colors to life. The symbolism draws on Rider-Waite, making this a fun way to explore familiar motifs in a more opulent visual world.
3. Renaissance Tarot Deck
Brian Williams draws on Greek deities and mythological scenes. Gold accents and understated colors evoke Renaissance art. If you enjoy immersing yourself in stories, the mythological references offer extra points of connection as you explore the cards.
4. Dreams Of Gaia Tarot Deck
Ravynne Phelan’s deck features 81 cards with richly detailed nature imagery. Bold colors lend the illustrations plenty of impact. It’s worth a look if you love imaginative artwork and enjoy discovering lots of details in a single image.
5. The Good Tarot Deck
Soft color gradients and fairytale motifs give this deck its dreamy look. Its interpretations focus on personal growth and constructive perspectives. If you prefer to approach challenging questions with an uplifting outlook, this approach may appeal to you.
6. Crystal Visions Tarot Deck
Jennifer Galasso’s 79 cards pair dreamy figures with clear imagery and Rider-Waite symbolism. An additional card represents an unknown influence. The name refers to Stevie Nicks’ album “Crystal Visions”—a special touch for music fans.
7. Cosmic Tarot Deck
Norbert Lösche’s 78 cards stand out for their distinctive Art Deco aesthetic. The muted colors are still intense, lending the figures an elegant presence. If you prefer expressive images without an explosion of bright colors, this deck could be right up your alley.
8. Vice Versa Tarot Deck
Massimiliano Filadoro and Davide Corsi illustrate both sides of every card, turning 78 cards into 156 images. The guidebook explains additional interpretations. This approach is more challenging for beginners, but especially intriguing if you’re looking for fresh perspectives.
9. ShadowScapes Tarot Deck
Stephanie Pui-Mun Law’s 78 cards feature delicate watercolor illustrations. The imagery has an overall positive feel. Stories in the guidebook accompany each card—an interesting option if narrative approaches speak to you more than brief lists of meanings.
10. Wild Unknown Tarot Deck
Kim Krans uses sketch-like images of nature and animals, with carefully chosen pops of color. The extensive 207-page guidebook explains the animal symbolism. If animals speak to you, this deck offers a particularly distinctive visual world.
11. Morgan-Greer Tarot Deck
Rich colors and close-up figures define Bill Greer and Lloyd Morgan’s 78 cards. Inspired by Rider-Waite, the imagery is designed to evoke an immediate emotional response. Gmitter also recommends this deck as an interesting option for those just starting out.
12. Robin Wood Deck
Robin Wood combines lively depictions of nature with an earthy aesthetic. The deck is based on Rider-Waite. A 56-page booklet explains card meanings and spreads, so you don’t have to rely on the images alone as you explore.
13. Everyday Tarot Mini Tarot Deck
Brigit Esselmont and Eleanor Grosch give Rider-Waite a modern twist in a pocket-size format. Violet, white, and gold set the visual tone. Extra instruction cards encourage an intuitive approach. A practical choice if you like taking your cards along when you travel.
14. Gaian Tarot Deck
Joanna Powell Colbert puts a connection to nature, cultural diversity, and care for the Earth at the heart of this deck. Modern and mystical elements come together. If community and nature matter to you, you’ll find plenty of relevant themes in the imagery.
15. The OK Tarot Deck
Adam J. Kurtz eschews traditional religious symbols and conventional depictions of gender and ethnicity. This eye-catching pink deck includes 78 cards and a 48-page guidebook. A playful pick if you’re deliberately looking for something different.
16. The Marseille Deck
Also known as Tarot de Marseille, this deck has a more abstract visual language. The suit cards often appear as Bâtons, Épées, Coupes, and Deniers. An intriguing choice if you’d like to explore a different artistic tradition.
17. Visconti-Sforza Pierpont Morgan Tarocchi Deck
This deck harks back to some of the earliest tarot cards and their historical imagery. The surviving cards are incomplete. If you’re fascinated by tarot history as well as its artwork, that’s part of what makes this deck so appealing.
18. Mystic Mondays Deck
Across 78 cards, Grace Duong combines vibrant colors, tropical backgrounds, and clean shapes. A guidebook is included. If historical figures and muted colors aren’t your thing, this deck offers a decidedly modern alternative.
19. Thoth Tarot Deck
Aleister Crowley created the deck, and Lady Frieda Harris painted the images. It takes its name from the Egyptian god Thoth. Gmitter counts it among the interesting options for experienced tarot enthusiasts looking to deepen their exploration of different decks.
20. True Heart Intuitive Tarot Deck
Actress Rachel True pairs 78 traditional cards with her many years of tarot experience. Personal stories from Hollywood add to the explanations. If personal experiences help you make sense of things, this storytelling approach may pique your curiosity.
21. Create Your Own Tarot Deck
Alice Ekrek’s deck lets you choose the colors yourself: all 78 cards are ready to color in and are based on Rider-Waite. A creative way to engage with the imagery and make the deck your own.
22. Spiritsong Tarot Deck
Paulina Cassidy chooses animals for their symbolism and brings them to life in lovingly rendered illustrations. Acorns, feathers, seashells, and crystals make up the Minor Arcana. If you love animal imagery, this distinctive interpretation is worth a look.
23. Tarot del Toro Deck
Characters and visual ideas from Guillermo del Toro’s films inspire this unusual deck. Its distinctive fantasy aesthetic is especially appealing to film fans. A guidebook explains the cards and introduces you to different spreads.
24. The Modern Witch Tarot Deck
Lisa Sterle combines a modern witchy aesthetic with diverse depictions of women and bodies. Personal strength and self-determination take center stage. If you prefer contemporary characters, this visual world could offer an immediate point of connection.
25. Horror Tarot Deck
Vampires, werewolves, and other fantastical creatures feature in this deck for horror fans. The illustrations evoke classic horror films and literature. A guidebook with card meanings and a decorative gift box complete the set for your collection.
Your Deck Should Feel Right for You
You can buy your own tarot deck—there’s no need to wait for someone to give you one. Choose imagery you’ll enjoy spending time with, and check the guidebook, size, and material. Rider-Waite offers plenty of guidance, while more unusual decks open up different perspectives. What matters isn’t the most spectacular design, but imagery that genuinely speaks to you.