How to Choose Your First Tarot or Oracle Deck: A Beginner's Guide
Deciding to dive into the world of tarot or oracle cards is an exciting step on your spiritual journey, but with so many decks available, choosing the right one for your first experience can feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking to explore self-reflection, seek spiritual guidance, or simply want to connect with something magical, finding a deck that resonates with you is key.
Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your first tarot or oracle deck.
Tarot vs. Oracle: What's the Difference?
Before you start, it's important to understand the difference between tarot and oracle decks. Both are used for divination, self-reflection, and guidance, but they differ in structure.
Tarot Decks: Traditional tarot decks usually contain 78 cards, split into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The cards follow a specific structure and are rich with symbolism, often relating to human experiences, emotions, and life lessons. If you're looking for a system with more structure and tradition, tarot might be for you.
Oracle Decks: Oracle decks are much more flexible and do not follow a set structure. The number of cards and themes can vary from deck to deck. Oracle decks often focus on themes like angels, affirmations, animals, or specific spiritual concepts. They’re generally easier for beginners since there’s no fixed system to learn.
- Let Your Intuition Guide You
The most important tip for choosing your first deck is to trust your intuition. If a
particular deck catches your eye or you feel drawn to it, that’s a sign it might be the right one for you. The imagery, colours, or themes of the deck will resonate with you on a deeper level, so let your inner guidance lead the way.
Hold the deck in your hands (if possible), or take time to look at the card art online. Ask yourself: “How does this deck make me feel? Does it speak to me?” You’ll often feel a pull toward the deck that’s meant for you.
- Consider the Artwork and Imagery
The imagery on the cards is a huge part of working with tarot or oracle decks. You’ll be spending a lot of time looking at and interpreting these cards, so it’s important that the artwork resonates with you. Think about what kind of art you’re drawn to: Do you prefer something traditional and symbolic, or do you connect more with modern, vibrant imagery?
For example, some tarot decks use more classical artwork inspired by the original Rider-Waite deck, while others are more whimsical, minimalistic, or abstract. Oracle decks, on the other hand, come in all sorts of artistic styles depending on the theme. Choose a deck that excites and inspires you when you look at it.
- Choose a Theme that Speaks to You
Both tarot and oracle decks are available in countless themes and styles, from nature and animals to angels, astrology, and even pop culture references. When selecting your first deck, think about the themes that align with your interests and spiritual beliefs.
For Tarot Decks: Some popular beginner-friendly decks include the Rider-Waite Tarot, which is a classic and easy to learn from, and The Wild Unknown Tarot, which is known for its modern, minimalist design.
For Oracle Decks: Themes can range from angelic guidance, like the popular Angels for the Modern Mystic deck, to more nature-based or affirmation-focused themes. Find a deck that aligns with your spiritual path or offers guidance on areas you want to explore.
- Consider the Guidebook
For beginners, having a good guidebook is essential. Many tarot and oracle decks come with accompanying books that explain the meanings of each card and offer spreads or reading techniques. Some guidebooks are more detailed than others, offering in-depth explanations and suggestions on how to interpret the cards.
If you’re new to tarot or oracle reading, opt for a deck that includes a comprehensive guidebook. The more beginner-friendly the guidebook, the easier it will be to get started on your journey.
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Think About Card Size and Shuffling
Another important but often overlooked aspect is the size of the cards. Some tarot and oracle decks come in larger sizes, which can make the imagery more impressive but may be harder to shuffle, especially if you have smaller hands.
If you prefer something easy to handle, look for decks that offer standard or smaller-sized cards. Shuffling should feel comfortable and not like a chore, so consider the size and texture of the cards when making your decision.
- Learn from Reviews and Community Feedback
If you’re unsure about a deck, reading reviews or asking for recommendations from the tarot and oracle community can be incredibly helpful. There are many forums, social media groups, and YouTube channels where readers review decks and share their experiences.
Look for feedback on things like card quality, the clarity of the guidebook, and the deck’s general energy. If other beginners have found a particular deck easy to work with, that can be a strong indicator that it’s beginner-friendly.
- Ethical Considerations
If sustainability and ethical practices are important to you, look into the background of the deck's creators and publishers. Many independent creators hand-make or ethically source their decks, ensuring that materials are sustainable or that workers are paid fairly. Supporting ethical creators also means you’re encouraging more mindful production in the spiritual community.
Choosing Your First Deck at Turtle Tarot Emporium
At Turtle Tarot Emporium, we have a wide selection of tarot and oracle decks that are perfect for beginners. Our decks range from classic tarot systems to modern, whimsical oracle cards, and we always ensure that our stock is ethical and authentic. Whether you’re drawn to the structure of a tarot deck or the fluidity of an oracle deck, you’re sure to find something that resonates with you.
Our popular tarot decks include the OK Tarot by Adam J. Kurtz, a simple, modern take on the tarot system that’s approachable and fun for beginners. For those more inclined towards oracle cards, the Angels for the Modern Mystic oracle deck is a beautiful, easy-to-read set perfect for those seeking guidance from the angelic realm.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Connection
At the end of the day, choosing your first tarot or oracle deck is a deeply personal process. Trust your intuition, let yourself be drawn to the themes and imagery that excite you, and don’t be afraid to take your time. Whether your deck is for personal reflection, spiritual guidance, or just a little bit of magic in your life, the right one will find you.
Once you’ve chosen your deck, the journey begins—enjoy it! The connection you’ll develop with your cards will grow deeper with time, turning your deck into a trusted companion on your spiritual path.
Stop by Turtle Tarot Emporium to explore our carefully curated collection of tarot and oracle decks. We’re here to help you find the perfect deck that resonates with your energy and spiritual goals.