Tarot deck for beginners: My recommendation

Tarot reading looks intimidating but I believe anyone can pick it up easily as long as they have the right tools.

If you’re just starting out tarot reading, I recommend the Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Centennial Edition Tarot-in-a-Tin version.

Popular deck

I like the Smith-Waite version for beginners because this is the artwork that is currently the most popular in the market.

This means that when you search for tarot meanings online, they refer to the Rider-Waite/Smith-Waite versions.

My favourite interpretation sites are Psychic Revelation and Aunty Flo.

Great for carrying around

Tarot decks come in different packages.

Most of tarot cards that comes in a box have really flimsy boxes. I end up having to find a pouch just to carry them around.

I find that the tarot-in-a-tin versions make it easier for me to carry my cards around without worrying about destroying the cards.

Great size

Do note that “tin versions” are a lot smaller in size. But I like the smaller size because it shuffles easier.

Good print

There are Rider-Waite decks out there that are cheaper than the Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Centennial Edition Tarot-in-a-Tin version. But I read that these cards have poor print quality and flimsy card stock.

My own Smith-Waite in a tin comes has a sturdy card stock and the colours of the cards have an old-timey Instagram filter to it.

Should you get a non-Rider-Waite/Smith-Waite deck?

There’s nothing wrong with getting a non-Rider-Waite/Smith-Waite based tarot deck. But it’ll be more difficult for you to get the interpretations.

I ran a tarot workshop last weekend and my student had a special tarot deck set. It took us a while to get into the groove of applying Rider-Waite meanings to the cards but once we did a run-through, she gained more confidence in reading.