10 Best Tarot Card Decks in 2022 (Matt Hughes, Kim Krans, and More)

Tarot cards are used to gain insight into the past, present, or future in answer to questions or topics that you pose. It’s up to the bearer of the deck to interpret cards’ meanings through “readings” for others or themselves.

A tarot deck consists of 78 cards, and each card has its own design and symbolism. There are traditionally two main categories of cards: the Major Arcana (trump cards) and the Minor Arcana (suit cards). The 22 Major Arcana cards represent life lessons, while the 56 Minor Arcana cards represent everyday troubles or situations.

The cards depict people or objects that suggest themes for interpretation. Sometimes, oracle decks are confused with tarot cards. While they share some similarities, oracle decks are much more open-ended and have less structure.

Tarot cards were created in France and Italy in the late 14th century, but they weren’t for spiritual guidance. They were just for playing games! Using tarot cards for spiritual or divination purposes began in the 17th century. 

The first deck specifically for divination was made in 1791 by French occultist Jean-Baptiste Alliette. In 1909 the Rider-Waite tarot deck was created. This is the most famous deck that’s often referenced in modern society, whether it’s used in a popular movie or a beginner’s guide to tarot reading. You can expect cards like “the ten of cups” or “the fool.” 

Tarot cards started gaining more popularity in the 1970s, and they now are a beloved tool for many people around the world! A wide variety of decks exists, with many deviating from the traditional “rules.” The art style, size, and tone all vary widely as well, and many people enjoy that there's such diversity among tarot experiences.

Our top ten decks include a wide variety of styles and tones, so be sure to select one that suits your personality. All of these decks come highly recommended by tarot card readers, so you can be confident in whatever deck you choose!

Choosing a tarot card deck is a highly subjective process! You want something that’s uniquely suited to your style, but you also want a deck that works with your intentions. It’s also important that the deck is functional. Consider decks that are made with quality materials and come with a case and a guidebook.

Tarot cards come in every style and tone imaginable, from serious and classic to funny and modern. Try to look at the designs of as many cards in the deck as possible before buying to see if you connect with the style.

Many tarot readers emphasize how important it is to go with your gut. When you scroll through the deck photos, do they catch your eye? If you don’t feel a personal connection with your cards, you may find them difficult to use or interpret. 

It’s also helpful to think of your intentions. If you’re looking for spiritual guidance, a more ethereal style may suit your needs. If you are looking for more of a fun hobby, perhaps a quirky style would be best!

The style of the cards can influence the tone of your readings, but they can also be a way to express your personality! Whether you’re reading tarot for yourself or others, having cards that match your style often makes the experience feel more personal. 

An ultra-detailed art nouveau deck might be a good choice if you enjoy searching for hidden meanings, while a minimalist pop design may suit those who prefer simple styles.

Tarot cards should be easy to handle and last for years! People often develop an attachment to their tarot decks, so you want a material that will hold up well over time. Make sure to select a deck that’s functional and comfortable for you to use too.

Tarot decks should hold up well to daily wear and tear, especially if you plan to use them often. Cheaply printed cards may rip or fade. Tarot cards should have a good heft to them with a textured finish. You don’t want your cards to bend or slip out of your hands!

Normal playing cards are around 300gsm (grams per square meter) thick, so try to pick a tarot deck with a similar thickness. Cards with a lower gsm may feel flimsy. Many tarot readers prefer thicker decks with a gsm of 350 and up. 

If this information is hard to find in a product description online, we suggest reading reviewer comments to see how well the cards hold up!

The printing quality should also be top-notch. The design of the cards is essential to reading tarot, so misprinted images will be distracting. Check the product reviews to make sure the printing meets your expectations! 

Sometimes tarot decks may have the same design, such as the classic Rider-Waite, but are produced by different companies. It might be worth taking the time to compare similar decks using the provided photos and customer reviews, especially if you'll be reading tarot for others! Misprinted cards may look unprofessional. 

Finally, check the size of the deck. Most decks are around 2.75 by 4.75 inches, which is slightly bigger than a deck of playing cards. Many tarot readers find this size to be perfectly adequate, as these cards fit in most people's hands well. 

Some people prefer the portability of mini decks, which are usually small enough to fit in your pocket. Others find extra-large products useful for group readings, as the cards are big enough for people to see even if they're several feet away. Just keep in mind that these uniquely sized decks may require a little practice to avoid fumbling.

Tarot decks often come with accessories that can improve your experience. Many tarot readers consider these items essential!

Deck cases are necessary for tarot cards. For many, tarot cards are special items that deserve a secure storage space! Plus, it makes them convenient to store on a bookshelf or in a cabinet. 

If you’ll be taking your deck on-the-go, make sure the case is secure enough to prevent cards from spilling out in your bag or purse! Look for magnetic closures or playing card-like boxes.

Guidebooks are also a must-have accessory. Since decks differ so widely, it’s vital that you have a book or booklet that explains the designs and method of use! Robust guides that explain everything in detail are preferred regardless of experience level.

A good guide will allow you to feel more confident using your deck. Plus, having a deeper understanding of the art, symbolism, and method can also make you feel more connected to your deck.

If you're a beginner, many tarot readers suggest starting with a straightforward deck that's easier to interpret. The classic Rider-Waite deck is often the go-to for beginners, as it's commonly used in how-to books. Plus, the designs are well-known and have plenty of information available regarding their interpretation. 

Other classic styles are more suited to advanced users, like the Marseille and Thoth traditions. These are more esoteric! However, regardless of whether you choose a traditional or modern deck, consider the effort needed in interpretation. 

Do the images clearly convey a concept, or do they require more effort to decipher? Beginners often do well with straightforward, accessible imagery. Your excitement may get squashed if your first card stumps you!

However, some people prefer more open-ended designs that allow for more flexible interpretation. Simpler cards may feel too "obvious."

Consider buying multiple decks for different situations or moods. Many tarot readers prefer having a few decks on hand rather than being limited to one deck style. For example, some people have more traditional decks for life’s questions, while having more modern, esoteric decks for introspection. 

It can also be helpful to have a deck to suit your mood! If you’re feeling positive, you might not want to be brought down by a serious deck. On the flip side, it may feel odd to ask serious questions using a pop-art tarot deck!

This is especially true if you’re reading tarot for others as a hobby or business. Having decks suited to different personalities or topics can allow you to do a variety of readings; for instance, having a romantic deck for love life concerns or a zen deck for life’s questions.

That being said, some people prefer to have a personal deck that others don’t touch to avoid mixing energy.

The online tarot community is full of useful information and tips! People are quick to share their favorite decks or card layouts.

It can be useful to find a blogger that shares your tarot card style for extra guidance. If you are using tarot cards more for fun, then seek out card recommendations from similar users. These types of bloggers are also helpful for beginners, as they often write in a very accessible way.

If you use tarot for divination or spiritual purposes, it can be helpful to learn how others approach their practice. You can learn how to properly cleanse and store your cards to maintain their energy.

If you are a visual learner, try watching YouTube videos! Many decks come with guide books, but they may still leave you with questions; plus, tarot relies so heavily on visual layout and interpretation! Seeing the process is often just as helpful, if not more so, than just reading an instructional book.

The use of tarot cards is hotly debated! Some people still see them as simple playing cards, while others use them for spiritual purposes. There is no “wrong” way to use tarot cards. It used to be considered bad luck to buy or use tarot cards for yourself, but those myths are now widely disregarded by the tarot community.

The typical use of tarot cards is for divination or introspection. Some people take this quite spiritually, while others see it more as a personal exploration exercise. Either way, intuition is often a key factor whether you're reading tarot cards for yourself or for others. 

First, the person being read for thinks of a question they want to be answered. Perhaps they want to know if they’re going to be successful in their new career, or maybe why a past relationship failed.

Then a number of cards are drawn and placed into a specific layout. The tarot reader may ask their guest to physically pick out their cards. Common layouts include the “Celtic Cross” and “Three Card Spread,” but a deck will usually come with a guidebook to help you use the cards! 

You then interpret, or “read,” the cards based on the symbolism, orientation, and placement of each card. Some users feel this is a psychic or intuitive ability, while others see it as self-exploration. Don't be afraid to use the guidebook included with your cards! 

Some people like to cleanse their cards between readings using sage, crystals, or sunlight, but this is an optional step.

There are plenty of tarot reading methods and layouts, so try experimenting with different systems to see what feels right to you. There’s a robust tarot community online with plenty of information and tips if you feel lost!

Looking for other unique hobbies that you can tailor to your personality? Check out these highly-rated products that can help you express yourself!

Author: Sara Chittenden

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