| Choosing your first Tarot deck may seem like an | | | | have samples that you can handle. Bookstores tend |
| intimidating process, particularly since there are | | | | to carry a smaller number of Tarot decks and they |
| hundreds of decks to choose from. Apart from | | | | typically do not allow you to open them. It's always |
| Tarot decks, there are also other forms of divination | | | | great to review a deck's imagery, but if you are |
| cards such as oracles cards, wisdom cards, gypsy | | | | limited, you can certainly get a "feel" for a tarot deck |
| cards and healing cards. The ultimate goal in choosing | | | | just by handling it within its packaging. You may be |
| a deck is finding the deck that you resonate with. | | | | drawn to the size or the weight of a particular deck |
| Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be | | | | and, in some cases; you just may get the right |
| giving your first Tarot deck. If that were the case, I | | | | feeling about a particular deck when you see it or |
| probably never would have embarked on the Tarot | | | | handle it in person. |
| journey. No rules or rituals are required. You can | | | | It's also really important to understand what kind of |
| simply choose any deck that personally speaks to | | | | deck you are drawn too. If it is a divinatory deck |
| you. | | | | that is not related to Tarot such as oracle cards or |
| First of all, there is no right or wrong approach to | | | | angel cards, it is quite all right to choose this as your |
| choosing a deck. You can simply begin your process | | | | deck. However, their interpretations will not be the |
| by exploring what's out there. I always encourage | | | | same as those in the Tarot. Usually, these decks |
| people to begin this undertaking with a little research. | | | | have an accompanying book or pamphlet that |
| The first approach would include looking up various | | | | discusses the cards significance and meanings. |
| tarot decks on the internet. This is a great way to | | | | Traditional Tarot decks have a total of 78 cards. |
| explore the various symbols and iconography | | | | Depending on the type of Tarot deck it is, their |
| depicted in the Tarot. Every artist tends to have | | | | visuals may differ, but there overall purpose is the |
| their own interpretation. Some artists choose to | | | | same. The most unique attribute to Tarot cards is |
| remain loyal to traditional symbolism while others will | | | | their ability to guide you through your life challenges |
| develop their own unique interpretation for the Tarot | | | | by helping you discover who you are. |
| cards. In either case, it's important to discover what | | | | Finally, should you feel unable to choose a deck to |
| moves you. When I find myself drawn to a particular | | | | your suiting, stick to the more traditional decks such |
| deck's imagery, I usually ask myself what is it about | | | | as the Rider Waite, Morgan Greer, or Aquarian Tarot. |
| this deck that makes me want to learn more. Is it | | | | The imagery depicted in these decks is the most |
| the design, color, symbolism or overall feel? Do I | | | | common. Most Tarot books will utilize similar imagery |
| identify with the pictures? Can I relate to them? | | | | for their interpretations. As you get to know the |
| What do they make me feel? | | | | cards and feel more comfortable with their meanings, |
| Learning to identify your own feelings about particular | | | | you can add to your collection of Tarot decks. At |
| decks can certainly help you narrow down your | | | | some point, you may wish to explore a deck that is |
| options. You may also, however, need to see the | | | | more meditative or abstract in nature. The most |
| cards first hand. The best places to buy Tarot decks | | | | important thing to remember is that the Tarot helps |
| locally are at metaphysical stores and bookstores. | | | | you tap into your intuition. In the end, let your own |
| Metaphysical stores tend to have more decks and | | | | intuition be your guide. |