How do I start in Tarot? A UK shops honest opinion.
Share
We find that decks like the “Tarot Book & Card Deck Set,” which uses the standard 78-card deck and an 180-page book, are popular with absolute beginners. After you get the feel for it, you can start looking at decks that call to you, and there are lots to choose from.
A tarot 78-card deck is more than a pretty box on a shelf. It is the set of images you will return to when you are asking questions, learning card meanings, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cuppa and your thoughts. Because of that, tarot deck selection is worth taking slowly. The best deck is not always the one everyone else recommends. It is the one that makes you want to pick it up, shuffle it, and look again.
For some people, that means classic scenes and familiar symbols. For others, it is moonlit cats, gothic romance, wild woodland creatures, or artwork with a dash of proper witchy drama. Room exists for all of it. Tarot is personal, and your deck can be practical, mystical, comforting, or gloriously unusual.
Before comparing card meanings, notice your first reaction to the artwork. Do the images make you curious? Can you imagine spending time with them? A deck does not need to be solemn to be meaningful, and it does not need to be covered in stars and pentagrams to work beautifully.
The imagery matters because tarot is a visual language. When you turn over a card, the colors, facial expressions, setting, and tiny details can prompt a thought before you reach for a guidebook. If an image feels cold, confusing, or too busy every time you see it, you may be less likely to practice with that deck. So a deck that feels inviting gives you a far better reason to keep learning.
Think about the mood you enjoy in the rest of your life. If you love crystal displays, incense, and soft candlelight, you may lean towards celestial, botanical, or magical art. If your home is full of dark fantasy pieces, ravens and dramatic gothic illustrations might feel more like you. If you want reflection without a heavy atmosphere, a cheerful animal deck can be just the thing.
There is no prize for choosing the most traditional-looking deck. Pick the one that feels as though it belongs in your hands.
Many tarot decks follow the Rider-Waite-Smith system, or are closely inspired by it. It is often a friendly place to begin because most beginner books and card interpretations are built around its structure. You will find 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana cards, such as The Fool, The Lovers, and The Moon, plus 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles.
In a Rider-Waite-Smith-style deck, the Minor Arcana usually have fully illustrated scenes. The Five of Cups, for example, shows a figure looking at spilled cups, rather than only five cup symbols arranged on a card. Because of that scene, beginners have something to respond to straight away. You can learn the traditional meaning, but you can also ask what the picture suggests to you in that moment.
Marseille-style decks are another well-known tradition. Their Major Arcana may be richly illustrated, while numbered Minor Arcana cards are often more pattern-based. They can be elegant and rewarding, but some newcomers find them less immediately readable. If you love the look, that is not a reason to avoid them. It may simply mean you need more patience, or a guide that suits that style.
Oracle cards are different again. They are not tarot decks, though they are often displayed beside tarot for good reason. Oracle decks vary in card count and usually offer more direct messages or themes. For daily reflection, they can be lovely, especially if a full 78-card tarot system feels like a lot at first. Check the product description so you know whether you are choosing tarot, an oracle deck, or a deck that blends elements of both.
A striking cover can tempt anyone, but a little practical checking helps prevent a deck from becoming a lovely display piece that never gets used. Look at a few card images where possible, particularly the Major Arcana and the numbered Minor Arcana. You don't need to memorize every card before buying. Instead, check whether the artwork tells a story you can follow.
Next, consider the card size. Standard-sized decks are often easier to shuffle for most hands, while oversized cards show off detailed artwork and can feel special for tabletop readings. Smaller decks are handy for traveling, tucking into a bag or keeping in a drawer with a journal. If you have smaller hands or find shuffling awkward, a compact deck may be more comfortable than a grand, oversized one.
Card finish makes a difference too. Glossy cards can be vibrant and easy to wipe clean, but may feel slippery when new. Matte cards often have a softer, less reflective look, although darker artwork can sometimes be harder to see in low light. Thick cards feel substantial, but very stiff cardstock may take a little breaking in. In the end, there is no perfect finish, only the feel you prefer.
Finally, consider the guidebook. A small booklet with upright meanings is enough for some readers. Others will appreciate a fuller companion book with spreads, symbolism, and prompts. If you are buying your first deck, a guide that explains the cards in clear, plain language can make those early readings much less daunting.
Traditional tarot imagery contains plenty of symbols: roses, keys, towers, animals, water, stars, and changing skies. You do not need to know every historical meaning before you begin. Start by noticing what catches your eye. For one reader, a black cat might suggest independence; for another, comfort. A stormy sea may speak of uncertainty, release, or the need to pause.
Over time, you can layer traditional meanings onto your own observations. That is where tarot often becomes more interesting. The card does not have to predict your future in a fixed way to be useful. It can offer a different angle on a decision, a feeling you have been avoiding, or a question worth sitting with.
It is also sensible to choose imagery that feels respectful and comfortable to you. Some decks are deliberately dark, romantic, or confronting. They may be perfect for a seasoned collector, but not for after a stressful day. Equally, a gentle-looking deck can still lead to honest, thoughtful readings. The artwork sets the tone, but you decide how deeply you want to go
Check out Black Cat Gifts, a delightful UK online shop near Lincoln! Enjoy our speedy 72-hour tracked delivery while exploring our enchanting Tarot collection!