5 Popular Tarot Decks for Beginners and Their Meanings

Tarot reading is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is a method of divination that can give insight into the past, present, and future. Whether you’re a tarot beginner or just looking to add some new decks to your collection, choosing the right deck is an essential part of your journey. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick just one. To help, we’ve compiled a list of 5 popular tarot decks for beginners and their meanings. Each deck has a unique set of symbols and meanings that can reveal different aspects of your life. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of tarot!

Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is one of the most popular tarot decks used by beginners and is a great tool for those who are just starting to dive into the practice. Created by Arthur Waite, a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and illustrated by artist Pamela Colman Smith, the deck features a traditional structure along with vibrant and detailed illustrations. The Major Arcana cards are particularly captivating, each one featuring a unique image that tells a story and conveys deep, symbolic meaning. The deck’s symbolism draws heavily from the Western Occult tradition and is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning about tarot. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is an excellent choice for beginners who want to start exploring the world of tarot and divination.

Overview

: In this section, we will provide a brief overview of each of the five tarot decks that are popular among beginners. The tarot decks covered in this article are the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, Thoth Tarot Deck, Wild Unknown Tarot Deck, Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck, and Everyday Witch Tarot Deck. Each tarot card deck has its unique characteristics, symbolism, and interpretations. As a beginner, choosing the right tarot deck can be overwhelming, but it is essential to understand the basic characteristics of each deck to make an informed decision. In the following sections, we will provide an overview of each deck and its unique features. Once you have a better understanding of each deck’s features, it will be easier to choose one that resonates with you the most.

Meanings

The cards in each tarot deck hold their own meanings that are open to interpretation by the person conducting the reading and the question being asked. The Rider-Waite tarot deck is one of the most popular decks for beginners because of its easily recognizable images and symbols. The meanings of the cards in the Rider-Waite deck often emphasize the importance of balance, harmony, and personal growth.

The Thoth tarot deck, on the other hand, leans more towards the esoteric and mystical, delving into concepts such as alchemy and numerology. The deck was created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris and features detailed illustrations with each card holding its own complex and multi-layered meanings.

The Wild Unknown tarot deck also features unique and intricate designs, with each card representing a different animal or element of nature. The meanings of the cards in this deck often focus on intuition, personal transformation, and self-discovery.

For those interested in a classic, yet updated version of the Rider-Waite deck, the Smith-Waite Centennial tarot deck is a great choice. The meanings of the cards in this deck are similar to the Rider-Waite deck, but the updated illustrations give it a modern feel.

Lastly, the Everyday Witch tarot deck is a great choice for those interested in exploring their spiritual side while still keeping a lighthearted and approachable tone. The meanings of the cards in this deck focus on everyday situations and the power of intuition and personal growth in everyday life.

Remember, the tarot does not offer a concrete answer or solution to life’s troubles but rather offers guidance and insight to help navigate through the ups and downs of life. Understanding the meanings of each tarot card is just the first step in utilizing this powerful tool for introspection and personal growth. To learn more about the tarot, check out our guide to understanding tarot arcana or read our review of the best tarot decks for beginners to find the perfect deck for you.

Thoth Tarot Deck

The Thoth Tarot Deck, designed by Aleister Crowley, is a popular choice among experienced tarot users. This deck is known for its complex and esoteric symbolism, making it a great option for those who want to explore the depths of their subconscious mind. The Thoth deck has 78 cards, split into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards in the Thoth deck include unique titles such as Lust and Aeon, while the Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Cups, Swords, Wands, and Disks. Each suit has its own meaning and symbolism that ties into the overarching themes of the deck. While the Thoth deck may seem daunting for beginners, its rich history and deep symbolism make it a valuable addition to any tarot collection. If you’re interested in learning more about tarot, check out our First Tarot Deck Guide or our article on the Top Tarot Decks for Beginners.

Overview

Overview:
In this section, we will give you a brief introduction of the 5 popular tarot decks for beginners.

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is a classic and widely recognized tarot deck. Created by A.E. Waite, it features colorful and vibrant images that are easy to understand. The deck has 78 cards, with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Rider-Waite tarot deck is easy for beginners to start with, and its symbols are related to everyday life.

The Thoth Tarot Deck was designed by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris. It features striking imagery and intricate details that require careful contemplation. The deck has 78 cards with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Thoth Tarot Deck is known for its vivid colors, which help to evoke emotional responses in the person being read. This deck is recommended for more experienced readers.

The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck is a modern and minimalistic deck created by artist Kim Krans. It features gorgeous watercolor artwork and has 78 cards, with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The deck is easy to understand with simple yet powerful symbolism. The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck is perfect for beginners who desire a more contemporary tarot experience.

The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck is an updated version of the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. The cards are more detailed with symbolic images, which can help deepen the understanding of the cards. The deck has 78 cards, with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. This updated version is recommended for beginners who desire a deeper connection to the symbolism of the cards.

The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck is perfect for beginners who are interested in witchcraft and Wiccan spirituality. The deck features colorful and whimsical artwork by artist Elisabeth Alba. It has 78 cards, with 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck is easy to understand and incorporate into daily practice.

These 5 popular tarot decks are perfect for beginners who want to start their journey into tarot reading. Choose a deck that speaks to you and start exploring the symbolism and meaning behind the cards.

Meanings

Each tarot deck has its own unique meanings associated with the cards. Understanding the meanings behind each card is essential for an accurate tarot reading. Here are the meanings of the five popular tarot decks for beginner:

Rider-Waite Tarot Deck Meanings: The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck consists of 78 cards and is one of the most popular tarot decks in the world. The meanings behind each card vary, but they all follow a specific pattern. The cards are divided into two categories: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards represent significant events and spiritual growth. The Minor Arcana cards represent the day-to-day events and experiences of life. Each card in the deck has a different meaning, and they all work together to create a complete picture of a person’s life.

Thoth Tarot Deck Meanings: The Thoth Tarot Deck was designed by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris. This is a powerful deck that is filled with symbolism and meaning. The meanings behind each card in this deck are complex and multi-layered. The Thoth Tarot Deck consists of 78 cards that are divided into Major Arcana and Minor Arcana categories. The cards offer insight into a person’s spiritual path, personal growth, and inner journey.

Wild Unknown Tarot Deck Meanings: The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck is a beautiful and modern deck that has gained popularity in recent years. The meanings behind each card in this deck are straightforward and easy to understand, making it an excellent choice for beginner tarot readers. The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck consists of 78 cards that are divided into Major Arcana and Minor Arcana categories. The cards are rich in symbolism and offer insights into a person’s personal growth, relationships, and life challenges.

Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck Meanings: The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck is a faithful reproduction of the original Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. The meanings behind each card in this deck are very similar to the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. The cards are divided into two categories: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards represent significant events and spiritual growth. The Minor Arcana cards represent the day-to-day events and experiences of life. Each card in the deck has a unique meaning that adds depth and clarity to an accurate tarot reading.

Everyday Witch Tarot Deck Meanings: The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck is a fun and modern deck that is perfect for beginner tarot readers. The meanings behind each card in this deck are straightforward and easy to understand. The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck consists of 78 cards that are divided into Major Arcana and Minor Arcana categories. The cards offer guidance and insights into all areas of life, including love, relationships, career, and personal growth.

Understanding the meanings behind each tarot deck is crucial for an accurate tarot reading. Each deck has its own unique symbolism and meaning. By picking a tarot deck that resonates with you, you will be able to develop a deeper understanding of the cards and their meanings, ultimately leading to more accurate and insightful readings.

Wild Unknown Tarot Deck

The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck is a visually striking and highly symbolic deck created by artist Kim Krans. The hand-drawn images are rich in detail and meaning, with an emphasis on the natural world and animal kingdom. The bold use of black and white, combined with pops of color, adds a sense of depth and intensity to each card. The deck comes with a simple guidebook that offers brief interpretations, but the cards themselves are open to interpretation and encourage the user to trust their intuition. With its captivating imagery and focus on the interconnectedness of all things, the Wild Unknown Tarot Deck is a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth.

Overview

The ‘Overview’ of each Tarot deck provides essential information about the deck itself. It includes the number of cards in the deck, the artwork style, and the symbolism used in the imagery.

Rider-Waite Tarot Deck: The Rider-Waite Tarot deck, also known as the Waite-Smith Tarot, comprises 78 cards. It is the most popular Tarot deck in the world and is considered the standard deck for beginners. The artwork in the Rider-Waite deck is simple and colorful, with traditional symbolism incorporated into each card.

Thoth Tarot Deck: The Thoth Tarot deck, also known as the Crowley-Harris Thoth Tarot, also comprises 78 cards. It is based on the Thoth Tarot system developed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris. Each card in the Thoth deck features Egyptian, astrological, and Kabbalistic symbolism, among others.

Wild Unknown Tarot Deck: The Wild Unknown Tarot deck comprises 78 cards that feature hand-drawn artwork by Kim Krans. The artwork is minimalist, with black and white imagery that is both modern and timeless. The symbolism in this deck is based on natural elements, such as animals and landscapes.

Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck: The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot deck comprises 78 cards and is a faithful reproduction of the original Rider-Waite Tarot deck. Created to honor the 100th anniversary of the Rider-Waite deck, it features enhanced colors and a sturdy, high-quality design.

Everyday Witch Tarot Deck: The Everyday Witch Tarot deck, comprising 78 cards, was created by Deborah Blake and illustrated by Elisabeth Alba. The artwork in this deck is friendly, approachable, and perfect for beginners. The symbolism in this deck is based on witchcraft and modern everyday life.

The overview of each Tarot deck provides valuable insight into the deck’s cards, artwork, and symbolism. It is essential to choose a deck that resonates with you and your interests to make the most out of your Tarot journey.

Meanings

Meanings are the core aspect of tarot cards, and understanding them is crucial for effective readings. Each of the five popular tarot decks for beginners discussed in this article has its unique set of meanings that a beginner should be aware of.

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is the most recognizable and widely used among beginners. Its meanings are rooted in the traditional tarot symbolism, and most of the cards are easily decipherable. The Major Arcana cards carry the most potent meanings and represent the significant events and emotions in life. Meanwhile, the Minor Arcana cards convey the daily experiences and challenges that one encounters.

The Thoth Tarot Deck, created by Aleister Crowley, is a more complex and esoteric deck that requires a deeper understanding of the symbolism associated with each card. The meanings of the Thoth Tarot cards are multilayered and incorporate various occult concepts. The Thoth Tarot deck might be challenging for beginners, but it offers a deeper exploration of tarot metaphysics.

The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck is an excellent starter deck for those drawn to nature symbolism. The meanings of the cards are inspired by the animals and natural elements, such as the crow, snake, or moon. Jennifer Krasner, the creator of the Wild Unknown Tarot, uses minimalistic drawings filled with color to create significant meaning.

The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck is a modern version of the original Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, and it uses vibrant colors and a 3-D effect to enhance the meaning of the cards. The meanings of the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck carry the same essence as its predecessor, which makes it a good choice for beginners.

Finally, the Everyday Witch Tarot Deck, created by Deborah Blake, is a deck that fuses modern witchcraft with traditional tarot symbolism. The meanings of the cards use a witchy twist and incorporate contemporary themes and imagery. The Everyday Witch Tarot deck is easy to read and has a playful approach to the meanings.

Understanding the meanings of tarot cards is essential for beginner tarot readers. Each of the five popular tarot decks for beginners has its unique set of meanings that reflect the creator’s vision and interpretation of the symbolism. With practice and experience, a tarot reader can develop a deep understanding of these meanings, making the reading insightful and beneficial.

Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck

The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck, also known as the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck, is considered one of the most popular tarot decks for beginners due to its traditional imagery and symbolism. This deck was designed in 1909 by artist Pamela Colman Smith, under the guidance of renowned occultist Arthur Edward Waite. The deck features 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and Minor Arcana (56 cards) suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each card is rich with color, detail, and esoteric symbolism, making it ideal for intuitive readings and personal reflection. The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck comes with a comprehensive guidebook, which includes information on each card’s meanings, as well as instructions on how to read tarot cards.

Overview

In this section, we will discuss the overall characteristics of the 5 popular tarot decks for beginners.

Tarot Deck	Number of Cards	Art Style	Card Size	Deck Availability
Rider-Waite Tarot Deck	78	Traditional	Standard	Widely available
Thoth Tarot Deck	78	Symbolic	Large	Somewhat limited availability
Wild Unknown Tarot Deck	78	Minimalist	Large	Widely available
Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck	78	Traditional	Standard	Widely available
Everyday Witch Tarot Deck	78	Illustrative	Standard	Widely available

As seen in the table above, all of the tarot decks included in this list contain 78 cards, as is the traditional tarot deck structure. The Rider-Waite and Smith-Waite Centennial decks have a more traditional art style, while the Thoth deck features more symbolic art and the Everyday Witch deck is more illustrative in nature.

When it comes to availability, the Rider-Waite, Smith-Waite Centennial, and Wild Unknown tarot decks are widely available for purchase. However, the Thoth deck has somewhat limited availability. It is important to note that while the deck availability may vary, each tarot deck holds its own unique energy and can be just as powerful regardless of accessibility.

The size of the cards also varies between decks, with the Thoth deck having larger cards and the Wild Unknown deck having larger, minimalist cards. Ultimately, choosing a deck comes down to personal preference and which deck speaks to you the most.

Meanings

Meanings of tarot cards can be a bit perplexing for beginners. Each card has multiple interpretations, and they can vary depending on the placement of the card in a spread. Let’s take a closer look at the meanings of the five tarot decks we’re discussing in this article.

Rider-Waite Tarot Deck Meanings

Card	Meaning
The Fool	Represents new beginnings, spontaneity, and taking a leap of faith.
The Magician	Signifies manifestation, creation, and using your skills to achieve your goals.
The High Priestess	Inspires trust in your intuition, psychic abilities, and inner wisdom.
The Empress	Represents nurturing, motherhood, abundance, and fertility.
The Emperor	Signifies power, authority, structure, and a strong foundation.
The Hierophant	Represents tradition, religion, and following the rules of society.
The Lovers	Signifies connection, harmony, and love.
The Chariot	Represents control, determination, and victory.
Strength	Signifies courage, inner strength, and facing challenges.
The Hermit	Represents introspection, reflection, and withdrawing from the world.
Wheel of Fortune	Signifies changes, cycles, and destiny.
Justice	Represents fairness, balance, and consequences.
The Hanged Man	Signifies surrender, release, and letting go of control.
Death	Represents transformation, rebirth, and letting go of the old.
Temperance	Signifies moderation, balance, and harmony in all things.
The Devil	Represents temptation, addiction, and being trapped.
The Tower	Signifies sudden upheaval, destruction, and chaos.
The Star	Represents hope, inspiration, and peace.
The Moon	Signifies intuition, dreams, and the unconscious mind.
The Sun	Represents joy, success, and happiness.
Judgment	Signifies rebirth, awakening, and self-reflection.
The World	Represents completion, fulfillment, and accomplishment.

Thoth Tarot Deck Meanings

• The Fool: Represents new beginnings, taking risks, and living a life full of adventure and potential.
• The Magician: Signifies the power and potential within yourself to create anything you desire.
• The High Priestess: Represents inner wisdom, intuition, and spiritual knowledge. She is the keeper of secrets and mysteries.
• The Empress: Signifies abundance, fertility, and the creation of life. She is the mother archetype.
• The Emperor: Represents structure, control, and discipline. He is the father archetype.
• The Hierophant: Signifies tradition, spirituality, and morality. He represents the bridge between the divine and the earthly.
• The Lovers: Represents unity, harmony, and a deep connection to another person.
• The Chariot: Signifies movement, progression, and the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges. It is a card of victory and success.
• Strength: Represents inner strength, courage, and the ability to overcome adversity.
• The Hermit: Signifies introspection, solitude, and seeking answers within oneself.
• Wheel of Fortune: Represents change and the cyclical nature of life. It symbolizes the ups and downs of life’s journey.
• Justice: Signifies fairness, balance, and moral righteousness.
• The Hanged Man: Represents sacrifice, surrender, and letting go of control.
• Death: Signifies transformation, rebirth, and the end of a cycle.
• Temperance: Represents balance, harmony, and moderation.
• The Devil: Signifies materialism, addiction, and being trapped in negative patterns.
• The Tower: Represents sudden upheaval and destruction. It is a card of chaos and change.
• The Star: Signifies hope, inspiration, and spiritual insight.
• The Moon: Represents intuition, the unconscious mind, and the mysteries of the subconscious.
• The Sun: Signifies joy, vitality, and success. It is a card of happiness and good fortune.
• Judgment: Represents rebirth, renewal, and the awakening of the spirit.
• The World: Signifies completion, mastery, and wholeness.

Wild Unknown Tarot Deck Meanings

• The Fool: Signifies new beginnings, potential, and taking a leap of faith.
• The Magician: Represents focus, skill, and manifestation.
• The High Priestess: Signifies intuition, mystery, and the unknown.
• The Empress: Represents motherhood, nurturing, and abundance.
• The Emperor: Signifies structure, authority, and power.
• The Hierophant: Represents tradition, spirituality, and community.
• The Lovers: Signifies partnership, connection, and harmony.
• The Chariot: Represents determination, willpower, and victory.
• Strength: Signifies inner strength, courage, and perseverance.
• The Hermit: Represents introspection, inner guidance, and the search for truth.
• Wheel of Fortune: Signifies the cyclical nature of life, change, and fate.
• Justice: Represents fairness, balance, and morality.
• The Hanged Man: Signifies surrender, letting go, and seeing things from a new perspective.
• Death: Represents transformation, change, and releasing the old to embrace the new.
• Temperance: Signifies balance, harmony, and moderation.
• The Devil: Represents negative patterns, addictions, and self-imposed limitations.
• The Tower: Signifies chaos, upheaval, and sudden change.
• The Star: Represents hope, inspiration, and inner guidance.
• The Moon: Signifies the mysteries of the subconscious, the unknown, and intuition.
• The Sun: Represents joy, vitality, and success.
• Judgment: Signifies rebirth, awakening, and self-reflection.
• The World: Represents completion, wholeness, and mastery.

Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck Meanings

• The Fool: Represents new beginnings, potential, and the unknown.
• The Magician: Signifies power, focus, and manifestation.
• The High Priestess: Represents intuition, mystery, and the unconscious.
• The Empress: Signifies fertility, nurturing, and abundance.
• The Emperor: Represents structure, authority, and control.
• The Hierophant: Signifies tradition, religion, and following societal rules.
• The Lovers: Represents partnerships, harmony, and deep connections.
• The Chariot: Signifies determination, willpower, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
• Strength: Represents inner strength, courage, and the ability to face challenges.
• The Hermit: Signifies introspection, reflection, and the search for truth.
• Wheel of Fortune: Signifies the cyclical nature of life, change, and destiny.
• Justice: Represents fairness, balance, and moral righteousness.
• The Hanged Man: Signifies letting go, sacrifice, and seeing things from a new perspective.
• Death: Represents transformation, letting go of the old, and embracing the new.
• Temperance: Signifies balance, harmony, and moderation in all things.
• The Devil: Represents negative patterns, addictions, and self-imposed limitations.
• The Tower: Signifies chaos, upheaval, and sudden change.
• The Star: Represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual insight.
• The Moon: Signifies the mysteries of the subconscious, the unknown, and the hidden.
• The Sun: Represents happiness, success, and good fortune.
• Judgment: Signifies rebirth, awakening, and self-reflection.
• The World: Represents completion, fulfillment, and mastery.

Everyday Witch Tarot Deck Meanings

• The Fool: Represents new beginnings, potential, and taking a leap of faith.
• The Magician: Signifies taking action, manifesting your desires, and using your skills to achieve success.
• The High Priestess: Represents intuition, wisdom, and spiritual connection.
• The Empress: Signifies abundance, creativity, and fertility.
• The Emperor: Represents structure, control, and authority.
• The Hierophant: Signifies tradition, religion, and following established rules.
• The Lovers: Represents connection, harmony, and making important choices.
• The Chariot: Signifies moving forward with determination, willpower, and overcoming obstacles.
• Strength: Represents inner strength, courage, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
• The Hermit: Signifies introspection, solitude, and seeking inner guidance.
• Wheel of Fortune: Signifies the cyclical nature of life, changes, and fate.
• Justice: Represents balance, fairness, and making the right choices.
• The Hanged Man: Signifies letting go, surrender, and seeing things from a new perspective.
• Death: Represents transformation, change, and the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.
• Temperance: Signifies balance, moderation, and harmony in all things.
• The Devil: Represents negative patterns, addictions, and being trapped in a situation.
• The Tower: Signifies sudden upheaval, chaos, and change.
• The Star: Represents hope, inspiration, and spiritual guidance.
• The Moon: Signifies the mysteries of the subconscious, dreams, and the unknown.
• The Sun: Represents joy, success, and good fortune.
• Judgment: Signifies rebirth, renewal, and a fresh start.
• The World: Represents completion, fulfillment, and mastering a particular skill or lesson.

Everyday Witch Tarot Deck

The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck is a perfect deck for beginners who want to integrate a positive and lighthearted approach to their tarot practice. Created by Deborah Blake and illustrated by Elisabeth Alba, this deck features charming and whimsical illustrations of modern-day witches, cats, owls, and other magical creatures. The deck consists of 78 cards, each with unique imagery that captures the essence of traditional tarot symbolism and meaning. The Major Arcana features a prominent moon symbol and portrays the life cycle of a witch, from initiation to mastery. The Minor Arcana are represented by four suits: pentacles, cups, swords, and wands, and each suit has its unique symbolism and meaning. The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck is a great addition to your tarot collection if you’re looking for a deck that is easy to read, fun, and light-hearted.

Overview

Overview:
In this section, we will provide a brief introduction to each of the five popular tarot decks for beginners that we will be discussing in this article.

Tarot Deck	Author/Publisher	Year of Publication
Rider-Waite Tarot Deck	Arthur Edward Waite (Author) and Pamela Colman Smith (Illustrator)/Rider & Company (Publisher)	1910
Thoth Tarot Deck	Aleister Crowley (Author) and Lady Frieda Harris (Illustrator)/U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (Publisher)	1969
Wild Unknown Tarot Deck	Kim Krans (Author and Illustrator)/HarperCollins Publishers (Publisher)	2016
Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck	Pamela Colman Smith (Illustrator) and Stuart R. Kaplan (Author)/U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (Publisher)	2009
Everyday Witch Tarot Deck	Deborah Blake (Author) and Elisabeth Alba (Illustrator)/Llewellyn Publications (Publisher)	2017

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, published in 1910, is one of the best-known and most widely used tarot decks in the world. It was created by British occultist Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by American artist Pamela Colman Smith. The deck contains 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, with each card featuring intricate symbolic imagery.

The Thoth Tarot Deck, first published in 1969, was created by influential British occultist Aleister Crowley and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris. It features 78 cards that are heavily steeped in Egyptian symbolism, and is known for its vibrant and intricate designs.

The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck, published in 2016, was created by artist Kim Krans. This deck features 78 cards with simple, yet evocative, black-and-white illustrations that draw inspiration from nature and animal archetypes.

The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck, published in 2009, is a faithful reproduction of the original Rider-Waite Tarot Deck from 1910. It was created by Stuart R. Kaplan and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, and features detailed and colorful imagery for each of the 78 cards.

The Everyday Witch Tarot Deck, published in 2017, was created by author Deborah Blake and illustrator Elisabeth Alba. This deck features 78 cards with whimsical illustrations that depict modern-day witches in everyday situations, making it a great choice for beginners who want to explore tarot in a relatable and approachable way.

Meanings

The meanings behind each tarot deck are important to understand in order to gain insight and guidance from the cards. The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck, known for its classic symbolism, has strong meanings behind each card. The Fool, signifies new beginnings and taking risks. The Strength card represents inner strength, courage, and self-control. The Justice card symbolizes fairness, balance, and moral correctness. The Thoth Tarot Deck, on the other hand, has a deeper and more complex symbolism, making its meanings more open to interpretation. The Fool card is seen as a chaotic element, representing unexpected change and potential opportunities. The Devil card represents being attached to material possessions, temptation, and unhealthy relationships.

The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck takes a different approach to its meanings. The illustrations on each card offer a different perspective and the meanings can be seen as more intuitive. The Strength card, for example, depicts a bear rather than a human, representing inner strength and power. The Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck, a classic deck with updated colors, has meanings that are similar to the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. The Tower card represents sudden upheaval or destruction, and the Chariot card signifies self-discipline and control.

Finally, the Everyday Witch Tarot Deck brings a modern twist to tarot meanings. The Death card is replaced with Transformation, representing a major change or transition in one’s life. The Sun card represents happiness, success, and positivity.

The meanings behind each tarot deck offer insight and guidance for beginners and experienced readers alike. By understanding the symbolism and interpretations behind the cards, one can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect tarot deck can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. With countless designs and interpretations out there, selecting the best deck that suits you can take time and effort. However, our list of 5 popular tarot decks for beginners and their meanings provide an excellent starting point for those interested in learning and exploring the art of tarot reading.

Let’s summarize our findings:

Tarot Deck	Overview	Meanings
Rider-Waite Tarot Deck	A classic and widely recognized deck that features traditional imagery and symbolism	Provides clear and straightforward interpretations of the card meanings, making it ideal for beginners
Thoth Tarot Deck	A deck created by renowned occultist Aleister Crowley that uses intricate and esoteric imagery	Has a deeper and more complex system of meanings that may require advanced knowledge and experience in tarot reading
Wild Unknown Tarot Deck	A modern and minimalist deck that uses bold and abstract illustrations	Encourages intuition and personal interpretation, making it perfect for those who prefer a more open and creative approach to tarot reading
Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck	A reproduction of the original Rider-Waite deck with enhanced colors and a new card back design	Provides a fresh and vibrant take on the traditional Rider-Waite meanings, making it ideal for those who want a modern twist on a classic deck
Everyday Witch Tarot Deck	A deck designed for modern witches and pagans that combines traditional tarot imagery with modern elements and themes	Offers alternative interpretations of the card meanings that focus on the spiritual and magical aspects of tarot reading

Remember, tarot reading is a personal and subjective experience. Ultimately, the best tarot deck for you is the one that resonates with your intuition and aligns with your personal beliefs and values. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different decks until you find the one that feels right for you. Happy reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tarot deck?

A tarot deck is a set of 78 cards that are used for divination and insight into the past, present, and future.

What are the major arcana cards?

The major arcana cards are the 22 cards in a tarot deck that represent major life events and spiritual lessons.

What are the minor arcana cards?

The minor arcana cards in a tarot deck represent the everyday events and emotions of life. They are divided into four suits: wands, cups, swords, and pentacles.

How do you choose a tarot deck?

You should choose a tarot deck that resonates with you and your intuition. Look for a deck with imagery and themes that you find appealing.

What is the Rider-Waite tarot deck?

The Rider-Waite tarot deck is one of the most popular and widely used tarot decks. It was created in the early 20th century and features distinctive imagery and symbolism.

What is the Thoth tarot deck?

The Thoth tarot deck was created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris in the 1940s. It features intricate and detailed imagery and is known for its connections to the occult.

What is the Wild Unknown tarot deck?

The Wild Unknown tarot deck was created by artist Kim Krans and features stunning black and white illustrations. It is known for its connection to the natural world and its use of animal symbolism.

What is the Smith-Waite Centennial tarot deck?

The Smith-Waite Centennial tarot deck is a faithful reproduction of the original Rider-Waite tarot deck, created to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

What is the Everyday Witch tarot deck?

The Everyday Witch tarot deck was created by artist Deborah Blake and features quirky, colorful illustrations. It is known for its friendly and accessible approach to tarot.

How do you read tarot cards?

There are many ways to read tarot cards, but most involve shuffling the cards, drawing a card or cards at random, and interpreting their meanings in the context of a specific question or situation.

References

• 20 Best Tarot Card Decks for Beginners: 2023
• The 20 Best Tarot Decks for Beginners, Powerful! (2023)
• The 5 Best Tarot Decks for Beginners