10 Best Tarot Decks For Beginners 2025 in the United States

The Rider Tarot Deck® is a classic choice for beginners and experienced readers alike, largely because it helped set the standard for many tarot decks that followed. With 78 cards, it covers the full traditional tarot system. The artwork is iconic and richly detailed, making it easier for newcomers to connect with the symbolism and themes in each card. This connection is key for learning and developing an intuitive reading style.

The deck comes with a 56-page instruction booklet that offers helpful guidance for those just starting out. The card size (about 4.9 x 2.9 inches) is comfortable to handle and shuffle, and the card stock quality is solid enough for regular use without feeling too flimsy or overly thick. Since this deck has been around since 1971, its artwork and symbolism reflect traditional imagery, which might feel somewhat dated or less diverse compared to newer decks, but this classic style is often seen as an advantage for learning the fundamentals of tarot.

If you want a well-established, beginner-friendly deck with clear symbolism and a manageable card size, the Rider Tarot Deck® serves as a reliable and widely respected option.

The Wyspell Wild Reflections Tarot Cards are a great choice for beginners who want a nature-inspired and visually engaging tarot deck. The artwork is hand-drawn and colorful, blending various cultures and natural elements like wildlife and landscapes, which helps spark intuition and deeper readings. Each card carries clear symbolism rooted in traditional tarot archetypes, making it easier for newcomers to learn and understand. The included guidebook is quite detailed at 200 pages, providing straightforward explanations to support your learning journey.

The cards themselves are well made, using thick 400 gsm cardstock with a matte finish, so they feel sturdy and resistant to bending or sticking together—important for regular use. Their size is compact and easy to handle. The elegant gold embossed edges and the durable box add a nice touch for storage and gifting. Beginners who prefer more minimalist or less nature-themed art might find the detailed imagery a bit busy. Also, the guidebook, being quite comprehensive, might feel overwhelming at first but is valuable as you progress.

This deck offers a solid balance of beauty, durability, and guidance tailored to those starting in tarot reading, especially if you enjoy nature themes and want a meaningful, long-lasting deck.

The Original Tarot Cards Deck with Guide Book for Beginners is designed to be an improved alternative to the traditional Rider Waite Tarot Deck, making it an excellent choice for those new to tarot reading. One of its standout features is the high-quality 350 gsm art paper with a 'linen' finish, which ensures durability and a premium feel to the cards. The traditional artwork by Pamela Colman Smith, created in 1909, has been crisply vectorized and remastered to improve colors while respecting the original design, which helps in better visual clarity for beginners learning the symbols and themes of tarot.

The deck includes an 86-page guidebook that explains upright and reversed card meanings, a 3-card spread, and offers helpful tips, making it highly accessible for novice readers. The size of the cards and their weight (4.8 x 2.87 inches and 9.1 ounces) make them manageable and easy to handle, which is beneficial for those not yet accustomed to shuffling tarot cards.

However, some users might find the traditional artwork less appealing if they prefer a more modern or diverse representation. Additionally, while the guidebook is helpful, it may not cover more advanced interpretations that some users might eventually seek. In summary, this tarot deck is well-suited for beginners due to its clear imagery, robust guidebook, and high-quality card stock, though it may not be the best fit for those looking for contemporary artwork or more comprehensive guides.