How to Choose the Right Tarot Deck for Your Journey

Choosing a tarot deck is both exciting and personal. There are more decks available today than ever before, which means there is truly something for every reader—but it also means that the process can feel overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that there are no fixed rules. A deck should speak to you visually and emotionally; only you can know if it feels right . Here are some guiding questions to help you narrow the field, plus examples of how different approaches match some of our own decks.

 

1. Consider Your Purpose and Experience Level

Beginners: Look for Clarity and Gentleness

If you’re new to tarot, it helps to start with a deck that is easy to read. Many beginners are advised to pick a Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) deck or one of its close relatives because it is the foundation for most modern tarot systems. The RWS system uses 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana (with illustrated suit cards) and is supported by plenty of guidebooks and learning resources incandescenttarot.com.

Recommended deck: Tabi no Kokoro (78 cards) is built on the Rider–Waite framework but infuses Japanese philosophy and pastel art. Its calm visuals and “beginner’s mind” symbolism make it a soothing, intuitive choice when you’re learning to read.

Advanced and Intuitive Readers: Follow Your Vision

As your practice deepens, you may feel drawn to decks with more complex or unconventional symbolism. These decks are often used for ritual work, shadow exploration or creative storytelling. Your choice may be guided by a specific theme, culture, or artistic style that resonates with your soul.

2. Let the Artwork Speak to You

Tarot is a visual tool. The images and general art style are where we find stories, symbols and clues to interpretation. It’s important that the artwork speaks to you. Some readers prefer dreamy watercolors; others like stark black‑and‑white images or digital collage. Look at sample cards online or in person to get a feel for the deck’s style and energy.

Example: Necropolis uses a gothic, neon‑lit aesthetic to explore death and rebirth. Its dark yet luminous imagery makes it ideal for intuitive readers who enjoy surreal art and shadow symbolism. Occult Tarot offers a ritualistic look with crimson, black and white palettes and deeper occult iconography for those drawn to ceremonial magick and esoteric studies.

3. Themes and Culture Matter

There is a tarot deck for just about any theme you can imagine: nature, mythology, social justice, science fiction and more. Decks often carry a specific philosophy or story that can deepen your connection to the cards. Choosing a deck aligned with your interests or heritage can make readings feel more personal.

Mythology Lovers

If you feel inspired by ancient myths and legends, choose a deck rooted in a particular tradition. Journey to the West (78 cards) re‑imagines the classic Chinese novel, blending Eastern mythology with Rider–Waite structure. Viking Valor (78 cards) draws on Norse myths and rune lore for bold, fate‑focused readings. Both decks bring epic narratives and cultural symbolism into your tarot practice.

 

Cultural and Ethical Considerations

Think about who created the deck and why. Some readers want to know that the artist has a personal connection to the culture they’re depicting. There are also decks designed specifically to offer better representation of women, queer people and people of color. If representation is important to you, look for decks that feature diverse bodies and identities.

4. Shadow Work and Inner Transformation

Decks with darker or more introspective themes can be powerful tools for exploring hidden aspects of yourself. When working with shadow, you want images that prompt honest reflection without overwhelming you. Many experienced readers use these decks for healing, ancestral work and questions about endings and beginnings.

Recommended decks:

• Reitekina Tabi (78 cards) focuses on inner strength and shadow work through a Japanese lens. Its deep palette and precise symbolism help you confront fears and cultivate courage.

• Necropolis (78 cards) explores liminal spaces and transformation. It is designed to feel like a journey beyond the veil and is well‑suited to ritual, past‑life exploration and intuitive self‑study.

• Arcana Obscura (81 cards) offers an occult journey with three extra Major Arcana cards. Built on the RWS system, it integrates ritual magick and esoteric symbols to support deeper practices.

5. Love, Relationships and Emotional Readings

When your focus is on intimacy, desire or connection, choose a deck that can hold those themes without judgment. Erotic or romantic decks are designed to speak about feelings, chemistry and boundaries, allowing nuanced conversations around love and desire.

Recommended decks:

• Les Fantaisie d’Amour (78 cards) adapts the Manara system, blending sensual artwork with candid insights into relationships. Each card tells a story that invites frank discussion about needs, boundaries and passion.

• La Petite Flamme (81 cards) offers a softer take on sensuality. Its pastel palette and tender scenes create a safe space for exploring vulnerability, romance and emotional healing.

6. Practical Considerations

• Card size and feel: Think about how big or small the cards are and how they shuffle. Some readers have strong preferences for thick or thin cardstock, lamination or gilded edges. Our decks range from linen finish (e.g., Geisha no Tamashii Tabi Lenormand) to matte‑laminated 350 gsm stock (e.g., Necropolis).

• Price and availability: Limited editions can sell out quickly or be more expensive. Mass‑market decks are more affordable and easier to replace. Most of our decks are limited runs, so if a deck calls to you, consider securing it while it’s available.

• Guides and support: If you are learning or exploring new systems, a good guidebook is invaluable. Many of our decks include PDFs or QR‑code guides in multiple languages so you can dive into meanings right away.

7. Trust Your Intuition

Ultimately, the best way to choose a deck is to trust how it makes you feel. While it’s helpful to think about art, theme, size and price, listening to your gut is most important—“it’s like choosing a lover – only you can know, deep inside, if it is for you. If a deck gives you that feeling of resonance in your heart or bones, you can’t go wrong.

Conclusion

Your tarot journey is uniquely yours. By considering your purpose, resonant imagery, cultural themes and practical needs, you’ll find a deck that feels like a true companion. Whether you seek gentle clarity, mythic adventure, shadow healing or romantic insight, there is a deck in our collection to support your path. Remember, the right deck is the one that meets you where you are and helps you grow.