Congrats on starting your amazing journey into witchcraft or divining!

There are so many tarot decks out there, how do you know which deck to start with?

In this article, I will share a little bit about my favorite beginner deck. I use the term “beginner” lightly. This is because some of the most extraordinary witches I know choose to use this deck even after a lifetime of study. Simply put, this deck is easier to learn on than some of the other variations of tarot that are out there.

The Rider-Waite Deck (also known as Waite-Smith Deck)

Tarot deck

The Rider-Waite deck is one of my favorite decks to use when I feel like going “back to basics.”

Originally published in 1909, by Rider and Sons, the deck of cards was developed by mystic A. E. Waite and then drawn by illustrator Pamela “Pixie” Smith. At the time, it was considered innovative and the first of its kind. Unlike previous decks, entire scenes and stories were illustrated on every single card, not only on the Major Arcana.

This deck is known for its notably bright colors and abundant symbolism, boasting vibrate yellows, blues, and reds. Some may find the bright colors to be a bit over the top (sunglasses, anyone?), but personally, I enjoy them. The color excites me and reminds me why I love working with the tarot in the first place.

This is a great deck for learning and teaching.

Many people choose to learn tarot on this deck and with good reason. Compared to other artistic decks out there, the Rider-Waite deck was designed with easy-to-interpret illustrations that instinctually just feel familiar.

Remember the tarot cards are archetypes, so they should feel familiar to you. Once you get comfortable the different archetypes and what they represent, you will probably try different types of tarot cards until you find the deck that resonates with you most deeply.

The Rider deck is of the most recognizable tarot decks in the western world.

I love this deck because it’s easily accessible. 

Both in the physical and in the metaphorical sense! It’s no surprise that this deck is a best-seller on Amazon, but it’s hard not to find this deck in your local witch shop either. If you don’t yet have it in your toolset or if you are interested in learning tarot, you should absolutely buy this deck. Feel free to order it from Amazon using our affiliate link here.

Happy divining, witches!

 

Do you like or dislike the Rider-Waite deck? Is there something about it that speaks to you? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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