11 Best Tarot Cards In 2022: Spiritual Oracle Decks And Sets For Beginners To Pros
You're about to get *very* popular.
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By now, you've probably experimented with meditation, purchased some crystals, dabbled in reiki, or maybe even seen a psychic. It's no secret that spirituality is on the rise. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 75 percent of Americans identify as being spiritual. If you're one of them, you'll know that tarot and oracle card decks play a major part in some spiritual lifestyles, whether you live by the rules and advice of regular tarot card readings or you simply find them to be a fun past time.
Either way, tarot card readings can be a seriously pricey hobby. But, the good thing is that it's actually surprisingly easy to learn how to do readings on your own—take it from me! I purchased a tarot card deck and one year later am doing readings for myself and friends on at least a weekly basis. Not only is it is a money saver and fun hobby, learning how to do tarot card readings on your own can be super empowering. The first rule of tarot? There are no black and white answers. You have all the answers within yourself and don't need to pay anyone else to get them.
But if that's just a little too out there for you, I hear you. That's why there's also a guidebook attached to every unique tarot card deck below (because no, not all are made equal). There's a deck portraying history's most famous feminists, one for poetry lovers, a deck featuring LGBTQ-friendly art, and even one that comes paired with affirmations (my personal fave!). Choose one that speaks to you, or grab one as a gift for your spiritual BFF.
You're about to become a heck of a lot more popular in your friend circle. See below for the 11 best tarot card decks for beginners, pros, and everyone in between.
Smart Electronic Solutions Rider Waite Deck With Guidebook And Velvet Bag
One of the most popular and widely recognized tarot card decks, the Rider Waite is a great place to start as a beginner. It was first published in 1909 with a lot of medieval symbolism that literary and artistic types will really appreciate, but the guidebook has a great way of breaking down the symbolic meaning of every aspect of every item in each image. This was my first ever deck, and I loved that it featured a full chapter on how to pull cards and do readings.
Sterling Ethos The Modern Witch Tarot Deck
Though this deck just published in 2019, it's already given the century-old Rider Waite a serious run for its money. Featuring more modern language and far more inclusive art, it's already garnered a serious following in the spiritual community. Don't trust me? Just check one of of the 14,000 five-star reviews.
Peter Pauper Press The Essential Tarot Kit: Book and Card Set
Technically, all of the decks on this list make great gifts, but this deck and book set comes complete with its own box that essentially doubles as decor. It's the perfect conversation starter for when they have guests over.
Fans of astrology tend to gravitate to this beautiful deck. It's filled with artistic depictions of cosmic symbolism, but if you're also new to astrology, don't worry! It comes with a guidebook that'll walk you through everything with a great amount of detail.
Chronicle Books Star Spinner Tarot
If you've read this far, you already know tarot is great and all, but let's also acknowledge that the centuries-old wisdom can also come with some archaic beliefs. The Star Spinner Tarot specifically feature art LGBTQ-friendly language and art—the guidebook it pairs with provides a safe, inclusive place to start as a beginner tarot reader.
Seasons of the Witch: Yule Oracle
Witches had an evil rep for years, but they're making a seriously cool comeback—tons of people identify as modern-day witches. What better way to channel your inner sorceress? Plus, beginners love that this deck is smaller than most at just 44 cards (as opposed to most that have closer to 80).
Llewellyn Publications Edgar Allan Poe Tarot
This has to be one of the most fun ones to do with friends if your squad has a lot of literary fans (though it's just as fulfilling solo!). Each card features all the standard tarot card names paired with illustrations based on Edgar Allen Poe's mysterious stories. Turn the illustration over to see two sections: one with a divinatory meaning, and another which explores the card's connection to one of Poe's works.
Affirmators! Positive Affirmations Tarot Cards Deck
One of my personal favorites, I love that each card in this deck comes with its own positive affirmation. Pull one every day to see what lies ahead, and then (physically and emotionally!) carry the affirmation with you throughout your day, or repeat it for five minutes as a mindfulness practice. Plus, I love that the bright colors and fun art adds a sense of lightheartedness to the mystery that can sometimes surround tarot.
Harper Design Notable Women In History Guidebook and Tarot Deck
I really can't think of a more empowering way to envision your future than by drawing from a deck featuring history's most notable women. Who knows? Maybe you're the next Frida Kahlo or Florence Nightingale.
Readerlink The Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot
All of us have an inner goddess, but this deck features a guidebook that mentors you through how to channel it depending on what lies in your feature. Night owls will love the dark, mystical artistry.
You'll probably want to put these beautiful black and gold cards out to double as decor on your bookshelf. The pocket-sized guidebook makes this great for travel, too—definitely not your typical beach read.
Neha Tandon is the former senior commerce editor of Women's Health. She has written for New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good.
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