Types of Tarot Decks: How to Choose the Right One for You

Introduction

Stepping into the world of tarot is like discovering a hidden library, where thousands of unique decks line the shelves, each whispering its own secrets. While the classic 78-card structure is a common thread, the art, symbolism, and energy can vary so dramatically that choosing one can feel both magical and overwhelming.

Finding the right deck is a deeply personal quest. The connection you feel to the cards is the key that unlocks your intuition, so it’s essential to find a style that speaks your soul’s language. Understanding the different types of tarot decks, from the historic Marseilles to modern, whimsical creations, is the first step in finding your perfect intuitive partner. This guide will illuminate the major tarot systems and creative styles, helping you navigate the options with confidence and find the deck that is waiting to tell your story.

Understanding the Two Main Tarot Deck Categories

When you first venture into the world of tarot, the sheer number of decks can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, "how many types of tarot decks are there?" The answer isn't a simple number, because decks are best understood through two distinct lenses: their foundational system and their artistic theme. This distinction is the key to navigating the landscape of tarot with clarity.

Think of the system as the deck's engine or operating system. It’s the underlying structure of symbolism, card meanings, and narrative that dictates how the deck functions for divination. The three most influential systems are the Rider-Waite-Smith, the Thoth, and the Tarot de Marseilles.

The theme, on the other hand, is the deck's artistic expression—its visual identity and personality. A theme could be anything from celestial patterns and woodland creatures to minimalist designs or pop culture references. The crucial insight for any new learner is that most modern themed decks are built upon one of the classic systems, most commonly the Rider-Waite-Smith. A "cat tarot" deck, for example, isn't a new system of tarot; it's the Rider-Waite-Smith system artistically reimagined with feline imagery.

Grasping this framework of system versus theme demystifies the different types of tarot decks and empowers you to choose a deck based on both its functional structure and its artistic appeal. Now that we've established this core concept, let's explore the foundational systems that give these decks their profound meaning.

The Foundational Systems: Rider-Waite, Thoth, and Marseilles

The soul of a tarot deck lies in its system. This structure provides the language and grammar for its 78 cards, and understanding the differences between tarot decks starts here. While countless variations exist, most decks trace their lineage back to one of three primary traditions, each offering a distinct approach to interpretation.

The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) System: The Storyteller's Deck

The Rider-Waite-Smith is by far one of the most common types of tarot decks and the one most beginners start with. Published in 1909, its groundbreaking feature, conceived by Arthur Edward Waite and brought to life by artist Pamela Colman Smith, was its fully illustrated Minor Arcana. Instead of simply showing seven cups, the Seven of Cups card depicts a figure contemplating seven cups filled with different visions, immediately conveying themes of choice, illusion, and opportunity.

• Key Feature: Every card, from the Major Arcana to the Minor, features a scenic illustration that tells a story. This makes the card meanings highly accessible and intuitive.
• Who It's For: This system is ideal for beginners because the imagery provides strong visual cues for interpretation. It’s a fantastic learning tool that helps build a solid foundation in tarot symbolism and narrative.

The Thoth System: The Esoteric Scholar's Deck

Created by the famous occultist Aleister Crowley and artist Lady Frieda Harris, the Thoth deck is a complex and layered system designed for deep metaphysical study. It is dense with esoteric symbolism, drawing heavily from astrology, Kabbalah, alchemy, and Egyptian mythology. The artwork is more abstract and symbolic than the narrative scenes of the RWS, demanding a more intellectual engagement from the reader.

• Key Feature: Each card is a tapestry of symbolic information. The court cards are renamed (Knight, Queen, Prince, Princess), and many cards are given new names to reflect Crowley's esoteric philosophy (e.g., "Art" instead of "Temperance" and "Adjustment" for "Justice").
• Who It's For: This deck is best suited for intermediate to advanced readers who enjoy deep intellectual study and are interested in the occult underpinnings of tarot. It appeals to those who want to explore the "why" behind the symbols.

The Tarot de Marseilles (TdM) System: The Intuitive's Deck

The Tarot de Marseilles is one of the oldest and most traditional tarot deck styles, with roots dating back to 17th-century France. Its most defining characteristic is its treatment of the Minor Arcana. Much like modern playing cards, the numbered suit cards are "pips"—they show the number of suit icons (e.g., the Four of Swords literally shows four swords) without a narrative scene. This forces the reader to look beyond illustrative prompts.

• Key Feature: The unillustrated pips require the reader to rely more heavily on numerology, color theory, suit associations, and pure intuition. Reading with a TdM deck is an active process of pattern recognition and intuitive synthesis.
• Who It's For: The TdM system is favored by readers who prefer a less prescriptive, more intuitive approach to divination. It challenges you to find the story yourself rather than having it illustrated for you, strengthening your intuitive muscles.

These foundational systems provide the blueprint, but modern artists and creators have used them as a canvas for countless artistic expressions, leading to an explosion of creative styles.

Exploring Modern Tarot Deck Styles and Themes

Once you understand the foundational systems, you can appreciate the incredible diversity of modern tarot deck styles. The vast majority of these decks are RWS clones or derivatives, meaning they follow the RWS structure and card meanings but express them through a unique artistic lens. A detailed tarot deck comparison can help you see how these artistic styles align with the classic systems. This creative renaissance allows you to find a deck that not only works as a divination tool but also resonates with your personal aesthetic, values, and interests.

Some of the most popular tarot deck categories based on theme include:

• Nature-Based Decks: These decks draw their symbolism from the natural world. Cards may feature specific animals, plants, crystals, or celestial bodies to convey their meaning. The Wild Unknown Tarot is a prime example, using striking animal and nature imagery to evoke archetypal energies, while other decks might focus on herbalism or geology to ground the readings in earthly wisdom.
• Minimalist Decks: For readers who find traditional tarot art overly busy, minimalist decks offer a clean, modern alternative. They use simple lines, limited color palettes, and essential symbols to convey the core meaning of each card, allowing for clear and direct interpretation without visual distraction.
• Fantasy & Mythological Decks: Drawing on ancient myths, folklore, and fantasy worlds, these decks tap into universal stories and archetypes. You might find decks based on Greek gods, Arthurian legends, or fairy tales, adding a rich layer of narrative to your readings. This approach is powerful because these myths are already embedded in our collective consciousness.
• Shadow Work & Darker Themes: These decks are not for the faint of heart. They use macabre, surreal, or psychologically deep imagery to help users confront their subconscious fears, hidden desires, and "shadow self." They are powerful tools for introspection and personal transformation, designed for deep therapeutic work rather than lighthearted daily draws.
• Inclusive & Diverse Decks: A growing number of modern decks aim to reflect the true diversity of human experience. These decks intentionally feature people of different races, body types, genders, and abilities, allowing more users to see themselves reflected in the cards. Decks like the Modern Witch Tarot have become popular for this very reason.
• Pop Culture Decks: From Lord of the Rings to beloved television shows, these decks leverage modern stories to interpret the tarot. They can be incredibly fun and relatable, especially for fans, but may require familiarity with the source material to fully appreciate the symbolism.

With such a vast universe of options, it's helpful to also understand how tarot decks differ from another popular type of divination tool: oracle decks.

Tarot vs. Oracle Decks: Understanding the Key Differences

As you explore the different types of tarot decks, you will inevitably encounter oracle decks. While both are used for divination and self-reflection, they are fundamentally different tools with unique structures and purposes. Recognizing their distinct roles is crucial for any new practitioner.

Tarot Decks A tarot deck is a highly structured system. Its consistency is its greatest strength, offering a comprehensive look at the human experience.

• Fixed Structure: A tarot deck almost always contains 78 cards. This is divided into 22 Major Arcana cards, which represent major life themes and spiritual lessons, and 56 Minor Arcana cards, which detail the trials and tribulations of daily life.
• Cohesive Narrative: The tarot tells a complete story. The Major Arcana follows a narrative arc known as "The Fool's Journey," representing the soul's path to enlightenment. The four suits of the Minor Arcana (Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles) explore different facets of the human experience—from passion and emotion to conflict and material reality.
• Universal System: Whether it’s an RWS, Thoth, or Marseilles deck, the underlying system provides a consistent framework of meaning that is shared across decks of that type, allowing for a deep body of collective knowledge.

Oracle Decks Oracle decks are free-form and intuitive, with a structure entirely unique to each deck. Their strength lies in their directness and specificity.

• Flexible Structure: An oracle deck can have any number of cards—from 20 to 100 or more. There is no set number, no Major or Minor Arcana, and no suits.
• Standalone Messages: Each card in an oracle deck typically represents a single, direct concept, affirmation, or piece of guidance. There is no overarching narrative connecting the cards in the way The Fool's Journey connects the tarot.
• Creator-Defined System: The theme and meanings are entirely conceived by the deck's creator. One oracle deck might focus on animal spirits, another on goddess archetypes, and a third on crystal energies. They almost always come with a detailed guidebook explaining the creator's unique vision.

In short, tarot offers a detailed, structured story about the "how" and "why" of a situation, while an oracle deck often provides a direct, inspirational message about "what" you need to know. Many readers use them together, drawing a tarot spread for context and an oracle card for a concluding piece of advice. The way you use your cards can be as unique as the deck itself, with modern approaches like seeking soothing spiritual insight through specialized readings becoming more popular. Now that these distinctions are clear, let's focus on the most important part: choosing your personal divination partner.

How to Choose a Tarot Deck That Resonates With You

Selecting a tarot deck is a deeply personal and intuitive process. The best deck for you is the one you feel a genuine connection with—the one you'll be excited to pick up and work with. Answering the question of "how to choose a tarot deck for readings" involves balancing practical considerations with your heart's intuition.

Assess Your Experience Level

Your journey with tarot will be smoother if you choose a deck that matches your current skill level.

• For Beginners: It is highly recommended to start with a deck based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system. The fully illustrated Minor Arcana cards create a visual learning language that makes grasping the card meanings much easier. Look for a classic RWS deck or a themed clone that stays true to the original symbolism.
• For Intermediate and Advanced Users: If you're already comfortable with the basics, you might explore a Thoth or Marseilles deck to challenge your knowledge and expand your intuitive range. Alternatively, an abstract or minimalist art deck can help you break free from RWS dependence and strengthen your direct intuitive reading skills.

Connect with the Artwork and Symbolism

A tarot deck is a visual language, so the art must speak to you. Before you buy, spend time looking at as many cards from the deck as possible online. Ask yourself:

• Does this artwork evoke emotion in me? A strong connection to the imagery will significantly enhance your intuitive abilities. The deck's overall energy—be it gentle, direct, mystical, or playful—should align with your personality.
• Is the symbolism clear or confusing to me? If the art is so abstract or niche that you can't decipher its meaning, it may hinder your readings rather than help them. Understanding the core symbolism, including the nuances of a card like the Magician reversed, is key to building confidence.
• Can I see myself telling a story with these images? The deck should feel like a partner in storytelling, not a puzzle you have to solve.

Consider Your Intended Use

Think about how you plan to use your deck, as this can influence your choice.

• For Self-Reflection and Study: A deck rich in complex symbolism, like the Thoth, can be a fantastic tool for deep, personal exploration and journaling.
• For Reading for Others: A deck with clear, easily recognizable imagery (like a classic RWS) is often best when reading for clients, as the symbolism is more universally understood and easier to explain.
• For Creative Inspiration: Artists and writers often use tarot as a brainstorming tool. A deck with evocative, imaginative artwork can be a powerful muse for overcoming creative blocks.
• For Daily Draws: A simple, positive, or minimalist deck might be perfect for pulling a single card for daily guidance without overwhelming you with complex imagery first thing in the morning.

Research and Read Reviews

Don't just judge a deck by its box. The internet is your best friend here. Look up video flip-throughs on YouTube and read blog reviews. This allows you to see every card in the deck and get a feel for its overall energy. Pay attention to comments about cardstock quality, size (will it be comfortable to shuffle?), and the usefulness of the included guidebook.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of tarot becomes far less daunting when you distinguish between a deck's foundational system and its artistic theme. Understanding the core structures of Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth, and Marseilles provides a solid foundation, transforming an overwhelming search into an empowered and informed selection process. This knowledge allows you to look beyond captivating artwork to see the functional engine that will drive your readings.

Looking ahead, the journey with tarot is not just about finding one perfect deck, but about finding the right intuitive partner for this phase of your life. The most effective deck will be the one whose imagery speaks directly to you, feeling less like a tool you must learn and more like a visual language you already understand. As you evolve, your connection to different decks may shift, and that is a natural part of the process. The real question isn’t just which deck you will choose first—but how you will use it to unlock deeper conversations with your own intuition and chart a more conscious path forward.