Research Your Life

With over 500 tarot decks on the market, you can imagine there are many different styles from which to choose. There is big writing or small writing and varying names on the cards. Some decks feature more modern themes like Manga or Dungeons and Dragons style artwork, while other decks showcase Renaissance and Old World artwork. The Rider-Waite tarot deck is one of the most common that many beginners turn to, while the Marseilles tarot deck has more layers of meaning for the experienced tarot card readers. The choices are limitless and there are many sites that allow you to peruse different styles. Go with your gut instinct.

Arguably, the most well-known is the Rider-Waite tarot cards. These decks were created in 1909 by A.E. Waite, a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn occult group. He chose artist Pamela Colman-Smith to craft the 78-card deck, slightly tweaking certain details from earlier decks. For example, the “Pope” card became the “Hierophant” and “Popess” became “High Priestess.” Waite also switched the Strength and Justice cards (Strength became card 8 and Justice card 11). The Minor Arcana numbered suit cards had a full repertoire of pictorial scenes, rather than being merely suited or numbered. For years, this was the only readily available deck in America and with its comprehensive book of symbolism, it became the beginners “must-have” deck. Today, there are other decks similar to the Rider-Waite, including the Universal Waite tarot deck, Golden Tarot, Aquarian tarot deck, Nigel Jackson Tarot, Gilded Tarot and Golden Rider, to name a few.

Experienced tarot card readers often mention they’ve outgrown Rider-Waite tarot decks over time. Those looking for deeper tarot card meanings might want to try the Thoth tarot deck designed by famous occultist Aleister Crowley. Each of the tarot cards are intricately designed to include depictions of Astrology, the Zodiac and Qabalistic imagery. Colors are said to be particularly important, especially in the elemental cards. Crowley renamed some of the cards, for example, “The Magician” became “The Magus,” “The World” became “The Universe,” “Strength” became “Adjustment” and “Justice” became “Lust.” The Hanged Man and The Moon cards were borrowed from Egyptian mythology and the suit cards carry slightly different meanings, when compared to the traditional Ride-Waite deck.

While looking for tarot decks, you should have a spiritual stirring as you gaze upon the images. Early tarot cards were commissioned by wealthy patrons and rulers to incorporate their own personal beliefs. Some decks hold political or cultural heritage slants, while others may speak to Wiccan, pagan, Christian, Hebrew or occult beliefs. Finding a deck you’re comfortable with is paramount to your learning tarot experience, so choose wisely. You may even want to experiment with a couple different decks until you find your favorite.

If there were a crystal ball that could see the future for anyone, people would be lined up in the streets to buy one. It is natural to be curious about the future. People want some sort of reassurance that they are taking the right steps or making the right decisions. Some people find guidance in the form of daily horoscopes. But others want a more personalized outcome that is specific to themselves. They turn to tarot cards to divine their present and future troubles. But you do not have to be a psychic to use these cards. You can read them yourself.

Click here to read your future.

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