Choosing your first tarot deck is a personal decision. The right deck is the one that speaks to you — visually, intuitively, and symbolically. Below are our curated recommendations, spanning classic to contemporary.
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If you're brand new to tarot, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the standard starting point. Most tarot education references its imagery. But if you connect more with modern art styles or want something that feels less traditional, the Modern Witch Tarot or Light Seer's Tarot offer the same symbolic foundation with updated aesthetics. For experienced readers looking for depth, the Thoth deck is unmatched in esoteric layering.
by A.E. Waite & Pamela Colman Smith
The definitive standard. Every other deck references this one. If you're new and want to learn the language of tarot from the source, start here.
by Lisa Sterle
Rider-Waite reimagined with diverse, contemporary figures. Same symbolism, modern energy. If the classic imagery feels dated, this bridges the gap.
by Chris-Anne
Ethereal, intuitive artwork with a warm, accessible feel. Popular for its emotional clarity and gentle aesthetic.
by Aleister Crowley & Lady Frieda Harris
Dense, esoteric, endlessly layered. For readers who want to go deeper — into Kabbalah, astrology, and the occult structure beneath the cards.
by Deborah Blake
Playful, warm, and approachable. Great for readers who want tarot without heaviness — lighthearted but still meaningful.
Liminal Tarot works best with Rider-Waite-Smith based decks and any deck that follows standard tarot naming and structure. Select "I have a physical deck" during your reading setup, and we'll guide you through a position-by-position ritual with your own cards. You draw each card from your shuffled deck and tell us what you drew — the reading is based on your actual spread.
If you don't have a physical deck, you can always use our digital deck — built into the app and ready to go.