Picking a deck is really matter of personal choice and for newbie readers, it can be overwhelming to look through the massive selection available. Where to start? The list below is comprised of the best tarot decks for beginning readers. (You can view images of any of these decks at: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/)
1. Rider Waite – This is THE standard deck. Many other decks, including the ones listed below, base their images on the artwork of the RW deck.I usually recommend that all my students start out with this one. The pictures clearly illustrate the meanings. Many tarot books feature the Rider Waite deck, so it is usually easy to find a good companion book.
2. Morgan Greer – Stunning and vivid visuals with stark colors. Images are based on the Rider Waite deck so it is a good deck to start with or to move on to.
3. Robin Wood – Beautiful artwork with a Pagan feel.
4. Connolly Deck – I find this deck gorgeous, easy to read and very user friendly. Note that the Death card is renamed “Transition” and the Devil is renamed as “Materialism”. I find that this is beneficial when reading for people who are fearful of tarot decks.
5. Hanson Roberts – A smaller deck that fits nicely in the palm of your hand. Standard RW images but very whimsical.
Any of these decks will work well for a beginner or make a nice addition to any tarot afficiando’s collection!
Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com
©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed 2009
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
