As a professional tarot reader and instructor, I am often asked for deck recommendations. However, because tarot decks come in various art styles, and because art is so personal, it is a little hard to recommend one particular deck. First and foremost, choose a deck that you find aesthetically appealing. The more attracted you are to a deck, the more inspired you'll be to learn more about tarot. I recommend that you have a personal deck that really draws you in, something that you love and want to look at, touch, and play with. I also recommend having a study deck, such as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. This can help you to understand more fully, the symbolism of Tarot. I recommend the Rider-Waite-Smith deck because most decks are modeled after this deck. There are many recolored versions of the RWS decks to choose from, which I will list below. However, if you find that you are more attracted to the Thoth tradition, by all means, get that deck. I have both decks and often compare the symbolism of the cards, side by side.
Tarot decks are easily attained online, via Amazon, Etsy, eBay, etc. Most of the big bookstores carry them. And of course, your local metaphysical shop is sure to have them. One of my longtime favorite tarot sites for browsing various types of tarot decks is Aeclectic Tarot. There are others out there, but Aeclectic is my go-to. It may not always have all the decks…but almost.
Self-published decks typically have to be purchased directly from the artist. These can sell out rather fast. Occasionally these decks are picked up by bigger publishing companies, at which point they are updated and altered for better or worse. If you’re into self-published decks check out Etsy. It’s also a lot of fun to follow self-published decks being created by artists on sites such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter.
If you are looking for vintage, European or collectible decks my absolute favorite sites are Collectarot & Books and TarotBg.EU. But I warn you, these sites are especially dangerous for tarot collectors. Especially if you are into vintage, historically reproduced, and specialty decks.
Some of the decks listed under my personal collection are out of print. However, this does not mean they are unattainable or that they won’t be reprinted…at some point. You can also look into tarot trading groups. In the past, I’ve stumbled upon rare decks on eBay for a song. Sometimes it’s just a timing thing. The right deck presents itself at the right time.
I have a long list of decks on my website, which include decks from my personal collection, as well as recommendations divided into categories. For more information, visit my website at www.elementsofmagick/decks. 