With the rise and popularity of tarot and other forms of divination, I warn you that there are many counterfeit, fake, knockoff decks in production and for sale online.
If you are purchasing a deck, please be mindful where you are buying it from and who it is supporting. Most deck creators will link to their work from their own websites or social media accounts. Deck publishers websites (like Liminal, US Game Systems, Hay House, etc.) are always a reliable source to look for a deck.
When purchasing from Amazon, Etsy, Wish, and other similar sites, there is a high chance you will encounter a counterfeit deck. This means that the deck creator is losing money and you are supporting a business that is capitalizing on stealing from creators and likely using cheap labor (often of children and vulnerable people) to mass produce these copies. Counterfeit decks are not only stolen work but often do not compare in quality whatsoever and typically have typos, missing information, etc.
If you are unsure if a deck is legitimate, you can always contact the deck creator to ask! Please feel free to email me as well and I will try to help💖
I’ve compiled the following resources of decks and websites to shop that are trusted and safe.
TAROT DECKS FOR BEGINNERS:
Although these decks may not be my personal favorite decks, I’ve compiled this list to offer some decks that I would consider good beginner decks. This list is in no particular order. A beginner deck isn’t just pretty or unique, but rather should include traditional or intentional symbolism. It should be crafted in a way that allows the reader to tap into their intuition while still offering traditional card meanings and symbols.
Rider-Waite Smith - available from US Games and Amazon
Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot - available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon
Universal Tarot by Lo Scarabeo - available on Amazon
Simplicity Tarot - available from US Games and Amazon (keywords on the cards to help learn card meanings)
Everyday Witch Tarot - available on Amazon
Modern Witch Tarot - available from Barnes & Noble and on Amazon
Morgan-Greer Tarot - available on Amazon
Light Seers Tarot - available on Amazon
Star Seeker Tarot - available on Etsy or follow the Instagram
This Might Hurt Tarot - available from Liminal11 and on Amazon
Modern Love Tarot - available on Ethony’s website
The Pulp Girls Tarot - available on Amazon
Rainbow Heart Tarot - available on their website
ORACLE CARDS FOR BEGINNERS:
Oracle cards are a form of divination tool that shares similarities with Tarot cards but differs in structure, design, and purpose. They consist of a deck of cards that can vary in the number of cards they contain, with each card featuring unique artwork representing a specific energy, emotion, or concept. Oracle decks span a wide range of themes, including angels, animals, spirituality, self-discovery, and relationships. They provide guidance, inspiration, and insight through the messages printed on each card, which are concise and aimed at offering guidance and support.
The Angel Guide Oracle - available on Amazon, HayHouse, Barnes & Noble
Earth Magic Oracle - available on Amazon, HayHouse, Barnes & Noble
Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides - available on Amazon
Believe in Your Own Magic - available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Sacred Traveler Oracle Cards - available on Amazon, HayHouse
Gateway of Light Activation Oracle - available on Amazon
The Journey Oracle Deck - Available on Amazon
Wisdom Of The Oracle Divination Cards - Available through HayHouse
Animal Apothecary - available on HayHouse or Amazon
The Solitary Witch Oracle - available on Amazon
The Earthcraft Oracle - available on HayHouse
The Spirit Animal Oracle - available on HayHouse
LENORMAND FOR BEGINNERS:
Lenormand divination is a form of cartomancy that uses a specific deck of cards known as the Lenormand deck. Named after the famous French fortune-teller Marie Anne Lenormand, this divination system gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries and continues to be widely used today. Unlike Tarot, which often involves deeper exploration of symbolism and intuitive interpretation, Lenormand readings emphasize literal interpretations and practical advice. The reader relies on the combination of cards to provide specific information and guidance related to the question at hand.
Sawyer's Lenormand Card Deck V2.0 - available on Etsy or follow her Instagram
Gilded Reverie Lenormand by Ciro Marchetti - available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository
Fairy Tale Lenormand - available on Amazon
Old Style Lenormand - available on Amazon
Blue Bird Lenormand - available through US Games or Amazon
Pixie's Astounding Lenormand - available on Amazon
WHERE TO BUY TAROT DECKS:
Liminal11 - a popular deck publisher with some great starter decks (Modern Witch Tarot, Luna Sol, White Numen)
Book Depository - Ships worldwide.
Barnes & Noble - Recently started stocking and selling a ton of decks online.
Kickstarter - a great resource for new decks being released. You may have to wait months to receive these decks but it can be very fun.
HayHouse - a trusted resource for oracle and tarot decks.
US Games Systems Inc - a trusted resource for tarot and oracle decks.
TarotStack - indie tarot and oracle decks.
Chapters Indigo - Recently started stocking and selling a ton of decks online. (Canada)
TAROT BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS:
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Tarot
Mary K. Greer's 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card
Tarot: Connect With Yourself, Develop Your Intuition, Live Mindfully
Tarot and Astrology: Enhance Your Readings With the Wisdom of the Zodiac (good for learning astrology & tarot connection)
Your Tarot Court: Read Any Deck With Confidence (good deck for understanding the Court Cards)
Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth
