Updated on: 2026-01-07

Table of Contents

1. Did You Know?
2. Comparison: Pros & Cons of tarot cards
3. Buyer’s Checklist
4. Final Thoughts & Advice
5. What’s the difference between tarot and oracle decks?
6. Do I need a guidebook to get started?
7. How do I care for my deck so it lasts?

Tarot isn’t really about getting the “right” answer. It’s about building a relationship with the cards, with the symbols, and with yourself. The more time you spend with a deck, the more familiar its language becomes, until eventually you don’t have to think so hard about what a card means. You just feel it.

That’s part of why tarot works so well as a self-care tool. It gives you a way to pause, reflect, and notice what’s actually going on beneath the surface — without needing to perform or explain anything to anyone else.

And while every deck has its own artwork and personality, there are a few quiet things most tarot readers come to learn through experience.

Did you know?

• Most tarot decks follow the same 78-card structure — 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor — even though the artwork and themes can feel completely different from deck to deck.That shared structure is what lets you move between decks without having to relearn everything from scratch, something you really start to appreciate once you’ve spent time reading with a few of them.

• Card size makes a bigger difference than people expect. Pocket decks are lovely for travel or bedside pulls, while standard sizes are usually easier to shuffle for everyday use. Larger cards show off the artwork beautifully, but they can be tiring if your hands or joints get sore — something I’ve learned the very practical way.

• Reversals are always optional. Plenty of experienced readers don’t use upside-down meanings at all and still get nuanced, accurate readings just by working with imagery, suits, and the flow of the spread. Tarot is far more about interpretation and pattern-spotting than following a single rigid system.

• Writing a few notes after you pull a card really does speed up learning. Even just jotting down the date, the question, and what caught your eye helps you build a personal relationship with the deck over time. When you look back later, those patterns become surprisingly clear.

• There’s no “correct” way to shuffle. Overhand, riffle, gently spreading the cards across the table — what matters is consistency and intention. The way you handle your cards becomes part of how you connect with them.

• The feel of a deck matters just as much as how it looks. Matte finishes reduce glare and feel soft in the hands, glossy cards make colours pop, and linen textures tend to be a little more durable. None of these are better or worse — they just change the experience of working with the cards.

• Guidebooks range from quick keyword lists to in-depth storytelling and symbolism. Some people love a simple reference they can glance at, while others enjoy something more immersive. Both can support your learning in different ways. My major arcana deck, The Wandering Echo, has a guidebook that’s an incredible, detailed guide. The mini deck that I’ve created, the Cosmic Pink Mini Tarot, has a much more reserved, minimalist guidebook. People love them both for their own reasons.

• Modern tarot artwork has become far more inclusive, with many decks now reflecting a wider range of bodies, cultures, and identities. For a lot of readers, that makes it much easier to see themselves in the cards — and when you feel seen, the messages tend to land more deeply.

A quick but honest look at tarot

The good bits

• Tarot naturally slows your thinking down, which makes it easier to reflect instead of reacting. Not as many knee jerk reactions means a much healthier nervous system.
• Over time, you build your own relationship with the symbols, which helps you trust what you’re seeing rather than relying on someone else’s interpretation.
• It’s easy to fit into real life — you can pull a card in two minutes or spend an hour journaling if you feel like it.
• The artwork does a lot of the heavy lifting, inviting insight without needing complicated systems.
• It’s great for creative thinking, journaling, and gentle self-inquiry when you’re not quite sure what you’re feeling yet. And don’t even get me started on the development of your intuition! 

The not-so-perfect bits

• There is a bit of a learning curve, especially with things like court cards and numbers. Find an easy How-to guide for doing your first tarot reading here 
• With so many beautiful decks out there, choosing one can sometimes feel harder than it needs to be.
• Some cards wear faster than others, depending on the paper and finish.
• If you expect tarot to “predict” everything (or anything at all - cos it’s not really about prediction okay? More of that on another day), it can start to feel stressful — it works best as a guide, for insights and reflections, not as a guarantee.
• And some guidebooks are very bare-bones, which can leave beginners wanting a little more support. 

A gentle but super practical way to choose a deck

Some of these points won’t make much of a difference to you, but others will be really important to you personally. Tarot is personal and that’s perfectly okay. 

• How it feels in your hands
  Try to picture yourself actually shuffling the cards. If you have smaller hands or like a one-handed shuffle, a smaller or lighter deck can make a huge difference. If something feels awkward to handle, you’ll use it less — simple as that.
• The card finish
  Matte, glossy, linen… they all feel different. Matte is soft and easy on the eyes, linen has a lovely grip, and glossy makes colours pop. There’s no “best” — just what feels nice for you.
• Artwork that pulls you in
  If the images make you curious or emotional, you’ll naturally spend more time with the cards — and that’s how the meanings start to stick.
• How clear the symbols are
  If you’re learning, it helps when suits, numbers, and figures are easy to recognise. More abstract decks can be beautiful too — just make sure there’s a guidebook to support you if you need it.
• The guidebook
  Some people love a few keywords. Others want stories, symbolism, and spreads. Think about how you like to learn and choose a deck that matches that.
• Whether you feel seen in the art
  When the imagery feels inclusive and relatable, readings tend to land deeper. You’re more likely to connect with what you’re looking at.
• The overall mood
  Soft, cosmic, dark, playful, minimalist — pick something you’d enjoy pulling out on an average day, not just when you’re feeling a certain way.
• How it’s made
  Decks created with care and printed well usually last longer and feel better to use. Clean cuts, good colour, sturdy stock — it all adds up.
• Whether you like extra support
  Journals, spreads, or prompts can help you build a little ritual around your deck, especially when you’re just starting out.
• How it’s stored
  A sturdy box or pouch keeps your cards safe, especially if you travel with them or read outside the house.
• Your budget
  You don’t need the most expensive deck to have meaningful readings. Look at how it feels, how it’s printed, and how much support it comes with — that’s what really matters. And if your budget doesn’t allow for a tarot deck right now (I totally get it, I’ve been there too), you can download my printable and digital tarot deck, the Lunar Wanderer, for absolutely free from my website.
• The gut feeling
  Imagine pulling three cards from it right now. If that thought feels exciting, you’ve probably found the right one.

⭐️ Interested to see the range of tarot decks, oracle decks, and deck bundles that can be found at MoonHaus Studio? Here you can see a list of all that you need to know! ⭐️

Final thoughts

You don’t need to know everything before you start. One card in the morning, a few lines in a notebook or a journal page, and a quick check-in later is more than enough. What matters most is what the image brings up for you — not memorising the “correct” meaning. That’s how your own way of reading begins to form.

If you’re stuck choosing between different styles or themes, go with the deck you’d actually reach for on an ordinary day, not just when you’re in a particular mood. Showing up gently and often will always take you further than doing everything perfectly once in a while. Who wants perfect anyways?

Tarot doesn’t need hours of your time, lit candles, or elaborate altar setups to work. Even five quiet minutes with a drawn card can shift something. Over time, those small moments add up — and that’s where the real magic, plus the all-important insights & reflections, lives and grows.

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Let’s answer some common questions!

What’s the difference between tarot and oracle decks?

Tarot decks follow a shared structure — usually 78 cards with Major and Minor Arcana — which means once you learn the basics, you can move between different decks without starting from scratch. Oracle decks are more free-flowing. They can be any size, follow their own systems, and are often used for single-card pulls or gentle prompts. If you like having a consistent language to work with, tarot is a great foundation. If you want something more flexible or mood-based, oracle decks sit beautifully alongside tarot.

Do I need a guidebook to get started?

Not really — but it can make things feel a lot easier. You can absolutely begin with simple keywords and your own observations, then look things up when you get curious or stuck. A good reference just helps connect the dots faster, especially with things like court cards or numbers. If your deck’s booklet is pretty minimal, having something a little more in-depth nearby can be really supportive while you’re learning.

How do I look after my deck so it lasts?

Treat it with a bit of care and it’ll hold up just fine. Clean, dry hands go a long way, and keeping your cards in a box or pouch helps protect the edges. Try not to leave them in direct sun or real  ly damp places, as that can fade or warp the cards over time. A quick wipe with a soft cloth now and then is usually all they need — nothing fancy, just simple, everyday care.

Rachael Jean Owner https://moonhausstudio.etsy.com/

I’m Rachael, the artist and founder of MoonHaus Studio — a small, soul-led space where art and intuition meet. I live with fibro, so creating isn’t just my work; it’s my way of slowing down, listening inward, and translating what I find there into something others can hold. Every deck and journal I make begins as a sketch on my desk — quiet, intentional, and hand-drawn. MoonHaus Studio isn’t about mass production or trends; it’s about connection, honesty, and art that helps you pause long enough to feel something real.

MoonHaus Studio | 2026