2Many years ago, reading Tarot cards was the domain of a specialized group of people, including Gypsies, fortune tellers and scam artists. Now, however, as people become more open to new ideas, anyone can use Tarot cards for divination. If you're going to start reading Tarot, you'll need to get your own deck. There are a few guidelines to follow when you're out shopping for your deck of Tarot cards.
- Figure out if you want a brand-new deck or a used one. Many used decks are available for purchase in bookstores and online, as well as from private individuals. If you purchase a used deck, count to make sure all the cards are present. Make sure the instruction booklet unique to that deck is included, if possible.Decide whether you prefer traditional artwork or contemporary. There are literally hundreds of decks available today. Many feature artwork that is classical and traditional. However, just as many have drawings that are evocative of fantasy, literature, science fiction and pop culture. Determine which look you relate to best.Select a deck that has images you understand. If you're a beginner to Tarot and have to rely on a book for instruction as you do your readings, you may want to go with a Rider-Waite deck. This is the most popular deck, because the images are the ones often used in instructional books. If you're more experienced at reading Tarot, make sure the pictures in the deck make sense to you. If you look at the cards and think that they have cryptic or unusual meanings, then it's probably not the right deck for you.Handle the deck to see how it feels, if at all possible. Yes, that's right, how it feels. If you hold a deck in your hands and it makes you uneasy, whether you can explain the sensation or not, this isn't the deck for you. On the other hand, if physical contact with the deck is comfortable or pleasant, then it could be the right deck for you to select.Pay for your chosen deck and take it home. Sleep with it under your pillow for a few nights so that it can absorb your energy.
