What Are the Different Tarot Decks and Why Are There So Many? - blog post #2612

If you thought Tarot was just a single magical deck that unveils the mysteries of the universe, I have news for you—there are many. A lot, actually. They come in different designs, sizes, and levels of complexity, sometimes leaving beginners on the verge of tears. Most decks follow the system of Arthur Waite, but there are others that make even experienced readers ask, «How do you even interpret this?» Let’s explore the variety of Tarot decks out there.

The Classics: Where It All Began

Visconti-Sforza: As Ancient as Time Itself

These cards are so old they could have been stored in a grandmother’s chest—if your grandmother lived in the 15th century. This deck is one of the oldest known versions of Tarot, originating from its predecessor, Tarocchi. The illustrations are in the style of the Italian Renaissance, with golden elements that suggest only the wealthy could afford them. Today, 271 of these readings cardsare scattered across museums, like pioneers among Tarot decks.

The Marseille Tarot: Simplicity and Accessibility

If Visconti-Sforza is luxury and hand-painted gold, then the 16th-century Marseille Tarot is the no-nonsense alternative. No extravagant designs—just pure functionality. Its affordability made it popular among common folk, proving that psychic reading onlinehas always had its roots in accessibility.

Papus Tarot: A Touch of Egypt

Created by French occultist Gérard Encausse, better known as Papus, this deck brings a mystical Egyptian aesthetic to Tarot. It looks mysterious, which means it must work, right?

The Two Giants: Waite and Crowley

Rider-Waite Tarot: The Universal Standard

If there were a Tarot school curriculum, this deck would be the mandatory textbook. The Rider-Waite deck is the foundation for many modern Tarot variations. Its genius lies in its clear imagery and straightforward symbolism, making it beginner-friendly. Thanks to Arthur Waite, anyone can grab a deck and immediately start exploring Tarot, whether for three card readingor a deep-dive into their subconscious.

Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot: Not for the Faint of Heart

If Waite’s deck is “Tarot for everyone,” then Crowley’s is “Tarot for the brave.” Crowley not only rearranged the major arcana, but he also stripped the minor arcana of their traditional scenes, turning each reading into a complex logic puzzle. Understanding this deck takes time, but it offers deep insight for those who can unlock its mysteries. Oh, and Crowley’s method requires dealing the cards only with the left hand on a green background. Why? Who knows. It’s just the rule.

Tarot Designs: From Classic to… Pussycats?

Tarot artwork is an art form in itself, with decks generally falling into three main categories:

1. Universal Classics

These are the go-to decks for beginners. They usually take inspiration from the Rider-Waite or Marseille Tarot. Everything in these decks is designed to be free medium readingfriendly—every detail has meaning, and the visuals are easy to interpret, almost like a comic book with hidden messages.

2. Slavic-Inspired Decks

These decks incorporate runes, ancient deities, and natural elements. Unlike traditional Tarot, Slavic decks rarely feature negative cards—because runes are seen as protective rather than ominous. A perfect choice for those who want angel cardreadings without scary predictions.

3. Themed and Artistic Tarot

This is where creativity knows no bounds. Some decks are inspired by Greek mythology, while others reflect modern life. There are even decks featuring TV characters, superheroes, and—you guessed it—cats. If you think a particular theme doesn’t exist, trust me, it does.

So, Which Deck is Right for You?