We are living in the golden age of Tarot. The sheer wealth of knowledge and resources available to us is astounding. More is offered to us than to any previous generation. Books, YouTube videos, and blogs such as this one can help you master fortune-telling in a matter of months. What about Tarot decks? The selection couldn’t possibly be any bigger. Literally, thousands of them are on the market. We are extremely lucky to have this freedom of choice.
Still, finding the right tools for your spiritual practice can be daunting. Of course, you can always pick the good old Rider-Waite-Smith (or the Toth, if you’re feeling more adventurous) but maybe you should put in a bit more effort and make a slightly different choice. I have been reading the cards for more than two-thirds of my life and thus feel qualified to make a few suggestions – personal recommendations if you will.
The DruidCraft Tarot was first published less than 15 years ago yet has quickly become a classic – and for a reason! Combining strong RWS symbolism with beautifully presented Celtic imagery, it is easy to read and perfect for any beginner – even if they are not on a pagan path. The deeper you dive into the pictures, the more you will discover – yet you will never feel overwhelmed. This one just works. Plain and simple.
Tarot of the Stars by the late Giorgio Tavaglione has, on the other hand, been around since the late 1970s. It possesses a distinctly masculine energy and is an excellent tool for ceremonial magic. Covered in intricate Hermeticist symbolism, it is at once forthright and multifaceted. Astrological and kabbalistic correspondences are seamlessly woven into the images. Many people use it for readings but I find it works best for rituals and complex spellwork.
Tarot of Delphi is the perfect option for lovers of Greek myths and traditional art. Fitting the iconic images created by the likes of Alma Tadema, Leighton, Poynter, and Godward into the symbolic world of the Tarot, it is one of the most beautiful sets you can ever hope to encounter. As an independently published deck, it tends to be on the pricey side. Still, it is well worth having, especially if aesthetics are important to your spiritual practice.
Ghost Tarot may at first appear a bit too reminiscent of 2000s computer game graphics yet, once you give it a chance, it tells a deep and poignant tale of the ghost world – and the way it interacts with our realm. It is perfect for shadow work, as well as communicating with the spirits of those who have departed.
Harmonious Tarot – or rather the mini version – is my favourite travel companion. Small yet perfectly legible, it combines the pastel-hued art nouveau imagery of Walter Crane with clear Tarot symbolism. The new edition comes in a sturdy box that will withstand a good deal of wear and tear.
Some of these are more difficult to get a hold of than others. You can try your local, independently owned metaphysical shops or larger bookstore chains. If that fails, Amazon is a good place to pick up new releases, while eBay and Etsy will help you search for pre-loved items. There are, however, two treasure troves of Tarot goodness on the internet you absolutely must visit – namely AlidaStore and TarotBG. Bear in mind that the former ships from San Marino – the latter from Bulgaria. If you don’t mind waiting, you can rest assured you will find something fantastic for your collection. Happy hunting!
Stefan's Cards 