How To Choose A Tarot Deck
We are all , thankfully, very different individuals with very different tastes and ways of looking at the world. I may love eclectic decorating with 'found' objects and shabby, slipcovered sofas, whereas you may prefer streamlined, minimalist decorating techniques. Does this make one person better that another? Certainly not! We all celebrate our uniqueness in many different ways and choosing a Tarot Deck is yet another way in which our very own special qualities and world views come shining through.
There are many schools of thought when it comes to selecting a Tarot deck. Some believe that the Rider-Waite deck is the "supreme learning deck" and must be used by the Tarot newcomer in order to better learn and understand the meanings of the major and minor arcana. My opinion differs in that I truly believe that, as in all things, you must first expose yourself to many different decks (as in a 'new age' store where they are on display for you to peruse) before you make your ultimate decision. Every deck is different, and each one has its own 'language' which is expressed either in its vibrant colours (or not) or its style of symbolism.
First, really look at the cards in the deck. Do their images mean something to you? Do they 'speak' to you in any way? Can you identify with their images/symbolism/colours? If not, then move on ''til you find the deck that meets your criteria. Decks such as the Voyager Tarot speak in highly symbolic, psychological, photographic images. Other, such as the Mythic Tarot speak in mythological, pictorial imagery. You will know, as in all things, which is the 'right; deck once you experience it and 'meet it' within yourself. It is also easier to learn the meanings of the cards if they truly mean something special to you and, in all senses, speak your own inner language.
What do you do if you have 'outgrown' a deck? Yes, this happens! Begin the process again. The only constant in our lives is change; therefore, we can not expect to feel comfortable or fulfilled with the same images/mythologies/colours forever. Some people use the same deck indefinitely, whereas some simply feel the need to move on or experiment with another. I suppose it all comes back to the question of individuality and uniqueness. Centre, examine your true self, then head to the store! The 'right' deck will, undoubtedly, jump off the shelf!