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The process of reading tarot cards dates back to centuries ago. In The Game of Tarot, Michael A. E. Dummett writes that, while the first complete deck appeared in 15th century Italy, using the cards to divine one's future and inner self only came into vogue in France, in the late 1700s. Others suggest that tarot has roots in ancient Egypt (although its supposed source text, the Book of Thoth, offers little evidence of this).
However they got their start, tarot cards are old and mysterious in origin, and they're loaded with meaning. It may take a practiced hand and mind to assess their true significance, but newcomers shouldn't find them inaccessible: In spite of its storied past, tarot reading can be easily adopted — as long as the adopter is ready to learn.
The first step to becoming a competent diviner is to select a tarot deck and connect with it. Touching the cards and using them every day is said to help form this relationship, but there are other, more specific ways to commit yourself to the cards' development. Charging them by leaving them under the sun and moon, sleeping with them under your pillow, and even cleansing them with salt is said to help you get to know your cards.
Whether you're seeking your first taste of spiritual guidance or you just want to expand your collection, there's a tarot deck out there for you. Ahead, we've rounded up some of our favorites. Happy reading.
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Langustl Tarot
Named for its designer, Stephan "Langustl" Lange, the Langustl deck is full of playful designs that emulate the traditional meanings of the Major Arcana while putting a unique spin on them. The card shown here is Lange's interpretation of the High Priestess. This deck isn't for beginners, but it'd be a welcome addition to a more seasoned reader's collection.
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Visconti Tarot
This is one of the oldest forms of the complete tarot, and it's said to have been made for one of the first and most enthusiastic tarot players, Bianca Maria Visconti — a woman who was clearly very ahead of her time.
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Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot
Founded on the idea that tarot came from ancient Egypt, this is a great beginner's deck. To this day, it's still considered one of the most informative and comprehensive takes on tarot.
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Sacred Isle Tarot
This deck is made in the Rider-Waite style, and it's just as popular as the Crowley Thoth deck, if not more so. Again, another great choice if you're just beginning your journey.
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Babylonian Tarot
Although little to nothing is known about the prevalence of tarot in Babylonia, this style demonstrates the universality of the cards' meanings. Symbols like the Chariot, the Sun, and more find their place among the Babylonian, Sumerian, and Mesopotamian myths referenced on the cards.
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DruidCraft Tarot
This specific deck is one of many which draw on Wiccan and Pagan traditions — both are nature-based faiths, to inform the cards' readings. Tarot and nature-based faiths draw on numerology, making their union not just obvious, but particularly harmonious.
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Affirmations for the Everyday Goddess Tarot
Each card is adorned with a motto that speaks to its symbol — the Emperor's reads, "I lead with wisdom, integrity, and virtue," while the Fool's states, "I ask the question and cultivate an open mind." Not only is this deck beautifully designed, with luminous illustrations of powerful women, its accompanying affirmations add another layer of meaning to the reading.
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Ocean Oracle Tarot
You won't find any figures from the Major Arcana in this deck. Instead, each card features a different seashell, its common names, and its symbolic meaning. Bring this deck with you on your next beach trip.
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Victoria Regina Tarot
This deck is perfect for the detail-oriented reader. Created from collages of 19th-century steel engravings, each card has an otherworldly feel to it that warrants a closer, longer look.
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Ghosts & Spirits Tarot
As its name might suggest, this deck lends itself to any readings with a supernatural slant. Whether you're reaching out to a loved one who's passed on or simply exploring what might wait on the other side, the Ghosts and Spirits deck is a beautiful choice for any medium.
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