Top 5 Tarot Decks for Beginners

It can be hard to know where to start if you are wanting to learn how to read tarot. In the past the biggest barrier was a lack of resources. In order to learn tarot you had to first purchase a deck. This meant you often had to go to a specialty store, which not every town had, and the selection of decks and books on how to read the tarot was quite limited. There was also a lack of people teaching the tarot if you were looking for one on one instruction. These days we have the opposite problem. There are a million different decks and a plethora of tarot books, podcasts, and Youtube videos to learn from. There is so much it can be hard to know where to start. Given this, I thought I’d write about my top 5 decks for a beginner to start with. 

 

The Rider Waite Smith deck

 

Please note that there are loads of wonderful decks that a beginner can start with, these are just my suggestions. I also tried to keep it to decks that are widely available at the time of writing this post, and to those that are on the more affordable end. You don’t need to buy an expensive deck to get started. You also don’t need to have a giant collection of decks or books on tarot to learn how to read. One deck and one good book is all you really need to get started.

 

The Rider Waite Smith – This is the classic deck that is most commonly referenced in tarot books and the one that most contemporary decks are modeled after. First published in 1909, it has remained continually in print for over 100 years. It was known throughout most of the 20^th century as the Rider Waite deck, named after the publishing company (Rider) and the author (A.E. Waite). In recent years Smith has been added to pay homage to Pamela Coleman Smith, who was the artist of this iconic deck. Part of the reason this deck became so popular was because of the addition of scenes to the minor arcana cards (the 4 suits, cards numbered ace – ten). Prior to this, these cards were usually just “pips”, meaning that, for example, if you pulled the three of cups card, the card would have just three cups pictured on it. So you had to memorize what that card meant, you had no visual clues to help you. With the addition of scenes to each of the suit cards, it was easier to figure out and remember what the meaning was. The author Arthur Waite was a member of the Golden Dawn, a late 19^th/early 20^th century secret esoteric society and wanted a deck that combined the medieval imagery of the tarot with western mystical symbolism. There is debate as to how much was Waite’s and how much was Smith’s design, but the result is an at once familiar and mysterious set of images. This deck is a good place to start as most instructional tarot books reference this deck in their imagery, so you have a variety of books you can learn from. It is also a great one to start with as so many other decks are based on it, making it easier to use other decks, should you wish to add more to your collection. Once you learn the RWS (Rider Waite Smith) you can pick up any other RWS based deck and be able to read with it.

 

The Morgan Greer – This deck was first published in 1979 and has since become a classic. During the 1970s there was a renewal in interest in the tarot, and when this deck came out it was a best seller and has remained in print ever since. This deck retains the medieval imagery and esoteric symbolism on the RWS, but with a more contemporary art style. Many of the figures are closer to the viewer, making it a more intimate and personal connection. Being a deck from the late 1970s it has a retro vibe with garish colours, and fluffy moustaches. Think of it as the hippie take on the Rider Waite Smith. It is also a deck you will find commonly referenced in tarot instructional books.

 

The Osho Zen Tarot – This deck reads more like an oracle deck, which can make it less intimidating for those new to the tarot. This deck came out in the 1990s and is based on Osho Zen teachings. Each deck has a key word on it, which can help those in the process of learning. It also comes with an excellent guidebook for reference, (as do many decks these days) to help the reader expand on the cards meaning beyond the key words. This is a great alternative for those not interested in the more traditional style decks, or who want something a little more like an oracle deck. This deck does a good job of balancing between the zen focus while still maintaining the meanings of the cards. The Osho Zen is one of the first decks that I had in the 1990s and helped me to learn and understand the elemental significations of the suits. It is also a relatively affordable deck that is still in print and widely available today.

 

Angel Wisdom Tarot – There are several angel themed tarot decks by Radeleigh Valentine (prior to 2017 he partnered with Doreen Virtue). The Angel Tarot, Angel Wisdom Tarot, Guardian Angel Messages Tarot and other angel themed tarot decks by him are very accessible for newcomers as they all have key words and phrases at the bottom of each card. You don’t need to pull out the book or memorize to be able to start reading effectively. This can also be a great way to ease into the tarot for those that might be interested, but a little intimidated or even fearful of the tarot. The angels can be a positive and reassuring sign for not only readers, but for those you are reading for that might be a little more superstitious about the tarot. It can also be great for those interested in learning more about and working with angels in their spiritual practice.

 

The Wandering Star Tarot – This deck is the most recent one on this list, being published originally in 2020 as an independent deck. It was so popular that it got picked up for distribution by a large publisher, making it affordable and easily accessible. This deck has a fun playful art style that focuses on the feminine. The deck features mostly female figures from a variety of backgrounds, making this deck modern and representational to a wide audience. The deck also has key words woven into the artwork on each card, making it easy to read for those who are just learning. I think this deck is a great one for teens and young adults as it is fun, beginner friendly and diverse.

 

While I’ve given you my top five recommendations, please note that there are many wonderful decks on the market that a beginner can start with. I think the biggest piece of advice is to find one where you love the art work as you are more likely to keep working with it over time. Also don’t start with something too complicated or abstract as it will make the learning process more difficult. This is also why I recommend decks with key words or phrases on them as you can start working with it right away. This keeps the process fun and engaging. If you get bored or frustrated you are likely to put the deck away and forget about it. After all, for all its mystical symbolism, this is supposed to be an enjoyable tool.

 

I’d love to hear about what decks you recommend for beginners or what deck you started with, or are thinking of starting out with if you are brand new. If you’d like to learn more about the tarot, I currently am teaching about the Minor Arcana (suits) on the Coven level on my Patreon. You can also follow me on my Instagram for the tarot card of the day. And as always, if you would like a personal tarot reading from me you can check out my Etsy shop.

Venus in Leo - Summer Glamour and Drama

On June 05, 2023 Venus the planet of love and beauty moves into the fiery and flashy sign of Leo. While Venus usually spends about 4 weeks in a sign, this time she will be in the sign of Leo until October 08, 2023. The reason for this extended stay is that Venus will be retrograde from July 22 to September 03. This extended stay brings an extra dose of passionate and dramatic energy to everyone’s summer. Venus is how we like to experience romance, our aesthetic tastes and creative tendencies. When Venus is in Leo we want to be adored and treated like a king or queen. Flattery and lavish gifts, romantic dates and passionate declarations are all welcome when Venus visits Leo. Venus in Leo tends to express itself in over the top ways and leans towards the flashy and showy. More bling please! This is not the time for wallflowers. Venus in Leo is not afraid to stand out, be creative and put on a performance. This summer is a great time for all signs to express themselves creatively and add a little dramatic flair to their style.

 

Astro Code Oracle

As this Venus in Leo period involves a retrograde, it is important to note that retrogrades have a habit of returning things or people to us.  The last time we had a Venus in Leo retrograde was in 2015. Think back to that time and you may get some clues as to what might be reappearing in your life. Venus retrogrades are notorious for brining back old lovers, but they can also bring back female friends and a desire to revisit old styes and aesthetics. Expect some nostalgia and retro vibes this coming summer.

 

Below are your horoscopes by Rising sign for the Venus in Leo period (June 5 – October 08). If you don’t know your Rising, you can look at your Sun sign for guidance.

 

Aries – Leo rules your fifth house of fun, hobbies, children and romance. This summer is one to have fun and express yourself! Venus in Leo will bring drama to your romantic life. If you are single you may start a new romance, or have an old romantic partner return to you.  If partnered, there may be a desire for more fun and adventure in your love life and to revisit old activities and places. This time also highlights children, and childhood. You may introduce your children to games, toys or music from your own childhood, or just revisit these things yourself for the fun of it. Another possibility is that you may reconnect with a childhood friend.

 

Taurus – Venus will be in your fourth house of home and family this summer and early fall. This brings a desire to beautify your living space and to make fun memories with your family. There may also be a desire to reconnect with older relatives or extended family members that you have not seen in a while, particularly during the retrograde period. You may receive furniture or mementos from older family members or from your childhood home. With Venus in fiery Leo, you are wanting to bring more warmth, sunlight and a little luxury into your living space this summer.

 

Gemini – Leo rules your third house of communication, siblings, and neighbours. Expect there to be some drama and passion in your communications this summer, particularly with siblings. You are feeling intensely about something and need to tell the world, or at least those closest to you about it. Old issues may resurface during the retrograde period which can be where the drama comes in. This can be an important time to clear the air, as long as you are willing to listen, and not just push your point of view. The other possibility is that you receive a message from an old lover or an old friend that you haven’t heard from in a long time. This summer can be a great time to go on a road trip, especially to a place that holds fond memories for you.

 

Cancer – Leo rules your second house of finances and values and with Venus here until October 2023, you may experience an increase during this time in your income. The second house is income we earn, so don’t expect it to fall into your lap. However there will be opportunities to make more money coming your way. There will be the temptation to spend this new money on luxuries and fun, after all Leo loves the little extras. Try to balance it out by giving yourself a few treats while saving for the long term. During the retrograde period, you may have a debt you are owed paid out to you.

 

Leo - Venus will be in your first house of self-image this summer bringing some glamour and pizzaz to your personal style. Venus retrogrades are a notoriously bad time for drastically changing your style or your hair. If you are planning on doing anything dramatic, wait until the retrograde is over as you may feel differently. It is a good time to experiment with retro fashion, or do something non long lasting to your hair (like a semi-permanent coulour). Just don’t throw out your whole wardrobe or get that pixie cut quite yet. You might be obsessed now, but will change your mind in October again. In the meantime have some fun and enjoy being the centre of attention this summer.

 

Virgo – Venus will spend the summer in your twelfth house of the subconscious, the shadow and institutions. This looks like a quieter summer for you socially, but that doesn’t mean it will be boring. Venus in Leo invites you to practice self-care and to spend time romancing yourself and adding beauty to your inner world. This is also a great time to work on creative projects and hobbies that are just for fun. It’s all about enhancing your private inner world and letting your imagination play. During the retrograde period you may find yourself looking to past interests and projects for inspiration. This placemen can also raise the possibility of a secret love affair. Take note that when Venus goes retrograde, the secret will likely come out.

 

Libra – Leo rules your eleventh house of friends and community, and with Venus here you can expect your social life to pick up. Venus spotlights  female friendships in particular, and you may find that you are hearing from female friends that you haven’t talked to in a while. Venus in Leo here also highlights creative groups, so you may find yourself working with others on an artistic project or goal this summer. By working together you can create something amazing, just don’t get sidetracked by any drama. Use that passion in your creative work! This placement may also bring a former romantic partner into your social circle.

 

Scorpio – Venus brings some creative energy to your career this summer. Venus is the planet of beauty and art, so you could see some aesthetic improvements in your workplace, or find yourself working on more creative projects. Venus also brings more social engagements and fun to your career and public life, so don’t be afraid to get out there and network. Let you light shine for others to see! During the retrograde, old clients or colleagues may come into the picture again and you may see recognition for past work efforts. One other possibility during this time is a workplace romance, as Venus is the planet of love and romance.

 

Sagittarius – Your ninth house of travel, education, religion and philosophy is being visited by Venus all summer long. You have a desire to travel and see beautiful art, architecture and experience culture. Even if you can’t get out of town, make time to get out to an art gallery or fun cultural event. This is also a good time to sign up for art, music or dance lessons and to explore an old creative hobby or interest. If you are looking for a romantic partner you may meet them this summer when you are travelling or attending a creative event. During the retrograde period, you may even run into an old friend or romantic partner.

 

Capricorn – Venus is in your eight house of debts, shared resources, sex and spirituality until October this year, bringing the desire for fun, pleasure and luxury to this area. This can be a good time to invest or to purchase or improve property that you hold with another. This summer might also see you receive something of beauty or value from someone else. Avoid going into debt, even if you think something is too beautiful or luxurious to not buy, as you will regret it after the retrograde period ends. This placement can also bring some fun and adventure in the bedroom.

 

Aquarius – Your seventh house of marriage and partnerships is being graced by the planet of love this summer and early fall. This is a wonderful time to find a partner if you are single and to bring some fun and romance to any existing partnerships. Your partner may do something to improve or change up their appearance, or they may find themselves engaging in a creative project. You may also partner up with someone to work on a creative project yourself. Things just work better when you are working with another right now. This placement especially may see old romantic interests popping up again from the past. Remember that you don’t have to revisit things if you don’t want to.

 

Pisces – Venus will be in your sixth house of work, service, routines and health until October. This is a good time to find ways to enhance your health and beauty routines, and to revisit some old habits that worked for you in the past, but you had let go of. It is also a great time to get beauty or health treatments, or to make a spa date. Try to add some fun or creative activities to your schedule too as Venus wants your day to day activities to have some more joy. Venus in Leo in your sixth house might also see a new pet come into your life this summer.

 

Whatever your sign, Venus in Leo brings fun, creativity, drama and romance into your life this summer. If you would like to receive a personal astrology reading to find out how this affects you, you can book one on my Etsy shop. You can also learn more about astrology on my Patreon, where I have detailed weekly forecasts, and educational videos. If you would like to sign up for my free Full and New Moon newsletters, which will help you use the power of the Moon’s cycle, you can sign up on my website here.

 

 

What Jupiter in Taurus Means for You

 

On May 16, 2023 the planet of luck and expansion moved into the earthy and sensual sign of Taurus. Jupiter spends about a year in a sign, so will be bringing good fortune and a sense of ease to the Taurus house in your chart. Jupiter will be in the sign of Taurus until May of 2024. Before we break down what this means for you as an individual, let’s take a moment to look at what it means for all of us collectively. 

Taurus and Jupiter from the Astro Codes Oracle

Taurus is a fixed earth sign, and as such takes things slow and cannot be rushed. Taurus loves the earthy, the sensual, and values practicality and consistency. In all areas he invites us over the next 12 months to pursue our goals with a steady determination. A slow pace applied consistently will get us farther than trying to rush or race to the finish line.  Taurus values nature and we may see more themes around environmental concerns and preserving wildlife and habitats. Taurus is also sensual and loves food, so there may be an expansion of interest around cooking, baking and fine dining. Taurus rules finances too so hopefully this will mean that the economy becomes better for everyone. As Taurus is a slow moving sign this may be a gradual improvement rather than a sudden one. As Taurus is a fixed sign we may also see an emphasis on tradition and a desire to consider changes more slowly, rather than try to rush things in the name of progress.

Challenges of Jupiter in Taurus include when we slow down so much, we get lazy. We are so at ease that we take it for granted and don’t end up accomplishing anything. Another danger is thinking that the earthy and sensual are everything, so we become overly materialistic or overindulgent to the detriment of our health or relationships.

Below is a guide to how Jupiter in Taurus will impact you by Rising Sign (also known as the Ascendant). If you do not know your Rising Sign, go to Astro.com and enter your birth date, place and time to find out your Rising Sign (also called the Ascendant). If you don’t know your birth time, you can go by your Sun Sign.

Aries – Jupiter graces your second house of finances making it easier to earn money for the next twelve months. Sometimes it seems like the money just falls into your lap. Don’t take this time for granted and think it will always be this easy. By laying some strong financial foundations now, you can continue to grow your wealth into the future. This time will also bring clarity to your values.

Taurus – The planet of luck enters your first house of appearances and sense of self. This brings luck and self-assurance to you and improves your overall well being. It’s a good time to revamp your wardrobe or change your style. One challenge is that Jupiter in the first house can sometimes bring unexpected weight gain. Avoid overindulgence and you should be fine. This transit brings a renewed sense of self-esteem.

Gemini – Jupiter spends the next year in your twelfth house of the subconscious. This is a year that may see you spending more time on your own. It’s a good time to do some self-reflection or work on creative projects. Don’t waste time lamenting that you might not have as many social engagements as you are used to. This is a year to work on your inner self.

Cancer – The focus is on friendship and community until May of 2024. You may find yourself invited to more outings and your friendship circle expanding. It’s a great year to get involved in a community you care about and to work towards common goals with others. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed and wanting to withdraw into your shell, make sure to schedule some time just for you.

Leo – The next twelve months see expanding career opportunities coming your way. It’s a great time to go for that promotion, or to take the lead on a project. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there more so people see what you are doing. Promote yourself this year rather than waiting for opportunities to find you. This will put you in a better career position for the future.

Virgo – Jupiter blesses your house of travel, higher education, publishing and the law. You may get opportunities to travel or to expand your education. This is a year to learn and grow your knowledge base. If you are involved in legal matters, things look good in this area. Its also a time when you may develop more a more religious point of view. Avoid being overly dogmatic or trying to push your point of view on others.

Libra – Jupiter spends until May 2024 in your eighth house of shared finances, debts, sex and death. This year may be one where you inherit money or resources. It is also a good year to invest. One caution is to avoid increasing your debts. This is also a year that can be good for your sex life, and increase your interest in spiritual and psychological subjects.

Scorpio – The seventh house of marriage and partnerships is highlighted this year. This is a great time to find a new romantic relationship if single, or to put some more romance into your current one if partnered. This year can also mean good luck for your partner, which you then benefit from as well. The only downside to watch for is to not become so enamored with another that you lose your sense of self.

Sagittarius – Jupiter graces your sixth house of health and work. This is a year where you may see some improvements in any ongoing health issues, and work should run quite smoothly. This is a good year to improve your daily routine as you will find it easier to develop new habits. It is also a great year to get a pet, as the sixth house also rules domestic animals.

Capricorn – Jupiter brings good fortune to your fifth house over the next twelve months. The fifth house rules hobbies, fun and children so expect to see more opportunities to attend events, or to expand your creative side. It’s a good time to take up a new hobby, or to work on that artistic project that you put on the shelf or to pick up an instrument. This is also a year where some may expand your family through the addition of a baby. Your relationship with children, or your inner child is highlighted.

Aquarius – Jupiter enters your fourth house of home, family and ancestry this month until next May 2024. This is a year where you may see an improved relationship with your parents, or may be thinking about doing some research into your family history. It is also a good year to do home renovations or look into buying a new home. It also could be a year that sees you doing more gardening and yard work.

Pisces – The third house of communication, short trips, siblings and neighbours is highlighted for the next year. It is a time where you may be busy with a lot of travel, errands and back and forth messages. It is also a time where your connections with siblings and close friends improve and one where you may be able to clear the air in regards to some unresolved issues with them. It is also a good year to write a book, or learn a language. The one warning with this placement is to avoid getting sucked into gossip and drama.

Overall Jupiter in Taurus is a time of ease, asking us to be steady and persistent in pursuing our goals, while also taking time to stop and smell the roses or enjoy a tasty piece of chocolate. You can accomplish a lot this year, but make sure you enjoy yourself along the way. If you would like to learn more about how Jupiter in Taurus and the other planetary transits affect you specifically, you can book an astrology reading with me on my Etsy shop. You can also find my detailed weekly Astro Report on my Patreon, or sign up for my free Full and New Moon Reports on my website.