If you’re new to Tarot, you may prefer to start learning with the most popular Tarot deck, the Rider Waite deck. It’s easy to understand, the imagery is straight-forward and practical and there is a huge amount of information available for this deck.
With hundreds of tarot decks out there, it can be rather overwhelming to choose one that truly fits with you or your reading style. Although each tarot deck has a similar source, they are all so different in their style, symbolism and general feeling their readings evoke.
You can lay the cards out however you wish. I usually place them in one long line, but you could also try two rows of three, or perhaps a circle. You do you! Go with what feels good for your deck. And you can go as deep or as simple as you like with your interpretations of each card.
What to do when you get a new tarot deck?
Make sure to unpack your new Tarot deck in a quiet space, which is ideally the one you have dedicated to your readings. This space should be ready to welcome your new deck of cards. Set aside other decks and make room for the new one. You will want to give it room to speak and introduce itself.
An unused tarot deck is a lonely one, in my opinion. I’d like to solve that problem and offer a few handy steps to properly introduce yourself to your new tarot deck. Remove and unwrap the cards from the box.
Steps to Breaking in a New Tarot Deck Remove and unwrap the cards from the box. Select a tarot bag for storage if you don’t want to store the cards in their original cardboard box (I prefer this as the cardboard boxes tend to not last, and also don’t protect the edges of the deck as well as a cloth bag does).
Can I read for others with a new tarot deck?
Continue to work with your new deck daily for awhile before attempting to read for others. I highly encourage a card of the day practice for at least a month’s time to get to know your new deck and how it works for you. Take notes and see how your interpretation of the card matches up with what you see and experience in the world that day.