How To Buy Tarot Cards Intuitively So They Really Work For You

Knowing how to buy tarot cards, where to get them, and choosing the best ones for you, can be very overwhelming. Especially with all the new tarot decks constantly coming on the market

You can buy tarot cards from a variety of places, including online retailers like Amazon for popular decks, and Etsy for handmade or indie creations. Major bookstores, both chain and independent, also stock tarot decks, while local metaphysical, occult, or New Age shops often allow you to see and feel the cards before purchasing. Art fairs, conventions, and direct-from-artist websites are great for unique or limited editions, while thrift stores and antique shops occasionally yield rare finds - though you should check condition carefully.

When choosing a deck, consider the art style, tarot system (Rider–Waite–Smith, Thoth, Marseille), card stock thickness, size, and the quality of any included guidebook. Cultural accuracy is also important, especially with decks drawing from specific traditions. Pricing varies: mass-market decks typically cost $20–$30, indie decks $40–$80, and rare or out-of-print editions can exceed $100. To avoid counterfeits, buy from reputable sellers and watch for warning signs like blurry printing, smaller card sizes, or missing guidebooks. Buying locally allows you to assess quality in person, while online shopping gives you a wider selection - just check reviews and photos before purchasing.

There is often a burst of excitement one gets when an interest in learning the tarot first presents itself. It often leads that person to rush out the door buying the first deck they see, or perhaps the most popular or least expensive one. This is not a bad idea if your goal is simply to learn the basics, especially if it becomes just a passing fancy. But if you find that learning the basics has only sparked your desire to explore the world of tarot further, and perhaps to assist in developing your intuition, or even to give readings on a professional level, I suggest you find a deck that really ‘grabs’ you, one that you feel a personal connection with.

How To Buy Tarot Cards Using Your Intuition

It can be difficult to find the perfect set when faced with rows of decks and books that vary greatly ranging from different meanings and styles of tarot cards to angel cards to oracle sets. Maybe you will get lucky, and one will ‘jump’ out at you letting you know it’s the right one off the bat. If that doesn’t happen right away, here is the intuitive technique that has always worked for me.

Using your intuition can get you a deck of cards that will truly resonate with you. It helps to ask your spirit guides for help when doing this. Take yourself (and your guides) down to a local new age store or one of the larger general bookstores if they have a good selection of tarot decks. Choose a few of the available tarot decks that you like and place them side by side on the shelf in front of you. Pick up each set individually, paying attention only to the sensation you get from holding it in your hand. Go through all the new decks one at a time making note of what you feel. You may feel nothing except the weight of the box for most of them. It’s different for everyone but there will be a physical sign that’s just for you. A shiver that travels up your arm (as it does for me) or a tingle at the back of your neck, your stomach could flip, your heart might race… there should be some physical sign letting you know. Repeat this several times narrowing down the choices until you get to "the one", usually you will get the same sensation over and over from the deck that’s supposed to be yours.

I went shopping for new tarot decks but had no clue about what I wanted. After staring at all the choices for almost an hour I had it down to three that I liked, with one that I thought was best. Knowing how to buy tarot cards I used this intuitive technique to help me pick the one of the three, and I was not surprised by what happened. When I picked up the one I liked the most I got nothing and felt nothing at all. A strong shiver went up my arm and my heart flipped when I picked up a box of oracle cards that I really didn’t have any interest in. I tested it several times and every time had the same experience when I picked up the set, so I bought them even though I was not really sure what I would do with them as it wasn’t my usual style. Our instincts are never wrong though, I absolutely adore these cards and of course they are a perfect addition to the tools I already use.

As a clairvoyant tarot reader, it’s important that I know how to buy tarot cards because they must work well for and with me energetically. I like to use the Universal Waite Tarot Deck in my professional readings. Another of my favorites is Connolly Tarot, not only is each card beautiful to look at, for me they act as a gateway into the client’s life. When using these cards during a reading, it’s like I’m given instant access to that person’s energy field allowing me to ‘read’ information about them and their lives past and present.

We don't always know what will end up being our gateway, and it’s a good idea to try different types of divination decks to access full potential of your gifts.

Wiki - Esoteric Tarot

Ian Parkin is the author of this post.