How To Buy Tarot Cards The Right Way | Intuition, Tips & FAQs

Choosing your first or next tarot deck is more than a shopping trip - it’s a moment of connection. The right deck feels like an extension of your intuition, and the process of selecting it can be as magical as the readings you’ll one day perform. In this guide, I’ll share how to buy tarot cards with confidence, where to find them, what to look for, and a personal story about how my very first deck found me.

When I bought my first tarot deck, many years ago, I walked into a little metaphysical shop with no plan in mind. The shelves were stacked high with Rider–Waite decks, glossy modern interpretations, and even a few handmade sets. I picked up one box after another, waiting for something to “click.” Then it happened: as I lifted a deck illustrated with bold, mystical imagery, I felt a gentle shiver up my arm. It wasn’t flashy or expensive, but in that moment I knew it was mine. That’s the secret of buying tarot cards - it’s not just about aesthetics or price, it’s about the connection.

Where To Buy Tarot Cards

These days there are many places to find a tarot deck, and the right option depends on your preferences. Online stores such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer a huge selection, ranging from classic Rider–Waite decks to indie creations. Local metaphysical shops and new age bookstores often curate their collections with care, giving you the chance to explore energy in person. Even mainstream bookstores usually stock popular sets, while thrift stores and second-hand shops sometimes hide forgotten treasures waiting to be discovered.

What To Look For In A Deck

When comparing decks, there are a few practical things to keep in mind. Consider the art style and whether the imagery inspires you or stirs your imagination. Pay attention to the system a deck follows, as Rider–Waite, Thoth, and more modern interpretations each come with different learning curves. Look at the cardstock - thicker cards may last longer, while thinner ones shuffle more easily. Notice whether a guidebook is included and how detailed it is, as this can support your learning process. And of course, consider price: most standard decks cost between twenty and forty dollars, while rare or limited editions may be more expensive.

How To Buy Tarot Cards Using Your Intuition

Beyond the practical features, your intuition should be the final deciding factor. If you’re shopping in person, hold the deck in your hands and see how your body reacts. Many readers notice subtle sensations such as warmth, tingles, or even a small shiver when a deck resonates. If you’re browsing online, look carefully at sample images and trust your first impressions. Sometimes a deck’s artwork or theme speaks directly to your subconscious. If you feel nothing at all, that’s a sign it may not be the one for you.

Buying tarot cards in-store allows you to sense a deck’s energy directly, while online shopping gives you access to a much wider variety. Both approaches are valid; what matters is trusting your instincts and noticing which option feels most comfortable.

Beginners often wonder which deck is best to start with. While the Rider-Waite deck is a popular and accessible choice, the truth is that the best deck is always the one that feels right to you. Some also ask whether you can buy your own tarot deck, since there’s an old myth that a deck must be gifted to you. That idea is outdated - you can absolutely choose your own, and in fact, it’s often better when you do. If you don’t feel an immediate connection to any deck, don’t force it. Sometimes the right deck appears when you least expect it.

In the end, buying tarot cards isn’t just a transaction - it’s the start of a relationship. Whether you discover your deck online, in a bookstore, or tucked away in a dusty thrift shop, trust both your eyes and your intuition. The right tarot deck won’t just sit on your shelf - it will call to you, and you’ll know it when you feel it.

Wiki - Esoteric Tarot

Ian Parkin is the author of this post.