Traditional/Beginner Decks

Just click on the name of a deck (or the High Priestess image of that deck) to see sample card images and to read additional information on the deck.  You can also purchase most of these decks from the information pages.
 
Diamond Tarot
For those who want something that goes beyond traditional Tarot without losing what is familiar, the Diamond Tarot offers a colorful card reading experience.  These cards are a reworking of Pamela Coleman Smith's Rider Waite Tarot images . . . beautifully done with a new twist of kaleidoscope or psychedelic coloration to enhance the "mood" of each card.

From the box of cards:  "In a few words, the explanation of the individual Tarot cards highlight those things which are essential for you to understand and learn at this present time.  By using a simple and effective method of consulting the Diamond Tarot, you can quickly gain surprising insights into yourself, a situation, or other people."

--Deck by Elizabeth Josephine Gill 

© 1997 US Games Systems Inc.
 


 
Era of Aquarius
This is a colorful and pleasing deck presented in traditional Tarot themes.  It has similarities to the Rider Waite version of Tarot, and this makes it easy to use.

This is an enjoyable alternative to the Rider-Waite, and you will be sure to enjoy the images presented.

This deck is out-of-print and may be very hard to find if you're looking for a copy.  But you can still enjoy receiving a reading presentation with illustrations of these cards  if you choose the Era of Aquarius when purchasing a reading here at Tarot Wisdom Readings.

--Deck by Marina Bolgarchuk

© 1998 Printed in Russia


 
Gilded Tarot
The Gilded Tarot is truly a masterpiece in Tarot work!  Ciro Marchetti brings you a deck that will draw you in and invite you to explore the messages hidden there.  It is easy to get lost in such beautiful, enchanting detail.  Although this deck is not entirely traditional, it is one that could effectively be used by a beginner, as the card images convey the essential concepts and layers of meaning.  There is enough tradition here for the deck to be easy to use and familiar . . . but tradition with a whole lot more added in!  A deck that truly stands apart from others and sets a new standard in Tarot art!

The author's approach in creating this deck was based on an assumption that the main two audiences for these cards would be those who collect Tarot cards for their visual appeal . . . and those who plan to actually use them in readings.  Marchetti wanted a style and content that would appeal to both.  He used the Rider Waite as a base to ensure tradition was maintained to a large degree, and then borrowed various styles from historical eras to include in his work.  Additionally, he has incorporated an array of mechanical devices which he feels bridges the contrasting worlds of faith and science.

For those who love a deck filled with incredible beauty to enhance a reading, this one is absolutely perfect!!  --Deck by Ciro Marchetti
© 2005 Ciro Marchetti


 

 

Gill Tarot
The images from the Gill Tarot provide an interesting combination of color and symbolism.  The card meanings are derived from the Tree of Life and Numerology.  The backs of the cards portray the Tree of Life, and included in the deck is a card diagramming a Tree of Life Spread.  The Gill Tarot is said to be very accurate in illustrating the connection between Tarot and the Tree of Life, so it's a nice deck recommendation for readers or seekers whose interests and studies lean in that direction.  It's also a very nice choice for anyone wanting something a little different, yet also holds a lot of Tarot tradition in symbols and imagery.

From the box of cards:  "The Gill Tarot by Elizabeth Josephine Gill presents 78 stunning full-color pictures which enable the reader to see his or her own reflection of life."

From the Introduction of the Little White Book:  "By using the symbolic pictures of ourselves and our ancient path, the tarot speaks directly to the subconscious, and thus reflects, like a mirror, both the hidden and the accessible parts of the self, areas that may have been buried or ignored.  The archetypal pictures offer clues to our nature, our road, and "how things work."  --Deck by Elizabeth Josephine Gill
© 1990 US Games Systems Inc.
 


 
Golden Tarot
The Golden Tarot is a lovely deck choice for those who appreciate art from the Middle Ages and early Renaissance periods.  It holds a traditional theme based on Rider-Waite imagery, but has been done in digital collage to reflect art from the historical era of the 13th to 16th century.
 

From the Back of the Card Box:  "A stunning compilation of tarot collages from artwork of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance.  The poignant images evoke a feeling of gentle beauty and human frailty while remaining true to the tradition of the Rider-Waite symbolism."

--Deck by Kat Black

© 2003 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.


 
Hanson Roberts Tarot
This is a lovely deck for anyone interested in traditional Tarot themes with a gentle tone.  The images for this deck were created using colored pencils . . . and the effect is quite attractive.  If you are ready to experience Tarot filled with beauty, drama, and inspiration . . . this may just be the deck for you!

From the Dedication Card inside the pack:  "On a stone balcony, a young gypsy girl pulls back the veil and invites the viewer to explore the unknown, the mysteries of the mind and spirit, through the ancient Tarot."
From the book, The Hanson-Roberts Tarot Companion:" . . . creating The Hanson-Roberts Tarot is, to Mary Hanson Roberts, 'the most delightful project,' she has ever been involved with.  She is delighted to share the deck with all who seek understanding through the beautiful Tarot."  --Deck by Mary Hanson Roberts
© 1985 US Games Systems Inc.


 
Hudes Tarot
This is an attractive deck which follows a traditional trend in Tarot symbolism.  There is also no nudity in the deck, so it can be used effectively for even the more sensitive of clients without worry of offending.  Artist Susan Hudes was inspired by the beauty of medieval art and the symbolic nature of mythology which led to her to the creation and design of the Hudes Tarot.  She took advantage of a variety of resources in creating her images, including constellation charts, antique maps, and marbled paper.  The result is a beautifully rendered deck with rich colors to enhance the card scenes.

From the introductory card:  "The beauty of medieval art and the symbolic nature of mythology served as her [Susan Hudes] inspiration for the creation of Hudes Tarot.  She combines the soft, luminous qualities of watercolor with antique maps, constellation charts and marbled paper to create the collages in these paintings.  The magical nature of medieval thought combined with the themes of alchemy and astrology appear throughout this special tarot deck." --Deck Susan Hudes
© 1995 US Games Systems Inc. 


 
Morgan Greer Tarot
A very attractive Tarot deck that follows traditional themes, but in a more colorful presentation.  These cards have no borders, and this is also a feature that makes them unique.

From the Introduction of the Little White Book:  "Most people have the desire to choose the right relationship; want to know what might evolve next and how to prepare for it; and share the ultimate need to know the truth about the meaning and direction of their lives.  Those who have discovered the Tarot as a means of exploring life's questions find continued comfort and solace in the knowledge that there is a positive and eternal force that works for the benefit of all."

--Deck by Bill Greer, illustrator, and Lloyd Morgan

© 1979 US Games Systems Inc.
 


 
New Palladini Tarot
This is a beautiful deck, filled with vivid artwork and attractive colors.  It was the author's intention to create a deck that is "both beautiful and powerful, ancient and modern."  I think he succeeded!  Anyone who wants to stay within the themes of a traditional Tarot system, but would like something fun, lovely, and visually appealing will truly appreciate this deck!

From the Introduction Card:  "As the creator of The New Palladini Tarot, I have tried to infuse as much magic and true meaning as possible into the artwork.  But these subtleties will only become apparent and useful after careful and patient introspection.  Each door which opens reveals more doors to be opened.  Each road traveled leads to more roads and choices.  Each new piece of knowledge gleaned from the cards leads to greater knowledge.

--Deck by David Palladini 

© 1996 US Games Systems Inc.


 
New Vision, Tarot of the
If you've ever wanted to experience Tarot in a "behind-the-scenes" way, Tarot of the New Vision presents the images so that you get to view what is happening from the back instead of directly from the front of the card.  This is an interesting approach for Tarot and can expand on traditional meanings.  The card images closely follow the traditional Rider Waite imagery, but with some additional elements not found in the famous Rider Waite style, and from a new perspective that turns the cards around 180 degrees for a peek behind the scenes.

From the Card Box  "For the first time, the most famous and best selling deck in the world from a new perspective.  Men, animals, and objects, hidden up until today, come to life and acquire meaning.

--Deck by Petro Alligo.  Artwork by Raul and Gianluca Cestaro

© 2003 Lo Scarabeo


 
Radiant Rider Waite Tarot
Another new look for the most famous and traditional Tarot deck.  This is the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot which is a recolorized version of the Rider-Waite done in richer, bolder hues.  Anyone who has previously avoided the original Rider version of cards might like to take a new look with this beautifully redone deck.  The images are essentially the same as the original . . . just a lot prettier to look at and work with.  You could say these cards are . . . radiant! :-)

I definitely recommend this deck to beginners or to anyone wanting a reading with a traditional and original form of Tarot.  Many experienced readers use this deck in their Tarot practices, even with such a large variety of decks that are available now.  Tradition holds a place in many a reader's heart, and this deck represents tradition in a way that is more colorful, brighter, and overall just really nice to work with.

--Original art by Pamela Colman Smith recolorized by Virginijus Poshkus
© 2003 US Games Systems Inc.


 
Rider-Waite Tarot
This deck is considered the most popular Tarot deck used today in the United States.  The original publication was in 1909, and today readers and seekers still enjoy this original and traditional form of Tarot in readings.  It's an excellent deck choice for anyone wanting to learn the Tarot, as most publications today use this deck for illustration.  I definitely recommend this deck to beginners or to anyone wanting a reading with the most traditional and original form of Tarot.  Many experienced readers continue to use this deck in their Tarot practices, even with such a large variety of decks that are available now.  It's a deck that is certainly very cherished and special to me, as I learned to read the cards with it.

--Deck designed by Pamela Colman Smith under the direction of Arthur Edward Waite

© 1971 US Games Systems Inc.


 
Robin Wood Tarot
A deck filled with astonishing detail and beauty, the Robin Wood Tarot is an ever increasingly popular choice for both readers and seekers alike!  It's a brilliant deck for readers at any level, and it's also an equally exciting deck for those who are getting a reading.  Artist and deck designer, Robin Wood, worked on these cards for nearly 10 years.  Her goal was to create a deck that presented traditional Tarot symbolism in a more modern and natural way.  The art is vivid, colorful, and expressive.

From the back of the box:  "The Robin Wood Tarot is flavored with vibrant nature imagery and luminous energies that enchant and stimulate Pagans and non-Pagans alike.  The shining strength of this Tarot deck lies in its depiction of the Minor Arcana.  Unlike other decks, in which you sense that the artist may have found the Minor cards just a little repetitive, all of the cards in Robin Wood's deck spring to pulsating life.  Even the novice reader will find these cards easy to understand and enjoyable to interpret.  Radiantly colorful and infinitely captivating, this deck is a gift to your visual and psychic senses."

--Deck by Robin Wood
© 1991 Llewellyn Publications


 
Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg
A beautiful deck that will captivate you with its finely detailed and intricate art rendered by Russian miniature artist Yury Shakov.  The images are small, but this is representative of "miniature" paintings, and is what makes this deck unique and special.  The imagery is easy to read and is suitable for beginning levels or for anyone wanting something noticeably different that still follows traditional Tarot themes.

From the box of cards:  "Complete deck of 78 cards by Russian artist, Yury Shakov, renowned for lacquer miniatures and flawless depictions of Russian folk and fairy tales.  The miniature paintings in stunning color are framed within an oval border against a black field and are reminiscent of Imperial Faberge eggs.  The Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg is a treasure of symbolism combined with richly superb art."  --Deck by Yury Shakov
© 1989 US Games Systems Inc.


 
Tarot of Dreams
Another visual delight from Ciro Marchetti!  Tarot of Dreams is an exquisite deck with beautiful color and detail.  Not only does it present to us great beauty and insight to the secrets that we wish to discover . . . but in this set, you also receive an interactive CD that includes a guidebook, animated Major Arcanas, wallpaper and screensavers for your PC, and other sweet goodies to enjoy!  This set is only available from the author's website.  Click on the review for more information if you wish to purchase this Tarot deck set.

From the back of the box -- message from Ciro Marchetti:  "The Tarot of Dreams is a visual experience to delight and entertain you.  The 80-card deck (including a reference card and a cover card) follows the Fool's journey through the Major Arcana and continues with fully illustrated Minors in suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Coins. . . . The production of the Tarot of Dreams has been a very personal experience, an arduous but satisfying journey.  I have provided some scenery along the way, but now this journey is yours to take, one with no limits of time or distance.  I hope you enjoy it."

--Deck by Ciro Marchetti  (www.ciromarchetti.com)
© 2005 Ciro Marchetti


 
Universal Waite Tarot
A new look for the most famous and traditional Tarot deck.  This is the Universal Waite Tarot which is a recolorized version of the Rider-Waite.  Mary Hanson-Roberts used vivid pastels for a smoother tone and attractive coloring for the cards.  Anyone who has previously avoided the original Rider version of cards might like to take a new look with this beautifully redone deck.  The images are essentially the same as the original . . . just a lot prettier to look at and work with.

I definitely recommend this deck to beginners or to anyone wanting a reading with a traditional and original form of Tarot.  Many experienced readers use this deck in their Tarot practices, even with such a large variety of decks that are available now.  Tradition holds a place in many a reader's heart, and this deck represents tradition in an enhanced way that is quite lovely and useful.
--Deck art originally by Pamela Coleman Smith; Recolorized by Mary Hanson-Roberts
© 1991 US Games Systems Inc.

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