My 5 Favorite Tarot + Oracle Decks (and Why I Love Them)
When I received my first tarot reading from a friend in 2017, I remember feeling seen and understood in a way I never had before. I loved how the cards took me on a journey while reflecting back what I’d been experiencing in my life. At the time, it felt like magic. I immediately bought my first deck and dove headfirst into learning everything I could. I was constantly drawing cards and journaling about them. I would even sit at my favorite bar, and do readings for anyone who would let me.
Even though I’ve collected many tarot and oracle decks over the years, I still use the same deck I learned with to do readings for others. I’ve put in so many hours with that deck, that I’ve built a strong connection to the cards and trust them to uncover whatever needs to be revealed in each reading. Each set of cards holds their own unique energy, and it’s important to honor their energy and their boundaries. The more you work with your cards, the more you’ll get to know them and infuse your own unique energy into your deck.
Choosing your tarot or oracle deck is an extremely personal experience and sometimes requires some trial and error. I have decks in my collection that are beautiful, but I simply don’t connect with them, and they sit unused. I also have my few reliable decks that I use regularly. I’m sharing my top favorites from my collection and what I love about them to make the search for your favorite deck a little easier.
The Top 5 Tarot + Oracle Decks I Keep Reaching For
These decks are a great addition to your collection whether you’re new to tarot or an experienced reader looking to expand their library. These are my most loved and most used decks from my collection.
The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck by Kim Krans
This deck holds a special place in my heart. It was the deck used when I received my first reading. It’s also the first deck I owned and used to learn tarot. I use these cards when I give readings to friends, clients, and in my personal work. I love the illustrations, and the use of animal imagery. I feel that these cards have the ability to uncover and deliver truths in a very honest and neutral way. This deck is perfect for beginners, seasoned readers, and anyone in-between. It’s a staple in my collection, and one I use daily.
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck by Kim Krans
This is my favorite of all the Wild Unknown decks. It’s a great deck for anyone who isn’t sure if tarot is right for them, or who just want to dip their toes into the world of tarot. The deck follows some of the traditional aspects of tarot: there are four suits with a few major arcana cards, and each suit has a progression. Each suit of this deck corresponds to one of the four elements with the major arcana embodying the spirit. I also love that the guidebook describes qualities for each card that are “in balance” and “out of balance” along with a recommendation of how to bring the energy of the card back into balance. This is my favorite deck to give to others as well.
The Gentle Tarot by Mari in the Sky
It says it all in the name. This deck feels like soft waves gently nourishing your soul and your spirit. The delivery of each message is soft and feminine. The art in this deck was inspired by the lands of indigenous nations in Alaska. The creator, Mari, is passionate about maintaining control of her creations and thus independently publishes the deck. This deck is a great entry into the world of tarot and might resonate with those who connect to nature as a source of support and meaningful relation or want to help decolonize the practice of tarot.
Work Your Light Oracle Deck by Rebecca Campbell
This deck speaks to my soul. When I use these cards, I feel like I’m making contact with the deepest parts of myself, and I’ve felt the past, present, and future simultaneously during readings. The illustrations are beautiful, and I adore the collage style designs. This is one of those decks I don’t share with others very often. I’ve done readings for a few close soul level friends, but its magic requires an intimate and tender space. I would recommend this deck to anyone who is wanting to deepen their connection to their soul and to the collective energy of the universe. Definitely one for those who are more spiritual or woo-leaning.
The Rose Oracle Deck by Rebecca Campbell
I haven’t had this deck for very long, but I find its energy to be truly magical. I first noticed it in a metaphysical shop while visiting Bainbridge Island, but didn't feel the pull to purchase. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I ordered it in the pocket version! These cards are true works or art and follow a similar style to the Work your Light cards. This deck feels the most feminine out of all of them and helps you to connect with the healing energy of the rose. I would recommend this deck especially to anyone who has experienced a spiritual awakening or initiation of sorts. It would also be a great gift for anyone going through a season of big transformation and change.
Each of the tarot and oracle decks I’ve recommended come with their own guidebook. If you find a deck where the guidebook is sold separately, I highly recommend investing in it. Referencing the guidebook is the quickest and easiest way to get more comfortable with the cards and learn your deck.
Choosing a Tarot or Oracle Deck
There are so many different decks available today. It can feel overwhelming to choose one, especially if it’s your first deck. If you’re just starting your search, I would recommend deciding whether you want to find an oracle deck or a tarot deck first. Knowing which type of deck you’re looking for will help you narrow down your search and get clear on how you might want to incorporate this deck into your intuition and energy practices.
Tarot Decks versus Oracle Decks
Tarot decks follow a specific structure while oracle decks are flexible and the structure is defined by the creator. There are a wide variety of oracle decks with varying levels of complexity. I find that oracle decks are easier to share with others and tend to be more accessible. While all tarot decks follow the same universal system, there’s a lot of variance in decks and interpretations.
If you’re unsure if this practice is right for you, I would recommend starting with an oracle deck. If you’re interested in learning more about the tradition and history of the practice, then you might choose to work with a tarot deck. Whichever path you choose, it’s important to listen to your intuition and to understand what you’re hoping to get out of your cards and your practice.
Tips for Choosing Your New Deck
1 .Identify your purpose
Knowing how you’re going to use your cards will help you decide which deck might be best for you. Are you going to use this deck for your own personal practice, or are you trying to learn to read for others? If you’ll be reading for others, it might be helpful to envision who might be sitting across from you. Is it something you’ll randomly bring out at informal gatherings, or maybe you want a tool to help you dive deeper with close friends. If you want to start doing public readings, then I would keep that in mind and find a deck with that in mind.
I’ve found that each of my decks holds a unique energy. Some of them want to be shared, while others really ask that I only use them myself.
2. Set an intention for your cards
As you begin your search, it will be helpful to have an intention in mind. It doesn’t have to be something deep or necessarily profound. Sometimes the best intentions are the ones that are simple, honest, and straight from the heart. Think about how it will feel to be using your cards and starting this practice. What is the energy you want to bring to your practice? Maybe you create a ritual around it, incorporating other tools like journaling.
What would you like to invite into your life through your connection to this deck? Getting clear about your feelings and how you intend to use your cards will help you find that connection to your intuition and quickly know if a deck is right for you.
3. Let your intuition guide you
Are you feeling drawn to a set of cards, and you’re not sure why? It’s probably your intuition giving you a little nudge. If you’re out and find yourself wanting to pick up a deck, I recommend playing around with it in the store. Look at the cards and the imagery. Flip through the guidebook. If it excites you, then it could be the deck for you! Let your curiosity lead, and your intuition will guide you toward what you need in this particular season. It doesn’t have to be serious, either. You can approach your search with a sense of playfulness and joy. Let it be light!
It’s okay if you don’t feel connected to your deck right away. You’re not doing anything wrong. It could be that the deck you’re using might not be a good fit, or maybe it’s not the right time to invite this practice into your life. Honor where you’re at, and know that there are truly no right or wrong choices. If you’re not feeling that spark of connection, you might pause your tarot practice and come back to it later or take a break from the deck you’re using. Most of all, trust yourself and know that only you know what’s best for you.
I hope you found these recommendations helpful. I would love to hear about your experience with tarot and if any of these decks resonate with you!
If you’re curious to learn more about how tarot can be a powerful tool for transformation, you can book a clarity reading with me.
Use my free intentions worksheet alongside your tarot practice to invite more intentionality and purpose into your life.
Enhance your tarot practice by taking this short quiz to discover what kind of intuitive you are.
Kim Kogane is a writer and intuitive guide helping you navigate the tender in-between seasons. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her dog, Cauchy, and three cats. Learn more about Kim.
