If you have any interest in tarot, you may have noticed that there are tons of different decks on the market. You also may have noticed that tarot readers typically aren’t shy about about adding to our collections.
It may seem excessive to have multiple tarot decks, but there’s actually a really good reason for this. Different decks can actually give you different messages and change the dynamic of the reading.
Before we dive in, I want to not that if you’re new to tarot and/or this site, I like to note that my brand of tarot isn’t about fortune telling. You can absolutely use tarot for predictive purpose (which can be a lot of fun), but I’ve found that the most powerful tarot readings are more coaching and actionable.
I believe we all have free will. As a result, I believe tarot to be much more helpful and empowering when I focus on about how I can make something happen, and not if something will happen to me.
While there are some predictive elements in actionable readings, I believe readings that focus on inspiring and empowering you to to take action so you can live your best life possible are the most helpful.
With that said, let’s take a look at how different tarot decks can lead to different and unique readings!
Side note, this page contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using the product links on this page, I may get a small commission. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps to support the site. Thank you!
First, some tarot basics
Each tarot card has a handful of general meanings that can be applied to understand the card’s message.
However, as an intuitive tarot reader, I use these general meanings as secondary information. Instead, I’ll first gaze at the card and see what part of the image jumps, then let my intuition tell me what it means and how it applies to the reading.
This intuitive read is the primary message for me. I’ll then add in the traditional meaning to add additional layers to the messages as it feels appropriate.
Because my interpretation of the cards and the messages are reliant on the images, different depictions can lead to different messages. This means the messages you receive can vary based on the deck used in the reading.
It would be very possible to pull the same card in three different decks for the same question and get a different reading.
A demonstration
For the sake of this demonstration, we’re going to use the ten of swords.
Speaking very generally, if this card comes up in your reading, it likely means that you’ve endured a particularly challenging period or cycle, but it’s coming to an end soon.
Let’s take a look at how this card can be interpreted differently with three different tarot decks.
Traditional Smith Rider Waite Tarot
This is the traditional ten of swords from the Smith Rider Waite deck, which is what most tarot decks are based on.
Here you can see that this person has been knocked down hard. They have swords sticking out of them, they’ve taken a lot of hits, and have likely really struggled lately.
But you can see off in the distance that the sun is starting to break through the darkened sky, so despite the struggles, there’s some real hope that this cycle is ending.
(If you like this deck, you can get it here!)
The Modern Witch Tarot
This deck is more modernized depictions of the traditional Smith Rider Waite art. You can see the similarities. Both cards show a person being stabbed repeatedly with swords, a darkened sky that seems to be breaking, etc.
But if you take a closer look at this card, you’ll see this character is a lot less bothered by what seems to be happening to her. She’s on her phone as if she’s just passing the time, waiting for this period to be over.
So in this case, I’m more likely to read this as someone who has had a lot thrown their way, but really isn’t phased by it. It might not be easy, and it might not be ideal, but this is someone who likely does well under pressure and isn’t as overwhelmed by what’s going on around them as the person in the traditional deception.
As a result, I’m likely to draw the same conclusions about the person I’m reading for.
(If you like this deck, you can find it here.)
The Light Seer’s Tarot
This deck features much more vivid and varied interpretations of the original art. This ten of swords I’d read as the most open, uplifting, and optimistic of the group.
I read this card as the calm after the storm. Yes, this person may have had some struggles lately, but they’ve already gotten up off the mat. The sun is shining again and it’s left this character with a fresh perspective. They feel lighter, stronger, and ready for the next cycle.
And again, I’m likely to think the same would be true for the person I’m reading for.
(If you like this deck, you can find it here.)
Want to see for yourself?
If you’re curious to see how a tarot deck can deliver a unique message just for you, consider getting a tarot reading with me!
Foreshadow Intuitive Tarot offers a handful of tarot readings for you to try out. Some of these readings are built around a preconceived question, but everything can be customized.
I specialize in helping soul seekers, creators, and highly sensitive people transform their lives and write their own story. To see what category fits you best, visit the home page.
For more on my Tarot philosophy, you can can check out the About page.
If you’d like to know even more about me, you can read my story here.
If you’ve had a reading before, what was your experience? If you haven’t, what are you most curious about? Tell me about it in the comments!
