Recommendations

Tarot Decks for the Codex Method.

We recommend these highly legible, RWS-based decks for practicing the visual interpretation techniques taught throughout The Tarot Codex.

Classic 1909 Tarot Deck preview
Pamela Colman Smith & Arthur Edward Waite

Classic 1909 Tarot Deck

The definitive facsimile edition of the original 1909 Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Features the classic hand-drawn line art, historical colors, and complete guidebook. The absolute baseline for learning visual tarot and the foundation of The Tarot Codex.

Tarot Vintage preview
Lo Scarabeo / Classic Waite-Smith

Tarot Vintage

An atmospheric, nostalgically aged version of the traditional Waite-Smith imagery. Cards feature a muted, tea-stained parchment look and a tactile linen-finish feel, adding an antique, old-world vibe to readings.

Universal Waite Tarot preview
Recolored by Mary Hanson-Roberts

Universal Waite Tarot

The classic Waite-Smith deck, refreshed with softer, more naturalistic, and luminous colors. Mary Hanson-Roberts' serene palette makes card details much easier to study, meditate on, and read.

The Weiser Tarot preview
Weiser Books Edition

The Weiser Tarot

A fresh, vibrant watercolor-painted edition of the 1909 Smith-Waite cards. Includes Hebrew and astrological correspondences directly on the Major Arcana, making it highly functional for kabbalistic and astrological tarot study.

Gilded Tarot Royale preview
Ciro Marchetti

Gilded Tarot Royale

A stunning, borderless, contemporary update of the classic deck with vibrant digital fantasy, steampunk, and Italian Renaissance art. Highly recommended for visual inspiration and modern reading.