Can't decide to buy which deck

starz,

maybe you can manage to get both decks because there is a lovely small kit version of the Hanson-Roberts deck called "Tarot to go" which is really not expensive. The size is 1.97 x 3.23 , a handy size to take it with you where ever you go. And if you buy it on the Amazon marketplace you maybe can buy a Gilded as well.

I'm very lucky that I don't have to choose between them cause I have both decks and won't miss one.

Since you will have both decks eventually, I think
it comes down to: which deck should you start with?
The votes for the Hanson-Roberts are reasonably
based on it's very basic symbolism, which is soundly
founded in the RWS system. I've seen it said over and
over again that the HR is an excellent beginner deck; lots
of fellow tarotphiles claim to have successfully learnt how
to read the cards with that deck.

The Gilded is fairly new on the market, but already
seems to have quite a following. It's quite beautiful, I
have to agree. The draw to this deck is strong, even
for me, and I don't need another deck, LOL. The downfall
I see for a beginner, when comparing the two choices, is
that the Gilded has only the one book to accompany
your study.

On the other hand, the HR is referenced in many tarot
books, as well as two books specifically keyed to that deck.
It is very clearly a variation of the RWS, and therefore open
to study with any RWS reference, as well. I've not used the
Hanson-Roberts deck myself, but I have gifted it to a
few appreciative tarot novices over the years.

Thanks! I'll start with the HR tarot cards first.. It's easy to become addictive to tarot. So many beautiful cards!

I read some very harsh, contemporary, edgy, fine-art decks, but when I want something lovely, easy, tasteful, and gentle, I always turn to the HR. I own three of them, two normal sized and one mini, because I can't think WHAT I'd do without it. No matter where you go from here, the HR wil provide you the necessary balance and grounding in tradition and aesthetic.