Hi Deana, and welcome to the forum and the world of Tarot!
You will find many friendly and helpful people from all walks of life and methodologies for interacting with cards and the 'practice' of Tarot. This said, here are a couple comments and suggestions. They reflect my own opinions--and those that disagree can, well--disagree!
The most popular symbolic format in many countries are decks based on the
Rider-Waite-Smith artwork. There are a number of 'minor' variations in terms of coloration--and more serious ones that change the characters or symbols, but still generally follow the archetypal model of the RWS.
Then there are literally hundreds of other deck designs that are target toward those appreciative of "classical & historic" decks of early Tarot history--and those that are based on the artists own whimsical, metaphysical, social, or other interpretations. The
IMPORTANT thing here is to choose a deck that you feel drawn to, and comfortable with. This deck should begin to "speak" to you--in that the images convey meanings that you can use for interpretations.
That said, the RWS is a good "first time" deck--and a foundation to begin exploring other options. Reading "for yourself" in my estimation is where
EVERYONE that is first learning needs to start. Whilst doing things for others is a wonderful thing, I seriously doubt that you are going to turn mechanical repairs to your car--or your healthcare--to someone who just got their first box of tools--or bought a Littman stethoscope on the internet...
Learning or ascribing meaning to cards, the use of different spreads, etcetera, while learning and using that on oneself is good business! You likely know yourself reasonably well (it's hoped!) and can hence better get a feel for how your understanding of the imagery of the cards (and/or interpretive systems of others) really bears out in pragmatism and practicality.
Now, to the other
BIG DEAL. There again are hundreds upon hundreds of books, websites, 'gurus', and method-thumpers out there that directly or subtly insist that one method is superior--or that one method is the
ONLY true system for understanding the meanings of the cards. Some are deeply wound up in esoteric/occult wisdom or claptrap to be virtually impossible to understand in short order--others are based in other more humanistic frames.
There are basically two schools of Tarot approach. The 'classical' or historic system is based in the aforementioned systems of metaphysical lore and involve very defined and rigorous interpretation. The other is rooted in the concept that the individual themselves calls out meanings based on their own perception and interpretation of the archetypes and social models of the cards. In between these two approaches lie a myriad of combinations and systems.
The most "popular' derives from the works of A.E. Waite & Paul Foster Case, and wildly popularized in the 60s and 70s by Eden Gray. This latter (plus the venerable Celtic Cross spread) likely remain the dominant foundation for beginners and conventional practitioners. The purchase of a RWS deck, and Gray's "
A Complete Guide to Tarot" remain a sound 'middle course' introduction and jumping off point.
In the final analysis, one must find, research, and apply what works best with their own intuition, interest, and abilities.
From there, lots of mainline books and websites by well known practitioners such as
Mary Greer and
Benebell Wen can deepen and widen ones thinking. Conversation with those here in this and other fora can lead you to different directions as well.
Again, welcome and enjoy! There is no "wrong way" to use and learn Tarot--unless it is for the manipulation and exploitation of others...
