Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page — here you’ll find answers to the questions we’re asked most often about tarot, oracle cards, and shopping with The Tarot Shop UK. If your question isn’t listed here, feel free to contact us — we’re always happy to help.
BUYING TAROT & ORACLE CARDS
Where can I buy the best tarot deck in the UK?
With so many wonderful tarot decks available, finding the right one can be quite an adventure! At The Tarot Shop UK, we’ve brought together a carefully chosen collection of tarot decks, from the traditional Rider–Waite–Smith to beautiful modern interpretations and themed editions. We’re an independent UK business with a genuine love of tarot, and we believe choosing a deck should be just as enjoyable as learning to read it. Whether you’re buying your very first deck or adding something special to your collection, we’re here to help you find cards you’ll love working with. Have a browse through our Tarot collection and see what catches your eye.
What's the best tarot starter kit for beginners?
If you’re completely new to tarot, a starter kit can be a lovely way to begin without having to work out everything you need. We’ve put together our own Beginner Tarot Starter Kits to make those first steps a little easier. Our Basic Starter Kit is a simple, affordable introduction, while our Premium Starter Kit includes some additional tools to help you get started. Both have been thoughtfully assembled with beginners in mind, so you can concentrate on getting to know your cards and enjoying the learning process. You can explore both options in our Beginner Tarot Starter Kits collection.
Which tarot decks are based on Rider–Waite–Smith?
You might be surprised by just how many modern tarot decks are based on the original Rider–Waite–Smith system. First published in 1909, with artwork by Pamela Colman Smith, this is the tarot system that many of us learn with. Its wonderfully illustrated cards make it easier to understand the meanings and symbolism, particularly when you’re starting out. You’ll find traditional favourites such as the Original Rider–Waite Tarot alongside beautifully illustrated interpretations including the Radiant Wise Spirit Tarot and Golden Art Nouveau Tarot. If you enjoy learning from books or watching tarot tutorials, choosing a deck based on this system can make following along much easier. Have a look through our Rider–Waite–Smith style decks to see the different artwork available.
Where can I buy tarot and oracle decks online in the UK?
You’re in the right place! The Tarot Shop UK is an independent British online shop specialising in tarot, oracle and Lenormand cards, along with a carefully chosen selection of reading tools and gifts. We love discovering beautiful decks, whether they’re traditional favourites, unusual artwork or something a little different. Our collection is chosen with both beginners and experienced readers in mind. We also offer Royal Mail tracked delivery throughout the UK, so your new cards can make their way safely to you. Take a look around our Tarot and Oracle collections. You never know what might catch your eye!
CHOOSING & UNDERSTANDING YOUR CARDS
How do I choose my first tarot deck?
With so many wonderful tarot decks available, finding the right one can be quite an adventure! At The Tarot Shop UK, we’ve brought together a carefully chosen collection of tarot decks, from the traditional Rider–Waite–Smith to beautiful modern interpretations and themed editions. We’re an independent UK business with a genuine love of tarot, and we believe choosing a deck should be just as enjoyable as learning to read it. Whether you’re buying your very first deck or adding something special to your collection, we’re here to help you find cards you’ll love working with. Have a browse through our Tarot collection and see what catches your eye.
What's the difference between tarot and oracle cards?
This is something we’re often asked, particularly by people who are just beginning to explore card reading. The main difference is that tarot follows a traditional structure. A standard tarot deck has 78 cards, divided into 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards. Each card has established meanings and symbolism, so once you’ve learned the system, you can apply that knowledge to lots of different tarot decks. Oracle cards are much more flexible. They can have any number of cards, and the creator decides the theme, artwork and messages. Some are designed for daily inspiration, while others explore particular subjects such as angels, nature or personal development. Neither is better than the other. Tarot offers a wonderful system to study and develop over time, while oracle cards can be a lovely way to receive a simple message or explore your intuition. Many readers enjoy using both, sometimes even combining them in the same reading.
Do tarot cards tell the future?
This is probably one of the biggest questions people have about tarot! Tarot has been used for centuries as a form of divination, and many readers use the cards to explore what may lie ahead. But that doesn’t mean the future is fixed or that every event is already decided. A tarot reading can help us understand what’s happening in our lives, recognise patterns, explore possibilities and consider where our choices might lead. Sometimes a reading feels remarkably accurate, while at other times its message becomes clearer as events unfold. We believe tarot is most helpful when it gives you greater understanding of your situation and the confidence to make your own decisions.
CARING FOR YOUR TAROT CARDS
How should I store my tarot cards?
There’s no complicated rule about storing your tarot cards, but it’s worth looking after them so they stay in lovely condition. Many readers keep their decks in the original box, while others prefer a soft velvet pouch or a special tarot bag. Either is perfectly fine, provided your cards are protected from dust, damp and damage. Some people also like to keep their decks with crystals or other favourite reading tools, particularly if they have a dedicated space for their tarot practice. The most important thing is to find somewhere safe and convenient, especially if you use your cards regularly. You’ll find a selection of tarot bags and other useful accessories in our Tarot Tools collection.
Do I need to cleanse my tarot cards?
Not necessarily! Cleansing your tarot cards is a personal choice rather than something you must do. Some readers like to cleanse a new deck before its first reading, or after they’ve been using it for a while. Others simply shuffle their cards, spend a few moments getting comfortable and begin. If you enjoy working with crystals or incense, you might like to incorporate them into your routine. You could place a piece of clear quartz beside your cards, use a little incense or simply take a quiet moment to set your intention. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this, and you certainly don’t need lots of extra equipment. What’s far more important is becoming familiar with your cards, learning their meanings and developing confidence in your own reading style.
DELIVERY, RETURNS & ORDERS
How much is UK delivery?
We offer two Royal Mail tracked delivery options, so you can choose the service that suits you best.
Royal Mail Tracked 48: £3.95
Estimated delivery within 2–3 working days after dispatch.
Royal Mail Tracked 24: £4.95
Estimated delivery within 1–2 working days after dispatch.
These are estimated delivery times rather than guaranteed arrival dates.
We also deliver to the Republic of Ireland using Royal Mail International Tracked for £10.95. Please be aware that import VAT, customs duties and any clearance charges are not included and are the customer’s responsibility.
You can find more information in our Delivery Policy.
How quickly will my order be dispatched?
We know how exciting it is waiting for a new tarot deck to arrive, so we always aim to get your order on its way as quickly as possible. Orders placed before 2 PM Monday to Friday will normally be packed and dispatched that same working day. If you order after 2 PM, over the weekend or on a public holiday, we’ll normally dispatch your parcel on the next working day. Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive Royal Mail tracking information so you can follow its journey.
Can I return an item if I change my mind?
Yes. For most physical goods purchased online, you have 14 days from receiving your order to tell us that you wish to cancel, followed by a further 14 days to return the goods. If you’ve changed your mind about a tarot or oracle deck, please leave it unopened, with the original cellophane and packaging intact. Once a deck has been opened and handled, we may no longer be able to sell it as new. If an item has been handled beyond what is reasonably necessary to inspect it, and this has reduced its value, we reserve the right to make an appropriate deduction from your refund, as permitted by consumer law.
To arrange a return, please email support@the-tarot-shop.co.uk with your name and order number. We’ll provide access to our dedicated Royal Mail returns service and explain the next steps.
This does not affect your statutory rights, including your rights if an item is faulty, damaged or incorrectly supplied.
Who pays the return postage?
If you’re returning an item because you’ve changed your mind, you’ll normally be responsible for the cost of sending it back. We’ve made this easier by arranging a dedicated Royal Mail returns service. Once you’ve contacted us, we’ll provide the link and explain any applicable return postage charge before you arrange your return. If we’ve sent you the wrong item, or something arrives faulty or damaged, please don’t worry. We’ll arrange the appropriate return at no cost to you.
Just email support@the-tarot-shop.co.uk, and we’ll help you from there.
What happens if I refuse a delivery or don't collect my parcel?
If you’ve changed your mind about an order that’s already on its way, please get in touch with us rather than refusing the delivery wherever possible. When a parcel is refused or left uncollected, Royal Mail may return it to us. Depending on the circumstances, there may be a return postage charge. Where you’re responsible for the cost of returning unwanted goods, you may also be responsible for the direct return cost charged by the carrier, where permitted by law. We’ll handle any refund due in accordance with our Returns & Refunds Policy and your statutory rights.
What should I do if my parcel hasn't arrived?
First, have a look at your Royal Mail tracking information. This will usually show where your parcel is and whether there have been any delays. Occasionally deliveries take a little longer than expected, particularly during busy periods. If your tracking hasn’t updated for an unusual length of time, or you’re concerned that your parcel may be missing, please email support@the-tarot-shop.co.uk with your order number.
We’ll be happy to investigate with Royal Mail and help get things sorted.
Still have a question?
Visit our Contact Us page or email us at support@the-tarot-shop.co.uk — we’ll be happy to help.
