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With the growing popularity of tarot and oracle cards, counterfeit decks have unfortunately become common — especially through online marketplaces and third-party sellers. These fake decks often look similar at first glance, but they usually come with issues that affect both quality and ethics. Whether you’re a new reader or a seasoned collector, here’s how to recognize counterfeit tarot cards and make sure you’re buying from trusted sources.
Why Counterfeit Decks Are a Concern
- Poor Print Quality: Colors may be dull, artwork blurry, or details misaligned.
- Missing Guidebooks or Cards: Fakes often come without a proper guidebook or include an incomplete or poorly translated version. Sometimes there might also be missing cards which will definitely cause unnecessary frustrations.
- Low-Quality Materials: Cardstock is usually thinner, and the box may feel flimsy or damaged.
- Ethical Issues: Many counterfeit decks are produced without the artist’s or publisher’s permission, leading to stolen artwork and lost revenue for creators.
Key Signs of a Counterfeit Tarot Deck
1. Suspiciously Low Price
If a well-known deck is priced far below standard (e.g., under $10 USD), it’s most likely a fake. Genuine decks usually range between $20 and $40 depending on the publisher and format.
2. No or Mini Guidebook
Most authentic decks include a properly formatted, full-sized guidebook. Counterfeits may skip this completely or include a mini booklet with unclear or incorrect text.
3. Low-Quality Packaging
Authentic decks typically come in a well-designed, durable box — often with logos, ISBNs, and branding. Fakes may arrive in shrink-wrap or flimsy boxes with blurry designs or grammatical errors.
4. Thin or Flimsy Cards
Counterfeit cards often feel noticeably lighter or cheaper — more on this in the next section.
5. Untrustworthy Sellers
Watch out for listings with unclear images, inconsistent product descriptions, low ratings, or vague seller information. Stick to official sources or verified retailers when possible.
Why Price Matters: Cardstock & Printing Quality
Counterfeit tarot cards are often cheaply produced to offer lower prices, but they typically don’t last long. These fake decks are more likely to get damaged, bent, or worn out compared to authentic ones. The artwork may appear blurry or distorted, and the text can be pixelated, making the cards difficult to read. In the end, investing a bit more in a quality deck can save you the hassle of returns and refunds. Authentic decks are more durable and, over time, save both your money and effort.
Authentic vs. Fake Cards
| Authentic | Fake | |
| Cardstock Thickness | Usually 300-350 GSM; premium decks may use up to 400 GSM | 200-250 GSM or thinner |
| Feel | Smooth or slightly textured, durable yet flexible | Flimsy, bends easily, rough surfaces |
| Finish | Matte, glossy, satin or linen – often with quality protective coating | Uneven lamination, either overly shiny or dull with printing that wears off overtime |
| Printing | Sharp and high resolution artworks, vibrant colors and clear fonts | Blurry or pixelated images, faded or “off” colors, fonts may be hard to read |
| Extras | – Sturdy and well designed boxes – ISBN barcode and Copyright info – Bonus cards or art cards of the artists – High quality, color printed mini guide books – Good packaging | – Thin, low quality boxes (like normal playing cards) – No branding, publisher names or ISBN – No bonus cards – No or badly printed mini guide books – Poor packaging |
How to Avoid Buying Counterfeits
- Buy from Trusted Sources
Purchase directly from the publisher, the artist, or reliable platforms like:- U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
- Sterling Ethos
- Rockpool Publishing
- Llewellyn
- Amazon (only if sold by or fulfilled by the publisher)
- Check for ISBN or Publisher Info
Most real decks include ISBN numbers and publisher details on the box or guidebook. - Compare Product Photos
Visit the artist or publisher’s site to check packaging, box design, and card back images before buying. - Avoid Unofficial “Mini” Versions
Be cautious of small or pocket-sized decks unless they’re officially listed by the publisher.
Here are some of the beautifully designed decks with great quality, from reputable sellers / publishers:
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
In creating Ethereal Visions Tarot, Matt Hughes has drawn inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement, adopting its distinctive style and meticulous approach to craftsmanship. The artist has also created two additional cards to supplement the traditional Major Arcana. Every detailed image in the 80-card deck is hand drawn and colored. Each card is illuminated with gold foil stamping, to elegant effect. Includes a 140-page expanded, full-color guidebook.
The glory of felines is celebrated with Renaissance flair! Teng has created an ornate deck that blends classical and contemporary ideologies and artistic styles. With booklet text by Gina M. Pace, Medieval Cat Tarot is a beautifully aristocratic deck with a humorous twist. 78 Card Full color deck. Includes booklet of instructions
Celestial Tarot is both a handbook of the heavens and an oracular guide to the inner life. The twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana are represented by the twelve zodiacal constellations and ten planets. Each minor suit represents one of the four astrological elements. The accompanying booklet introduces the greater mysteries with a chart of astrological and elemental correspondences. The descriptions of the cards explore the mythological archetypes represented in the major and minor arcana, brought to life by the exquisite artwork of Kay Steventon. “Embedded in the night sky are archetypal images, symbols, and stories that have enchanted the human soul for aeons. Onto this sanctuary of the sky the sky the ancients projected their imagination using the star-patterns to animate their myths and create the skyscape that shapes the imagery of Celestial Tarot. Underpinning the seventy-eight cards of Celestial Tarot are the ancient traditions of astrology, astronomy, and mythology. Celestial Tarot makes a great impact as it not only amplifies and broadens the meaning of the contemporary cards but it also utilizes the oldest forms of divination.”– Brian Clark, Introducing Celestial Tarot. A more comprehensive guidebook of Celestial Tarot is now available as e-book on Amazon and iTunes!
Spiritsong Tarot won second place for ATA Reader’s Choice Award for Best Tarot Deck of 2017This Spiritsong deck is a melding of two traditions of divination: one in which animals are seen as guides between our world and the spirit world, and one that uses 78 cards as a tool to connect with our highest self. Each animal was specifically selected based upon Shamanic and Native American symbolism, merging each animal’s unique power with classic tarot practices. For example, the Spiritsong animal, Raven, has attributes such as ‘creation’ that parallels some of the same symbolic tarot attributes of the traditional Magician card, which is why the Raven is the animal representing that card. The Spiritsong Tarot structure is based on the traditional tarot, containing the 22 Majors, the 56 Minors, and four suits: Acorns for Wands/Fire; Feathers for Swords/Air; Shells for Cups/Water; and Crystals for Pentacles/Earth. Connected to the portals of higher worlds, the 78 Spiritsong animals are mentors of divine guidance. Bearing their own Shamanic powers, they’re forever open to providing their energy when called upon. They’re always available to help you attain your greatest spiritual potential. If you ask, they will provide guidance needed to assist you in finding the best remedy for any situation. Set includes 78 cards and 108-page guidebook. Also by Paulina Cassidy: Joie de Vivre Tarot, Witchlings Deck and Book Set and Paulina Tarot
Rendered in the rich style of traditional Chinese artwork, the vibrant colors and clear messages of The Chinese Tarot Deck offer an aesthetic and accessible tarot experience. Jui Guoliang has created elegant ink and watercolor designs that skillfully blend archetypal symbols of Ancient Chinese literature, legend, philosophy, and culture. The Major Arcana draws upon the benevolent wisdom and insight of inspirational figures such as Confucius, Kuan Yin, and Chang Tao Ling, the Heavenly Master. The fully pictorial Minor Arcana are equally endowed with the lessons of Chinese history. The booklet by Stuart R Kaplan offers a description of each card’s symbolism, with both upright and reversed meanings.
Sterling Ethos
The strength of traditional tarot symbols combine with diverse bodies, up-to-the-minute fashion, and the strength and power of twenty-first-century witchcraft, where we make our own magic.
The 78 cards of the tarot deck are rich with meaning—archetypes like The Magician, The Empress, and The Chariot reflect our lived experience and are a mirror into the ways in which we interact with the world. Acclaimed artist Lisa Sterle takes these symbols into contemporary life with vibrant art that celebrates the diversity, excitement, and energy of the new kind of magic that is happening in this world. The Modern Witch Tarot Deck is the answer to your questions about the past, the present, and whatever the future may hold, and its empowering messages will help you take the next step toward whatever you desire.
A beautifully illustrated and stunningly original tarot deck by Alba Ballesta González.
Inspired by ancient rituals and stories of sacred animal spirits, the White Numen forms a path to human reconnection with the natural world and spiritual realm. This uniquely beautiful tarot deck features sacred animal spirits (‘Numen’) interwoven into the classical imagery of the tarot to create cards that are both otherworldly and contemporary, with a fantasy style inspired by the likes of comic master Moebius. Most of the illustrations feature powerful women, including Death, draped in a black cloak, carrying her banner, and riding a white horse; the Queen of Pentacles, seated gracefully amid soft greenery; and the Sun striding across a desert-like landscape. Includes complete 78-card tarot deck with guidebook.
The Spoopy Tarot deck is a kawaii treat for all the spooky season tricksters, featuring the classic tarot deck reimagined with cute li’l ghosts, nasty witches, and other fun stuff that goes bump in the night. Instead of the fool’s journey, Spoopy Tarot follows a spirit floating through a haunted house, encountering 78 extremely cute tarot cards—adorable versions of traditional tarot archetypes in the major and minor arcana.
Check out your future kawaii style with the cutest tarot deck ever created. Featured in Buzzfeed!
Everyone loves kawaii, the adorable Japanese art style found in comics, TV, fashion, and more. Now, this easy-to-use kit brings that charm to the world of tarot decks! Packaged with an accessible guidebook to help you interpret your readings, this tarot deck features a sweet pastel-colored design that will appeal to avid tarot readers and kawaii collectors alike. Includes 78 illustrated tarot cards and guidebook to help you interpret your readings.
Taking inspiration from the archetypes of the original tarot decks like the Rider-Waite, The Essential Tarot deck reimagines them for a new age: powerful, diverse, and full of contemporary wisdom.
As depicted by many artists and authors throughout the ages, tarot has become an effective way to understand yourself and others—and perhaps even look into the future. But a new audience for tarot is being born, and its adherents want a new way to see the world: fresh, contemporary, and full of diverse bodies, races, and genders, acknowledging the spiritual and cultural offerings of people around the globe and throughout history. These practitioners need an essential deck that both honors the tradition of tarot that has given power to readers for generations and also gives them insight and hope for the generations to come. Includes 78 tarots cards with guidebook.
Rockpool Publishing
Filled with snails, cakes, fly-traps, and octopus, this deck is a modern and colourful twist on the traditional Tarot de Marseille. The Squid Cake Marseille is a 78 card deck where you’ll discover Knights riding creatures, quirky faces and a delicious colour palette! Bring a little light-heartedness to your readings while dishing out the cold hard truth… with a side of humour! Regardless if The Chariot is being pulled by two snails instead of horses, or The Hierophant is giving advice to two pink birds rather than people, the message is still the same.
Engage your creativity and be inspired to think outside the box. Let the images of this deck tell you a story.
Access your intuitive abilities with the potent visual imagery of this beautiful deck and shine a light on your inner self.
The universe is alive and listening. When you take time to intentionally connect and play with this deck, the universe is ready to work with and through you, guiding and supporting you with the answers you’ve been seeking.
Lumina Tarot is a tool for you to access the places in yourself that are at times hard to reach. It’s not so much a divination tool as it is a mirror, offering self-exploration, reflection and confirmation. Lumina Tarot invites you to see yourself in new ways, calling you to come back into your own knowing, where you can feel the stirrings of your soul’s essence guiding you forward. Let go of your judgements and preconceived ideas and move into the waters of your natural intuitive ability. Lean into this feeling, for it is from this place that you are able to unfold your own mystery.
This animal-themed card deck reflects nature through mythical and ethereal means and is rich in animal symbolism, allowing you to spiritually connect with the universe and yourself through the exquisite art of divination.The deck is suitable for beginners, enthusiasts and advanced tarot readers. Featuring 78 unique animal illustrations, it also makes a great gift for art enthusiasts.
Llewellyn
Here, the Hierophant becomes the High Priest, Wheel of Fortune becomes Wheel of the Year, and Judgement becomes Karma.
Based on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck and filled with images that speak to today’s magickal practitioner, witchcraft takes center stage in this stunning deck designed by highly respected Witch and Tarot reader Ellen Dugan. Featuring the vibrant artwork of award-winning artist Mark Evans, Witches Tarot is the perfect combination of Tarot and the Craft.
In addition to card descriptions and meanings, Dugan’s companion guide features spell-enhancing spreads―such as the Triple Goddess Spread, the Four Elements Spread, and the Wheel of the Year Spread―that you can use in both Tarot readings and magical practice.
Entering the Wood Is Easy. Leaving Is a Different Matter. How Will You Emerge?
Dare to enter the dark wood and discover your shadow self with this enthralling Rider-Waite-Smith-style deck. As you take on the role of a witch entering the wood, each magnificent card becomes a vision of deep wisdom that guides you to a richer understanding of yourself. Examine secret desires and shadowy dreams. Explore the unknown recesses of your psyche. This captivating deck and full-color companion book lead you through the darkness and into the light that reflects your hidden talents and personal power.
Created especially for beginners, the Easy Tarot kit is the easiest way to learn to read Tarot cards. In the Easy Tarot Handbook, author Josephine Ellershaw shares tips, shortcuts, and time-saving techniques gained from more than thirty years of experience reading tarot cards.
Using the beautiful Gilded Tarot deck, you’ll learn how the seventy-eight cards link to one another and provide insight as their unique energies merge in the Cross of Truth, the Celtic Cross, and other spreads. There is even a list of card combinations that commonly indicate specific events―such as pregnancy, a wedding, a new job, and more.
Black cats, pointed hats, and magic brooms, too!
Favorable Fortunes for Curious Witches
A fun, practical, easy-to-use tarot kit for every witch. Charming images pair with simple explanations to make this the go-to deck for anyone seeking to learn or practice the tarot. Based on the classic Rider-Waite deck but updated for the busy modern witch, this tarot has a whimsical air while still being dedicated to the serious job of providing answers to life’s tough questions. Author Deborah Blake brings her friendly, approachable style to a tarot experience that’s focused on the positive.
Includes a deck with brilliant art and a full-color guidebook.
My Personal Picks on Amazon
A BEST SELLING 78-CARD TAROT DECK AND GUIDEBOOK FOR BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED TAROT READERS ALIKE
THIS BEAUTIFUL HEALING TAROT DECK WILL HELP YOU EXPLORE BOTH THE LIGHT AND SHADOW SIDES OF YOUR NATURE WITH REIMAGINED TRADITIONAL TAROT ARCHETYPES AND SYMBOLS IN A RELATABLE, MODERN STYLE
The expressive characters who live within the landscapes of the cards tell stories, ask questions, and provide guidance. This unique tarot deck is an ideal companion as you seek to uncover the places in your life – and in yourself – that are most in need of illumination.
Take a step forward on your spiritual journey with this gorgeously illustrated celebration of deities, folklore, and fairy tales from all over the world.
• Features rich, vibrant art and a keen understanding of traditional tarot archetypes infused with worldly insight and folkloric spirit.
• Illustrator Yoshi Yoshitani brings fables, ancient mythologies, and spiritual legends to life on the Major and Minor Arcana cards, inspired by the cultural traditions of China, Japan, Peru, Norway, Persia, England, Greece, Denmark, the Maori tribe of New Zealand, and more.
• The companion guidebook provides insight into how these fables from around the globe support traditional tarot imagery and themes.
This entertaining modern twist to the classic tarot combines authenticity with a feline sense of humor in a complete deck for experienced and new readers alike, including 78 tarot cards and a guidebook on how to get the most out of the cat’s wisdom.
Pastel Journey Tarot Deck & Guidebook: Discover the enchanting 78-card deck and guidebook by Vanessa Somuayina, designed to offer support, strength, and wisdom on life’s journey.
Charming and Inspiring: Immerse yourself in the delightful pastel artwork that brings smiles and comfort, making every reading a joyful experience.
Four Elemental Suits: Explore the realms of water, fire, air, and earth through the four suits of Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles, each offering unique insights and energies.
Comprehensive Guidebook: Delve into detailed interpretations of each card provided in the accompanying guidebook, catering to both beginners and seasoned readers alike.
Ideal for All Levels: Whether you’re just starting your tarot journey or seeking deeper insights, the Pastel Journey Tarot Deck & Guidebook is a perfect companion for exploration and self-discovery.
Add a touch of playfulness to your practice with the adorable cat tarot cards of Mystic Cats Tarot.
From illustrator and designer Michelle Romo, this cat tarot deck is the purr-fect addition to any tarot toolkit. For divining the future, kawaii cats can’t be beat. The Mystic Cats Tarot deck is full of adorable kitties, frogs, rainbows, and more for exuberant tarot readings that will bring excitement and laughter to anyone looking to add some cuteness overload into their mystical practice.
Whether you’re an experienced reader or a newcomer to tarot cards, the Mystic Cats Tarot’s playful animal imagery provides an engaging new lens for spiritual exploration. Perfect for fans of the Kawaii Tarot and other cute modern tarot decks, these animal tarot cards for kids and adults alike will bring joy and whimsy to your divination.
UNIQUE TAROT DECK: A magical tarot cards set blending timeless original tarot cards wisdom with the whimsical world of cats. Each card features a different cat, perfectly capturing the essence of the classic character
HIGH-QUALITY TAROT DECKS: Each set includes 78 beautifully illustrated tarot cards with guide book. These tarot card deck feature gold foil edges and are crafted from sturdy, 400 gsm card stock, ensuring durability and easy shuffling
THE ENCHANTED TAROT GUIDE: Unveil the hidden depths of tarot card interpretations within this captivating 200-page tarot book guide. Discover profound meanings, gain insightful tips, and explore layouts for enriching readings
THOUGHTFUL GIFT: Ideal for yourself or your loved ones, whether you’re a beginner tarot deck reader or simply fascinated by cat-themed tarot cards. These captivating tarot deck for beginners is the perfect companions for any occasion
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: Purchase with confidence. We offer a 100% Risk-Free Guarantee. If any issues arise with your tarot cards deck, please reach out, and we will promptly refund or replace your tarot deck with guide book
Kawai Tarot features a darling deck of tarot cards, all created and illustrated by acclaimed United Kingdom–based designer Lulu Mayo, accompanied by a guidebook to the Major and Minor Arcanas.
With this deck and guide, you’ll learn to use your intuition to interpret the cards’ messages, manifest your intentions, and connect with your inner self while being surrounded by the cuteness of kawaii! Find insights on where you are and figure out your next move with the help of supercute kawaii characters like Lucky Cat, Princess Poodle, and Fancy Unicorn.
This modern set will introduce you to the art of tarot readings with:
78 adorably illustrated cards
A comprehensive 64-page guidebook to the tarot
Strengthen your spiritual practice with this super-cute kit for spiritual beginners and lovers of all things kawaii!
Summary Checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
- Is the price unusually low?
- Is the seller reputable and verified?
- Are ISBN and publisher details included?
- Is a proper guidebook included?
- Do product images match the official version?
- Does the card stock feel sturdy and well-made?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” take a step back and investigate further before purchasing.