Which is better for a beginner?

The Rider-Waite. Nearly every beginner book and course uses its images, so you can follow along card by card. The Modern Witch keeps the same structure, so it is a fine second choice.

Is the Modern Witch worth the extra $2?

Yes if the artwork matters to you. You get a hardcover guidebook and modern imagery for $22.59 versus $20.46 at Amazon as of November 7, 2026.

Do the two decks read the same way?

Largely yes. The Modern Witch follows Rider-Waite scenes and symbolism, so meanings carry over. Some cards are redrawn with different figures and details.

Both are 78-card paper decks that wear with heavy use. The Rider-Waite has been in print since 1971, so replacing a worn copy is easy and cheap.

Which is better for a teenager?

The Rider-Waite, which is labeled 13 and up. The Modern Witch is labeled for adults.

Are the cards different sizes?

Yes. The Modern Witch cards are about 3.7 in wide. The Rider-Waite cards are 2.75 x 4.75 in, the standard size that shuffles more easily.

Llewellyn Modern Witch Tarot Deck vs Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

Buy the Rider-Waite if you want the standard deck most tarot books and courses teach from, and the cheapest entry point. Buy the Modern Witch if you want the same Rider-Waite structure with modern, diverse artwork and a hardcover guidebook. The gap is small: $20.46 at Amazon for the Rider-Waite versus $22.59 at Amazon for the Modern Witch, as of November 7, 2026.

Today the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck costs $2.59 less at its best price.

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