Samurai Tarot?

[Kei]

I'm finally starting on my (long overdue) exploration of occult matters, and I searched the Internet for a tarot deck to help me delve into divination. I found myself drawn to the Samurai Tarot from Lo Scarabeo, but I've been informed the interpretations from that deck aren't "traditional". Nevermind the fact I'm not entirely certain what "traditional" tarot is at this early stage in my studies.

The thing is, I feel an exceptionally strong connection to Japan. I'm not Japanese, so I'm honestly not sure why I feel this connection. I don't really watch anime or anything, it's just that the culture of Japan seems more comfortable to me than my own. I'm even learning the language on my own, with no reasonable explanation as to why.

That's why I thought a tarot deck with an equally strong Japanese connection would help me learn this new path, but if it's not a "traditional" deck is it really the best to start with?

[Seehiah]

I found a review of the deck and some images on the Aeclectic Tarot site- they look beautiful!
The review comments that it isn't really a beginners deck, but I think it depends on what it is that you want, exactly. If you want to learn the classical Tarot system, then no, it's not a good one to start with, but if you want a divination system that appeals to you it sounds perfect.

The main question is- do you get useful readings from it? It'll take some time to get the best readings as you'll need to become very familiar with the cards (refering back to the book all the time breaks up the mental flow), but if it sings to you in the first place you'll learn it so much faster.

You might want to investigate some of the more traditional decks (the Rider-Waite-Smith is probably the best known) so that you can compare and contrast the meanings, which can be helpful.

I like the Samurai one- it doesn't seem to be a Rider-Waite-Smith knock-off but instead has its own philosophy and approach.

[Morrigan]

When it comes to tarot decks your going to need to form a relationship with it. So, keeping that in mind. If I were you I would go with a deck that I found some sort of appeal to. The Rider Waite deck isn't for every one, I personally find it to be off putting. So, if that is the deck that seems right for you, I would go with it.

[Kei]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. I guess I'll get the Samurai deck and see how it goes. If it doesn't feel right to me, I'll go for a more traditional deck.