Aeclectic Tarot Forum - Are there any tarot decks that you dislike?

WolfSpirit

12-10-2002, 05:59

There's also lots of deck I don't like, I don't remember them straight away because I only remember the names of deck I do like. There's so many decks out there. If the artwork of a deck does not "get to me" I'm not really interested.
So this means I have a whole collection of decks I love because I think they are beautiful but that are difficult to read with for altered meanings, switching numbers of majors etc. Although I don't really like artists doing that it won't stop me from buying a deck if I love it as a whole. I have a few decks I can read very well, thr others I can still use for meditation. I'm at the moment very interested in using cards for meditation so my collection will be of perfect use for that.
And one day I will find the perfect deck that has it all hahahaha

Kiama

12-10-2002, 07:22

There are very few decks that I cannot find something ood about. Being a collector, I have this annoying tendancy to find something interesting or beautiful or useful/unusual in most decks. BUT there are some that I just cannot abide by, and I apoloise now to anybody who likes these decks, cuz I pretty much dislike them LOTS:

Enochian
Tarot of the Orishas
Bosch Tarot
Adrian

Most other decks I can find something in. For instance, I don't like the Merlin very much, but I find its rearranging of the Majors to suit the story quite interesting.

Kiama

Sulis

12-10-2002, 07:32

Robin Wood, I hate the Robin Wood (ducks for cover)

Crystalmynx xx

Liliana

12-10-2002, 07:57

I hate Connolley for the way, in my opinion, she messed up the symbolism in the Majors and made them feel shallow. I also find Voyager too cluttered, lots of people say your intuition never gets stuck with it because theres always some image to pick up on, but my intuition get confused and cant focus on any 1 thing long enough to make any sense. Feels like Im reading after drink 15 cups of espresso hehe. I must say, hating Baseball the Baseball Tarot decks dont impress me. And I dont trust the Enochian system of magick, so I dont want the Enochian near me either. I also 90% of the time prefer fully illustrated pips and that the deck have 78 cards not ust majors.

:THP

jema

12-10-2002, 08:06

Originally posted by crystalmynx
Robin Wood, I hate the Robin Wood (ducks for cover)

ducking in the same corner:)
well, i can't really say there are any decks that i HATE! that is such a harsh word.
and i much rather talk about the decks i love:)

oh and kiama, i like the enochian and the orishas is on my wishlist!
*giggles*

ihcoyc

12-10-2002, 08:40

I'm not going to say that I hate the decks, but there are some that I am not fond of:

Tavaglione Stairs of Gold --- ick!
Not at all a fan of Motherpeace.
Not too fond of Robin Wood.
Dislike the appearance of the James Bond Tarot of the Witches.

But these dislikes pale in comparison to my worst heresies:

I don't like it when the Pope becomes a Hierophant, or where the Papess becomes a High Priestess. (Inexplicably, Juno and Jupiter I mind much less.)

I don't like it when Clubs become Wands, or Coins become Pentacles.

I don't like it when Strength and Justice are renumbered.

Dare I say it? I'm not at all sure that Rider-Waite-Smith was a good influence. Where it succeeds, Pamela Colman Smith deserves the credit. Where it fails, A. E. Waite deserves the blame.

Rhiannon

12-10-2002, 10:12

Decks I got rid of because I didn't particularly like them:
Motherpeace
Sprial
PoMo
Celtic Dragon
(there may have been more...)

Decks I just really don't like, so therefore won't buy:
Most collage decks
Tarot of the Trance
anything that looks like it was drawn by my 3 year old
anything that doesn't have ANY symbolism whatsoever

I'm sure there are more... just can't think of them right now.

R :) *tarot snob*

lawguy51

12-10-2002, 11:17

Hmmm. I'm a little conflicted on this but, the first deck I ever purchased back around 1972 was the IJJ Swiss deck. When I recently came back to studying Tarot, a friend of mine who is not only an excellent Tarot reader but an internationally acclaimed clairvoyant took a look at my picture-less minor arcana and told me to get a deck with imagery to make it easier for me to interpret their meanings. I happened to also have the Mythic deck so I started using that one and have been quite happy with it. So I guess the fact that the IJJ Swiss deck just shows the number of swords and clubs etc., makes it not quite as useful to me. But I still love the imagery in the major arcana.

Violet Gargoyle

12-10-2002, 11:50

The Unicorn Tarot just doesnt do it for me. Never had it, never will.

Same for the Dragon tarot.

I am not sure why really, my tastes go far and wide, but these two just dont trip my wire.

I can't bring myself to get the Robin Wood Deck either.

Demonesse

12-10-2002, 12:04

Oh, there are tons of decks I'll happily admit to hating, but actually the Robin Wood isn't one of them, although I find it way too utopian *ducks in the other corner*

Decks I hate:

1.The Motherpeace (and most of the other round decks)
2. The Celtic Dragon (you call these firebreathers?)
3. Most of the Rider-Waite clones
4. The Bosch Tarot (full of ugly, malicious creatures...this deck just gives me a very bad feeling, and I think it's intended to do so- what a 'success')
5. Dali Tarot (Any rotten tomatoes to throw at it?)
6. Feng Shui Tarot (read my other post)
7. Universal Tarot (well not all of it, maybe about half)

....and many more! :)

Although I have to admit, sometimes I change my views on decks - I used to dislike the Halloween Tarot and Pet Tarot immensely, but have since developed a partiality towards them *sheepish grin*

SherryZoned

12-10-2002, 12:28

Gareth Knigh! Thoth! I can't bring myself to get the Robin Wood either..

Keslynn

12-10-2002, 12:56

I am absolutely repelled by the Tarot Erotica (Lori Walls). The other ones are merely a strong dislike. ;) Some of those are:
Winged Spirit
Templar
Golden Dawn (Cicero)

That's all I can think of for now though I'm sure there are others.

:) Kes

Phoenix

12-10-2002, 13:20

Hehehe, most people here know which deck I hate! I absolutely dislike with a passion the Hanson-Roberts! The deck is enturely too fluffy, and the gigantic heads are a big turn off. You couldn't PAY me enough to get this deck.

Demonesse, you should read the book that comes with the Celtic Dragon Tarot. It explains why some of the dragons don't look like they breathe fire.

LILIANA!! How dare ye say that about the Voyager!! I like that deck! Oh well. It's ok if you don't like it. It IS a little muddy, but I still like it!

Demonesse

12-10-2002, 13:37

Demonesse, you should read the book that comes with the Celtic Dragon Tarot. It explains why some of the dragons don't look like they breathe fire.

---Phoenix

*evil grin* Read the Celtic Dragon book? I'd rather be stuck in a barrel bristled with nails!

No offense :) The artwork just seems ...mild.

Kirali

12-10-2002, 13:42

I'm a snob too :\ I only like aesthetic decks. I don't like photographic/cgi decks. I like really fine art. ie: Rohrig! You can see the face fuzz on the people! I love detailed artwork. It has to be painted/drawn for me to like it. I don't like primitive art either. It just seems to me that paintings and drawings take more work and are more involved than photographic decks so they hold more meaning to me.

So I don't like Shining Tribe artwork even though I like Rachel Pollack's written work.
I love visiting the Dali museum here but when I thumbed through the deck, I was expecting some of his famous paintings to be on the cards or something better than what I saw. It looked like he just had fun writing his name and shapes over the cards. :(

On another note, I didn't think that I'd be attracted to the Halloween Tarot but I finally got it and I love it. :)

No offense of course!! hehe
But you never know! I might cave and buy a photographic deck, but I don't foresee that in the near future. ;)
~Kira

Myrrha

12-10-2002, 15:55

There have been decks that I enjoyed playing with but did not love enough to keep: The Egipcios Kier, Enchanted Tarot, Elemental Tarot, Magickal Tarot (I liked the calligraphy and wonderfully pompous Golden Dawn titles). The decks that annoy me most are the Robin Wood and ECR Witches Tarot, because of the art not any aversion to paganism. (No offense ti anyone who likes these decks, that's why they make rum raisin *and* pistachio, right?)

Lovelace

12-10-2002, 15:58

I'm a big Tolkien fan, so my mom got me the Lord of the Rings deck as a Christmas present one year. Really goofy, obviously thrown together quickly for merchandising purposes, and you can tell from the very first card - they have Gollum as the Fool. One of the most singleminded and goal-oriented characters in literary history, nice! Still, since that presumably wasn't a really serious deck... I've never used one, but I have a real aversion to overtly feminist decks, since it seems silly to intentionally tilt the balance of the Tarot. Same goes for decks that are too New-agey sweetness and light, or too uber-gothy shadows and darkness. I don't like the Nigel Jackson, although the art is lovely - I'm not sure how to put it, but it seems too quiet to me. Hard to communicate with.

:T9P

Zhritza

12-10-2002, 16:22

Rhiannon, you got rid of the PoMo? (swoon) This means you held it in your hands... you have touched the glory... okay, okay ;)

I got to this thread too late; pretty much all my unfavorites have been named. I will say that, after looking at in online and actually trying to like it, I am still put off by the Cosmic Tribe (although of course I'm happy about the Lovers cards). That guy on the Devil card... oyyyyyyy. I almost bought the Gendron once but saw it online just in time to stop myself.

The Osho Zen looks sort of plastic, despite all the work that seems to have gone into the art. I have the Enchanted (formerly Golden Dawn) Tarot from Lo Scarabeo, and I like it -- especially the majors -- but nevertheless I think the Avalon, Gnomes, and Fairy are all pretty dang silly. The Goddess, I'm sorry to say, is ultimately too fluffy. The Hudes seems pointless because it's kind of like a rawer, slightly darker version of the Connolly and/or the Hanson-Roberts. The Native American Tarot and the Southwest Tribes are both flat-out badly drawn.

I recently saw something at work called the Angel Tarot, which was actually a butt-ugly Marseilles clone (and incidentally, no angels anywhere to be seen). Its deceptive name makes it dumber still.

SherryZoned

12-10-2002, 17:38

yes Cosmic Tribe is the other i cant stand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Lee

12-10-2002, 17:51

Originally posted by Qolus
I recently saw something at work called the Angel Tarot, which was actually a butt-ugly Marseilles clone (and incidentally, no angels anywhere to be seen). Its deceptive name makes it dumber still. Hi Qolus, actually the Angel Tarot derives its name from the Angel Playing Card Company in Japan, which created and printed the deck.

-- Lee :)

Zhritza

12-10-2002, 19:48

Originally posted by Lee
actually the Angel Tarot derives its name from the Angel Playing Card Company in Japan, which created and printed the deck.

that makes sense, but I still think it's confusing to name it that...

divinerguy

12-10-2002, 22:49

Decks with cats, dragons or any other overwhelming theme.

(Takes a deep breath)...

Pastel decks, feminist decks, sexual decks, ethnic decks, gentle decks, naked guy decks, vampire decks, Lo Sacarabeo decks, primitive decks, egyptian decks, Marseilles decks, traditional decks and Thoth decks.

I think that about covers it.

truthsayer

12-10-2002, 23:37

generally i no longer admit in public to disliking any deck b/c somehow that backfires on me and that deck ends up in my collection. :( i do not claim to understand why this phenomenon occurs. i'm sure it's some collosal cosmic joke and the powers that be are in some lofty place just ROTFLTAO at me. i don't like the taste of shoe leather very much. ;) i find hoof in mouth disease repulsive. })
since this seems to be the RULE, i don't know why some of you have remained unscathed by my disease?!!? are you paying somebody off?

if not the jokes on you! that means there is most definitely a hanson roberts deck in phoenix's future. diviner guy will be overwhelmed w/ the desire to buy theme decks,pastel decks, cat & dog decks, feminist decks, ethnic decks, gentle decks, egyptian decks, traditional decks and thoth decks!(i left out the ones i can see your point one or even agree ;) btw, is there even a deck left that you like? curious minds need to know!)

HOWEVER! the following decks have stood the test of time as far as my dislike goes and thus POSSIBLY safe enough to admit an aversion:
1. marseille type decks esp. the IJJ Swiss
2. the tarot of the witches and the witches tarot
3. shining woman and shining tribe
4. sexually styled decks
5. the osho zen(i simply cannot get past the master card even when it's not in the deck)

there are MORE that i dislike but no more that i will admit in public. LOL ;) })

Zhritza

13-10-2002, 02:05

so divinerguy, what decks do you not dislike?

Sinta

13-10-2002, 03:31

Thoth Tarot - Crowley

Okay I dont totally dislike this deck. The imagery strikes a cord into me, and yet when I look at the image, it seems as if they want to break out of the card and overflow into the real world. Let's say I'm uncomfortable even just to touch the cards. I have a tendency to make things happen, that I didn't wish to.

Some people mentioned it had ties to an occultist, A. Crowley, who I have never heard from before, so if anyone wishes to enlighten this poor soul ;) you may.

Macavity

13-10-2002, 08:05

From my very limited collection, I'd have to go (already) for the Bosch Tarot - though I have a sneaking admiration for that too! But, as an overall investment, the card "descriptions" in the LWB are worth their weight in gold })

Nine of Wands: "The Gendarme. To learn to protect one's rear doesn't guarantee protection".

Well said grasshopper! :D

Macavity

(Who made many laugh - Translating English into other languages! :))

aeonx

13-10-2002, 17:27

Hm, one of the decks I really dislike, is the Vampire Tarot. The worst of all is that Amazon.com sent it too, by mistake, one time!! I freaked out. :D
I can't stand the Cosmic Tribe either.

Hey guys, how can you not just looooove the Celtic Dragon??? })

~aeonx~

Phoenix

13-10-2002, 17:37

I actually do love the Celtic Dragon, and the Vampire, and the Cosmic Tribe...............:(

divinerguy

13-10-2002, 17:56

Originally posted by Qolus
so divinerguy, what decks do you not dislike?

Pretty much everything else.

Zhritza

14-10-2002, 02:02

but divinerguy, I can't think of any decks that aren't cancelled out by that list, and it's bothering me! :|

Demonesse

14-10-2002, 04:51

Kiama

14-10-2002, 06:39

Originally posted by truthsayer
generally i no longer admit in public to disliking any deck b/c somehow that backfires on me and that deck ends up in my collection. :(

I find myself buying some decks for the exact reason that I KNOW I'm gonna dislike them, but my collection needs stupidly horrible decks in it, which I can write really nasty reviews about... })

This is one of the reasons I ended up trading the Connoly with Catlin, but that deck wasn't too bad in the end...

I am quite amazed at the decks people dislike actually... Isn't it great to see all this variety? There are people on AT who can rant and rave about how wonderful the Robin Wood is, then there are others who can easily rant and rave about how it is horrible... Brilliant!

It's weird cuz nearly all the decks people have disliked so far are those that I LOVE! Other than the Thoth. Cosmic Tribe for instance, and the Round decks...

Kiama

WolfSpirit

14-10-2002, 09:26

Originally posted by Sinta
Thoth Tarot - Crowley

Okay I dont totally dislike this deck. The imagery strikes a cord into me, and yet when I look at the image, it seems as if they want to break out of the card and overflow into the real world.

Some people mentioned it had ties to an occultist, A. Crowley, who I have never heard from before, so if anyone wishes to enlighten this poor soul ;) you may.

I agree with you Sinta. At first I hated the Thoth, it almost frightened me, but I'm beginning to be a bit intrigued by it. I'd like to know some more about Crowley as well. I sa a big fat and expensive book by him, but I'm not THAT curious I want to spend that amount of money.

WolfSpirit

14-10-2002, 11:57

ooops, just discovered that there is a new thread on this subject...

Jackal

21-10-2002, 23:28

My feelings on the Thoth deck depend on what day you ask me... I have a love/hate relationship with it.

I think it's the Witches Tarot- I like to call it the Motley Crue tarot. If you've seen it, I bet you can figure out why.

But, I think my all time least favorite (and coincidentally, the first deck I ever bought) is Tarot of the Cat People. Blah.

Yes, I'll tell you why. I find the artwork flat and the symbolism seems to be a pale RW pastiche.

Also, people with big eyes freak me out.

finn

22-10-2002, 01:23

Actually, I hate most of the tarot decks that seem to be so popular with the rest of the world. For example, I don't like the Osho Zen one, neither do I like, The Flower Speaks, nor Rider Waite, nor the Connolly one.

BUT I tend to prefer decks that have medieval or italian artwork. I bought the Whimsical a few weeks ago...I don't like it too much, but I guess I have to live with it. I'm getting Alice in Wonderland in the mail, and I'm sure I'm gonna like this. :P

Demonesse

22-10-2002, 04:05

Osho Zen = yuck!

})

fairyhedgehog

22-10-2002, 07:22

I have owned and gladly parted with:
Visconti Gold
Art Nouveau (Matt Myers)

I haven't even bought any erotic decks or very dark decks. And I don't like decks with large cards, I like little ones (except the Tiny Tarot which is amazingly badly made.) I'm not keen on photos and there are plenty of decks that just don't grab me.

I just want that one perfect deck ... :D

finn

22-10-2002, 09:01

hahahaha........don't frget the Thoth tarot as well!!!

faunabay

22-10-2002, 11:02

I'm like truthsayer, I try not to say I don't want any deck, because as soon as I do I HAVE to have it!!!

But the two decks I have consisently passed on are the Unicorn and the Tarot of the Witches......oh, and the Masquerade also!! LOL

I dont' like the thoth right now, but I think it's a "I'm not ready for it yet" thing.

Indigo

24-10-2002, 19:53

I uhhh... actually really liked the Robin Wood Tarot, but I really didn't care for the Celtic Dragon Tarot. It's too cuddly, but it's making a decent learner deck for my older boy.

I absolutely hated the Witches' Tarot... it must be the Motley Crue one, because every man in the deck has, like, totallly gnarly hair! I mean, I was like, Oh My Ghawd! That, and the artwork was yucky.

Demonesse

25-10-2002, 12:11

I wouldn't say I really like the Robin Wood, but then again I don't hate the Thoth either - glad to see there's someone beside me that actually thinks the Celtic Dragon is "soft", and the colouring is so vibrant...not! :P The Unicorn might be great for an adolescent beginner. The Masquerade and Witches need to be burnt.

Kaz

25-10-2002, 15:44

there are lots of decks i do not like.
and i am grateful for that, otherwise my collection would be enormous.

kaz

Alta

25-10-2002, 20:07

I am with you Kaz, I am so grateful there are decks I don't like. Decks I owned, hated and gladly parted with, precisely one:
Enochian Tarot
Decks that others seem to like and no matter how many times I look at in the store I cannot seem to buy:
Rohrig (yuck)
any erotic tarots (double yuck)
Shining Tribe
Motherpeace
any of the dark evil-looking ones

Also I own, don't like but cannot seem to part with: Thoth.

Phoenix

25-10-2002, 20:23

Originally posted by Marion
Rohrig (yuck)
BLASPHEMER!!! LOL!! You better not let....oh crap..I can't remember if it was Jewel or Liliana who loved this deck. Oh well...you better not let one of them see that! LOL!

Alta

25-10-2002, 20:24

bwhahahaha })

Cerulean

25-10-2002, 20:26

I'm not certain, but Divnerguy might like the Tarot of the Cloisters, from a trade...the odd things are it is gentle, pastel if you term pastels as deep, bright colors, round, and in some cases, seems to have a theme of romantic imagery in stained glass styles. I may be wrong, I just remember having a stage of liking this particular round deck very much and posting ideas about it.
I'm puzzled sometimes at my own deck likes and dislikes...sometimes I like or dislike the Ibis/Eclectic in a mild way, but never enough to give it away or read much with it. A few times I'm disliking a card very much in a deck (two of Cups in Medieval Scapini) because I've seen another deck by the same artist that has pictures more to my taste.
Some decks that I've given a chance had an art style similar to the Enochian, I Am One or Sacred Rose...it just didn't do anything positive for me.
Mari H.

Jackal

26-10-2002, 00:06

Originally posted by Indigo
...I absolutely hated the Witches' Tarot... it must be the Motley Crue one, because every man in the deck has, like, totallly gnarly hair! I mean, I was like, Oh My Ghawd! That, and the artwork was yucky.

:D Yeah, that's the one, all right! It also has, if I'm thinking of the right one, an enormous white pentacle on a black background on the backs. That, actually, was the only thing I really liked about the deck, but coupled with the (ahem) gnarly-haired dudes all I could do was shout at Trump 15.

I recently picked up the Hanson-Roberts and the Tarot Art Nouveau. Regrettably, I think I'm going to have to say the H-R is my least favourite. I say regrettably because I have a feeling it's going to be the one I learn on... :(

Fuzzmello

26-10-2002, 23:17

Voyager. Too busy.

VGimlet

27-10-2002, 01:01

Decks I don't like in my collection - Celtic Dragon, Unicorn, Starter Deck (it was a GIFT :)), Pracowic Dragon, Oswald Wirth. Of course, I won't be getting rid of them in the foreseeable future.

I would be surprised to someday own any other Marseille decks, or any Egyptian decks except Nefertari's. I have learned about using the word never in any context.

Talisman

27-10-2002, 05:33

'Lo all,

I think the Connolly Fool card must be the most vapid, dull, boring Fool card ever created in the entire history of Tarot.

Unfortunately, the deck mostly goes downhill from there.

Talisman

Pollux

27-10-2002, 06:23

I am sooooo late to this thread, but also a bit willingly...
Many members on here know what a Tarot Deck s**t I am - I just like them all! *LOL*
But I have been thinkig about it, and I have discovered that there are as many or more that I dislike, or at times DETEST.

- Arcus Arcanum: dull, ugly artowork too "roundish" with snazzy colours, the minors are all the same, the courts ugly-ish. And the excuse of the story is not that valid, it just seems like it is THE SAME sotry n each suit! *LOL* the Aces, 2s 3s and so on are all alike almost, only the items in their hands change.

- Tarot Erotica, Erotic by Manara and other obscene decks (Cosmic Tribe NOT INCLUDED cos it is lovely): I don't need to say why. Have you seen the Priestess in the Garden of Penises? YUCK!

- LO SCARABEO deck: Hey WolfSpirit, come read this! *LOL* I hate them all, just a couple are saved (Possibly Gnomi and Nefertari). They have those 3 or 4 idle artists who do nothing else in life than vomit junk artwork and make cards out of it. And the style is so similar in all the decks, almost as if there were no evolution or growth in the artists themselves. UGLY!!! All of them almost.

- Round Decks: I just don't think I could use them, and anyway Motherpeace makes me feel uneasy JUST FROM THE SCANS *LOL* And the Cloisters one is ugly, I prefer Scapini's.

- Badly done Themed Decks: like Babylon, Baseball or the others. (Some themed decks are awesome though, like Legend The Arthurian, Halloween, Rock & Roll).

- Connolly and Hanson Roberts: they are DIABETIC. And I cannot afford to risk a Glicemy Surge. :P

- Certain stuffed and busy decks, like Lord of the Rings and Voyager (whereas LAT and World Spirit are gorgeous).

GGggRRRRrrrrr I forgot them... I had a list somewhere.
I'll be back when I have more in my mind. :P

EDITED TO ADD some more in my head
- DANTE, BOCCACCIO: they are so UGLY!!!!!! The artwork sucks, and I cannot see at all the relationship with the writers and their works. I should GEt them before commenting, but REALLY I can't see the point. Also because the are so DARN UGLY!!!!

finn

27-10-2002, 06:39

I totally agree with those who say the Motherpeace is ugly! I mean, how can u even SHUFFLE those cards? They're...so...big. I don't care much for those obscene decks either. I remembered being disgusted with one deck that showed a priest and nun doing....stuff....

I don't like the Halloween deck. Dunno why, but it has a very commercial feel to it.....Lord of the Rings as well....as thugh it were thrown together just for the extra $$$

Demonesse

27-10-2002, 12:13

Lo Scarabeo - how can you not like the Art Nouveau even a little? I like the Avalon, too. Hanson-Roberts has its own rather, er, pastoral charm. But oh yeah, LOTR the deck is hellishly ugly. I don't like the Legend:Arthurian AND the Arthurian either, and add the Shapeshifter to the Celtic Dragon's relegation corner.

Off-topic, do visit the #tarot chatroom at MIRC's us.oz.org server! :P

Pollux

27-10-2002, 15:10

Art Nouveau and Avalon are bare imitations. UGLY imitations.
The Art Nouveau as got nothing of a tarot deck - just plain pinky decent fluffy artwork. Don't they know we are supposed to divinate and READ with them? For the Avalon, I never cared much for it, it just puts me off - I much prefer LAT and Hallowquest as Arthurians. And nobody touches Celtic Dragon!!! I am itching for tht deck since I came to Aeclectic 2 years ago! *LOL*
The LoScarabeo decks ARE UGLY - it is a sort of postulate... ;) *LOL*

Demonesse

27-10-2002, 16:03

Ahhh, but who says I have to buy cards to read with 'em? I can just appreciate their "fluffy" (unreadable, mostly) artwork. Lol!

WolfSpirit

28-10-2002, 13:42

Originally posted by Pollux
- LO SCARABEO deck: Hey WolfSpirit, come read this! *LOL* I hate them all, just a couple are saved (Possibly Gnomi and Nefertari). They have those 3 or 4 idle artists who do nothing else in life than vomit junk artwork and make cards out of it. And the style is so similar in all the decks, almost as if there were no evolution or growth in the artists themselves. UGLY!!! All of them almost.

I promise I will never doubt you again Pollux LOL

I have two lo Scarabeo decks and I don't find them ugly but they just have no soul, no meaning...
Other decks grow on me, these decks just begin to bore me.
They are in tarot purgatory right now, I 'haven't decided what I'll do with them...

ihcoyc

28-10-2002, 15:37

Originally posted by WolfSpirit
I have two lo Scarabeo decks and I don't find them ugly but they just have no soul, no meaning...I was wondering what the fuss was all about with Lo Scarabeo decks. Why several denounced the products of the whole company.

I see now. You're talking about their original gimmick decks. I've never really even given those decks a second look.

Lo Scarabeo prints and distributes several of my absolute favourite decks. For some, they're the only source. For others, thanks to the Llewellyn deal, they're the most accessible local source.

But they didn't design any of 'em.

Zhritza

29-10-2002, 02:55

Originally posted by Pollux
The Art Nouveau as got nothing of a tarot deck - just plain pinky decent fluffy artwork. Don't they know we are supposed to divinate and READ with them?

Yeah, but it's the only... uh... somewhat "sapphic" deck I've found that isn't butt-ugly, like the Motherpeace namely. It has female couples (well, potentially, anyway) that don't look like a four-year-old drew them.

Pollux

29-10-2002, 09:24

I think WolfSpirit worded it best...
"I have two lo Scarabeo decks and I don't find them ugly but they just have no soul, no meaning...
Other decks grow on me, these decks just begin to bore me."
BTW, I have two decks from Lo Scarabeo - the UNTOUCHABLE Visconti Gold, that I ADORE, and the Bosch, that (just guess?) I ADORE! *LOL* But actually I am not fond of the characteristics for which LoScarabeo is responsible (like the odd borders with lots of names in a thousand languages, or the vertical one *THEHORROR* on the Gold).

Qolus, I like the way you put it, and I understand. "Sapphic"... :D
In truth I have doubts about the real necessity to create homo-oriented references even though obviously I don't mind them.
But that deck lacks attractiveness anyway, it is... pink and cute (maybe) but not readable - and it is one of the few I COULD check here in real life, without basing my opinion on online images exclusively.

wavebreaker

29-10-2002, 09:41

Originally posted by Demonesse
Lo Scarabeo - how can you not like the Art Nouveau even a little?Yes, just a tiny little bit of it, but not 78 cards of it! :D I bought it because I liked the artwork, but when I actually got it I found it... boring... Like others said: it doesn't have a soul. Too much Barbie and Ken to my taste... :D
I haven't got anything against beautiful decks that I can't read with, I have several of those. But since I couldn't read with the Art Nouveau nor enjoy its artwork, I traded it away...

Demonesse

13-04-2003, 11:28

Bump! Let's see what more mischief this thread can stir up. Lately, I've just discovered I can't stomach the Thoth.

Edited to add: Yuck on the Voyager, Waking the Wild Spirit, Orishas, Trance, Baseball, BOTA, Faery Wicca, Golden Dawn (Wang). Get thee behind me, ugly deck!

jema

13-04-2003, 12:13

Originally posted by Demonesse
Bump! Let's see what more mischief this thread can stir up. Lately, I've just discovered I can't stomach the Thoth.
*smacking demonesse up for dissing Thoth* :P

i can't stand the Olympus tarot.
i thought i might grow to like it - but i didn't.

and i am really glad i never bought the Portal tarot.

oh look!
post 888

Aoife

13-04-2003, 12:53

When I first joined AT the collecting bug really bit for a while and it would probably have continued if I could have found other decks I wanted. Maybe I'm hard to please but there's very few decks that I actually like and even fewer that I would use to read for friends.

But the ones I especially dislike are any which appear cartoonish or have figures which look like they've come from a cutting room floor of a D grade sci-fi movie. I find it really hard to understand how it is possible to use such cards to address the very serious issues which people seem to pose when they read the cards. I can well imagine the comments my friends would make if I brought these sorts of cards out to do a reading for them.

So other than Haindl, which never fails to pull me straight into the cards; Marseilles which I would love to be able to read and can't and Victoria Regina which I find the most innovative RWS-a-like, only the RWS itself has stood the test of time.

baba-prague

13-04-2003, 13:36

Well, I am coming to like the Thoth, which I got with a trade here (thanks) but I do not like the Cosmic Tribe - there, I've said it, and now you can tell me you don't agree! I like some aspects of it, but in the end I just find it a bit too consciously "hip" - and a bit "Photoshop effects-ish" if you know what I mean. I think the artwork is well done - but I cannot warm to this deck. After I got it I showed it to a few friends who just found it very funny - I don't think I could use it for readings for most people I know.

By the way, the Cosmic Tribe is one reason we redesigned our cards and took off all the real photos of people in the deck we are making. Looking at the CT pictures really made me change my mind about using photos in this way (the old cards are still on our website, new cards up any day now).

Okay - I guess lots of people will feel differently about CT - don't be tooooo angry with me!

Karen
ps - but just so that I keep some friends here ;-) I should say that I do like the VR, though it's hard to read with sometimes (Court Cards are a bit samey, but the cards are all lovely looking, which partly makes up for this)

Astraea

13-04-2003, 14:25

There used to be decks I absolutely hated, but nowadays I find something of value in almost all of them, and each one seems to serve a purpose (however limited, and for however brief a time). There are decks whose artwork doesn't do much for me -- but I can't count the times I've gone back and looked at some of the decks I used to dislike, only to find that it was speaking to me and I actually liked it -- in the way that one might initially overlook, but eventually come to appreciate, "the runt of the litter." :)

Aerin

13-04-2003, 15:13

I am Thoth-less at the moment (and believe me, I'm so glad Karen likes it :), it was quite hard to admit to myself I was never going to read with it but after I traded one away I found the strength to trade the second).

I hate the minors on the Merlin, and the renumbering etc does annoy me still. I can play with the Majors reasonably happily though.

I don't like the Legend Arthurian, too fluffy and romantic. Yes the pictures are nice but I don't connect. I still have it though.

I can't bring myself to like the Cosmic Tribe or the Victoria Regina, I've only seen scans though.

I traded the All is One because I couldn't use it (and felt obscurely guilty about that, but hey found a good home).

Aerin

Gerbear

13-04-2003, 17:17

I understand how some decks can rub one the wrong way. I've relieved several people of their unwanted decks for my collection. My list (updated) is on the second page of the 'what decks do you own..." thread, so if those rascals are not on my list and are really causing you distress, pm me and I will find a spot for them. :-)

Kissa

14-04-2003, 14:47

has someone mentioned the giger tarot already??? well this has to be the only deck that i really dislike. it frightens me to death. it is sick. i cannot even consider it as a tarot deck, more like a different way of presenting giger's work.

for the rest, faeries, angels, themes decks, sexual orientated whatever, i don't care, i don't like or dislike them, they just are, some are nice to look at, some seem wonderful to work with and some will never even catch my eye ...

Kissa

Dragons_Wing

14-04-2003, 16:22

i hate the witchs tarot its horrid :(

Emily

14-04-2003, 22:00

I don't like the Cosmic Tribe
or the Barbara Walker
Also there is one called The Royal which is everything but. This must be the cheapest, nastiest deck I've ever had the misfortune to set eyes on and one I gladly walked away from. (Not very often I can say that about a tarot deck lol)

baba-prague

15-04-2003, 07:14

Hi Kissa,

Well, after reading your message I took a look at this one. YUCK! I see what you mean - I can't imagine anyone every reading with it (or managing to live with it).

After seeing this, I'm not so sure I should be knocking the Cosmic Tribe!

Karen

ps - I suppose my real pet hate is decks that just seem to have been churned out to meet a market (no, I won't name any but you probably know the kind of thing I mean) Tarot surely needs a bit of heart and soul behind it - not just some cold marketing expertise?

Aerin

15-04-2003, 07:54

Originally posted by Dragons_Wing
i hate the witchs tarot its horrid :(

My friend's one is going to a charity shop soon if no-one can be found for it (and that seems likely :D)

Aerin

purplelady

16-04-2003, 16:00

Decks I have actually owned and been repelled enough by to get rid of:

Dreampower Tarot (by R.J. Stewart)
Fairy Ring Oracle!

As for the Voyager, I thought it awful and ugly, until one day I suddenly had to have it. Now I LOVE it!

krysia322

17-05-2003, 13:17

I own the Tarot of the Orishas, and to date, I wonder why.
I really dislike the deck ---- it offers no connection, and I find it disturbingly negative.

gypsy_morrigan

17-05-2003, 16:33

I agree with those who didn't like both Art Nouveau Tarots...I bought them because I liked the artwork but discovered that they had no "soul" too.

Sobeknofret

17-05-2003, 20:22

Tarot de Paris. Ugly and the cardstock is so cheap it's impossible to shuffle it without seriously bending it. Too bad, since I love Paris so much.

Edited 26 May 03:
Also I dislike the Tarot of the Witches and the Motherpeace. Bad art, and in the case of the Motherpeace, man-bashing. Not my idea of a good deck to read with.

Alta

17-05-2003, 21:10

Originally posted by Marion
I am with you Kaz, I am so grateful there are decks I don't like. Decks I owned, hated and gladly parted with, precisely one:
Enochian Tarot
Decks that others seem to like and no matter how many times I look at in the store I cannot seem to buy:
Rohrig (yuck)
any erotic tarots (double yuck)
Shining Tribe
Motherpeace
any of the dark evil-looking ones

Also I own, don't like but cannot seem to part with: Thoth. edited May 17th, 2003 omigod/dess I just cannot believe this. Since I posted this I bought the Rohrig and the Shining Tribe and like them both. I got rid of the Thoth. hahaha

little

26-05-2003, 08:11

I got a copy of the Tapestry tarot on sale for $5, and it wasn't worth the money imho. Especially disappointing because the same artist did the Enchanted Tarot, which I like a lot.

CompassRose

26-05-2003, 09:28

Hmmm... I read through this thread (yeah, the WHOLE thing! :)) and find I'm drawing little lines in my head.

There are decks that simply leave me cold: the Hanson-Roberts (too nicey-nice), the Connolly, most of the "theme" decks (dragon decks, crow decks, King Arthur decks). I just don't care enough about them to bother with them, one way or another.

I bought the Enchanted Tarot early in my deck-amassing career, and truly disliked it. The ribbons! The lace! The frou-frou! Blich. I sold it. Since then, I have seen only ONE collaged/Photoshopped deck I liked, which is the Vertigo. Apparently, they don't do it for me. (I checked out the much-vaunted Victoria Regina yesterday, all full of hope, and, well, blich.)

I dislike the so-called artwork on all of the Marseilles/Swiss/etcetera decks I've seen (old doesn't make 'em good)... however, I have read with them in a pinch, though I don't own one.

Then there are the decks that disappoint me, in greater or lesser ways. The Robin Wood, f'rinstance. I got it because I happened to see a small spread a friend of mine was doing, which included a lot of Court cards. I lovelovelove the Courts of the RW; they're my very favourites. The rest of them... are very on and off. The proportions of the people are often wrong. Some of the cards are ugly (the Magician, f'rinstance). Some of them are tedious. But I keep it for the inspiration of those Kings and Queens, Knights and Pages.

The Motherpeace is another one, along with Daughters of the Moon. Being the feminist queer that I am, I can really get into the message -- but the ARTWORK! Surely, surely, there must be at least ONE wymon who can draw out there! Or is learning proportion and technique all part of submitting to the patriarchy...?

After that, we get to decks that I love, but cannot work with. Possibly "yet." The Thoth. The Haindl. I can see that these are good decks, decks with real depth, but I'm simply not right or not ready. I have 'em, I look at 'em wistfully.

Generally, anything obviously cheesy or themed or meant to catch a wave and sell turns me off (I'm surprised there isn't a Harry Potter deck all over the place...), and any kind of bad art kicks me right out of there. Weird crossovers of tradition are also dicey; most of the Native American decks, f'rinstance, strike me as really silly, as does the Herbal Tarot for the most part. I do have the Chinese Tarot, and really like the artwork, but wouldn't use it as a working deck. Also, pretentious/Goth/witch/Angel decks usually make me gag (Faery Wicca, Barbara Walker, Vampire Tarot, blich!). Yeah, yer so woo-woo!

amyel

26-05-2003, 11:23

I don't care for decks with "dark art" and this usually means anything like "Vampire" "Halloween" or "Witches". I am also not drawn to decks that are too "soft". I guess as one with an art history degree, I appreciate well thought out decks that are visually stimulating to me. I also like more "primitively" drawn decks, although this doesn't necessarily make them good decks to work with!

krysia322

27-05-2003, 10:51

Originally posted by CompassRose
(I'm surprised there isn't a Harry Potter deck all over the place...)

Oh snap! You're right! There certainly is Harry Potter anything and everything else! Considering that the series is about wizards, etc, you'd think there'd be a deck available. LOL

Oh great; now you have me thinking of decks for all the other commercialised stuff like (God Forbid! LOL):
Barbie, et al
Teletubbies
Blue's Clues
Any Disney Character
The Sponge head thing
The god-awful Scooby Doo
Archie, Reggie, Betty, Veronnica, Jughead, Big Moose, & the rest of the gang from Riverdale
South Park
The Simpsons

And so on and so forth. :)
I, for one, am certainly glad that the tarot card makers around the world have chosen not to go there! LOL!

C.N.

28-05-2003, 04:19

Decks I have had and got rid of because I really disliked them:

Vampire - That thing is not a tarot deck.

Tarot of the Old Path - Those frowning, empty eyed beings on the later majors felt to malevolent to me. yuck! A pity that there was cards I really liked in this deck like the Emperor and Chariot cards.

Gendron & New Palladini - The artists lost motivation after the majors was made. Both these decks have bland minors.

-----

Decks that I don't dislike, but didn't work for me:

Mythic & Ancestral Path - I have stated earlier that I don't like story decks, because I feel that the deck miss its potential when fitted into a too tight mold.

Norse - It just seemed to static and lifeless to me.

oceanpoetry

28-05-2003, 11:26

I don't like the "dark" themed decks...for example the Rohrig deck falls into this category. The artwork just doesn't have any resonance for me - and find some of the images disturbing. It would be impossible for me to read from it because of this.

rowan

28-05-2003, 17:16

hmmm... Shining Tribe (the renaming of almost ALL the cards drives me nuts) and have you SEEN the Royal Tarot? There are MISPRINTS ON THE CARDS! (IXL is the number for the Sun card for example...) besides being void of symbolism.

Ha! I hope publishers don't read this thread CompassRose or there WILL be a Harry Potter deck out before you can say Quiditch (or however you spell it...)

ArwenNightstar

28-05-2003, 17:22

I think for me it has to be the Thoth deck. The artwork was too dark. And for clarification (because someone has leaped all over me about this), I mean dark as in the colors are not bright. Not dark as in evil. sigh! :-) Someone assumed I was Crowley bashing and had a kneejerk reaction.

Tarot of the Cat People gives me frissons and I don't know why that is, either, but I won't read with it.

Trogon

29-05-2003, 16:59

Or at least I'm certain some people will think this opinion of mine is blasphemous...

So far, the only deck I've run across that I don't find any real saving grace in is... Grimaud's Tarot of Marseilles... :P The art turns me off, and when I did own one, I could not do a reading with it to save my life. I'm afraid for me it just doesn't work.

Now, there are a few other Marseilles type decks which I do like... their artwork is superior, even beautiful. But I probably now have a mental block and wouldn't be able to read with them... alas for me... ;)

Diana

29-05-2003, 17:43

Diana sheds a tear for Trogon. What a sad sad story.

The Grimaud deck will never ever lie to do you, even if you begged it on your knees.

Take a stroll in the Historical section one day. You will be most welcome!

sungoddess

27-10-2004, 20:41

By no means have I seen all decks, but I've been searching for decks to connect with for a number of years.

My first deck was the Rider-Waite back when I was sixteen, now fourteen years ago, and I gave it away because it seemed to have no meaning to me.

Next I got a Marseilles deck, belch... simply could not read the thing... the pips were confusing, especially the swords and I really thought all the art was hideous.

I've longed, and I mean seriously longed for the Tarot of the Orishas, because I'm an Osun devotee and practise Ifa as a tradition and spiritual path. I've recently grown very attracted to the Tarot Lukumi, both decks are supposed to arrive soon.

I am also very interested in both the Manara Tarot and the Cassanova Tarot, the latter is also supposed to arrive soon. This may be just because I am a sexualised person and I write erotica and it's an interesting combination for me.

I own the Bosch deck and agree that the imagery is very startling, but I quite like it. This was a deck I longed for for months before I got it, and I sat and absorbed the images. My favourite card is the Lovers in this deck.

I also own a copy of the Tarot Sutra, but I haven't even taken it out of the box since I've gotten it.

I dislike the Witches Tarot and Tarot of the Witches, Fairy Tarot, Motherpeace, African Tarot (too simplistic, although the colouring is nice), all for various reasons.

For the most part I'm still doing research.... and there are a number of decks I've seen in stores I've just looked over because I think they're not really for me.

I think with a tarot deck it's all about what resonates with you on a level. One mans garbage is another mans treasure you feel me?

jema

28-10-2004, 02:30

Originally posted by little
I got a copy of the Tapestry tarot on sale for $5, and it wasn't worth the money imho. Especially disappointing because the same artist did the Enchanted Tarot, which I like a lot.

No quite. The enchanted is also called the Zerner-Farber in the smaller version and it is made by two persons by those names while the Tapestry is made by someone called Yvonne Jensen.
The Zerner-Farber is adorable and very fun to read with and I agree that the Tapestry is plain ugly.

divinerguy

22-11-2004, 21:09

Divinerguy, I just have to echo Qolus on this - what decks DO you like??? I find that a theme, most of the time, brings a deck together cohesively. And I like the Vampire! Although symbolism in it is almost nil...

I like the plain vamilla Rider-Waite, the Cosmic, the Rohrig and the Swedish Witch Tarot. From time to time, when I'm feeling less mean and crotchety, I like some of the saccharine decks - but when that happens, I lay down until the feeling passes.

Scion

22-11-2004, 21:48

From time to time, when I'm feeling less mean and crotchety, I like some of the saccharine decks - but when that happens, I lay down until the feeling passes.

I'd like to second that emotion. The sweetness-and-light decks put me in a diabetic coma, both for reading and collecting. It probably stems from a Texas/southern upbringing: all those smiling bland, blonde people that will grin as they push you down a well. I find most saccharine decks even more terrifying and vicious than the darkest, most-gothicky, blood-and-pudenda deck. I can even hack the cat decks, but the full-on cutesy-wutesy decks give me the willies. I keep TRYING to see them differently...

That said I also genuinely dislike the Witches Deck (Reed) for the art and the discontinuity in the overall design. The Voyager seems (as collage decks often do) bloodless and cluttered, though I know it has its fans. I also skip decks where the author has obviously not done their homework and slaps together pseudomystical mishmash and historical misinformation for effect and marketability. And while I'm all for the great erotic decks, please spare me The Black Tarot, the Shakespeare Eclectic Erotic Tarot and any other deck that features pneumatically pert, airbrushed women in pointless undress. I always think to myself: Porn is ubiquitous... who buys these things? And for what purpose?

Whew! That was more, and more dislke, than I thought I was gonna type. Truth be told I love a few decks, and like many, but when I dislike 'em it's with vehemence.

Scion

Gaidheal

23-11-2004, 00:28

Hate is a strong word, especially for Tarot...

But I dislike most collage decks, and almost all decks that use photographs. The only decks I would say I hate are cutesy "theme" decks (LOTR - which look like "Magic - The Gathering" cards, Halloween, Silicon Valley, etc.) I find those really annoying.

Melpomone18

23-11-2004, 21:39

While, In general, my goofy side has an odd penchant for themed decks I don't like those themed decks that just go too far and cease to be fun. Basically, if a deck owns up to the fact that it's a little cheesy and over the top it's fine by me, but I loathe cheesy over the top decks that masquerade as serious ones. For me this encompasses basically every vampire or goth deck (with the exception of Vargo for some reason that I can't place), any "witch" deck, the LOTR deck...I could go on. I also generally don't like decks that show people in modern clothing, decks that have photos of real people in them (unless it's particularly artistic photography), or decks that have muddled symbolism, like the Feng Shui. And although I do have a sort of respect for them, I'm not big on Marseilles decks either but that's just because I miss the pretty pictures. :)

souljourney

01-12-2004, 06:04

I haven't been into Tarot that long so I'm sure my dislikes/likes will change.
In general what I don't like:

Marseilles style stuff...I like pics on the pips...it helps me for now at least.
Any really dark, horrorish stuff (like Vampire deck)
Anything everyone has...Rider-Waite and very close clones (I'm sure someday I will appreciate it more...as long I get one with brighter artwork?)
Stuff that is way to cutsey.
Angels
Historic looking stuff...don't like the pics usually. I like more Modern stuff.
Dull colors or B&W
"Novelty" stuff...Halloween deck, etc
Anything that tries to make tarot really Christian... Tarot of the Master?
Majors only decks...I guess I don't understand why you would want to limit yourself, but there are some decks I find visually very appealing in this category. I'm sure someday I'll get it.
Decks that look like drawn by an 8 year old.

The artwork is always the thing to draw me to a deck. It could have the most wonderful symbols, etc...but if I don't like the art...forget it.

Cocobird55

01-12-2004, 22:23

The decks that I have disliked enough to give or trade away are --

Tarot of the Cloisters
Goddess

The decks that I don't like but keep just in case are --
Robin Wood
Celtic Dragon
Waking the Wild Spirit

I am totally ambivalent about the Vertigo -- some days I like it, and other days I shudder.

Sue

cSpaceDiva

02-12-2004, 02:26

There was a time when I would buy any deck I could get my hands on if I could get it for a decent price. As a result, there are several I would not buy again. One of these is Londa Tarot. I did see a few posters name the Vampire Tarot which has a similar style.

That being said, just because I dislike it so much, that doesn't mean I am willing to part with it. It's a sickness.

cSpaceDiva

02-12-2004, 02:40

Oh snap! You're right! There certainly is Harry Potter anything and everything else! Considering that the series is about wizards, etc, you'd think there'd be a deck available. LOL

Actually, if you google "Harry Potter tarot" you'll find there are some online versions. Nothing published yet, but if there is you can bet I will pre-order it!

Shining_Moon

02-12-2004, 04:21

Kath

02-12-2004, 17:57

I don’t hate any decks, but there are a few I dislike.

Decks with artwork that looks like it was done by pre-schoolers, are not my cup of tea.

I don’t particularly like the Robin Wood, Motherpeace, Haindl or the Spiral tarot.

The Gilded tarot has lovely artwork, but it leaves me cold, as does the majority of digital decks that I’ve seen.

There are many more, but I don’t generally take note of the names of decks I don’t like :P

amandastar

03-12-2004, 03:39

I think some Lo scarabeo decks are pretty.
But I don't like Gay Tarot..

Little Baron

03-12-2004, 04:13

Fudugazi

04-12-2004, 13:04

I find the Robin Wood full of kitsch, and not very deep (or maybe I don't know enough about pagan symbolism) - but there are some cards in it that I like - the homely smiling Empress pregnant and spinning under her tree, the panicked couple in the Devil - and two I love - the 2 of pentacles, magic circus girl balancing and dancing on her sky-rope and the 4 of wands, a young and graceful couple going through light yet stately steps under a canopy.

Decks I hate? I don't get that far with them. If I don't like one, I don't bother. Many decks seem a bit silly to me, or tacky, or infantile. Others grow on me after I see it on the internet long enough. And some (the Mythic, the Prague) I just fall in love with. But I don't tend to accumulate decks like knickers in my drawer. It takes a lot to make me buy a deck. If I find I don't use one, after a while I pass it on.

Fudugazi

04-12-2004, 13:36

Clau

10-12-2004, 13:58

Decks I don't like:

- Decks with animals on them, I just don't connect, I can't feel having a cat as the emperor is really serious
- Themed Decks : Harry potter, Halloween for the same reason as above
- Photographic decks: not always well accomplished: the alcohol tarot *excuse the passion* is hideous!!!!
- Decks that mix so many traditions: kabbalah+native american+shamanism+new age+astrology+.....I don't get them.

I think that is it.

Good thread to vent...
Thanks!!!!!!!!

tarobones

23-12-2004, 01:29

I find the Thoth deck unappealing.......although I found a thread which had people snipping off all those keywords and the borders and the results are really quite nice! made me take a second look at the thoth just for the artwork.......which before never appealed. One could use the trimmed deck and not have to deal at all with the literature. Its interesting that all the people who are so quick to defend thoth/crowley are some of the very first to jump on the rider/waite deck......
I like the Universal Rider Waite deck most of all I guess, and the Thoth least of all. good thread. BB, Michael

laura_borealis

23-12-2004, 19:08

Even if they don't appeal to me, I don't dislike most decks. There are many I wouldn't want based on the artwork or because they are too light or too dark. But they just make me feel indifferent.

Not the Carnivale Tarot, though. For some reason, I really really dislike it. It's not just because it's basically empty and soulless. It's those masks. They creep me out. They make me think of mimes and clowns. In fact, the only thing I can think of that would be worse is a clown tarot. If there was a clown tarot, I don't know if I could even look at it. :(

Rosanne

23-12-2004, 20:18

I looked at my collection and decided I am pleased I have them all, but...I am not that keen on Thoth. I have'nt purchased a deck that I dislike, because I scan in samples and print them out large; until I am sure, I don't purchase them. I sort of wear myself out of liking them. I have not done my method on any collage decks, so I guess I dislike those. Regards Rosanne

NightWing

27-12-2004, 07:13

Okay, I've now read through this entire thread. I hadn't realized at first how old and long it was. The lesson for me here has really been how very different people's tastes are in Tarot. Why not? Tastes are very different in every other facet of life too.

As to my own "hates": there are a few that I dislike enough not to consider ever getting, but I collect decks and have quite a few, including many that I'd never try reading with. In fact most of my decks I got because of the art, or the theme, or something unique to a particular deck. But with rare exceptions, there are only a small number that I regularly use for reading, and they are all variants of the RW.

The ones I don't really care for, and can't imagine ever getting include:

-Motherpeace T.
-T. of the Trance.
-Golden Dawn (Wang).
-LOTR Tarot (Taiwan).
-any more Marseille clones, beyond the current 6 or so I have.

But I HAVE changed my mind in the past, and might again. For quite some time I couldn't connect with the art of the Greenwood Tarot. Then suddenly, for no apparent reason, something in it "clicked", and I had to have one.

It seems as much as tastes are different and very individual and personal, they also can change. To say "evolve" sounds a bit hierarchic and exclusivist. But taste does develop in many ways and directions, as we age, learn, and experience...life!

RedMaple

28-12-2004, 05:19

I forgot to say that I actually threw the Thoth away. Aleister Crolwley did some evil things, and supported some evil philosophies, so when I found out, I was unable even to look at the cards. I could obviously not give them away, they seemed so awful suddenly. So I chucked them. But I don't hate the deck. It is beautiful. I simply cannot separate it from its creator.

Helvetica, I did the exact same thing, for the same reasons. Just suddenly couldn't even look at the cards, didn't want to pass them on to anyone else, so threw them out.

I don't trust the beauty of the deck, which is seductive. I simply don't want anything from Crowley.

HeyElan

28-12-2004, 09:19

For some reason my reply was posted twice...
...and still I go on. I forgot to say that I actually threw the Thoth away. Aleister Crolwley did some evil things, and supported some evil philosophies, so when I found out, I was unable even to look at the cards. I could obviously not give them away, they seemed so awful suddenly. So I chucked them. But I don't hate the deck. It is beautiful. I simply cannot separate it from its creator.

Helvetica, I did the exact same thing, for the same reasons. Just suddenly couldn't even look at the cards, didn't want to pass them on to anyone else, so threw them out.

I don't trust the beauty of the deck, which is seductive. I simply don't want anything from Crowley.

Speaking as a card-carrying, Thelema-hollering, Crowleyphile, I'm going to ask the two of you to elaborate on the Uncle Al-disparaging going on in this thread.

Sure, certain elements of his practice were 'distasteful' to some, more delicate sensibilities. And certainly, the stories people like to spread about him are disturbing - if you believe them. A great many people of the era spread Crowley-rumors. It was the thing to do. People wanted to read about the 'Wickedest Man in the World' and gossips and newspapers were happy to oblige.

But evil? That's a pretty subjective word, and vague besides.

And even if you're not into the Thelemic philosophy, there are lots of traditional Quabalah elements in the tarot, and astrological correspondances that would be of use to a non-Thelemic ceremonial magician.

(It's one of my favorite decks, personally.)
**

Onto decks I hate:

The Motherpeace Tarot.

For one, it's round. I hate round decks. PASSIONATELY. ARGH!ARGH!ARGH!

Also, I hate the artwork. And there is a noteable absence of men.

I understand some people have patriarchy issues. That's no reason to try and write 'em out of spirituality.

And any deck with Wands corresponding to Air and Swords corresponding to Fire. ESPECIALLY if the creator did so because swords and fire are both 'destructive'.

If it weren't for sharp tools and fire, we'd still be monkeys in caves. And I'm fond of technology and civilization, thanks.

Imagemaker

28-12-2004, 09:31

If it weren't for sharp tools and fire, we'd still be monkeys in caves. And I'm fond of technology and civilization, thanks.

LOL--just think if cavemen had had our liability/tort issues. Sharp tools and fire would have had huge warning tags and strict usage limitations! Not to mention those dangerous caves with places to trip and fall.

Back to the topic, I dislike decks that don't feel good to handle and shuffle. Too slick and thick or too papery and fragile. I may or may not care for the art, but if the feel is bad, I don't like the deck.

HeyElan

28-12-2004, 09:37

Back to the topic, I dislike decks that don't feel good to handle and shuffle. Too slick and thick or too papery and fragile. I may or may not care for the art, but if the feel is bad, I don't like the deck.

I. Know. That's. Right.

And I have 3 decks I love, but rarely ever use because they don't come in a smaller form. My poor Rohrig deck has been out all of. . .two, three times in a serious read situation. Love the art. The deck is too big for my stubby little fingers. Same for the Victoria Regina, which I adore, but can't shuffle for the life of me.

Haunted

16-01-2005, 13:27

Oh snap! You're right! There certainly is Harry Potter anything and everything else! Considering that the series is about wizards, etc, you'd think there'd be a deck available. LOL

Oh great; now you have me thinking of decks for all the other commercialised stuff like (God Forbid! LOL):
Barbie, et al
...
And so on and so forth. :)
I, for one, am certainly glad that the tarot card makers around the world have chosen not to go there! LOL!
I have to confess that I'd love to design a Barbie deck -- can you imagine the joy of subverting all that Barbie has come to represent?! Sorry, my scarred-by-Barbie issues go way back... lol

I simply do not relate to cards with wishy-washy watercolour imagery of Merlin or fairies or Celtic-influenced decks. Gack. That's just me. I like the colours used in the Enochian tarot, but the illustration itself is disappointing. And the erotic decks... can't imagine they're for reading with, so... maybe I'd best stop there. And GummiBears, Carnivale...?! I am so sorry....

RedMaple

16-01-2005, 15:18

I dislike the Haindl, although I loved some of the individual cards.
His Native American stuff is hooey. The deck just gives me a bad feeling.
(You can check out my post in Study Groups if you're interested.)

I agree with Imagemaker about the physical feel of the decks. I love decks that just feel good in my hands, the way I like words that feel good in my mouth. :)

Also, the cards should have no objectionable smell. Very important as certain inks or smells give me a headache and are otherwise distracting.

I dislike the Waking the Wild Spirit -- mostly the book, but it's spread to the cards. Just who does she think she's talking to, anyway? Yikes!

I'm not crazy about photo-realism and dislike actual photos of real people in decks. At least, so far. :)

HeyElan

18-01-2005, 20:59

Speaking of images of people - I don't like pictures of ugly people in tarot decks. I look at tore up people all day long. I want some good looking ones when I lay out the cards.

(Oh. The Rohrig Knight of Wands. Catch me, I swoon.)

Myrrha

18-01-2005, 22:26

I. Know. That's. Right.

And I have 3 decks I love, but rarely ever use because they don't come in a smaller form. My poor Rohrig deck has been out all of. . .two, three times in a serious read situation. Love the art. The deck is too big for my stubby little fingers. Same for the Victoria Regina, which I adore, but can't shuffle for the life of me.

One shuffling method that works well for large or fragile cards is to deal out the deck into seven piles, then take one pile and deal it onto the remaining six, and so forth. It can be a nice meditative way to start a reading also. If you are in a hurry you can just gather up the seven stacks and cut a few times.

--Myrrha

TemperanceAngel

18-01-2005, 23:49

I was thinking about a deck I disliked today and thought there must be a thread on this somewhere....

The Robin Wood...BLAH!!!!!

Salamander

19-01-2005, 18:20

better ask me which one's I do like...

hiss,
Salamander

sharpchick

20-01-2005, 19:29

I just can't bring myself to even pick up the Gothic Tarot. . . there is something about the imagery on a lot of those cards that actually repels me . . . I can't explain it.

RichardDirt

26-09-2005, 19:40

Any that look very computer generated. Examples: Rohrig, Gilded Tarot, Tarot of Dreams and I'm sure there are others.

Mystic_Blue_Jay

26-09-2005, 21:13

I do not like Gilded Tarot. I bought it not too long ago, and it isn't all that. The minors especially get my goat. Some of the faces on the characters on the minors look as if they were cut and pasted from photographs; not as if they were actually digitally drawn. I got the impression from reading the box that the whole deck was supposed to be digitally painted. I felt it didn't look right. Plus, it basically strikes me as another RWS clone. (I gave it to my Mom)

The Revelations tarot felt too bare to me, and tripped out as well.

And last but not least: the Giger Tarot. Holy Freakin' Crap! What the heck was I thinking buying this deck?! I heard such good things from my friend(at that time) about this deck. So I bought it. Shadow or not, it's outright scary if you ask me. CREEEPY!!!!!!

bobbob

26-09-2005, 23:14

I don't like the house brand deck they sell at Barnes & Noble.

Abrac

27-09-2005, 01:56

I don't like many of the Scarabeo's I've seen. I do however like the Visconti Gold. The borders are black and the lettering small and unnoticable.

What's up with this Silver Mantegna? Every review I've read on it is glowing (or shining, as the case may be, LOL), but I don't get it. At least the Visconti Gold is an attempt to recreate a deck that was gold to begin with. This silver thing (whatever it is) just seems like an attempt to get people on the bandwagon and buy another deck. I've never even seen any colored Mantegna cards outside of a few scans from illuminated books.

Not that any of the other Mantegnas are that great either mind you. The only halfway decent reproduction is the Solleone, 1981, and it's long out of print. I would be interested in knowing if the Mantegna ever was illuminated and where Atanassov's ideas for this new deck came from.

I really love the Mantegna and would prefer a quality b/w reproduction along the lines of the Solleone.

fools_fool