How do you choose a new deck?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Mar 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Malachite	23 Mar 2002
What really makes you select a deck?... Is it just looks, or is there more to it?

mooncat2	23 Mar 2002
Sometimes the deck chooses you. In England last year, in a tiny shop in Whitby, I spied a deck with the only card visible 'The Magician". I loved him at first sight.The book was not there, there was no way to view the other cards but that deck of cards wanted to go home with me. Knowing I was impulse buying I did finally buy it and at first was a little disappointed with the minors - loved the majors but doubt I would have bought it if I'd been able to see all the cards.The Tarot of the Old Path - it talks to me like no other deck has - It knew that - I didn't.

Thirteen	23 Mar 2002
From experience I've learned that I have to get a look at the whole deck. In the early days, I did tend to buy decks without giving them a really good look and I'd usually be dissappointed--one card I'd love the rest would leave me cold. What I've found, talking to people, is that most readers fall into two camps (though, of course, some do both depending on the deck). Either: 1) The reader is partial to decks which present their favorite cards extremely well--they love The Star, the Magician and The Hermit, say, and they'll go for Decks which not only appeal to them, but present these cards in a way that's seems "just right"--aesthetically pleasing, ring true in interpetation or have a fresh, new interesting interpetation. In addition, the other cards aren't outright offensive. So, based on favorite cards, the Deck is pretty much a winner. Of course, in this case, even if the reader is attracted to the theme or look of the deck, they will outright reject it if their favorite cards are done weakly. 2) More commonly, I'm guessing, the reader views the deck as a whole--it has a theme that attracts the reader. Dragons, Egyptian, Fairytales, Shakspearian. And it works so well as a whole--is clever or intelligent as well as aesthetically pleasing, that the reader buys it, EVEN if some of their favorite cards aren't done as well as they'd like. At least that's what I've found chatting with other readers.

Kiama	24 Mar 2002
Hmm.. Choosing a new deck for me usually constitutes working out if I already have it or not! Kiama, the addicted collector.......

amyel	24 Mar 2002
Kiama, I'd love to have that problem! LOL Although at present I only have two decks (sson to change when my Amazon order comes in), I have had others which I gave away when I moved cross country. I choose similar to how Thirteen does, except I also must view cards that I don't like, especially Tower & Devil. I find alot of decks make these cards very dark & disturbing, and I know me well enough to know that will influence me very negatively in a reading - which could make me less objective as a reader. I like to find cards that try to present these difficult cards in a new way. That doesn't necessarily mean "lighter" - but as a art history major (not a practioner, alas), the visual impact is extremely significant to me. I also tend to like both modern and indigenous artwork. This is probabaly why I was drawn to the Dante deck. I have never read any of Dante's works, but the art really appealed to me.

Lion-O	24 Mar 2002
Surely a new deck should please, if it would not do this you would not be having any fun using it which IMVHO has a very negative effect on the reading. But there is much more to it then simply pleasing. Thanks to this forum I've seen a lot of pictures of different decks and a lot of pictures please me; I like looking at them and I really enjoy skimming the entire deck (for example the existance card in the Osho-Zen deck (http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/oshozen/index.html)). It may look very appealing and beautifull but I would never buy this set for real readings. It pleases me but it doesn't "call out" to me; when I look at the cards I don't feel good about the things I can read in them. Some (most?) decks are self explaining, this deck doesn't do that for me although I like it enough to buy it to simply marvel at the beauty of it. Being the newbie I am its hard for me to describe yet I think a deck should please, appeal and call out before you can use it to do real readings. Please note that this is an opinion which could change quite easily.. Still; I like the poll but it wasn't broad enough for me. I had to select 'other'.

Jewel	25 Mar 2002
This was a neat question. I use tarot for all sorts of things, so I require different Tarot decks for different things ... thus not all of my decks are necessarily aesthetically pleasing (Tree of Life Tarot ... drab but useful for me). Granted, most are not all. Because I do different things (meditative work, acedemic study, spiritual development, divination, collector etc) it is important to me to hear opinions on the deck ... preferably from poeple I consider a reliable source ... hence I am always here at Aeclectic ;) I am hoplessly addicted to Tarot (and proud of it), so once I hear lots of good opinions and feelings about the decks here my addiction kicks in and I "MUST" have that deck or fear loosing sleep at night *ROFLMAO*

Jewel	25 Mar 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Thirteen What I've found, talking to people, is that most readers fall into two camps (though, of course, some do both depending on the deck). Either: 1) The reader is partial to decks which present their favorite cards extremely well--they love The Star, the Magician and The Hermit, say, and they'll go for Decks which not only appeal to them, but present these cards in a way that's seems "just right"--aesthetically pleasing, ring true in interpetation or have a fresh, new interesting interpetation. In addition, the other cards aren't outright offensive. So, based on favorite cards, the Deck is pretty much a winner. Of course, in this case, even if the reader is attracted to the theme or look of the deck, they will outright reject it if their favorite cards are done weakly. 2) More commonly, I'm guessing, the reader views the deck as a whole--it has a theme that attracts the reader. Dragons, Egyptian, Fairytales, Shakspearian. And it works so well as a whole--is clever or intelligent as well as aesthetically pleasing, that the reader buys it, EVEN if some of their favorite cards aren't done as well as they'd like. At least that's what I've found chatting with other readers. Hi Thirteen I have a third category for you: 3) Addicts or Compulsives - these people are usually collectors (this does not mean that all collectors are Addicts/Compulsives) or are constantly tradining decks to have new decks. They are drawn to novelty and newness as well as to the elements of the second category presented above. Most every deck they find is considered a treasure, and even if they do not particularly like the deck they cannot bring themselves to part with it either. If you did not guess ... that is the category I fall in to *LOL*

Kissa	25 Mar 2002
Tough question Malachite ! (by the way, you beat me on that one, I only created my first poll tonight in the astrology section ... ;) ) I guess I would have answered "aesthetically attracted" before but now that I have discovered Aeclectic and its forums, I chose "Heard of it before". I usually read about a deck in the forums, then I go to see pictures of it and sometimes, I get seriously attracted. That happened lately when faunabay told us that the Wild Spirit deck was available already. I had never heard of this deck, I was not even thinking of buying a new deck and now ... (damned faunabay ;) !!!) Kissa

Umbrae	25 Mar 2002
A deck must be aesthetically pleasing, but not necessarily to me. It must be pleasing to the sitter. It needs to allow the sitter to feel they are part of the mystery…not a cartoon network or MTV special. Does the deck reek of mysteries passed down for hundreds of years? If it does, it makes attaining a connection with the sitter much easier. If they feel “Part of “ the mystery it is easier to tune into them. Frankly, cards are cards…it is my responsibility to help the sitter, and provide what it is that they want and need. That is why they come to me.

Kiama	25 Mar 2002
When I was still searching for *my* deck, I would base my choice on theme, artwork, and whether or not I could comprehend the symbolism. It seemed to work pretty well, cuz after about 4 decks I found the Robin Wood. Nowadays, I usually go for aesthetics, or an unusual theme, such as a round deck, or one which is themed in a different way, like the Buckland Romani, or Sacred Circle, or Osho Zen. Most of the deks I buy now I will never use, so comprehending the symbolism isn't as important as it was then, although it does score higher in my estimation if I can understand it! Plus, it adds to my understanding of each card in a deck if I get another deck's 'point of view'... Kiama

Kaz	25 Mar 2002
for me a deck must have artwork that i like, and the cards need to speak to me to be able to read them.....thinking about the templar deck, i love the artwork, but, i don't know if i will ever read them, though it's a great object for study. i sort of collect, not like kiama or jewel, but i sometimes buy a deck which i like for art in first place. guess that's what it needs to buy it. kaz

Jewel	25 Mar 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kaz for me a deck must have artwork that i like, and the cards need to speak to me to be able to read them.....thinking about the templar deck, i love the artwork, but, i don't know if i will ever read them, though it's a great object for study. i sort of collect, not like kiama or jewel, but i sometimes buy a deck which i like for art in first place. guess that's what it needs to buy it. kaz you mean to tell me we are going through all this work of understanding the Templar and you are not even planning on reading with it? ~tries to look disgusted at Kaz but can't hold back the giggles~ ... and here I was knocking myself out for you! *ROFLMAO* ... just kidding girl-friend!

Logiatrix	28 Mar 2002
i choose a deck by checking my budget! so i guess i'm with kiama and jewel--->compulsive/addict collector! also agree with moonkat; my main deck chose me. i can't even begin to fathom why this deck works for me, i no longer even try to figure it out. "if it ain't baroque..." :)

Zhritza	02 Apr 2002
I'm a sucker for bright colors and intense symbolism; I frequently like decks that most tarot buffs seem to think are grotesque and/or "trippy." Near the very top of my wish list is the Napo Tarot, which I'll admit is pretty silly-looking in a way. My favorite deck right now is probably the Halloween Tarot, by Kipling West. I guess my intuition responds really well to a good swift kick to its head or something.

truthsayer	02 Apr 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel Hi Thirteen I have a third category for you: 3) Addicts or Compulsives - these people are usually collectors (this does not mean that all collectors are Addicts/Compulsives) or are constantly tradining decks to have new decks. They are drawn to novelty and newness as well as to the elements of the second category presented above. Most every deck they find is considered a treasure, and even if they do not particularly like the deck they cannot bring themselves to part with it either. If you did not guess ... that is the category I fall in to *LOL* jewel, if i might diagnose the particular form of OCD(obsessive-compulsive disorder), that you and i, + others here appear to have? TD-OCD=Tarot deck OCD. i suppose that personality disorder diagnoses works right in with our forthcoming tarot-aholics anonymous chapter. where we will admit our powerlessness to control our TD-OCD and will resist all attempts to put us on paxil or some other psychiatric med to control our illness b/c we like it this way!! LOL ;)

Malachite	03 Apr 2002
Y'know..I'd forgotten I posted this thread...I was skimming the forum, and thought...'hang on, when did i post above the line?... Oh well! ;) Thirteen:...I think category 2 appeals to me, but I'm too scared to buy a theme deck in case I disagree with the card interpretations...I always start planning my own!..(and I'm actually working on some, now, FINALLY...) Kissa:...Yay! Thinking more...I guess this might be a different question, but do things like illustrated/pipped, and strictness of following tarot dogma have a big influence on your buying habits?

Zhritza	03 Apr 2002
Theoretically I hate pips, and will almost never buy a deck that has them. But there are exceptions. There are always exceptions, I'm afraid... I also simply do not buy oracle decks. Gosh, that must be why I spent more than twice the usual deck price on Brian Froud's Faerie Oracle.

Sam	18 Jun 2002
i read a review on aecletic! (duh!)

MysticRose	18 Jun 2002
I pick decks that are Aesthetically pleasing and intuitive to read with... Intuitive wasn't a choice though...lol. But, I am now one post closer to obtaining an avatar. :-) :TEMPS

Jeannette	18 Jun 2002
Lessee... how do I choose a tarot...? Because it exists! Chalk up another to "Other" -- compulsive/addicted collector! Quote: Originally posted by Qolus I'm a sucker for bright colors and intense symbolism; I frequently like decks that most tarot buffs seem to think are grotesque and/or "trippy"... Ah -- a kindred spirit. I'll take 'em all, but I'm also a bit prone to the "magpie" syndrome... shiny, bright, weird, deep, interesting! Yes, I'm an avowed "color slut" when it comes to tarot! :) -- Jeannette http://www.tarotgarden.com

Jewel	18 Jun 2002
*ROFLMAO* Jeannette, you are a woman after my own heart *LOL* ... yes color rules!

Jeannette	18 Jun 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel *ROFLMAO* Jeannette, you are a woman after my own heart *LOL* ... yes color rules! Well, based on which decks sell best at Tarot Garden, I shouldn't be surprised to find I'm not alone. Although I must admit that I've developed a latent appreciation of black-and-white decks... there are a few that make exquisite use of the medium... ...All of which would make for interesting discussion in-and-of itself. Since I don't want to get away from the thread topic here, I'll ask: has there been a thread recently on B/W decks? -- Jeannette

Lee	18 Jun 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jeannette and/or Lori has there been a thread recently on B/W decks? -- Jeannette No, Jeannette, there hasn't -- sounds like a good idea though. Feel free! :) -- Lee

Jeannette	19 Jun 2002
Okie-dokey, Lee. I've been feeling a bit "under the weather" the past couple of days, but I'll try to get something going as soon as I have enough brain function back to write coherunt... cohiren... cohairantl... um, understandably. ;) -- Jeannette http://www.tarotgarden.com

Kyrielle	19 Jun 2002
The art style absolutely must resonate with me -- that's the number one consideration for me. I can't work with something I can't stand to look at. It doesn't have to be "beautiful" or "professional" art, it just has to have that certain appealing quality. If the artist and/or author have something new to say through the deck, that's a big plus. Fresh imagery is really good -- if they've found a new way to show a traditional concept, or have decided to share a new insight into a card's meaning. I like different points of view. --Kyrielle

purplelady	19 Jun 2002
Out of thirteen's 2 methods of choosing a deck , I'd say I go with #2. An interesting "theme" for the deck , and the look of it on the whole, not just based on any favorite card. I love bright color and artwork. There are decks where I love one or two cards but I will not buy them just for that. I also always read as many reviews as I can find, to learn of anything significant or peculiar to the deck, and to decide if it is a deck I would want. And , unlike everyone else I do Not have to or even want to see ALL the cards before I buy it! I can always judge the deck by the 6 or so cards on online reviews. I want to be surprised and have something to look foward to when the deck arrives! Yes , I want it to tease me! But of course, to contradict myself, I just looked at the Gill and the Gendron at that site Pollux just posted and now I'm ever so more convinced I need both these decks!

Liliana	19 Jun 2002
My old decks tell me to buy new ones hehe :THP

The How do you choose a new deck? thread was originally posted on 23 Mar 2002 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.