Connolly deck

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 03 Jun 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

catlin	03 Jun 2002
I got the mini Connolly deck as I wanted a deck which is even smaller than my Pocket RW to use for 78-card-spreads. No I am wondering if I should get the standard size Connolly for the "tender souls" among my querents. This deck is too Christian for my taste but that is IMO. Or should I better get the Whimsical deck? Any further input?

Kaz	03 Jun 2002
if you ask me, none of both. both decks are too "sweet" for my taste. get a small thoth deck i'd say. if that isn't small enough, you can do this: go to a copy shop (photocopying, xeroxing) and copy your favorite deck in the size you want on thick paper, cut it, et voila..... kaz

Andryh	03 Jun 2002
I think it is great that you are considerate of you querant's feelings and needs, but my advice is: Never read with a deck that you personally find unappealing. I have tried in the past to read with decks that I haven't liked. My readings with those decks were just never as powerful or revealing. There are lots of "gentle decks" out there. Perhaps you can find one that will be inoffensive to your more delicate clients and still appeal to you. Here are a few decks that appeal to my sensitive side: The New Palladini, The Hanson-Roberts, The Goddess Tarot and the Legend Tarot. There are lots more out there, but these are the ones I own.

Andryh	03 Jun 2002
I forgot to recommend a very good deck for sensitive clients...How about the Osho Zen. It has beautiful, inspiring art that appeals to most people. It is very colorful, and while it is a serious, meaningful deck, none of its images are particularly disturbing. The only thing to keep in mind, is that this is a rather untraditional deck, having none of the traditional suits or card titles. Nonetheless, its relatively easy to read, and might be just the thing for more sensitive people.

wavebreaker	03 Jun 2002
Andryh, I agree with you that the images on the Osho Zen aren't disturbing, but I find that the Osho Zen can be quite harsh in its readings, because it will tell you the truth without beating around the bush. So personally I wouldn't use it for sensitive people. I don't own that many decks, but from the ones that I've got I consider the Glastonbury to be a "gentle deck".

dolphingirl	03 Jun 2002
Hi All just recently I used the whimsical deck for a reading on a very troubling problem and I must say that although the artwork is very soft and light this deck held NOTHING back and gave me a reading thaat was incredibly honest (ouch) I also like the fact that the fairy tales are a nice way to talk about serious problems with sensitive people that alows them to examine the problems with out fear. And if you do get it I highly recomed the book to help with those less remembered tales :) I think that which ever deck appeals to you would be the best bet I have both the Connely and the Whimsical and I personally prefer the whimsical as it adds a new dimension to readings :) Thanks Sam

Keslynn	03 Jun 2002
I agree with dolphingirl that a softer deck does not always mitigate the effect of the cards. The love reading that really kicked my butt and woke me up out of a long bad streak came from my Hanson-Roberts deck! Pastels with power, I guess. ;) But I do think artwork is really important to give you and the querant a feel for the cards. If you or they don't like the deck then it'll make things more difficult so I would say, try to find the happy medium (as others advised).

Violet Gargoyle	03 Jun 2002
I like the Halloween deck, a lot of the symbolism is the same, but with a lighter touch. Of course, it works best in the fall, but it is something to keep in mind for variety.....

Zhritza	04 Jun 2002
Yes!! The Halloween is easily the happiest deck I own, contrary to what one might guess about it. It is not in the least bit dark. I do not find it to be silly at all... fun, yes, but it can deal with deeper issues without any trouble.

catlin	04 Jun 2002
Hi friends, Thanks for your input! I guess I'll consider adding the Whimsical (I have to order one for Jema's trade so why not get one for me, too?). Mini Connolly is too Christian for my taste but I like the small size of it. I already got Hanson-Roberts and Legend Arthurian (the latter is great for love readings!) but I really wanted one for the "sensitive" querents. I think it is extremely important to have several decks at hand to let querents choose. I do not have difficulties with reading a deck which is not one of my top ten. I just want to make sure that my querents are at ease.

Maan	04 Jun 2002
He Catlin Guess you know what i think of this deck since i put it up fore trade....;) it's just to christian :( O when will the pagan tarot of lo scarabeo be realesed :( I simply hate waiting.

catlin	04 Jun 2002
Hi Maan, I thought to add the Connolly just because of that to my reading decks as there are some querents who don't wish so see Pagan things that is why I contacted you but I love my Aquarian too much to trade it for a Christian deck. What shall we do now?

The Connolly deck thread was originally posted on 03 Jun 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.