POLL: Which deck is best (in your own, wonderful opinion) :)

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

mermaiden	22 Jul 2002
Okay, I'm bent on the fact that the deck I was meant to read with has not been created yet; it's been a feeling I've had for a long time. I can't wait any longer though and even though I would have liked to just have one full deck, I'm planning on purchasing another (one from the decks mentioned by you wonderful people). :) So, based on the following topics: -artwork -symbolism -ability to use in a past life reading -what your instinct is saying would be good for me :) which of these decks is the best, in your opinion (you can explain, if you like)? -Merry Day -Jane Lyle's RenaissanceTarot (this isn't the one with all the nude people *LOL*) -Gill Tarot -Legend -Shapeshifter Thanks a bunch! :)

Helruna	22 Jul 2002
hi! Oh my, you have a nice selection there! I am biased about the Shapeshifter and the Legend. I LOVE my Shapeshifter, although it does not really depict the traditional images and symbols of the other Tarot decks but it works GREAT with me and especially spiritual matters. Not only spiritual, but to me it appeal in particular for this subject also I have used it for other readings and questions with good results as well. Legend is nice too, although you should be familiar with the Arthur Legend to get the most out of it, IMHO. I don't know about the other decks you mention. I don't own them yet, although the MerryDay is on my Wishlist. :) It looks like a real nice set. BB, Helruna

Helruna	22 Jul 2002
Sorry, I am not quite awake yet, so I just jumped over your criteria... Quote: Originally posted by meramaiden So, based on the following topics: -artwork -symbolism -ability to use in a past life reading -what your instinct is saying would be good for me :) OK, artwork on Legend: The artwork, in my opinion is quite nice, and the images to me are vivid, although a little bit dark/blue at times without being depressive. I like the style that, to me personally, takes me into this area and legend very well. The Symbolism is based on the Celtic/Arthurian legend/time, so you should, like I already mentioned, be a bit more familiar with this particular area, but it is not that dense that you could not learn it or get a grasp on it. In a past life reading, like Thirteen already mentioned, it might not be the best, as it "limits" you to a certain time and area simply through his images and theme. Instince here fails, sorry. I don't know if you would like it or not. Shapeshifter: OK, I already mentioned I am very biased about this deck. The artwork - I just love it! The colour are bright, without screaming and the scenes depict in particular animals/people that sometimes shift into another. This can seem odd at times, but once you get to know it better its no problem. Symbolism is rich and deep, and each card contains quite a lot regarding symbolism. They especially use the Celtic/Shamanic images about Shapeshifting and the Celtic Gods/Goddesses and animals and ideas. to me, the symbolism speaks wonderfully to my unconscious and I have great results with it. In a past life spread - simply have a look at the old long thread and there is another shapeshifter-deck reading. You can also look at mine. I personally think, as I mentioned the spiritual theme, this is a good deck for past life, and even though it is a bit Celtic-orientated I had no problems with thinking about other "times" this could refer to. Your taste... failure again. I don't know. I don't know you good enough to tell you if this is a deck for you... BB, Helruna

Dark Inquisitor	23 Jul 2002
If you are completely new to tarot, I have to recommend the trusty old Rider Waite deck to learn the basics from. I know this is not on your list, and not the kind of artwork & symbolism you prefer. (The Universal Waite is a very pretty version to start on, I bought this one for my daughter.) This probably goes against others' opinions of purely intuitive reading and throwing away the little white book of card definitions. But I am of the opinion that the tarot is a book of symbols - a visual alphabet. If you are just learning to read, you start out with a simple book, not Shakespeare. You need to learn the visual alphabet and the basic meanings. Then you can branch out. If you start out with a very esoteric deck that has a lot of additonal artist's personal meanings attached, you are muddying the waters, and trying to begin at the end point and work backwards. If the tarot is for you, the symbols will speak to you on another level and draw you in. If you don't intend to read and just want an art collectable, buy whatever you are feel affinity for. Maybe you are putting too much pressure on just one decision. You have made up your mind that you must have just one deck, and so the choice you must make has enormous importance. If you were willing adopt a more flexible approach , you could take the pressure off the whole thing. For example, you might say that you will find the Ultimate Deck someday, but until then, buy less expensive used decks to play with - experiment, get to know them. Don't feel that you must limit yourself to a set of criteria stringently. You can always sell them later- no big deal. You will not find too much support for the One Deck Only Theory here ! (Do you have just one pair of shoes, or one mermaid? ) As you go along, you may find that your idea of the perfect deck changes. New (or old) decks come along and you see something in them that elluded you before - you may be changing & evolving your point of view as you develop without even realizing it consciously. As you work with the tarot, the tarot also works with you! Tarotphelia

Liliana	23 Jul 2002
Of all the ones you mentioned, Id go with the Lyle RenaissanceTarot. All the other decks in your list deviate to a great extent from traditional Tarot, and you should start with some sort of traditional deck so as not to get confused later on. That and the 3D art is rather cool looking But I believe we've discussed elsewhere that this deck is now called something like Secret Tarot, but dont get it confused with the Lo Scarabo Secret Tarot. Apparently they thought too many decks were called RenaissanceTarot, too bad theres just as many called Secret Tarot :P Oh and the Gill is really really lovely (cant wait to get mine Pollux wink wink nudge nudge) but I think that people new to tarot may have a problem reading the minors in any more depth than the keyword printed on them. But the majors are stunning. :THP

mermaiden	23 Jul 2002
You know, Lilian, you're definitely correct about the Gill Tarot, the only reason I would get it is for the artwork but I do kinda find the keywords annoying. *LOL* You have a point, Tarotphelia about the one-deck theory but I remember reading that it would divide you energy if you use more than one deck (maybe that would be why some people feel that some decks run low on energy...they could have a lot more energy if you focused on that one deck). Then again, however, I really don't have that much experience w/this but this is what I feel for now. I really do feel like I'm putting WAY too much emphasis on this decision, though, Tartophelia. *LOL*

mermaiden	23 Jul 2002
I want to make sure I get the best deck for me right now because if I do plan on gettin another deck in the future, it'll be WAY in the future because I'm always strapped for cash (I don't have a p/t job yet and I'm in the middle of looking for a talent agent). *LOL* Thus, I need to make sure that I'm happy w/this deck. :) BTW, I realized I made quite a few typos in the above reply, sorry!

Starfish	23 Jul 2002
Considering I own 3 of the 5, have the 4th en route to me (the Layle Renaissance/Secret Tarot - due to the discussions on a previous thread) and the 5th on my wishlist, I don't think I could pick just one! :) - Merry Day - Jane Lyle's RenaissanceTarot - Gill Tarot - Legend - Shapeshifter Of the ones I do have, I use the Gill the most. :T5P Starfish

Helruna	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mermaiden You have a point, Tarotphelia about the one-deck theory but I remember reading that it would divide you energy if you use more than one deck (maybe that would be why some people feel that some decks run low on energy...they could have a lot more energy if you focused on that one deck). Then again, however, I really don't have that much experience w/this but this is what I feel for now. I really do feel like I'm putting WAY too much emphasis on this decision, though, Tartophelia. *LOL* This is an interesting theory. I don't know exactly how many Tarot decks I own (tend to be a bit forgettable about that), but I assume its about 15 or 16, and I don't feel that the decks are running low on energy... hmmm.... the only running low here on energy at times is me... BB, Helruna

mermaiden	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Helruna This is an interesting theory. I don't know exactly how many Tarot decks I own (tend to be a bit forgettable about that), but I assume its about 15 or 16, and I don't feel that the decks are running low on energy... hmmm.... the only running low here on energy at times is me... BB, Helruna *LOL* do you use them all? I can understand you not having a problem if you don't use them all. Some people collect decks because of their artwork and never use them. They might have like a few times but they don't use them all regularly. Anyway, I really just want one deck because I can't collect them: being a collector of practically everything else on the planet, I have no room and no money (at this time). I have, though, saved some money up for one deck because one isn't going to break my bank and it also has been put off for too long. :)

Helruna	24 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mermaiden *LOL* do you use them all? I can understand you not having a problem if you don't use them all. Some people collect decks because of their artwork and never use them. They might have like a few times but they don't use them all regularly. I didnt' start out collecting them. I bought like one or two over the Internet, and didn't see all the cards, and when they arrived, I didn't really connect to them. I wouldn't per se say I am a collector. Actually, most of the decks I really use for readings. I choose/pick the one that I "feel" is most appropriate. :D And, moreoever, I just started getting more last summer, when I started working (have been long ways in school with tight money, so I know the problem *G*) and had some more money to spend on books and cards that I like. I understand that you only want one deck to start out with. I have followed the link Liliana gave a few days ago but unfortunately there aren't the ones you have mentioned. They show the whole deck of cards. Otherwise I would have directed you there. But I give the link anyway so you maybe find something else (I fell in love with the MerryDay which has been on my wishlist for some time now, but also the Sacred Rose is on it and both seem to be quite nice): http://www.tarot.com/store/browse_deck.php?newdeck=16 BB, Helruna

Rhiannon	24 Jul 2002
Hi mermaiden! Out of the decks listed I would probably recommend the Legend deck. I have this and it's a great deck for meditation as the the artwork seems to almost move when you stare at it. And the pictures are lovely. They are much brighter in person than on some of the scans you may have seen. There is really only 1 card IMO that strongly deviates from standard RWS (7 of Swords). I would agree that this may not be the best deck for past life readings.. but I don't think you'd have any problems learning with it. In fact, this is the deck I gave my best friend to learn with and she's doing fine. (Of course she'd be doing better if she actually WROTE DOWN her readings... but I digress....) So, I'm sure whatever deck you pick will be the right one for you, but IMHO, I'd choose this one. R :)

mermaiden	24 Jul 2002
After a full day of running rampant through Toronto's finest New Age/Occult areas *LOL* my deck popped out at me when I least expected it. :) I almost bought the Legend Tarot because I love the art and it was affordable but when I was going to prepare to buy it I made a quick stop into a goth shop that I rememberd had a few decks. By the time I got out, I had a slightly handled Toth Tarot (it was a sample deck)! I just clicked with it when I initially looked through it and I totally forgot that it had a mermaid Empress card (of course my memory was delightfully refreshed when I found the card in the deck) so I decided to buy it but the sample one was the only one they had left. This didn't matter to me because the shopkeeper (who was very nice) gave it to me for $20 no tax (this was good because the tax in Toronto is 15%)! I am very excited about using it now but I would like to thank all of you so much for your input! :) I could see why all of you collect decks, though, because if I had the money, I just might have bought Legend to because of it's artwork. *LOL*

Jewel	25 Jul 2002
Excellent choice! The Gill tarot is based on the Toth deck, so if you like the Thoth you will probably also like the Gill if you decide to get another deck in the future (which if you hang around here long enough will be inevitable). The key words won't bug you after a bit, the majors are something else, especially the Empress. Enjoy your Thoth deck, and if you like studying this deck will be even more special to you. It is a real treasure.

mermaiden	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel Excellent choice! The Gill tarot is based on the Toth deck, so if you like the Thoth you will probably also like the Gill if you decide to get another deck in the future (which if you hang around here long enough will be inevitable). The key words won't bug you after a bit, the majors are something else, especially the Empress. Enjoy your Thoth deck, and if you like studying this deck will be even more special to you. It is a real treasure. Thanks for the info! :) I'm really excited about studying w/this deck but I seem to be stuck to this forum (help)! I think after I obtain Citizen status I might be off and on the forum for a week or so. :)

Jewel	25 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mermaiden Thanks for the info! :) I'm really excited about studying w/this deck but I seem to be stuck to this forum (help)! I think after I obtain Citizen status I might be off and on the forum for a week or so. :) ~Giggles~ we'll see about that! *LOL* go rumage through the general study group forum you will find some stuff on the Thoth there. And there are several threads on the Thoth in this deck forum. You can revive all kinds of things *LOL*. I know we have threads on recommended books for the Thoth, etc. My thoth deck is one that I will always be studying I think. It is fascinating. My favorite deck, the Cosmic Tribe, is Thoth based ... so is the Rhorig.

DarkElectric	25 Jul 2002
Hi folks! I don't have any of the listed decks, but for what it's worth, here are my favourites! Voyager!!!. Gorgeous artwork, the symbolism is easy for me to read, and I like the theme of the deck, which is very elemental. The Spiral tarot. I love this deck. The minor arcanna is to me, a bit on the folksy side, but I find that really easy to relate to. The major arcanna I find wonderfully drawn, with deep symbolism. To me, a very pagan deck, specifically I refer here to the Moon card, which depicts the triple Goddess, and the Death card, which is represented by the Crone. Secrets tarot. This deck spoke volumes to me the first time I saw it. Somewhat easy to read, but more complex meanings. I like the artwork, which has more of what I would call a "Cartoon" aspect, but that does not detract from the deck. I also recently purchased the Roots of Asia tarot. This is a truly beautiful deck, it's imagery loosely based on Buddhist concepts, and other Eastern Mythos. It's a really different read. And I finally found a copy of DreamPower tarot. I LOVE it, but it's a whole 'nother system! I think that's part of what I like about it so much!

Cerulean	25 Jul 2002
Hi all! With all the free sample readings with the decks out there, that include the Llewellyn webtarot and facade, there's another that might appeal to you. For the Thoth Tarot, Tarot Inspirations is a learning site. But I like best to see the tarot in a reading, so I'm posting this free Thoth reading site for you: http://www.fourthdimension.net/ You can even keep an online tarot reading journal for significant readings. Best, Mari H.

truthsayer	31 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mermaiden which of these decks is the best, in your opinion (you can explain, if you like)? -Merry Day -Jane Lyle's RenaissanceTarot (this isn't the one with all the nude people *LOL*) -Gill Tarot -Legend -Shapeshifter i've have had all these but the ren tarot. i just don't like jane lyle's style but purely my own opinion. i like the merry day and legend the best. i'm still learning how to read the merry day but the legend is no problem. it's been a fav for several years. i love colors and the woodsy feel of the merryday. it uses some kind of complex numerology system that i'm trying to learn from the book on the MD shre recently published. i could't read either the gill or the shapeshifter. i don't like the kabalah references on the gill. i just couldn't relate to it i don't like some of the creators shifts on the shapeshifter. example the extra cards and changing fire to swords and air to wands. past life readings...hmmmmmm. honestly, i wouldn't use any of these for a past life reading. i would try to find a deck that didn't seem biased toward a particularly culture or period of time or theme. universal waite or thoth comes to mind for that.

LeoLady	31 Jul 2002
I actually don't like any of the decks mentioned!

LeoLady	31 Jul 2002
The decks I most liked for the art work was The Dragon Tarot and Celtic Dragon (dropped half of it in the bath today whilst admiring the artwork...now very soggy dragons!) But I can't read them at all at the mo..the one i found easiest is the Hanson-Roberts but I've just got the book to go with Unicorn Tarot Deck (still waiting 4 deck) and it looks LOVELY.. Will have to see tho whether I can interpret any of them xx

truthsayer	31 Jul 2002
i haven't found either dragon deck very readable. any deck by mary hanson roberts has a high rating on the truthsayer scale of deck readability for beginners. plus its my fav reading deck. we can "talk" you know?

LeoLady	01 Aug 2002
Hi Truth..Not sure what you meant by comment below? Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer we can "talk" you know?

Lee	01 Aug 2002
I think truthsayer simply meant that she and her deck can communicate with each other. -- Lee

LeoLady	01 Aug 2002
Oh, I see........thanks

ming	01 Aug 2002
i agree with Tarotphelia's earlier post. You need to start at the beginning, and the newer decks are complex until you know what's what. If you've got it in you, you will read with anything, but theres no point in making things hard for yourself. My daughter did this and got fed up and gave up.In Scots we would say "caw canny & keep the heid !"...

truthsayer	01 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Lee I think truthsayer simply meant that she and her deck can communicate with each other. -- Lee yes, exactly!

LeoLady	02 Aug 2002
I seem to be having problems with Truth's posts!!!! lol

The POLL: Which deck is best (in your own, wonderful opinion) :) thread was originally posted on 22 Jul 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.