~ Which deck for *public* readings?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

kayne	21 Jul 2002
Alright... I don't quite know if this should be in Talking Tarot or Tarot Decks... so Lee or JMD, just move it if you think it needs it... :) There is a market in the park every third Sunday here and it is really cheap to get a stall so some of my friends and I have been talking about getting some art stuff together to sell at the market, mostly for fun but if we make a bit of money - bonus! :D I am thinking of doing Tarot Readings as part of it... I have hardly ever read for people I barely know and when I have I have used my Cosmic Tribe deck because I am so familiar with it... and it has never been a problem. However, as much as I love it, I just don't think it is appropriate for most people in a park on a Sunny Sunday morning :P So... I have 4 weeks to become really familiar with one of my other decks, which deck, in your opinion, do you think should be it (these are the more... user friendly decks that I have): ~ World Spirit ~ Robin Wood ~ Rider Waite/Smith ~ Aquarian ~ Zerner-Farber ~ Olympus I look forward to your opinions... :)

jema	21 Jul 2002
sounds fun with the market and all! and i think you are right about the cosmic tribe. could give some people serious concerns anyway - of those decks i have never used the robin wood (i just don't like it) if it were me i would probably take the rider-waite. cause i already know it and as a bonus - chances are that many of those you end of reading for might have some feeling of recognition of it too. but i must say that the world spirit is a beautiful deck, very strong and might be just the thing. i think perhaps you, with your flare for colours, would be more at ease with that deck then the rider-waite. just try them out - one each day and see what you think.

jmd	21 Jul 2002
Being true to oneself includes using the deck which best suits you, kayne - though I agree that the Cosmic Tribe deck has 'over-the-top' qualities. However, if this is your first 'general' public reading, then I would suggest to stick to it. If you really feel uncomfortable with it in public, I would suggest you choose whichever the Cosmic Tribe guides you towards! Failing that - get a Marseilles, and use this perfect opportunity to get to know it (;)).

Emily	21 Jul 2002
The World Spirit looks unusual and will catch people's eyes, The Robin Wood is ok if you don't mind the celtic/pagan theme but I think my favourite to use would be the Zerner Farber. You might find that the majority of people you read for might be women and this is an appealing deck - Actually I've just added it to my evergrowing wishlist because of your post. :D But like the others on here, I think you should use the one that you feel comfortable reading with :)

Helruna	21 Jul 2002
I agree that the World Spirit definitely is an Eye-catcher - however, I am not sure if people who never saw a deck can relate to some of the Images and Scenes portrait - I think especially of the Hanged Man card. Nonetheless, it would make a good deck, I think. Besides this, the good old standard, Rider Wite might be worth a try. The symbols are not pagan or christian or anything, so nobody will feel offended by it, and it still is nice to look at. Hey - why don't you take TWO decks, so they can choose themselves? Or you "rotate", if you do more than one Sunday, one Sunday you take this deck, the other Sunday the other deck and find out what seems to appeal most to the people? Just a few thoughts of mine. BB, Helruna

Liliana	21 Jul 2002
I would take both the World Spirit and the Rider Waite. World Spirit because of its all inclusive feeling, no matter what type of person you read for theres likely to be one card in the reading that they will identify with, the Rider waute because its the most recognizable tarot deck, and people feel more comfortable with what they are familar with As for the Rider Waite not being Christian, Ill have to argue with you on that ;) :THP

Jenny-Li	21 Jul 2002
I'm with Liliana on this one, take both Rider Waite and World Spirit. Or the Robin Wood - to me the Pagan stuff has never been a bother... If you want to focus on one only, I'd go with Rider Waite, because it's a classic, people will have seen some of the pictures (probably) and probably be able to relate to it. I've never been much for this deck (although mine is a Universal Waite - for the record), but the more I get into Tarot (and the more I study 78 Degrees of Widsom) the more I like it...! Good luck with it, whichever one you choose - I trust you will report back with your experiences after this market...? *Jenny's curious...!* jenny :)

Helruna	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Liliana As for the Rider Waite not being Christian, Ill have to argue with you on that ;) :THP Well, it is not THAT Christian... and, Christianity had a very strong influence the last centuries... fortunately or unfortunately... :D But I meant that it is not THAT apparent, and the symbols are most likely to be better "known" to the average person. And besides this, the World Spirit contains and shows pagan traits as well - what about the Magician (Voodo), or the Hierophant (Maya?). I don't want to quarrel about what religioug type of deck to use for public readings. :P but simply point out that if you look only for the "strict" paga/non-pagen associations, you will always encounter people who prefer this or that anyway... BB, Helruna

RedWood	21 Jul 2002
I would also suggest taking 2 decks...You can switch between them..Or let the querent choose one...Rider-Waite would be the most recognizable.. I just got the Zerber-Farber deck..(I put a little bit about it in the tarot decks forum) I think women would be attracted to this deck..specially for love questions..The cups are changed to Hearts on the deck... edited because i put pentacles for hearts and it is cups that was changed...Sheesh I have been so absent-minded lately..i am sure you can tell by my posts..

Pollux	21 Jul 2002
I am with Redwood. Rider-Waite + Zerner-Faber. I would not consider Robin Wood and Aquarian since I would prefer RW to them for such occasons. Aquarian simply is a more stylish version, sometimes the style detracting much from the original RW (courts - and to a lesser extent pips - especially). Robin Wood would be a good choice, but probably for the first time Rider-Waite could do better; if you see you have "regulars", you might try to use it too instead of the most (in)famous Smith... World Spirit is probably too... dense. Too passionate, too dark and probably unusual - those blue people and that Sun boy! That might result in other people dreaming of their blue hair... :P Don't know if it would be suited for a Sunny Morning Park Campaign... :confused: Olympus... I don't know much of this deck. Just seen few cards. But probably, as the most averse to LoScarabeo Decks (how strange, I also am the only Italian... "Cos The grass is always greener... :P" *LOL*) I would not recommend it. And if you are concerned by the Pagan references of Robin Wood, I think you should avoid the Olympus - it is also a bit unclear for me, I doubt I could read with it at all... Zerner-Faber is so... dainty-vintage like! :D:D:D You might impress your she-querents with it, and get some regulars! ;) SHOW OFF! :D And Rider-Waite as the most familiar. The most sensible choice, if I were in your shoes, would be to take them both.

Starfish	21 Jul 2002
Yet another vote for go with feels right. I do agree that the Cosmic Tribe deck would be....too over the top ;) I would also take two decks and perhaps let the querent choose. I've never seen the Zerner-Farber, so my choices would be the Robin Wood (my personal favorite of the list you provided) and the RWS. What an exciting opportunity for you! :T7S Starfish

RedWood	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Pollux Zerner-Faber is so... dainty-vintage like! :D:D:D You might impress your she-querents with it, and get some regulars! ;) SHOW OFF! :D And Rider-Waite as the most familiar. The most sensible choice, if I were in your shoes, would be to take them both. exactly: dainty vintage..a lot of women love that..

divinerguy	21 Jul 2002
The Rider-Waite and the Robin Wood. By itself, Tarot bothers some people. If you add all the naked boobies from the the Cosmic Tribe, I'm afraid they'd turn you into fish bait.

Starfish	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by divinerguy The Rider-Waite and the Robin Wood. By itself, Tarot bothers some people. If you add all the naked boobies from the the Cosmic Tribe, I'm afraid they'd turn you into fish bait. Now Divinerguy, you would think by now I'd learn to NOT drink coffee while reading your posts (wiping coffee off of my computer screen). The boobies - definitely... not to mention the male parts that are quite apparent throughout the deck. }) :T7C Starfish

midnightmerry	21 Jul 2002
The Rider-Waite & the Zerner. I just bought the World Spirit (yea!!) and it is a knock-out deck, but I don't know if I'd use it for a fair-type setting because of the blatant nudity in it (though not as blatant as Comic Tribe, to be sure!! lol); I'd avoid as much overt nudity as possible in a public, walk-up type situation. You never know who is going to freak & there may be kids around that parents would get a bit defensive about. I agree that if you establish some regular clients out of this, it would be good at that point to give them a choice of decks. Have fun! I wish we had something like that around here!

Sally Gardens	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by RedWood exactly: dainty vintage..a lot of women love that.. Not me. I'd ordered the deck through a book club, and ended up selling it because it just wasn't "me." Too frilly and lacy and Victorian in feel, another deck that was more "pretty" and "artistic" than gut-grabbing archetypal (in my opinion, anyway; others may find otherwise) and my attempts to read with it were just flat. I ended up selling it. I guess I'm just too much of a granola-hippie 70's I Am Woman. I'd rather be reading Motherpeace. :D Anyway, back to the original subject..... I personally like the Universal Waite a LOT better than the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith. The coloring of the UW gives it a more open, "light" (in the sense of filled with light/illumination, not "fluffy" or "frivolous") feeling - and that might be a good way to combine classic, familiar imagery with audience comfort and appeal. You'll have the classic RWS symbolism but in a deck that feels as "friendly" as the Robin Wood and Zerner Farber. For an "alternative" deck to bring with you, how would the Osho Zen work (minus that "Master" card)? I haven't got it, yet, so I'm just going by what I've seen and read, but people generally don't find Zen to be threatening, and it seems like it would appeal to those of a more introspective "into spirituality" bent. And I don't recall anyone saying it had graphically nekkid people. ;) The Aquarian never really appealed to me, so I can't say, but I think I'd use the UW instead. Not familiar enough with the other decks to comment on them.

midnightmerry	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Sally Gardens Too frilly and lacy and Victorian in feel, another deck that was more "pretty" and "artistic" than gut-grabbing archetypal (in my opinion, anyway; others may find otherwise) and my attempts to read with it were just flat. I ended up selling it. I personally like the Universal Waite a LOT better than the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith. Well, now that she mentions it, I have to admit that I don't use my Zerner either for much the same reasons Sally says. I like having in my collection. Didn't think it had any bearing on this discussion though because you wanted to include it in your list of deck 'maybe's'. I much agree with Sally about the Universal Waite. Maybe this would be a perfect time (and excuse!) to add the UW to your collection. :) Just a thought...

divinerguy	21 Jul 2002
Have you though about using the Cosmic Tarot? The artwork, while mainstream, is very high quality. It is relatively inoffensive, and also mainstream in its correspondences. The card backs also have a mystical, astrology feeling.

Cerulean	21 Jul 2002
I would not use Olympus for Sunday public readings. To be Sunday in the park, your Zerner-Farber would appeal to more the feminine frill. A Rider Waite equivalent is interesting---and if you have a population with mixed ancestry, the Osho Zen is pretty, feel-good and a Sunday-in-the-park kind of reading. Some people find the Celtic Dragon a nice-soft-focus, mostly caucasian. The Cosmic Tarot with the twentieth century movie stars is probably more family-tie-dyed, if you are going that route... Mari H.

Umbrae	21 Jul 2002
Russian St. Petersburg (folks love it) Victoria Regina A Marseilles deck, and you are set.

Kellinator	21 Jul 2002
Of the ones you list, Kayne, I agree that I personally would go with the Rider-Waite and the Zerner-Farber. As others have said, people will likely be expecting the Rider-Waite, and the Zerner-Farber is so pretty and nonthreatening that I don't think it could freak anyone out. Of course, you could always tuck the Cosmic Tribe in a pocket and tell your more adventurous querents that you've got something *really* special... ;) Kelly

Sally Gardens	21 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kellinator Of course, you could always tuck the Cosmic Tribe in a pocket and tell your more adventurous querents that you've got something *really* special... ;) That's a thought. Have a couple of basic, not-too-freaky decks as your main ones, and offer the Cosmic Tribe or others based on your sense of the individual querent, how open, etc., to something off the beaten path.

truthsayer	21 Jul 2002
it depends on the community that you live in but if i weren't too concerned about being burned at the stake socially, i'd probably use the mountain dream deck. the reason being that the authors created it in the blue ridge mountains and ppl here are familiar w/ that. i think it would be less threatening. "let me see if i recognize anybody in these here cards..." other choices would be the hanson roberts, morgan greer, whimsical(family oriented),universal waite, baseball(lots of baseball fans around here so less threatening), zerner farber, victoria regina, vision quest, myers' art nouveau, cosmic(the idea of movie stars in the cards would be appealing to some ppl), halloween(family oriented), or moongarden(family oriented). these are what i consider my "safe" rated G or PG13 decks.

kayne	22 Jul 2002
I have many decks and I didn't plan on buying any new ones for this purpose. Thanks anyway for the alternative suggestions, I will keep them in mind if I find that I become a regular 'reader in the park'. I only just bought the Zerner/Farber and only because it was on special (ok... you can call me a tarot-holic!) but I am not really a fan... But now that there have been so many recomendations for it... Maybe I should give it a second look in. The deck in that list that appeals to me the most is the World Spirit I think. Maybe I should bring them all (and the Cosmic Tribe in my pocket, just so he isn't missing out on the fun :P) and go with my intuition on the day. (Piscies swimming around in circles :P) Of course, the main purpose of this thread was so I could get your opinions early enough to become really familiar with one deck... Looks like I have some serious deck study ahead of me!

Liliana	22 Jul 2002
I dont like Zerner Farber either, I mean Im a Rohrig girl, it just clashes with EVERYTHING that i am lol. Never bought it, likely never will. I prefer Universal Waite over Rider Waite too, a lot of symbols are easier to see in the Universal Waite coloring and the people look more realistic. And I was just going to say to bring the Cosmic Tribe and you can tell them "Choose a deck, if you are open to nudity I can use my favorite deck, which I have been using quite some time and have the deepest bond to. But I can and will read for you from whichever deck you choose" Of course, for that extra special client maybe you should bring the Rohrig too, dont want it to miss the party ;) :THP

the hermit	22 Jul 2002
Great question! And a common but difficult quandary! Which is why I use several decks regularly. Having been in similar circumstances I’ve learned to always take multiple decks when I venture into the realm of the public. And Color me foolish Kayne, but if you like every deck you’ve listed, I’d take them all!!! Just work with several decks each day to be comfortable with them. But if you want to narrow the choices, of the decks you mentioned , I would choose to take a Rider-Waite for tradition (I have a Universal Waite Tarot—the best of the Rider-Waite decks—and my personal favorite), the Robin Wood for new age and pagan minded (many folks DO like it’s pagan influences) and the World Spirit for the eclectic… And I would NEVER leave my own favorite deck at home, but if you’re concerned … Quote: Originally posted by Kellinator Of course, you could always tuck the Cosmic Tribe in a pocket and tell your more adventurous querents that you've got something *really* special... ;) Kelly Excellent advice Kelly! And another bit of advice… between readings, I put my decks face-up on the reading table with my favorite card from each deck on top to show it off (other readers I know fan the cards out to display them). Then you can let them pick if you wish.

kayne	23 Jul 2002
Thank you all so much for your advice! I did a trial reading with the Zerner Farber lst night and I just couldn't work with it. Nothing. So - Hermit, you have said it just now but I had decided this anyway :P Rider-Waite/Smith, Robin Wood and World Spirit are the three I will go for! I will keep you up to date on how it all goes... still just less than a month till the next market is on yet...

Jenny-Li	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne So - Hermit, you have said it just now but I had decided this anyway :P Rider-Waite/Smith, Robin Wood and World Spirit are the three I will go for! Excellent choice - I love all three of them, and I think they will appeal to most of people. And perhaps the Cosmic Tribe will fit in one of your pockets, just for comfort and just in case...? Good luck! Jenny :)

Pob	23 Jul 2002
Hmmm, this is something that i too have often wondered about personally i always feel as ifmost people relate well to the good old rider waite and therefore are more relaxed using it mind you it can be good to give perspective clients a choice of deck, i usually try to explain the background of the decks to them and then let them use the one that they are most drawn to anyway thats my opinion (for what its worth!) peace pob

the hermit	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne Thank you all so much for your advice! I did a trial reading with the Zerner Farber lst night and I just couldn't work with it. Nothing. So - Hermit, you have said it just now but I had decided this anyway :P Rider-Waite/Smith, Robin Wood and World Spirit are the three I will go for! I will keep you up to date on how it all goes... still just less than a month till the next market is on yet... Great minds think alike! :D Definitely keep us posted. And don't forget to take your fav deck, even if it's just in your pocket.

catlin	23 Jul 2002
Hi Kayne, I guess you made the right choice with the decks you intend to take with you. I'd also recommend The Robin Wood and Rider Waite. I love the World Spirit a lot but many of my German querents think this deck too dark and Voodoo-like (they have never seen my "real" Voodoo decks LOL). Cosmic tribe is a great deck but I do not use it for my clients (not even the gay ones as they all like the Legend Arthurian a lot) as it was a bit too expensive here to get it worn by daily use. I don't know if Aussies are also a bit touchy about nudity but I prefer being on the safer side with that in public readings.

Helruna	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by catlin Hi Kayne, I guess you made the right choice with the decks you intend to take with you. I'd also recommend The Robin Wood and Rider Waite. I love the World Spirit a lot but many of my German querents think this deck too dark and Voodoo-like (they have never seen my "real" Voodoo decks LOL). I object, mam - I LOVE my World Spirit, and still am German. :D But I can imagine, that a lot of the Germans don't feel very comfortable with this deck as it is a bit "dark" (but that's just what I like!) and to be honest, a lot of my fellow-Germans are either traditional "catholics" or "protestants", or "neither". I have met very few pagans. And, we are a picky/sceptical breed at times... :) LOL - the voodoo-association is great though! :) I the Robin Wood and RWS are good choices. I have had a look at them cards of the Cosmis Tribe (no, I don't own it, and to be honest, I don't think I ever will, doesn't "speak" to me) and the nudity could offend some people... BB, Helruna

Helruna	23 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne So - Hermit, you have said it just now but I had decided this anyway :P Rider-Waite/Smith, Robin Wood and World Spirit are the three I will go for! I will keep you up to date on how it all goes... still just less than a month till the next market is on yet... I agree, that this is a good choice. :) And yes, please keep updated! :) BB, Helruna

The ~ Which deck for *public* readings? thread was originally posted on 21 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.