time to change the deck?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 29 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kurai Yuko	29 Oct 2002
I've been feeling 'weird' currently. Talking about Tarot, of course. I feel like my current deck doesn't 'tell' me the things like it used to do...I mean, I cannot 'get the message' anymore. My current deck is the Enchanted Tarot, which I adore. But I think that may be is time to try another deck...I don't know, some people say that it's good to change the deck sometimes, even if I don't really understand why... Anyway...what you people think about it? Should I change my deck and try or maybe I'm just an incompetent that can't understand my own readings? It seems that, the more I learn about Tarot, more complicated it gets.... And...do you have any ideas for a new deck? Thank you! *Yuko*

Demonesse	30 Oct 2002
Hmmm. Maybe you should explore the circumstances and the cause of you losing your connection to your deck more before deciding to 'switch allegiances', as it were. What attracted you to the Enchanted Tarot in the first place and what causes the reverse now? If you have grown bored or have outgrown yourcuurent deck, you can always get a new one, or just switch back and forth whenever you feel like it - different querents, different situations, different decks. :)

jmd	30 Oct 2002
Yuko, I don't know how many decks you have, but if you only have one, this may certainly be a good time to have a look at another which may appeal better. I agree with Demonesse's comment regarding investigating the current circumstances. As with, I suspect, most (if not all) of us, we will go through cycles of various depths of interests, insights, and attunement. Personally, I am currently going through a phase where I am doing (relatively) few readings, and don't seem to be as open or receptive to the still-small-voice-within. At other times, a single card may have lead to the opening of quite astounding insights. If you don't feel you are currently 'connecting' to your deck, maybe this is also a good time to add to your background reading about the cards, and a deepening into their symbolic iconography - whether for your current deck, or another. Take a look through the hundreds of decks through Aeclectic and any local shop... and when you come to a Marseille, stop ;), buy it, and then peruse some more!

Diana	30 Oct 2002
edited

truthsayer	30 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kurai Yuko Anyway...what you people think about it? Should I change my deck and try or maybe I'm just an incompetent that can't understand my own readings? It seems that, the more I learn about Tarot, more complicated it gets.... And...do you have any ideas for a new deck? Thank you! *Yuko* yuko, how aggressively are you studying tarot? your comment about the more you study tarot the more complicated it gets makes me wonder if you are experiencing tarot burn out. if you are mentally tired and overwhelmed with tarot that definitely would affect your ability to read the cards. i don't think you are incompetent at all--just pushing too hard. tarot is a journey not a destination. you won't learn it all in a single lifetime. don't worry! be happy! ;) when tarot ceases to be fun then it's time to take a break. most people don't realize that you don't have to directly study tarot in order to study tarot. all you have to do is relax and become a student of life. check out different things like mythology, numerology, astrology or something entirely unrelated to esoteric leanings. go outside, take a walk, and breathe! taking a break and clearing my head helps keep tarot and other facets of my life fresh and enjoyable.

truthsayer	30 Oct 2002
since you love the enchanted tarot, i'm guessing you like artistic or "cute" decks. any of mary hanson roberts decks might be a nice change. they are the hanson-roberts(my fav), the universal waite and the whimsical tarot. the matt myers art nouveau, morgan greer, and cosmic deck also comes to mind. i think you have excellent taste with the enchanted so maybe a rest but a new deck is also very very nice! })

Talisman	30 Oct 2002
'Lo Kurai, Look, asking people on these forums if you should get another deck is like asking a dog if he'd like the steak on your plate, asking a barfly if he'd like another beer, asking picnickers if they'd like a pretty day. You've probably heard people say something like: "I just had to have that deck, it was calling to me, I knew it was the one." Well, that happens to some people here five times a day. Some people have so many decks that if they started laying out spreads with them, changing decks every 30 minutes, by the time they were one-fourth of the way through there would have been so many new decks released they'd have to buy 24-hours a day just to catch up. When they move, they have to back a very large truck up to their door just to load their decks. But, you asked if you should buy a new deck. Since you only have one, and are clearly devoted to it, I think you should. Tell yourself you are going to buy a companion deck. That way, when you read about decks people are talking about, or look at the scans of all the decks here on Aeclectic, you'll be seeing them with a whole new eye. It is one thing to admire something in a shop window. It is a whole 'nother thing if the item is something you plan to buy one of. You can search for a deck similiar to the one you have, 'cause you love the style, or one entirely different, 'cause you want the challenge. Or, any of a thousand other strategies. Anticipation is part of the fun. Take your time (some people here take as long as 15 minutes), and trust your instincts. If one thing about the deck turns you off but you like everything else, you can reject it outright, or put it on the lukewarm maybe potential list. And you'll look at every new deck you encounter with a "could this be the one" questioning eye. Your first Tarot deck is special, just 'cause it's the first. But, in some ways, your second is even more special, 'cause now you "know." Believe me, buying your 50th, or 100th, will never equal the feeling, the delicious anticipation you'll experience as you search for the second. Because it is special, please don't rush this. (The clock is ticking; if you're already on Aeclectic schedule you have about 11 minutes left.) Oh, and Kurai, be sure and come back and tell what deck you finally select. Aeclectic readers will want to know. Talisman (Oh dear, what have I gone and done? Drago Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus)

Umbrae	30 Oct 2002
A new deck? Why? I used one and only one deck for many many years (Yeah I know, whoopee for me…). There are a lot of superstitions perpetrated by folks who tend to believe that magic, lies outside of the human – a thing apart; and that the cards themselves are magic. Magic – lies within – the oracular device of the day, be they Tarot cards, Rune stones, or toothpicks are merely tools, which allow you to tap into the inner workings of the soul – nothing more, nothing less. Tarot cards are simply rectangles of cardboard and ink – it is what they become when they enter your head through your eyes. In your head, they become potent. If you are having “trouble” with your deck, and your reading – the answer lies within… Now if you just plain want another deck, go buy one – but do not make excuses about it. If you are having trouble with readings themselves...http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8599

Rhiannon	30 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Tarot cards are simply rectangles of cardboard and ink – it is what they become when they enter your head through your eyes. In your head, they become potent. I must say that I totally agree with this statement. Strangely though ;) I buy new decks whenever I can! LOL I like a bunch of different images to choose from. Sometimes the art on one card will make a meaning so clear for me, even when other cards from the same deck don't make any sense at all. I guess my head and my eyes just like to wander alot! }) R :)

Kurai Yuko	30 Oct 2002
Thank you people. Your different and personal opinions really helped me. I wish I could thank each of you individually, because each message gave me a new 'piece' of my 'puzzle'. I'll think about a new deck...about why have I lost the connection with the Enchanted. Believe me, it wasn't a thing like "oh, I want this deck" all suddenly...I thought a lot about it, decided which one I likes more and then...well, I used to do very good readings with my deck, but that's not what's happening now. Thank you for all the tips....if you have any thing else to share, please do it :) Oh, and don't worry, I'll tell everybody about my new deck when I buy a new one...but no rush at all :p kisses kisses! you're all wonderful! *Yuko*

beaudejour	31 Oct 2002
I completely understand the way a deck can sometimes give you the feeling that you are disconnected from it. I have several decks, only 3 I use for readings. I have my primary deck, my personal reading deck, and a working/learning deck. Sometimes I feel my primary deck isn't in tune with the person I am reading for or that maybe the spirit has left it. It always comes back though. Maybe doing a ritual that helps you and the deck bond might get you both back in line and it might bring you and the deck closer together. If not, you may want to do something more drastic. I've heard of people burning decks that they felt were possessed or not allowing them to read other's tarot. I've never done this, I believe you must make peace with what you have, at least give it a try. Keep Readin', Johnnie

Lee	31 Oct 2002
Hi Johnnie, welcome to Aeclectic! :) I agree about burning decks, personally I feel this is way too drastic. A deck that I don't bond with now may become my favorite deck at some point down the line. Or it may be a deck I can trade with someone, and the deck I get in trade may become my favorite deck, and the deck I'm trading may become someone else's favorite deck. There are just too many possibilities out there to justify erasing a deck from the world, just because we may not like the deck at that moment. -- Lee :)

Kurai Yuko	31 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by beaudejour I've heard of people burning decks that they felt were possessed or not allowing them to read other's tarot. Very weird...i've never heard about people burning decks! How come? I mean....i may have lost my connection with my deck, but i still like it, anyway. I'll try something less drastic :p kisses kisses *Yuko*

Jewel	31 Oct 2002
*ROFLMAO @ Talisman* Welcome back Talisman!!!!! Loved your post!!! Yuko I am one of the people Talisman was describing (and proud of it by the way), but he is right about the second deck being extremely special. My second deck turned out to be my primary deck for about 7 years or so. It now lives in a beautiful wooden box on my nightstand as I still like to use it although I have a new primary deck. Do take your time as all have told you. Once you compile your list of possibles, if you want more feedback on the decks feel free to ask us here ... opinions on decks are dime a dozen and very diverse. What helped me in choosing my second deck is that I knew I wanted a deck with a pagan feel ... that led me to my Robin Wood. A deck that to date I recommend to all. Good luck on your search! I'm also pleased to hear that burning decks is out of the question for you :)

Kurai Yuko	31 Oct 2002
Oh, I'd love opinions about decks...I'm thinking about buying one that is more traditional...I mean, like Rider-Waite, Marseilles and such. It's because the Enchanted is kinda 'surreal'. But there are so many beautiful decks out there...that's something hard to choose :) *Yuko* Oh, yes, I'll never burn any Tarot deck. First because I love decks and second...well, it's like burning money (at least here in Brazil, decks can be really expensive).

Jewel	31 Oct 2002
Something traditional ... hmmmmm ... JMD would tell you to get a Marseilles deck, there are several versions so if you go this route make sure and check out the Marseilles threads to make sure you get the best one for you. The minors are unillustrated pips. Then there is the Raider Waite and its clones. Of the affordable clones I like the Universal Waite best. The images are identical but the cards are colored more softly. The Illuminated (I think) is probably the most beautiful version but is expesive. The Robin Wood deck is very Raider Waite based, but not a clone (as I use the term). The Thoth deck is another one. The minors are what I call "moody minors". They are not illustrated, but are not simply pip cards either. The design of the card conveys the mood and meaning. The Thoth also has key words. I find the Thoth to be a very powerful deck and wonderful for studying. Then there are the Historical decks where the Visconti and the Wirth decks fall. I believe both of these have unillustrated minors, and are more Marseilles style. I have the Wirth but it has been a long while since I have looked through it so maybe others here can expand on this historical deck thing and give you much better info than I have.

Kurai Yuko	31 Oct 2002
Thank you Jewel. I'll look all the options you gave me for sure, till i find the one that fits me best! I've seen many different 'versions' of Marseilles, some seem to be more coloful than others. Thanks again! *Yuko*

paradoxx	25 Nov 2002
my immedieate reccomendation for a new tarot is the Cosmic Tarot, other than the most intrinsic back of any tarot i have seen, teh cards tell a story that is starting to unfold. Perhaps a non-tarot oracle is what the tarot deck energies need to bond with, the Faeries oracle is powerful and useful when relating to situations which one needs help and guidance (just call upon your Farie Godmother for an extra push). Lay your cards (protected of course) in the windowseal to gather solar and lunar energies, light some insence (if preferred) when ready to read and put the deck in order, look for the story behind the tarot that you use, listen to the whistpers in the wind and rain.

Trogon	26 Nov 2002
Hi Yuko... sorry to hear that you and your deck don't seem to be connecting right now. I don't think I would use the word "incompetent" in referring to your current problem with reading. It sounds to me like you were connecting with and getting good readings from your deck before this, correct? If that's the case, it's not a matter of competency. You may be "blocked" somehow (similar to the way writers or painters can get blocked creatively). Maybe you're just having a "slump"... most people probably have those occasionally, in one form or another. Anyway, several people have made several very good suggestions. Hopefully, you'll find one (or a combination of them) that will work well for you. Personally... I've found that just going back through my decks - studying the cards and the symbolism in them is helpful. Also, as mentioned by truthsayer, it might be a good idea to take a bit of a break and reconnect with other interests, reconnect with yourself. If you do decide to get a new deck (which might also be a good "tool" to help you through a blockage) I would say to look around and find one that really appeals to you... then either buy it right away... or wait and look some more and buy it later... or... well, whatever works for you. ;) In my case, with my 3rd deck (first one didn't work for me), I went looking, glanced at it & couldn't decide... came back the next day, looked at that one & several others... and still wasn't sure... next day I went back and noticed that the deck I wanted was (and had been) on sale! That clinched it for me! Anyway... I am afraid that you may be coming down with a very common disease called "tarotholism"... good luck... })

The time to change the deck? thread was originally posted on 29 Oct 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.