Learning Deck- new question

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 19 Mar 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

KelarSkye	19 Mar 2003
OK, I looked through old threads, but I have a new spin on this question. I have Legend:Arthurian and while I like it, I think I need to add another deck to my learning because of some of the idiosyncracies that go with that deck. BUT I don't like Rider-Waite or Thoth which is what everyone tells me to get. I just don't like them...someday I might, but not right now. So...other than those two (and I am not horribly enthused with Robin Wood either, but that is better) what are decks that are good for beginners. I have Osho-Zen, Spiral and Russian on my list of decks to get. I also really like the Buckland Romany one (I have a bit of a British-Romany background), but I don't know if any of them are a suitable for learning or if they are too complex. I have been working 6 months now, but still haven't gotten the rhythm down enough to go without the book. Things just aren't sticking and I am wondering if a new deck might help a bit. Thanks! Kelar

Rhiannon	19 Mar 2003
Hi Kelar, you're right in my neck of the woods! About the legend deck, I have it and I love it. I gave it to a friend who is learning to read and she does very well with it intuitively. Have you tried looking at the cards (the pictures) closely to get the meaning for yourself? You may want to try journaling with it. Work with one suit at a time and just write down your impressions of each card individually, how it relates to it's suit and number, etc. That may help those meanings stick in your head. Also, if the book meaning doesn't pop into your head, but something else does, don't be afraid to go with your instincts. R :)

Diana	19 Mar 2003
Have you looked at the Hudes deck? And of course, a Marseilles deck is a good thing to have, even if you only use it for reference purposes. It gives you a good idea as to why other decks have developed into what they are. If you get back to the source, it is easier to understand modern decks.

Rose	19 Mar 2003
I just posted a reply to your Legend-Arthurian thread where I recommended the Spiral Tarot. Both the Spiral Tarot and the Russian Tarot of Saint Petersburg closely follow the Rider-Waite-Smith deck and can be used with any of the information available for that deck. The Buckland-Romani deck is also nice, but while most of the cards follow the Waite imagery some differ significantly. In my opinion The Osho-Zen deck works better as a meditation deck than a reading deck. I don't think it's a good learning deck. Rose

KelarSkye	19 Mar 2003
OK, I was getting concerned about the Legend deck because people were talking about it not being a good learning deck. I actually haven't had many problems with it other than I use 78DW to help and sometimes that is a bit confusing. But I tend not to go strict on definitions, but pick and choose what feels the right path...I guess that is intuitive reading :-) I just have been itching for another deck and I thought i would choose one that would help further my learning, rather than the first deck to catch my eye (which is Osho-Zen...which I really want!). I will try to get myself to a store so I can look through some decks and see which one I like the best of the recommended. And yes, I know I need to start a journal. I just have to get the right kind of book...I want a 3 subject because I want it to hold cards, spreads and a section for readings or notes. I am jsut too lazy to drive to Target! Thanks for your help! I look forward to any further suggestions as well. Kelar

Phoenix	19 Mar 2003
Are you aware that there are also different versions of the Rider-Waite? Perhaps one of them would be more appealing.

Khatruman	19 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by KelarSkye I have Osho-Zen, Spiral and Russian on my list of decks to get. I also really like the Buckland Romany one (I have a bit of a British-Romany background), but I don't know if any of them are a suitable for learning or if they are too complex. As for the decks you have, I can only comment on the Osho Zen. I do think it is a wonderful and clear deck, and very positive and insightful for readings about yourself or inner spiritual troubles of others. But, there is the fact that it is very idiosyncratic. I get the sense that you want to become familiar with standards of tarot, whatever they may be. Osho makes a quite a few changes in designations, suits, etc. which will make it more difficult to adjust to other decks as you learn more. You want one that will speak to you. Sounds like the Buckland Romany may offer you some intuitive sense of the cards, since, as you say, you have a Romany background. I think it is very important that you can relate to the philosophy of the deck.. Though not necessarily having to be of the same culture. I am very much an Anglo-Saxon, yet the Osho Zen is wonderfully clear to me. Perhaps because I have studied some Oriental philosophy. I am not sure why you don't like the Waite deck. I know that I am not fond of the coloring myself. I bought the Universal Waite and found it much more clear. There are also many other decks which work off the symbolism of Waite that you may find more attractive. As for the Thoth deck, if you aren't fond of that but want something to learn that uses the Thoth framework, you might want to look into the Rohrig. That deck works off of the Thoth, has some very modern imagery, and has many striking images that may resonate to you. I have just gotten Joseph Martin's Quest tarot, and have just begun to work with it, so I can't accurately assess it yet, but many have found it to be simple, but striking in its imagery. I know at least that the imagery is beautiful, if you like computer graphic type images. From my first couple readings though, I found I would rather abandon his book. The interpretations that I found so far seem to be along the lines of stuff you see in Ms. Cleo reading sorts... advice about your daily life, loves, job, etc., where I am looking for something deeper, more archetypal. In any case, good luck, and I hope I have offered some advice that will help you on this path. Peace

Khatruman	19 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Diana of course, a Marseilles deck is a good thing to have, even if you only use it for reference purposes. It gives you a good idea as to why other decks have developed into what they are. If you get back to the source, it is easier to understand modern decks. Hmmm, now HOW did I know sweet Diana would recommend the Marseilles??? :P Do you find that beginners have difficulty with the minors because the minors use pips rather than pictures? I agree that it is important for all learners to get back to the pre-occult Tarot at some point, and actually from one who is in a intermediate path through the tarot, I am getting myself back to the roots to understand it better, and I think that is important. I just remember that one of my first decks, the Grimaud Marseilles, left me flat and I abandoned the Tarot for another 15 years until the William Blake tarot brought me screaming back in delight. Perhaps Marseilles should be a deck that one comes back to after getting a delight in some more modern deck which strikes the new learner aesthetically and encourages a joy in the unfolding of knowledge of the cards.

KelarSkye	19 Mar 2003
The Universal Waite isn't bad...the color scheme is much nicer...I have color issues I guess. However, I really like the Buckland Romani a lot. That is going to try and seduce me to it, I can tell. I will have to go in and flip through the decks and see which one to get now. I also want to look more at Spiral too. Wow, I am really excited about getting another deck! Even though I love my Lengend, I just want to see what another deck does since I have only had the experience of the one. Thanks for the help everyone...I will let you know what I come up with. Kelar

phoenixmoon	21 Mar 2003
I say let the Buckland Romani seduce you!! I love it! I like the Osho Zen for meditation and introspective types of work. That's my 2-cents worth :)

Mimers	21 Mar 2003
KelerSkye, Judging from your posts, I say go with the Buckland deck. If you are feeling strongly about it, it will speak to you. I am fairly new too and I have found that when I go with that feeling that a deck is right, I have not been dissapointed. When I go by others glee for a deck, I have been dissapointed. For example, reviews for the Arthurian were so good I went out and bought it and I just ended up trading it. Couldn't read with it at all. I have always had a love for Native American culture and find that I read very well with my Vision Quest and my Star That Never Walks Around deck. I feel 'close' to them. I would also say that I have recently started looking at decks that have the unillustrated pips. I think Diana has a very good suggestion to buy a Mersailles deck. you will be surprised. I like the parcially illustrated pips much more than the ones that are fully illustrated. Just something you might keep in mind for the future. Mimi

Icestorm	22 Mar 2003
I must say that you should think about the Russian Tarot of St Petersburg. I have it and I must say its the best Rider-Waite clone Ive seen. its sooo BEAUTIFUL! Of course, the buckland romani is great too, but I am just a fan of eastern European art. :-]

Cocobird55	22 Mar 2003
It sounds to me the Buckland Romani is calling your name. I have gotten some of my clearest readings from that deck. I say -- go for it! Sue

coldsuns	23 Mar 2003
How about the unique "Fantastical Tarot Deck"? It is unique and special. I've a great feeling for it. Read about the review of it. ^_^

DollChica	23 Mar 2003
If you are doing well with your Legend deck, why worry about what others think? Regardless of what is considered a "good learning deck", it's not a good learning deck if you cannot relate to it. The Sacred Circle is my primary deck and many people cannot read with it. Do what works for you. Also, get the Romani. The images are clear and if you want it that badly, it will speak to you, so to speak ;) DC edited to add: I agree about non-illustrated pips. The Majors are supposed to represent major events and so on. Illustrated pips can dull the impact of the majors so the less illustration on the pips, the better. But that's just my opinion...dc

Silverlotus	23 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by KelarSkye [b] And yes, I know I need to start a journal. I just have to get the right kind of book...I want a 3 subject because I want it to hold cards, spreads and a section for readings or notes. I am jsut too lazy to drive to Target!/B] If I could, I'd like to suggest maybe getting a three ring binder to use as your journal instead. That way you can add sections later, reorganize, include printouts, etc. If you are getting more then one deck (which is a good idea imho), you can have a section for each deck too. Just a suggestion. :) BTW, I vote for the Buckland deck too. Buy what speaks to you.

KelarSkye	26 Mar 2003
I went looking at decks while in San Francisco (that is where I disappaered to :-) and I didn't find a Buckland one yet. I did find a spiral one I could flip through. I definitely like the Spiral a lot. Out of all the ones I saw, that was the one I liked best. I didn't buy it because I wanted to look more. There is another shop I want to check out to see what they have. In response to the no illistrated pips suggestion...that intrigues me. I would then be able to have simply a meaning of the card without the illustration getting in the way. That is why I want a second deck from Legend, because I don't want the theme of the deck to impact my learning too much at this point. Thanks...I will keep you informed. Kelar

Khatruman	26 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by KelarSkye In response to the no illistrated pips suggestion...that intrigues me. I would then be able to have simply a meaning of the card without the illustration getting in the way. Kelar, if you want to get into non-illustrated pips and want to see some possibilities with them, you might want to join our study group on the Marseilles pips, over in the Tarot History and Iconography forum. You will see the first thread for this study group: Study of the Marseilles pips: The Two's. We just started the group and our goal is to introduce folks to some meanings behind these pips, to understand them--me included. Images of the cards will be posted so you can see what we are talking about. Come join!

KelarSkye	26 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Kelar, if you want to get into non-illustrated pips and want to see some possibilities with them, you might want to join our study group on the Marseilles pips, over in the Tarot History and Iconography forum. You will see the first thread for this study group: Study of the Marseilles pips: The Two's . We just started the group and our goal is to introduce folks to some meanings behind these pips, to understand them--me included. Images of the cards will be posted so you can see what we are talking about. Come join! Thanks! I will check it out. I am glad to see the cards and images will be posted because I don't have a Marseille deck. And I am a sucker for the basics, and apparently many regarding Marseille as a very old and basic tarot style. Thanks again, Kelar

The Learning Deck- new question thread was originally posted on 19 Mar 2003 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.