Buying decks unplanned

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 01 Jun 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Rusty Neon	01 Jun 2003
This is intended as a serious post. Does this ever happen to you? I'm sure it happens to some of you. Any thoughts as to why it happens? I'll start off by saying that there are various decks on my wish list (which stay on my list for a long time or eventually get dropped as my initial interest wanes). On purpose, I hold off, in fact hoping that my initial interest for the deck wanes. Most of my deck purchases are planned in this way. But other times (which fortunately is _less_ often) ... especially if I'm in a store in another town, or if the deck is supposedly out of print or is on sale ... I buy a deck unplanned. I regret the purchase right away as I immediately recognize that the deck doesn't speak to me. This can more easily happen to me when I can only see some of the scans, but it's also happened when I have seen all the cards. Essentially I buy the deck recognizing that I am probably doing it so that I can move on and forget about deciding whether or not to buy the deck. I've learned to recognize that this happens sometimes. Yet there are those other decks which I know I will like but put off for a long time buying. Sincerely, I'm wondering why such a purchasing phenomen happens. (It happens with books as well.)

allibee	01 Jun 2003
I've no idea, Rusty Neon. Maybe it's a matter more of unacknowledged financial guilt why they become regretted so soon? A. (Ask Emelda Marcos ... she's the woman with 500 pairs of shoes :O))

Trogon	01 Jun 2003
Hi Rusty Neon, I can sympathize with you on this matter. My sister and I are both afflicted with this same ailment. I really don't want you to think I'm making light of this... quite the contrary. My sister has maintained that shopping is her "drug of choice". For some people it is much worse than what you're describing, this compulsion to buy something just for the sake of buying it. It can be as strong an addiction as gambling and had, at one point, driven my sister to the brink of bankruptcy. I'm not saying that you have a problem of that extent, but it does sound very much like that same type of compulsion. For me... well, my wife helps keep me reigned in. I have learned, over many years, a measure of self-control through her love and understanding. Oh... every now and then I "fall off the wagon" and make a compulsive purchase or two, but I manage to keep from spending much money. Another thing that has helped is our used-book store - I'll trade in books and keep the credit for when I feel a strong desire to buy something - then I spend the trade credits. For my sister... professional therapy has been the key. It doesn't sound to me, just from what you've described, that you have an uncontrollable addiction though. I would suggest doing a Tarot reading on yourself addressing the situation. Perhaps a 3-card "Issue - Blockage - Solution" or other similar layout would give you some insight and guidance? I hope this has been of some assistance...

WolfSpirit	01 Jun 2003
In my home town there are not many decks for sale...but I bought decks I had never planned to buy when visiting other cities. Being on holiday always brings on that feeling of spend today worry tomorrow...so that got me a few decks I had not planned to buy. Then there is ebay, I have a love/hate relationship with ebay, sometimes I can't be bothered with bidding, waiting to see if I have it or not, and then sometimes I just enjoy looking for bargains, so that can also get me decks I never planned to buy. I do keep some sort of wish list, but on the other hand...if you have to check your list to see if you want this deck...do you want it enough ? I think impulsive buys don't always have to be bad buys, and a deck you had anticipated for a long time can be a disappointment. So maybe you should not be too hard on yourself. I think I am just addicted to buying new decks, I just love that feeling of having a new deck, looking at all the cards, trying it out for the first time... As I don't really buy excessively many - it has been 2 months now I think, but when I just started collecting I bought many more - it does not bother me. There are many addictions that are much worse for your health or wallet. So maybe if you allow yourself to buy a deck you really want you can resist those bargains you don't really want ? If you have decks you don't like you can always try to trade them in the trade section as well.

Ruby7	01 Jun 2003
I know exactly what you mean---unfortunately. I have always prided myself on being a restrained shopper. I never buy things that I can't really afford, or don't need. I don't buy a lot of clothes. But when it comes to tarot cards and books I have no restraint lately. My interest in collecting decks started around the same time as I got my first credit card so at the moment I am not too impressed with my shopping habits and my credit card bill!!! I have a list of desired decks that changes, and I find that quite often I buy a deck impulsively instead. I also find it easier to buy a cheaper deck than to save my money for that expensive desired deck that I would probably get a lot more out of than three cheaper decks!!!! Decks I have bought impulsively, don't use because I don't connect with---are: Chinese Tarot deck (bought this because the cards are small), Zerner Faber, Healing with the Fairies (oracle), Karma Cards (not tarot), Tarot of a Moon Garden ( I like the art work in this so will keep it. Just twenty minutes ago I almost bought the Wonderland deck on Amazon, but I guess I am getting better at restraint because I didn't!!! I don't even have time for tarot at the moment (big exam coming up) and I am hoping that when I do have more time I will make a connection with the William Blake Tarot of the Creative Imagination that I did spend big bucks on. Obviously I have no answers just a need to share. Ruby7

Ruby7	01 Jun 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Rusty Neon . . Essentially I buy the deck recognizing that I am probably doing it so that I can move on and forget about deciding whether or not to buy the deck. Sincerely, I'm wondering why such a purchasing phenomen happens. (It happens with books as well.) I just thought of something else. I think sometimes these purchases are made because if I don't buy the deck or book I will think about it when I get home and it will bother me until I do go back and buy it. Like you said above it is about moving on and forgetting about having to make a decision. Ruby7

Myrrha	01 Jun 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Rusty Neon I buy a deck unplanned. I regret the purchase right away as I immediately recognize that the deck doesn't speak to me. This can more easily happen to me when I can only see some of the scans, but it's also happened when I have seen all the cards. Essentially I buy the deck recognizing that I am probably doing it so that I can move on and forget about deciding whether or not to buy the deck. I've learned to recognize that this happens sometimes. Yet there are those other decks which I know I will like but put off for a long time buying. I have done this also! For me it is a Sagittarius thing of needing to see and know and experience each book and deck and possible direction in order to fit it onto the big scheme of things that is unfolding in my head, or something like that. Myrrha

Shadow Wolf	01 Jun 2003
If I'm not sure, I'll wait. Even if I'm sure I want the deck, I'll wait. I want my purchase of a tarot to be a passionate one. When I'm ready to make my purchase, the deck means so much more to me. Sometimes I almost make it to the cash register with a deck in my hand. So far I've never purchased a deck the first time I set out to purchase it. I wait until I absolutely MUST have it, then buying it is an absolute joy !!!

TCarbonell	03 Jun 2003
Hi, this has happened to me before, with decks and with books also. I get something I think I will like, and then end up putting it on a shelf cause I don't like it or can't use it. After getting into debt that nearly became unmanageable I learned to prioritize my purchases. Now - I go the library and check out books instead of just buy them. And as for decks, I'm learning that there's much more to the ones I have than just pretty pictures, and I'm finding that my new financial restraint is making me appreciate what I have alot more than before. I also have rule that I wait 24 hours before buying something I think I want, that way, if it's an impulse buy, the impulse passes. It's just an urge, and urges pass. So, my advice to you would be, next time you think you want a new deck, play with the ones you have now. You might learn about what attracted you to those in the first place if you take the time to appreciate them. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!! T.

Khatruman	03 Jun 2003
TC, I think that is great advice. I am following something similar. Now isn't it ironic that one appreciates more what they have when they don't have the resources to buy more? One of those things that is absolutely true and plays against the foundations of capitalism... that the pursuit of happiness has been misconstrued to be the pursuit of money..:D

Emily	03 Jun 2003
I've bought a few of my decks unplanned, the Spiral - I saw a few scans online and a few hours later had ordered it, it was a good buy and never regretted. The same happened with the Rohrig and Crow's Magick, again very good buys. The Universal Waite I tried to buy that a couple of times, even waiting , I think it was around 4 or 5 months, while I had it on order from Amazon UK - I eventually cancelled the order and bought it exactly a year later from Amazon with a 24 hour delivery lol. The Thoth is the one that I really waited for, I have the large one but wanted the small, I was never sure of the ISBN numbers of the one I wanted, the standard one, so I was waiting, then wanting to order, then waiting again until here the version numbers were posted and I got my deck lol - Again glad I waited and really made sure I wanted it. Most of my unplanned decks have been good but there are a few in my collection that I wouldn't have bought if I'd checked them out properly.

Khatruman	03 Jun 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Emily The Thoth is the one that I really waited for, I have the large one but wanted the small, I was never sure of the ISBN numbers of the one I wanted, the standard one, so I was waiting, then wanting to order, then waiting again until here the version numbers were posted and I got my deck Ahh, there ya go... I too have the large A.G. Muller Swiss Thoth, which is unweildy to use, though shows the images fabulously. I have wanted to get the smaller Thoth also, but I don't want the "green" one. What is the ISBN, company, etc, so I can track down the right one? Thank you!

Sulis	03 Jun 2003
Khatruman and Emily, I have the standard sized Thoth deck, no green tint and 3 versions of the Magus card. It`s the US Games version in the lavender box but it`s printed by AG Muller. ISBN: 0-88079-308-2 Hope that helps Love and light Crystalmynx xx

Emily	03 Jun 2003
Hi Khatruman, My first Thoth is also the large green one and I didn't want to end up with a standard size green one lol The standard size Thoth I have is the one in the lilac coloured box, 3 Magus included (80 cards) US Games Systems Inc ISBN 0-88079-308-2 Its clearer than the bigger green version and just the right size, I think they also do a smaller Thoth but I'm not sure of the colouring of that one. :)

Emily	03 Jun 2003
Ahh thanks Crystalmynx, Just seen your post, think our decks must be the same but can't find AGMuller on mine, might be inside on the instructions, I'll have to look lol

Khatruman	03 Jun 2003
Thanks Emily and Crystalminx, It is a tough cookie to find!!! Looks like only tarotgarden has that one, if it is the right one... Will have to ask Jeanette or Lori,, unless they see this thread first... *s*

Sulis	03 Jun 2003
Emily, great minds obviously think alike *lol* The AG Muller label was on the shrinkwrap inside the box, around the cards so I doubt you`ll ever find it. Crystalmynx xx

The Buying decks unplanned thread was originally posted on 01 Jun 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.