What´s the best reading deck for you?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 05 Nov 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

bangbang	05 Nov 2003
For me the best decks for readings are: 1)Rider Waite 2)Thoth 3) Spirit 4) Rohrig 5) Dali The Hermetic deck and the new Palladini lost some of their edge for me I think I have to give them some cleansing to sinc with them again. I would love to hear opinions on what do we think a deck depends on to be accurate, or only on the reader's abilities??

lark	05 Nov 2003
Good question! I read as an intuitive. To me this means that I read the traditional card meaning but also things in the pictures on the cards pop out at me. These always have to do with more personal things for the person I'm reading. Examples; the bench on the 8 of pentacles has reminded me of a massage table, a person working at a computer, a doctors exam table, and a dog groomer. So I go with it and it's usually right. So I like cards that are detailed with all cards illustrated. Some of my favorite reading decks that connect well with my reading technique are: Robin Wood Morgan Greer World Spirit Spiral Holloween Radiant Rider I have been using this in place of my Universal Rider lately and have been getting very good readings with it. I think technically you could hand me any deck and I could do a reading with it. But I think I do my best readings with a deck that I connect with on a personal level. Sometimes a deck will get stale for me and then I just reorder it and set it aside for awhile. Often times I find this happens because there is another deck just waiting in the wings waiting to give me a fresh perspective on the cards.

Shade	05 Nov 2003
My main deck that I go to when I need answers I trust is the Secret Tarots. This is the deck that I have used most often over the last couple of years and I have a connection with it. It's also the deck I use to read for people I don't know very well. When I experiment I turn mostly to the Fey as that is the deck I am learning the most new information form lately.

MattDouglas	05 Nov 2003
Well, Lark, I read in a simialr style. I orignally memorized meaning but soon found myself just seeing things in the cards. I think actually doing readings is what sharpens our intuitive abilities. Where the intuitive abilities are concerned my best decks are: 1. Shapeshifter 2. Thoth 3. Mythic 4. Black Honorable mentions to Buckland Romani, Robin Wood, Celtic Dragon, Rohrig, and Parrott. Though I read read with just about any deck and have over 30 of them. See the What decks do you have post for a list. Love, understanding, and compassion, Matt

Shadow Wolf	05 Nov 2003
I traded for the Tarot of the Spirit and have gotten good results with it. I've also gotten good results from : Motherpeace Vision Quest & Oracle Tarot Thanks for asking !!!

Mimers	05 Nov 2003
Well, I like to read with all my decks. I usually don't keep the decks I dont like to read with. My favorites are Ancestral Path and Tarot of Prague. I also enjoy using Thoth and Marseille decks as well. Mimi

Rusty Neon	05 Nov 2003
... the RWS deck, as it permits me to access pictorial (intuitive) meanings, OGD meanings, and traditional, pre-OGD card meanings.

truthsayer	05 Nov 2003
my favorite reading deck of the past 3 years has been the hanson roberts. i have occasionally used others but this one is the one i always come back to.

Astraea	05 Nov 2003
I'm with Mimers -- Ancestral Path and Tarot of Prague.

Umbrae	06 Nov 2003
Vargo Gothic Di Gumppenberg Drogi Giger (for majors only) Medieval Scapini (no particular order)

Emily	06 Nov 2003
My best reading decks are:- Universal Waite Pocket Rider Waite Morgan Greer And when I need a challenge Ancient Italian Thoth Rohrig

anjocoxo	06 Nov 2003
The ones I use the most: * robin wood * goddess tarot * hanson roberts * universal waite I usually read with Bosch, but only to myself (I'm studyin it right now). Anjo

catlin	06 Nov 2003
My favs are * Legend Arthurian * Pocket RW * Standard-sized Crowley * Hudes * Tarot of the cat ppl * Ancient Tarot of Lombardy * Journey to the Orient * Goddess tarot For tarot spellwork it is either the Robin Wood or the World Spirit and for readings I do for myself I use the Greenwood, Sacred Circle or the New Vision.

Sulis	06 Nov 2003
World spirit Cosmic Morgan Greer Pocket Rider Waite Sometimes: Thoth althought the keywords annoy me. Love and light Sulis xx

Star Spirit	06 Nov 2003
Well I only have one deck...my Hudes. But it reads very well :>

Woof	06 Nov 2003
No matter how much more I may love the artwork of my other decks the one I have the easiest time reading, am most comfortable with, get most accurate readings from has consistantly been my Universal Waite. Woof

Red Emma	06 Nov 2003
As a rule my best deck is whatever's most handy when I decide to do a reading. (Usually only read for myself.) I have about nine decks, and there have been times when all of them have gone off on a snoot at the same time. I usually just bundle them up in attractive cloths and put them in a box for a while---with a small black stone to siphon off the negative vibes. (Their ill tempers, so to speak.) I don't know what causes these episodes, but they usually happen when I'm major upset about something over a period of time. And, of course, when I need a little insight into the complexities of my life.

Nevada	06 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Red Emma I don't know what causes these episodes, but they usually happen when I'm major upset about something over a period of time. And, of course, when I need a little insight into the complexities of my life. Red Emma, I hear you! I don't understand why it happens. I always think it's me, projecting all that--whatever it is--but I figure if it landed on the deck, the deck deserves a break for a while. :) I currently read best with-- Thoth Goddess Universal (de Angelis) Tarot of the Old Path Nevada

Mystic Zyl	06 Nov 2003
Universal Waite New Palladini Morgan Greer Cloisters Nigel Jackson

Dee	06 Nov 2003
Robin Wood morgan Greer Ancestral Path Cosmic Witches Tarot

mercenary30	06 Nov 2003
I would say Tarot of Prague, and Robin Wood are my favorites.

Chronata	07 Nov 2003
The best decks for readings I have found... RWS Hanson Roberts Morgan Greer Buckland Romani Thoth For readings for myself...this is a very different list, and would have to include mostly Oracle decks...and the first and last ones on this list plus the Osho Zen.

Cassiopeia	07 Nov 2003
for myself, online and for friends who arent freaked out by the images...Thoth every time :) for parties and family...spiral, its pretty but accurate for me.

WolfSpirit	07 Nov 2003
I agree with lark: I can read on an intellectual level with many decks, but some decks resonate at an emotional level too and that makes it easier or more rewarding to use them. My favourites (and I am really limiting myself here ;) ) Ancestral Path Merryday Swedish Witch Tarot of the Spirit Animal Wise

Ahlia	08 Nov 2003
New here... I have one deck now that has worked for the past 10 years - Tarot of the Cat People. It is not way my first deck. Since my life has made some changes and I am sure the Cat Poeple need to rest. Time I look for another deck that my intuitions can slide into comfortably. Some of the ones I have been looking at are Crow's Magick Tarot Hudes Tarot Gill Tarot Spiral Tarot Goddess Tarot Basque Mythical Celtic Tarot (Julian De Burgh) Gilded Sacred Circle TarotNova New Palladini Fantastical Tarot If anyone as some opinions on these - by all means do speak. I do not buy my own as I was taught that was a no-no. So I have to give me sons a list of the decks I connect with.

Myrrha	08 Nov 2003
Over the past year or so Aeclectic has introduced me to so many new decks and new ways of reading that it hasn't quite settled out yet (will it ever?) and the best reading deck (aside from RWS) is usually the one I got most recently and am paying the most attention to. I was surprised that the Nigel Jackson didn't get more votes, It seemed to read really well. --Myrrha

Cerulean	08 Nov 2003
At the moment, I'm bonding with an Egyptian deck based on Marseilles ordering, but normally: Quickest read: 1. Neoclassical 1810 (The design also known as Ancient Tarots of Lombardy or di Gumppenberg 1806-1811) or 2. Engraved Dotti 1865 3. Visconti Gold followed by Scapini decks 4. A vintage Rider Waite 5. Prague and many art decks are close runner ups, good reads... 6. Thoth for deep thoughts. And I am marvelling at those who have delicious and delightful ties to pretty or darker decks that I don't work with. I'm hoping something slated for 2004 becomes my best tarot friend...

Jen	09 Nov 2003
Currently my favorites for reading are: 1. Robin Wood 2. Radiant RWS 3. Illuminated Tarot 4. World Spirit (this used to be my number one) 5. Osho Zen (This was the first deck I learned with) For experimenting: The Fey Tarot (I'm still getting into this one. I love the energy it carries)

Voodoo_Shaman	09 Nov 2003
Rider Waite both Radiant and Universal and the Morgan Greer. The rest of my decks, are only to help me see the ones I use in a new light

Jewel-ry	09 Nov 2003
I would agree with this voodoo_shaman. I am just beginning to realise that a lot of my decks are used for exactly that purpose. I collect them for their artwork and for the fact that they help me to see my reading decks from a new perspective. Favourite reading decks are Radiant Rider-Waite, Hanson Roberts and Rohrig.

truthsayer	09 Nov 2003
jewel-ry, welcome to aecletic. personally, i think you have excellent tastes in reading decks. those are 3 of my favs, too. :) if you are a newbie to tarot, i think those decks are great choices to learn from. the rohrig is a bit different to read than the other 2 but it's one of the most beautiful decks around.

Cocobird55	09 Nov 2003
Here's my list -- Sharman-Caselli Buckland Romani Gendron Osho Zen I have lots of other decks, but these are the best so far for answering questions and giving advice. Sue

Jewel-ry	09 Nov 2003
Thank you truthsayer! I have to say that it took me a while to realise how much I liked the Hanson Roberts. It was one of the first decks that I got, but I dont think I really appreciated it for several months. What makes it even more special is its size, just right for carrying around!! The Rohrig, on the other hand, has always been special to me, I even love its size! Very large, (one extreme to the other!!)

Majecot	25 Nov 2003
I have three that I read with for about the last 6 or 7 years I read almost exclusivley with Legend Arthurian, but I now read with Quest and my favorite, Rohrig... I think I read best with Rohrig. Maybe because it was the first deck I was exposed to.

Moonbow*	26 Nov 2003
I still try to read with all my decks. But these are definately the ones I can get straight into: Spiral Quest - This is turning out to be a good deck for reading to me Ancestral Path Moonbow* ;)

WolfyJames	26 Nov 2003
That's not really fair that I answer, because I only have two tarot decks. I use The Enchanted Tarot (Zerner-Farber), my devoted and loving ten years companion. I just got The Gothic Tarot (Vargo). This deck is very mysterious, so much is hidden in its mist. I hope that, at some point, I'll be able to use it and understand it as much as The Enchanted.

LadyMedusa	27 Nov 2003
My top 3 3. Universal Waite 2. Russian St Petersburg and the deck that is fast becomming my favorite 1. The Greenwood I was fortunate to find signed prints of 2 of the cards on an auction at a very reasonable price. Very lucky that one of the prints is the alternate lovers card (the one the publisher rejected). I hope that some day I might run across one of the actual cards. LadyMedusa

Jewel-ry	27 Nov 2003
I now have to amend my post to include the Morgan Greer, which is probably my best reading deck. J.

Moongold	27 Nov 2003
I've tried to get decks that are all quite different and tend to choose particular decks for different people or questions. I love Tarot of the Prague and the Ancestral Path, but also Shining Tribe and Sephiroth. The deck I learned on was the Morgan Greer, and I love the Old Path as well.

Diana	27 Nov 2003
Grimaud Marseilles deck - has never failed me ever. Tarocchi di Vetro (Crystal Tarot) by E. Trevisan. For a bit of romance and sweetness.

Le_Corsair	27 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Mari_Hoshizaki And I am marvelling at those who have delicious and delightful ties to pretty or darker decks that I don't work with. I'm hoping something slated for 2004 becomes my best tarot friend... I bet I can guess what deck that is..... :) G.T. by C. M., right? Bob :THERM:

Moonbow*	27 Nov 2003
Le-Corsair.... If anyone was ever trying to set a challange..... I've got it! G T by C M.... shall I tell? M*

Le_Corsair	27 Nov 2003
If you like! :) Bob :THERM:

Red Emma	27 Nov 2003
My favorite reading deck is which ever one's handy when I want to ask the Universe a question. I have about nine decks scattered around the house, upstairs and down. Mostly feminist: Motherpeace, Daughters of the Moon, The Goddess as well as an herbal deck, Shape Shifters, Tarot of the Southwest Sacred Tribes...a couple of others I don't remember at the moment. There have been times when a deck will go off on me, give me nothing but gibberish and confusion. I try to cleanse it -- in sunlight (whenever some's available in the Pacific Northwest), then store it with quartz crystals and -- my memory's shot today -- a black stone, hematite? Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, I just set the recalcitrant deck aside and give it a rest. Right now they're all being cooperative. I guess that's what I'm thankful for today. That and the fact that I live in an area which is friendly to unconventional kooks who read the future with little bits of pasteboard. Oh yeah. The other two decks are Sacred Circle and Moon Garden.

Moonbow*	28 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair I bet I can guess what deck that is..... :) G.T. by C. M., right? Bob :THERM: Gilded Tarot - Ciro Marchetti????? M*

Thea Lynx	28 Nov 2003
I would have to say that when I read for myself, Thoth is the best deck, hands down. It always addresses things deep within that I need to look at and has never been off track. When I am in class or studying traditional imagery (i.e. RW) I use the Universal because I prefer the colors. I haven't finished going through all my decks but have found that some are friendlier than others. Some have surprised me. I was a bit disappointed with Gendron when I looked through the whole deck, but now that I've been working with it this week I fell much better about it. Spiral was a joy as was Morgan Greer. Aquarian and New Palladini absolutely sang! But then I've always been a sucker for Art Deco anything. Although I generally feel more receptive to and involved in decks with deep, rich colors I was surprisingly attacked to Tarot of the Old Path. As I look over my reasons for preferring some decks to others, I have discovered (very pleasantly for me since I have always considered myself too much swords and not enough cups) that I am drawn to decks based on sensory reaction (colors, images{generally prefer drawn to photos like in Vision or Gendron}) rather than an intellectual decision as to which deck would be the best for any particular situation. Of course, I have I Am One, New Century, and Tarot of the Sephiroth on order, so it's possible any one of those could become the new front runner. But I doubt that anything will ever push Thoth out of top place. Thea

Bean Feasa	28 Nov 2003
I haven't been reading for too long, and do so mostly for myself but I really like World Spirit and the Tarot of Prague. I find World Spirit 'friendlier' - it seems to spout advice to me whereas sometimes the ToP is a little aloof, but very crisp and clear, sort of teacherly, and always so beautiful!!! Then I bought the Universal Waite - more because the books I was reading referred to the Rider Waite system so much, and I liked it much more than I thought I would - it's very clear and I managed a reading over the phone with it for a friend who was very impressed. So it's been about my most 'successful' reading deck to date. I've also recently acquired the Hudes - haven't had much time to get to know it yet, but I feel a huge affinity with the images, and think it's definitely going to feature a lot in my Tarot practice. That's about it! Blessings, Kate

Le_Corsair	28 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moonbow* Gilded Tarot - Ciro Marchetti????? M* That's my guess, only Mari Hoshizaki knows for sure. :) Bob :THERM:

BlueLotus	28 Dec 2003
The Shining Tribe ( although newly aquired, I am already finding it very 'insightful ) Spiral Tarot of Prague Hudes Thoth

dolphinprincess	28 Dec 2003
I read very well with the Halloween Tarot.. because I seem to find symbolism all over the card.. things just pop out at me when I use this deck... I also really enjoy the Oracle Tarot... If we aren't just talking about tarot - I am starting to read *** very *** well with the Faeries Oracle :o)

Cerulean	29 Dec 2003
Although I am waiting for Gilded and Golden, it is the forthcoming Golden D'Estensi Tarot by Lo Scarabeo that I am eager to see samples. I like enjoying history and reading about the D'Estensi family and what art and poetry came from Ferarra, Italy during the D'Estensi rule. The deck's date in 2004 came out of tidbits dropped from Riccardo Minetti from Lo Scarabeo on the board, haven't seen any pictures at all..although I've been eagerly checking tarotgarden.com. The notes that Riccardo dropped was this deck would have the gold foil and some of the design should be based on the so-called Charles VI majors. I've seen pictures and online samples of a 1982 version of the so-called Charles VI majors...I even got a few books that use this version for illustrations. They are based on the historical Charles VI deck, likely traced to the Ferarra pattern. I haven't been able to find out if they used some of the other partial Estensi tarots as samples for their cards. The best little gift book that shows color samples of D'Estensi tarots is the Art of the Tarot by Christina Oleson. Long reply, but I realized I'd like to explain myself...it was fun to log into this thread to find out people were guessing! Mari H.

lark	29 Dec 2003
I have the Art of Tarot book it's a little gem. I'm looking at the deck you are talking about right now, very beautiful! Can you answer a question for me? Why are there little holes in the tops of alot of the very old cards? Did people hang them up as decoration?

Cerulean	29 Dec 2003
Offhand I don't remember any good reasons. Unless the cards as minatures were to be attached to a frame or to be hanged somewhere. If anyone's read a good answer, I'm interested as well. Mari H.

wavebreaker	29 Dec 2003
The Osho Zen. Because I don't need to read it; it speaks for itself. ;)

firestorm	29 Dec 2003
I can always count on my: 1. Thoth 2. Osho Zen .....and there will probably be a time in the not too distant future when I add: 3. Oswald Wirth 4. Tarot Classic (Schaffhouse)

BlueLotus	08 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Dead Star Well I only have one deck...my Hudes. But it reads very well :> Wow, do you still have just this 'one' deck? I just received mine today, and would appreciate any thoughts and/or input . I can't wait to start reading with it, as I flipped through these cards and accompanying book, and I like those affirmations and prayers for each card.

Maan	08 Feb 2004
1) Phantasmagoric theater tarot 2 ) Fey tarot and way behind these two : 3) Cosmic tribe tarot 4) Halloween tarot 5) Hanson Roberts Love Maan

The What´s the best reading deck for you? thread was originally posted on 05 Nov 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.