Novice looking for 2nd deck - suggestions please?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

bluediva	14 Dec 2003
Hi there! I started studying the Tarot on my own 2 years ago after picking up the Vertigo deck. I love Dave McKean's art, and I get wonderful insights from readings. I also really like Rachel Pollack's companion book. I started with 3-card spreads, from which I developed my own 9-card variation. I know a fair bit about reading the Majors (spent 1st few months using just them) and I can carry out readings for myself and friends, keeping a journal of it all. Thanks to patient friends and much work with a Tarot journal, I'm getting moments where I don't consult the book, and my intuition and card knowledge guide me through. I should also mention that I have only had 2 professional readings done for me, so I am very, very, self- and book- taught. Now I would like to find another deck or 2 to work with. I'm thinking that it might be good to find a more traditional deck, but I find the imagery and symbols in traditional decks to be flat and/or difficult to connect with. Of the recommended beginner's decks, the Robin Wood Tarot is the one that seems most welcoming, but still... I love my Vertigo. Others decks that I like the looks of (AND seem readable for me) are the Tarot of Transformation, Goddess, and Fey. And funnily enough, the Hello Tarot deck, too. I mention that last one because it seems to follow standard RW images, other than everything being done with that lil' kitty. :-) Could anyone provide some suggestions on what decks might be suitable, or how to go about choosing my next couple of decks? Mainly, I'd like to build my grounding in basic meanings. Philosophically, I love the concept of 78 Degrees of Wisdom, and enjoy exploring the complexities of what each card represents. Any and all input would be appreciated. Many thanks, Blue

Emily	14 Dec 2003
Hi Bluediva, Welcome to the boards :), There are so many decks out there it is a difficult choice. If you want to stay traditional, Rider Waite symbolism, then have you tried looking at the Radiant Rider Waite or the Universal Waite - both of these are much prettier versions of the Rider Waite, they both have the symbolism but much richer colours and more appealing artwork. The Morgan Greer is another clone deck. Again very easy to read with but different artwork. All of these decks you could use very easily with Rider Waite books. The Thoth is moving towards another aspect of 'traditional' tarot. Illustrated minors but not with full pictures, some of the card names have been changed but once familiar with the deck, well the study of the Thoth could turn into a lifetime work lol. This deck covers just about everything, numerology, kabbalah - a hard deck to get into but well worth it. There are also Thoth clone decks - Tarot of the Spirit, Rohrig. I don't like the woodcut style of the Marseilles decks but I do like the Soprafino decks like the Ancient Italian or the Classical again these have pip cards for the Minors. It might pay you to go to some of the sites that show full decks and have a look, see what calls to you. There are also theme decks that you might like, Celtic Dragon tarot, Spiral tarot - the ist could go on lol :)

Belladonna	14 Dec 2003
Well, it sounds as if you already have a few ideas for decks that both appeal to your aesthetic sense and that you feel you connect to! Why not start from there? It would give credence to your own intuitive guidance. As Emily says, there are SO MANY decks out there, and plenty of time to explore them, but it is just as easy to become overwhelmed by the options. Maybe the decks you mentioned have made themselves known to you for a reason. I wouldn't go with traditional just because you feel you should somehow. Tarot is a process of learning and feeling how to trust your instincts as well as your intellect! Good luck!

Majecot	14 Dec 2003
Hi Bluediva and welcome to the community! I agree.. there are really so many decks out there that is does make it difficult to choose.. I think too that you should trust your own intuition, and allow the deck to speak to you! Welcome again and looking forward to hearing more from you ;)

Moonbow*	14 Dec 2003
Hi Bluediva and welcome to AT I started with the Spiral - its a nice size (especially for carrying round) and although based on RW style the pictures are very different. The majors have a tree of life in them with the relevant card indicated and the book that accompanies it tells about each majors by way of a story to go with the card e.g. Fool and Percival. I still go back to this deck now even though I have loads to choose from. Definately a good starter one! Definately go with what feels right for you though. Good hunting Moonbow*

skytwig	14 Dec 2003
Welcome, bluediva..... so glad you joined us! wuhooooo!! :D Have you checked out the wonderful Deck Review section of Aeclectic that Solandia has so graciously provided us? Go Here and peruse to your content! I look forward to getting to know you better. :) skytwig

urbandryad	14 Dec 2003
Well, I can't give much advice, I only have one deck, the Hanson-Roberts deck, which is quite beautiful. The art is done in soft coloured pencils in a somewhat traditional Rider-Waite style. The characters are very soft and enviting, the landscapes are quite appealing, I'd recommend this deck for anyone. Here's some links to the deck. The images are rather small there. http://www.aeclectic.net/hansonroberts/index.html http://www.learntarot.com/hrdesc.htm http://www.holisticshop.co.uk/GeneratedProducts/DITCHANS.asp These links have reviews too if you want to know more about the deck. I also think that your choices you mentioned are good too, I'll be getting the Fey Tarot deck next month, then the Londa deck. :) Hope it helps! Lee

Le_Corsair	14 Dec 2003
I should point out that decks multiply like rabbits. You may have just one now, but once you get that second deck, look out...... :joke: Welcome to Aeclectic Tarot! Good to have you here! Bob :THERM

Jewel-ry	14 Dec 2003
Hi bluedivea and welcome to Aclectic, If you go here http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17948 you can see all of the cards of many decks. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a good look through. Its basically all about choice and at the end of the day we all have our favourites and can give you suggestions but the deck needs to speak to you. You'll know when you've found THE ONE. J :) P.S. Actually on second thoughts you'll probably never find THE ONE most of us are still looking! Its a good excuse to keep buying. :joke:

Darla	14 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jewel-ry P.S. Actually on second thoughts you'll probably never find THE ONE most of us are still looking! Its a good excuse to keep buying. :joke: :D There you got me :D and probably a lot of other people here too.

Darla	14 Dec 2003
Bluediva, I agree with the others. The best method to find another deck is to search all the sites that have the decks listed. Another good site with reviews and pictures: www.tarotpassages.com But be careful that you don't find a whole bunch of decks you "JUST HAVE TO HAVE" :P

Imagemaker	15 Dec 2003
Rather than look at pictures online, I like looking at the cards in a bookstore or card shop where they put some cards from each deck in a plastic sheet--usually it's a looseleaf notebook. I've found that after the artwork, the size of the cards really matters to me, and the weight of the stock. Ease in shuffling means some decks just don't get used. And though round decks are cool, they don't work in spreads for me. As for pictures, I love the Osho Zen deck the most--absolutely pulls me into a transcendent state. I find them hypnotic and inspiring. Look for the deck that makes you tingle.

Cerulean	15 Dec 2003
Amano did a Neil Gaiman title, the Dream Hunters and the graphics novel shows great color work by the Japanese artist. Amano also did his own tarot deck and periodically, a paperback that shows the trumps also shows the alternate American titles. Courts and majors are different color illustrations and it is edgy and abstract, in the energetic way that you might like if you like the Dream Hunters. The tarot deck has an illustrated book in its set in Japanese, rather nice line illustrations, not something that I found common in Japanese decks. Here's a review: http://www.spiritone.com/~filipas/Masquerade/Reviews/amano.html Mark Filpas' site has many reviews of good decks that I enjoy. Amano is available through tarotgarden.com and also sasugabooks.com. I don't read the character symbols, but if you collected the Vertigo, the abstract nature of a modern tarot might appeal to you. If you want a deck with interesting illustration or art themes, the period Gothic Vampire Tarots by Vargo or the Lo Scarabeo Gothic Tarot of the Vampires might show a modern perspective. Some people like the Secrets Tarot from Lo Scarabeo if it's the moody style that you like. (Also reviewed on Pasteboard Masquarade). The Thoth style of deck has an art deco flair, but a classic in it's own right. Lots of comments are in past threads on that deck, so have fun browsing. Hope these suggestions also help.

bluediva	16 Dec 2003
Hello, everyone. Thanks so much for welcoming me and giving me so many ideas. I appreciate all the feedback. Just a few I'd like to respond to individually... Emily, I really liked your suggestions. In browsing the decks on aeclectic.com, I had not thought to check out the Celtic Dragon deck, but having discovered it, I think I'd really enjoy it. The art is beautiful, and it seems like it would be easy to read from. I do want to explore a Thoth deck someday, but knowing a bit about Crowley, I'm kinda inclined to go for a RW deck first. :-) Belladonna, you are right, there are tons of decks which I'd love to pick up! I'm trying not to give into that temptation until I think I've earned it. You're right, about becoming overwhelmed - show me too much of the menu and I forget what I wanted to order. I'm looking forward to going nuts finding decks I love, but I'm using that as my motivation to learn the basic meanings and reversals of all the cards first. Moonbow, I've been thinking that the Spiral seems like it would suit my goals (to familiarize myself with RW) and the images really are beautiful. You mention the card size is nice -- are they smaller than most cards? Hmmm, I really like this one. Thanks for all the ideas. You are all very kind. -Blue

Moonbow*	16 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by bluediva Moonbow, I've been thinking that the Spiral seems like it would suit my goals (to familiarize myself with RW) and the images really are beautiful. You mention the card size is nice -- are they smaller than most cards? Hmmm, I really like this one. I love these cards so I really don't think you can go wrong with them IMO. They are 7cm x 10.5 cm Heres a link showing the whole deck. Just click on a card for closer picture: http://www.tarot.com/about-tarot/decks/browsedecks.php?newdeck=29 The court cards are amazing, showing the appropriate colour for the suit as well as the air/water/fire/earth symbol. The majors have the hebrew letter as well as the relating suit symbol and tree of life . There is alot hidden in the pictures. The minors are more simply designed and her (Kay Stevenson) reasoning for this is because she was introduced to tarot by her grandmother who lived in victorian times - so she designed the minors showing people in victorian dress. There is so much to say about the deck I'm sure you'll love it Here's a review: http://www.tarotpassages.com/spiral-pl.htm Moonbow* :)

bluediva	16 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moonbow* I love these cards so I really don't think you can go wrong with them IMO. They are 7cm x 10.5 cm Heres a link showing the whole deck. Just click on a card for closer picture: http://www.tarot.com/about-tarot/decks/browsedecks.php?newdeck=29 Moonbow* :) Thanks very much! -Blue

bluediva	21 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Mari_Hoshizaki Amano did a Neil Gaiman title, the Dream Hunters and the graphics novel shows great color work by the Japanese artist. Mari, Thanks for this idea. I'm a fan of Neil Gaiman's writing, and I recognize Amano's art. Beautiful lines, really elegant style. I will keep my eyes open for this one. -Blue

bluediva	21 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Imagemaker Rather than look at pictures online, I like looking at the cards in a bookstore or card shop where they put some cards from each deck in a plastic sheet--usually it's a looseleaf notebook. Look for the deck that makes you tingle. I took your advice, and discovered that there is not one, but 3 shops in town that carry Tarot cards. So I have a few places to explore without having to go far afield. Thanks for making me think about the tactile part of selecting a deck - a very good reason to explore local shops as well as the web sites. (Oh, the web sites, I'm spending many hours looking through decks online! No more shopping until after the holidays...) :-) -Blue

Imagemaker	21 Dec 2003
It's nice to find your local sources! I love to buy things online but I believe in supporting my local tarot supplier, or they won't be around long . . .

Shadow Wolf	23 Dec 2003
I agree to those who said to buy the deck that seems to draw you to it. Use your intuition, you'll know when a deck feels right. Good luck with your second deck. I took me ages to pick my first deck. I'd go to the store, pick it up, and put it down hundreds of times ( I had a lot of Roman Catholic guilt to overcome) And now I have about 20 decks all told. Once you start down the tarot road, there's no going back for most of us. Getting into tarot has actually made me want to explore other forms of divination !!! Enjoy your new deck , I'm sure you'll choose the right one !!!

bluediva	26 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Imagemaker It's nice to find your local sources! I love to buy things online but I believe in supporting my local tarot supplier, or they won't be around long . . . I checked out my local shops (all 2 of them!) and happily, I got the chance to look at a Spiral Tarot deck. Lovely! The shop's sold out (holiday season) but will have them in stock in a few weeks. The owner graciously showed me her own Sprial deck. I also want the Margarete Petersen deck, Celtic Dragon, Fey, Robin Wood, and Spirit of Flowers decks. (I read for kids sometimes, and the Spirit of Flowers deck would be wonderful.) I have a longer wish list, but these are the ones I can foresee myself getting soon. I'm happily on my way to building up a collection! Slowly, mind you, but I'm getting the yen for more decks. Many thanks for all the suggestions and advice on how to seek out new decks. -Blue

BlueLotus	26 Dec 2003
The Spiral Deck is well worth the wait. I suggest that you also get the medium size book that goes with this deck. It's very useful, and may also be used with any other deck, as it describes the big picture including the numbers on the cards, before it describes each suit on its own. There are also a few spreads that are very good.

The Novice looking for 2nd deck - suggestions please? thread was originally posted on 14 Dec 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.