the most effective deck

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 22 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

psy_nuhri07	22 Feb 2004
could you tell me what is the most effective tarot deck? then i'll buy it for myself. c'mon tell me. >>psy_nuhri07<<

wavebreaker	22 Feb 2004
There isn't really one effective deck, because what works for someone or not is a very personal thing. My favourite deck, for example, is the Osho Zen Tarot, which I think is very effective. But there are a lot of people who can't work with that deck, so for them it's not effective at all... ;) Maybe you could tell us what sort of artwork you like, maybe what kind of (cultural) interests you have and people can give you suggestions of decks that might be interesting to you. And you could of course have a look at all the deck reviews here on Aeclectic! ;)

MuffinTops	22 Feb 2004
For me, Osho-Zen is extremely accurate also (it "goes where no man has gone before!"), but I find it difficult to learn. I also like Rider-Waite of course.

BlueLotus	22 Feb 2004
When you get to work with any one particular tarot deck for a certain period of time, it tends to grow on you, or vice versa, i.e. it will give you precise readings. So, in my opinion, it is worth sticking with one deck at a time, in order to perfect your readings. As for me I love to read with the Spiral Tarot as I get accurate readings almost always. I also find that the Cosmic Tribe tarot gives me effective readings. It also depends on your mood, how you define your question, i.e. the more clear it is the more accurate the reading will be. It is best to start and stick with a few cards, like one to three or up to six cards' readings only. Too many cards tend to scatter the query and the querent's and reader's mind & energies.

Imagemaker	22 Feb 2004
My most effective deck is the one that I can most clearly get insight/messages from. I pick among the Osho Zen, Robyn Wood, and Gill, depending on my question. Less effective decks, for me, are those that send me "sideways" reflections or opaque ones. The messages that I can work through but still wonder if I got it.

Marion	22 Feb 2004
'Effective' decribes the deck where when you lay the cards the story just pulls together for you. There is sympathy with the style, familiarity with the deck and part comes from reading a few tarot books. As you work with a deck it flows more easily. I think a vast number of decks have very dedicated followers, the real question is, 'which decks don't work for anyone?' There have been quite a few threads along the lines of 'what deck do you hate the most?' :D A few decks that are effective and a good place to start are imo: Robin Wood, Universal Rider Waite (Hansen Roberts), Thoth or a Thoth clone like the Rohrig and one of the Marseille decks. And a couple of good books, many have been recommended here... check the Aeclectic reviews or the Tarot Books & Media section. Good luck!!!

Kosmos	22 Feb 2004
interesting... for me it is Osho Zen as well, hands down!

Indigo Rose	22 Feb 2004
Tarot decks use Art imagery to tell us a story. In this regard, the "most effective" deck is going to be VERY individualized. For me, I find a connection to the Universal Waite, Radiant Rider, Hanson Roberts, Connolly and Robin Wood decks. I am a Christian and can identify with the symbolism and pictures of these decks, thus this makes them more effective for me. You just need to find a deck that YOU can connect with the pictures and symbols. Blessings, Indigo Rose

punchinella	22 Feb 2004
Indigo Rose, you make me smile. Imagine--a Christian connecting specifically with Robin Wood's deck . . . go on, keep breaking down barriers! I like it!!! (Well, I know she was brought up Bretheryn--like me . . . :| . . . so maybe there is more of a connection there than immediately meets the eye . . . ???) (I should add that I don't own the deck, although I did once, for a very brief time . . . ) P.

Rusty Neon	22 Feb 2004
Marion's post above has good advice. As well, here's an article about choosing a deck: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/2282/tarot/choosedk.htm For the reasons noted in that article, your best bet for a first deck is the Rider-Waite. In the end, if you want to learn tarot, you can't miss with these three decks in your collection: Rider-Waite tarot (or, if you really can't handle the RW, then one of its close clones, the Universal Waite or the Radiant Waite), the Thoth tarot, and a decent version of the Tarot de Marseille. (As a fourth deck, for a Thoth clone, keep your eye out for the Liber T - Tarot of Stars Eternal, with illustrated pips, which is being released by Lo Scarabeo in May/June. ) You can always then add other decks to your arsenal whose artwork clicks with you. :) Many people with a large number of decks return to the RW, the Thoth and the Tarot de Marseille again and again. They're three of the biggest tarot reading and study decks around.

yve	22 Feb 2004
If you opt for the Rider-Waite...a suggestion...try the Radiant Rider...very vibrant colors...more details....makes reading more accurate.

Majecot	22 Feb 2004
I think the choice of deck is very personal. I have three decks that I like to read with, all three have vastly differnet styles. It depends on really what frame of mind I am in, or what I feel the situation calls for. that is how I chose which deck to read with. The best thing to do is try some out on the internet first. See which ones you like. Check out the reviews and the in some cases you can see the whole deck on line first. Good luck with your choice.

The the most effective deck thread was originally posted on 22 Feb 2004 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.