Which deck are you feeling evangelical about today?

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

firemaiden	22 May 2004
Sometimes our enthusiasm makes us want to prosletyse. If you could convert one follower to one deck, which deck would it be, and why?

Emily	22 May 2004
For me it would be the Morgan Greer - I have to stop my enthusiam for this deck sometimes. I could turn into a total bore and go on about this deck for a very long time lol. I think the Morgan Greer would be the perfect deck for someone who wanted to learn using Rider Waite symbolism but wasn't much for the artwork of the Rider Waite. Also if you wanted a bold colourful deck with no borders and lots of extra symbolism that isn't in the Rider Waite then the Morgan Greer would be perfect. Does colour matter to you - the Morgan Greer is very colour based, each little colour of the Morgan Greer means something - you may have to invest in a good symbol dictionary to find out but its all extra learning experience. The faces of the Morgan Greer are very well drawn, eye colour is evident in alot of the cards, good expressions. It has a nice little shock card in the Devil and the Death card isn't traditional Rider Waite. Its a nice size, the card stock is good. I would say though that it does tend to look used quickly, giving you a deck that looks like its been with you forever. A bonus for me, I like my decks to look loved not abused lol. The backs are good just sky blue and stars. I love my Morgan Greer, I should have found this deck a long time ago.

jmd	22 May 2004
Only one version of the Marseille? I don't think I could become such an evangelist!

jema	22 May 2004
I am not much for prozelyting (or however you spell that word) but I wonder if not Morgan's Tarot would make some people smile more often and that is always a good thing. Oh and I confess I am guilty of convincing one or two people that the Faerie Oracle is JUST perfect for them:-) But that is not prozelyting - more like a really successfull match-making:-)

Maan	22 May 2004
LOL Jema...thats a good excuse ;) I almost believe you ;) Well guess wich deck i'm going to name here?................................. Yes you were right.The Phantasmagoric Theater Tarot. But since that old news i would like to point people to the excellent Fey tarot from lo scarabeo...for the people who managed to miss that beauty:) Love Maan btw Firemaiden..what is your answer on the question you just asked? I'm curious.

Satori	22 May 2004
Hi folks, still in the single digits for posting, but that will soon change... Never thought I would say that the Whimsical Tarot is my current fave. But, the more I use this deck the more I am astounded by how wonderful it is. I originally bought the deck for my 4 yo, to begin familiarizing her with tarot. She showed marginal interest so I began playing with the deck. Imagine my surprise as I started laying aside my beloved Robin Wood deck and reaching more and more for the Whimsical Tarot. I also own Voyager, Osho, Tarot of the Old Path, The Universal Rider Waite, and a deck a friend recently gave me by Adam Fronteras called The Tarot (which I don't really care for). To get back to the Whimsical Tarot, I find that I can really tap into the archetypes so easily with this deck. Having been raised on many of these stories they are part of me, and so I already have an emotional and personal relationship to them. As for the stories that I'm not as familiar with, I love reading them with my daughter and planning a reading list for her based on the deck! Had enough yet? Anyway, I love the deck. The companion book is also well written and offers a fresh perspective on many of the cards, even giving a synopsis of the fable/fairy tale to read. In fact one of my favorite cards is the 10 of swords! Here we see Humpty Dumpty (and the expression on his eggy face is priceless) about to hit the rocks below! You know just what is about to happen and the poor egg can do nothing about it...except wonder why he got himself in such a precarious situation. Truly, you won't be disappointed by this deck even if you are an old hand at the tarot. It is just so much fun to see what fairy tale is going to answer your questions, and how! Enjoy...and let me know how you like this wonderful deck.

Cerulean	22 May 2004
There's a touristy 1910 design that sometimes looks hideous, sometimes beautiful because it was commissioned for a steamship line and has since appeared with 52/54 card decks as well. But it's been sold as a full tarot deck with French pips and the it's full of touristy color and commentary: 1. Listing on Wonderful Tarots: ORELL Argio (1884-1942) Italian designer, author of “Esotic Tarot” (1914), then reprinted as “Tarot by Alan”. http://www.wonderful-tarot.com/english/masters.htm 2.Mark Filpas review--which convinced the romantic in me: http://www.spiritone.com/~filipas/Masquerade/Reviews/orell.html 3.A look at all the decorated cards if you click on majors/courts appropriately: http://www.gambler.ru/sukhty/decks05/d02112/d02112.htm (My 78 card deck does not have the beautiful muliticolored backs--mostly a handsome beige, cream and brown design). Alidastore.com and Trigono.com seems to still carry it--by Modiano. 4.A little of his art online, although this is in black and white: http://www.irci.it/rivista/articoli/10_2.htm There's much more on the web about this Italian artist from Trieste who painted in the Japanese vein, as many 'symbolist' or art deco style painters did...I'm using this deck for amusement for period style exercises with the Tarot of the Bohemians book or whenever it seems a poker playing card deck might offer an interesting alternative...by the way, some of the meanings offered in the booklet, as mentioned in the Mark Filpas review, do have storytelling potentials...and I thought of those who love 'Golden Age' Children's Illustration books might find it an interesting alternative. I don't think it was that expensive a few years ago and I think the price is the same... Cerulean P.S. I just checked. It's about 15.00 or so roughly in U.S. dollars on Alidastore.com. No decoration on the French hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs, but might make a nice collection crossover between a playing card deck and a tarocco/tarot with 78 cards--the lamination and lightweight feel are very nice. Be certain to check the Alidastore.com listing for 78 card version and read the Filpas review so you get the feel of what it's like. At first the illustrations were just what I wanted---16 court and 22 scenic majors with two scenes on each of the majors...so at least 39 of the cards have very interesting pictures for creative storytelling...

firemaiden	22 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Maan btw Firemaiden..what is your answer on the question you just asked? I'm curious. LOL! I'm not sure, really. I have many that I am very enthusiastic about. It would depend - to what purpose. For reading, sometimes I like decks whose pips allow me to see whacko things. Tops on my list for whacko, would be the Thoth.

galadrial	22 May 2004
Ever since I bought the Fantasy Showcase deck I've been wanting to read with it every day. This has been going on longer than the usual break-in period, way past the "Ooooh, a new deck came in the mail!" phase. I seem to have really bonded with this deck. This comes as a big surprise as I bought it as a collector's deck, a study deck, figuring it would be fun to compare it to various other decks, etc. However, it absolutely fits me like a glove and it is now the deck I would buy back first (assuming I could find another copy) if I lost all my decks in the "Big" earthquake that is always being predicted for Southern California. I'm not really trying to convert anyone, though, as I don't know why I meshed with it so well and think it could just be a personal thing.

firemaiden	22 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by elf To get back to the Whimsical Tarot, I find that I can really tap into the archetypes so easily with this deck. Having been raised on many of these stories they are part of me, and so I already have an emotional and personal relationship to them. As for the stories that I'm not as familiar with, I love reading them with my daughter and planning a reading list for her based on the deck! Hello elf, welcome to the forum. :) You've gotten me interesting in the Whimsical - I've got to see that Humpty Dumpty!

hedgecub	22 May 2004
I'm currently singing the World Spirit Tarot's praises. It's colourful, beautiful, expressive, and very global. It has people of all shapes, sizes, ages, races, and cultures. Everyone should own a copy :D

punchinella	22 May 2004
Well the Whimsical deck is a lot of fun . . . but when it comes to proselytizing, now, that would be Tarot of Marseilles!!! & if we have to be specific about it, Kris Hadar's restoration, although I'd rather not be (specific, that is). I'm just beginning to realize how incredibly perfect the Marseilles structure is. It's like--well, a closed & interlocking chain . . . everything in it is critical to the whole. I get this funny flip-flop feeling in my stomach just thinking about it. For me, at this point in time, the perfection of TdM makes RWS etc. design look very muddled indeed . . . if not downright confused (in all fairness, I suppose, it's really just an entirely different system.) Thanks firemaiden for the invitation (to proselytize, that is) --I have thoroughly enjoyed my 'little spiel' :D

OakDragon	22 May 2004
For me the deck would be the Gilded Tarot. The images are so bright and colorful and fanciful and crisp and detailed and oh my, I just can't do justice to what a joy this deck is. I know I can't explain this very well. I would have to resort to showing someone the deck, saying "Here, look at this deck. See for yourself how beautiful and enchanting it is."

Jewel-ry	22 May 2004
From Chambers - proselytise - bring into the fold, bring to God, convert, evangelise, make converts, persuade, propagandise, spread the gospel, win over. Sorry FM, I just had to look at the dictionary, these big words, they scare me!! I have many decks but I keep coming back to my three TdM decks which I really like. There is so much to learn from them. With many of my other decks, the feeling of excitement wears off, but the TdM still excites me. I spend hours on the H&I forum I am really beginning to appreciate it, it is really coming into its own. :)

tmgrl2	22 May 2004
It would have to be a Tarot de Marseille deck right now...but, I agree with JMD, only one? Hmmmm...that's too....difficult. terri

le pendu	22 May 2004
The Cosmic Tribe Tarot! Got it, loved it, moved on. Now it's back again big time. Lately, I'm trying to read the DMs that the author/creator of each deck wrote instead of putting my own twist and interpretations on things. This is especially true with this deck. It is so positive and thought provoking. The questions in the book make me look at the cards in ways I never have before, and the readings are just dead on. Love the art too. robert

Ravenswing	22 May 2004
I don't know that I'd try to convince anyone anything about anydeck. Right now I'm using/studying the Nigel Jackson Tarot. Lots of connections between cards through the artwork-- ones I've never considered. It's raising more questions than giving answers (I mean study-wise; it reads very well-- actually the first deck that talked to me immediately) But then again, the questions are sometimes more enlightening... I have the Tarot of the Sephiroth and the Ananda Tarot in the wings (literally-- they lie in their bags to the right and left respectively of the Jackson on my reading/meditation table...) But I think it'll be a long while before I bring them out... fly well Raven

Satori	22 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Ravenswing I don't know that I'd try to convince anyone anything about anydeck. Right now I'm using/studying the Nigel Jackson Tarot. Lots of connections between cards through the artwork-- ones I've never considered. It's raising more questions than giving answers (I mean study-wise; it reads very well-- actually the first deck that talked to me immediately) But then again, the questions are sometimes more enlightening... Raven There is a tarot study group that meets monthly not far from me. The moderator uses the Nigel Jackson Tarot, and she is Evangelical as in Pat Roberts move over! She really wanted me to get it the other day, and I am still thinking about it!!! I admit that I must reign myself in when it comes to tarot decks. And that said, I also admit that, yes, it was me who once said, "Me learn tarot? Never, never, never. Too complicated. Too many cards...Forget about it!" Ai yi yi...

laura_borealis	23 May 2004
The deck I feel most connected to right now is the Cosmic Tribe. I agree with robert -- it's so very positive and thought-provoking. It helped me (well, along with zoloft) come most of the way out of a very bad spell this winter. The art of the cards, the artist, the book -- all so deep and life-affirming, without being all fluffy bunny or mealy-mouthed. I'm not sure about proselytizing about it, though. I know the nudity offends or distracts some people. I feel funny having it out in public, like at a coffeehouse or the library. And I probably wouldn't use it to read for someone else unless they were already familiar with it. Other than that -- yeah! Cosmic Tribe! Go have a look if you haven't already seen it -- it's well worth it.

Moonbow*	23 May 2004
I have prosletysed about the Marseilles to people. Many take a first look at it and discount it because of the artwork. But I am rather persuasive because of my own enjoyment and enthusiam for it and once I have pointed out a few things they are then hooked also. More recently, I have used the Rohrig again - Firemaiden you really must get this deck :) In fact - I probably do it alot..... can't help it.... if I like a deck, I like to share it with others.

Major Tom	23 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel-ry proselytise - bring into the fold, bring to God, convert, evangelise, make converts, persuade, propagandise, spread the gospel, win over. If this is what you're looking for Firemaiden, then there is a tarot deck I recommend for everyone. You can not buy the deck I recommend. It will not be found anywhere outside your imagination. You have to make it. Yep, the deck I would like to covert everyone to is the deck you make for yourself. ;) Artistic talent or merit doesn't enter into it. The very act of choosing the images and putting them together provides all the benefits you would ever wish from a tarot deck, whether drawn, painted, photographed, sculpted or collaged from photos in magazines. The media to use is the one you're comfortable with. The only theme it needs is that it is a tarot that speaks to you. In my opinion, every student of the tarot should create their own tarot deck. For those interested, I recommend this thread which touches on some of the reasons you might want to create your own tarot deck.

firemaiden	23 May 2004
((((Tom)))) I knew you'd say that :D :P :D (P.S. I kind of agree)

Cocobird55	23 May 2004
Mine is The Tarot of Timeless Truth. I am learning an enormous amount from this deck. It can be a little trick, though. The other day I asked a question about work, and the answer it gave me is what my ideal life would be like, not what is going on now. However, combined with Zen practice, I can see the point. At this moment, things are good, and worrying about them not being good in the future is wasting what is going on now. Sue

Chronata	23 May 2004
What I find very interesting about this thread is that there are only a small number of decks listed here! I have two answers. One...I agree ....with all the fibre of my being!... with Major Tom...the Prophet of Deck Creation! Nothing has made me understand the tarot better than creating my own vision of the cards...and conversing directly with the archetypes in a very unique and highly personal way! I would have to say...nay, SHOUT IT FROM THE MOUNTAINTOP!...that everyone should take the opportunity to invest themselves in thier own deck project! But...as far as converting people to an EXISTING deck...well, lately I have ben very insistant and persistant about waking people to the simple wonder that is the original RWS. Yeah I know...It's not as complex or historical accurate as the TdM...and there are variations galore...but I'm not talking about any clones, recolorings or anything like that...I mean the original Smith illustrations. They have yeilded more wisdom to me just in the past WEEK...then a slew of other decks in my collection have EVER yeilded. Just look at them again...please...that's all I ask of anyone! There is a wealth of subtlty in each face, and figure, a veritable hidden treasure trove of symbolism in every background and scene...and most importantly...Line. Ok...I'll stop now. :)

Cerulean	23 May 2004
Since someone mentioned the deck projects, I have an interesting suggestion--associating a deck or style of decks with your own creative study. Along with the 1914 Argio Orell, I'm checking into the History of the Occult Tarot and decks associated with some of the times...Oswald Wirth, Etteilla, etc... The Jeu des Dames (Dusserres edition) and Argio Orell designs are fascinating to me as art examples of the 1860s to 1910... One of the most pleasant things I've found it is better with sketching, collage, etc., to let one of the products/projects 'gel' as you would a piece of writing or a watercolor left to dry, as the paint will fade and melt into the paper over time. So why not study one or more deck themes artistically and historically? My suggestion is not to limit yourself to one card at a time. Do one sketch, try a collage, maybe paint another background...or just write up ideas. You may end up with one theme or three or five...don't worry about, because as things develop, likely one or two themes will either gel or stand out as carrying your passion through to a real project that imprints in your mind. It may take a summer or a seasonal time to settle, but don't worry--the initial exploration is worth finding more about what you enjoy as sparks and what becomes study. Even if you don't have a great deal of free time, if you can set aside a half hour a day or up to a few hours a week, by the end of a few months, you'll have grown more and made the creative steps that you started dreaming about... I found a great book suggesting creative steps to journal about for 40 days...more sustaining than doing a 21-day or 3 week start into creative exercises. The book pointed out most of the exercises aren't about working on the project as much as helping you free your processing time from other 'stuff' that seems to invade your space and time. This summer, while it's not a topic I want to do hard and fast, there's more about the puzzling occult tarot histories from 1801 to 1910 that I'd acquaint myself with...so I'm taking up odd tarots (Papus, Etteilla, Egyptian-style, Oswald Wirth) and my resources and just doing something each week with one or two of them... I know this is more general, but thought it might be related to the overall progression of this thread... Best wishes, Cerulean Mari

contrascarpe	23 May 2004
Currently I have three - Tarot of the Imagination is giving me incredible readings. I see something different in them all the time. I plan on using this one for my deepest readings for awhile. I think the Nefartari's Tarot is going to be one I praise for a long time - they are so expressive in their simplicity. Finally, the Rohrig is one that is growing on me ..... of course, if I can ever find a German edition Petersen, I could probably throw all these out. Dan

WooMonkey	23 May 2004
Well, I stopped prosletysing about the Albano-Waite a while ago. People saw it as a sign of poor mental health! :D I hadn't really attempted conversions since then UNTIL...my International Icon Tarot arrived. Beautiful distinctive art, and I was stunned at how quickly I was comfortable with it! It's the deck I'm currently talking up. It actually sells itself, since I can direct people to the website. :)

Satori	23 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by firemaiden Hello elf, welcome to the forum. :) You've gotten me interesting in the Whimsical - I've got to see that Humpty Dumpty! LOL. Well, firemaiden, that Humpty Dumpty deserves to be seen! I think that pictorial decks really draw me in, and with the added benefit of knowing the stories since childhood, this tarot deck taught me that tarot can be so simple. It is the mind, the ego, that makes it (reading the cards) seem so complicated. Once I took tarot out of the esoteric ether and brought it into my daily life, reading the cards became almost effortless.... I do love the Robin Wood tarot as well. It has been my deck of choice for a few years now. Blessings,

dolphingirl	23 May 2004
Hummm I am going to look at this is what decks do I find myself using with others and sharing with them. Wolf Pack tarot - I use this deck without spreads and usually pull three cards and I find that it is usually excelent at reflecting your life back at you and the artwork is really relazing The Flash Card Tarot - I bought this deck thinking it was a different deck but I kind of like some of the cards especially the pages. Also the questions on the back can really make a person think The other deck I use most often is my own Samantha's tarot. What can I say it speaks to me lol

magpie9	23 May 2004
WOW Fire Maiden, you come up with the best questions~! I had thought that myt real favorite was the Greenwood, and in a way it is, but I don't think It's one I would be convderting people to, I'm not sure why. Despite all the new decks in my life lately, ((((my pretties))))) My ongoing favorate is the Osho Zen. Osho Zen because it is beautifull art, vibranting with life. It has a good attitude, friendly and open, but deep. It dosn't seem to need as may cards as other decks to tell the story. AND it is so accessable to non-tarot readers--anyone can understand what it's saying. If anyone's not familiar with this one, it's really worth a look. And my new favorite is the New Vision. (so there are 2--sossueme!) he New Vision Tarot (or, vica-versa) absolutely knocked me out. I bought it out of curiosity, but I love the different take on the RWS theme, and it reads like a charm. Again, non-tarotists seem to find it friendly and inviting. I think that its charm for me will outlast the case of new-deck-fever, and I will continue to use it a lot. It's especially interesting side-by-side with the traditional RWS.

tao51	21 Jun 2004
The best overall deck would me Tarot of Marseilles or Rider-Waite. But if someone wanted something charming then Bruegal Tarot which is a somewhat whimsical deck of cards. I think the hanged man having his foot stuck in a wheel is almost hilarious. --Tao

The Which deck are you feeling evangelical about today? thread was originally posted on 22 May 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.