choosing a deck for me

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Jul 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

l'eremita	09 Jul 2004
Previously I had introduced myself and mentioned that I was seeking a new deck. Unfortunately that thread was lost. I keep changing my mind, and any suggestions are welcome, even if they seem from left field... Right now I have a preference for decks that have illustrated minor arcana (rather than symbolic), and preferably "darkish". (I really enjoyed my solleone deck by cassari, didn't like the "future solleone" though.) I'm trying to find a deck that I can glean the meanings from the illustrations on the cards fairly easily. Currently I have it narrowed down to: Celtic Dragon - it seems that the cards illustrate the meanings well, from what I've seen of the deck so far. Although it seems way too upbeat and pastelly. The rainbows coming out of the cups on one of the cards bugged me. It may be just too "happy" for me. Fantastical - I like how it looks, but am not sure if the meanings of the cards jump out at me. It has an otherworldly look that I like. I think it's a tossup between fantastical and celtic dragon so far. The Gothic Tarot looks kinda neat, but I don't know how readable it is (to me). I thought the renaissance deck by lyle is neat - the cards I've seen look very nice, but the minor arcana are symbols, rather than illustrated. I don't know if this will detract from being able to read them... Anyone have any suggestions?

morandia	09 Jul 2004
check out the gothic tarot study group.. might give you a better idea if that's the deck for you... see what they are saying. Seems to be pretty readable... I haven't started using mine yet, but it's a beautiful deck! I'm going to get the fantastical deck soon myself... I like it too!

Fulgour	09 Jul 2004
Art by Marco Nizzoli If you don't love this deck... ah, but you will!

SongDeva	09 Jul 2004
Vargo Gothic? Very readable, and avail directly from publisher for $15, including shipping in the US. The forum should be a help to you...there may be links to the whole deck. the Celtic Dragon: Not a fluffy deck, hon. To be honest, the dragons don't pull any punches; they tell it like it is. It can be pretty dark I think....in that it tells you what you're avoiding looking at. Which is funny to hear from a dragon...must be experienced. :)

Cerulean	09 Jul 2004
because the otherworldly look is very much what you enjoy. It has very beautiful illustrations, the pinpoints of lights that serve as their pupils are startling--dark eyes with lightpoints, it is quite different. I thought of the Riddick character in the sci-fi movies. The Celtic Dragon is easy to glimpse, soft and family friendly. So if you want a sweeter taste to your dragon symbology, this was a very nice deck published in the Year of the Dragon. I have given away my Lisa Hunt decks--they are positive and gracious decks and good to learn, nice to share with others. However my learning has gone to other avenues and I enjoy the decks that I have that fit the gentle oracle category. But you may change your mind and find something else that is both dark and bright and easy for you to read...good hunting! Regards, Cerulean Mari

tao51	10 Jul 2004
I do also like the Fantastical Tarot. The white eyes seem to peer into the soul. These are deliciously dark. These are one of my prized decks.--Tao

Little Baron	10 Jul 2004
The Fantastical is a good choice (that is also being studied in the general section). I have it and as much as I love the characters, I don't read with it often; however, it is a readable deck. I have my eye on the Gothic as well. Good luck with your search. Yaboot

lark	10 Jul 2004
I have always found The Sacred Rose Tarot by Joanna Sherman very dark. Yet a good RWS clone and easy to read with.

Phantom Goddess	15 Jul 2004
My vote is for the Gothic Tarot from Vargo or the Gothic Tarot of the Vampires by Lo Scabro. There is a huge difference between these two decks, even though the names are extremely simliar. I would go with the Vargo deck. I have that one and it is wonderful to read. :) Share

WooMonkey	16 Jul 2004
I'll put in a pitch for Lyle's Renaissance tarot. The art is marvelous, and the Court cards are some of the best (especially if you like an elemental slant). Some of the minors are pips, but I don't think this will give you a problem. :)

morandia	16 Jul 2004
I have started doing a daily pull of 3 cards from the gothic deck... out of the last 4 days, 3 have been DEAD ON!!! the other one may be but if so, it's rather cryptic.... all I can say is WOW!!!!

The choosing a deck for me thread was originally posted on 09 Jul 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.