What are your current "carrying" decks?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 31 Aug 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

SongDeva	31 Aug 2004
Which ones are you carting around with you lately in the hopes of finding a spare minute or two to play with them? I'm heading out to a coffee enclave tonight and I'll have my Dance of Life Tarot, as well as my Hadar Marseilles, and perhaps my Gothic Tarot of Vampires. Most recently the Wheel of Change was going everywhere in a velvet green bag inside my larger bag.

Alissa	31 Aug 2004
I keep my mini Hanson Roberts in my purse at all times for "emergency readings." :D

Trogon	31 Aug 2004
Well... let's see... I carry my Tarot cards to work every night and almost always put my bag in the car when I go somewhere (it's a tote-bag... not a purse-type bag - though I suppose it may as well be ;) ). And, right now, I've got 10 decks in it! :eek: RWS Röhrig Thoth Haindl Golden Tarot Dragon Tarot Spiral Tarot Goddess Tarot Victoria Regina and last, but not least... The Light and Shadow Tarot Can't ever tell just which one I might want to use for a particular reading. And, I like to give my clients a choice, if they want one.

Shalott	31 Aug 2004
At the moment, Hadar Marseille and Fournier. I should carry the little Founier with me all the time, but I usually only take them to work when I have an overnight shift because there's nothing else to do!

Ladyhawke	31 Aug 2004
I need to start hauling some decks around....'Cause I certainly have time to play at work! I recently got Witchy, Whimsical, Tarot of a Moon Garden and the Matt Myers Art Nouveau, so probably those four would get carted around. And maybe Osho Zen (oooh, pretty.....).

OakDragon	31 Aug 2004
I have a carrying case that I use to take my Powerbook (laptop computer) to work and Starbucks and in addition to room for some software, books, headphones, and power cord, it has space for just the right number of tarot decks! With me, I have the Gilded (mass market version), the Osho Zen, the Radiant Rider Waite, the Tarot of the New Vision, and the Rohrig... all my favorites!! :D

WooMonkey	31 Aug 2004
I have a mini Albano-Waite that fits in one of the smaller pockets on my backpack. :)

Umbrae	31 Aug 2004
My Medieval Scapini was the main deck during my recent trip. It was with me 24/7, we have become much closer than before. A Hadar and an ‘Original’ RWS are my other two.

skh	31 Aug 2004
Only pocket-sized Thoth most of the days, sometimes a mini WCS as well. Sonja

Cerulean	31 Aug 2004
My this week's picks because of a rediscovered treasure: Giorgio Trevisan's Romantici (22 majors) and the 1995 smaller Tarots of the Renaissance with the yellow-green and brown backs. Some of the paintings have the color and feel of a Milanese printing of beautiful pictures an elderly Hans Christian Andersen book and storytelling text by Anne Scott. Lots of notes on some copied pages of Rose Gwain's Discovering Yourself Through the Tarot Ananda Tarot book and deck. The book is getting the stage of softer corners and I periodically clean the cover and edges of the pages. I reach for it when on the exercise bicycle at the gym. My favorite zippered bag for the cards is soft with use as well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Question for Umbrae (hopefully) - do you believe the words of the Art and Arcana book have influence upon your experience with the Scapini deck? Did you use an old and mellowed printing or a new and vivid edition of the Scapini? I'm hoping to sometime spend a weekend away with Scapini's illustrations and Decker's words in a bit. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for the question and I enjoy reading the comments. Cerulean

Umbrae	31 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Cerulean Question for Umbrae (hopefully) - do you believe the words of the Art and Arcana book have influence upon your experience with the Scapini deck? Did you use an old and mellowed printing or a new and vivid edition of the Scapini? It’s my two-year-old battered Scapini. I’ve used it a lot, but now have a new respect and love for it… You know there are so many things I’ve never noticed; I’ve just read with the blankity-blank thing (always had a strong connection to it). That said - it was a combination of the book, and where I took the deck, and experiences while we were together...that all kept leading back to... Hey...anybody ever notice the numeral ONE on this Square?

Le_Corsair	01 Sep 2004
My deck of choice is Robin Ator's International Icon Tarot. Another deck that I am currently experimenting with is the Tarocco Piemontese, which is actually a double-ended tarock deck of 78 cards; pip minors, and since the Majors are double-ended, I have a choice as to whether to read with them upright or reversed. It's a lovely deck, the only disadvantage is that it is hard to shuffle because of the thickness of the cards. Bob :THERM

jema	01 Sep 2004
I got my new miniature Conver Marseille that I need to cut the borders from with me. Not that I actually have time to use it during the days when I work. But just in case... and on the bus!

13thFaeChylde	01 Sep 2004
I've carried the Gilded with me everywhere since obtaining it earlier this month.

Anna	01 Sep 2004
My beloved Hadar has been going everywere with me since he arrived 2 weeks ago.

Ruby7	01 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Alissa I keep my mini Hanson Roberts in my purse at all times for "emergency readings." :D Same for me :). If I can get a private moment during the day on an isolated bench (I do a delivery every day so I get to leave the store I work at) I quite often just pull one card for reflection and comfort. Ruby7

mercenary30	01 Sep 2004
Currently I carry my Gothic by Vargo and the Golden Dawn Magical Tarot I got for my Birthday!!!

Imagemaker	01 Sep 2004
I'm carrying my new Sakki-Sakki and the Victoria Regina. What an interesting combination of cheerful bright bold graphics and b/w intricate-lined serious images in 2-card readings. I'm really enjoying the double angle!!

contrascarpe	01 Sep 2004
I have a Tarot Briefcase I carry with me for my professional readings. I keep as many decks as will comfortably fit - most for reading, some for study (I also carry my crystals in the same bag). The reading decks are always constant, but the study decks are usually rotated depending on my mood. Currently in my bag: Reading decks: Robin Wood Tarot of the Imagination Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot of Prague (2nd edition) Golden Tarot Halloween (in case of younger clients) Rohrig (circumsized edition) The only study deck I currently am carrying is the English Margarete Petersen. Dan

Myrrha	01 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Ruby7 If I can get a private moment during the day on an isolated bench (I do a delivery every day so I get to leave the store I work at) I quite often just pull one card for reflection and comfort. Yes, comfort! It feels comforting to me sometimes also, like checking in with the inner world in the midst of being involved in workday things. I'm afraid to carry my Tarot of Prague around with me (the card stock makes it so special but also more fragile) so carrying the Aquarian or Heron Marseilles, depending. --Myrrha

Mimers	01 Sep 2004
For me it is the Robin Wood and Tarot of Prague 1st edition. I mostly use the T of P, but the Robin Wood is very easy for me to read also, so it goes with me. They are both in my purse. Mimi

WolfSpirit	01 Sep 2004
I don't always carry a reading deck with me, but if I do it will be the Ancestral Path. But today I took the Tarot of Transformation with me to study. I also had the book. I just chose two cards at random - wow it was spot on. I was afraid that maybe it would be at bit fluffy but I find the book very clear and it was just what I needed :)

Chronata	01 Sep 2004
I always have the mini Hanson Roberts with me... But lately I have been dragging my Nigel Jackson and my Sakki Sakki everwhere in hopes to have some free time to play with them (and to show them off, of course!)

Moonbow*	01 Sep 2004
I carry the Spiral in my handbag always because it is a nice size and fits into a silk makeup bag so it's is well hidden (my handbag is always open because there is too much in it!) But lately the Thoth has been my constant companion too. In fact I have just been sat in the car for over an hour waiting for my son to enroll at college....... so Thoth came with me for company! I also have my Grimaud Marseille handy for a quick peek too. Ask me in a few weeks and this probably change again.

firemaiden	01 Sep 2004
I like variety. What I brought with me this time on my trip down to the bay area is The New Century Tarot by Rolf Eichelmann.

Emily	01 Sep 2004
If I have a large bag then I carry my Morgan Greer with me but if I switch bags then I carry the mignon LS Universal tarot. Its small and it means I can always take a deck out with me. :) - When I go away for any lenght of time then I switch bags to a backpack and take my journal, Morgan Greer and maybe another couple of decks. :)

genna	01 Sep 2004
The Fey Tarot,The Golden Tarot,and The Faeries´Oracle. I wouldn´t take them to work;where some predjudiced person might see them,but they go with me to the summer house,and usually can be found near me.

xviiirkna	01 Sep 2004
I always carry the Transformational Tarot along in my purse, but decks I tend to pack up in a tote when I'm off to meet with Tarot friends or go out of town include: Illuminated Tarot (the large size) Jolanda den Tredjes Tarot (Swedish Witch) Mary-El Tarot and a couple new decks which most recently would be: Bohemian Cats Tarot Gilded Tarot Blessings, Sally Anne

xviiirkna	01 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 Rohrig (circumsized edition) OK...I just gotta ask what this is? By the way, I like your choice of the Margarete Petersen deck - what a truly gorgeous deck! I have the German edition. Blessings, Sally Anne

collielin	01 Sep 2004
Gilded and pocket sized Illuminated. I have a digital camera pouch that fits nicely in my purse, and it holds the 2 decks, reading cloth, tea candle, a few incense cones, crystal pendulum and small notepad and pencil. I was at Borders yesterday, and a customer was looking at the Gilded that was behind a case, so I whipped out my cards, we sat down on the floor......and she fell in love with the Gilded. cha ching! Another satisfied customer.

Satori	01 Sep 2004
I've been carrying the Gill, Wheel of Change and the Lenormand cards.

Emily	02 Sep 2004
Hi Sally Anne, When the Rohrig was first released it contained alot more nudity than it does now. For instance the The Hanged Man in the edition you get now has pants on, the original didn't. I know there were other changes in the deck but I can't think of them at the moment. I like the Rohrig, it is still a seductive deck. :)

rota	02 Sep 2004
Why, the International Icon, of course! :) (I find people are at first bemused, since it doesn't look 'ancient', and then responsive, because it allows a somewhat wider spectrum of interpretation.) It's in a green zippered bag I found somewhere.

xviiirkna	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Emily When the Rohrig was first released it contained alot more nudity than it does now. For instance the The Hanged Man in the edition you get now has pants on, the original didn't. Oh wow - I was not aware of this...I'll have to look at my deck to see how well The Hanged Man is hung (sorry...couldn't resist!) to identify which version I have. I know I've had this deck for at least 4 years. Thanks for 'splaining the term for me Emily! Blessings, Sally Anne

Umbrae	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by xviiirkna Oh wow - I was not aware of this...I'll have to look at my deck to see how well The Hanged Man is hung (sorry...couldn't resist!) to identify which version I have. Run over the that Tarot Garden site and plug in Rohrig in the search engine. Click on the "More Samples" radio buttion and have a look. Great site!

zorya	02 Sep 2004
i'm still carrying my very worn visconti gold (the earlier version). i made a green velvet bag for it that matches the green of the grass in the cards.

Gardener	02 Sep 2004
No, no, no, no, no. Regarding Sally Anne's question about the Rohrig: While Emily is perfectly correct that there is a difference in nudity level between the two editions, that's not what contrascarpe was so cleverly referring to. A week or so ago, Yaboot complained about the keywords on the cards, and I goaded him into cutting them off. You can read the whole story here: http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30158 I cut the words and borders off contrascarpe's deck too, and they look stunning, much more colorful, three dimensional, lush and vivid. I call it the "Naked" Rohrig, but contrascarpe thinks "Circumsized" is more clever. Shall we vote?

xviiirkna	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Gardener A week or so ago, Yaboot complained about the keywords on the cards, and I goaded him into cutting them off. I call it the "Naked" Rohrig, but contrascarpe thinks "Circumsized" is more clever. Shall we vote? I'm cracking up!!! I gave a 'borderectomy' to my Thoth deck a year or so ago and the artwork is sooooooo much more vibrant without those gadawful borders and keywords getting in the way. Hmmmm...well considering the already pretty much 'Naked' status of the Roehrig deck, and the process involved in a borderectomy, I think I shall cast my vote for Circumsized (hope there's no hanging chads in this election!) This is a fun group - why'd it take me so long to catch up to this forum??? Blessings, Sally Anne

Little Baron	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 Rohrig (circumsized edition) Hahaha. I like that, Dan! Yaboot

Leleii	02 Sep 2004
I always travel with my Hanson Robert's Mini Deck. It's tiny and fits in the smallest of pocketbook. I also carry a couple of tiny crystals and a small notebook and pen.

CreativeFire	02 Sep 2004
I usually carry at least one deck around with me (if I cleaned my handbag out I could probably fit two!), however I do alternate between mainly my Universal Waite and the Thoth (regular size). :) But if I am going out for the day on the weekend some where I will throw in my backpack in which I can fit a few more decks and notebook, I would then add my Sharman-Caselli. After reading about giving the cards a 'borderectomy', I am now tempted to do this to my large size Thoth - maybe I should get another one and try it on that ;) CreativeFire

xviiirkna	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by CreativeFire After reading about giving the cards a 'borderectomy', I am now tempted to do this to my large size Thoth - maybe I should get another one and try it on that I highly recommend it! I have a small guillotine-arm cutter that's just a cheapie (under $10) from a craft store (Hobby Lobby or Michaels...can't remember which one) and a pair of Fiskars corner rounder scissors that I got on sale for just over a dollar. I know others who have just cut the borders off with regular scissors, but I would make a mess of that. Whatever you do, just make sure the cutting blade(s) are super sharp. I did a 3 card draw with my deck to scan for you. http://www.angelfire.com/in2/moonmagic/tarot/img/thothsnip.jpg Why take the borders of the Thoth? 2 of Wands - conflicting energies. Having self control while exerting influence over an opposing force with boldness and courage. How will a borderless Thoth affect your readings? The Hermit - illumination of inner vision. The Hermit finds that the truest wisdom comes from within, though the means to get there might seem unorthodox to others. What will be your overall feeling if you choose to borderless with this deck? The Star - hope and inspiration. The Star brings compassionate clarity to your fondest dreams and gives you the confidence that they are well within your grasp. ------- Anyway, my scan turned out a little crooked, but I put a black background on it so you can see how the artwork really *pops* without a framework around them. I also scanned the back of a card so you can see that the Rosicrucian Cross design stays very well intact. I don't mean to imply that the deck is of more value without borders. I still have a small Thoth deck left intact that I can continue to study and learn from - but I really like the way the art alone speaks to me in readings and think there is much to be said for learning to trust what your eyes see and your heart feels without relying so much on what your head thinks. Blessings, Sally Anne

CreativeFire	02 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by xviiirkna I don't mean to imply that the deck is of more value without borders. I still have a small Thoth deck left intact that I can continue to study and learn from - but I really like the way the art alone speaks to me in readings and think there is much to be said for learning to trust what your eyes see and your heart feels without relying so much on what your head thinks. WOW, they do look awesome without the borders! Thanks Sally-Anne for the pic. :) I really love the artwork in the Thoth, but am not overly fond of decks with keywords or titles at the bottom (other than the majors usually) but come to think of it I have a couple of them :eek: So this is definitely worth thinking about. I also like to go on what I 'see' or 'feel' from the image and not what the key word says at the bottom of the card. Also thanks for the tip about the corner scissors - I never knew such a thing existed and will have to keep an eye out for some at the local craft shop :D Cheers CreativeFire

Cerulean	03 Sep 2004
Ananda nestles in the gym bag, but the office-day bag has the Trevisan decks and *Runic Tarot* by Caroline Smith. Not quite tarot, but quite interesting and fun, a pretty companion and oracle to play with in odd moments. I hope to learn it enough to offer small card pulls for others this weekend. Regards, Cerulean

Umbrae	03 Sep 2004
Yesterday was deck rotation day – so now I’m carrying the same Medieval Scapini and a Cagliostro (highly overlooked deck).

Cerulean	03 Sep 2004
as the majors have the historical oddness of an Italianized Egyptian design and a LWB that has old-style astrology. Glad you reminded me, because I wanted to check it with my "Italian Cartomanzia" deck by Il Solleone (the spelling matches what Alidastore.com has posted). Already I found the earlier French Etteilla designs with keywords are quite unlike the 19th century Cartomanzia deck--Mark Filpas wrote that in his review and James Revak has the French Etteilla and English "Golden Dawn" meanings of cards listed . It would be nice for me to see if the LWB keywords of the Caligiostro are similar to the typescript fonts on the the Italian Cartomanzia or any of my more modern Italian-designed Egyptian decks with Etteilla style numbering. I'm not certain about the minor cards of the Caligiostro---they are pretty. I'll check my deck again. (I have seen some biographical material of the actual "Cagliostro" and he is fascinating, but in The Last Alchemist, he is noted as a trickster). Thanks for the deck rotation note. Cerulean

Le_Corsair	03 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Cerulean as the majors have the historical oddness of an Italianized Egyptian design and a LWB that has old-style astrology. Glad you reminded me, because I wanted to check it with my "Italian Cartomanzia" deck by Il Solleone (the spelling matches what Alidastore.com has posted). Already I found the earlier French Etteilla designs with keywords are quite unlike the 19th century Cartomanzia deck--Mark Filpas wrote that in his review and James Revak has the French Etteilla and English "Golden Dawn" meanings of cards listed . It would be nice for me to see if the LWB keywords of the Caligiostro are similar to the typescript fonts on the the Italian Cartomanzia or any of my more modern Italian-designed Egyptian decks with Etteilla style numbering. I'm not certain about the minor cards of the Caligiostro---they are pretty. I'll check my deck again. (I have seen some biographical material of the actual "Cagliostro" and he is fascinating, but in The Last Alchemist, he is noted as a trickster). Thanks for the deck rotation note. Cerulean I have a feeling that the Cagliostro Majors and Minors started out unattached to each other. I'd be willing to bet that the Majors of that deck were yet another Italian Majors-only deck, and the Minors from a Tarock deck tacked on later. The deck has that sort of bastardized hybrid feel to it. Bob :THERM

Umbrae	03 Sep 2004
excerpts From the LWB copyright 1981 by Stuart R. Kaplan “Introduction: The Cagliostro Tarot deck was first published in 1912 in an Italian edition entitled Il Destino Svelato Dal Tarocco. The publisher, Modiano. S.p.A. is one of Italy’s leading printers whose operations in the manufacture of playing cards dates back to the 19th century under the name La Concordia. A fire in 1913 and a bombardment in 1944 destroyed part of the Modiano archives. Nevertheless, it has been possible to ascertain that the original card designs for the Cagliostro tarot deck were prepared by Bruno Sigon, and Italian artist in Modiano’s employ. Sigon relied heavily upon the work of Papus, pseudonym of Dr. Gerard Encausse, the French occultist and author of le Tarot des Bohemiens (1889) and Le Tarot Divinatoire (1909). Both books contain the twenty-two Major Arcana cards in Egyptian style by Gabriel Goulinat. Le Tarot Divinatoire also includes the fifty-six Minor Arcana cards. There exists a close resemblance between some of the Major Arcana cards by Sigon and the designs by Goulinat, but Sigon takes various liberties with figures, facial features, various poses and symbols in order to present his own interpretation of each card…. …The illustrations of the fifty-six Minor Arcana cards by Sigon are a stylized version of traditional double-ended court figures and pip cards from the nineteenth century. By contrast, the designs by Papus/Goulinat for the Minor Arcana cards depict sixteen full length Egyptian court figures and forty pip cards that resemble so-called Eteilla-type cards…” One can tell by looking at this deck, that it was designed as a ‘fortune telling’ deck, AND a deck for playing Tarocchi or Tarok games. One will note the use of standard clubs-hearts-spades-diamonds indices on the minors. It’s a good bastardized hybrid feel… It's kinda fun. And sometimes we just want something a tad diff...enough with the heavy meanings already...you know?

Cerulean	03 Sep 2004
I think I'll try my two "Modiano of Trieste" reprint decks--the Alan Tarocco with the gorgeous double-figured courts and French pips of 1911 or thereabouts AND the Caligliostro... My thanks on the comments. And it made my day to read Umbrae's quote from the LWB...ahhh, he keeps some of them, after all! A slight smile at my silliness....but I'm chuckling to myself because I'm a tizzy-top sometimes. Thanks again for this nice thread and comments. Cerulean

Tarot Sparrow	03 Sep 2004
I usually bring the Fey in my purse, just in case anyone ever wanted a reading. It's never come up :D But I love my Fey and I figure they appeal to all audiences.

Aure	10 Sep 2004
I believe my new carrying deck will be the pocket Universal Waite. I just love small decks! I keep them with me in my backpack although I rarely dare to take them out. I just feel comfy knowing I have a deck with me...

Waterlily	10 Sep 2004
I carry around a Miniature Rider-Waite. Besides being light and discrete, it's perfect for my small hands. It's about 3 in. high. I'm not sure if this is the one referred to as "Pocket"? I'd like to get some more small decks (but not the teeny thumbnail sized ones). I'm a bit confused about the classifications. I've seen reference to "Pocket", "Mini", "Micro" and "Mignon". Is there any standardization with sizes? Are the Micro ones the thumbnail sized?

Flavio	14 Sep 2004
Only for my course I'm carrying a Universal Waite in my backpack, I don't use to carry a deck everyday, only for scheduled readings or during business trips.

Mesara	15 Sep 2004
My Russian Tarot of St Petersburg and, sometimes, my RW deck.

Little Baron	15 Sep 2004
Hi everyone At the moment, I carry the Enoil Gavat. Not exactly 'pocket sized', but I always have a massive black leather bag with me, which even a deck as large as the EG can get lost inside. Waterlily, I am not sure about the sizes for the Rider Waite, but I do have a 'mini' one which comes as a kind of keyring. I bought it out of novelty value really. I see it as pretty much impossible to use, since shuffling is difficult and the cards spring all over the place. It is 'thumbnail' size and unless you have prior knowledge of the deck, it is hard to see many of the details. xviiirkna, you have infected me with the 'deck cutting' bug again! Your Thoth looks wonderful borderless. I find the Thoth to be one of the decks that I cannot get along with but your cutting of the borders gives it a whole new edge (so to speak, lol). Looks great and now I am wondering if those keywords and grey borders are what has always put me off. My Thoth is pretty small as it is. Will have to get it out and take another look. Cutting the Rohrig definitely helped me work better with it. Yaboot

SongDeva	15 Sep 2004
I was amazed too at the difference in the Thoth art unframed...or deframed. Especially the Star...and the Hermit was sort of more intense, or you're in better contact with the intent of it perhaps.

Waterlily	15 Sep 2004
Yaboot - I know the tiny deck you're talking about. I have a Universal Waite version that size - novelty factor only as I can't handle them. They're about an inch high max. The pocket RW that I carry is about 3 inches high. Maybe half the size of my regular RW deck. I'd like to find more decks that size but I'm confused about how these mini/miniature/pocket decks are categorized. Sometimes mini means palm-sized, sometimes it means microscopic!

RedMaple	16 Sep 2004
Right now I'm carrying the Morgan Greer for readings, the Buddha Tarot or Crystal Tarot for study. I used to carry the Goddess, but it is too big. Which makes me think about the brown borders that I don't like, as it makes each suit seem brown. I'm thinking of giving it the border treatment. I guess I better try it on Photo Shop first. :)

Shade	18 Sep 2004
Whenever I go anyewhere new the Secret Tarot goes with me. However I've been meaning to pick up one of the mini decks to make this a bit easier. I'm trying to remember the name... it's the one where the magician is a rabbit... black backgrounds... hmmm what is the name of that deck?!? I do like the Thoth sans borders that you posted... I just wonder if I trust myself enough to take an exacto knife to the cards.

Alta	18 Sep 2004
I alternate carrying the BBCats, the Gilded, the majors only RWS. Mind you, this has been known to change from time to time. :)

Maelin	19 Sep 2004
I had bought the pocket size Universal Tarot, thinking I could keep it in my on flight bag for business trips - but I confess the redrawn Rider Waite imagery into Italian Renaissance fashion leaves me cold. Hadn’t realized how emotionally attached I was to the RWS imagery! I went out wandering from my hotel and splurged on the Universal Waite - full size, and then spent the next hoour just looking and looking at the beautiful pencil crayon sort of colours - a whole new perspective on the RWS. I am happy to see from earlier posts that it is available - somewhere - as a pocket size. I will have to apologize to my unwise purchase and put it away, to give or trade later!

Satori	19 Sep 2004
aren't you deck cutters afraid the deck will just peel apart on you? I proclaim I would not could not on a train not on a plane, not in a house, not with a mouse cut the borders off a deck. As for carrying decks this week, Dance of Life and The Gill.

Cerulean	20 Sep 2004
Now mini-Arthurian (Caitlin Matthews) with no borders or titles, a more storytelling deck for me....and a thinner Tarot of the Masters (no borders, only Italian titles) with fanciful titles. Scissor Happy, Cerulean

The 78th Fool	20 Sep 2004
My own deck, the Butler Tarot and a wonderful pocket Rider Waite that I've just re-discovered! Don't want to carry my commercial Gilded around because it may get damaged. Chris. xx

Thindelock	20 Sep 2004
In my current workplace, I wouldn't dare bring a deck... I was once asked if my Celtic knot pendant was "some sort of Satan-worship symbol or something?" Gods have mercy upon the closed-minded of the world... At any rate, in college I was rarely parted from my Celtic Dragon tarot, and to this day I take it with me whenever I go out of town for a weekend or a vacation. It fits snugly into a side-pocket of any of my bags. Also, sometimes I carry my Stick Figure tarot with me. I find it's great to use around people who are "put off" by the metaphysical and 'new age' things; people see you aren't taking yourself too seriously, that it's not all shrouds-and-dark-rooms-and-heavy-incense. The humor works as a wonderful icebreaker. If anyone reading this has a copy of the Stick Figure deck, keep it safe and consider laminating it: Lar deSouza is no longer making copies, so the 500 or so that are out there are all there will be. :(

SongDeva	20 Sep 2004
Oh, how RUDE of Lar!

Imagemaker	20 Sep 2004
Quote: sometimes I carry my Stick Figure tarot with me. Oooo, you are lucky to have one! I discovered them too late, already out of print! The decks I've cut the borders off don't split at all. Not a problem!

Thindelock	21 Sep 2004
SongDeva: Before you even ask, I'm keeping my copy. ;) Sorry, I've just seen your shinannigans in regards to getting your hands on any deck possible... e.g. "Madonna c/o Songdeva" and "Tarot is a woman's domain," so all men should "hand over ALL your decks, immediately." Hey, can't fault you for trying ;) Imagemaker: a Stick Figure deck would be rather easy to make on your own. To be honest, the card stock Lar printed on was less-than-fantastic, and there was no coating or lamination, and no box (it was independently printed, so I'm not surprised or complaining, just stating). An evening with a permanent marker, some blank cardstock, a rounded-corner pair of scissors, and a copy of ye olde RW at your side for reference could yield similar results, and would be personally crafted to your tastes :) You just need a bit of creativity. It'd be a great deck to carry around (and easy to replace should it get damaged!)

SongDeva	21 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Thindelock SongDeva: Before you even ask, I'm keeping my copy. ;) Sorry, I've just seen your shinannigans in regards to getting your hands on any deck possible... e.g. "Madonna c/o Songdeva" and "Tarot is a woman's domain," so all men should "hand over ALL your decks, immediately." Hey, can't fault you for trying ;) HEY?! What's to make you think I haven't been in charge of receiving Madonna's mail for years? Ye of little faith. And I think that "any deck possible" is a tad strong. I don't engage in shenanigans; I'm not Irish. Are shenanigans allowed for the Welsh? Although, come to think of it, I used to joke that I was the only person in the Boston area with no Irish blood, and a year or two ago found out that my great grandfather on one side was Irish. Explains where I get these red highlights in my hair. Currently I'm carrying my Vision Quest, and my World Spirit, although the WS is at home today (just to bring the thread back in line with its original topic).

Thindelock	21 Sep 2004
Mea culpa about the splinter-thread there. This thread has me itching to carry a deck with me now... I suppose I could just break it out at lunch when I go to the park, my less-than-openminded coworkers would never see it. Excellent... methinks I'll be looking into one of those pocket-sized decks mentioned here for the purpose.

SongDeva	21 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Thindelock Mea culpa about the splinter-thread there. This thread has me itching to carry a deck with me now... I suppose I could just break it out at lunch when I go to the park, my less-than-openminded coworkers would never see it. Excellent... methinks I'll be looking into one of those pocket-sized decks mentioned here for the purpose. I'm sorry, I in no way meant to criticize any splintering..I was more referring to my own digression from the topic. How clandestine...a pocket sized deck in the deep south...hidden away from prying fundamentalist eyes! Hope you find one you like. :)

ferrous	16 Oct 2004
I haven't read back to the beginning of this thread, but I wanted to add my own "carrying" deck. For me, of course it's the Sakki-Sakki! I've finally made a bag for it, too, so now it looks very special indeed, sitting in my backpack. Not that the box it came in wasn't special, but this just means it's a bit more 'fluid' in there & takes up a smidge less room.

Samantha77	19 Oct 2004
Right now I am carrying my WIld Spirit Tarot around with me. I don't have much time at work, but I keep it with me just in case. I do have a lunch break.

Kath	19 Oct 2004
I used to carry a mini RWS deck with me, but a good friend bought me the mini Hanson Roberts and I keep that in my handbag all the time. You just never know when you’ll need to do a reading for yourself or someone else :)

SongDeva	28 Oct 2004
Lately I've been carrying the Gothic Vampires and the Infinite Tarot.

Nec	29 Oct 2004
Universal Waite tarot deck!

rosyelf	29 Oct 2004
This changes such a lot with me. And there are great decks, of course, that don't feel very portable, because of their packaging, etc. At the moment, my carrying deck is the Nefertari. In the increasingly dark, rather wet English autumn now upon us, those strong clear colours and that gorgeous gold leaf just light up my day. Also, though I've only had it one week, it has already accrued some very important sentimental meaning . I'll never give it away. blessings to all, rosyelf

smokey	31 Oct 2004
Alternating between the Golden Tarot and the Blue Moon. (Thinking of adding the Wheel of Change along with these...again!...)

Ruby7	31 Oct 2004
The Spiral is my current favourite. Ruby7

lunakasha	31 Oct 2004
I tend to stick with 2-3 decks at any given time, and of course it changes over time, especially when I get a new deck that needs my immediate attention.... Currently, I am studying the DruidCraft and Thoth decks....and have been reading on and off with my Titania Fortune Cards. I also enjoy rotating decks for my daily card....it gives me a chance to play with my other, less-popular decks so they don't feel neglected, hehehe!!! :) Luna

BlueLotus	31 Oct 2004
In the LWB that comes with Sakki-Sakki , there is a dozen of different 3 card readings that I like, and use with different decks according to the nature of the inquiry at the time. Gay Tarot had been very honest in its readings, in addition to the Sakki-Sakki itself, so these two have been my favorites to carry around. However because of Halloween, I am reading more with the Tarot of the Dead, particularly in the evening and find it quite intruguing at this time.

FaerieStorm	02 Nov 2004
Although I usually go in spurts with the decks that I use, I always turn to my Tarot de Paris deck (J. Philip Thomas), as well as my Fey Tarot and my Tarot Art Nouveau (Lo Scarabeo). I just received the DruidCraft Tarot: this one's a keeper!

The What are your current "carrying" decks? thread was originally posted on 31 Aug 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.