Getting tired of RWS-based decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kittaine	11 Sep 2004
After acquiring a number of pretty decks that gravitate towards the RWS, and also some decks that are "non-traditional", I've reached the point where...I'm getting tired of it all. Nothing clicks anymore. The images, no matter how pretty, bore me now. What do you think is the cure for this? Marseilles decks?

Alta	11 Sep 2004
Possibly just buying another deck, or trying another tradition, isn't the answer. Try reading some books and meditating with the decks you have that you feel are serious.

fyreflye	11 Sep 2004
Yesterday I sold all my RWS original and cloned decks to my local bookstore. What a relief! But I couldn't suggest any alternatives without knowing what attracts you to tarot in the first place. And why are you searching for another style of deck to collect? Maybe you're just not that interested in tarot any longer - not that there's anything wrong with that :) Personally, I collect decks based on the Golden Dawn and Thelemic systems, mostly bcause they're interesting symbolically and I get to read innumerable companion books that attempt to explain whatever crackpot theory the decks are based on. I also collect decks designed by Osho/Rajneesh disciples - a larger category than you might imagine (just picked up the fascinating Experimental Tarot on eBay.) But maybe you need to de-enable yourself from mere deck collecting and either get deeper into the decks you still have or just get on with your life. You'd be surprised at how many people live happy and fruitfu l lives who've never heard of tarot:D

ihcoyc	11 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kittaine What do you think is the cure for this? Marseilles decks? The Marseilles images have a roughness to the that may help. especially if you have been using RWS and art decks that now seem insipid and twee. They also stand at the root of just about all other tarots. Perhaps you might find one of the ancient reproduction decks are something that would pique your interest.

Little Baron	11 Sep 2004
There are many decks that have non-scenic pips that you can look at, aside from the Marseilles. I am currently working with one of the Tavaglione decks and it is broadening my idea of the cards immensely - working on the different layers - numerology, astrology and the Kabbalah - all of which, my knowledge is quite limited at the moment. However, it is great fun finding out and since the minors are non-scenic, different images come to mind when the card is drawn. As much as I still like the RW, the minors started to bore me (if that is the right word) as well, and my readings became limited. I know that this is not true for all and maybe it is more to do with me than the cards. With the Marseilles and the other non-scenic monor decks, they tap into something else for me. It is like opening a door. Maybe try a Marseilles or take a look through the decks with non-scenic minors and see if any of them 'speak' to you. Would be interested in what you come up with. I would shop around though and research it well. Think about all of the things that the decks you do have are not doing for you and why they are not stimulating you right now and see if you can find those missing things in another deck. There is no rush, so take your time to have a good old rummage through the decks on the web. Hope you find something that suits. Yaboot

Diana	11 Sep 2004
The Tarocchi del Vetro, by Elisabetta Trevisan is a wonderful deck for those who have no wish to explore the world of the Marseilles decks. For some reason, it had its beautiful name translated into English and is also known as the Crystal tarot. http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/crystal-tarots/ But eventually, I think everyone who studies Tarot needs to explore, more or less, depending on their needs, the Tarot of Marseilles, because it is from where all the other Tarots received their original inspiration... whether the deck designers are aware of this or not.

Little Baron	11 Sep 2004
As Diana says, the Marseilles was there before the Riders and the Thoths, and all that came after that. I think that this is why I got bored with the RW; because it was like being given an interpretation, rather than seeking my own from the true source. Once I had made an interpretation from that of someone else, the result felt weaker. Does that make sense? I suppose it is a bit like Chinese Whispers. Whatever way people lean, I think it is always good to have the standard in your collection, even if it is only for the purpose of study. Yaboot

northsea	11 Sep 2004
I like the RWS minors because they cover a broad sprectrum of human be-ing -- if you add your own meanings to the traditional ones. The Marseilles pips are great for readers with psychic ability -- which I don't have as far as I know. The floral motifs etc. are beyond my grasp regarding symbolism/meanings. I prefer RWS clones that follow through on the complete deck, (and DON'T haphazardly stray on some cards because the artist doesn't know/care about the traditional meanings. It would be okay if the artist felt their was some aspect of human life left out of the RWS [such as no music instruments] and consciously changed the meanings for a few redundant cards). Another type of deck that would be of interest to me is where the artist creates their own system for the minors, but that seems rare.

Little Baron	11 Sep 2004
Northsea That is the great thing about tarot and this forum - neither is a 'one size fits all' thing and thats what is great. As different people, we all have different requirements, which is what makes all of our readings and reading styles so unique. I do use my Rohrig on a regular basis and love the images there. When I am frustrated by other decks (ones with non-scenic pips, for example), the Rohrig's images sooth me like a nice warm bath. I like some diversity. I am glad that you enjoy and work well with the Rider Waite images; even though I use them less regularly these days, they were very instumental in my own personal tarot history and I wouldn't part with my deck. Best wishes Yaboot

Centaur	11 Sep 2004
Perhaps you could try the Thoth? If you purchase the Marseilles, I would recommend the Fournier. It is colourful, and in my opinion a more pleasing alternative to its ugly elder sisters. :D

Kittaine	11 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Centaur Perhaps you could try the Thoth? If you purchase the Marseilles, I would recommend the Fournier. It is colourful, and in my opinion a more pleasing alternative to its ugly elder sisters. :D I have the Thoth, Centaur. I tried to read with it--or to even just love it--but...I don't know, I just couldn't. It wasn't just a case of "nothing clicked", it was, "Oh, I forgot I have this deck."

Little Baron	11 Sep 2004
I understand Kittaine I donlt know what it is about the Thoth. I really want to like it, I really want to work with it ... it is just that I feel absolutely nothing towards it. Sure, the illustrations are great, but ... but I don't know what it is really. I just can't develop any kind of connection with it. And then of course, there are those keywords ...ggrrrrrrr. Have you looked at any other decks? Any possibilities yet? Yaboot

northsea	11 Sep 2004
Yaboot, Thanks for your tolerance/appreciation with the RWS. It works for me anyhow. Centaur, I have a few TdM decks including the Heron, but mainly have them for studying the Majors and court cards. In a TdM reading, I would use RWS-based meanings (but much broader than the traditional) for the minors << ducks >> . :)

Astraea	11 Sep 2004
Diana turned me on to the Hadar deck, and now I have several Marseilles-style tarots and love them -- I still enjoy my other decks, but the historic and esoteric richness of the Marseilles has opened wonderful vistas of exploration and imagination. It's something of a paradox, because the images appear crude, but contain worlds of subtlety. You might like to investigate the Marseilles, Kittaine -- if nothing else, it's informative and enlightening to compare its imagery and associations with those of the RWS decks.

Kittaine	11 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Yaboot001 I understand Kittaine I donlt know what it is about the Thoth. I really want to like it, I really want to work with it ... it is just that I feel absolutely nothing towards it. Sure, the illustrations are great, but ... but I don't know what it is really. I just can't develop any kind of connection with it. And then of course, there are those keywords ...ggrrrrrrr. Wow, I thought I was the only one who had those feelings about the Thoth. I don't mind the keywords. And the artwork is, in my opinion, bad but tolerable. Still, there's just [i]something[/], isn't there? And you don't know what it is. You try to love it but you can't! :( I'm getting a Marseilles from MeeWah in a trade. Hopefully that will work. I might also get the Buckland Romani. The lack of borders is appealing. The artwork looks great too. I hope the card size is large. I just received the Gilded and the Ananda. I had hoped that these two decks would become my "show" decks. But when I got them, I was totally disappointed. The card size wasn't big enough, even though the artwork was great! :(

Cerulean	11 Sep 2004
1,Rohrig pictures: http://www.wicce.com/rohrigpix.html http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/rohrig/ I believe the Rohrig has gorgeous pictures, a blend of modern and medieval and is huge. There's a book that has full color pictures and meanings as well. I think the deck comes with a booklet---but am not certain. At one point, I used it like a Thoth deck, but after awhile I just didn't feel connection to it. It's painted so well the impression is it has photographic beauty, very bold and well-done. I tend to prefer the softer and smaller Ananda, but you might do well with the bright and large Rohrig. Perhaps you should try trading a 'pretty, but I don't think it's that useful to me deck" for a Rohrig if you find the Ananda, Gilded and your new Marseilles doesn't work for you. 2. Bigger, older looking Marseilles An option for a bigger Marseilles deck in the not expensive (12.99) "Tarot Set" with a purple-colored book from Jane Lyle is available--the deck is considered very good, the book is silly. The cards are larger and the set is worth it for the cards. http://www.tarotpassages.com/TarotSet-mf.htm These are two suggestions--may be of interest to you. I've noticed the Rohrig comes up often in discussions here and there's lots of internet links, so you can browse away. Hope you have fun with these ideas. If you want big Italian art decks, either modern or Milanese style, don't mind printed keywords and want to learn Italian, I can suggest options depending on your preference. Regards, Cerulean

lark	11 Sep 2004
Kittaine It sounds like you have T.O.A.D T.arot O.verload A.ccumulation D.epression Symptoms: 1. Too many tarot decks in to short a time. 2. Not enough time to digest one before the next one arrives. 3. Tarot decks arriving in multiples. 4. Desire to accumulate is stronger than desire to actually learn to read tarot. 5. Confussion as to exactly what style you like. 6. Forgetting you have certain decks. 7. Thinking about working with a deck but spending hours deciding which one. 8. Giving up on deciding and going to the web to find more decks. 9. Lack of love and bonding. Cure: How to kiss your T.O.A.D good bye. I have had T.O.A.D myself and the cure is long and requires patients and postal employees. Take one deck every few days with a glass of water. Really look at it, work with it, read the book, if it has one, and then be very, very honest. Will you ever use this deck? If not put it in the trade pile. But don't trade it yet. Next deck.... Trade or Keep? Next Deck... Trade or Keep? ect. ect. Been through all your decks now. OK. Go through them again. OK. Then go through them again. By the time you do this a few times you will love some decks and the very though of trading them will bring tears to your eyes . And you will hate other decks and you won't be able to wait another minute before they are out of your site. I did this for nine months. Now here's the hard part. You must abstain from buying ANY new decks untill you have gone through all your decks in this manner at least three times. Your handsome Tarot Deck Prince is out there you just have to kiss alot of T.O.A.Ds to find him.

lunakasha	12 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lark Your handsome Tarot Deck Prince is out there you just have to kiss alot of T.O.A.Ds to find him. LMAO lark....very cute!!! :D Yet I have to agree....have been through a few T.O.A.D.s myself!!! :) Luna

WooMonkey	12 Sep 2004
Wow lark, I think I've have had T.O.A.D. also! But does the cure have to be SO tough love? :)

Sulis	12 Sep 2004
Lark's got it right I reckon. I've been there too. Another thought - I quite like decks which stick to RWS meanings and use the same symbolism but which aren't exactly clones - Tarot of Prague springs to mind and of course World Spirit, I'd say Merryday as well and Cosmic. Decks which don't stray too far from the RWS but which are just different enough to be interesting. Maybe try a Thoth style deck - Rohrig has already been suggested but there are others as well. Before you buy any more decks though I'd try what Lark suggested :) Love Sulis xx

Centaur	12 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by northsea I have a few TdM decks including the Heron, but mainly have them for studying the Majors and court cards. In a TdM reading, I would use RWS-based meanings (but much broader than the traditional) for the minors << ducks >> . :) Hi Northsea, I do that too. And there are numerous other TdM readers here at ATF who also adopt that approach. Basically, when I use the TdM, I use my intuition spurned by the images on the cards, in combination with both Thoth and RW systems of interpretation. It is whatever YOU feel comfortable with. There is a common misconception that if one is using RW or Thoth meanings in conjunction with the TdM, then it is somehow 'wrong'. Again, it is whatever YOU feel comfortable with.

Macavity	12 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by fyreflye ...because they're interesting symbolically and I get to read innumerable companion books that attempt to explain whatever crackpot theory the decks are based on Just in case this splendid (and so true) quote escapes without notice! :D But seriously, I think there is an absolutely endless pool of potential and amusement (or wasted time? ) in the field of Tarot correspondences... Macavity <-- Admiring Centaur's... courage - As they make ready that guillotine })

TygrEyes	12 Sep 2004
Kittaine, very quickly, the thing that struck me most about your initial post is the reference to "pretty" decks. Maybe you'd like something darker i.e. the Stygian Darkness when it comes out in '05 & you could resolve to not buy any new decks until then while going through the T.O.A.D.S. regimen. Or maybe you'd like to venture out into Oracles & Runes?

lark	12 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by WooMonkey Wow lark, I think I've have had T.O.A.D. also! But does the cure have to be SO tough love? :) YES! (lark replys in a very tough voice.)

rota	12 Sep 2004
"...I'm getting tired of it all. Nothing clicks anymore. The images, no matter how pretty, bore me now. What do you think is the cure for this? Marseilles decks?" +++++++ Tarot's not about pretty. It's about exercising your mind. If the use of cards has brought you to some sort of saturation point, it could be time to take a vacation, to relax and let percolation occur. A holiday in Brittany? Malta? Oh, I know -- the Azores! Or, turn in some new direction entirely. Runes? :)

Diana	12 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by rota [btarot's not about pretty. it's about exercising your mind. [/b] That's probably the best response I've seen here. (Not that the others were not good as well.) Perhaps you should ask yourself why you read the Tarot?

Catpaw	12 Sep 2004
If you like the mystery of gypsies, try the Buckland Romani Tarot -- beautiful pictures. I fyou like a bit of hostiry, tyr the Russion Tarot of St. Petersburg.

The Getting tired of RWS-based decks thread was originally posted on 11 Sep 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.