Gilded vs. Quest

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 30 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Mr. Sluagh	30 Sep 2004
I'm trying to decide which of these to get. They seem very similar; both are beautiful and evocative in comparable ways. I prefer the Quest deck's symbolism overall, but the key words on the cards appear trite and simplistic and I like scenes on my pips. If the Quest didn't seem so dumbed down, there'd be no contest, but things being as they are, the Gilded looks like a good second choice. Any thoughts on the matter?

The 78th Fool	30 Sep 2004
I have both of these decks. I'm not the most unbiased person to ask as the Gilded is my far and away favourite deck! Like you though, the keywords on the Quest deck, particularly on the Major Arcana and Court Cards proved to be a real stumbling block. Bear in mind that if you go for the Gilded, it's based on the Rider Waite System with its own variations whereas the Quest Tarot is a Thoth based deck with overtones of the Haindl Tarot thrown in. It really will depend on which system you prefer and what you're used to reading with. If computer generated artwork isn't a priority, why not consider the Haindl Tarot instead? It's closest in spirit to the Quest and the artwork is stunning. Alternately, the Cosmic Tribe (also Thoth based) is a combination of computer generated artwork and photo collage - However, you have to be able to deal with heavy duty nudity. If that's not a problem this too is a very rewarding deck. The Rohrig Tarot is my favourite Thoth format deck - It's ultra modern and very powerful. This may also be worth a look. Chris. xx

SongDeva	30 Sep 2004
Off-topic: Chris, have you considered the Vision Quest? It's also Thoth based and has a new take. On Topic.

The 78th Fool	30 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by SongDeva Off-topic: Chris, have you considered the Vision Quest? It's also Thoth based and has a new take. On Topic. Haven't thought of that one but I'll take a look! Chris. xx

BlueLotus	30 Sep 2004
The deck comes as a set, and the accompanying book is worth getting alone. Both decks have beautiful computer generated art, and both are worth aquiring, if you can afford to do so, that is. The is actually sold at a very affordable price everywhere, and it comes as a set, with an accompanying book as well, although not as comprehensive as the one that comes with the Quest . I would definitely invest in both, and enjoy all the gorgeous artwork and different interpretations.

cirom	30 Sep 2004
I'm probably treading on thin ice here, but here goes. While I wouldn't have the audacity to recommend the Gilded over the Quest or any other deck for that matter, I would however point out that if you like the look of "computer generated" images, then I would suggest that the Quest is a better choice for that style. While indeed I produce my images working on a computer, I don't think they have that characteristic. Describing tarot decks (and other art) as computer "generated" can be misleading, as some software simply allows you to draw and paint the image with a digital pen and tablet, and so is quite traditional in its approach. The computer is reduced to be used simply as a virtual brush, as such one wouldn't describe traditionally produced art as brush or pencil "generated". Alternatively other software i.e. 3D programs render the image, based on the artist's choosing and inputing data from numerous combinations of colour, lighting, shape and texture etc. the process then involves serious number crunching algorythms, which can certainly be described as "generating" the image. Other typical "computer styled" decks would be those that fall into the photomontage category, blending images, mainly photographic, from various sources. From an artistic point of view I don't think any one is superior to the other, but the results can be quite different, and might effect your choice.

Kissa	30 Sep 2004
My two cents. Got the Quest from ebay. Was very curious about it, positively curious. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! As i watched thru the deck, i got a headache. For real. No metaphore. Never happened to me before, never happened after. Too many things, I felt like suffocating while watching the cards. There was not any room for my innner self to wander in there. All was written in advance. Just look at those borders! Full (again) of "info". I have been following the Gilded mass version release and have sincerely almost brought myself to buy it. But then i remembered the nausea i got with the Quest and felt afraid... It is funny and very interesting you wrote a thread about those two, Mr Sluagh. Reading ciro's message almost decided me to go for the Gilded, I might take the chance! Oh! About the Quest book? I read lots of ppl's comments that "the book itself is worth getting". I am totally amazed. This book is a weird cocktail of the weirdest (and worst IMHO) things about Tarot: cards guessing someone's name, places, dates, answering yes or no to certain questions. Arghhhhh. I never said I was going to be objective about the all thing ;) Kissa

Semiramis	30 Sep 2004
I was having a similar debate with the two decks, and I had considered getting both. However, when I saw the Quest deck in person, I felt like Kissa did. The borders are just too BUSY, too many things leapt out and distracted my mind, and I couldn't concentrate on the central image of the card. I might still get both, but I am getting the Gilded first for sure.

Kissa	30 Sep 2004
Dammit. The guy* had to put a marmelade tabby cat in his deck. Now i gotta get it. ;) Kissa (menas "cat" in finnish...) * = Ciro Marchetti, the Gilded Tarot creator

Ruby Red Slippers	26 Dec 2004
I recently acquired both of these decks. I cannot say enough about the Gilded...Love it...Love it! I sings to me! After 5 years of reading, this deck Finally hit the spot! Now the Quest.....what I have done is pulled out all of the court cards and the Aces. I keep these cards separate and use them when asked about "time" or a real "yes" or "no" answer is desired following a reading with the Gilded. This has proven a nice way to combine the best of both decks. I used them numerous times while on a recent trip and this method worked great for me. BTW - I totally ignore the key words! Maybe this method will prove helpful for others. Wishing everyone Good Readings in the New Year! :) RRS

souljourney	26 Dec 2004
Well the Gilded was really the first deck I bought. It just clicked at the store. The art was sooo beautiful. That alone gets me. Then I started reading. I love this deck. The cards all tell a story. The animals in them are great. The hardest cards to "get" are the court card, but that's with any deck it seems for me. *sigh* The Quest still is on my wishlist, but not as high up as it once was. There are other decks and ideas I want to explore first. I am really glad I chose the Gilded. And I'm eagerly awaiting Tarot of Dreams.

Lurea	26 Dec 2004
I have the Quest, and have enjoyed nice accurate readings with it. I have used the yes/no feature with great success, too, and like it. The book is interesting, and different from many Tarot books. Each card has a lot of meanings listed, in short phrase fragments, for both postive and reversed. At first, all those meanings were overwhelming, but after working with it, I realized that invariably one phrase would jump out at me, and that would be the one to use for the meaning. It jump started my intuition. :) There was only one problem. It never gave me a headache, but I did find after a while that I got a little bored with the digital images. Realizing this has kept me away from the Gilded and other digital/photcollage decks for now. I still like the Quest, and use it, but I find myself more drawn to decks where the base is some sort of drawing or painting.

The Gilded vs. Quest thread was originally posted on 30 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.