One Deck Fans?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 May 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

All Is One	08 May 2002
I am so curious to see if I am the only person who gets addicted to one deck and can't seem to "adopt" a new one. . . I ordered several decks in the last month (maybe it's true- this site is forcing me to buy every deck in the Universe!!!) and none of them work for me. The Gendron is astonishing, and I love it, but none of the new decks are "clicking" and I really wish I had not jumped so wholeheartedly into buying decks that my readings for others suffered. . . What I wanted to know, besides what deck addicts a person to it and why- is this: as art and as actual systems of belief unto themselves, each and every Tarot deck is a treasure. . . but do you truly use all the decks- do they all work as "reading decks" for you as a seeker? Have any of you done readings with new decks for other people that you had to invent, channel, or re-shuffle, because the cards were NOT giving up a single thing??? (speaking metaphorically, understand. . .) The only two decks I remember giving away were: 1. Universal Waite- Coleman (exact name?) . . . I regret that one~ 2.The Medicine Tarot- (exact name-?) It was a gift that needed to be in someone's hands- but not mine, because I spent most of my childhood in Albq. New Mexico, and the "native american" symbols actually caused my skin to itch. . . (BTW~ anyone who claims to be fron Albq. can be tested in 3 seconds. . .ask them to shut their eyes and spell it - and if they spent even a year in any public grade school in that beautiful city~ they can rattle it right off~) Well- the only thread I ever posted on here was deleted or co-opted or it vaporized- so let's try another???

Fairchild	08 May 2002
Hi! First of all, Albuquerque - did I spell it right? No, I'm not from N.M., but my husband is from Carlsbad. Been there though, and may move there sooner or later. Anyway, back to your question: Currently, I only have the Art Nouveau by A. Castelli, but the Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg is on its way to me. The Art Nouveau deck is my first deck and it was because of that deck that got me into Tarot. For unknown reasons, I spied it in a Borders tarot case and had to buy it. Everyone here tells me that the deck called out to me, and I believe them. The first card I randomly pulled out of the deck actually matched my situation. So far, the deck hasn't answered anything incorrectly for me, as a matter of fact, it has been right on the money! Then I decided to purchase the Tarot of the Cloisters (this was a bad purchase, based on just because I like stained glass), turns out impulse buying truly does have its downside. I tried the same method I used with the Art Nouveau on the Cloisters deck, and it drew a blank. I also couldn't 'sense' a connection to it, like I had with my Art Nouveau, so I returned the Cloisters deck. As for the Russian Tarot, I felt I could study with that deck more intently. Didn't mean to be lengthy, just thought I'd put in my two cents. Fairchild

Duality	08 May 2002
Hiya! to your question.. I'm addicted to celtic dragon myself. The celtic dragon deck absolutely fascinates me, contrary to what other people think, my dragons are definitely not mild and gentle!! I had and have a hard time dealing with them cuz they are just so playful and sarcastic(mind I say Temperamental?) sometimes, I feel like they want me to loosen up and see things in different perspective. I was given Rider-Waite a year ago, I simply couldn't stand the cards. Everytime I saw or touched the cards, I felt irritated and annoyed.. an overwhelming thought of burning the deck right there and then went thru my mind, was that normal? I don't know, but I know I have Rider-Waite safely out of my sight (btw, it hates me also lol) Oh Fairchild, Roja is also very into her Art Nouveau by Castelli. The connection btwn them is amazing!!

kayne	09 May 2002
I have been a "One Deck Fan" for a long ages, my beloved Cosmic Tribe, and I keep expecting the new decks I am aquiring to over take CT but so far only the Robin Wood is coming close... I think the World Spirit could do too 'cause I really like that one... just requires a bit more study for me...

Marion	09 May 2002
The Robin Wood was the second deck I ever bought, and it drew me into Tarot (plus the influences of this board and its citizens) more than owning the Rider-Waite ever did in the previous 30 years! I then bought a couple of other decks, but somehow barely looked at them. Then one of the board's citizens asked me to write a review of the Shapeshifter Deck. In order to do that of course I had to read the book carefully and really work with the cards, so now while that deck is not my favourite, I can work with it. I am currently writing a review of another deck (Tarot of the Templars). I have been going over it card by card.... BTW the the LWB is pretty useless... and even used it to interpret a reading on "Your Readings" last evening. Already I feel very drawn into it. Yes, I do have a point! The decks that I took time to study and learn now feel useful and familiar to me and I can read with them. The ones I just shuffled through and took a first impression from, I either ignore or gave away. To know them is to love them??

Geenius at Wrok	09 May 2002
I'd say I'm pretty well wedded to the Nigel Jackson, even though I use the Vertigo for an occasional reading. To be more precise, I can't imagine using any deck other than the NJ as my primary, "default" deck. And I don't have a strong desire to go out and buy any more.

Rhiannon	09 May 2002
I use my Goddess Tarot for almost every spread I do now. I get so much more meaning from that one. I also really enjoy the Robin Wood. I can use my Legend Arthurian, but I don't very often. The decks I have purchased and have not worked are: Fantastical, the minors are too vague; Witches Tarot, just ick!; Rider Waite, someone else needed it more; Celtic Dragon, just bought it and haven't even used it! Love the pictures but have no desire to read with it. Rhiannon :)

Phoenix	09 May 2002
I pretty much use all of my decks, except for the Lord of the Rings, Celtic Dragon, and Dragon Tarot. But I do use my Universal Waite and Rider Waite the most. You can't find that imagery anywhere else(IMAO).

lunalafey	09 May 2002
I currently have 3 decks. My original, ever so faithful, but retiered. Replacing it was the Legend deck, I'm devoted to it, can't help it, I have always loved the stories and because of my familiarity with the lore, I relate to the cards very well. I also have the Medicine Cards, not tarot, but they get used. Sometimes there are issues that this deck is better suited for. I'm awaiting a trade, the Unicorn deck, I guess we shall see how I connect with those. Either way I remain faithful to my Legend. But having the option of using other decks could be good. Consider the question and the questioner, a different deck might be better than the ONE we favor. I enjoy collecting things, and with all those pretty decks out there, I could be in trouble. But the money goes for food and rent. If I did collect decks I'm sure there would be many I would have to just have. And very few that I would use.

Emily	09 May 2002
I love my Spiral, I get good clear readings from it and the deck feel lovely to handle and just to look at, even the less detailed minors - There is nothing offensive about the deck at all and it follows the R/W interpretations which I'm used to. Then would come my Hanson Roberts and Celtic Dragon tarot. I would love to include the Robin Wood but I can't because I'm having a few problems with it.

Logiatrix	09 May 2002
All, i used to be that "own many, use few" person lunafey referred to. at one point, i had 120 decks! now i'm down to a much healthier 50 or so, soon to trade away even more. i have long been devoted to my visconti deck, with the connolly and zerner-farber to back it up. i used the connolly with querents who couldn't relate to the traditional style (such as the pips) of the visconti. the z/f was a gift from my mamasita, my first "reading" deck after i book-learned all the card meanings and started to practice on my hapless victims, er, i mean, querents... however, since i began to try reversals, neither the visconti, the z/f, nor the connolly has been working for me. i think it's because i'm not used to looking at any of them upside-down. last night, i shelved both decks. i was given a new deck (the angel tarots, by r. place), so i'm going to try using it, reversals and all, 'cuz i figured it's a sign for some change needed here. i'm awful about change, so it's no-small-potatoes for me to try a new deck like this, with my old ones all put away on the shelf in their original boxes and everything... just one deck?!! *gasp* i must remain strong! anyway, i still collect, but i've narrowed my collecting to: historically styled decks, some art decks (if they appeal to me, of course), foreign decks that my travelling friends bring to me, the occasionial OOP deck that luck (and avid shopping) might bring my way, as well as a mixed bag of about a dozen or so favorites that i pull off the shelf once in a while to pet or show off. and then, of course, there's always that "one more deck" you just gotta find; also know as the "next one"... :)

Geenius at Wrok	09 May 2002
"Cada baraja es la penúltima."

lunalafey	10 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Geenius at Wrok "Cada baraja es la penúltima." shuffels what ? I don't know that one

fairyhedgehog	10 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Geenius at Wrok "Cada baraja es la penúltima." It's OK, I can do this one: "Space, the penultimate frontier" I'm not sure it will catch on though ;)

Geenius at Wrok	10 May 2002
No, you big sillies. It's a play on the Mexican set phrase, Cada cerveza es la penúltima—"Every beer is the next-to-last." If you can't figure it out from there . . .

Jewel	10 May 2002
Quote: Originally posted by kayne I have been a "One Deck Fan" for a long ages, my beloved Cosmic Tribe, and I keep expecting the new decks I am aquiring to over take CT but so far only the Robin Wood is coming close... I think the World Spirit could do too 'cause I really like that one... just requires a bit more study for me... *LOL* well glad to see you are enjoying your new Robin Wood :). I am one of those has many (around 80) decks, use few. But I like it that way, I like to collect them and study them when I have time. And I am hoping to start writting more reviews for Aeclectic with them. Not all are decks that are good for reading, several I just liked the pictures, others the symbolism, theme, etc. I used the Robin Wood for 7 years until I got the Cosmic Tribe in January. I love the Cosmic Tribe and I am sure I will be working with it as a primary deck for many years. The Robin Wood is still very dear to my heart and will never be far from me either.

emily2otters	10 May 2002
i always knew i was hard to please, but i'm finding lately that i'm even pickier than i thought. ha! i have several decks that are unsatisfactory in different ways... when i find the perfect deck, i will be a one-deck woman. 'till then, i rove and ramble and i follow my footsteps.

AmounrA	10 May 2002
I have used the Thoth deck only for about 10 years. Its the only deck I own. Even now, after so many years, it still gives out new insights and meanings/interpritations......I have seen other decks, but I just find it hard to connect in any way with them.

Umbrae	10 May 2002
I was a one deck person from 1972 until 2001

All Is One	25 May 2002
I have had to take a long break from the computer- mine is under repair and enhance ments- so Im on someone else's... I didnt get to read ANY replies to the thread I finally got the nerve to post- as I crashed my mail program around the day after I posted it and tool the hard drive to be wiped. Wow- such well worded replies...thanks for responding, people*LOL* I feel much more calm about the sad lack of bonding between me and my three new decks after your comments. Funny thing is- after three weeks away from computer, the things Marion said are coming true- the more I handle the Gendron the more friendly it feels- altho Im leery of a number of her cards. The Robin Wood gets better every day- something so magically cheerful and airy in it that it balances my addiction to the Thoth deck nicely, esp in readings for new people. The Art Nouveau is still driving me nuts- I love the size and colors and the majors but the minors make me uncomfortable and I would take them out completely if the deck ever begins to feel worth keeping (a few of the majors are worth keeping the deck for. I LOVE Matt Myer's Devil card ) Too broke at the moment to buy them but have a dozen I want, I was determined to figure out what I did wrong in selecting those decks... I also got the complete book on the Merlin Tarot- one of my best reading decks ever, that I'd sort of reverently put aside for the last three years. Book is wonderful; so now I'm evolving to a semi- open state of mind I'll keep working on it- Im stubborn at heart.

destinyawaitsme	25 May 2002
Yeah, I use my Zerner-Farber...I've bought 3 other decks since I bought it...and I like them, but they just aren't the same!!!! I really like the size...

All Is One	27 May 2002
I've seen references to the Zerner-Faber deck and as far as I can tell there is a sort of different version of the Enchanted Tarot (the lg- I have, am trading) actually caled the Z. F.- but is it a fabric collage deck? Just curious- and I still have not explained my addiction to one deck (at a time- up to two yrs) Hoped you all would kick down some insight in the symbol/click/"got-to keep- touching-it" category. . . because it seems like a spiritual necessity to use or avoid certain decks at particular times in my . . . Quote-temporal passage-Unquote Still- What causes the CLICK for you?

All Is One	27 May 2002
BTW: AmounrA~ I am completely in accord w/you on the Thoth- there are weeks when I look at the other decks I have loved and wonder what I was thinking- then I try to read for someone and I feel their need for a free and easy image that does not run your ID and your ego through an existential wringer... so I go with that. But after I found the Thoth, I have felt differently about all things. (Still I love to try new spreads and new decks- I just keep the One for my real hour of need. . .)

The One Deck Fans? thread was originally posted on 08 May 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.