Secondhand Decks - good idea or bad?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 16 Sep 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

tabbycat	16 Sep 2002
Must admit that I was a little worried about getting a secondhand deck - would it *feel* right? if it wasn't new and sealed, would all the cards be there? and stuff like that. Trading with other tarot-lovers is one thing, but buying from someone you don't know? I finally gave in - there are so many decks that come up on eBay(UK) that I was finally tempted to risk it. So, I have two new(to me) decks now - the Beasts of Albion oracle deck and the Tarot of the Old Path. Yes, they're both in good condition and, yes, all the cards are present and correct. I don't get any bad vibes from either of them and they're both really pretty decks, especially the Old Path - I love the subtle colours, wildflowers and animals! So - what's your opinion? Does a new deck have to be fresh and sealed, or will you adopt one that might have a shady past? ;) Jilly

Lee	16 Sep 2002
Hi Jilly, I once bought a used Tarot of the Old Path from Half.com, and some of the cards were stained, which the seller hadn't told me. I think in general you just have to go in knowing there's a risk. -- Lee

catlin	16 Sep 2002
I do lots of trade here on a.net and even bought some decks second hand but usually I want to make sure that there is everything ok with the decks or a possibility to return them. I see trading and buying second hand decks more as a sport and a nice way to get decks which are not sold here. Usually I cannot complain about my trading partners. Even when you buy a brand new shrink wrapped deck you can never be sure that it will be in perfect condition. I had gotten a brand new Nefertari deck with 19 cards with print goofs on. I usually don't mind getting a second hand deck when it is in good shape. Ok, there are some decks which are consecrated to myself and for this I prefer new ones.

jema	16 Sep 2002
i love to trade decks! it is a costly hobby and often i lose money on it but i see it as a grand way of getting to know both people and decks i wouldn't otherwise buy. like the vampire deck i traded from aeonx. or the celtic from catlin. had o bought them i would have been dissapointed, now i got to both "borrow" the decks i sent the them and get new decks for me and one of these days i will pass them on to someone else to love or hate. i also bought second hand decks for money from strangers and it turned out ok. however i see it as a bigger risk then trading on here. here we sort of "know" eachother and no one would like to be called out as a cheater or a bad trader. we have a reputation to protect. i never had problems with bad "vibes" on decks. perhaps i am just really insensetive. but i do have a few decks here with great vibes:)

cjtarot	16 Sep 2002
Hi all, Like Jema I trade decks and buy used. I only do so here or on learntarot.com where I am comfortable with the people I will be getting the decks from..that to me is the key.. I love the feel of a used deck..well shuffled...as far as vibes..when I get a deck new or used I shuffle and shuffle it and shuffle it...so basically put my own print on it... Good luck and the advise would be to trade and buy from those you are comfortable with or at a place where you can see all the cards. Good trading, Cj

Mojo	16 Sep 2002
I've had a lot of success trading decks and buying used decks on eBay and the likes. I even managed to get an extremely rare deck, the Tarocco Delle Collezioni (the puppet tarot), numbered and signed (#6 out of 2000) in absolute mint condition in its original hard case with silk ribbons. I paid $150 U.S. for it and I've been offered as much as $5000 by collectors.

Liliana	16 Sep 2002
Well I dont have a lot of money to spend on my collection, so must of my decks have come through trade,use, or for some other reason new but lower than retail price. Ive never had a realy problem with any of them except for the Cosmic I received recently, it has the last users energies heavily. But a good deck cleansing should take care of that, and since it was only 3 dollars for the book and the deck having to cleanse it really isnt that much of a problem (tho it didnt come in a box) So sure buy them used, if they need a cleansing because they have the old owners enery then do it, whether it be by smudging with sage, laying in sunlight, or putting crystals on the deck, or whatever other method you choose actually. :THP

Laurel	16 Sep 2002
As long as all the cards are there, in good condition, I like used decks. I think it takes equal time for me to "break in" a new or used deck. Laurel

truthsayer	16 Sep 2002
i agree with catlin that trading decks feels more like a sport. it's so exciting to work out an equitable deal w/ someone. it's so much fun picking up trades at the post office. the postal clerks and i know each other on a first name basis so it's good for my social life, too! LOL the only place i've traded is here. i feel comfortable with the people here. we have a good honor system. all the traded decks i've received but one had good vibrations. that one deck had been in a smoking home and smelled so strongly of cigarettes that i've kept them in an herbal potpouri for the last 6 monthes. if that doesn't work, i'm trying kosher salt next.

Jewel	16 Sep 2002
Like Truthsayer I do my trading here where I have built trust with fellow Aecleticians. My expereinces have been really postive and the decks become more special because they often times come from someone I know and that is special to me ... right Truthsayer and Faunabay? ;)

truthsayer	16 Sep 2002
absolutely! i'll never trade my victoria regina b/c that was such a special trade to me. plus you've got me into reading some very exciting books! i think the friendship factor is what drives me most. i've met the most wonderful ppl on the internet that share common interests and beliefs with me. this is not true IRL. i have only a couple ppl IRL who know all the interests and beliefs that i share w/ you all here. i am thoroughly addicted to aeclectic! :D :*

darwinia	16 Sep 2002
The deck I had picked for a first choice (Zerner Farber) just happened to be in the store I went to but it was a used edition. When I got it home, the cards were worn on the edges from shuffling and they had some stains on them, so I gently wiped them all front and back with a barely damp cloth and dried them immeditaely with paper towels. Then I fanned them out to dry and played them music and they've been fine, if slightly worn. My second deck (Tarot fo the Old Path) was also used that I traded with a lady on Comp Tarot, and she had two copies of the deck and this one had only been opened and looked at. The box was worn but I made a bag with a cross stitched apple tree which looks remarkably like depictions of the Tree of Life, and an beautifully coloured enamelled turtle charm and it's quite happy in its bag here. I've traded books with people too with no problem and never had a bad vibe from any of them. I think many people here and on the lists receive a deck and open it and just can't connect, so the cards really aren't used just opened and looked at. People trading usually specify that. Judy

fairyhedgehog	17 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by truthsayer i think the friendship factor is what drives me most. I'll second that, truthsayer :) I have had some lovely trades with people and all my traded decks are special to me, even if I don't use them for reading. It is very exciting opening a new-to-me deck from someone I've met at aeclectic. They have all come with such lovely vibes.... I don't mind if they are well-used or brand new. All the ones I have received have been in good condition, but at various stages of use. And I'm in the middle of a trade now, so I'm feeling very excited about it :)

VGimlet	17 Sep 2002
I buy both used and new decks. I've only had a few problems with used decks - once came from the home of a heavy smoker, and one had kind of a strange vibe that took awhile to go away. Aside from that, I've been very happy with my used decks.

MeeWah	18 Sep 2002
Tabbycat: I have no problem with second-hand or used decks.About half of my decks were acquired through trades or exchanges. A few were in new or like-new condition, with only one that was well-used. I have only dealt a few times with eBay sellers & have been very pleased; also with Aeclectic members, which is a lot of fun! If you are leery of dealing with outright strangers, I highly recommend the latter. It is a great way to get further acquainted with a fellow member! I usually do a combination of cleansing techniques for all decks, including new (as one does not know what a new deck could have picked up by way of energy) . Shuffling; leaving them out to air &/or expose to sunlight & moonlight, crystals.

divinerguy	18 Sep 2002
They're pieces of paper with ink on them. Like an artist with a canvas, you add your own feelings and vision.

evangelion	18 Sep 2002
Personally, and this is only one account, I acquired a deck from someone who was deeply involved in some questionable practices. It was a "Black Deck" by Luis Royo and I didnt think much of it but when I started doing some readings both for myself and others I just didnt feel like I was getting the right answers. Well after the fact someone who is very influential in my life told me that the deck was "bad", it had been magnetised by the last owner and not in a very good way. I think some people can leave an impression on things even after they pass them on and in this case, I got the short end of the stick. But, with a little time and some TLC I had them back to normal. Moral of the story is: I wouldnt worry about it, just take some extra time to make them yours!

Sorceress_Jade	18 Sep 2002
I'd say about half my collection is second hand decks. I like to get into the habit of cleansing the decks. But I think a large part of this is simply having a bonding time with the new deck. Coming to see it as an extension of myself and not a part of someone else. I have only had issues with one deck, thus far, that was used. But after spending a lot of time with it, it now works just fine. I have a few that I have yet to use, but I'm sure that once I bring them into myself and don't view them as someone elses then I can come to grips with them. I say go for the used decks. They're inexpensive, and in a certain perspective, ... experienced. They've already gone through the motions with someone else before, they have a history. I kind of feel as though that in itself adds to them.

faunabay	18 Sep 2002
I'm almost getting to the point where I like getting used decks from people here on the forum vs. buying new!!! LOL Everyone here has such good energy and friendly vibes!! I have a few decks I would NEVER get rid of because I got them from people here. Actually a couple of decks as surprises!! :D Many thanks for my surprise birthday presents Jewel and truthsayer!!! LOL

Kitty	18 Sep 2002
Quote: Originally posted by fairyhedgehog I'll second that, truthsayer :) I have had some lovely trades with people and all my traded decks are special to me, even if I don't use them for reading. It is very exciting opening a new-to-me deck from someone I've met at aeclectic. They have all come with such lovely vibes.... I don't mind if they are well-used or brand new. All the ones I have received have been in good condition, but at various stages of use. And I'm in the middle of a trade now, so I'm feeling very excited about it :) I third that :D I have just started to trade - my first was with Redwood and the second with Holmes :) I love it - I feel happy that I can give someone a deck that they really want, it feels like I am sending them a present.

Pollux	19 Sep 2002
I've never been in a true trade (never exchanged USED decks), and I have never bought a second hand deck, since there's no call for tarot at all around here babes... :( BUT, i have had my experiences with used decks! :D I received a Ravenswing Enhanced (R) Gill Tarot Deck, with trimmed borders. At first I was a bit... unsure. I didn't even touch the cards directly for a while, cos I didn't like the situation I received them in - the postman was quite pissed, and we fought a bit cos I comlained since he's always bringing bills at home LATE, and we pay fess. After this husstle, he gave me the deck, and I thought "UGH!!! This idiot has touched the envelope!!!". I got bad vubes from it for a while - not really the deck, but the envelope *LOL* So I took off the cards carefully, and throw the rest. And I had a small ritual of cleansing (not only the postman's hand had touched it, but also other people on it's way from US to Italy... ;)). I liked doing it. A sort of further safety measure. And hey, when I first picked up the cards and ordered them... WOWOW!!! The deck was responsive, I knew that. Now I only use that one, also dpr the study Group. The used/present deck from Ravenswing has become even possibly closer than my first Gill. I was really astonished. But The deck is great, and works so well. She's happy to be mine. :) Other used decks: a Vintage Aquarian from Tarotphelia, that I love to bits, and had nothing to sort out with it; and a Shakesperian bought on Ebay with the aid of Tarotlady. The Shakesperian is quite ood to me. Maybe it's only because it is rare and I fear damaging it, but I feel uneasy at times... :P The deck was not used that much anyway. Maybe it's just the fact I really love those small cards, and the cute pictures that makes me get twittery... *LOL* I have trades set up for the future though... *fingers crossed*

Kyrielle	19 Sep 2002
I got a used Wheel of Change through an Amazon seller and found not only was it NOT in "very good" condition -- the cards were too worn for that description and the book looked like it had had water spilled on it -- but it also had a nasty vibe to it that I could not tolerate. I kept it for a few days, figuring it may get used to me, but I always had a bad feeling about it. Mind you, I liked the art; I felt the problem was with this particular copy of the deck. I finally took it to a local store which buys and sells used and new tarot decks and exchanged it for store credit toward a brand new Wheel of Change deck. My Beasts of Albion came used from the same local store and it is absolutely fine. I got to handle it first before I bought it. From now on, my policy is no used decks unless I handle them in person first, or unless I absolutely trust the source (I'm believing everyone here is all right). -- Kyrielle

midnightmerry	19 Sep 2002
I'm weird about this: I don't like using second-hand decks at all & I don't use used decks. But if I ever did trade for one, it would only be through here at AT, where I am familiar with the folks involved in the trade. I don't think I'd ever trade with a stranger for a used deck, unless it was a rare OOP deck or something and even then I'd be hesitant.

Keslynn	19 Sep 2002
I've gotten used decks from eBay plenty of times and I've only been burned once. That time, like several others mentioned, the description was not accurate. Oh well. Once out of so many times is pretty good if you ask me. I've never had any problems reading with used decks. I don't do any cleanising rituals, except for reordering the cards. But it seems to work well. Plus, used decks are generally pretty cheap. Oooh and once I got a deck that smelled heavenly. It must've been the incense he/she used when reading. I didn't mind that at all. :) Kes

ladycj	01 Oct 2002
I've never even thought about trading decks or getting them used until I came to this site. I really don't have anthing to trade right now, but I'm sure that will change as time goes on. I'm looking forward to getting some used decks in the future.

tao51	17 Jun 2004
I really do not like to have my decks touched or used by anyone else. Likewise I really do not care to use someone else's deck. I feel that a deck becomes infused with the psychic energies of the user that somehow does not seem right to expect clear readings that is out of sync with the new user. Just my humble opinion.--Tao

hedgecub	17 Jun 2004
A lot of people don't like working with used decks or decks that have been touched with others; a lot of other people are perfectly happy to let others touch their decks, and buy their decks used. Ultimately, of course I love the feel of taking a deck home from the shops and opening it myself for the first time. However, there's also the different but equally enjoyable experience of going to the post office and finding a package there for you that someone has carefully wrapped and posted to you. I especially love trading here on Aeclectic - I love the feeling that I can pass on something that someone else will enjoy, and it feels good when I find a parcel for me that someone (maybe even someone I know :) ) has lovingly sent to me :) (At this point I have to mention ros, who not only carefully packaged the decks in a bubbly bag, but also tucked in a lovely card for me which I now have on my wall with my Christmas and birthday cards, and included a gorgeous bag for one of the decks which I am beginning to suspect didn't come with the deck... *fluffles and nuzzles ros*) Every time I look at the decks I got from a trade, I think of the person who sent them to me - even if I got it from eBay and hence don't know them as well as I might know someone from Aeclectic, I think of the nice email they sent me hoping I enjoy the deck, or the nice feedback they left for me on eBay, or the wonderful posts they make on Aeclectic :) A shrinkwrapped box from the store is nice, but I think a fond thought for the person who sent me the deck is even nicer :)

Emily	17 Jun 2004
I recently have had some lovely decks from trades on here - nice vibes, good conditions and have been very pleased with them. Saying that a year or so ago I swore that I would never buy a second hand deck again lol - I brought an old large green Thoth from a second hand bookshop in my town and its took two years for me and this deck to get comfortable with one another - cards and ink they may be but when you don't know what previous owners have done with them it does make a difference. I think this deck had been used on an alter, it just wasn't comfortable to use to read with and it had such a strong vibe coming off it. After letting it sit in solitude far away from my other decks for a long time, I decided that I needed to get to grips with it - whatever happened must have worked lol - its a deck that seems changeable - sometimes it has such a nice feel about it and gives good readings then other times when I handle it I can feel the negative vibes just under the surface of the reading, not enough to make my skin crawl or to wash my hands again but still there. I have various sizes of the Thoth and none of them make me feel like this deck did. I think if I was to buy second hand again, I would have to handle the deck before. I have no problem with used decks off here, and I have found I like trading. :)

LadyMedusa	17 Jun 2004
Purchase or receive in trade a deck that needs a new home? :D :D :D ABSOLUTELY!!! I don't mind if they have a bit of history. After all, at 41, I am not exactly in pristine still shrink wrapped condition myself. Many of the decks in my collection were previously owned. It's a great way to stretch the deck budget. I've gotten a couple that at first had what felt like a "not yet" feeling when I first handled them, but I occasionally get a "not today" feeling from my favorites too. LadyMedusa Though I have wondered if the fact I was adopted might not give us a common starting ground;).

hedgecub	18 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by LadyMedusa Though I have wondered if the fact I was adopted might not give us a common starting ground;). That's actually a great metaphor, methinks :) Getting a used deck is like adopting a child (or in my case adopting a cub :) ). It has a history and sometimes it might take a while for it to settle into your 'family' (especially if it's an older child/cub/deck who's been through a lot), but with love and care and attention, it'll eventually feel right at home with you :)

Ravenswing	18 Jun 2004
I have probably had more than a hundred decks pass through me since I've joined up here. At the time, I had a few decks (I really can't remember which other than a good old RWS...) For the cost of media mail, I can swap something that's just collecting dust for something that interests me. If it doesn't click, I can pass it on. If it does, it stays around for a while. And so it goes. I've just let loose eight or nine decks in the last couple of days.... Anybody interested in the Voyager? Complete with two books??:laugh: fly well Raven

lunakasha	18 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Ravenswing I have probably had more than a hundred decks pass through me since I've joined up here. At the time, I had a few decks (I really can't remember which other than a good old RWS...) For the cost of media mail, I can swap something that's just collecting dust for something that interests me. If it doesn't click, I can pass it on. If it does, it stays around for a while. And so it goes. I've just let loose eight or nine decks in the last couple of days.... Anybody interested in the Voyager? Complete with two books??:laugh: fly well Raven Yes....I have been the lucky recipient of two decks, thanks to Ravenswing's um....fickleness, LOL!!! :laugh: I received both the Rohrig deck and Via set, both in excellent, like-new condition at very reasonable prices....basically got both for the price of one! :))) I think purchasing secondhand decks is an excellent way to build your collection without spending as much money as you would by purchasing new ones... Oh and Ravenswing....I would be VERY interested in Way of the Oracle by James Wanless...but already have the deck and smaller companion book! :P :) Luna

Kiama	18 Jun 2004
Now, me I'd rather get an old, used deck than a brand new one. There's just something about the feel of used decks that makes me feel at home. They've got history, and I like that. Holding them and shuffling them makes me wander what the previous owner was like, what they enjoyed, what questions bugged them the most... It's the same thing that attracted me originally to archaeology a few years back. New decks, whilst being nice and you know thewy're going to be in good nick, well- they smell funny, don't they? And they're still so shiny and horrible to shuffle (esp. Lo Scarabeo decks... they stick together.) I just want to sit and shuffle til they're nice and worn! Nah, gimme a deck that has seen some good times and bad, has had countless readings done with it under sun and stars, on beaches and benches, in pubs, in incense-filled sanctuaries. And let it keep it's secrets and past. That's what makes it so beautiful. :D Kiama PS- I sometimes have the urge to give a new home to an old, battered deck, even if I already own more than one copy of it... That's how much I like second-hand decks! (I have three different copies of the Thoth for instance...)

Jewel-ry	18 Jun 2004
I think secondhand decks are a great idea ... providing the person you are trading with actually puts it in the post! I did a trade last November and the deck has never, and probably will never, arrive :( . That said, the trades I have received from most (honourable) people have been really good. No bad vibes or missing cards or anything. :)

13thFaeChylde	18 Jun 2004
I'm a big fan of the "gently-loved" deck. I think I've increased my deck collection 300% since coming here :D And much of them have been secondhand decks. I've never had a bad situation with any of my decks that I've received through trades.

TemperanceAngel	18 Jun 2004
I never would of used a second hand Tarot deck in a million years until I got a deck from Melissa`, the Scapini which I love :D I thought I would use it as a study deck, but now I take it everywhere with me, including work, to read with. This lead me to the conclusion that Melissa` must have beautiful energy as the deck feels great!

Marion	19 Jun 2004
I have gotten some decks in trades here at AT and have bought them through second hand sellers. The best experience I had with one that Kiama found for me. It was an old Thoth, really old. The cards are so soft and used that I can't believe it. I love this deck and enjoy handling those cards. It feels loved. It came with a hardback version of the Book of Thoth, with Plates no less! A long time since I have seen plates in books. I have used it many times. Never had any truly negative experiences except sometimes I didn't care for the deck once I had it (not because of vibes, just found I didn't click with the deck).

Kissa	19 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by LadyMedusa Purchase or receive in trade a deck that needs a new home? :D :D :D ABSOLUTELY!!! I don't mind if they have a bit of history. After all, at 41, I am not exactly in pristine still shrink wrapped condition myself. LOL!!! :joke: :D :D :D :D :* Kissa

Sulis	19 Jun 2004
I like second hand decks too - unfortunately I don't have many. The ones I have I've got in trade from people at AT. I agree with those who say they hate that new feel and new smell some decks have - there's nothing worse than that plasticy smell. It's nice if your decks have a bit of history. Love Sulis xx

Melissa`	20 Jun 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel I never would of used a second hand Tarot deck in a million years until I got a deck from Melissa`, the Scapini which I love :D Aww.. thank you.. you're such a doll! Glad I was able to introduce you to the wonderful world of second hand decks :D ~ Melissa

mercenary30	21 Jun 2004
More than half of my collection came off from Ebay......and I have been mostly happy with purchases. I do a little smudging on the used decks before I use them, but that is just for fun. :) A nice broke in deck works just fine for me!!!!!

SongDeva	21 Jun 2004
I love second-hand decks. More than that, I love fabulous deals on new or used decks. It's how my collection has blossomed since I got here.

WolfSpirit	21 Jun 2004
This is such a fun thread to read ! To be honest, I really have to think hard which decks were new when I got them and which were used...I have traded decks here and I have bought from ebay. But some decks I bought from ebay were shrink-wrapped as well. I never had bad vibes and all decks were in good condition - but I got one that looked a bit dull, I washed it with gentle soap and dried it under heavy books and it looked more cheerful then. Only thing is, I am more picky now as decks are concerned, I have a much smaller wish list and decks that are not on it I am not getting at the moment, so it gets more difficult to trade when you get that particular. It is just a case of not wanting to scatter my attention over too many decks - I am still a collector but getting more picky as my collection grows. There are more and more decks I don't care for at all. Ooops way off topic now, sorry.

The Secondhand Decks - good idea or bad? thread was originally posted on 16 Sep 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.