How many is too many?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 01 Nov 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

lawguy51	01 Nov 2002
As someone new who has become obsessed with all things Tarot, I naturally have felt the urge to buy more than one deck. For years I have had the IJJ Swiss deck and I bought the Mythic deck about 5 years ago for research purposes for a book I was writing. So when I started taking Tarot seriously this summer, I began by using the Mythic deck and its accompanying book. Now, several months later, I have purchased the Victoria Regina deck, which is utterly stunning, as well as the Universal Tarot deck because I felt like I should have a 'standard' deck. I have been working with the VR deck since I opened it on Monday. And now I feel almost guilty that I am neglecting the Mythic deck. Never mind the Universal Deck, which I have road tested only a couple of times without really trying to 'bond' with it. So what to do? Do I just stick with one. I have a good relationship with the Mythic deck, but the VR deck seems to giving me more direct, unambiguous readings. I guess I know what I should do, but is there a way of having my cake and dealing it too. Any suggestions?

Dark Inquisitor	01 Nov 2002
How many is too many?..... One might as well ask how many kisses are too many !! Each deck has something to show you, something that may be revealed. Some new way to stimulate you. You must spend time with each to let it have its full effect. Or you may return to one much later to find it has more meaning for you after time. As a bonus, the more decks you have & use, the more the wear & tear will be diffused. Your cards will last longer & have more value if you decide to trade or sell later. Buy more now! Tarotphelia

Jeannette	02 Nov 2002
Lawguy: I'm sure I won't be the first to post, in reply to your thread-question, a comment about how different decks may be better-suited to different types of readings or differences in your mood-at-the-time. As Tarotphelia has already stated, "each deck has something to show you." If such were not the case, then why would there even be a need to publish so many tarots (for reading purposes, at any rate)? I suppose one could simply shrug and say "different strokes for different folks," but I personally enjoy the flexibility and "richness" of being able to select from among several options to suit the situation and mood. So -- how many is too many? It seems unlikely that anyone here is going to reply to your question with an actual number. The criteria lies within you -- the real question is: what is that criteria? Is it when you realize that you can't connect with the last several decks you've bought, or that they simply just "bore" you? Is it when you've reached the point where you feel overwhelmed by the choices you've provided for yourself? Is it when you find yourself confusing one deck with another in the middle of a reading? For me, there is no such thing as "too many decks." But I admit to probably being among a bit of a minority in that regard. Possibly an unusually large minority when it comes to this forum, but a minority nonetheless. I hope you enjoy exploring your new tarot obsession! -- Jeannette http://www.tarotgarden.com

Demonesse	02 Nov 2002
How many is too many? Maybe 10,000. Or 100,000. Like the earlier two posts, on this forum I don't really think your question is much of a problem - unless you REGRET your purchases (there's always trade) and are broke for the rest of the month. Mwahaha.

WolfSpirit	02 Nov 2002
I guess it depends if you want to use all your decks for reading... I collected some thirty decks but I find I always use the same three for readings. I don't regret buying the others at all, I buy a deck if I like the art work (and can afford it :D) as I already have enough decks for reading. If I find I can read very well with a new deck then that's just a bonus. I do learn something from every new deck, also if I don't use it frequently.

VGimlet	02 Nov 2002
I think that's one of those individual things, like how many pairs of shoes do you need. For years I only had one deck - why have two, when one worked just fine? But then my deck got worn, and I decided it was finally time to look for a new one. Now I have no idea how many decks I have (not at the moment anyway). As far as decks used for reading - I tend to have one primary reading deck. But it's a pleasure to have decks that fit different conditions, and different moods. I even own a few decks I don't completely like, but I hope to learn something from them. One deck at a time may be perfect for one person, while another may have a goal of 365 - one for each day of the year (just like shoes, too, LOL). So, I'll join the chorus. :D Enjoy your decks.

Marion	02 Nov 2002
I can read with all of my decks, and do. The few decks I purchased that I didn't want to read with, I traded to those who did* want them. I find that I select the deck to the reading, and I read *to* the deck. Decks give different feelings, sort of different flavours. I would take the Tarot of Oz as an example. I have used this deck to great effect, but it only seems right for certain readings, generally those to do with illusions/delusions. To many decks? this is not a concept that I can relate to. :>

lawguy51	02 Nov 2002
Thanks for your thoughts. I'm starting to imagine a display case with many decks in it. Better start saving my allowance!

The How many is too many? thread was originally posted on 01 Nov 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.