What I want to know about a deck!

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 17 Jan 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	17 Jan 2003
This thread arises from considerations arising out of comments by Ophiel in another thread, and various other posts in Quality decks or not? - and other threads. Here is my list: Does it have 78 cards, in which are 22 Major Arcana, 16 courts, and 40 pips; if it has additional cards, what are they and why; is the Fool numbered (zero, XXII or 78), is XIII named; VIII/XI which is which; are the titles of the cards in one or more language (s), and which one(s); do the titles follow traditional appelations; what about the titles of the courts; are the pips scenic-ly illustrated, and if so, do they somewhat copy the RWS; is the quality of the print high-resolution or rather amateurish; what of the card stock, and what material is it (eg 120gsm plastic-coated cardboard); and finally (for now) what kind of packaging does the deck come in - will I be able to keep my deck in it after I unpackage it? I note that the Tarot Garden website already gives some of this information... as does, of course, Aeclectic!

Osher	18 Jan 2003
Good list. Covers all the objective areas. What would you list for the subjective areas (how are these for starters?): Is the artwork good? Does the imagery spark anything? Can read with these cards? Do I connect with these cards? Actually, here is just a quick muse: Considering how important a six+ sense is to chosing a tarot deck, it is amazing how many decks are sold via the internet without having been physically held first! Muse over!

Strange2	19 Jan 2003
Some other items that I like to know about a deck: - Size of the cards (in centimeters or inches). This is helpful for those looking for large or small decks. - Description or scan of the back of the cards. Are the backs reversible? - Book or LWB information: number of pages, author.

Ophiel	19 Jan 2003
How about learning a bit more about the artist and author's approach to the Tarot, or the occult in general? Is the deck inspired from a link to the Internal/eternal cosmos, or are the creators familiar with the occult principles depicted? (Familiarity itself can be useless, and on the other hand, inspiration can channel through someone who really hasn't a clue what s/he is doing!) I'd like to know more about the creators, actually.

RedWood	19 Jan 2003
adding on: Is the deck more feminine(sp?) or a balance? Is the deck OOP or expensive?

Osher	19 Jan 2003
When I was doing tarot reviews, I graded the nudity from 1-5. Actually most tarot are 3 (ifull frontal female nudity, non erotic). Also, what is the basis for the deck? Such as, is it a Wicca deck?

jlbvt	19 Jan 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Strange2 - Description or scan of the back of the cards. Are the backs reversible? Yes- why do they never show you the backs of the cards? That is the side you see while you are meditation on your question and shuffling. I am so often dissapointed by the backs, while the front images can be gourgeous, the backs sometimes really lack any artistic style and sometimes don't go with the pics at all! and sometimes, like in the Tarot of the Moon Garden, the coloring is so similar, it is hard to tell at first glance whether a card is facing up or not! UGGGH! :( Show Me the Backs! ;)

Osher	19 Jan 2003
Some web review sites do show the back. Well, Wicce anyway.

Phoenix	19 Jan 2003
I have four considerations: 1. Does it have good cardstock? 2. Do I like the artwork? 3. Do I like the card designs on the back? and most importantly: 4. Can I afford it!?!

Phoenix	19 Jan 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jlbvt Yes- why do they never show you the backs of the cards? That is the side you see while you are meditation on your question and shuffling. I am so often dissapointed by the backs, while the front images can be gourgeous, the backs sometimes really lack any artistic style and sometimes don't go with the pics at all! and sometimes, like in the Tarot of the Moon Garden, the coloring is so similar, it is hard to tell at first glance whether a card is facing up or not! UGGGH! :( Show Me the Backs! ;) If you look at the tarot list at Joan Bunning's 'Learning the Tarot', she includes pics of the card backs.

Lee	19 Jan 2003
What I want to know about a deck is whatever the reviewer found interesting enough to write about. -- Lee :)

The What I want to know about a deck! thread was originally posted on 17 Jan 2003 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.