Your Emergency Deck...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Oct 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Logiatrix	21 Oct 2003
A friend and I recenlty shared our stories of survival--earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, etc. that we endured. In each instance that I experienced, I had to pack quickly and leave the area of danger. Each time, I packed less and less, as "stuff" became less important. Quite frankly, I don't think I would be thinking about my tarot decks during an emergency...well, okay, I already have them stored in a waterproof container. :D Anyway, I suspended reality for a minute (so we don't have to be practical) and pondered the question... Assuming all living creatures, photographs and health needs are accounted for: Which deck would you grab, in an emergency? What is the first deck you think of, when you know it will only be that One with you, for a while? :)

Kiama	21 Oct 2003
Robin Wood, simply because I read with it and I don't want to be without a deck I can read with. However, I'd be hard pushed to take only that one, since I also value the Crowley Thoth for it's new insights each time I take it out to study it! I also couldn't be without new insights into the Tarot... Kiama

catlin	21 Oct 2003
I'd save my Legend Arthurian deck as it was "my love on first"- sight deck but I think I'd go crazy about losing all the other ones.

Mimers	21 Oct 2003
Can I take two? The Tarot of Prague now lives in my purse, so that would automatically come. If I had time I would also grab my Ancestral Path deck, which actually usually lives in my brief case. These are my two favorite reading decks. Mimi

Dark_angel	21 Oct 2003
I'd have to take three, I'm afraid, but at least one of them is always in my bag, so that isn't reeeeeally cheating, is it? My Adrian Tarot, because it's the first deck I ever bought and was in fact my first deck to read with. It's so beautiful and I couldn't bear to lose it because of its sentimental value. My Gothic Tarot, because it's one I use for a lot of readings. Plus I have a major crush on its Knight of Pentacles and Knight of Cups, and I'd feel so guilty abandoning them to certain death. lol. My Vertigo. The absolute most beautiful deck I own and one I never take out stuffed in my bag. At the moment it's living at my boyfriend's house because I was moving house and didn't want to risk it getting damaged. I'd cry my eyes out about losing the others though. xxx

Mystic Zyl	21 Oct 2003
Well I have two decks that live in my purse, like some of the previous posts. The two that are with me all the time is Universal Waite ( my first deck ) and Morgan-Greer. With the exception of grabbing my cats, I would sure try to get my Hermetic, which resides in a glass display case in my home. This is almost like the movie Sophie's Choice!

Major Tom	21 Oct 2003
My Spiral lives in a Crown Royal bag and has a permanent place in the pocket of my jacket. I take it with me everywhere I go. ;)

wavebreaker	21 Oct 2003
The Osho Zen. It's the only one I use these days... ;)

lawguy51	21 Oct 2003
My small Thoth deck lives in my briefcase, so I'd probably just grab the briefcase on the way out. Lawguy51

Maan	21 Oct 2003
On most of my trips the phantasmagoric theater is in my backpack. I wouldn't leave that deck all by its self for to long. So that the deck i would take. But i really would have a hard time leaving the others. Almost every deck i have means something to me.

Chronata	21 Oct 2003
My first deck...my well-worn and well-loved tattered, leathery like autumn leaves...Rider waite Smith. I already lost my favorite Hanson-Roberts...so I know that decks can be (more or less) replaced... But I would be heartbroken if I was ever without my first love...

heartsdesire	21 Oct 2003
oh - I would have to take my rider-waite- because I read the most with that one......................... But the Tarot of Prague I would want as well...................mostly because I haven't had the chance to make friends with it yet. And it is waiting so patiently for me........................

Diana	21 Oct 2003
Tarot of Marseilles (Grimaud). And if I couldn't find it in a hurry, I'd grab another Marseilles deck - the Hadar or the Conver.

isthmus nekoi	21 Oct 2003
Vertigo... b/c Rider Waite would forgive me and Thoth would laugh and say, "eh.... screw you too...." ;)

Chronata	21 Oct 2003
Quote: Originally posted by isthmus nekoi ...and Thoth would laugh and say, "eh.... screw you too...." ;) * LOL! * that's Brilliant! Pretty much the reason why I wouldn't grab my Thoth as well! ( Beside's, he's Icky green anyway, and now I know I could replace him with something more colorful!)

galadrielsphial	21 Oct 2003
Oh dear dear dear...who to choose? This is a hard one, because I don't have many decks and they are all special to me! But if I could only have one...I'd grab my Vampire Tarot in one hand and grab my Faeries Oracle in the other and run away before anyone realized I cheated! :D

moonlitpath	21 Oct 2003
I can't live without my Hermetic. That something should happen to it is so upsetting that I'm on the lookout for another.....just in case. ;-) It's usually in my vicinity, so if I had the time, I'd get my Thoth and Medieval Scapini.

Nevada	21 Oct 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Tauni What is the first deck you think of, when you know it will only be that One with you, for a while? Crowley-Thoth, not so much because it's my favorite as because it's the most familiar. In times of emergency (stress), something familiar is most comforting and stabilizing. Nevada34

VGimlet	22 Oct 2003
My Aquarian. It was my first deck, and I couldn't leave it behind. I would make sure the others were REALLY, REALLY safe, though.

Emily	22 Oct 2003
I too would hate to leave any of my decks to an emergency but if I had to grab one it would be my pocket Rider Waite, the Rider Waite images act as a comfort zone for me, these last few days I'm finding that its the only deck that wants to speak to me anyway (having a total readers block with my newer decks) so I think I'd take that one and know I'd at least be able to read with it lol :D

Woof	22 Oct 2003
Hard question.. Deck that I read with most often: Universal Waite, Deck that I love and understand is going out of print: Alchemical, Deck that I'd be most pissed off at not being able to replace: Il Tarrocco Bizzarro(sp?). But you know, if there really was a fire I'd grab the kid, pets & photo's and not really worry about the rest. Woof

Nevada	22 Oct 2003
You know, this question came at a really interesting time for me. Last night there was a large brush fire burning near my home, and I could see the flames from my driveway before I went to bed. I was actually a little afraid to go to sleep, thinking we might be wakened by a call to evacuate. This morning the fire seems to be under control if not completely out. I haven't listened to the news yet, but I saw some of the fire trucks leaving that had come from other places to help out. We've had a lot of fire scares here in the five years I've lived in this community. Twice they were so close (closer than last night--once it was palm trees across the street ignited by dry lightning) that we talked about how to get the pets and the important things out, and whether wetting down the roof with the garden hose would do any good. I realized last night that there was no way I could get all my photographs out on short notice, because of how I've stored them, in about three different places, two of them hard to reach. I have not only my own snaps, but three generations worth of family photos I inherited when my mom passed away. It's good to have a plan. So if your Tarot cards are important to you, at least for me this seems like a thread to take seriously. Nevada34

sagitarian	22 Oct 2003
Faerie Oracle by Brian Froud. It's my main deck I use, and I don't think I could replace the relationship that this particular deck and I have. Even if I got another Faerie oracle deck by Brian Froud, I still don't think it would be the same, and that would be a disappointment.

Silverlotus	22 Oct 2003
When I first started reading this thread, I thought I knew which deck I would take, no question. But as I read some of the replies, I started thinking. My first choice was my Robin Wood deck, or maybe my Robin Wood meditation deck. To me it is a very comfortable deck that I really enjoy reading with. I think now that I would choose my Aqurian tarot deck. It was my first deck, and although I don't use it any more, it holds a good deal of meaning for me. Of course, if I could, I'd grab them all. :-) I carry a big purse most of the time, so I'm sure they'd all fit!

lark	22 Oct 2003
I would grab my green box with the bumblebees on it that my Robin Wood is kept in. Then I would dump the Faerie's Oracle out of their bag and shove them in with the Robin Wood deck. Then I would whistle nonchalantly as I sauntered past Tauni. Hoping that she wouldn't hear the muffled swearing , scuffling, arguing and general mayhem coming from my bubblebee box. Clueing her in to the fact that I am a big cheater, and that I'm going to pay big time later for making the Faerie's Oracle share anything with anybody.

Logiatrix	23 Oct 2003
Quote: Originally posted by lark ...as I sauntered past Tauni. Hoping that she wouldn't hear the muffled swearing , scuffling, arguing and general mayhem coming from my bubblebee box. Clueing her in to the fact that I am a big cheater, and that I'm going to pay big time later for making the Faerie's Oracle share anything with anybody. Funny noises...what funny noises? I don't hear anything... :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

WolfyJames	23 Oct 2003
Well, I only have one tarot deck, that wouldn't be too hard of a choice, but I'm in love with it, I would never abandon it: The Enchanted Tarot (Zerner-Farber). But, I would try to get Good Witch Bad Witch as well; among my oracles, it is my favorite. I can't resist these witches, they must have put a spell on me.

Cassiopeia	02 Nov 2003
such a difficult question!! My first thoughts were...my thoth deck, no question about it! But..I think it would be my brand new "waking the wild spirit" pack. ....If my house burnt down and I had nothing else with me, this deck would give me a lot to read and learn while I am rebuilding the house.

Logiatrix	03 Nov 2003
Wow, I'm impressed and inspired. I sensed a roll-with-the-punches, hard-as-nails, get-back-on-the-horse kind of Strength in these responses (even with all the "cheating"! :D ) I am proud to be associated with my tarot-kindred. I guess, since we've crawled into the guts of the Devil, walked through the fire of the Tower, and learned to embrace Death, then why not pack our bag on a stick (a la the RWS Fool) and saunter on to the next journey? Have tarot deck, will travel! CHAAAAAARGE!!! [insert favorite chariot card image here.] :cool: Anyway, I've decided to cheat, too... I'm taking my Animal-Wise Tarot, for when I need to do readings in forests or jungles. Also, my Tarot of the Cloisters will be necessary, for when I seek asylum in churches. And I will need my Faeries Oracle for good conversation, anywhere. :)

Requiella	04 Nov 2003
I'd grab my Sacred Circle deck. It was my first, the one I've read most with. I had to give this one some thought though. I have a feeling my preference will change from day to day. So, maybe the deck I decided to grab on a whim!

rostie	05 Nov 2003
definatly my FaEries' oracle from brian froud, it's the only one i use on regular base (almost every day)...they are my guides who whisper...giggle...and guide me on my life path...who are always there...i couldn't live without them i think...it would be VERY difficult... Quote: sagitarian Faerie Oracle by Brian Froud. It's my main deck I use, and I don't think I could replace the relationship that this particular deck and I have. Even if I got another Faerie oracle deck by Brian Froud, I still don't think it would be the same, and that would be a disappointment.

MattDouglas	05 Nov 2003
Of the 30 some that I have, I only keep about half at home. 4 are in my bookbag (with is a knapsack), and the rest are in my car. And I usually keep my book bag in my car. Being a San Diego resident such questions did come to the fore recently, though I didn't need to any on them. I do like to think that if I couldn't have any cards, that I'm skilled enough to rip up 78 pieces of paper and write the names on them, drawing on my ability to remember general meaning and visualize various cards from varios deck to help any intuitions bubble through to consciousness. Remember, folks, the tools are not the work! Love, understanding, and compassion, Matt

Majecot	05 Nov 2003
I would have to have my Quest deck, wich is usually with me anyway, then I would have to take the Radiant Rider-Waite, as well because I would of course have room in my purse for them, witch I need to take becasue that is where my glasses are, and I definately need those to read with...

Logiatrix	06 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Majecot I would have to have my Quest deck, wich is usually with me anyway, then I would have to take the Radiant Rider-Waite, as well because I would of course have room in my purse for them, witch I need to take becasue that is where my glasses are, and I definately need those to read with... :D :D :D That's not cheating, that's a woman who knows how to pack her purse! ;)

bonnycat	06 Nov 2003
well most of my decks are by the door anyway. Apart from the two i am using at present the morgan greer and halloween, and if i had two choose it would be those two. I know you said one......they are both in the same bag does that count!

Star Spirit	06 Nov 2003
Seeing as how I only have one deck right now...that's kind of a simple decision :>

RedWood	24 Nov 2003
I would take my Ator...I had such an amazing reading with it with my husband..It is the only deck I actually care about. And my son thinks the pages are him..hehe.. So if i have my family and we all relate to the deck..Im good..but since the Ator is sitting on top of the pagan 2000 I might accidentally grab it too..whoops!

Lightlike	24 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Dead Star Seeing as how I only have one deck right now...that's kind of a simple decision :> Which one that be? And.... you've been on the forum for over a year and you only have one deck?! Shame, shame, shame. Btw: I think someone needs to give Dead Star at least one more deck, that one deck by itself must be getting very lonely ;-) Oh, and before I forget.... I'd grab my Osho, my dear, dear Osho Zen :) I'd have to agree with MattDouglas though, I think we could make it with just pieces of paper but still, there is something alluring about our decks.

Logiatrix	25 Nov 2003
Quote: Originally posted by MattDouglas ...I do like to think that if I couldn't have any cards, that I'm skilled enough to rip up 78 pieces of paper... Remember, folks, the tools are not the work! Love, understanding, and compassion, Matt Silly man--of course we all know THAT... But what fun is it to talk about pieces of paper? :D

MattDouglas	25 Nov 2003
Okay, I know pieces of paper are boring in comparison to the great artwork of tarot. But it might be one hell of an exercise in imagination!

jmd	25 Nov 2003
I would probably grab my Felicité Marseille deck... though I could put a couple of letarot.com Marseilles renditions in at the same time, they all being Major Arcana decks only :) I would then realise, in the safety of wherever I was, that I also had a Schaffhouse with me, which tends to live in my pocket :)

LadyMedusa	25 Nov 2003
Lets see all the critters, kids, and such are safely packed? No hesitation on the way out the door I would grab ... The Greenwood. It is a deck I connect with very well. It is the one deck in my collection that would be very difficult to replace. LadyMedusa Then again 2 of the cats are kittens, still small enough to share a carrier...if I double them up... the rest of my decks could go in the vacant carrier}) with room to spare... that would allow my s/o to take more of his own collection as well.

The Your Emergency Deck... thread was originally posted on 21 Oct 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.