How many decks do you have!?!?!?!?! (v2004)

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 29 Apr 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	29 Apr 2004
Following the longest thread on Aeclectic's history (started by Kiama: list our decks) a poll was launched... and closed after a year lapsed. I thought a new poll, just giving us an overview of the number of decks we have, would be useful. Of course, answering the poll is sufficient - lists of decks would probably better be kept in the relevant thread in the Decks Forum... edited to add: For the sake of cross-reference, here is last year's poll: How many decks, you said????!!!!! and the current thread in which members have listed their decks: What Decks Do You Have in Your Collection? :)

Sulis	29 Apr 2004
I have between 11 and 20 decks. Sulis xx

Imagemaker	29 Apr 2004
38, including oracles.

Osher	29 Apr 2004
39, including 1 Oracle

baba-prague	29 Apr 2004
I said 21-50, though I have a horrible feeling it may now be above 50 (if you count Oracles). Of course, that isn't counting duplicates. I do have quite a few ToP in sets still!

13thFaeChylde	29 Apr 2004
Soon to be 23, tarot and oracles combined. Geesh. When I found this place I only had 4.

Savoyali	29 Apr 2004
I'm now in the 21 to 50 range, counting my oracle and the Mlle Lenormand cards...less than a year's worth of retail therapy :P And a wishlist the length of your average Danube, so there'll be more as soon as I stop feeling guilty about the last spree :laugh:

Woof	29 Apr 2004
I haven't bought a deck in quite a while. Actually I'm on a little hiatus from tarot. Like an old friend who you need a breather from, I know tarot will allways be there for me when I need it. But I've come to believe collecting is an addiction and if its not one thing it's another. And Tarot is comparatively cheap compared to fountain pens! Thank god I don't collect cars! Woof

Jewel-ry	29 Apr 2004
I'm in the 21-50 range but thats not counting oracles. Its too many really, I'd love to get rid of some and focus on the ones I really like. :)

DewDrop	29 Apr 2004
I have only One deck! A sacred rose deck. I think the reasons why im not buying any more decks are: * I like to get to know the deck i have as good as posible, and that would not be easy if i had an other deck competing with it. * my local tarot-store does have to big glas-"closets" that goes from floor to roof with tarot decks, its aproximetly 500 different decks- so its kinda hard to choose witch one i would like to get next...but probably the "moon garden"-deck, the pentacles in this deck appell to me... * money... thats a problem when your studying...no goog salery for me no, but that time is coming :D..

DewDrop	29 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Jewel-ry I'm in the 21-50 range but thats not counting oracles. Its too many really, I'd love to get rid of some and focus on the ones I really like. :) Do u by any chance have a Moon garden-deck? I could help u get rid of it... :D

diane drizzy	29 Apr 2004
Hi Ellie79! I'm SO fascinated by people who are loyal to only one deck!!!!

lionette	29 Apr 2004
ohmigod! I was surprised to count 11 in my collection when voting, but just realized I forgot 2 (one of which is wrapped since it came in a set and has no box, and the other is a large size Visconti that's ... somewhere). So that makes 13! ps. tarot only.

lionette	29 Apr 2004
But jmd, you haven't revealed your deck count ;)

Centaur	29 Apr 2004
I voted between 2 - 10. I have 10 decks at the moment... but will soon be pushing over. :)

SongDeva	29 Apr 2004
I didn't count my oracles! :(

raeanne	29 Apr 2004
Hi all, I have 150+ tarot decks. I haven't counted them in a while so I'm not sure of the exact number. I didn't include my oracles; I have about 50 or more of those.

mercenary30	29 Apr 2004
I just cracked the next bracket at 21 just yesterday!!!!

lark	29 Apr 2004
92 including oracles :)

Moonbow*	29 Apr 2004
I just had a little count up...... 36 tarot and 13 Oracle......... I'm gonna try my hardest not to go into the next bracket up though! :D......... I promise.........

crystal cove	29 Apr 2004
37 decks. 9 of which I wouldn't mind getting rid of, with only 3 on my wishlist that I'm in no hurry for. So I doubt I'll ever have more than about 40 decks.

WolfyJames	29 Apr 2004
I have 17 tarots and 18 oracles, that makes a grand total of 35 decks in all. When I first came here, I had only one deck, my Enchanted (Zerner-Farber). I have to admit though that I already had my eyes on the Gothic Tarot (Vargo), the Old English Tarot, the Crystal Tarot and Madame Eudora's Fortune Cards. Still, even though I have many decks now, and more on my wishlist, I consider that I'm being selective, because if it were of me, I would buy almost all the decks I see. ;) Who is the one who has more than 1000 decks?

Khatruman	29 Apr 2004
I'm in what looks like the most popular category: the 21-50 deck range. I am though, on the decline, seeking to pare down my collection. However, it doesn't look like I will be going below 21. :D Just can't bear to part with many more.

Lady Eclipse	29 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by WolfyJames Who is the one who has more than 1000 decks? Hi WolfyJames, Raises hand sheepishly and confesses..."I'm the guilty one. :-) But...but...I HAVE to have more than one copy if I possibly can in case something happens to the other...also read with some...and collect copies of same which remain pristeen...I know, it's bad but...but...I can stop any time I want to." LOL! Joy to you, Maralee

Jewel	29 Apr 2004
As promised in Kiama's thread about decks I have been whittling down my collection. I am now in the 51-100, I probably still have around 85 decks or so, and I intend to continue whittling down. However, like Khatruman, I sincerely doubt I will ever fall below 21, probably not even below 50 *LOL*.

miss_apples	29 Apr 2004
You guys are all crazy...LOL! I have 7 decks if we are counting Oracles, 4 if we are not. But I only use one of my tarot decks.

Asher	29 Apr 2004
Posted in version 1 of this thread, and just found version 2, so at least I got to vote! As of last week, 467 decks, all tarot and a couple of astrological oracles. I do not let them gather (much) dust. I do go thru the whole collection once a year and find deckas I had forgotten about, so it's almost like getting a new deck in the process! Asher

Dragons_Wing	29 Apr 2004
i have 6 decks currently but my collection grew from 2 to 6 in four weeks so its probly going to get even bigger (much to my bfs dismay)

Mimers	29 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Asher Posted in version 1 of this thread, and just found version 2, so at least I got to vote! As of last week, 467 decks, all tarot and a couple of astrological oracles. I do not let them gather (much) dust. I do go thru the whole collection once a year and find deckas I had forgotten about, so it's almost like getting a new deck in the process! Asher Hi Asher, Did you post your list on the newdeck thread? We started a new one and I am going to do another tally next week! Would love to see what you have now compared to last year! Mimi Oh, lets see, I had 8 decks when I joined Aeclectic. I was up to 23 when I did the last Tally in June, and now.... I have 58 Tarot decks and 8 oracles! YIKES!!! I have caught the disease!!!!

jmd	29 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lionette But jmd, you haven't revealed your deck count ;) That's right... just plain forgot to mention it - I actually do not have that many. Counting only different Tarot decks (ie, not counting exact duplicates), I have around 80... certainly not as many as many people here. I am only including decks which can make it into the broader 'Tarot-type' category, and do not include decks such as Lenormand's. Also, my 'collection' (listed in this thread) doesn't tend to increase quickly, and I would have given away at least 20-30 at various times in the past few years. For those interested, I have also provided my own 'star' ratings for my list of Marseille decks only (within the linked thread) - solely because I am often asked... Before Lady Eclipse posted (!!!), I only knew definitely of Frank Jensen as owning over a thousand different decks :)

contrascarpe	29 Apr 2004
Wish the options were: A) One B) More than One Then I would have felt a little better being in the 51-100 class (if you count non-Tarot oracles and decks on order). Guess it is time to pare down, lol.

miss_apples	30 Apr 2004
I have been reading this whole thread with my mouth wide open with shock! I couldnt imagine having so many decks. Its probably a good idea that I dont have that many decks though since I can never seem to keep the boxes and would probably not be able to get rid of them if I wanted to widdle down the collection. But maybe I should start an asylum for the tarot insane :) lol.

Jewel-ry	30 Apr 2004
Hey Lady Eclipse! Its probably quicker for you to tell us which ones you haven't got rather than list the ones you have :D :)

Kaz	30 Apr 2004
i have too many decks, somewhere between 20 and 30 i am afraid. still need to get rid of some.

Bean Feasa	30 Apr 2004
I'm in the 21-50 bracket - I think, counting oracle decks, it's around 30. Seems to be the most common bracket. Like others have mentioned I'd like to pare down and just keep the ones that really speak to me. So look out for a post on 'Trading' one of these days y'all :)

Nycelle	30 Apr 2004
I'm still on less than 20 - I think it's 18, at the moment. Although I have trades in progress. . .so it's hard to tell.

full deck	30 Apr 2004
I don't keep what I don't use, except for a horrid US Games RWS and a Scarabeo "Tarot of the Master", which I need to give away. I only have Thirteen and don't want too many more, other than the one I am planning on creating (1-2 years from now). I did just buy #13, the Camoin Conver (1968) though. I confess: JMDs deck listing pushed me that way.

Inana	30 Apr 2004
I have five and its enough for me. Sometimes even i think is too much cause only use two of them most of the time. I dont like to keep things i dont use and neither collecting nothing... But i love to see the pictures of the decks online to get new ideas.

VGimlet	30 Apr 2004
I am in the scary 101-200 ranking. But many of those are look but don't touch decks. Still, it's a lot of decks. 105, at the moment. I have duplicates of several of my most-used decks, but - yikes. edited to add Of course I will be getting more - with all the new decks being published, and my interests changing (recently added 3 Marseilles decks) it's a given.

firemaiden	01 May 2004
I have 32 :P

Gerbear	01 May 2004
I have 392, and plan to get many more. I love the different viewpoints and art. I read with three of them, and have found no reason to set artificial limits on my collection. I've found that a trained mind can handle more information than our short lifetimes can access.

Strange2	02 May 2004
My Tarot collection is currently at 123 decks. Thanks to the fascinating discussions on the History and Iconography section, I have found a new/old tributary of Tarot decks to explore, which will no doubt add decks and insights to my Tarot studies.

DewDrop	05 May 2004
Who else than me had ONE deck, and what one? Dont wanna feel loonley..lol :D

Kiama	05 May 2004
Currently 174, but I haven't got any new ones recently, and won't be for a while. My money is currently going on books instead. (Of which I have 1000+!!! })) Maybe one day when I'm rich I will get more decks. But hey, 174 on a student's budget ins't too bad. }) Kiama

HudsonGray	05 May 2004
17 plus 2 oracles.

Simone	05 May 2004
I do have 5, plus a few oracles I almost never use (except maybe the Belline oracle). I have had those five for a long time, resisting any urge to buy more, but the more time I spend here (and I do so a lot), I'm afraid I might be catching some germ: a wishlist is forming itself at the back of my mind... ;) Love Simone

skytwig	05 May 2004
((((( Simone ))))) I, too, am a "fiver"........ I can't imagine having so many decks..... my goodness, I would need a separate room just to keep them in..... 'Course, i have a ton of books, so I do understand collecting things I love..... and decks are smaller than books......... ;)

Majecot	05 May 2004
I voted in the 11-20 range, I was too lazy to go count but I think I have 13.. I am sure it is over 10 and under 20. I have been placed on a voluntary shopping embargo, when it comes to tarot cards anyway, waiting for a couple of special decks to be completed/released.

Summerdream	06 May 2004
Well now I'm up to the 50-100 range. Glad others have joined me there! Momof3girls:)

WalesWoman	09 May 2004
I won a bid at Ebay last night for the Legends: Arthurian tarot deck/book set, so I'm up to a grand total of THREE decks now! Woo Hoo!!! I am so excited about winning (this was my second try for this deck) and can't wait for them to get here. Not quite a super tarotholic, but the way it looks is I get a different deck every 6 months or so. It will take me about 10 years to get past 20 at this rate.

Emily	09 May 2004
I have 38 but that includes a couple of oracles and an I Ching deck. It will probably stay at this number for a while seeing as I have all the decks on my wishlist now - well nearly all lol :D

jmd	16 Nov 2004
Before beginning a new poll on the same topic next year, I thought it would be worthwhile to see if others have yet to vote... For myself, though I am still in the same category, I can see how by this time next year I will have entered a new stage... for better, or worse!

VGimlet	17 Nov 2004
Whew, I'm still in the same category too, and likely to be there for some time now. :D I finally got all the decks on my easily obtainable wish list too, now I will be adding only as decks get published, or a new find. 134 isn't so bad, I guess...

jema	17 Nov 2004
I have 60-something and it is far too many so while I won't stop buying decks I will pass on those that I don't like or use. I can be slightly obsessive and collecting is one of my obsessions that I am trying to keep in control. I think it is just grand that some of you have so many decks though, I would love to visit you and your collections:-) I also think it is sort of neat to have only one or two decks and get to know them really well. 60 decks is no big collection but still too many to get a good handle of them all.

Gerbear	17 Nov 2004
If this poll were issued today, the 501-1000 category would have one entry, myself. This would also bring down the total in the 201-500 category by one.

jmd	17 Nov 2004
For you, Gerbear, I'll close this thread on the last day of 2004, and begin one anew on the 1st January 2005... in the meantime, you may want to shed some of your collection - PM me and I'll gladly send you my address :D

Gerbear	17 Nov 2004
LOL !!! Thanks for the offer, but I'm going in the other direction. I need more decks! My wish list still has a few hundred decks to go, plus new ones are steadily coming out.

yupkigirl	17 Nov 2004
I had only one deck when the year started.....then I found this forum in August, and I now have eight decks and counting. Whew.

WolfSpirit	17 Nov 2004
I never posted in this poll, somehow the thread must have passed me by. I haven't counted, but I am pretty sure I have now at least 50 tarot decks, so that will be the 50-100 category. I don't see major changes happening in my collection...I may buy a few more, maybe get rid of a few that start to irritate me because I never use them. Think I will be in this category for a long time :D

rosyelf	17 Nov 2004
The number of decks I have is now in the early thirties-this includes half a dozen oracle decks. So I voted 21-50. Though I can see myself acquiring some more over the years, I can't see myself ever having-or wanting-more than 50. So I'm going to be in that column EVERY time, I think. love and blessings, rosyelf

Lurea	17 Nov 2004
I have thirteen decks, nine of which have been acquired in the last three months since I started lurking, then posting on AT. :D :laugh:

Simone	17 Nov 2004
I am still in the same section, but - just barely :D Since I posted, my count has gone up some, erm, doubled... mainly because I got presented with some decks and bought one myself. This is the thing with meeting tarot people: they offer you decks :D not that I complain... Love Simone

rachelcat	17 Nov 2004
15 and counting (plus 2 oracle decks). Recently, I asked my husband if he thought my spending about $50 a month on books (for myself) was too much. (This is divided between tarot decks, tarot books, Buddhism and other religion books, and the occasional science fiction novel.) He said, no, they are all fine hobbies, go ahead. Then I joined ATF and have gone over my self-imposed limit every month since!!! When it comes to books and decks, I can resist anything but temptation!

Moonbow*	17 Nov 2004
Hey I'm not doing too bad.... :) Since my last post I only have one more Tarot and one more Oracle deck! (couple on the way though!...........shhhh!)

Majecot	17 Nov 2004
I wish I could say the same....since my self impossed bann on tarot shopping in May I have some how managed to double my deck count ......eeek! Thats it.. I am done shopping (almost) No Really..

Alta	17 Nov 2004
I am not sure, as don't date my deck purchases. I think I am still in the same category though.

Nec	18 Nov 2004
I only have Universal Waite deck.

Asher	24 Nov 2004
If I could re-do the poll, my status would change, putting me into the 501-1000 category. Deck 501 just came home with me today! Asher

cheekyminx	24 Nov 2004
Tarotholics or what! I only have 3 decks. I'm a poor student ;) so I can't afford to buy any decks for now, though before I resigned from work to commence my studies I never found any decks that drew me in. Maybe I have to visit my fellow australians to see their collection of tarot cards ;) To be considered a Tarotholic how many decks must one have in their collection?

smokey	26 Nov 2004
yupkigirl wrote: I had only one deck when the year started.....then I found this forum in August, and I now have eight decks and counting. Whew. I see ya' got bit like the rest of us... so...(shrugs)... a warm Welcome to "Tarotholics Anonymous"!!! LOL!!! ...Cheekyminx, I don't think there's a certain number 'set in stone' re: a tarotholic. However... I Do go by a few symptoms, (in my case that is!) such as...the I.O.U.'s,(they Do get paid BTW,& with interest too!) ... recurring nighttime dreams of decks I just Had to have...recurring day time (all day long!) day - dreaming/fantisizing of current 'must -have' deck(s)of the moment... raiding ALL the pennies out of our Huge corner vase we use for decorative purposes...the necessary evil of washing small & med. items out by hand from getting into my washing quarters; and begging Bill for my Xmas, BD, (&/or both!) gifts Way ahead of time each year!...(also I've been known ta' be a downright shameful hussy with me mate at times, I have!) Numbers? Who's countin'?!? (still laffin' @ my silly self on this one!)

The How many decks do you have!?!?!?!?! (v2004) thread was originally posted on 29 Apr 2004 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.