Tarot Card Questions! Help please.

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 27 Apr 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

amyruby	27 Apr 2004
I'm a beginner; I have very little experience with Tarot. I have a question: a friend told me that your Tarot cards won't work unless someone else buys them for you. Is this true? Also, if any of you could recommend a great deck for beginners.. I'm looking for one that has accurate readings, and beautiful artwork is a plus. Right now, I'm contemplating the Celtic Dragon Tarot and the World Spirit Tarot. Any thoughts on either of these? Thanks!

yve	27 Apr 2004
The only tarot cards I use are ones I bought myself, and they seem to work fine for me! I suspect that is a superstition, and in your journey, you will discover many more. As for deck suggestions, why not check out cards that are illustrated on Aeclectic home page. Many have reviews so you can get some ideas on which decks you are attracted/interested in.

Mimers	27 Apr 2004
Hi Amyruby! Welcome to Aeclectic! Well, I bought all the decks I own, except one or two. There is nothing wrong with that. As to your second question, World Spirit is a great deck. I would say to go with that. If you are just learning, you might want to pick up a Rider Waite deck as well. So glad you came by. BTW, my name is Amy too. I also happen to live in NY, and my birthstone is ruby! Strange huh? Mimi

hedgecub	27 Apr 2004
I believe the general consensus is that it doesn't matter how you get your decks, so long as you can relate to the images on the cards :) World Spirit is definitely a good choice :) A lot of people really enjoy that deck, and afaik it's easy to learn with. If you pick up a Rider-Waite deck, might I suggest one of the variants (Universal Waite, Golden Rider, etc) as the colours on the original Rider-Waite are rather brash and not terribly attractive imo. The Universal Waite is imo the prettiest of the lot, but you're the best judge of what appeals to you :)

Jeanette	27 Apr 2004
My hubby bought my first deck for me (I picked it out); it was sort of a souvenir from a family vacation. It's my favorite deck still (Universal Waite). A lot of books use RWS cards, so it was a good first deck. I bought the World Spirit deck for myself, and it's a good deck, too (I'm still having a time with the Sun, but that's another story...).

MeeWah	27 Apr 2004
AmyRuby: Welcome to Talking Tarot! No offense to your friend, but that is not true. If it were, most readers would have to wait a long time to obtain Tarot cards, let alone read cards! Any deck can provide accurate readings & be beautiful in the eye of the beholder--it all depends on personal preference & on which deck resonates. Generally, a traditional deck such as the Rider-Waite(-Smith) is recommended because there are many resources based on it via books & online to aid in the study & learning of Tarot. Such a deck has illustrated pip cards/minor arcana & can facilitate the reading process from the perspective of a beginner or an advanced reader. As I am not familar with either of the decks mentioned, perhaps someone else can assist with a view.

Khatruman	27 Apr 2004
I recently saw a wonderful package in my local Borders. I believe it was called the Complete Tarot Set, or something to that effect. What was amazing about it was that it contained both the Rider Waite Smith deck AND the Thoth deck. It also contained a workbook. Is anyone familiar with this package? The only thing that I believe would make it more complete would be if a Marseilles deck were include.... that would make it "complete." PS... just did an Amazon check: It is the Complete Tarot Kit, by Susan Levitt

mysticalowl	27 Apr 2004
I am sure it would be nice to receive tarot decks from friends, but I don't know how often that really happens. I think that is just one of those myths that have managed to multiply. Do not worry about it. If you bought a deck and are happy with it...it will do just fine. I have bought all my own decks (although I'll take donations from any friends watching the boards..hehe) and they work great! Good luck.

Mojo	27 Apr 2004
I think Solandia should start charging people a dollar for every time they ask this question. It would pay for the forums and allow her to retire comfortably.

Khatruman	27 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Mojo I think Solandia should start charging people a dollar for every time they ask this question. It would pay for the forums and allow her to retire comfortably. Hey, Mojo...buy me a deck.. :D

Nycelle	28 Apr 2004
That myth comes from the perception that reading tarot is an innate ability, and someone who saw the ability in someone else would gift them a deck, to pass on the 'gift' of reading. Personally, I prefer to read with decks bought myself because I believe the best results in any undertaking are achieved as sooin as you take control for yourself. So I wasn't going to wait around on someone to buy me a deck :) Good luck, Amy, and enjoy AT!

Mojo	28 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Khatruman Hey, Mojo...buy me a deck.. :D Khat, your deck is in the mail. And I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.

The Tarot Card Questions! Help please. thread was originally posted on 27 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.