Maximum number of decks that you can still work with?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Oct 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

IDN	21 Oct 2004
Hi, 'Just seeking people's opinions on the maximum number of decks that you can own and (realistically) still get use out of them- if that makes sense! I'm not talking about having a large collection and having a "fling" now and again with some old forgotten decks! For example- I currently have 6 decks and another 1 arriving in a couple of days. 2 of my current decks are the same but just different sizes (pocket RWS for carrying about). So you could say that (when my Cosmic Tribe deck arrives) I will have 6 different decks- I feel that this is already getting too many to do each of them justice. Buying decks just to collect them isn't really my thing- I have intended / do intend to use each deck. Consequently I think I had better stop buying!!! Any thoughts? How many decks do you use on a "regular" basis? Regards, Ian

Original Destiny	21 Oct 2004
Hi IND... I guess i have 3 main decks that i use for readings...out of about a dozen... some decks i use for meditation and some i have bought but cannot get on with... its really up to you yunno... i have yet to find the "Perfect all encompassing deck" and probably never will but i will still buy/trade decks... if it means that i end up with lots and lots... well its ok.... there are no rules here, everyone has their own way.... do what suits you...

Mesara	21 Oct 2004
Right now I have 7 decks total, but I only use 3 of them regularly, and each of those 3 has their unique purpose I suppose. Im expecting 2 or 3 more decks for my birthday, though I don't really plan on using those for readings. I just wanted them because I thought they were interesting.

Sulis	22 Oct 2004
I have 2 or 3 decks that I use regularly for reading with (I have around 20 decks in total) and 1 deck I use for magical stuff and meditation. I think 6 would be workable but if you intend to use all of your decks regularly I'd probably stop at 6 :) Love Sulis

Alta	22 Oct 2004
I use 7 regularly, and I do mean regularly, not the 'odd fling'. Though I do that as well. :)

SongDeva	22 Oct 2004
I rotate. That's just how I am. I go through, not flings, really, but phases where one speaks to me. Then another one does. But then, I don't study. Sd Serial Tarot Monogamist

dadsnook2000	22 Oct 2004
I have a small number of decks, all but one of which I use. The WAITE-SMITH tarot is used when reading for those who are new to tarot, or are more elderly people who are unsure about the whole "tarot-thing." I use the ROBIN WOOD tarot when reading for younger people. They seem to connect with the images well. I use the FEY tarot when those who ask for a reading seem to have a spiritual aspect to their way of talking, appearing or type of question. I use the Tarot of PRAGUE for mature and older querents who have some familiarlarity with tarot. They connect well with the more detailed photos and artwork and tend to discuss the card relative to the reading. My WITCHES Tarot is my "detective tarot" in most questions, used for those who have a problem but don't want to discuss it before hand. This deck was created so that FIRE = SWORDS and WANDS = AIR -- I read the cards with that point of view when using this deck and find that it hits home with impact. The fact that this is a "witches" tarot seems to add to their sense of my insight and ability to articulate their issues. The barriers usually break down fast, the reading are "off the wall" accurate in most cases. My TROTH tarot is never used. I haven't studied its symbology enough to feel at all comfortable with it. Even though I do wood carvings of many different tarot deck figures, I seldom feel the urge to actually buy the different decks. For me, five active decks seem to be plenty. Dave.

freshyoyo	22 Oct 2004
I has only one deck. I want to own more but the decks in China are always pictured with Janpanese Comics. I want to buy some professional decks but I can not find a proper shop to buy in Beijing , the capital of China. Can you give me some advice? If you know , tell me by the private message, many thanks ! :)

WooMonkey	22 Oct 2004
Three decks that I use regularly--Albano-Waite, International Icon, and Secret. I'm just "flinging" with the others right now! :)

Sillanza	22 Oct 2004
I only have 6, but have only read with 5. Of those 5, I only regularly read with 4. Many might think the decks I use are too similar, but I find that each one has a unique energy, and some are best suited for certain uses than others. So, I guess the answer is that I use each one as I think I need to!

ambermoon	22 Oct 2004
I read with three decks, all in the RWS tradition, have had some regular flings with a fourth deck, and own a couple more decks that were impulse buys based on a connection with the art but but we don't otherwise connect.

The Maximum number of decks that you can still work with? thread was originally posted on 21 Oct 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.