How many of you use a 2nd copy of your favourite deck for reading?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Dec 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

IDN	09 Dec 2004
Just wondered how many of you have second copies of your favourite decks, just in case something happens to it? My favourite deck is the Cosmic Tarot. I use it every day for myself. Tomorrow night I am going to be doing my first "proper" reading for my fiance's sister. Should I get off on the right foot, by investing in a second copy of the Cosmic just for reading for others- that way I keep my original safe and sound! I am worried about others (accidently) damaging the cards. Regards, Ian

spoonbender	09 Dec 2004
I don't have any second copies of my decks. It seems rather irrational to me to buy second copies just because you're afraid a deck might get damaged. You could just as well buy a second copy of everything you own -- maybe even a second house, just in case your current one will burn down or get blown away during a hurricane ;). I just try to take good care of the decks I have... and if one would ever get damaged, then I'd buy a second copy. Spoon

Astraea	09 Dec 2004
Sometimes, even the most popular decks have gone out-of-print by the time our originals are so worn that they need to be replaced. So I do buy two copies of some decks.

Imagemaker	09 Dec 2004
I also have 2 copies of a few favorites or beloved privately published decks like Sakki-Sakki and BBC Cats. Once they're out of print, there's no more. And I want to use them for decades to come.

Flavio	09 Dec 2004
Currently I have 2 sets of 3 decks, for different reasons each one: RWS: My very 1st RWS is too personal for me and only use it to read for me and sometimes for my boyfriend. I got a 2nd deck (a Universal Waite) to use only for my Tarot course, I'm thinking to keep using it for public readings. Hanson Roberts: I got two copies, one is the original size and the other is the mini size (the one in the book-deck set) actually I got first the mini size loved it and then got the normal size. Gay Tarot: I got 2 copies just in case something happens to the 1st deck, but lately I've realized there is no need for that because I felt like a greedy 4 of Pentacles guy so I'm thinking to give it as a christmas present.

Keslynn	09 Dec 2004
You can give that extra one to me, Flavio! ;) Back to the original question: I don't have any double copies of my decks. I had considered it for some that I really love, but ultimately decided against it. For one, I can't really afford it. I only have so much money to spend on tarot, and it takes away from my collection expansion to use the money to buy a copy of one I already have. Also, a little wear (not tear!) adds a wonderful "loved" feeling to a deck. It's very homey. If you're worried about someone damaging your cards, you could shuffle for them and just let them cut the cards. That's what I do whenever I'm reading for someone else. :) Kes

Gardener	09 Dec 2004
I usually get two of a deck if it's from a small publisher and/or a limited run. I actually have four (!!!!) copies of the Tarot of Prague, but I'm sure I'll give two away as gifts eventually. Also, sometimes I cut the borders off a deck, so it's nice to have a virginal copy as well. I wish I had multiple copies of the Margarete Petersen. It's the only deck I feel strongly about keeping just for me, but it's so beautiful I use it for other people anyway. I just wish I could keep one copy only for me... More is always better! Decks can be so hard to find.

Emily	09 Dec 2004
I have two copies of the Morgan Greer but one is in Spanish. I have various sizes of the Thoth and two copies of the Tarot of Prague, also two copies of the Universal Tarot but one is the small size, three copies of the RWS, again one is Spanish and the other pocket sized. I don't really go into getting straight copies of my decks so I usually go for different language or sizes.

WolfyJames	09 Dec 2004
I have a second copy of The Gothic Tarot (Vargo) because I love this deck. The cards are black and a bit thin and they scratch easy. Plus, it's published by a small publisher and impossible to find in stores, so I prefer getting a deck now while I still can, than regret it later. I also got a second copy of my favorite oracle Good Witch Bad Witch. I've used it often and it shows. I sense I will still be using the deck in a decade or two, so I decided to get a second deck just in case this one falls apart.

Alta	09 Dec 2004
I have extra copies of some decks: International Icon, Tarot of Prague and Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot. For the reasons above, afreaid when I want a second copy it won't be there.

Nina*	09 Dec 2004
I do it all the time... buy a second copy of whatever deck I now think will be THE deck. Afraid that, if I loose a card or accidently destroy one, I couldn't get another copy. Hopeless me... :o)

tatsi	09 Dec 2004
I don't have any duplicate copies of the same deck, not even a smaller/pocket version and I don't plan on getting any. I would reconsider and get an extra or so, if the deck was a limited edition, came from a small publisher and/or was self-published. I certainly would get a few or several copies if one of my reading decks was going OOP. tatsi

Sulis	09 Dec 2004
I don't have any duplicates either, I like my cards to look well used and worn. If I thought that one of my reading decks was about to go out of print or if it came from a small publisher or was self published I'd get another copy. Love Sulis xx

lark	09 Dec 2004
I have duplicates of many decks. I keep 7 of my favorite reading decks packed in my reading kit when I read at the fair on weekends. I used to pack and unpack them but that got to be a pain. I was also having a problem with using my fair reading decks for my personal readings. Silly me...I just felt like I need a copy of those decks to be just for me. So for my birthday last year I got a really big gift card from Barnes and Nobel and I ordered duplicates of my favorite fair reading decks. I also have a third copy of Robin Wood and Morgan Greer safe and unopened in there boxes "just incase." Oh my fair decks are~ Radient RWS Universal RWS Morgan Greer Robin Wood Gilded Golden Hanson Roberts Then one special deck I want to try out will come each week. This week it's going to be my new Housewives Tarot. It is to cute, I love it!

DarkElectric	09 Dec 2004
I wore out my first Spiral deck, and replaced it. I still have it, I use it only for myself. The replacement Spiral goes over better than the worn one with the paying clients, for some reason. I was always told that a seasoned deck 'reads better', but my clients seem to prefer newer looking decks. Go figure.

magpie9	09 Dec 2004
I have duplicates of my most cherished decks, because decks go in and out of print, and I don't ever want to be without these. some of them are very hard to find already. They are: The Arthurian (Hallowquest) the Greenwood the Celtic Illustrated by Courtney Davis (2 dupes, actually) the Osho Zen the Robin Wood Buckland Romani Hanson-Roberts Daughters of the Moon the PoMo Goddesses of the New Light and I will want another copy of: the Faerie's Oracle - I did have one, but traded it away in a moment of weakness..and I want a back-up to the Celtic Shaman's Pack..and I may yet trade away the duplicate PoMo and Goddesses of the New Light..I'm not into them the way I thought I would be. But that could change. However, most of these were bought used, in excellent condition. I don't have enough money to support my deck habit to the extent of buying new back-up decks!

ambermoon	09 Dec 2004
So far, I have two copies of the Goddess tarot (a full size for study and a pocket size for personal readings). Next up will be a backup of the Baroque Bohemian Cats, but there are also two other decks that I want to buy. Decisions, decisions...I know I will buy the BBC limited edition when it comes out. Do I need two of the standard first edition? Maybe.

Ace	09 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: I don't have any second copies of my decks. It seems rather irrational to me to buy second copies just because you're afraid a deck might get damaged. You could just as well buy a second copy of everything you own -- maybe even a second house, just in case your current one will burn down or get blown away during a hurricane ;). I just try to take good care of the decks I have... and if one would ever get damaged, then I'd buy a second copy. Spoon I agree Spoonbender, although I have MULTIPLE copies of my decks. If I read for recreation or spiritual development, I would probably only have one copy of my reading deck. but I wear a deck down in 6 months if I am lucky to get them to go that long. I work outside (though not as much anymore) or do a LOT of reading and decks get dogeared, edges split, or they just get dirty. So I used to order Robin Woods by the half dozen (I have about a dozen well used decks at home. I gave a couple to friends and one or two away at classes, ect.) Now I am using the WorldTree and i have just replaced my first copy. It didn't split like the Robin Wood does, but it was dirty and a few were bent, etc. So I would say it is a matter of taste and use. I DO have a copy of the WorldTree and 2 of the Robin Wood autographed and put away. Those don't get read with AT ALL.

Shalott	09 Dec 2004
I'm thinking one I decide which will be the most used, I'll end up getting a second copy, out of that very fear that something will go out of print! Especially since I use Marseille and they're hard enough to conveniently locate here in the US. My poor Hadar is less than a year old and already showing a little tiny bit of wear...but lately I've been leaning more towards Camoin. And I keep my mini-Grimaud in my purse which really spells doom...sigh!

Ulfdis	11 Dec 2004
Between my partner and I, we have two Osho Zen decks. We didn't really plan it that way, we just each happened to have a deck. Since we often read together and we also read with each other's decks, we put one of those Osho Zens into a photo album, along with a couple of decks that were retired due to missing or damaged cards (Cosmic Tribe and Winged Spirit). I like to flip through it and make comparisons.

ferrous	21 Dec 2004
Keslynn wrote: Also, a little wear (not tear!) adds a wonderful "loved" feeling to a deck. It's very homey. I actually look forward to my decks becoming well loved. Not so well loved that they're falling apart though .. maybe then I'll consider buying a duplicate of my favourite .. if they're still available. edited to fix typos

gollog	21 Dec 2004
Wow, I didn't know so many of you keep different copies of a deck. I don't, I'm not afraid something happens to a deck because I use them just for myself, but I noticed some wear and tear on my russian lately so maybe it would be a good idea...

Majecot	21 Dec 2004
I currently don't but am considering a second (back up copy) of Druidcraft. I may possibly get another Rohrig also because I am thinking of hacking one up })

spoonbender	21 Dec 2004
I still don't get it :confused:. It seems like a complete waste of money to me. And I don't think it's very healthy either, buying stuff out of an irrational fear/addiction. But maybe that's just part of our consumer society.

ferrous	21 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: I still don't get it :confused:. It seems like a complete waste of money to me. And I don't think it's very healthy either, buying stuff out of an irrational fear/addiction. But maybe that's just part of our consumer society. I don't see it as an irrational fear thing. It's not the best example (I'm terrible at analogies), but for some it might be like this: Have you ever bought some underwear & found that it's the best, most comfortable underwear you've ever worn? It's so rare to find comfy undies that when you've found this promised land, you immediately rush out to buy more of them because you know that they'll stop making them eventually, so if you don't get them now, you'll miss out. When you use a deck on a regular basis it becomes part of you. You feel comfortable with it & without it, your life would not be the same. Something would be missing. If you know for sure that this much loved deck won't be available again in another few years, getting a second copy for when the first one will wear out, or possibly become damaged, is a good investment.

Clau	22 Dec 2004
I agree with spoonbender, and it is surprising to me that consumer society's behaviour is so much into many of the tarot lovers... Maybe because I thought spiritual studies (and I include tarot in this) helped us seeing more clearly about the whole picture and show us how to consciously avoid following the mainstream buy-consume-buy-consume behaviour we see everywhere... I also have noticed there are many taroholics in At and I must confess is hard not to be one, especially reading about all this wonderful decks that are around, but Is life long enough to really enjoy and learn and appreciate 50 decks? or even 10? I don't mean any disrespect, and I hope I didn't offend anybody, is just my point of view. Love, Clau

spoonbender	22 Dec 2004
ferrous wrote: getting a second copy for when the first one will wear out, or possibly become damaged, is a good investment. Whatever. We don't have to agree on this. But to me, buying something you already have because you're afraid it might possibly get damaged, is irrational. Like I said, you could just as well buy a second copy of everything you own. And no, I've never had that feeling about underwear ;). (Or anything else for that matter.) Clau, I agree with you! And I don't think anyone will take offense: this is a Forum, so it's meant for discussion, right? (It would be REALLY boring if everyone agreed with each other all the time.) I too think it's strange that some people here seem to cling to the material, while Tarot is more of a spiritual kind, about self-growth. Spoon

Majecot	22 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: I still don't get it :confused:. It seems like a complete waste of money to me. And I don't think it's very healthy either, buying stuff out of an irrational fear/addiction. But maybe that's just part of our consumer society. Oh think I think Spoonbender is probably right... I am a shop-a-holic, self professed... A lot of that has to do with never having anything as a child growing up or as a single mom with two kids. I have sacrificed my entire life, and now ( kids are grown) I don't have to as much. It is irrational fear of not having... but for now, I am ok with that ;)....I am also in full agreement with ferrous about the underwear ;) I know exactly what your talking about girlfriend :laugh: I also take very very good care of my cards. My oldest deck is quite worn but still perfect to me. I am considering triming some borders ( thanks to Yaboot) but don't want to ruin my own decks..hence back up copy. :) I am sure for what ever reason people have extra decks of the same copy... or even multiple decks of different styles, everyones reasons are valid to them. There is a lot of "gotta have's" here. It is nice to have so much company. (no offense taken what so ever ;))

WolfyJames	22 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: But to me , buying something you already have because you're afraid it might possibly get damaged, is irrational. Like I said, you could just as well buy a second copy of everything you own. It DOES get damaged, the scratches on the cards of my Gothic are not my imagination. And sometimes, I do get second copies of objects I buy, not just tarot decks. When you finally find something good that you really like, which happens rarely, it's nice to have more than one copy.

ferrous	22 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: And no, I've never had that feeling about underwear ;). *ferrous checks spoonbender's profile* Aha. Just as I thought. You're a boy. Uncomfortable underwear is almost exclusively a girl thing. To digress slightly from the original topic, I have some pairs of underpants which I bought for my husband but which were too small for him, so I wear them. They're the most comfortable underwear I own.

ferrous	22 Dec 2004
Clau wrote: I agree with spoonbender, and it is surprising to me that consumer society's behaviour is so much into many of the tarot lovers... Maybe because I thought spiritual studies (and I include tarot in this) helped us seeing more clearly about the whole picture and show us how to consciously avoid following the mainstream buy-consume-buy-consume behaviour we see everywhere... I also have noticed there are many taroholics in At and I must confess is hard not to be one, especially reading about all this wonderful decks that are around, but Is life long enough to really enjoy and learn and appreciate 50 decks? or even 10? I don't mean any disrespect, and I hope I didn't offend anybody, is just my point of view. Love, Clau Clau & spoonbender do make very valid points. It would seem odd that such a spiritually aware group of people, or perhaps a group of people who are trying to become more spiritually aware, would get taken up so much with the whole 'must have' thing. I suppose it's like anything which someone can become passionate about, you want to surround yourself with those things. Anyway, I suppose this is a bit off topic, because we're actually discussing why people have a second copy of a deck, not why they collect heaps of them. *chuckle*

Sulis	22 Dec 2004
Spoonbender wrote: But to me, buying something you already have because you're afraid it might possibly get damaged, is irrational. Like I said, you could just as well buy a second copy of everything you own. I'm with Spoonbender on this one :) unless it's just about to go out of print. Love Sulis xx

Flavio	22 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: I too think it's strange that some people here seem to cling to the material, while Tarot is more of a spiritual kind, about self-growth. Yes... but if you invested months or years and a lot of energy studying a particular deck and suddenly something happens to it, you would like to buy a new one right? but what if that particular deck went out of print or became rare and quite expensive? :( I'd be happy to have one in stock just in case.

ambermoon	22 Dec 2004
I'm quite tolerant of the 'buy two' mindset, simply because there is so little constancy in the marketplace. Everything is a fad or a trend, and what's here today is guaranteed to be gone tomorrow, or priced beyond reach. I remember my grandmother could order a pair of shoes by brand, style, and size, year after year, and always get a perfect fit. That said, however, I haven't felt the urge to double up on my decks. I'm gentle with my cards, and appreciative of the gently aged look that they will develop. I don't think it's irrational if you want to get a spare of a special deck; I think you are being prudent.

magpie9	22 Dec 2004
My absolute favorite deck is the Greenwood. When I first got it, it wasn't OP, and sold for a reasonable price. Today it sells for $100-$125., and there are no signs of it coming back into print or down in price. I am very glad that I yeilded to the strong urge I had to pick up a couple of gently-used copies for a few bucks each, before it went OP and sky-high. I have 3 copies, which I figure will last me my lifetime. I do not regard this as "consumerism" or any other kind of "materialistic" behavior. I regard it as good sense, and hearing and responding to my inner voice/intuition. And isn't hearing our inner voices and intuition one of the things we come to tarot for?

lark	22 Dec 2004
My tarot decks are my tools. I use them in my profession. My husband is a carpenter he has at least a dozen hammers. His reasons for having more than one are the same as mine...when you find something that works you want to always have that available to you. It has nothing to do with liking or having to buy more. It has to do with being practical, comfortable with your tools, and prepared for the inevitable. And the inevitable is that things get lost, damaged or used up. So to my way of thinking having a spare of your favorite deck is smart not obsesive. Tarot decks are the only thing I collect. The rest of my life is very simplified. I don't feel one twing of guilt for having spares. And it doesn't make me any less spiritual, because I do.

spoonbender	23 Dec 2004
magpie9 wrote: I do not regard this as "consumerism" or any other kind of "materialistic" behavior. Dear Magpie, what exactly do you think consumerism and materialism are :confused:? Buying several of the same decks is exactly what consumerism is: "a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of goods." And last time I checked, tarot decks are material. So if you can't stand the thought of not having a deck any longer and you buy several copies, that's materialism: "a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things." Fine by me if you have three copies of a deck. But at least call it for what it is :). Spoon

ferrous	23 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: Dear Magpie, what exactly do you think consumerism and materialism are :confused:? Buying several of the same decks is exactly what consumerism is: "a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of goods." And last time I checked, tarot decks are material. So if you can't stand the thought of not having a deck any longer and you buy several copies, that's materialism: "a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things." Fine by me if you have three copies of a deck. But at least call it for what it is :). Spoon .. but as lark said, these things are tools helping us to achieve a level of sprituality. Even though the dicitionary definition might fit the buying of more than one deck, the common definition of materialism would seem to point more to someone whose focus is mostly on material things. Also, I wouldn't say that a collector of fine art is materialistic. They have a passion with a relatively narrow focus, so they surround themselves with objects of that passion. Some collect art, some collect war memorabilia, some collect tarot decks .. etc. Hmm .. I think i might have just repeated myself. Anyway, I'm sure you get my point. Just to make sure that I'm not stepping on any toes, I'm not up for a fight at all, I'm just enjoying the friendly debate. This is just a friendly debate, yes? :)

Clau	23 Dec 2004
The point I was making was, to buy and buy and buy just because you have to have a new tarot deck.... I agree with Lark: If tarot is a tool in your profession of course you have to have more than one...they WILL get teared and you will ned a new one. If you like a deck a lot and use it, it is good to have one for back up if that makes you feel secure, that you'll have it when you need it, it is just sometimes it seems to me a lot of the threads and posts are about buying and getting or how many decks you own..... see my point? To me tarot has to do a lot with my view of society, of "subverting" the order established in a thoughtful and conscious way... so, to buy, and get and consume "Tarot" and "Tarot related items" doesn't really make sense to me I think now I'm waaaaay off the topic here... BTW, please take a look at the forum "talking tarot" a thread by Diana... love, Clau

April	23 Dec 2004
I live on the material plane. I live in a material body. I work a material job and make material money. Why shouldn't I enjoy material things? Maybe it's my background but I like stuff, and I don't think God gives doodle if I do as long as it's not hindering my spiritual side, which it most certainly is not. Neither are all of my shoes, or CD's, or books, or furniture, or any other nice stuff in my house. I like to surround myself with nice things (show me someone who doesn't) including pretty artwork on my Tarot collection. And you can't fault anyone for wanting an extra one around just in case. It's not hurting anyone, although I'm sure someone will disagree. I don't think any of us beleive we can't live without our decks (although, sometimes said in jest). My collection is part of my life, yes, but not my life. I'm taking a stand for the capitalist, materialist, consumers and say I'm not hurting anyone by buying more stuff, including myself. Peace, April

magpie9	23 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: "a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of goods." "a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things." Fine by me if you have three copies of a deck. But at least call it for what it is :). Spoon Spoon:I can't imagine why you like to throw around loaded terms, like "Materialism' and 'consumorism" with the implication that you do not indulge in these activities....Is this some sort of game for you, where you get to insult and define others on little to no information? As for you defining me by these terms, frankly, you don't have the right. All you know about me is that I prudently bought more than oneof a tool I use and know will wear out in time, and will not be available except at great cost when I need a new one. That is the bottom line for me. I don't have an excess of money, and would prefer not to end up paying out great wads of it trying to replace a worn out deck after it is no longer available. Not to mention the amount of energy involved in searching for it. The tool is physical. The work done with it spiritual. It's really simple, and such a shame that you cannot seem to grasp the concept. Are there areas where I have "a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of goods."? You betcha. Groceries and Gas. I admit it. I will not allow myself to run out of either groceries or gas. Do I have "a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things." Yes I do. I have a preoccupation with keeping a roof over my head, food in my belly, a soft place to lay down on, clothing to protect me from the elements, and a comfotable tempreture in my home all year round which is definatly materialistic of me.Does this do anything to my spiritual life? Yes. It enables it. I am able to indulge myself in regular spiritual practice because my physical needs are met well enough to ensure survival. If I have no food, no roof and no way to get either, my spiritual life suffers, along with the rest of me. In my experience, suffering does not en-noble, it just gets you really pissed off. Or you die. These are universal human concerns, and I have no shame in having them. [portions excised by moderator. please refrain from personal attack] I really don't know anything about you. And you really don't know anything about me. And I would appreciate it if you would stop defining and labeling me or my actions based on your pre-conceived notions and total lack of any actual information about me and how I live my life.

Alta	23 Dec 2004
spoonbender wrote: Fine by me if you have three copies of a deck. But at least call it for what it is No, what you are saying is that you insist that she name things as you see them. That is quite different.

ferrous	23 Dec 2004
magpie9 wrote: [.. snip ..] when and if I want to Engage in Phish-Phish. lol! What is Phish-Phish? It sounds like fun. :D

Fudugazi	23 Dec 2004
One of the ways we can learn from the Tarot, is how to integrate the material and the spiritual, which are not two, but one. Temperance is a good card to help us in that way. The alchemists, after all, have to buy the base metal they hope to turn into gold ;) And we are not, last time I looked, made of ether. The question of unbalance (how many decks, etc.) is one that only the individual can know within her/his own life. Anyone who spends large amounts of cash and time to buy anything (not necessarily tarot decks) not professionally might well have a compulsive problem. It's not necessarily a "materialistic" one, however - in the sense of "acquisitive". It could be that person wasn't cuddled enough as a child. Or feels abandoned by God. Or went hungry several days of the month. "Materialistic" is one of those words that don't really describe anything: either because the buying takes place within an integrated spiritual-material framework, or it veils a real problem, just as bulimia isn't really about food. More constructive might be to discover how different decks, and the security of having more than one of the ones we love, work on our spiritual growth; or in some cases, don't. As for consumerism: well, we live in this world, not in the other. Even fair trade is trade, and chess boards and mirrors have been found in Antique tombs.

contrascarpe	23 Dec 2004
Well, I for one have two copies of a few decks. Here is my reasoning: I read at a local new age bookshop 2-4 times a month. I tend to use decks that are comfortable to me. In fact, there are four decks that are on my rotation depending on how I feel about a certain client. My main reading deck is the Robin Wood, Because I tend to be fast in my readings, I like to use two decks in a typical half hour reading. This is done for several reasons .... first, I like to mix up the imagery for my seeker, second, if I keep pulling from the same deck I feel it "cheapens" a reading by pulling too many cards (and no, I am not a big fan of having the seeker shuffle the same deck), third, I like the concept behind the Reflecting Pools spread Gardener and I developed - seeing patterns emerge when similar cards pop up. With that in mind, I pull my trusy Baroque Bohemian Cats deck out for the second half of my time. Sometimes I use the Tarot of Prague and, if I am doing a Past Lives Reading, I use my Tarot of the Imagination. And guess what, I have two copies of each deck. One I use for the "public", and one I use for myself and close friends and family. Why do I do this? Because you never know who will be handling your cards. Yes, I have bends and scuff marks on my public deck. I see no sin in having a "nice" deck in my collection. And when someone judges me for having more than one deck, I just smile because I know it is none of their business where my hard-earned money goes. Dan

Shade	23 Dec 2004
I have duplicate copies of only two of my decks, the Secret Tarot and the Faeries Oracle. The second Faeries Oracle came as a gift and my first inlinatin was to try and trade it but I've decided to hang onto it as I'd hate to be caught without one. The Secret tarot was a deck that I fell so deeply in love with that I had to have a back-up of. i was so sure, for soe reason, taht it wouldn't be popular and sta n print very long so I got the duplicate. It has been read with heavily these last few years in bars and while camping and is showing its age but I have yet to retire it. If I ever did switch to the duplicate I would probably get another back up as I see this as my main reading deck. One thing I've notced is that since I have a back up I am not constantly worrying about the safety of my deck. I don't mind taking it everywhere I go and it doesn't bother me taht it has aged as much as it has. I'm considering getting another copy of the World Spirit and Fey decks as I'm using them quite a bit these days.

WolfSpirit	24 Dec 2004
Shade wrote: One thing I've notced is that since I have a back up I am not constantly worrying about the safety of my deck. I don't mind taking it everywhere I go and it doesn't bother me taht it has aged as much as it has. Yes, for me it is also about not having to worry about my deck. I bought a second copy of the Druidcraft - because I know this will be my most used deck, and with the nature theme, it is also one I will want to take outside with me if weather permits. I would have liked to take the Greenwood outside as well, but since it will be so difficult to replace I won't. Oh, and I have two copies of the 1st edition Tarot of Prague, but I thought I was getting a 2nd edition. But you don't throw out a limited edition, do you :D? I know how much money and energy it can cost to hunt for a beloved deck. If I can prevent the fear for that by buying another copy for a reasonable price that is an easy decision for me.

tzuki	26 Dec 2004
I have my original tarot decks...a Rider-Waite, & a Thoth. For readings I use either a Madonni or a trimmed Thoth. & there are various reasonings behind this. I almost always use the Thoth, because it is the one I feel most comfortablw with. I like the effect of trimmed cards, & also removing the titles not only made them easier to handle for many folk, it also prevented their reading words like "debauchery" & getting ideas!! But also, quite often, people fall in love with my trimmed deck, & sometimes it seems appropriate to give them it! So I am always replacing my so-called 'professional'deck. I can't imagine why I'd ever want to give away my 'special' original decks. I have bought a good many others over the years, simply because they are impossible to look at otherwise. But then, I just thought one day, I was being silly. A bit like I'd been having lots of little flirty flings, but then decided no one was as well suited to me as my husband!

darwinia	05 Jan 2005
spoonbender wrote: I still don't get it :confused:. It seems like a complete waste of money to me I like to buy related items as opposed to duplicating the same deck; I prefer tangents. For instance, I've bought several books and/or tarot decks or playing cards related to mythology or Japanese woodblocks based on my original tarot decks on those themes. Rather than duplicating the deck, I augment or correlate it--more exciting that way.

Emily	06 Jan 2005
As I posted earlier on I don't really go for getting exact copies of my favourite decks lol - but I am going to get another copy of the DruidCraft, the new printing, maybe another version - not sure, will be out if a few weeks and I will be ordering it - the reason the DruidCraft has fast become my most used deck and I need another copy in case this one wears out or becomes unobtainable. :)

all78degrees	13 Jan 2005
I have more than one copy of several decks. I have copies or rare decks like William Blake, Alchemical. I have copies of my main reading decks as well. The main reason I keep copies is that I like keeping one set for me and one set for reading for others. It’s nothing to do with consumerism, though the fact that decks go oop might lead me to get a copy of a deck I’m not sure I’m going to use for readings. It isn't some irrational fear either. It’s just the way I like to do it. gav.

tarotbear	13 Jan 2005
I have more than one copy of several decks for several reasons. The RW in giant size to use as a visual tool when I teach my classes would be too big to shuffle for a reading. I also have it in the half-sized deck in my glove box in my car in case I have to do an 'emergency' reading for someone. I also have signed editions of a couple of decks and do not use them for that very reason. Robin Wood signed a card or two for me on a deck I was buying, so I replaced them and use the unsigned cards. I also have decks for private and public use - and do not mix them. BTW - I have an unopened copy of The Medieval Scappini deck for sale since I have an opened copy already. Any takers within the USA?

September Pixie	13 Jan 2005
I don't usually but for ones I especially love I will.. I only do this for one reason.. when the cards become unusuible due to damage, missing cards, or extreme wear, I will then have a 'back up'.. I do not read for others with a different deck.. what for? :) a 'used' deck speaks volumes about the reader :) You don't wanna look like a newbie ;)

Shade	13 Jan 2005
I remembered unoher deck I have a duplicate of. I loved my Mage Ascencion tarot and was saddened when I couldn't find any more copies of it. The day I saw it repackaged and on sale again I snapped one up. And from the people who I have seen looking for it on this site I'm glad I did.

dolphingirl	14 Jan 2005
Tarot cards are something can get easily worn out or can go out of print and then replacing a deck can cost a bundle. Usually if i have a second of a deck it is because either I bought a lot of decks and itis a duplicate, or I found it for such a good deal that I couldn't pass it up and hope to either trade it away or give it to a deserving home. That said I do have a few duplicates right now but am slowly giving them to good homes. That said I have duplicates of Robin Wood - got a second used one and it is one of my favorites so it is nice to have my worn one and a clean version. Rohrig - not sure how i got two of it but it deserves a good home. Tarot of Cats - found a second copy just recently at a reasonable price and couldn't pass it up The Shakspherian Tarot - same as Tarot of Cats. decks seem to come and go through my house but I am a sucker for a good deal or a poor lonely deck and love to find things a good home.

Stregaverde	15 Jan 2005
I have a duplicate of BBC, and actively plan to get a duplicate TOP deck. When I finally get my hands on a Gilded deck, I'll be searching for a backup for that. I really feel people's energy on the cards, and for the decks that I love to use for myself or close friends, I like to keep them more private. BBC is too good not to share, though, hence the double vision. :) Also, anything like BBC that is likely to go out of print at some point (heck, almost everything does) seems like a wise investment. There are some decks I've thought of getting duplicates for. I have the original printing of Tarot of the Old Path, with the silver gilt. I was tempted to buy a newer printing and save my rarer one, which is OOP, but my intuition told me that it wasn't necessary.

Annabelle	08 Feb 2005
I have two copies of the Crowley Thoth deck because I love it so dearly, and wanted a second copy to keep in my desk at work. I'm also considering buying a second copy of the Tarot of Prague, just because it is such an amazingly lovely deck and it is a limited edition...I would hate for something to happen to it in the future and then not be able to find another 1st edition copy easily. And if I ever run into another copy of the Robert Place Alchemical deck at a good price, I will definitely buy it. I love reading with the Alchemical deck, but usually save it for special occasions.

Simone	08 Feb 2005
Never even thought of buying doubles ;) first, I like my decks well-worn and I am careful with them, do not riffle them and try to keep them away from harm. second, I alternate in using them, according to what I feel is right for the question or to my whim of the moment so none of them gets over-used. The only reason I bought a second copy of the Crowley Thoth was because I gave away my first. And that was kind of a let down because I only was able to get the French version where I like the keywords even less, it might become a victim of border cutting, even if normally my heart bleeds at the thought of that "crime" ;););) And I bought two more copies of the Osho Zen - each one destined to be given to someone. But then, I have profited from the fact that someone had a backup copy of a deck: it has been give to me as a present because I liked it so much ;) Love Simone

souljourney	08 Feb 2005
I can certainly see where getting a back-up of a often used deck would make sense. Especially if it's printed by a small publisher or self-published. So far the decks I really love are all still in print and put out by Llewellyn or LS. If they go out of print or something then hopefully know in advance and pick up another set. I am planning on getting the Gothic by Vargo and Druidcraft. Once I see if they are ones that I'll definately want around to use over and over, I may get 2nd copies then. One thing that would tick me off is to decide a few years from now I really should get another copy and have to pay tons of money for it...knowing I had the chance to get it cheaper.

caridwen	08 Feb 2005
I have only one deck - Original RWS. I bought it because I wanted to learn the Tarot and thought it was a good deck to begin with because it seemed to have the most written about it. Quite a few years later I'm still studying it...it's nicely worn but not damaged in any way - when querents shuffle I never let them riffle the cards and I ask them to wash their hands first. Sounds a bit ocd lol I don't feel the need to buy another deck. It 'works' beautifully for me and I feel very close to it. It's difficult to describe. I see my deck as a tool. However, I have seen and appreciate the artwork on many decks and can fully understand why people collect them. Never felt the need to buy any other deck but I would be very interested in starting all over again with the Marseille or, indeed the Thoth. I also feel that because I've seen my cards so many times it would be interesting and informative to use another deck to 'jolt' me as it were and get me to look at the cards in new ways and from different perspectives. That again would be using it to further study and gain more knowledge which would help my readings.

Neville Surrell	08 Feb 2005
Hi all, I very often use two identical decks concurrently in giving readings( Double Deck Reading ). I find it lends greater depth to a reading. Allthough granted it can be a lengthy process. It do's seem to get me repeat bookings. I like very much the Cosmic Deck but have recently aquired the Gilded Tarot and am getting familiarised with it. I personally would not be without any of my decks. Some are sadly now out of print. Duplicating them all would be an expensive undertaking. Neville.

shaveling	08 Feb 2005
I picked up a secondhand copy of the 1JJ Swiss deck recently as a backup. It had the titles in French, like my current, but aging deck. I figured if I waited until my original deck wore out, I would end up spending more money for a new deck, and extra work for a deck without the English titles, which I dislike. So I decided to go ahead and get something now I knew I would want later, and get it at less expense and inconveninece.

MeeWah	08 Feb 2005
The only deck I decided to get a duplicate of is the RWS & for use in readings for others. The first copy was my first Tarot deck & very well-used, I prefer to reserve it for the personal use only.

mnemosyne7	08 Feb 2005
My primary deck (since 1993) is Tarot of the Spirit. It is worn and a little faded, but its an old and trusted friend. Last year, during a class, I pulled it out to show the students some symbolism, and one girl said, "Would you like a new deck to replace that one?" Turns out, she bought the Tarot of the Spirit, and never used it. She gave it to me, and now I have a backup. But I'm still suspicious of that new, shiny deck. I'll shuffle it one of these days. Mnem

The How many of you use a 2nd copy of your favourite deck for reading? thread was originally posted on 09 Dec 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.