Using multiple decks

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

contrascarpe	14 Feb 2004
I touched upon this in another thread but wanted to expand on it here. How many use multiple decks in a single reading? Intially the thought of doing this came to me a while back, possibly a spread to determine differing viewpoints of a single situation. The use of two decks would allow the possibility for the same card to come in both parts of the spread, perhaps indicating that both parties share the same viewpoint. The question has resurfaced in my mind now that I am exploring the use of oracle decks. I have both versions of soulcards on order and thought that maybe the use of one or two of these cards to add an intuitive exclamation point to a standard tarot reading could really add some depth to the reading. Does anyone have any thoughts, pro or con, to doing this? Could the use of two decks minimize the effect of the reading? Since I am of the mindset that it is the energy of the reader and/or querent that drives a reading, it would not harm things. Thanks in advance for your input, Dan

ol_crazy_Legs	14 Feb 2004
Hmmm This is a very intresting thought. Me personaly would not use 2 decks for one reading. Why... lol, no real reason really. It would just feel like Im trying to compare the two decks stengths. That and that would be a lot of work. Think of doing 2 Celtic Cross's, Phew!!!

firemaiden	14 Feb 2004
Interestingly enough, this topic has come up once and a while: here are few prior threads: -Multiple Deck Readings (by Desert Howler) -Multiple Deck Reading (by Shadow Wolf) -Multi-Deck Readings (by Justin) -Does anyone else use multiple decks in a reading? (by Phoenix Moon) -Spread Using Multiple Decks (by Elphaba)

contrascarpe	14 Feb 2004
lol - you are right, two Celtic Crosses in one reading would be like a full-time job. I was thinking more on the lines of something like a relationship spread where you maybe had 3 or so cards representing one party and an equal amount representing the other partner. Perhaps use the primary deck for the querent along with any common cards, but use a separate deck to round things off. Or, as I mentioned, using an oracle deck. Typically one would only use a card or two from an oracle deck to get to the heart of the matter - by adding these few cards along with a regular reading could bring some things out strongly (at least I feel they could). When I get my oracle decks, I am probably going to experiment. Dan

contrascarpe	14 Feb 2004
firemaiden - Thanks for the links. I figured there may have been some threads started, but I didn't go back far enough. This was interesting reading. If I understand the true definition of comparitive readings correctly (studying like cards of other decks to discover a deeper meaning in a spread), that is something I have been doing as I learn more of the art. I do not see that as practical in a face-to-face reading, but the different images in other decks can certainly make a card stronger if you have the time to compare. This is definitely something I am going to try and explore more once I get into the oracles. Funny thing, about a month ago, the oracles did nothing for me as I didn't have enough faith in myself to let my feelings enter my readings. I always thought that tarot was better suited for me because it was more structured. However, I have learned that even tarot can bring you down different paths. I have resisted the urge to go with the typical "book" definitions in some of my recent readings and let my heart be my guide. I feel as if I have broken some bonds recently through the cards (considering my career path has led me through such organized disciplines as accounting, computer programming and engineering, breaking these bonds are such a relief). Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. Dan

lark	14 Feb 2004
Quote: The question has resurfaced in my mind now that I am exploring the use of oracle decks. I have both versions of soulcards on order and thought that maybe the use of one or two of these cards to add an intuitive exclamation point to a standard tarot reading could really add some depth to the reading. Does anyone have any thoughts, pro or con, to doing this? Could the use of two decks minimize the effect of the reading? Since I am of the mindset that it is the energy of the reader and/or querent that drives a reading, it would not harm things. Thanks in advance for your input, Dan Hi Dan I have Soul cards 2 coming to me in a trade (thanks Mimers) and I'm in the middle of another trade for Soul Cards 1 I planned on using them in concert with my tarot cards too. I was going to use two as a personality cross at the beginning of the reading. As an insight for me into my client and a look at themselves. The first card would be the inner person and the second card crossed over the first would be the person they project to the world around them. 1. Deep mind 2. Self: here and now OR~ 1. Inner: being - what you are 2. Outer: doing - how you act I haven't tried this yet but this was my idea for using two sets of cards.

ol_crazy_Legs	15 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by contrascarpe96 lol - you are right, two Celtic Crosses in one reading would be like a full-time job. I was thinking more on the lines of something like a relationship spread where you maybe had 3 or so cards representing one party and an equal amount representing the other partner. Perhaps use the primary deck for the querent along with any common cards, but use a separate deck to round things off. Or, as I mentioned, using an oracle deck. Typically one would only use a card or two from an oracle deck to get to the heart of the matter - by adding these few cards along with a regular reading could bring some things out strongly (at least I feel they could). When I get my oracle decks, I am probably going to experiment. Dan Even thought I would still feel somewhat uneasy about it. I think you would be ok. You know there are some spreads that are for 2 different parties in a pickle you know?

contrascarpe	15 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ol_crazy_Legs Even thought I would still feel somewhat uneasy about it. I think you would be ok. You know there are some spreads that are for 2 different parties in a pickle you know? Yes, I do know that there pretty much is a spread for just about any situation. However this subject first popped into my mind some time back thinking about the limitations of a card in Tarot. In other words, who is to say the King of Swords should not be coming up twice in one reading? Maybe the fact that he comes up twice in a reading shows some semblance of stagnation. If he pops up early in a spread, why shouldn't he show his stern little face somewhere else down the line. I know that this is a basic way of looking at things, but I hate to think all of my life and my life's potential is restricted to a scant 78 cards . I do not yet feel comfortable myself using two decks in a single spread. I am hoping the oracle opens up new doors to me

lionette	15 Feb 2004
First time I used 3 decks was just a couple weeks ago for a daily 3 card and 5 card pentagram spreads (for self) and it was very interesting. Fun to see them in action at all once. (this is my entire deck collection) It was an experiment to get better acquainted with a fairly new deck that I'm just starting to get acquainted with, and wanted see what each deck would tell me for same question, since the decks have shown me different levels of depth during indivudual draws. Wondered what each had to say simultaneously. For smaller spreads I fiind it's very insightful. Probably an all-day event for anything larger that 5 cards, tho! :) ps. the decks were Thoth, Light & Shadow, New Century is my newest one. The results were somewhat similar between Thoth and New Century, while Light & Shadow is a much "gentler" deck!

contrascarpe	15 Feb 2004
Wow lioness - three decks? Not sure my brain capacity could keep three of them straight. My brain hurts with one deck and the thought of two, lol. I'm not so sure I would combine my Thoth with another deck, however. I sense my Thoth is anti-social and wants to control my readings - sort of the "it's my ball, so I'm going home" kid. I haven't worked up the energy to read with my Thoth yet. I am studying it slooooooowly and hope to be ready in a couple of months. Hope I don't get it TOO upset, hehe. Dan

lionette	15 Feb 2004
Yes, Dan, I had second thoughts before the spread! But all worked out ok -- no fighting or quibbling. My Thoth has been in solitary confinement for a number of months, in favor of the "nicer, gentler" decks, so was on "good behavior". ;)

The Using multiple decks thread was originally posted on 14 Feb 2004 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.