From TdM to...?

[PrincessPaulina]

Hello, DavidLee!

May I recommend another deck to you?
It is the lovely, deep and mysterious Haindl Tarot, which has "moody" pips, with IChing hexagrams on each pip: http://www.albideuter.de/html/body_haindl.html

Good luck with your search for a new deck!

[l'appeso]

Originally Posted by DavidLee

Does anyone know of a good deck(s) to use which are more varied and pretty but which are still abstract enough to not be imposing? I am thinking about picking up the Thoth deck. Has anyone gone from TdM to Thoth, and what was your experience with it?

The Balbi Tarot is one of my favourite non-TdM decks. It's also got qabbalistic references.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/balbi/

I also quite like the Wirth, but I know it's not really loved here (actually, it's a redrawing of the original major arcana plus non-scenic pips added)

http://www.learntarot.com/osdesc.htm

I'm currently using the Thoth and the TdM, they give totally different readings, I feel that it's easier to dialogue with the TdM, you have more space for creativity.
If I can use a musical image, reading with TdM is like a modal jazz solo, a simple basic pattern that gives you more freedom to improvise
with Thoth instead you'll have to follow a complicated chord structure, so you need more knowledge/skill...

just my opinion

[Argenta]

I made the mistake of thinking that Crystals would be a good idea, as some sort of a colored pip-style decks... but I was so disappointed when I actually got my hands on them They were distracting, uninspiring, and cluttered for me. I know some here love the deck, but for me it was a huge turn-off. I was very happy that the store-owner would exchange them for the Jodo/Camoin TdM deck!

ETA: I found many of my friends for whom I read do not mind whether a deck has illustrations on minors or not... it's all about how well I explain my method of reading.