Strange decks; which are the ones that tempt you?

[Wee_Gypsy]

Tarot of 2012, Tarot of Ascention (by LS), would be my loved "strange deck"
the AT link...
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/2012-ascension/

Usually I am not big into "gimicy-type decks" and nor do I buy into any of the 2012 rubish either, or even, big into dark/or gothic decks, over the top ones anyhow...its something about the art?, with this one, I am not quite sure what, it is just attractive, in a weird way...But I do plan on getting the Dark Grimoire Tarot by LoS, by the same artist that does the 2012 deck (eventually), I dont know it I will like it as much as the 2012 tarot, for the sake of another deck in my collection, it is worth the gamble, I can't put a finger on why I like the 2012 tarot..because it is so NOT my kinda of deck

My most loved decks, and most of collection consists of classic esoteric, historical, and/or art history decks, anything golden dawn or other mystery school hermetic/alchemical, or decks that stick close to the RWS design (like Hudes of Lleweyllen tarot) are cool with me. You know, I have a couple Thoths,a couple actual RWSs, a couple of Wirths too, and Masellies as well, "Universal decks" you know, nothing too "off the beaten path" and decks like Golden Botticelli, Da Vinci Enigma and Egyptian Decks are decks a great too--so I more buy the learned decks, or decks you can learn something from, be it iconography, history, or usually both...and when I do happen to buy something more "whismsical", or "frilly" (like shadowscape, or fairy tale tarot, especailly with out a back-up "cute factor" like a cat theme) I happen to think they dont have enough "substance" even if they are nice to look at.

So I am stumped why the 2012 tarot has an "allure" for me, ie...the last deck I used (today) was the Ciceros Magical GD tarot
...so who knows? But I like it, and thats the important thing.

[Carla]

My strangest deck is Morgans, as well. I love it so much, though. To me, it speaks through a marijuana and patchouli-scented haze, in the voice a slightly high Owen Wilson.

[Myrrha]

Originally Posted by vee

The Etteillas! Difficult, confusing, but so enigmatic. I particularly like the LoS Book of Thoth Etteilla for its beautiful art.

Yes, it is a lovely and mysterious looking deck.

The LWB for the Grimaud Etteilla had an interesting reading method where you read the cards in combinations of two. The suggested meanings were very often not relevant to my life as I am not a French aristocrat of Etteilla's period. The Dame Fortune's Wheel deck suggests a reading method where each card is given a brief snippet of meaning, just a word or two, and they are combined into a statement. It is really different from what most of us do where we mine each card for as large and as deep a meaning as it will give.

I've found that keeping the interpretations brief and more... not shallow exactly but more to the point works well with the Book of Thoth. The Sun reversed came up the other day and it really did mean an argument. The Minor card that came up with it was about "returns on an investment" but it didn't mean money, just that I shouldn't let the argument interfere with what I was there to do.

But on the other hand it is tempting to read meaning into some of the strange and beautiful imagery, like the Birds and Fishes card. And surely the days of creation should mean something-- it should be significant if one of those cards comes up in a reading.

Vee, I'm curious about what methods you use to read with the Book of Thoth or the other Etteillas.

[VGimlet]

Most recently the Hexan 2.0. Really strange, but cool...in a very odd way.

Quite a few of the others already mentioned as well. I am particularly fond of the Morgan (although I use it as an oracle as well) and the Wormweird. I think the latter is one of my most unusual decks. Not truly very readable, but kind of fascinating.

[Minotauro]

my ever so beloved klimt , people dont seem to like it , they say they look like corpses , they are ugly and too skiny ,etc , but to me all of those characters are beautifull they look like people I'd like to meet , and people say the ichonography and symbols are off , but if you research about the paintings it all makes sense.

[Rhinemaiden]

Is this the "what was I thinking?" thread???

I have 2... Tarot of the III Millennium and Tarot of the Imagination. Obviously I was tempted enough to buy them, but I'm not tempted to use them.

[Chiska]

Originally Posted by tarot heart

I would have to say the Wormweird. You can't really read with it, but I am so drawn to images. Each card is like a little dark room that you walk into and there you see it, a small scene to ponder and think to yourself "what just happened here?"

I don't know this deck just has a pull about it.

I love the Wormweird and find it to be great as a reading deck. Unfortunately, nobody ever wants me to use it??

My strange fascination decks are anything with "Etteilla" in the name. Includes oracles as well. It is a very masochistic relationship.

[Emily]

I suppose mine must be the Liber T. I love it to bits but I can see why others might think its a little strange, the artwork isn't to everyone's taste and a few of the cards are a bit dark.

My even stranger deck is the Deva. I like the idea behind the deck with its fifth suite but I have an on/off relationship with it. Sometimes it reads brilliantly but other times I just can't get a decent reading at all.

[vee]

Originally Posted by Myrrha

Vee, I'm curious about what methods you use to read with the Book of Thoth or the other Etteillas.

I think Etteilla is kind of a meeting place between Tarot and Lenormand. It's definitely geared towards huge spreads where the cards are interpreted based on their position and proximity towards other cards, like a Grand Tableau. On the other hand, it does have those deep archetypes of the Tarot that just beg for solitary reflection. I think it's a balance between the two styles. I cannot claim to have mastered it yet, though.

[amethyst57]

some strange tarot decks that have caught my eye...
their dark feel, nationality, or both appeal to me...
Akron, Victorian Regina, Giger, Guardian, Soul Mandala, and Swietlistej Drogi...