So...is one defined by their collection?

[MissNine]

I've thought of buying vintage decks and asked myself "what am an I going to do with this deck if I'm not going to read with it?"

I felt this short SNL "commercial" about Star Wars action figures was rather on point: http://youtu.be/EYyuo7gm-aQ

Once you get to 25 seconds, you'll see the comparison of different target audience collectors. I would say the younger consumer market is having WAY more fun with their collectibles. It was a funny way of putting in perspective what frame of mind I should have when I buy new decks.

**Mods, please note that Padma (thread starter) felt the video was on point and suggested I post it. I hope it's ok.

 

[DaughterOfDanu]

I suppose to some I am not a collector, because I use all of my decks or have used them at one point. But to others, with currently close to or just over 100 different tarot/oracle/card decks, I am.

I didn't intend to become a collector, but I cannot say no to certain decks. It's either their art or theme that makes me want to work with it. Some, like the Dark Fairytale tarot, I quickly find do not live up to my expectations of it. I'll usually keep them just in case one day I find it more to my liking. I've sold decks before, and regretted it some. But from time to time heavily consider selling a few of the decks I know I never really liked once they were in my hands.

I think there's maybe two decks I purchased with zero intention of using, though I may read with them one day. Neither were expensive, so it was an easy decision to have them a part of my collection. They're super niche type decks- the Welcome To Nightvale Tarot being one.

There's only one I purchased when it was OOP- a Russian version of the Victorian Romantic Tarot. I'd intended to keep it unopened for value but couldn't help myself as it was the only copy of the VRT I own. Glad I did. I'm not someone who buys decks for their future value and the OOP ones I own are only special to me in a personal way, not because of their OOP status.

Of course I can't use all my decks all the time but I have become a regular member of the Deck of the Week group here which has helped me begin working again with decks that I haven't touched in a long time. It's a great way to help you sift through a collection if you don't like having a particularly large one. By the end of the week I've either reconnected with an old friend or felt more confident that we've gone our separate ways

My only concern about my collection is finding better storage... Sadly my grandmother's dresser I've been using is quickly running out of room. Probably another sign I should either downsize or begin storing my more "Collection" suited decks elsewhere for the time being.

Long story short I don't think people are defined by their collections unless they want to be. I like to think of myself as a reader first, with a wide variety of tools available for both myself and those I read for. I have some clients who like me to work only with angel themed decks for them, others who like darker themes. I have a friend who won't let me leave home without my copy of the Wild Unknown Tarot

 

[Padma]

My definition of a true collector would be someone who purchases decks with no desire to use them, but in appreciation for the art, and possibly to complete their collection. I don't think it's really about OOP or in print. I think most collectors love what they collect, because tarot is not really a good investment overall, LOL.

Thanks for pointing that out about OOP and the fact that tarot decks are overall not a great investment...I think I hang on to a few OOP decks I have simply because I think thy may one day be worth something, and like money in the bank. But they aren't!

I agree with you that the art is a strong factor in collecting - and that also, one can get side-tracked, as I did with MRP decks - felt I had to have them all (except the Bohemian and Alice which I did not love to look at) but even though I did not like those last two, I did contemplate buying them just to round out my MRP deck collection!

Hi Padma how I have been where you are now. I went through the fase of losing interest in tarot and oracles altogether and got rid of many decks. But the day came that I was all enthusiastic again like the early days when I started out Ofcourse I missed a fair amount (thank goodness not all) of the decks I'd gotten rid of, only to repurchase them again.

Good point - I shall take a little time deciding, as I don't want to regret! But I have these decks lying around that I never ever use! I am not so sure I would regret parting with them. It is very true, and very worth noting, that as you said, the desire to be enthralled with the tarot waxes and wanes. Great point!

I've thought of buying vintage decks and asked myself "what am an I going to do with this deck if I'm not going to read with it?"

I felt this short SNL "commercial" about Star Wars action figures was rather on point: http://youtu.be/EYyuo7gm-aQ

Once you get to 25 seconds, you'll see the comparison of different target audience collectors. I would say the younger consumer market is having WAY more fun with their collectibles. It was a funny way of putting in perspective what frame of mind I should have when I buy new decks.

I did think the video is very pertinent to the collection theme of the thread, yes! Also it was very amusing, and made a very valid point! And also about what would you do with said decks, if you bought them and din't read with them - well, then, like me, you'd have shelves full of decks and books you never use. Gathering dust, as it were. And that just seems so silly...

 

[Padma]

I didn't intend to become a collector, but I cannot say no to certain decks. It's either their art or theme that makes me want to work with it.

Ha! And there's the rub - this happened to me, too. Also I have in the past gotten caught up with the hype of this new deck or that one...

Of course I can't use all my decks all the time but I have become a regular member of the Deck of the Week group here which has helped me begin working again with decks that I haven't touched in a long time. It's a great way to help you sift through a collection if you don't like having a particularly large one. By the end of the week I've either reconnected with an old friend or felt more confident that we've gone our separate ways

Second time I have seen the mention of the Deck of the Week thread - maybe I should invest some time there...

I am glad you are enjoying your Russian Victorian!

 

[Le Fanu]

I think letting go is part of the refining. I have let stuff go, something I never thought I'd do a few years ago.

And OOPness is neither here nor there. I remember in the early 80s when I had about 10 decks and for me that was a collection I was very proud of. The concept of OOPness hadn't hit me. I looked through Kaplan's Encyclopedia and simply thought that all the decks I saw had been (in print) and gone (forever). And that I'd missed them.

I have always said that the only collection of interest is the collection you love. It really doesn't have to have token, representative decks and certainly - in the case of tarot - cannot attempt to be comprehensive or complete. I think a passionate collection (what you love), built up from an individual's perspective is always going to be the most interesting.

Do I feel defined by my collection? In some sense, yes. I am more fascinated by mass market decks than limited edition / hand crafted/ HTF ones. I am intrigued by what most tarot readers go for. I am interested in where and how tarot hits the mainstream and so I do enjoy buying mainstream decks. Plus they're cheap and less subject to Customs taxes. And I also like a smattering of the rare decks of our times whether once mass market (like the Greenwood) or not (like the Ironwing). Seriously antique decks - 19th Century Besançons or Conver - I find hard to justify, so there's no point craving.

I have lost count of my collection. I wonder if it is beyond 1,000? And if so, how much? I don't have any cataloguing system. Everything is just in a room, tucked in spaces on the bookshelf where it fits. I can never locate things. I'm currently looking for an antique Lenormand I know I bought (French verses) but since Wednesday, haven't been able to locate it. The whole cataloguing aspect (which rodney is very good at) completely eludes me.

 

[Padma]

I have always said that the only collection of interest is the collection you love. It really doesn't have to have token, representative decks and certainly - in the case of tarot - cannot attempt to be comprehensive or complete. I think a passionate collection (what you love), built up from an individual's perspective is always going to be the most interesting.

I'm glad you weighed in, LeFanu. Your wisdom in regard to tarot on the whole, and collecting in particular, is much appreciated. The paragraph above that I have quoted is what struck me the most. As always, you have put things both poetically, and succinctly, in a nutshell.

I love the last paragraph especially...it is very good advice, indeed. I think I need to have a look at what I have (which is nothing special, really) and truly and honestly think about culling, and rebuilding a new collection based only upon those decks which stir my passion for tarot. I do have many decks which truly I do love. And then, perhaps I shall re-find my enthusiasm for collecting...

Because there isn't any love, or really any pride or joy to be found, in just owning a bunch of something. (even though I am nowhere near collector's nirvana totals, like yourself and many other seasoned collectors here!)

I hope you soon find your French Lenormand deck

I am so grateful for, and interested by, everyone's views - which are helping me very much to frame and form my own

 

[FaintlyMacabre]

I don't think I'm defined by my tarot decks. It's just something I do and buy sometimes. I never wanted any Pam A, B, C, D. Not my thing either.

As to the skit (which was funny), I don't read my small collection of of Alices either. I would like to add to those but it's hard to buy books now.

My books and my music likely come closer to "defining" me but then I am just eclectic, esp. with the music. If I had a LOT of money, I would collect cars. No contest. And a mechanic - or two.

Diana

 

[Cocobird55]

Loved the clip from SNL. I definitely don't want to be a part of the second group.

 

[Daemon Lover]

For me, personally, it is the art...

When I first started to collect Tarot, I was basically getting anything new that was released. But now, I find that I tend to collect mainly animal or nature inspired decks....whether they are OPP or not.

These days I care less whether a deck is highly desired by the masses, all I care about is whether I love the art and it flows for me...for me that could mean anything from a Baba Studios deck to an indie deck on Etsy.

I think that I am mainly defined by my book collection though...my first love..

 

[G6]

Serious question. I have some OOP (out of publication) decks but guess what? I never use them and I don't really love them. I own them because they are OOP but I am not getting any joy from them...causing me to think, and redefine.

We've been talking about OOP decks here rather a lot lately...

So my question is, how do you define a true collector of tarot? Does it really depend on how many OOP decks they have? Does that *REALLY* matter? Why does a person collect, anyways? Is it for the amount of decks they can own, for the amount of *out of publication decks* (OOP) they can have, or for the sheer joy of having tarot decks they love? And use? What truly constitutes a serious collection?

I am curious, and would love to hear how you feel about your collections! How did you get them? Why did you get them? Does OOP really define your collection? How do you really feel about collecting? What are your definitions of a successful collection...?

Do tell!

Some thoughts...

I'm on a journey. A journey of discovery. If I knew what I was looking for I wouldn't buy so many decks. I learn things from new decks. For example, the Tarot of the Trees magician card has all the suit symbols hanging from a tree on strings. That simple difference in representation for that card brought a new understanding to me. With that said though, I turn decks around if I no longer feel they are of use to me.

The decks I do keep I have decided fit with me or I haven't gotten around to exploring them fully enough to know for certain if I want to release them. Yes, I like the decks I have because if I didn't I would get rid of them. OOP doesn't matter to me unless: 1. There is nothing currently on the market that's comparable that I like. 2. The card stock/printing is better in the older versions. 3. It's actually either less expensive or a better value than the newer version(s) all things considered.

If you have a lot of OOP decks it means you have been collecting or practicing tarot for a long time. I don't consider OOP a status symbol if that's what you are getting at with your Q's. My personal preference is that I like older decks because I like vintage stuff not because I'm an OOP freak.

My thought is that if you never get rid of any decks you are likely a collector. If you never get rid of any decks that means you have them because you like having them. This is perfectly fine too. I'm sure Jay Leno doesn't drive all those cars he owns.

I learned everything about decks and reading tarot from the people on this website, internet research and by buying, selling, trading and USING decks.

P.S. Padma, if you do have OOP decks that bring you no joy you should get rid of them. Right now I am looking for a set of rune cards and all the ones I like are OOP. If you have one of them let's do a deal at my trade link below! ;-)

http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=250554