Used or Brand New Decks?

[EmpyreanKnight]

Do you prefer to buy used or brand new decks?

 

I'm not averse to purchasing used decks, altho they must be clean and they should not look worn out. But I did notice that each and every deck I bought were brand new, like untouched and sealed, brand spanking new. All of my decks are like that, without exception.

 

Maybe I have a subconscious imperative that I should be the first one to touch my any deck I own so that they would be mine and mine alone, and so that I can imprint on them or something.

[Flaxen]

I don't have a preference either way - I'm happy to buy used decks which show a bit of use too. I don't like them to look dirty or smell of smoke but some wear and an incense smell is ok.

[AJ-ish/Sharyn]

I'm a bottom feeder, I would guess that 90% of my decks were purchased used.

I like used decks

[gregory]

I will buy whichever copy shows up. New or used, but ideally not BADLY battered... ;)

[Trogon]

I'm not certain what my percentages would be, but I know most of my decks have been purchased new. However I have several decks which I purchased used from a used-book store here. I have not gotten a used deck (yet) which seemed overly clouded with a previous owner's energy ... but my first task with a used deck is always to reorder the deck and this seems to clear them pretty well. The one thing I make sure of with a used deck is that all the cards are there, and I usually do that before I purchase them. As Flaxen mentioned, if they've got a smell of cigarette smoke, or if they're too battered, I'll usually give them a pass.

 

But yeah, I like finding an interesting or fun deck at the used-book store.

[Saturn Celeste]

Do you prefer to buy used or brand new decks?

 

I'm not averse to purchasing used decks, altho they must be clean and they should not look worn out. But I did notice that each and every deck I bought were brand new, like untouched and sealed, brand spanking new. All of my decks are like that, without exception.

 

Maybe I have a subconscious imperative that I should be the first one to touch my any deck I own so that they would be mine and mine alone, and so that I can imprint on them or something.

New decks are my preference but I have a couple used decks.  I have the Escaflowne deck that was very difficult to find and it was lightly used and I have the Oracle of the Dreamtime that was slightly used.  It's such an awesome oracle deck.  I bless all my cards and run them through incense and finish off with a good shuffle.  I put my energy into the decks so I can use them and get straightforward readings.

 

[EmpyreanKnight]

Tbh tho, I think the reason why I haven't had a used deck is that the deck collector base in my country is really quite minuscule. There's nobody to trade with or buy from, and since shipping + taxes from other countries are prohibitive, I can only realistically purchase new decks.

 

But maybe if I find an OOP deck which I've always lusted after and which is only available used, I may finally get one.

[Lantana]

I don’t have a preference, but I do notice that most of my mass-market decks were bought used while almost all if my indie decks were bought new from the artist. I think the only used indie deck I have is the OOP Thea’s Tarot, and even then I believe the deck itself might have never had an owner aside from me and the artist.

 

It’s not like there aren’t copies of indie decks being sold secondhand either! Guess I just tend to support the artist directly when I can.

[DanielJUK]

I mostly buy brand new but when I buy a used deck, it's mostly from a friend in the community and I like that it's passed along with a connection there. I recently bought a used vintage deck on ebay which wasn't from anyone I knew and it was the first time I did that. I don't believe it can have a negative energy or something or a spiritual problem with it but buying from AT friends and having hand me downs had a nice connection :)

[Padma]

I'm not certain what my percentages would be, but I know most of my decks have been purchased new. However I have several decks which I purchased used from a used-book store here. I have not gotten a used deck (yet) which seemed overly clouded with a previous owner's energy ... but my first task with a used deck is always to reorder the deck and this seems to clear them pretty well. The one thing I make sure of with a used deck is that all the cards are there, and I usually do that before I purchase them.

 

Pretty much this, but the used decks I have acquired were from other AT members. Bold in quote is mine. Make sure you put them all back in original order - clears the energy in the deck nicely. I then give the deck a quick crack on the edge of the table, to break up any lingering energy. Then the deck feels like new again.

[Trogon]

I'm not certain what my percentages would be, but I know most of my decks have been purchased new. However I have several decks which I purchased used from a used-book store here. I have not gotten a used deck (yet) which seemed overly clouded with a previous owner's energy ... but my first task with a used deck is always to reorder the deck and this seems to clear them pretty well. The one thing I make sure of with a used deck is that all the cards are there, and I usually do that before I purchase them.

 

Pretty much this, but the used decks I have acquired were from other AT members. Bold in quote is mine. Make sure you put them all back in original order - clears the energy in the deck nicely. I then give the deck a quick crack on the edge of the table, to break up any lingering energy. Then the deck feels like new again.

 

I like this idea of "a quick crack on the edge of the table" to disrupt any remaining patterns of energy. I'm assuming your kind of lightly hit it against the edge? And is the deck held flat, say so the bottom card is against the table, or is it edge on edge?

[BlueDragonfly]

New or used doesn't really matter to me as long as the cards are in decent shape.  I've cleansed every deck I've bought, new or used.  I go through them, make sure they're all there, then shuffle 'em up good, reorder them and pass them through palo santo wood smoke(I can't handle the smell of sage smoke). Then I'll spread them out on my desk in the window for a good Moon bath as well, I actually like the energy of a New Moon.

 

I do like the idea of rapping them on the edge of the table to chase away any lingering energy.  Thanks Padma!

[Raggydoll]

I really like vintage decks so those are always bought pre-loved. I try to limit the amount of mass produced decks I buy because I want to have my funds in order in case a desirable vintage deck would happen to come my way. I have not gotten into the whole indie-deck thing (yet), but I do love me some nicely reproduced or restored historical decks..

[EmpyreanKnight]

Vintage decks may also be available in pristine condition, tho these would most probably fetch astronomical prices.

 

Also, I noticed that your avatar is the Nine of Disks from Stella's Tarot, Raggydoll. It really is a beautiful deck.

[Raggydoll]

Yes my avatar is indeed 9 of disks  :) I really like this version of that card - the idea of just having to reach out my hand and grab that falling star..

 

I know that sometimes vintage decks that are pristine or 'new old stock' are up for sale, but as you said, they tend to be ridiculously expensive. I try to make the most out of my pennies and I must say that I really like the allure of finding a great bargain  ;) I recently found a new old stock version of the 2012 Pierre Madenie Marseille at a metaphysical store for about 34 euros so that was a really good day. (Although it's not vintage, it still is out of print and fairly hard to find so I consider it a nice find)

[Little Fang]

I prefer used decks slightly more granted they're all there, not super dirty, and don't come from a smoking home. 

 

I'm sensitive to the energy from a previously loved deck and they feel so good to use.  8)

[Page of Ghosts]

I only have one used deck I think, the rest of them are new. I don't mind used decks and don't have a preferance of one over the other. It's rare that I come across a used deck at the thrift store and it's so far been more convenient for me to get them all new.

[Raggydoll]

I agree that it is really important that used decks do not smell badly. I'm quite sensitive to smells and I wouldn't use a deck that smells like someone's damp basement, of cigarette smoke or of old-lady perfume. So I often ask about smell before I make a purchase (at auction sites and such) and then it's usually never a problem.

 

And I have also found that there is often something really enticing about the energy that older tarot decks can carry. I like the fact that they have been used and while I do 'cleanse' and charge them, I certainly wouldn't want to rid them completely of their previous energy, that just adds to their personality and attraction in my opinion  :)

[EmpyreanKnight]

I just opened a new deck of cards and unsealed its companion book. There really is nothing quite like the smell of new cards and books. :D

[Raggydoll]

EmpyreanKnight: That is why my absolute favorite thing is 'new old stock' decks that has just been laying unopened for many years. It is such a cool thing, kind of a little bit like time travel when you finally get to break the seal. The really old ones are obviously very rare and ultra expensive, but some decks that are 'just' 20-25 years old can be much more accessible and still bring lots of nostalgia and fun!

[Trogon]

I just opened a new deck of cards and unsealed its companion book. There really is nothing quite like the smell of new cards and books. :D

 

Goodness yes! When I buy a new deck, one of the first things I do is smell them. I'm amazed at how different each deck can smell. One of my newer decks (can't remember which one now - might have been the Nicoletta Ceccoli) had a smell that reminded me of a saddle shop or boot shop.

[EmpyreanKnight]

Lol me too, Trogon! One thing I noticed too: new books pretty much have a consistent smell, but with decks, you really don't know how it would turn out. One would smell glorious as I unsheathe it, another would inspire fond memories, but a few unfortunate ones repel, sadly. With the last one I reflexively jolt the deck away from my nose, try to blank my mind and sort of "forget" the scent since I don't want to have a negative opinion of the deck right out of the bat. I recollect everything that attracted me to the deck to balance out the unpleasant impression.

[Guest]

 

 

Lol me too, Trogon! One thing I noticed too: new books pretty much have a consistent smell, but with decks...

 

Hehe it's all the hot glue and ink. They have to make it smell good, imagine a wharehouse full of fresh cards. Print shops smell freaking awesome!

The inks have changed a lot over the years, just like rubber glue did :( , so there are old smells trapped in the boxes we don't get to smell anymore.

 

 

I like new decks. And I will shuffle it dozens of times before I consider it worthy...then it's wore out.

 

Though I have bought rare used decks to just get my hands on them.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

 

[xjungle]

Hi everyone, just wanted to add that I have used both - in fact, my very first deck was bequeathed to me by my deceased aunt, a Marsielles.

 

Purchased/given away/received/traded both old and new decks and will consecrate and charge it first thing.

[EmpyreanKnight]

Hi xjungle, and welcome to the Forums. :)