Your favorite decks that nobody likes

[katrinka]

(I didn't quite know where to put this, since could be inclusive of Tarot as well as non-Tarot. Is it OK here?)

 

Post 'em here.  :D

 

I've only come across one other person who uses this deck. Even people on French forums don't seem to be using it, though the people are familiar with it, and might even own a copy. It's the Petit Oracle des Dames. I think it came out in 1799 or so, about the same time as the Game of Hope.

 

 

I  got this one back in 2013. It reads well, and everything is pretty self-explanatory. You probably already recognize some of the images from Etteilla Tarot. The deck is a mashup of that, French Sibyl, and Grand Jeu myth, with a good many of the cards double ended like Tarock. There are 42 cards.

 

It's not a difficult deck, there's just some translating involved. And I really don't understand why native French speakers don't use it - it reads true, and it's easy. But the fact remains, nobody likes it.  ;D  I have no idea why. But it gets almost no attention, other than history buffs occasionally doing their “Look! Here’s a similar image” thing.

 

And I'm fine with that.  :D I like it well enough to let it live in a Baba Pouch!

 

 

How about you guys? Are there any decks you use that nobody else seems to be into?

[Guest]

I use the Brotherhood of Light deck the most, which no one seems to really use.

 

Its order is different, and its a bit plain, but it has all the zodiac and planets that match the meaning of the cards, so it was incredibly easy for me to learn. Also, it's Majors contain images that very closely match count deGeblin's and Levi's descriptions of the Egyptian Tarot...another non-selling point for most people i think. They don't grab your attention like the Golden Dawn decks, Thoth, or RWS do. 

[katrinka]

Plain is good sometimes. I've admired the old B&W edition of that one more than a time or two.  :)

[EmpyreanKnight]

Tbh tho, those cards are beautiful, katrinka. Is the system for the Petit Oracle des Dames difficult to learn?

 

In my case - I've had a burning passion for the Kabbalistic Visions Tarot the very first time I beheld it. Just look at all those vivid colors set against the darkest black. Because it's from Schiffer, the production value of the set is well above par. The backs are among the most gorgeous I've ever beheld on any deck, it has silver gilt edges, and the companion book by Marco Marini is simply exceptional. In a thread I created in ye olde AT, I learned that except for maybe 2 deviations, it faithfully follows the Kabbalistic precepts of the Golden Dawn. It's also created by the Tarot luminary Luigi Scapini, so I wonder why there's almost no buzz about it. Even the denizens of the more esoteric sections of the AT don't have it, and the only other member I know of who has a copy is gregory.

[katrinka]

Tbh tho, those cards are beautiful, katrinka. Is the system for the Petit Oracle des Dames difficult to learn?

 

I haven't been able to find a specific system (and I'm always looking for stuff on this deck), but just learning the meanings and treating it like other Continental decks will give you good results, and it's not difficult at all.  :)

 

In my case - I've had a burning passion for the Kabbalistic Visions Tarot the very first time I beheld it. Just look at all those vivid colors set against the darkest black. Because it's from Schiffer, the production value of the set is well above par. The backs are among the most gorgeous I've ever beheld on any deck, it has silver gilt edges, and the companion book by Marco Marini is simply exceptional. In a thread I created in ye olde AT, I learned that except for maybe 2 deviations, it faithfully follows the Kabbalistic precepts of the Golden Dawn. It's also created by the Tarot luminary Luigi Scapini, so I wonder why there's almost no buzz about it. Even the denizens of the more esoteric sections of the AT don't have it, and the only other member I know of who has a copy is gregory.

 

What? Wow. That's crazy.  :o

 

It's strange that nobody's into it. Maybe because Schiffer has such a rep for putting out lightweight stuff? IDK...that's a head-scratcher.

[Padma]

I actually really like the Connolly deck. I only know of one or two other people who really like it in the reading world, however, my clients would choose that deck out of a selection of 5 almost every time.

 

It is very 80's looking, big-haired angels and all that, some Christian symbolism in it being quite strong (9 of Cups features Jesus at the last supper) but the colours are rich and lovely, the stained glass look of it is attractive, and it is a breeze to read in a large spread, as the colour backgrounds in the images immediately tell you the emotion of the card - so you can suss out the general feel of the spread right away.

 

Saying you like the Connolly in the tarot world is like admitting that you wear granny panties, or something like that!

 

[EmpyreanKnight]

In my case - I've had a burning passion for the Kabbalistic Visions Tarot the very first time I beheld it. Just look at all those vivid colors set against the darkest black. Because it's from Schiffer, the production value of the set is well above par. The backs are among the most gorgeous I've ever beheld on any deck, it has silver gilt edges, and the companion book by Marco Marini is simply exceptional. In a thread I created in ye olde AT, I learned that except for maybe 2 deviations, it faithfully follows the Kabbalistic precepts of the Golden Dawn. It's also created by the Tarot luminary Luigi Scapini, so I wonder why there's almost no buzz about it. Even the denizens of the more esoteric sections of the AT don't have it, and the only other member I know of who has a copy is gregory.

 

What? Wow. That's crazy.  :o

 

It's strange that nobody's into it. Maybe because Schiffer has such a rep for putting out lightweight stuff? IDK...that's a head-scratcher.

 

Yeah it's weird. I combed through AT and found only 8 users who claimed to have bought it including me. Of those 8, 2 viewed it negatively, 4 are more or less neutral, and only 2 expressed unabashed admiration for it - one of those 2 is me. :-\

 

I like Schiffer decks a lot tho.

[gregory]

In my case - I've had a burning passion for the Kabbalistic Visions Tarot the very first time I beheld it. Just look at all those vivid colors set against the darkest black. Because it's from Schiffer, the production value of the set is well above par. The backs are among the most gorgeous I've ever beheld on any deck, it has silver gilt edges, and the companion book by Marco Marini is simply exceptional. In a thread I created in ye olde AT, I learned that except for maybe 2 deviations, it faithfully follows the Kabbalistic precepts of the Golden Dawn. It's also created by the Tarot luminary Luigi Scapini, so I wonder why there's almost no buzz about it. Even the denizens of the more esoteric sections of the AT don't have it, and the only other member I know of who has a copy is gregory.

 

What? Wow. That's crazy.  :o

 

It's strange that nobody's into it. Maybe because Schiffer has such a rep for putting out lightweight stuff? IDK...that's a head-scratcher.

 

Yeah it's weird. I combed through AT and found only 8 users who claimed to have bought it including me. Of those 8, 2 viewed it negatively, 4 are more or less neutral, and only 2 expressed unabashed admiration for it - one of those 2 is me. :-\

 

I like Schiffer decks a lot tho.

I like it; I have read with it - but the book is - not great. Unless that's just me being so VERY bad at Kaballah.

 

As to Schiffer - I just wish they would settle down to using one, good, card stock Some are DIRE and some are simply lovely.

[EmpyreanKnight]

I remember that when I had questions about the deck's book, you've been exceptionally helpful, gregory. When I got the set, I liked the tome tho. I guess it's different strokes and all that. :)

 

How about you? You've got a cornucopia of decks - were there any who moved you like precious few else could, but who went mostly unappreciated by most?

[faerybraids]

I love my Kiki Lala deck, but online most people seem to hate its sugary cute quality. :S Despite its cuteness it can slice right to the heart of matters, though. I still need to work on my Japanese to make full use of the book that comes with it, but so far the deck's been super easy to use even without it. I just wish I could read well enough to use the included spreads.

 

[Albadawn]

I've got a real soft spot for the 1JJ Swiss. For those not familiar, it's a Besancon deck, and replaces the High Priestess and Hierophant cards with Junon and Jupiter respectively. It was a big help to me to have this deck when I was struggling to get over some of the "Christian" cult dogma I grew up with. I'm not the best at reading pips but I find on this deck they are illustrated well, and I tend to use colour a lot in aiding my intuition when I read with this deck. It's also on the smaller side so it fits nicely in my hands. I have a glossy, English edition. I did try a vintage one with French titles but I was so scared of damaging it I ended up selling it to somebody else.

 

Dawn

[Selene]

The Ancient Game of Destiny. Although it’s a great deck some people think it’s difficult to do readings with it. I love it.

 

 

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[Rose Lalonde]

 

Saying you like the Connolly in the tarot world is like admitting that you wear granny panties, or something like that!

  ;D ;D

[Emilija]

I have Doreen Virtue decks.  :o :-X :))

[EmpyreanKnight]

I have DV's Guardian Angel Tarot, and for all it's saccharine sappiness, I really like it. I guess I should go lock myself in my pillory now. :P

[Emilija]

Don't say that because then I'd have to go to the pillory too. :P I think I have like seven of her decks.

[Decan]

Yeah the Petit Oracle des Dames, the deck that nobody likes, I remember this thread! 🙂

And the LWB is substantial for this one (and translated into english on some Youtube Channels).

[Arania]

I wasn't aware the Conolly is disliked. Such vibrant colors. And the Christian symbolism can very well be ignored if you chose to do so.

 

Dragon Tarot and Crystal Tarot are two of which I seem to be alone in having, never mind using them. They both,especially the Dragon one, have a seriously bad card stock, which meant after a bunch of damaged cards I had to print myself one to work with.

 

Te Royal Fez Moroccan is another one I can't find anyone else who uses it. Despite it having ink stains in purple thanks to me using it in rituals, I love it a lot. Recently found images of it so I might print out a copy for ritual use.

 

But those aren't the only ones.

 

 

[Decan]

About the Petit Oracle des Dames mentioned in the first post of this thread:
LWB N°16 reversed «Trahison»: « L’autre tableau représente un traître au milieu des ténèbres, entortillé d’un manteau, une lanterne sourde à la main et un poignard de l’autre (…) »
I remember that you asked me a little help in the past to translate this @katrinka and I struggled a bit regarding the word « sourde », thinking that it could be a verb, actually a very unusual verb in modern French.
But I made a mistake I am sorry, it isn’t a verb; « une lanterne sourde » was actually a sort of lantern using by bandits or smugglers because it allowed to see but not to be seen. Actually, I didn’t even know that this object existed and no more its name, but recently I learnt that casually.
So it is what it is about in the Nº16 reversed, likely a very dangerous card!

 

Everything comes to those who wait!

The Petit Oracle des Dames, the deck that needs extensive knowledge on old lanterns 🤪 😁

Edited August 3, 2021 by Decan

[katrinka]

4 hours ago, Decan said:

 « une lanterne sourde » was actually a sort of lantern using by bandits or smugglers because it allowed to see but not to be seen. Actually, I didn’t even know that this object existed and no more its name, but recently I learnt that casually.
So it is what it is about in the Nº16 reversed, likely a very dangerous card!

 

Everything comes to those who wait!

The Petit Oracle des Dames, the deck that needs extensive knowledge on old lanterns 🤪 😁

 

Thanks, @Decan! It makes sense, the lantern is designed to shine in only one direction, instead of glowing all around.

 

[bastetly]

On 1/1/2018 at 2:28 AM, EmpyreanKnight said:

 

 

In my case - I've had a burning passion for the Kabbalistic Visions Tarot the very first time I beheld it. Just look at all those vivid colors set against the darkest black. Because it's from Schiffer, the production value of the set is well above par. The backs are among the most gorgeous I've ever beheld on any deck, it has silver gilt edges, and the companion book by Marco Marini is simply exceptional. In a thread I created in ye olde AT, I learned that except for maybe 2 deviations, it faithfully follows the Kabbalistic precepts of the Golden Dawn. It's also created by the Tarot luminary Luigi Scapini, so I wonder why there's almost no buzz about it. Even the denizens of the more esoteric sections of the AT don't have it, and the only other member I know of who has a copy is gregory.

I know Empyrean Knight hasn't posted in a long time but... I have the Kabbalistic Visions Tarot.  Very colorful and glossy.  Weird to try and read w all the details Scapini puts into each of his cards.  Long and rangy people/legs.  But it makes me want to get my magnifying glass and a bright light and finally see all those details.  A book as mentioned, and a poster of a Scapini-drawn Tree of Life came in the kit.  I bought it used.  The popular Medieval Scapini is almost impossible to see ALL the details, and the gold backgrounds are a bit muddy, so bright light also needed.

[bastetly]

12 hours ago, Decan said:

About the Petit Oracle des Dames mentioned in the first post of this thread:
 

Everything comes to those who wait!

The Petit Oracle des Dames, the deck that needs extensive knowledge on old lanterns 🤪 😁

LOL.  Why would this deck be unpopular?  This thread totally enabled me to hurry and find me a copy.  I think it's gorgeous.  My cards are the larger ones so I can see it clearly.  The colors used are rich and the scenes are quite interesting.  But I rarely see it discussed except by a couple of members (ahem) on cartomancy forums, or a certain (ahem - fennario's) blog ??   The book being in French may daunt some, but if taken in w small spreads, should be doable!

[Wyrdkiss]

Tarot of shadows from Russia. It is available in English now; I've migrated to that format.

It's a cross between tarot and an oracle, and resonates too hard for some readers.

I want to recall by image so I can read the Russian for others, as the lack of titles would reduce fear. Regardless, it is not for everyone.

[Morsoth]

On 8/3/2021 at 3:44 AM, Decan said:

About the Petit Oracle des Dames mentioned in the first post of this thread:
LWB N°16 reversed «Trahison»: « L’autre tableau représente un traître au milieu des ténèbres, entortillé d’un manteau, une lanterne sourde à la main et un poignard de l’autre (…) »
I remember that you asked me a little help in the past to translate this @katrinka and I struggled a bit regarding the word « sourde », thinking that it could be a verb, actually a very unusual verb in modern French.
But I made a mistake I am sorry, it isn’t a verb; « une lanterne sourde » was actually a sort of lantern using by bandits or smugglers because it allowed to see but not to be seen. Actually, I didn’t even know that this object existed and no more its name, but recently I learnt that casually.
So it is what it is about in the Nº16 reversed, likely a very dangerous card!

 

Everything comes to those who wait!

The Petit Oracle des Dames, the deck that needs extensive knowledge on old lanterns 🤪 😁

 

Hi Decan, I am French (from Québec, Canada). You can ask me anything to be translated from French if you want!

 

That's right! A "lanterne sourde" (deaf lantern) is a lantern with some walls opaque, so that the wearer can see without being seen and completely mask the light if necessary.

 

Edited August 13, 2021 by Morsoth
typo

[Decan]

Salut @Morsoth

Thanks! Actually it’s a little foolish that I didn’t know what is « une lanterne sourde », because French is my native language too, so well…

 

Yes, it looks like your pic, I read some articles, I think I got it now, it was high time 😄