How do you choose your deck when reading for others?

[LoriaKai]

For many years, my main deck when reading for others has been the Druidcraft. But I'm now wondering whether to choose a new 'working' deck (or decks), especially one that I could take out and about, if needed.

Pros 

• I find the Druidcraft very easy to read
• I like the artwork and the 'hard cards' aren't too scary for those unfamiliar with tarot
• It's easy to replace if it gets damaged while reading in-person or while I'm carrying it around in my bag (still in print, mass-market and affordable where I live)
• It fits my personal values

Cons

• There's some nudity in it, including a few full-frontal cards
• The artwork could be more inclusive (though there is some age diversity)
• Both of which can distract the seeker from the purpose of the reading.

 

I'm finding it hard to choose which alternatives to use, as my top choices are indie decks that might be harder to replace.

 

How do you choose your deck/decks for reading for others? Do you keep a spare copy of your main deck/s?

 

Edited April 1, 2023 by LoriaKai

[2dogs]

Your pros sound very sensible if carrying your deck around and doing serious readings for others, and in that case a spare copy would be a good idea. I only read in the exchanges here so am more free to try out new decks or whatever I feel like at the time.🃏

[LoriaKai]

51 minutes ago, Serpentwand said:

Your pros sound very sensible if carrying your deck around and doing serious readings for others, and in that case a spare copy would be a good idea. I only read in the exchanges here so am more free to try out new decks or whatever I feel like at the time.🃏

Thanks for sharing your thoughts @Serpentwand 🙂 Yes, that's definitely a big plus when reading for exchanges here!

[Mikhalia]

I have come across a couple of people that nudity was an issue in their readings, and I tend to ask in advance now and choose an alternate. 

 

It is hard to find the perfect balance of what speaks to you and what your querents might find offensive. I was actually just watching a flip-through of the Druid Craft tarot because it was mentioned to me. The deck is absolutely stunning but I can see what you mean about the nudity. 

 

11 hours ago, LauraKai said:

How do you choose your deck/decks for reading for others? Do you keep a spare copy of your main deck/s?

1. It has to speak to me, this is the priority above everything else

2. Will it offend my sister? (This sounds weird but she is a very religious person) If the answer is no then this is a promising candidate.

3. Can it easily/inexpensively be replaced?

4. Are the scenes/symbols clear enough for the average person to grasp what I am telling them I see in it? (This one is a little harder since humanity is so different there will always be some who just "don't")

 

I don't keep a spare of my main "other people" decks because they are all easily and inexpensively replaced.

 

As far as personal values, I don't place as high a priority on this for decks I use for other people because I would rather have them feel comfortable and confident that I have listened to them about their concerns. Basically, I want them to trust what I am telling them by showing them I listened when they said what imagery they might have issue with. For my own personal use, this is a definite must!

 

I hope my little list has helped!

[Misterei]

12 hours ago, LauraKai said:

How do you choose your deck/decks for reading for others? Do you keep a spare copy of your main deck/s?

Hi @LauraKai.  Good question!

My first factor is  online vs. in-person.

For online I almost always start with Radiant Wise Spirit which is a big borderless RWS from Lo Scarabeo and super easy to see on video camera.

In person i tend to go for ciro Marchetti legacy of the divine as it's RWS based but a bit softer and more modern.

For teens or kids I might use Golden Wheel for no nudity.

I typically do 3-4 spreads in a session so I use 3-4 decks.

If I'm feeling Pip-ish my go-to is Eduard Dotti reprint from Patrick Valenza.

I have other decks I might use depending on the personality and background of the client. This would be for the 2nd or 3rd spread once I get a feeling for the client and what imagery might speak to them.

 

[Jewel]

When I read for other I mainly read in reading exchanges and circles here, but there are few people I do read for in person and depending on their question I will provide them with a list of decks to choose from that I think are good decks for that type of question.  If I were to carry an allarounder type deck that would probably be my Tarot of the Sweet Twilight.  No nudity, awesome bright colors, and I find it easy to read with.  The Joie de Vivre would be another one.  Both are mass market and easily replaceable if need be.

 

I too tend to really like Earth Base spirituality type decks, and Green Witch and Every Day Witch would be alternatives to the Druid Craft to avoid the nudity, though by no means are they a Druid Craft, but I love both of those decks.

Edited April 1, 2023 by Jewel

[Wyrdkiss]

I have five copies of the Thoth. My original large Greenie -- which is read with once a year, on my birthday. I have my personal copy, a client deck (also standard size), a German pocket  issue for displaying cards in my reading room, and lastly a carefully trimmed and corner-rounded copy that is my travel, take anywhere pack.

 

I read for myself with far more decks than I do clients.  I have only three options, essentially, for querents -- and only one, my Deck of the Bastard, do I 

use for both myself and reading for others. The other two are secondary, client copies just for my appointments or appearances.  I think even if the

deck is a bit rare or expensive it is a worthy investment.

 

As for choice, one is the Thoth, the other two are Rider-Wait-Smith variants. I have an aversion to the trad RWS, I cannot even read with it, but there are lovely alternatives out there and that is precisely what I opt for.

 

One is The darkness of Light tarot, now it its 4th pressing.  It's gorgeous, powerful, and true to form in meaning and symbolism.

The other is the Deck of the Bastard I mentioned from TarotbySeven.  Mine is keyworded -- so If reading in public and heavily mentally fatigued, I have

one word to bounce off of and get myself orientated.

 

I always have two on the table when I am in public, my Thoth and one of the others. I decided when the person sits down and says hello which is best for them.

Always instinct there.

 

 

Edited April 1, 2023 by Wyrdkiss

[Wyrdkiss]

and I think your "pros" list is very important and well contemplated. 

[Guest]

Aside from myself, I only read for family and friends. Living in a traditionally conservative country, the Tarot already has a whiff of the taboo about it. Once people get over the mental hurdle of accepting the innocuousness of the Tarot, the nudity presented in some decks becomes a minor issue, i.e. as long as it's far from being salacious or suggestive. 

 

That said, when I read for my querent, I lay three decks in front of them, backs turned, and simply make them choose which one they feel I should read with for them. 

[LoriaKai]

16 hours ago, Mikhalia said:

I have come across a couple of people that nudity was an issue in their readings, and I tend to ask in advance now and choose an alternate. 

 

It is hard to find the perfect balance of what speaks to you and what your querents might find offensive. I was actually just watching a flip-through of the Druid Craft tarot because it was mentioned to me. The deck is absolutely stunning but I can see what you mean about the nudity. 

 

1. It has to speak to me, this is the priority above everything else

2. Will it offend my sister? (This sounds weird but she is a very religious person) If the answer is no then this is a promising candidate.

3. Can it easily/inexpensively be replaced?

4. Are the scenes/symbols clear enough for the average person to grasp what I am telling them I see in it? (This one is a little harder since humanity is so different there will always be some who just "don't")

 

I don't keep a spare of my main "other people" decks because they are all easily and inexpensively replaced.

 

As far as personal values, I don't place as high a priority on this for decks I use for other people because I would rather have them feel comfortable and confident that I have listened to them about their concerns. Basically, I want them to trust what I am telling them by showing them I listened when they said what imagery they might have issue with. For my own personal use, this is a definite must!

 

I hope my little list has helped!

I agree, that balance between what works for you and what works for your querents is the hardest part @Mikhalia.  I do like your list, that's given me some more food for thought, thank you! 

[LoriaKai]

16 hours ago, Misterei said:

Hi @LauraKai.  Good question!

My first factor is  online vs. in-person.

For online I almost always start with Radiant Wise Spirit which is a big borderless RWS from Lo Scarabeo and super easy to see on video camera.

In person i tend to go for ciro Marchetti legacy of the divine as it's RWS based but a bit softer and more modern.

For teens or kids I might use Golden Wheel for no nudity.

I typically do 3-4 spreads in a session so I use 3-4 decks.

If I'm feeling Pip-ish my go-to is Eduard Dotti reprint from Patrick Valenza.

I have other decks I might use depending on the personality and background of the client. This would be for the 2nd or 3rd spread once I get a feeling for the client and what imagery might speak to them.

 

I really like that you considered the video aspect, @Misterei. I wonder if I need to think about having a small selection of decks, rather than trying to focus on just one that does everything. Thanks for sharing yours!

[LoriaKai]

14 hours ago, Jewel said:

When I read for other I mainly read in reading exchanges and circles here, but there are few people I do read for in person and depending on their question I will provide them with a list of decks to choose from that I think are good decks for that type of question.  If I were to carry an allarounder type deck that would probably be my Tarot of the Sweet Twilight.  No nudity, awesome bright colors, and I find it easy to read with.  The Joie de Vivre would be another one.  Both are mass market and easily replaceable if need be.

 

I too tend to really like Earth Base spirituality type decks, and Green Witch and Every Day Witch would be alternatives to the Druid Craft to avoid the nudity, though by no means are they a Druid Craft, but I love both of those decks.

Yes, those types of decks really hit home for me too 🙂 I'm glad you've found an all-rounder that suits you! That's helpful, I'll bear those in mind, thank you. I'm going to test more of mine out and see which one/s I could potentially use regularly when reading for others. 

[LoriaKai]

14 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said:

I have five copies of the Thoth. My original large Greenie -- which is read with once a year, on my birthday. I have my personal copy, a client deck (also standard size), a German pocket  issue for displaying cards in my reading room, and lastly a carefully trimmed and corner-rounded copy that is my travel, take anywhere pack.

 

I read for myself with far more decks than I do clients.  I have only three options, essentially, for querents -- and only one, my Deck of the Bastard, do I 

use for both myself and reading for others. The other two are secondary, client copies just for my appointments or appearances.  I think even if the

deck is a bit rare or expensive it is a worthy investment.

 

As for choice, one is the Thoth, the other two are Rider-Wait-Smith variants. I have an aversion to the trad RWS, I cannot even read with it, but there are lovely alternatives out there and that is precisely what I opt for.

 

One is The darkness of Light tarot, now it its 4th pressing.  It's gorgeous, powerful, and true to form in meaning and symbolism.

The other is the Deck of the Bastard I mentioned from TarotbySeven.  Mine is keyworded -- so If reading in public and heavily mentally fatigued, I have

one word to bounce off of and get myself orientated.

 

I always have two on the table when I am in public, my Thoth and one of the others. I decided when the person sits down and says hello which is best for them.

Always instinct there.

 

 

Oh! I love that you have a birthday tradition with your large Greenie 🙂 

That's a good idea to use a small set for clients and aounds like that's a popular choice so far in this thread.  I might look at that option, rather than trying to find one single deck that works for everything.

As a side note, I really like the vintage look of Deck of the Bastard, and it's helpful that the keywords are included. Thanks for sharing!

[LoriaKai]

4 hours ago, Akhilleus said:

Aside from myself, I only read for family and friends. Living in a traditionally conservative country, the Tarot already has a whiff of the taboo about it. Once people get over the mental hurdle of accepting the innocuousness of the Tarot, the nudity presented in some decks becomes a minor issue, i.e. as long as it's far from being salacious or suggestive. 

 

That said, when I read for my querent, I lay three decks in front of them, backs turned, and simply make them choose which one they feel I should read with for them. 

Thank you, I like that idea of giving the querent the choice of decks 🙂 I just need to narrow down what my new top two or three decks might be when reading for others now!

[Misterei]

@LoriaKai advice I give in my advanced course how to set-up a working readers' tool kit - have different decks for different functions:

1. shows up well on camera (large and saturated colors)
2. no nudes
3. softer and more friendly/approachable
4. standard rws and/or marseille and/or thoth
5. gender fluid courts and/or racially diverse and/or other language (optional depending the clientele you serve)

Edited April 2, 2023 by Misterei

[Wyrdkiss]

8 hours ago, LoriaKai said:

Thank you, I like that idea of giving the querent the choice of decks 🙂 I just need to narrow down what my new top two or three decks might be when reading for others now!

See how it goes if you opt to do so.  I offered choice of decks when I first started reading. I do not anymore. For some sitters, "analysis paralysis" would set in, and they would become a bit stressed trying to decide. Feedback later also was that some wondered during the reading if they chose the "right" one. Now this is over the course of many readings, it wasn't an issue for a lot of people. But consider the above as possible; your mileage may vary.

[LoriaKai]

23 hours ago, Misterei said:

@LoriaKai advice I give in my advanced course how to set-up a working readers' tool kit - have different decks for different functions:

1. shows up well on camera (large and saturated colors)
2. no nudes
3. softer and more friendly/approachable
4. standard rws and/or marseille and/or thoth
5. gender fluid courts and/or racially diverse and/or other language (optional depending the clientele you serve)

Definitely helps to have a bit of flexibility! Thanks 🙂

[LoriaKai]

22 hours ago, Wyrdkiss said:

See how it goes if you opt to do so.  I offered choice of decks when I first started reading. I do not anymore. For some sitters, "analysis paralysis" would set in, and they would become a bit stressed trying to decide. Feedback later also was that some wondered during the reading if they chose the "right" one. Now this is over the course of many readings, it wasn't an issue for a lot of people. But consider the above as possible; your mileage may vary.

That's a very good point, especially if they're nervous, anxious or just generally new to tarot readings. Something else to ponder... Thank you! 

[peacewing]

I travel with a standard RWS that I cut the borders off and rounded the corners. It's slim and smaller without the borders, and easy to pack. Easy to replace if needed! I think the cards are standard enough to not offend.. nothing seems suggestive of anything, to me at least. I did just buy the Cats Rule the Earth, which is a RWS but replaced with cats doing cute things. Similar art style. No one can get offended with cute cats, right? It's also a slim easy to travel deck. 

 

I don't have copies of other decks because some are OOP and/or expensive or etc... I just make sure to wash my hands first, have no drinks or food around, have ample space to work on, and count all 78 to make sure they are there. So far so good! 

 

Reading for other people, which I haven't done for years, I would mostly choose the deck and shuffle to make sure it's adequately shuffled. I figure, if I'm the reader, the cards and I will speak the language of the deck that I understand, something like that. 

[LoriaKai]

On 4/4/2023 at 6:55 AM, peacewing said:

I travel with a standard RWS that I cut the borders off and rounded the corners. It's slim and smaller without the borders, and easy to pack. Easy to replace if needed! I think the cards are standard enough to not offend.. nothing seems suggestive of anything, to me at least. I did just buy the Cats Rule the Earth, which is a RWS but replaced with cats doing cute things. Similar art style. No one can get offended with cute cats, right? It's also a slim easy to travel deck. 

 

I don't have copies of other decks because some are OOP and/or expensive or etc... I just make sure to wash my hands first, have no drinks or food around, have ample space to work on, and count all 78 to make sure they are there. So far so good! 

 

Reading for other people, which I haven't done for years, I would mostly choose the deck and shuffle to make sure it's adequately shuffled. I figure, if I'm the reader, the cards and I will speak the language of the deck that I understand, something like that. 

Thanks for sharing your approach, @peacewing! I have a cat deck too 😄

[Nemia]

I always have a deck in my bag, most of the time a trimmed little Thoth, that I can pull out and read with at the drop of a hat. Decks in tins are also good options: Zillich, Aquarian and Sun & Moon come in tins, for others, I made little tins. 

 

I haven't read in ages for anyone coming to my house, but when I did, I pulled out three decks and let them choose. I showed the backs of the decks and they all chose the Morgan Greer 🙂 

[LoriaKai]

22 hours ago, Nemia said:

I always have a deck in my bag, most of the time a trimmed little Thoth, that I can pull out and read with at the drop of a hat. Decks in tins are also good options: Zillich, Aquarian and Sun & Moon come in tins, for others, I made little tins. 

 

I haven't read in ages for anyone coming to my house, but when I did, I pulled out three decks and let them choose. I showed the backs of the decks and they all chose the Morgan Greer 🙂 

The backs of the Morgan Greer cards are lovely! 🙂 True, decks in tins are really portable, especially the smaller ones. Food for thought... Thanks for sharing!

[LoriaKai]

Thanks very much to everyone who contributed to this, it really helped! 🙂 

To report back... After a lot of thought, I've put together the following to make a new working kit:

• Large Thoth (I also have a smaller version I can travel with, and plan to find a tin for it)
• Transient Light Tarot (refreshing and friendly imagery, very inclusive all the way around)
• Majestic Earth Tarot (online readings only, for now, unless I can get another copy sometime)

I may swap some of these in and out, or add other decks, but I'm happy to have a new core set to work with. Thanks again for your help!

Edited April 23, 2023 by LoriaKai

[Misterei]

21 hours ago, LoriaKai said:

Thanks very much to everyone who contributed to this, it really helped! 🙂 

To report back... After a lot of thought, I've put together the following to make a new working kit:

• Large Thoth (I also have a smaller version I can travel with, and plan to find a tin for it)
• Transient Light Tarot (refreshing and friendly imagery, very inclusive all the way around)
• Majestic Earth Tarot (online readings only, for now, unless I can get another copy sometime)

I may swap some of these in and out, or add other decks, but I'm happy to have a new core set to work with. Thanks again for your help!

Sounds like a great kit. I think you can buy Thoth in a Tin ... dunno if you want to acquire another deck ... but pretty sure I've seen it.

[LoriaKai]

On 4/24/2023 at 8:36 PM, Misterei said:

Sounds like a great kit. I think you can buy Thoth in a Tin ... dunno if you want to acquire another deck ... but pretty sure I've seen it.

Thanks @Misterei, I'll keep an eye out!