Cheap Decks? Expensive Decks? Does it matter? What are YOUR experiences?

[Misterei]

Note: This thread applies ONLY to authentic decks ... "cheap" meaning mass market or sale prices from reputable vendors.

It does NOT include counterfeits [which is a different topic]

 

So I am getting a LOT of use from my $20 Devine Deco deck. It has crappy card stock and a crap box ... but I LOVE the deck.

I have 2 copies of RWS Centennial Edition in a tin which I use all the time. I bought 10 of them on super sale when they were $11 each and gave all away as gifts except for the last 2 which I kept and use frequently. I have a similar mini RWS indie deck which was $40. The indie deck is borderless which I like but honestly they read about the same $11 vs. $40.

 

I have Lo Scarabeo decks which fall in the $30 price range with really nice boxes. I appreciate those sturdy boxes every time I use the deck.

 

I have Il Meneghello decks for which I paid in the $60-$80 range. Also some indie or limited edition decks in similar price range. Two decks from overseas ended up being about $100 with shipping [one was the PERFECT gift for a friend]. LOVE them. Each one is a unique and quality product in a good box. Often with matte card stock. I don't read with them much. Part is wanting to preserve them in good condition ... but also I generally rely on RWS style or a simple Tarocchi for clients.

 

My most expensive deck was $300 shipped from France. Rare OOP ... if you knew me you would understand why I HAD to have it.

I'm afraid to read with it. What if I mess it up?

 

For many years I was poor and couldn't afford expensive luxe decks. Now I can ... so I understand I have luxury to even make this comparison ... but its interesting to discover that most of my "daily drivers" are on the low to middle range.

 

What is your experience?

Do you get more pleasure or enjoyment from expensive / quality / limited edition decks?

Do you prefer cheaper / mass market?

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by Misterei

[Natural Mystic Guide]

1 hour ago, Misterei said:

What is your experience?

Do you get more pleasure or enjoyment from expensive / quality / limited edition decks?

Do you prefer cheaper / mass market?

Honestly, I do get the most pleasure out of reading my hand painted Illuminated Tarot decks by Carol Herzer.  They are not cheap.  Also, when I have the chance I usually opt for the more upscale version of a deck -- meaning gilding or better quality paper.  When I handle and use a tool a lot I appreciate if it is really beautiful.

 

I have some less expensive decks that are not holding up or getting warped because of poor card stock.  That's a pain.

 

I use my expensive decks.  I am a collector, but not that kind of collector.  I collect for my enjoyment in using beautiful things.  These decks are to be used, not stowed away.  I do use a proxy deck instead of shuffling my most expensive deck which was obscenely expensive.

[Guest]

You can bet that I 100% read with my expensive decks, although I do so with the utmost care. If you have a priceless painting the best you can physically do is stare and gawp at them. There is a delicious satisfaction, a sensuous frisson to shuffling and reading with rare decks, like transgressing against something hallowed? Not really though, because the act is anything but profane. Still, you know that the experience is a privilege granted only to a very few - so in a way the eminence of the deck is bestowed upon your person as the wielder. This is markedly different from the simple consumption of luxury goods as the latter cannot be anything but material, but with divinatory tools one can always aspire to the sublime. 

[gregory]

The price makes no difference at all to me. The look of the deck - and in some cases, whether it's usable are what matters. My One in Ten Tarot  absolutely ISN'T, for instance, stunning though it is.. The gold paint is so thick the cards stick together - as it is I have to store them with tissue between ! You can actually SEE how thick it is ! I' not afraid to use my fancy decks (though the hand painted Cassari is not allowed in the same room as liquids of any kind). If I can't use them - what's the point of them ?

 

[Nemia]

There are some mainstream decks that I like, Lo Scarabeo decks are pretty affordable but they also have a lot of imo crappy decks on offer. For independent artists' decks, I need to pay more so I think well before I buy them but I haven't been disappointed so far. Ultimately, the price doesn't matter if the deck speaks to me and works as tarot deck, i.e., has an inner logic and tarot-like structure. 

 

I see myself as a collector, too, with a modest-sized but well-curated collection and I see tarot as art. The price doesn't matter to me, if I want a deck, I'll put money aside for it until I can afford it. However, I don't value my more expensive decks more than the cheap ones. Once they're in my collection, they're all equally valuable to me. 

[Tanga]

The price does not matter - a good reader that I love, is a good reader that I love.

 

However the very nature of OOP or limited - means deck use would automatically change, due to the knowledge that such things cannot easily be replaced. So... I would read less with these in public I think...

I don't actually have an OOP/posh deck that is a good reader presently.  My readers are between £20-80.

My most expensive OOP deck... probably c.£600 🧐.

 

15 hours ago, Natural Mystic Guide said:

Honestly, I do get the most pleasure out of reading my hand painted Illuminated Tarot decks by Carol Herzer.  They are not cheap...

I love Carol Herzer's hand painted style, and the one mini deck I have of hers - I asked a good friend to get for me, because at the time - Carol didn't post to the UK. When I was buying back then - she told me she wouldn't be selling for much longer, so, I was tempted to ask my friend for another - but felt that would be pushing it.  I'd have loved a few more of her versions. And not for reading - just for the enjoyment of admiring.

 

Edited December 25, 2023 by Tanga

[Natural Mystic Guide]

36 minutes ago, Tanga said:

she told me she wouldn't be selling for much longer

Well Carol is still producing and selling, so now is your chance if you wish to get more.  I live in Bali and of course she does not ship here.  I just have her send it to a friend whom I know will be coming to Bali sometime.  Then, I wait.  I am waiting right now for a deck that was made months ago.  Sometimes anticipation is the better part of enjoyment, too!  Can't wait!

[hazlit]

Price doesn't really come into it for me - I've found that I have the least connection with some of the more expensive Tarot decks.

That could be different with the Spiritkeeper's Tarot, which I've just ordered. Now THERE's a deck after my heart!
I've also bought Oracle decks that seemed just sooo beautiful (and they are) but I still don't have connection with them. Even though I thought I would.

Simplicity is important to me, i.e. lots of colour and characters and opulence seem to go against my grain. I loved the Gilded Tarot for a while but then its opulence started to get on my nerves so I stopped using it. Horses for courses. Thanks for the question Natural Mystic! 

 

[Natural Mystic Guide]

51 minutes ago, hazlit said:

Thanks for the question Natural Mystic! 

I agree that this is a great question.  It actually originates with @Misterei.  I'm enjoying participating in the discussion.

[hazlit]

@Natural Mystic Guide Thanks for pointing this out... oh gees, whoops! from me and apologies to you @Misterei  -  Scrolling issue here, trying to figure things out too quickly (I'm still just a few days old in this forum). Again, great question and thankyou for it @Misterei 

[Natural Mystic Guide]

2 hours ago, hazlit said:

trying to figure things out too quickly (I'm still just a few days old in this forum)

No worries, I've been on (and off again) for not that long.  I'm still often confused about things.  Fortunately everyone is so friendly and helpful here.  Enjoy!

[Misterei]

On 12/25/2023 at 12:03 AM, Natural Mystic Guide said:

... better quality paper.  When I handle and use a tool a lot I appreciate if it is really beautiful. ...I have some less expensive decks that are not holding up ... because of poor card stock. 

Yes. I enjoy the experience with my luxe decks in their sturdy boxes with their quality paper and printing.

Ancient Italian is an affordable deck i read ... but print quality is so awful ... it will always feel a lack of quality that seems a bit sad.

I would cheerfully purchase a more luxe version of Divine Deco b/c I can see it will wear-out ... but then again ... everything is ephemeral and impermanent 😇 even favored tarot decks ...

On 12/25/2023 at 4:20 AM, Akhilleus said:

You can bet that I 100% read with my expensive decks, although I do so with the utmost care. If you have a priceless painting the best you can physically do is stare and gawp at them. There is a delicious satisfaction, a sensuous frisson to shuffling and reading with rare decks, like transgressing against something hallowed? Not really though, because the act is anything but profane. Still, you know that the experience is a privilege granted only to a very few - so in a way the eminence of the deck is bestowed upon your person as the wielder. This is markedly different from the simple consumption of luxury goods as the latter cannot be anything but material, but with divinatory tools one can always aspire to the sublime. 

What a GREAT way to put it. Perhaps this quote will give me courage to read with my rare OOP deck 😉

I resonate with your words vis a vis limited edition decks. I have something special that was created by a living artist and purchased directly from that artist.

This connection feels magical.

Although I must concede that mass-produced RWS has the power of its sheer numbers and popularity. That's a type of magic, too.

But not as personal as the frisson you describe to enjoy something unique that not everyone and their brother has. Something a living artist put their work and care into.

Edited December 27, 2023 by Misterei

[Misterei]

On 12/25/2023 at 2:45 PM, Tanga said:

The price does not matter - a good reader that I love, is a good reader that I love.

... However the very nature of OOP or limited - means deck use would automatically change, due to the knowledge that such things cannot easily be replaced. So... I would read less with these in public I think...

This.

The decks I use most for clients are chosen as being good for CLIENTS [i.e. accessible imagery, show up well on video chat] and often they're low to mid price.

I find my limited edition decks are more personal and make me feel special.

Let's face it. After 45 years reading for myself ... I need a little something to spice up the relationship😆

[Guest]

44 minutes ago, Misterei said:

What a GREAT way to put it. Perhaps this quote will give me courage to read with my rare OOP deck 😉

 

At this moment those treasures are yours and yours alone, so don't hesitate to use em. YOLO! 

[Raggydoll]

4 hours ago, Akhilleus said:

 

At this moment those treasures are yours and yours alone, so don't hesitate to use em. YOLO! 

Exactly this. And for people that get really antsy about expensive decks, I think it helps to try and get some perspective. Yes it’s a lot of money in deck related terms, but compared to most other items in my home, it’s not that much. For example, my couch is worth so much more, and I don’t hesitate to use it. My inherited jewelry is also worth a lot more, and I use it even on regular days (let’s face it, my life is mostly just regular days!). 
 

About nine years ago my dad died very suddenly. And as we were going through his things, there were so many items he had ‘saved’ for a special occasion and never ended up using or even opening. That was a huge epiphany for me and it changed the way I approach life. So now I will wear pearls on any day that I feel like it, and I wear my nice dresses as everyday dresses. I use all my decks and I don’t worry about wear and tear. Living life more fully is extremely gratifying! Try it! 

[gregory]

This suddenly makes me think about why on earth I only get out the fancy crystal wine glasses at Christmas (they are "expensive", but I got them free for recommending my bank to another person !) I think I shall start using them all year....

[Guest]

I couldn't have put it better than you did @Raggydoll. And that anecdote about your dad - that will stay with me. 

 

I remember reading that people who spend their disposable income on experiences derive greater happiness/satisfaction from their purchases than if they were merely lavished on material things. I thought that there can be a unity to both, actually. If you spend money on quality stuff and don't hesitate to use them when you feel like it, then you actually turn their very consumption into experiences.

 

I was delighted to read how you don't bother with any occasion when it comes to wearing your jewels or fine dresses. I'm sorta like that, but mainly with kicks and perfumes lol.

[Raggydoll]

1 hour ago, gregory said:

This suddenly makes me think about why on earth I only get out the fancy crystal wine glasses at Christmas (they are "expensive", but I got them free for recommending my bank to another person !) I think I shall start using them all year....

You should! After having worked in an antiques store where our staff area was full of expensive cups and glasses for our coffee break, I can tell you that often, the more expensive items are of superior quality and can take more than you think (this is obviously not the case for every item). Things were often built to last. And crystal grasses are so nice 😍. I have a glass that is my everyday drinking glass, and it’s a Finnish vintage wine glass. I just love it for every type of beverage, especially water! Things taste better in nice cups and glasses (like literally; from personal experience I know that bone China makes my tea or coffee taste rich and it keeps the beverage warm for longer). 

[DanielJUK]

It might be my Taurean nature but I do believe in expensive things and clothes can be longer lasting and better made. If you pay a lot of a hand painted tarot deck or one printed with wood blocks, it's going to be something special and a keepsake. Something more expensive can be higher quality, although of course we have to be discerning, as some stuff is overpriced and a rip-off!

 

On the other side, we have the legendary Dollar Tree Tarot, the cheapest, poorest quality controlled deck ever! Sold in Dollar Tree stores in America for $1 originally, it had weird missing cards in each deck like the 8's, 9's and 10's but then had Aces and 1's! 😂. You always got 78 cards but any cards missing were replaced by 8 "instruction cards". I'm not sure how good it would be at reading to be honest but it's a cult deck! I am so glad an American friend sent me one years ago.

 

Whether you have an expensive deck with each card poured and engraved from solid gold, or the dollar tree tarot for $1 (it's now worth more than that with its infamy, C'est la vie!), I don't think it's how expensive a deck is. The question here is, what connects us to a deck? I think the answer is a mystery. Like a deck connects to our artistic taste but what we are like but how do we get that deep intuitive connection?  Like artists never know their deck is going to be their bestseller. If we knew the secret about what makes people connect with certain decks, we could set up Tarot, Tea & Me Publishing Ltd and be very rich! I think we never know if we will connect with a deck or not and the price doesn't really matter.

 

This year I luckily acquired a sealed very rare OOP deck, I am scared to open it to be honest! However I do not want to sell it on or keep it in a glass case, I want to use it! I am planning to open it, the next time I am exchanging with one of my fave tarot friends ❤️ . I'm saving it for a special occasion. I still don't think it would necessarily read better than a cheap deck, it's all about the personal connection to it.

[Misterei]

20 hours ago, Raggydoll said:

... for people that get really antsy about expensive decks, I think it helps to try and get some perspective. Yes it’s a lot of money in deck related terms, but compared to most other items in my home, it’s not that much. For example, my couch is worth so much more, and I don’t hesitate to use it. ...

LOL I must keep my nice couch protected with a cloth. The cats fur EVERYTHING. Other than washing, I only remove the cloth if company comes. *sigh*

7 hours ago, DanielJUK said:

This year I luckily acquired a sealed very rare OOP deck, I am scared to open it to be honest! However I do not want to sell it on or keep it in a glass case, I want to use it! I am planning to open it, the next time I am exchanging with one of my fave tarot friends ❤️ . I'm saving it for a special occasion. ...

I feel the "special occasion" thing. I think that's why I started getting luxe decks to read for myself [not clients] To add a vibe of "special".

This vibe helps me transcend the mechanical habits of ordinary life and mundane perceptions / viewpoints. Because I don't use them as much, the decks feel "cleaner".

I have certain dishes or whatnot that are for company. It sets the experience apart from my daily grind. It honors the guests and the occasion of the visit.

Edited December 28, 2023 by Misterei

[Natural Mystic Guide]

16 minutes ago, Misterei said:

I feel the "special occasion" thing.

Yes, I can relate @DanielJUK and @Misterei.  Not all new (to me) decks that come into my life necessarily merit a special occasion thing.  Some do.  I will do a ritual and consecrate a deck -- sometimes for a special use or purpose.  Then the first reading that I do -- usually a New Deck Interview sort of thing is important to.  As you know, it does take time to become acquainted and learn about each other.

[Chariot]

10 hours ago, Misterei said:

 

I feel the "special occasion" thing. I think that's why I started getting luxe decks to read for myself [not clients] To add a vibe of "special".

This vibe helps me transcend the mechanical habits of ordinary life and mundane perceptions / viewpoints. Because I don't use them as much, the decks feel "cleaner".

I have certain dishes or whatnot that are for company. It sets the experience apart from my daily grind. It honors the guests and the occasion of the visit.

Yes, I also feel the special occasion thing.  The notion that you should use your special dishes, glassware (and tarot cards) for everyday is missing the point. Maybe the compromise between company only and everyday, is to create more special meals or events for ourselves?  I know I occasionally make a special meal for no particular reason, and haul out the good Denby (and crystal wine glasses) to serve it on.  Candles and all.  It feels good to treat myself and my husband to something more elegant than 'everyday.'  I have a few tarot decks that I treat the same way.  

Edited December 28, 2023 by Chariot

[Raggydoll]

My philosophy is that our stuff is not what is going to make us or our lives more special. I use all my belongings and I appreciate them, but at the end of the day, they are still just stuff. And it’s the same with tarot decks. To me, a nice deck is a lovely thing to have, but it’s not going to make the reading more special. People, experiences and spirituality is what makes my life special! 

[fire cat pickles]

22 minutes ago, Raggydoll said:

My philosophy is that our stuff is not what is going to make us or our lives more special.

This is a wonderful philosophy. It reminds me of a run we had with a terminal patient years ago. We were taking a patient home to die in Japan. I was driving (not my patient, so no confidentiality violation here) and with his wife as the passenger, she was about 100 years old, in the front. We were talking about material things and why people seek external things to make them happy. (Anna Nicole Smith had just ODed and the subject about her came up somehow.) She said, "Happy is no 'Thing.' Happy is 'Do.' Like Feng Shue for the heart." I will always remember this quote.

 

Always listen to a 100 year old Japanese woman!

 

 

Edited December 28, 2023 by fire cat pickles

[Shero]

I have a cheap deck, came as one of those books with deck sets. A really awful set of drawings on cheap stock that's fairly like cardboard. Awful to use and the deck is falling apart, despite being so thick. However even quality stock does wear away but generally lasts long. As for the cheap Chinese fakes...