How many decks do you have?

[Nivian]

This makes me feel very 5 of cuppish. I started collecting 20 years ago with my first deck but through the years went through various phases in which I let religious paths and people urge me to 'get rid of them.' I remember having to hide them from my first husband! I only have ten decks now and none of them are oop. I see the ones I used to have and I want them back but they are all oop! Oh well as is the lesson of the 5 of cups I am happy with the ones I have, and letting go of the past beauties.

[gingerblue]

I have about 21 (Tarot, Oracle, Misc.) - I wonder if there's something to be considered for strictly Tarot readers vs. collectors?

That’s a really good thought.  Speaking for myself, I read with all of my decks.  I’ve done some Facebook parties where I’ve had many readings back to back.  I never use just one deck.  I switch out a deck for each reading.  When I’m reading for ‘clients’ (I haven’t taken money yet), I give much thought as to what deck would be best suited for them.  Once my site is complete, I will have a portfolio where they will be able to choose the deck they want me to use for their reading.  So, in my case, I have purchased my decks for my business.  A few of the decks I own are not my favorites like the Ceccoli tarot or Beautiful Creatures but I have them to appeal to a wide spectrum of people.  I have used them for ‘clients,’ usually younger females and they have loved the decks.  I also do Writer Readings where those 2 decks have really worked out great because of the images, not so much how they read.  I also have read many readers with many decks only use one or two favorites.  I don’t read for myself though, only for others.

 

That's wonderful that you use all your decks regularly- that's what I aspire to do. I've been interested in tarot and doing readings since 1992 (just for friends and people online who asked for one), but it's only been the last few months that I became really interested in how the symbolism and art of the cards could hold deeper meanings (plus, in 1992, there weren't as many decks available- I pretty much had what was stocked in the Waldenbooks in the mall) it sounds like you have a good understanding of the decks- not only how they read, but how people have emotional connections to some images and how different decks might change the whole experience for them. I know some people think it doesn't matter which deck is used, but since I'm so interested in imagery and symbolism, for me it holds a tremendous amount of appeal and possibilities.

[Saturn Celeste]

 

That's wonderful that you use all your decks regularly- that's what I aspire to do. I've been interested in tarot and doing readings since 1992 (just for friends and people online who asked for one), but it's only been the last few months that I became really interested in how the symbolism and art of the cards could hold deeper meanings (plus, in 1992, there weren't as many decks available- I pretty much had what was stocked in the Waldenbooks in the mall) it sounds like you have a good understanding of the decks- not only how they read, but how people have emotional connections to some images and how different decks might change the whole experience for them. I know some people think it doesn't matter which deck is used, but since I'm so interested in imagery and symbolism, for me it holds a tremendous amount of appeal and possibilities.

 

Not only that but it gives purpose to the money I spent on so many decks in the first place!  I paid for them, I'm going to use them!  All of them! lol  There are a few decks I don't use but they are available if someone requests them.  My Escaflowne deck because of it's rarity and age, our Sola Busca deck purchased from Giordano directly.  My son is the one that exchanged emails with him and he's so nice!  The cards are huge, much bigger than the new deck out this year.  And my White Wolf Mage Ascension deck because it's worth a pretty penny.  lol and my Miss Cleo deck because well, Miss Cleo.  I used to watch her down here in Florida.  My son and daughter each have their own decks and I don't use them either.

[gingerblue]

 

 

Not only that but it gives purpose to the money I spent on so many decks in the first place!  I paid for them, I'm going to use them!  All of them! lol  There are a few decks I don't use but they are available if someone requests them.  My Escaflowne deck because of it's rarity and age, our Sola Busca deck purchased from Giordano directly.  My son is the one that exchanged emails with him and he's so nice!  The cards are huge, much bigger than the new deck out this year.  And my White Wolf Mage Ascension deck because it's worth a pretty penny.  lol and my Miss Cleo deck because well, Miss Cleo.  I used to watch her down here in Florida.  My son and daughter each have their own decks and I don't use them either.

 

I agree- as much as I want ALL. OF. THE. BEAUTIFUL. DECKS. I am trying super hard to only purchase the ones that really speak to me, and to keep my collection small until I'm familiar with the ones that I have.

 

Funny you should mention Miss Cleo because I happened upon her deck on Amazon two days ago! I only know her from the informercials. I just looked at her Wikipedia page- very interesting stuff.

 

(btw, I'm in Florida, too- hope Irma didn't do too much damage to your neck of the woods.)

 

 

[Saturn Celeste]

gingerblue[/member], everyone around us lost power but we didn’t, it was amazing.  We HAD Spectrum and they were out for a week, but we had power.  We have since switched to Frontier and have FIOS now. 

 

Her deck isn’t horrible, it’s an Egyptian theme deck.  I just have other decks I prefer.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/miss-cleo-tarot-power/

[EmpyreanKnight]

It would be so great to be able to read with all the decks one has in one's collection. I like delving deeply into specific decks since I'm fond of studying different systems, so that when I was just starting I would only read with one deck for months, barely touching the others I had. The Deck Of The Week group helped a lot in making sure that I don't neglect my other decks.  :)

[gingerblue]

I expect to add six or so more decks to my collection by the time December is said and done. Those Black Friday sales definitely enabled me and the decks are bringing me a lot of joy and interest (the symbolism and intuitive aspect of Tarot/Oracle is *so* fascinating to me right now- if I were still in graduate school I'd definitely be looking into doing a dissertation in Tarot symbolism, iconography, and philosophy!) and they don't take up too much room so I'm letting myself splurge a little. It's been a tough year- it's nice to have little treats in the mail to look forward to and the decks to enjoy researching, owning, and working with.

[SilverWolfie]

Too many ::) - need to downsize actually and stick with just a few favorites, I think.

[Padma]

I have about 45 and around 30 oracle decks. I am trying not to buy any unless they *really* speak to me! I haven't bought any in a while - too caught up with Lenormand  ::) (I think I have 10 different Lennies, now, too. And that is enough!)

[fractalgranny]

I have around 65.  Didn't buy any for about 1 1/2 years - just started to get more again.  Not sure whether that's a good idea.  I'm not a collector, I'm a user - how many decks can you use when you don't read professionally?  Hopefully one day soon I can come up with a system for this.  Over the years, I've come up with a system for my clothes (I have a limited amount of coathangers, and if I run out of room, I need to get rid of something.)

[Alta]

Over 300, too many by far but it seems like so much work to winnow it down.  :)

[Chiska]

I have about 165.  It just sort of happened.  Though, to be fair, several of those are repeats.  I think there are about 10 Thoths in various manifestations.  I have a few different versions of some decks as well.

[gingerblue]

Well, now I've caught the indie deck buzz- I want them all. Well, TEN decks or so. *swwwwoooning*

 

But wow, are some of them expensive- NOT that the artists/creators don't absolutely deserve that, it's just that it's so hard to spend $50 or $60 for a deck of cards, which is ridiculous considering I would easily buy a print of their work for $10-20 if I loved it, and decks are like a giant stack of mini-prints of art you can actually use and appreciate and get energy from on a regular basis. I've just been spoiled by mass market decks.

 

I think the Plant Ally deck and The Messenger cards (both on Etsy) are ones I will buy in the next few days. They both really resonate with me deeply. I want to buy all of Lisa Mcloughlin's decks but I'm going to start with one and  ask for the other two for the holidays.

[Raggydoll]

I have around 25 tarot decks (not counting the odd backup decks that I have) and a few more arriving soon. I have been using tarot card for twenty years but my deck-buying is very cyclic. I buy decks for a few months then I do an inventory and sell off any of my old decks that I don't like or use, so my total is not that high (although it slooowly creeps higher over the years as I don't sell quite as many as I buy, but I am completely fine with that. In fact, I do NOT mind a larger collection as long as its one that is well rounded and makes me happy!)

[gregory]

Over 300, too many by far but it seems like so much work to winnow it down.  :)

Every now and again I wonder if it's time to let some go.

 

But every time I try to decide which, it hurts. So - no !

[faerybraids]

I have...two. :-[ I just don't have the money to spend on new decks, especially not with my other hobbies and such that demand money and wishlist space, not to mention my money situation... It didn't help that when I did have spare money to spend on decks the ones I wanted were out of print or otherwise unavailable. *sadness* But I've mostly come to terms with it. If I only have two or three decks that make me happy, whether just looking at them or using them, I'd rather those than a large collection of ones I like yet don't actually look at or use. I've learnt that much about myself over my life.

 

That being said, there is a deck on my winter wishlist, so I hope I can say I have three decks by the end of the year. If not, well... That deck's so close to what I've been feeling/wanting, but it's still not 100% there, so I might end up trying to make the decks I've had floating around in my head these past few years... That would add at least three to my collection. I'm just not sure I'd be able to commit to them like I'd want to.

[Raggydoll]

Faerybraids: I totally get what you're saying and I do not think having few decks is a bad thing, as long as you like and connect with the ones you have. It gives you more time to truly study each deck and that can be a very good thing, especially if one is somewhat new to tarot. Too many decks can be overwhelming, for sure (although it seems to work really great for some). For me, it is a little bit like just going on many short dates vs. having long term relationships (and I much prefer long term relationships, though in this tarot-related case it is multiple long term relationships  ;D)

[faerybraids]

Raggydoll: Thanks for saying that, it's actually helped my mood quite a lot. :D I guess I've just been feeling a bit out of place my past while lurking on the forums, and envious of people's collections to boot. I think I needed the reminder that liking and connecting to the decks you own is more important than the amount you own (though I'm sure some collectors having different reasons for collecting different decks, like I do with my small tea collection). So, thanks again! (^^)☆ (Also, I love that analogy! And your avatar is so pretty. I still need to pick mine...)

[Raggydoll]

Faerybraids: You should not feel out of place at all. It took me several years to acquire more than two decks, and then I had about five decks for many more years. This is something that undoubtedly has helped me in my tarot journey. I am one of those people that feels bad if I acquire too much stuff and don't have enough time to really use and appreciate everything. The same goes for buying things that I really can't afford or just spending too much money in general. To me, that can really block my intuition and get in the way of me having clear readings. (Also, I am delighted that you liked my avatar, it took me quite some time to figure out what card I wanted to feature, but when I was shuffling my deck this card just popped up and it felt like the perfect choice!)

[gingerblue]

Raggydoll: Thanks for saying that, it's actually helped my mood quite a lot. :D I guess I've just been feeling a bit out of place my past while lurking on the forums, and envious of people's collections to boot. I think I needed the reminder that liking and connecting to the decks you own is more important than the amount you own (though I'm sure some collectors having different reasons for collecting different decks, like I do with my small tea collection). So, thanks again! (^^)☆ (Also, I love that analogy! And your avatar is so pretty. I still need to pick mine...)

 

Remember that some of us are collectors and some of us are tarot readers and some of us are both- like I said in another post, it's kind of like the difference between a professional car driver (needs only one good, useful car they enjoy and can rely on and use regularly) vs. auto collectors (have garages full of cars they rarely drive, and just like to look at). I'm definitely more of a collector, but I love using the decks. So finding new decks to purchase and love in my collection is a higher priority than mastering the decks I have, although that is definitely important. I definitely have some decks I rarely use but I'm glad I have them because they are beautiful. But right now most of my extra spending money is going to new decks because it's bringing me *so* much joy and I've been really down in the dumps the last few years. The art aspect of the decks really moves me and inspires me and has got me back to making my own art, as well. So I consider the process a healing one.

[Raggydoll]

Gingerblue: anything that makes you truly happy is a really wonderful thing. I am so glad to hear that tarot-collecting has that impact on you! I guess I am more of a user than a collector, even though I really like to study tarot art and symbolism, and I have a bit of an artistic side to me... So yes, I'm a bit of a mix, but leaning more towards using tarot cards instead of 'just' collecting them  :)

[gregory]

All these posts are true. I am well known as a rabid collector, and while nothing is likely to persuade me to stop, I can see very good reasons to have fewer decks - even ONE deck. Part of my "problem" is that I started out very much as a collector rather than a reader, and the collecting bug has stuck big time ! NOW I read with several and "use" all of them for comparison and study - but I can see why people wouldn't want to go that way. Also it is really my only "hobby", so....

 

Enjoy tarot the way it works for you, and don't let anyone tell you to do otherwise.

[faerybraids]

Raggydoll[/member] Thanks for the reassurance. I'm similar in those ways, my intuition and creativity get completely dampened.

 

gingerblue[/member] Thanks for that reminder as well. I think my current life situation's been distorting my perception a lot recently, which led to my aforementioned envy. I'm so glad collecting the decks is a healing process for you--finding something that sparks joy is such an amazing thing! I think I'm torn between being that professional car driver and being that collector: part of me says 'collect all the pretty decks!', another says 'wth no more than you need,' yet another says 'you don't have the money anyway.' Seems like something I should meditate on.

 

gregory[/member] Comparison and study is a great use of them! Hopefully one day I'll discover what works best for me. I guess I'll try to take it one day at a time until I get there. (I'm guessing you weren't speaking directly to me, but your post helped me nonetheless.)

 

Thanks all of you! You've all put several issues in my life into perspective for me. I'm sorry for being so despondent before.

[EmpyreanKnight]

Finally reached the 100 decks mark! Just waiting for a handful of decks that I've already ordered and paid for, then I'm imposing a hold order on my buying until September next year. I feel positively giddy with the sheer variety and number of the decks that I'm going to be working with. ;D

[Raggydoll]

EmpyreanKnight: So cool! Congrats! I hope you will share this exciting journey with the rest of us