Going deep with tarot - when you've got A LOT

[PathWalker]

I think this is the right place for this discussion - Mods please feel free to move it if you need 

 

So I just recently came across the idea of a 'depth year' - thank you Raggydoll - and it chimes with me as we have been downsizing and enjoying our remaining possessions more for a couple of years already - since we moved house. Nothing hidden away in the loft for example (apart from tree decorations for Yule)  - if we don't look at it and love it, why have it?

Even the idea of restricting my buying of decks - I've bought less than a dozen this year, and they were nearly all second hand decks which I felt I missed first time round. But I do have a lot of decks. Not as many as some folks, but so many that finding a way to use them and honour each one in the space of a year is tough/daunting.

 

So I thought I'd share a few ideas here - even the ones I don't feel will work for me - and see if other folks have suggestions that might help me    So here goes  . . .

 

 

* Use a different deck every day for a year (that would just about cover the list)

* Use a different deck every second day (time for reflection) and cut out all the duplicates, and the VERY similar RWS and Marseille types and so forth. (Still too many!)

* Use decks in a related bunch together - have a week or two with all the B&W decks out for instance, or all the Marseille and so on.

* I'd love to use all the decks and their given books and study more deeply - but I'd be here for decades, even if I never bought another!

 

 

Now I don't want to shed a lot of decks, I like them all, they are my collection, I'm nerdy about differences between historical decks for instance, so just parting with 100s of them isn't what I'm after. But I am a bit overwhelmed, some of them seem to be just beautiful, rather than things I use. Any suggestions and respectful chat very welcome. But no harsh judgments please!

 

PathWalker

[Raggydoll]

I’m so glad you started this thread and I can absolutely relate. I love my decks too and I’m not going to stop purchasing new ones or pair my collection down to three decks. BUT. Like you, I have also been downsizing and simplifying my life in general these past few years. I’ve sold off probably about 60-70 % of my things but I still have more than enough. This process has been very cyclic and I’ve had periods of intense decluttering that is then followed by a peaceful break. But I have always picked it up again and overall I am slowly getting closer to where I want to be. I have strong motivations for doing all this - my own health issues plus my sons autism - it demands a lot of energy. I do not want to waste more time than necessary on cleaning, organizing etc. 

 

What has worked for me is to decide on what hobbies/passions that I’m still very much enjoying. There were lots of things that I had stopped practicing or ceased having an interest in, and those things could go. And as I got rid of stuff I realized what areas of my home that felt like “premium” - like some glass cabinets and inherited furniture - and then I looked at what items I had previously stored there. It was not my favorite things! So I promoted our most treasured belongings to those premium areas and soon I felt so much happier and satisfied. It was like a 9 of pentacles moment to look around and see everything on display. This way it wasn’t hard to get rid of old dvds and books that I never wanted to read a second time etc.

 

I have also noticed that it helps to focus on my favorite decks and to keep them in mind when I go through my collection. When I compare the rest of my decks to those favorite ones it becomes so clear what it is that I love and what I’m not so passionate about. And that made it much easier to cull my collection a bit. It also made me more sure about what decks I wanted to acquire (and which ones I should pass on). 

 

I really liked your suggestions. I do not feel overwhelmed when using my things; reading my books etc. So I will try some of your ideas out!

[Mi-Shell]

I think at this moment I have about 130 decks - Tarot and oracle and a few $ 5.00 illustrated playing cards.

This year 2 newbies were added. 

With each of my decks I worked with - for a couple of weeks to a couple of months, to see and find out, what they each can teach me - about Tarot, reading and about myself - or as prompters to explore different cultures - like Celtic and Norse Myth for example.

Some of these may advance into my "use" categories 

Of course this category is made up out of  my "special decks", the ones II particularly click well with - like the Greenwood and Ironwing.

Also there is a list of "reading decks," that I use when I do readings face to face here at home of on gatherings or events. 

 

I do not think, that using a different deck each day will feel satisfying or that you will get much of a "feel" for the deck of the day.

At times, when I just want to go through my "not use" pile of decks, I join the Deck of the Week gang for a few months.

Several of us are doing this to go through our deck collections.

 However, you also may have decks that fit the category of "78 magnificent - or crazzzzy little pieces of art"

Decks we love or have to have around for this reason.  - Margarete Petersen and Klimt and a few others are in this category for me...

Maybe it would be an idea to examine your collection along these kind of lines - and also ad a few of your own categories.

Yes, well, there are always a few decks we just do not click with at all,no matter what. These will need to get dusted and passed on. 

Someone is going to want them. 

 

[Rose Lalonde]

@PathWalker another idea to incorporate decks might be to organize the year by card.  In the days you allot to each card, you could pull out whatever decks you'd like and note the different ways they represent that card, which aspects they emphasize, maybe which you think is the best representation, etc. 

 

It's an awkward 4 1/2 days per card to fit 78 in the year, unless there's some even way to do it with rest days counted in? (Or if you're into astrology, you could just use the decan dates.)

Edited December 18, 2019 by Rose Lalonde

[jupiter]

I only have about ten tarot decks, but I feel overwhelmed already. I bought the first deck in September, so I haven't really spent much time with a single deck at all. I really want to use what I have, instead of accumulating more and more.

 

My latest acquisition is the Wildwood, and I've hardly been able to put it down. I've been pondering the idea of making 2020 about the Wildwood only, and then maybe choose a different one for the year after.

[PathWalker]

Thank you all!

In the short term, I've decided to take out all the decks, shelf by shelf, and just open each one and go through the cards. This may take a while It will remind me why I love some of them, even if I don't read with them, and perhaps highlight a few that don't inspire me at all. I think being able to mentally divide reading decks from art-type decks will be helpful - thanks Mi-Shell.

Use of decans, great idea thank you!

Not sure what will come after that, but it's a good start.

[Raggydoll]

I also saw a YouTuber suggesting that we can take out our old decks and do with them exactly what we do with a new deck - whether it’s a flip through, glancing the guidebook or doing an interview spread. That way they feel new and exciting again (or we might realize that it’s a a deck we really don’t like and that we’re ready to move on). I’m going to do this with some of my unused decks. I want to decide if they are staying or going. I have actually sold around 8 decks this past week (several of them were really nice indie decks that just was not for me - like the moonchild tarot and pagan otherworlds), and the last year I’ve probably sold/gifted like 30 or more decks. But since I have never stopped purchasing new decks then I still have a nice collection. In fact, I think it is getting nicer and nicer for every year as I am selling and adding decks in accordance to what I truly love. I think I know myself better now so I’m less likely to purchase decks that are complete failures for me. (I still acquire some decks that I’m unsure of though, and I wouldn’t want to lose the thrill of new unexpected discoveries 👌)

[Eric13]

I think being able, or just using a different either daily of every other day would bee incredible. Great for a reader really. 

For me though it would be mentally exhausting. 

One of these days I'm going to post my depth year when I can sit down and focus on it. I think it'll be good to post on the forum to me focused on it, but it's not about buying more cards. Unless I can find some more genuinely vintage, good condition decks that shout "buy me!" the way others have, I just don't need anymore. 

Edited December 18, 2019 by Eric13
added last sentence

[PathWalker]

@Raggydoll thank you! That's sort-of what I'm doing first. I'm taking out all the decks, shelf by shelf, and going through all the cards, browsing the book and deciding how I feel.

I've finished the first shelf - it had 21 decks on it, and 4 deserve more study and 2 could be let go.

 Gosh that feels a bit weird, but okay.

 

Does anyone else feel guilty (about the money spent I suppose) when you decide to let go of decks?  That hinders me a bit too, but isn't really logical and Mr PW never says he has any problem with it, so just in my head

 

@Eric, it would mentally exhaust me too - and I know I wouldn't keep up a different deck every day for a year, so I'm finding other ways to approach my collection rather than set myself up to fail    I did once buy a large collection of decks, and so I was smitten with bug by then LOL

Edited December 18, 2019 by PathWalker

[Saturn Celeste]

22 hours ago, PathWalker said:

Even the idea of restricting my buying of decks - I've bought less than a dozen this year, and they were nearly all second hand decks which I felt I missed first time round. But I do have a lot of decks. Not as many as some folks, but so many that finding a way to use them and honour each one in the space of a year is tough/daunting.

I've had to stop buying decks because of our finances.  But when I get my check each month, I do try to buy a deck or book if I'm able.  Living in a humid state, I do have to take my cards out periodically and shuffle them so they don't stick.  I have almost 300 oracle and tarot decks but am not going to sell anything yet unless I really have to because I want to leave them for my son when I die.  By then the cards will have appreciated even more and be worth more money than they are now.

 

I'm also to the point I have to remove some of the decks I don't read with anymore and put them on a bookcase in my bedroom.  I am really out of room in my corner!

[PathWalker]

I don't bank on mine going up in value - most of them have been produced in such large numbers - like Singer sewing machines - that there are thousands of them about and they don't appreciate like their hopeful owners or inheritors think they will  Worth a try though I guess.

But I feel I will let a few go, because they just don't inspire me. I don't read with them, I don't love the artwork, the book frustrates (or even irritates!), so there will be a few. And I, like you, could use the space. There's something over 400 in total, with oracles as well, and I keep them in their original packaging if it came with them.

📚

[AJ-ish/Sharyn]

5 hours ago, Raggydoll said:

  I still have a nice collection. In fact, I think it is getting nicer and nicer for every year as I am selling and adding decks in accordance to what I truly love. I think I know myself better now so I’m less likely to purchase decks that are complete failures for me. 

Looking back at when I decided to use my decks rather than buy and shelve 🙂 (deck of the week plan, week 632) I've had 100's of decks go through my hands. What has remained is like comparing casino chips and gold coins, what remains is so rich in meaning and texture, it excites me just looking at my drawer or shelf.  What has surprised me is when I do my annual inventory, how my top 5 decks have changed over the years. My tarot/oracle use has matured and changed there too. The Greenwood and Songs For The Journey Home are the only ones who've remained in the top 5

[Raggydoll]

3 minutes ago, AJ-ish/Sharyn said:

Looking back at when I decided to use my decks rather than buy and shelve 🙂 (deck of the week plan, week 632) I've had 100's of decks go through my hands. What has remained is like comparing casino chips and gold coins, what remains is so rich in meaning and texture, it excites me just looking at my drawer or shelf.  What has surprised me is when I do my annual inventory, how my top 5 decks have changed over the years. My tarot/oracle use has matured and changed there too. The Greenwood and Songs For The Journey Home are the only ones who've remained in the top 5

That sounds wonderful and inspiring!

[PathWalker]

That's what I'm aiming for ". . . what remains is so rich in meaning and texture, it excites me just looking at my drawer or shelf. . . "

but I'm struggling with

* I've had it such a long time it must be good?

* So and so gave it to me, I must keep it?

* I paid quite a bit of £££ for it, it must be good?

* It IS pretty, it must surely speak to me?

 

And so on and so on LOL

I'm getting encouraged to be 'real' though, thank you all.

 

[Raggydoll]

35 minutes ago, PathWalker said:

That's what I'm aiming for ". . . what remains is so rich in meaning and texture, it excites me just looking at my drawer or shelf. . . "

but I'm struggling with

* I've had it such a long time it must be good?

* So and so gave it to me, I must keep it?

* I paid quite a bit of £££ for it, it must be good?

* It IS pretty, it must surely speak to me?

 

And so on and so on LOL

I'm getting encouraged to be 'real' though, thank you all.

 

All I can say is that it gets easier and easier, once you’ve managed to get rid of one deck then things will slowly shift. And there’s no real urgency, right? ❤️

[PathWalker]

No, it's just 'the time' if you know what I mean? but I can make a pile, and then leave it to think about them

[Raggydoll]

1 minute ago, PathWalker said:

No, it's just 'the time' if you know what I mean? but I can make a pile, and then leave it to think about them

Yeah I get it 🙂 And sometimes, just selling one deck (and not just putting it in a maybe-pile) will get things going. I was really torn in the beginning but it has gotten easier and easier to decide and detach myself from the stuff. Just don’t forget that it’s exhausting to make decisions so we need to take breaks and breathe as to not get burnt out. You will get there, just take the first gentle step. And acknowledge every progress you make, even if it feels silly or insignificant.  

[PathWalker]

Here's is a quick update on my journey. I have physically handled all my decks! Opened each box, taken out the cards, looked through the deck and asked myself how I feel about them. (Yes it does make you dizzy after bit!)

I've set aside about 50 decks that I really don't enjoy, they have gone into a box for now, whilst I ponder how I feel about what's left.

 

One really good thing that came of the exercise was realizing I have a bunch of decks I'd meant to give more time too- which had got lost in the whole. Some just need a reading or two doing with them - like the Transparent Tarot by Emily Carding -  just to have a go and see how I feel about them. Some I've just never gotten round to reading their lovely books. Some deserve a more in-depth time of study and use.

 

Here is the list for my reference:

Transparent

Atavist

DeamPower

Wheel of Change

Lover's Path

Wild Unknown

Mandala Astrological

Tarrocchi Celtici

Crystal Tarot

Elemental

Hermetic

Songs for the Journey Home

Gareth Knight

Barbara WAlker

Xultan

Crow's Magick

Kalevala

William Blake

Magical

Dark Goddess

Maat

 

What a mixture 

[Raggydoll]

58 minutes ago, PathWalker said:

Here's is a quick update on my journey. I have physically handled all my decks! Opened each box, taken out the cards, looked through the deck and asked myself how I feel about them. (Yes it does make you dizzy after bit!)

I've set aside about 50 decks that I really don't enjoy, they have gone into a box for now, whilst I ponder how I feel about what's left.

 

One really good thing that came of the exercise was realizing I have a bunch of decks I'd meant to give more time too- which had got lost in the whole. Some just need a reading or two doing with them - like the Transparent Tarot by Emily Carding -  just to have a go and see how I feel about them. Some I've just never gotten round to reading their lovely books. Some deserve a more in-depth time of study and use.

 

Here is the list for my reference:

Transparent

Atavist

DeamPower

Wheel of Change

Lover's Path

Wild Unknown

Mandala Astrological

Tarrocchi Celtici

Crystal Tarot

Elemental

Hermetic

Songs for the Journey Home

Gareth Knight

Barbara WAlker

Xultan

Crow's Magick

Kalevala

William Blake

Magical

Dark Goddess

Maat

 

What a mixture 

I think that physically handling every deck can be a really smart and powerful thing to do. Once you compare the feeling of the ones you genuinely love with the ones that are so-so, then it becomes easier. That’s why I like to start with holding my favorites first, before going through the rest. Just to have a reference point 🙂

[Aoife]

Sorry to digress, but you're the first person I've come across who's mentioned The Atavist!

I love this deck, particularly the majors which are from original art canvases.

I use this deck a lot - I think it has amazing depth. 

[PathWalker]

Ah I have it, but have never read the big book that comes with it - so it's going to get some attention and then maybe I'll enjoy it more  🙂

[Barleywine]

I'm ambivalent about what to do with my unused decks. I have a little over 70 now, but I only use half-a-dozen with any regularity, depending on whether I'm in a Thoth, RWS or TdM mood. The others aren't doing any harm sitting on the shelf, and I've managed to limit my new-deck purchases to only a couple a year, so I'm not feeling a lot of pressure to unload any. There's a small handful I actively dislike, and a larger number of beautiful but uninspiring art decks that never spoke to me, but they don't bother me enough to do anything about them. When we moved last year we trashed more than a 15-foot dumpster-load of stuff that had been sitting in our attic and basement for almost 40 years, and sold off or gave away quite a bit more. Once in a while we say "I wish we still had that" but not very often. To be honest, though, if I hadn't bought 80% of the decks I own, I never would have missed them.

[Grace]

One of the first Readers I saw a long time ago, worked out of her home. She had the most amazing set up, and owned quite a few valuable decks. The hallway that led into her 'reading room', was lined with narrow but tall framed decks that she didn't use but couldn't bear to throw away. It was quite the curation, and must have cost her a fortune. I tried to walk down the hallway as slowly as I could to take it all in! There was probably 20-30 decks on display just in that space. 😍

It didn't look anything like the example below - the frame was narrow and tall - but you get the idea.

Edited March 8, 2020 by Grace

[PathWalker]

Thank you for reopening this topic

I've had a boxful put away for a while, but now I've started taking decks back out of the box LOL! Some had already been gifted away though, and some are just not speaking to me,even though I love the art - Wild Unknown for example - so they will go eventually.

But I'm trying to let some go because there are so many, it becomes hard to lift out a deck I'd like, or recognise something I haven't looked at for a while. I like a bit of order.

 

The frames is a lovely idea - but here my walls are already full of bookcases or art, there no's wall space left 

Edited March 8, 2020 by PathWalker

[53rdspirit]

I'm using the TT&M Deck of the Weeek group here to go through my decks that have been sitting in boxes for years. If I work with each one of these decks for a week (or more, if need be), journal (here on TT&M) about the deck(s),  and after all that I  find that I don't care for them --into the "for sale" box they go!

 

It's a slow 7 of Coins, but I think it will work for those decks where I'm a 4 or 7 of Cups. Journaling here will help me 2 of Swords through it so I'm not feeling so 5 of Cups about my collection.