What is your favorite type of tarot cards?

Question

I am thinking of buying a new tarot deck, and was wondering what kind other people like to use.

Answer 1

I *love* the Hanson-Roberts deck, which was my starter deck, for these reasons. One is that they follow the Ryder-Waite symbolism, which is considered standard, so any generic book you get on tarot will apply to the H-R deck. Another is that they're the size of playing cards, which makes them easier to shuffle. And the third is that the watercolor and pastel artwork is fairly non-threatening. Also, they aren't terribly expensive.

Answer 2

I have a lot of decks but my personal favorites right now are the Fenestra Tarot and the Tarot of the 78 doors. I also picked up the Thoth a few weeks ago but I haven't had the opportunity to really work with it yet.

Since selecting a deck is really a matter of personal preference, I would suggest that you browse through AT's extensive list of more than 800 Tarot decks and Oracle decks.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards

At Aeclectic you can search for decks by name, category, publisher, and more. Viewings scans of the cards and reading the descriptions and reviews of the deck is incredibly helpful in narrowing down which decks are interesting to you. For convenience there are also direct purchasing links from major tarot sellers on each deck page. Not only is this site a real time-saver but it has saved me a lot of money.

Here is one example of a deck listing at AT. This is the Gilded Tarot::
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/gilded/

Answer 3

I like the Hanson Roberts deck, the Robin Wood Tarot and the Connolly Tarot Deck, because their imagery works well for my readings. I don’t like the darker cards like Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, but each to their own.

The many different tarot decks available will all portray symbolic imagery which must then pass through your psychic senses and, given the context of the questions asked, bring forth a tarot card meaning that significantly answers your question.

I am a professional psychic and always have at least 4 different decks on the go at any one time. When a deck get’s a bit too well worn I buy a new deck (often from eBay). I prefer to work with as new a deck of cards as possible so they shuffle and deal smoothly and quickly. I usually sell my old decks on eBay too. Here’s a live RSS feed for Tarot Decks on eBay at the moment. http://feeds.feedburner.com//TarotDeck

You can use this four minute video as a brief meditation on the tarot that, repeatedly viewed, will help you learn how to read tarot cards psychically. http://www.psychic-junkie.com/tarotvision.html

Here is a free download demo for a great Tarot program. To keep the size of the demo manageable it contains the Rider/Waite deck, the actual program will have 10 complete decks. This Demo version of Tarot is a full working copy for 30 days. So you get 30 days to study meanings and spreads! http://www.free-tarot-download-demo.wotsnext.com

Answer 4

First of all, tarot cards are not evil and they don't channel spirits. They merely help you tap into your unconsciousness and expand your knowledge.

I prefer the Rider Waite deck. I got my first deck for Christmas when I was 12 and have always felt comfortable with it.

What deck you use is a matter of personal preference. Don't worry, when you're shopping, you'll be drawn to the right one for you!

Answer 5

Its all a matter of personal preference really. I had a hard time with the "normal" decks because I couldn't connect with them on a spiritual level. Some of the artistry was beautiful, but I never got a well rounded reading out of them. Finally I tried Brian Froud's Faerie Oracle. I have always been visited by faeries, especially as a child, and I figured what they Hell! Its a beautiful deck to be sure, and I found my connection to them because of the sprites that visit me during my readings. Its a larger deck, and took a long time for me to learn. Sometimes what the Book said was the proper meaning of the card was argued by what I happened to feel it meant during the reading. Either its placement in my spreads, or the subject on who the reading was for. I found that when my instincts prompted a seperate meaning, it was usually correct.

Another reason I liked that deck better was because it gave you a guideline on how to "feel" your deck. Tarot cards are just as personal as any other magickal tool, and you need to have a true understanding of their depth. Sometimes I do have a hard time understanding them because faerie's love to see how others see them and would end up perching on the deck, or playing with the pictures themselves. But I still feel that I can get the best reading out of them.

To find a "good" deck for you, head to a mystical shop. Most of them have samples of cards that you can hold in your hand and get a feel for. There are different shapes of cards and obviously different styles of artistry. Just keep going back a couple of times to hold and look at all the different styles. A few of them will pop out at you, for some reason they will just feel right. Just keep narrowing them down until you are left with your "perfect deck."

A general rule that my family uses is to read the Book cover to cover that accompanies your deck to learn the basic meaning of each card. After you know all the "book meanings" take the long, time consuming process to make your own mini book of how you interpret the artistry on each card with the original meaning. Try a couple of readings and if you are pleased with the result, then you are ready to use your deck anytime anywhere. Another general rule in my family: until you are comfortable with your deck and all its interpretations, don't let anyone else handle it. Some members of my family never let ANYONE touch it but themselves. I bend the rule a bit, i find i get better readings for others when they cut the deck during shuffling, and then pick their cards from the deck when it is fanned in my hands. Then while they are still face down I let them arrange the cards into the spread. After they are satsified, I flip them over and finish the reading.

Answer 6

I used Ryder Waite Tarots for 20 yrs but now I use these cute Q cards that I don't think you can buy anymore.

Answer 7

Robin Wood has a nice deck. The Lord Of The Rings deck looks nice online, and that's the next one I'll be getting.

Answer 8

My prominent playing cards are the Thoth deck. they are very powerful and precise. I were given them from a save in Colorado called Isis Books. i believe they have a internet website. you could purchase Tarot playing cards at any Barnes and Noble Booksellers or Borders book position. For a newbie, i propose the Rider-Waite deck or the Marseille deck. in case you flow someplace with numerous decks to settle on from, p.c.. the only you sense maximum attracted to. solid success, and chuffed looking!

Answer 9

I use Sarah Hudes deck. They use the Rider-Waite symbolism and they are done in watercolors with old maps for backgrounds. When I first saw them I thought them beautiful and their symbolism makes it so easy for me to read with them. I know how the search can go - I became a collector because I was looking for the 'right' deck.

Good luck in your search. Blessings,
Zimmi

Answer 10

alastor crowly deck