Abrac
It won't take over unless you let it. If you're not ready to devote all your time to the Thoth, take it in small bits. Nothing says you can't do more than one thing at a time.
Hi Charlotte
I'm pretty new to tarot too, a year or so. I found Duquette really helpful in getting started with the Thoth and yes, it definitely fascinating stuff. Enjoy your learning and reading with the Thoth, no need IMO to consider shunning other decks that you enjoy working with.
I'm not sure about a deck taking over, perhaps it depends on your own characteristics. I know I can be intense at times so focusing on one deck so far suits me.
While it is true that for many people using the Thoth causes them to use it as their main, and in some cases only, deck but it doesn't do this suddenly or magically. Over the course of my studies and work with the deck I found that its complexity and overall vision were a good deal more "adult," mature and developed than any other of my decks and so in time I grew to naturally prefer it. It didn't do it to me, I did it to myself.
If you like something, and over the course of time you grow to like something else, you don't mourn what you don't like anymore, you just move on. That's why we have favorite songs of the moment, but we know that next week someone will have a new hit single which will be the greatest song ever, and the week after that another.
So I don't think you shouldn't use it out of fear that it will replace your other decks on its own.
It won't take over unless you let it. If you're not ready to devote all your time to the Thoth, take it in small bits. Nothing says you can't do more than one thing at a time.
I always thought that the witch Jadis in Narnia was inspired visually by the Princess of Disks... and I agree, the deck looks completely fresh.
There's is always something new to see in the images they never get old or boring....Imma be real pissed if I end up only using this deck lololololol
I can see how they can totally absorb you and so far my deck has been very nice to me even though I do feel a little intmidated. Honest and direct but not in a harsh way so I appreciated that.
Loool, mercuryempress, all those "other" decks just pushed to the back...All! Those Decks--yikes! All that monetary investment and study time. I know... However, true study time is never really a waste! aaand if studying the Thoth is feeling bit strenuous, have some tea (you'll know you have a very nice choice of friendly back-ups )
I only recently purchased my first Crowley Thoth and got the large cards. (I waited a long time bc of what I had read about naughty Aleister. Have moved on fm there in search of ever more (useful I hope) knowledge.) Perhaps w a decent grounding here, and then going back to see how it changes perceptions of other decks. Also took the advice read on these threads and went for a newer edition. Most of the colors really are better. Nice lwb by James Wasserman too. VERY pleased to finally have it, and have already ordered a German Pocket-size, as these are "supposebly" photos of the original paintings, so looking forward to the mail.
There are only two cards I kinda dislike in the Thoth, and the first is the Emperor which seems rather dull despite all its red sulfuric overtones, and the 2nd: the tiny (and green!) pin-head (and arms) on the Princess of Cups. The rest of that card is beautiful, but her little green HEAD--ruins my staring ability. That's only 2 cards tho! What ENERGY!