Suggestions for Novice's Use of Different Decks

[manandcards]

Do you guys have any suggestions as to which deck would be the best for me to learn next? Is there one that's easier to learn or meshes well with what I've learned so far with Ride Waite?

Thanks!

When I started learning tarot I bought several different decks. It was in the days when to see tarot cards you had a flip through a sample folder. Now though Aeclectic and YouTube and loads of other places you see different cards and find a deck you like the look of.

The comparative tarot method of study and reading is fun (there is was even a deck) so I wouldn't worry too much about what deck you choose next though I'd considered one that sticks to Waite's methods rather than jumping to TdM or Thoth only because it's such a leap rather than an exploration.

Tarot by Alexander Daniloff 2012 is a limited edition but lovely 'almost' RWS deck, there are decks like Halloween which 'theme' RWS. You could go out of the box for something like Wild Unknown Tarot.

Whatever you choose I'd suggest just comparing the cards of your new deck with your current and learning and exploring.

 

[Goodluck]

There are so many decks out there that are based on the Rider Waite Smith (RWS). You should have no problem finding a deck that will both draw from and enhance your understanding of the deck you're using now. What are some of your interests or hobbies? What kind of art are you attracted to? That can help narrow down the selection.

I really like art that has a sort of majestic feel. I was scrolling through Amazon and saw a deck that was beautiful (i can't remember the name). I love astrology, too, so I thought a deck that pulled that in with it might be a good one. Thoth appears to do this. Do you have any thoughts on the Thoth deck?

 

[Goodluck]

When I started learning tarot I bought several different decks. It was in the days when to see tarot cards you had a flip through a sample folder. Now though Aeclectic and YouTube and loads of other places you see different cards and find a deck you like the look of.

The comparative tarot method of study and reading is fun (there is was even a deck) so I wouldn't worry too much about what deck you choose next though I'd considered one that sticks to Waite's methods rather than jumping to TdM or Thoth only because it's such a leap rather than an exploration.

Tarot by Alexander Daniloff 2012 is a limited edition but lovely 'almost' RWS deck, there are decks like Halloween which 'theme' RWS. You could go out of the box for something like Wild Unknown Tarot.

Whatever you choose I'd suggest just comparing the cards of your new deck with your current and learning and exploring.

I'm glad you mentioned Thoth because that's one that caught my eye but I was intimidated by its variations from RWS. I will look into your suggestions and see if I can find one that clicks with me. Thanks!

 

[Goodluck]

WELCOME to the fabulous world of the AT forum!

What decks have caught your attention, and sucked you in?
Have you been exploring the different deck photos featured to see what grabs you?

A key is yo ENJOY your exploration.
If you let us know what decks have attracted you so far, we can give you feedback, (and share other potentials of similar decks to check out).

Gilded Tarot by C.M is must have!^^
also you will had to get Thoth C.H eventual because all good books for that deck!^^ ))

I somehow didn't see your responses when I just asked cSpaceDiva what she thought of Thoth. lol It definitely caught my eye visually, but I'm concerned that it's quite different from RWS.

 

[Goodluck]

If I had my Tarot time over again I would spend more time on the Waite/Smith system before moving on. But there's so much Tarot candy out there and I wasn't self disciplined enough to hold back. Then I would slowly turn to the other of the three systems i.e. Marseilles and Thoth. I would use more than study, and learn all three systems well. THEN, I would look at the other candy that's around, with the experience of the three systems.

If you want to stick to the Waite/Smith system then spend some time looking on the database here and you will know what appeals to you, but asking for opinions on actual decks is subjective so be aware of personal taste coming in to recommendations.

I think your advice to "use" the new systems rather than simply "study" them is great advice. That will probably help me figure out which really click for me. Thanks so much! Also, I am going to start referring to this all as "tarot candy" now. That's too cute!

 

[Goodluck]

If you like Rider Waite styled decks, you're in luck because there are tons of them! I would suggest looking through the "Tarot Decks" section here on Aeclectic and see what you are drawn to. My other suggestion would be to get a deck and book set that will help explain some of the cards better; the recently released Victorian Fairy set is a good example.
Welcome to ATF, Goodluck!

The decks that people are drawn to vary wildly. It's mostly a matter of personal taste. It is so much fun to get a new deck and really click with the images.

You really can't go wrong with anything that tickles your fancy. I would search the forum threads to read about the decks that people are using now, or you can browse profiles to see what people list as their favorites. Research the decks to see what the images are like and read people's reviews of them. Well this is what I do anyway.

I think of the main Tarot systems as being the Rider Waite Smith, the Thoth deck, the Tarot de Marseilles and then the old decks like Visconti and Eteilla etc... Most of the decks published today seem to be based off of the Rider Waite system so you should have plenty of decks to choose from if you want to continue with a variation that system.

Perhaps getting a deck that is a RWS clone/inspired but has artwork you are drawn to will be a good idea. I began studying tarot almost a year ago, and used what may as well be a clone with pretty artwork. I have never touched an actual RWS deck. But it worked well for me. And of course books, as well as the right videos on youtube will help you learn more layers to tarot.
I do not know what sort of artwork you like, so I can't really suggest any decks for you, but this site has a large list of cards in many different categories.
If you see one you are considering, it would be really helpful to check up a review video of that deck on youtube, so you can see the deck in action.

Thanks, you guys. I'm definitely going to utilize this site to research thoroughly before I actually buy any new ones. OaksWhispering, I didn't think about YouTube for reviews, thanks!

 

[Goodluck]

what artwork or styles do you like? I think it's a good idea to work out your personal taste! for me I know I like happy and bright cards. big bold pop art type colours and slightly impressionist, so I look for decks in that style (actually I asked on here and people gave me their wonderful suggestions in my theme area).

If you have the RWS, you might like to keep it safe and go for a clone. It uses the RWS style but does it slightly differently.

The AT area which is not the forum, has great reviews and suggestions for decks. There is the latest decks coming in and top tens of popularity - http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/topten.shtml

some of the lists that might help you...

beginners tarot decks - http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/beginner.shtml

rider waite clones (they have different colours or redrawn versions of the cards) - http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/rider-waite-clone.shtml

rider waite inspired - http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/cards/rider-waite-inspired.shtml

it really involves you looking at pictures of decks you think you would like! if you want to keep in the RWS area and not be too adventurous, you could go for the radiant tarot or Albano-Waite tarot, they are RWS but new colours. They give you new insights. The International Icon tarot has the RWS pictures with all religious elements and sex and race removed. If you want to be more adventuous, you need you decide on what you like. There is decks with cats, fairies, dark decks in theme and angels and mermaids! It's too big an area to recommend without knowing someone's taste

I like happy, bright cards, too. I actually found some of the decks to be downright creepy. lol I'm used to RWS so it probably does make sense for me to start by veering slightly out into a clone before I jump into a totally new system. I'm going to check out your links to see my options. Thank so much!

 

[cSpaceDiva]

Let's see, majestic, bright, and possibly with some astrology...I think you might enjoy Ciro Marchetti's decks, The Gilded Tarot and Legacy of the Divine are still in print. Tarot Illuminati is also very bright and majestic. Definitely browse through the decks and check out the Top Ten lists that are compiled each year.

As far as the Thoth, I don't have personal experience reading with it, and it is a different system from the RWS. That being said, it is a very popular deck with lots of books available and its very own study forum. Good Luck, Goodluck!

 

[acgtardis]

Beginner Decks

I started with kits, Easy Tarot with the Gilded Tarot Deck by C.M. and the Barnes & Noble kit. I finally bought a Rider Waite Smith deck and started studying. When I found this site I looked through ALL of the decks they had to see what struck my fancy. It's amazing how many different types are out there! There are now 50 different decks in my home, most of them are used due to cost . Find artwork that speaks to you and run with it. I also suggest making a notebook to study the cards.

 

[flyingwind66]

Go to a store that hopefully has open decks so you can hold and look at the cards in your hands. I find that some decks here on the Aeclectic website have terrible pictures of otherwise beautiful decks and some have beautiful pictures of an otherwise ugly deck.

Feel the energy from the cards in your hands and decide whether or not the artwork and the imagery appeals to you.

I have bought decks where I have loved the imagery but can't read with. The deck has to 'speak' to you.