I tend to believe that things shouldn't be locked away in the cupboard (unless you're a Collector proper) - they should be used and enjoyed. However I'm struggling with this with a couple of my decks. I keep looking longingly at the Tarot de Paris but I don't want to spoil it. So it stays in its box.
Do you have special decks that you actually use?
Have you had a special deck that you've used and that has lasted well, or have you regretted letting it wear?
I use all my decks. Although I have 120 decks, I don't keep a deck if I don't mean to use it. I am not a collector in that sense.
I believe very much what you said. That things shouldn't be locked away in the cupboard. That Tarot decks are meant to bring joy and be touched and create wonder in us. And to show us the magic in life and to help us help others.
I have had two very expensive decks (meaning over $100.00). I still use one of them often. The other I did not get on that well with so I gave it to a friend. To me it would be a waste to spend a lot of money on something and then choose to not get the benefit from it.
To me, that would be like going to an expensive restaurant, ordering something you know you love.... And then just choosing to look at it, instead of eating it. To me it's a waste not to use it. And you're just depriving yourself of the joy in that. I'd personally prefer to letting a deck get used enough to look worn, than never using it at all. I deck that would get used that often, did some good in the world...enlightened others, helped them solve problems and just made the world a better place in some way. That would give me satisfaction to know it. If it would just sit there unused (for me as I am not a collector) I would regret buying it.
I have to say though that all my decks are lasting pretty well. I have been reading about 15 years right now and really all my decks are in good shape. I think that is the result of choosing to have so many and using them all. It's like each deck gets used once a year or less.
I do notice in my very first deck that it FEELS differently. Smoother and actually nicer. But it doesn't look any different at all.
Babs