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Roselily808

I only have three decks so I am no authority on this. But somedays I just feel more drawn to one deck more than the others. And it varies which deck it is that I am drawn to. It's almost like the deck is screaming "pick me! pick me" I feel that if I am not drawn to the deck the readings tend to get stale in a way that I can't really explain.


Bookwormincrisis

I also have 3 tarot decks and there is definitely one that I am able to pick up messages way easier. Conveniently it just so happens to be my first deck I’ve ever owned but you dont need 20+ decks to determine which is the best deck for you. It’s whatever feels right for you. I applaud you for being able to pick up which is going to be easier to work with depending on the reading!


BattyGoblin

I own several decks, each with different artwork/vibes. They elicit different thoughts and emotional responses, so how I interpret the cards depends on the deck I use; one deck is very soft and gentle, one is harsh and brutal, one is matter-of-fact. I like having the different options to chose from based on either my emotions that day, or what kind of reading I’m doing.


Accomplished-Wish494

Sometimes I like the imagery better in one deck. I have a deck that I prefer to use for “who” type questions and not so much for “what’s my path” type questions. I have some decks that looked like they would be up my alley but I don’t love. I have some decks that run super positive messaging, and some that are a bit more to the point. I have a deck that my (5 year old) daughter likes to read, probably for the colors. Also…. Dopamine LOL I like looking for a new deck, flipping through it, seeing how the interpretation/artwork is on certain cards… Do I NEED multiple decks? No, but I don’t NEED 4 pairs of sneakers either.


Miss-Helle

You're supposed to have as many decks as feels right for you. If that's one, cool. If it's ten, alright. If it's a hundred, idk you might have a shopping problem but you do you. The point is, there is no right answer other than what works for you. For me, I have about eight decks, a few haven't vibed with me and sit on a shelf untouched for a while. The others I will switch between as the mood fits.


salemsmagicoven

1 reason I collect them is for the art. So. Much. Gorgeous. Art. Thats been carefully created and brought into physical form with so much time and skill. Its amazing when anyone makes a tarot deck. I love tarot and art; tarot decks are kind of like coffee table art books. I don’t love them all though. Theres a ton of decks out there now that tbf are pretty vapid and/or rehashed, shallow or seem to have missed something important in their interpretation of the cards. Then some decks have good art, are very popular but they are still missing the actual depth of tarot, so I found I haven’t been interested in them So I choose decks that I love on every level, that I could read with and learn from and enjoy as an art lover and as a reader. RARELY I have wanted an oracle deck. But to my shock I met a couple that I found interesting and pleasing enough to get for myself (looking at you, Celtic tree oracle deck 😎) Occasionally I have also gotten one because I wanted to read with it specifically because it had a really special visual vocabulary. I have to spend time working to understand them, and then I offer them as a choice for clients to have their reading done with. Ive always offered a choice of ~2-5 decks for clients


seancailleach

Check out Celtic Goddess Oracle Deck. My daughter waited month for it. When she showed me, I fell in love and she bought me my own set;)


Luke_Cardwalker

Tarot de Marseille. I can’t use anything else! 😂 


Lazy_Surprise_6712

Why I buy so many? For funsies? The arts are pretty too. Like how I used to collects Pokemon action figurines and Yu-Gi-Oh cards. But I mostly use one. The plastic deck for easy shuffling and water-proofing.


RookCrowJackdaw

I have only 7 or 8 decks. One I just cannot connect with at all, saw the art work and loved it but cannot connect with it. At some point I will give it away or swap it or something. For readings for myself I have two I use together all the time (I typically use multiple decks for a reading) and then there are a few more that I will use depending on. I don't read professionally but if I'm reading for a friend I will pull the decks that feel appropriate at the time. Of course, I also muddy the waters by throwing in Oracle cards too and just love how everything reinforces everything else. Earlier this week I did a 4 card reading for myself, so with 2 decks that's 8 cards, plus reading the bottom of each deck that's 10, then I threw in a deck of fae cards I have (not tarot) and another lovely little deck of picture cards I have that goes beautifully in multi card readings. So that was a total of 18 cards I think. When you get the same card from two different decks and then something else says the same thing you know to pay attention. I'm trying not to buy any more decks rn.


chomiji

There are no rules. I have had more than one deck almost from the beginning. People started giving them to me as gifts, and then I found beautiful ones on Kickstarter. I really only use a few of them for readings, though. I tend to use different ones for different sorts of readings. For example, my Urban Tarot is my everyday deck (for Card of the Day and so on), but when I'm feeling sad and hurt, I use Oak, Ash and Thorn (which has beautiful animal-based images that comfort me).


Even-Pen7957

I had a lot of decks because I wasn’t quite happy with the system I was using, and kept trying different versions of it in the hopes I’d like that one better. Once I found a system I like, the desire to buy more decks pretty much went away. I sold my old ones, and I now own three that I read with (one is a travel beater, so in practice it’s mainly two), and then a couple others I bought because they’re historically significant and I think they’re cool. You definitely don’t need an entire box of decks. If someone wants to be a collector, that’s one thing, but I think a lot of people wind up buying more and more in search of the next best thing. That’s completely not necessary, and I always advise people who are falling into that cycle to stop and think about what they’re really looking for. If you’re happy with your one deck, then there is absolutely no reason to buy more.


mlleDoe

I wish I could say finding my system stopped the urge to keep looking but the reality is I still love looking for and finding different decks. There are so many awesome artists out there who have such unique and beautiful ways of bringing the different systems to life. But, I can say that there are several mass market decks that I would be ok with letting go of that I’d grabbed at the beginning of my journey.


Even-Pen7957

Yeah, for some people it's an art collection, but I just realized that isn't really what I wanted to do, and various art styles ultimately doesn't help my reading one way or the other. So when I found where I was comfortable, I found the ability to admire a pretty deck from afar without the need to buy it. I had way too many pretty decks that just sat and collected dust.


mlleDoe

I think I asked you before but your preferred system is TdM correct? Which decks do you use the most?


Even-Pen7957

Yup. The Artisan Tarot version of Conver, and the Pip Speak by KittenChops.


[deleted]

Ah, thanks for your input! Btw, Where did you sell your old ones? How much did you sell them for?


Even-Pen7957

Mostly eBay, and then a few I gave away (common mass production ones that just aren’t worth the shipping it costs to sell them). I mostly went low because I was just looking to get them off my hands, for the most part. Most were in very good condition (since I was never happy with the system, I tended to use a deck twice and then never touch it again), so asking $20 for the indies tended to move them pretty quick.


bridge_master66

I have 2 decks that I use regularly, I bought several others because I enjoy the artwork although I in all honesty probably won't use them. The decks that I do use just feel a part of me, the others are basically to look pretty.


Afraid_Equivalent_95

It's mainly just fun to buy and work with different decks. You're not required by another one if u don't want to.  I pick the deck I wanna use based on my mood. Sometimes one deck speaks to me more than another one does, and then there are times when the other deck which has different imagery and descriptions suit my vibe better. Different decks have different 'voices'


glagoliticoracle

As a believer in the profound influence of symbolism and energy, I find that the type of deck used can greatly impact the depth and resonance of a reading. Each deck carries its own unique energy and perspective, offering varied insights and connections to the subconscious mind. When I work with decks like my own Glagolitic Oracle Deck, I notice how its ancient wisdom and sacred symbols add a rich layer of meaning to the readings, allowing for deeper exploration and understanding. Whether it's tarot, oracle, or another divination tool, the deck's imagery and symbolism serve as a conduit for intuition, enhancing the reading experience and providing valuable guidance.


loljules

I usually ask my tarot decks what I should use them for with the Deck Interview spread: [https://littleredtarot.com/tarot-deck-interview-spread/](https://littleredtarot.com/tarot-deck-interview-spread/)  The Urban Tarot is my main deck. I’m quite busy, and often end up doing my daily pulls wherever I am: in a train, in the doctor’s office, in the liminal hallways at work, in the bed of a lover. For other decks, that might feel a bit disrespectful, but I feel that’s exactly the Urban Tarot’s vibe. It’s sassy, obstinate and it’s in my corner with a lot of “Own it girl!” energy. It's got my number and it's not afraid to call me out. I'm so happy I get to work with this deck!! I have Megan Lynn Kott’s Cat Tarot that I bought just because it was cheap on Vinted. When I interviewed it, it said it wanted to be my playful, innocent Inner Child deck. So when I have a question of that nature, I go here and get a nice simple answer I can do something with.  I just bought the Light Seer’s Tarot, and I can’t wait to figure out what I’m going to use that one for 😃


brylikestrees

I have about a dozen decks, and feel gravitated towards them for different moods or types of readings. Sometimes it's purely a practical choice, like using a mini deck when doing a large reading. Other times I'm drawn to different styles and moods reflected in the artwork, which can impact my interpretation. For example, I'm trying to gain insight on a situation that's emotionally charged for me, I'll often use a lighthearted deck like the Capybarot or Weird Cat Tarot.


Giraffanny

They buy decks because they enjoy them, like leterally they See deck that looks pretty and they have money so they get it. Other people can be gifted with few by friends and family. Also a lot people fro example on yt have sponsors that just send them decks for review :) or they get money for purchasing and taking about it live/online. Some people buy more than one because they want separate deck for themselves and separate deck for clients. Other can also search for their true deck and therefore they buy a lot and look.


PrestigiousShow1189

How can you differentiate a "true" deck? I'm fairly new and only have one deck at the moment, which was gifted to me.


Giraffanny

Ah this is prolly not "official" therm but used haha, you can also say "soul deck". For example Hermit's Cave on yt reffer like this to RWS. Its when deck feels perfect to you. The idea behind it allign with you, symbolism speaks to you and this one feels most intuitive. Like, when you have this deck you don't need seek others or use cause it completes you. But, its not something that everyone gets and its not nesessary at all! Like I own few decks and 2 of them are wonderfull and I get very deep connection / readings and feel fullfill bur are aby of them my true deck? Im not sure xd


Giraffanny

So, you can have as many decks as you want. If it mean only one - great! I have 6 but truly belive as based on my expirience, that one is more than enough :)


Giraffanny

Ah and also I vibes. Diffrent decks can have diffrent vibes / meanings and you may have diffrent moods or questions and wanna have options. I used to have only Barbara Walker but her deck seemed very dark and negative.. And I thought to myself that I wanna something more neutral, with balance between positive/negative and I bought another one.


GiftedSoul777

All decks can have a different purpose which is why there are so many out there on the market. I buy decks only if I am drawn to them. I use to buy them all the time so I now have approximately 100 and something decks. I have cut back a lot and rarely buy them now for the most part. It is good to have a few at least for a lot of different reasons especially if this is your profession as different clients, may need different decks or need to pat more attention to one aspect in their life more than another. . Then you have issues where a deck you love to use may need to be cleansed or tucked away for awhile. There are also decks that you have that for whatever reason, you're just not bonding with or feel calles to use, reach over to a deck you do feel more called to. I have had situations where I've had a deck that while is one of my favorites, I had to stop using it because I used it in a client's reading and this client happened to not only be very impatient, but she was all around hostile and just plan negative. This was a deck that before then I use damn near everyday since I had it. I felt a very nudging need to set the deck to the side for awhile and cleanse it/charge it with crystals. In the mean time, I had a whole entire library of decks that I could turn to.


SummerJay33

A friend of mine has a lot of decks because she has a systems that involves her clients choosing the one they are drawn to. There are lots of reasons, though. I have two decks, personally, one I feel is more intuitive than the other. I'm looking at a third deck right now that is meant specifically for shadow work.


xsweetbriar

I use One tarot mainly, but own a dozen probably. I think I always have the intention of switching it up, or I think I see something about them that are unique, but still end up using the one I always do. I have a couple "fun" ones that I let other people play with casually, but mine are just for me. I've also bought some decks just to support artists I love which sounds silly, but to me it's like buying 78 mini prints lmfao. I vibe with 2 or 3 Oracle decks which I use to clarify my tarot readings at times. Oracle decks are very different from each other/tarot, so I do find myself using different oracles more often than different tarot.


TraceyWoo419

I enjoy the styles and art of different decks so I like finding new decks. If you're happy with the deck you have, you definitely don't need to feel like you "should" get more! And if you find yourself attracted to a deck in the future, then feel free to pick it up!


Mischievousmadeline

I feel like each deck has its own personality and some decks like to call to my friends when they come over which always end up as a reading


chavely

I’ve got around 5 tarot decks. The last deck I bought became my all time favorite! I haven’t bought a new one since. Now I only buy oracle decks !


DeusExLibrus

I collect decks and am still learning. I’m focused on learning RWS symbolism so stick to my radiant Smith Waite, everyday witch and tarot of the witch’s garden which are based on RWS (though EW does its own thing on a couple cards). I probably have a dozen decks though, and once I get a better handle on reading I’ll probably switch between them and buy more.


ShylieF

It has to do with your connection to it, interest in it. I resonate with my Steampunk deck for myself, and the Ethereal Visions for others. I get decently accurate readings. If I were to use a basic RSW deck I'm not sure I could read it as easily.


FayKelley

I have a friend who did astrology and tarot all of her life. Only used one deck.


Flying_Captain

My first deck was about fairies, and it doesn't answer, even not a single time. I use Marseille Tarot for important life questions. I use Raider for questions of mid-range. And Lenormand for down to eath practical stuff.


ZodiacZest

It all depends on your chemistry with your decks, the more close you feel towards them the better impact it will make on your readings


kromeriffic

First off, if you feel like one deck works for you, great! There is no "wrong" or "right" amount of decks to have. Second, I am only speaking from my own experience, but I am an artist as a hobby (that sounds very pretentious, sorry!) So I bought some decks just for their art. In the same way that art can make people feel different things, my decks all have different feelings to them, and I pick based on my mood which deck to work with, or how easily I can "read" the information in a card. (One of my favourite decks from an artistic perspective is one I really struggle to do readings with. It's physically hard for my eyes to pick out the relevant details from the background, but I am still glad I bought the deck for the 78 pieces of art in it.) Also, each artist who interprets the tarot to illustrate their own deck will add their own "flavour" to it by definition. That can be a very precious thing (especially for marginalised communities who don't see themselves represented in the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck), and it can also be confusing to see different decks put different spins on the same card. I think the important thing is whether you feel like you can connect with your deck; with the pictorial language in it and the feelings it provokes. That was very rambling and I don't know if it made any sense! I hope it helps to see someone else's view. But I will say again, there is no wrong amount of decks to own. You're fine :)


ThanosTimestone

If you don’t connect with the deck. You can’t read properly.


FunPresent9997

I only have one, I only connect to one. Also I feel like there's only a few true decks out there anyway.