Tarot?

[Nines19]

This is a topic/question(s) that's been brewing in the back of my mind for a while now. I was brought back to the thought of it today by my friend returning a deck of cards to me that I'd almost forgot I'd lent her.

I was wondering if the "standard deck" of Tarot cards is the only common deck? Are there any unusual decks with interesting cards you've come across or heard of? What are some opinions on making your own sets and/or coming up with your own card designs?

(The idea of "alternate" or different cards than are "standard" has appealed to me ever since I finished Stephen King's The Gunslinger. I'm not entirely certain as to why.)  

[FlySammyJ]

What do you mean by standard? The Rider-Waite deck is usually what comes to mind, and just about all tarot decks follow that format of suits and arcanas, though the art varies widely. Decks with different suits and such are usually sold as Oracle decks or something of the sort, without the T-word attached.

My go-to deck for general inquiries is the Victoria Regina by Sarah Ovenall and Georg Patterson, because it's very good at being blunt and telling me exactly what I need to hear. I'm looking for another, more gentle deck for different kinds of questions, and I'm thinking about going for a non-standard deck since I want it for non-standard purposes.

I love the idea of making one's own deck. As a witch, I love to personalize or make my tools whenever I can, because I think when you alter or make something you influence more than its physical nature. A deck that's made to answer your questions, if you make it well and willfully, will "try harder" or be more "powerful" than a store-bought deck, even if just because it means more to you.

edit: link added  

[CuAnnan]

I recently won a Mage: The Awakening deck.
It's nicer than the Robin Wood.  

[FlySammyJ]

I just saw this one and decided that I must have it.  

[dittolovebug]

I've ordered a few decks from this place http://www.buytarotcards.net/.

I prefer my Rider-Waite deck though which is was my first Tarot set.  

[Shearaha]

I don't like my Rider-Waite deck. It doesn't fit in my hands well. I"m using it as a started deck as the books I'm using as refrence use that deck. I hope to make my own or at least find a deck that suites me better.  

[dittolovebug]

I used to use this deck Pocket Rider-Waite the cards are only 2 1/4 by 3 1/2 inches which fits smaller hands it's the same one I am using to teach my son who is only 4 (tiny hands).  

[Shearaha]

Hmm, I may have to look into that. I really do need a generaly smaller deck. Mine hurts my hands to shuffel crying  

[Aino Ailill]

Tarot originated as a game, correct? If so, where could one find instructions on how to play?  

[Namikikyo]

I have a Revelations Deck that I use every now and then, And a deck of plain playing cards that I use regularly.

 

[Collowrath]

I have small hands - gorgeous hands, but small nonetheless. I use a Medieval Scapini deck that is just a tad larger than regular playing cards.

I refer to the book pretty regularly, but I'm starting to not need it so much. They're "awake" so to speak, and pretty vocal.

I see a lot of decks, one which I thought was interesting replaced the Major Arcana with figures from Russian folklore.

I would be more inclined to make my own deck if I had the artistic ability. As it stands, I would end up with glorified stick figures. xp As far as my own mind and tradition is concerned, there wouldn't be any difference between a deck you buy and a deck you make - it's all paper and ink and whatever else until it's "woken up" anyhow.  

[dittolovebug]

Aino Ailill

Tarot originated as a game, correct? If so, where could one find instructions on how to play?

Tarot is a divination tool not a 'toy' despite the use of simple playing cards at times instead of one of the more elaborate decks.

To Learn how to use a Tarot deck and and the picture meanings within can be done with many books out there (you can usually find a deck that has it's own book) but as I mentioned above it isn't a toy and if used as such will not work properly you would at best get confused results and or simply a neat party trick to play on your friends.

Tarot takes time and patience and an open mind in order to use the standard interpretations in the book and your own "intuition" to elaborate on the cards arranged before you. Otherwise you'll be telling your best friend "She'll be running off with a dark haired man tomorrow and swimming in tomato soup that weekend."  

[Collowrath]

dittolovebug

Aino Ailill

Tarot originated as a game, correct? If so, where could one find instructions on how to play?

Tarot is a divination tool not a 'toy' despite the use of simple playing cards at times instead of one of the more elaborate decks.

Actually, tarot cards did originate as playing cards (toys!). It wasn't uncommon in the Renaissance to use playing cards for divination.

That said, Aino, I don't know what game/s they played with them.  

[Nines19]

dittolovebug

Aino Ailill

Tarot originated as a game, correct? If so, where could one find instructions on how to play?

Tarot is a divination tool not a 'toy' despite the use of simple playing cards at times instead of one of the more elaborate decks.

It can't be both?  

[Namikikyo]

Nines19

dittolovebug

Aino Ailill

Tarot originated as a game, correct? If so, where could one find instructions on how to play?

Tarot is a divination tool not a 'toy' despite the use of simple playing cards at times instead of one of the more elaborate decks.

It can't be both?

Considering that you can use a plain deck of 52 playing cards for both Divination and Go-fish. I think so.