Tarot decks....

[phantasm]

First off... i'm new here and relatively new to a lot of things. I'm interested in getting into tarot reading as a form of divination. There seem to be different types of decks? What is each one for or does it really matter? I appreciate any help you give.

-phantasm

[Myst]

Welcome!

A good thread for you to look at would be Help for Newbies here http://mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6364

Basically choosing a deck is mostly up to you. You might choose the simple Rider Waite one because it's the basic one. You might choose one that just appeals to your tastes - if you like the artwork or theme it might work better for you, and be a pleasure to use. There are all kinds of decks and it would be good for you to just look at a lot of different kinds to see what speaks to you.

[Nissala]

Myst, I clicked on the link and it didn't work :(
Just thought you might like to know....

[Myst]

fixed

[phantasm]

thanks for the help...

-phantasm

[Lavender]

Here's a link to Aeclectic Tarot. They have lots of decks & pictures and a brief description as well.

http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/index.html

If you find a deck you're interested, some of the creators have their own website, you can do a search & check them out.

With the 2 decks that I use, Goddess Tarot and Wheel of Change, I was able to email the creators & asked questions. I found that was really helpful to have them clarify something that I didn't understand.

[Flaire-FireStar]

:D ooh! I love that link, Wildchild! Could stay there all day looking at all the different decks! :D

[tarotbear]

Before you get 'too lost' in the wonders of tarot...your original question asked about 'what is each one for' and some other things.

The first thing you will see is that every tarot deck is similar, but they are very different from each other. In tarot there are no absolutes. Many books disagree with each other or provide contradictory meanings for the same card...what's a neophyte to do?

Read more than one book, but do not try to memorize any one author's descriptions. They are the way THAT author interpreted the cards. You should view as many decks as you can and see if some one of them appeals more than others (word of warning- the deck you like this year may not be your favorite deck next year---that is why we become collectors!).

Secondly, keep a journal! Write down what you see in your card. Meditate with your card and record your impressions. These are more valuable than trying to memorize an encyclopedia of meanings. books are great things for reference, especially if you get 'stuck' -- but with some time and learning you CAN learn 'not to use a book'.

Tarot is fluid; expect to learn something new each day, even when you've been reading for years like some of us.