By Guest Contributor: Mary du Plessis
The other day, someone asked me to name my favourite tarot deck. My first thought was, “well that’s not possible”. I have a moderate collection of about 150 decks, and while this may seem like a lot to some people, there are many other tarotists whose collection exceeds mine many times over. My small(ish) collection is carefully curated. Each deck is loved and used, and if not then I find it a new home where it will be appreciated.
That said, I was up for the challenge and managed to narrow down my choices to three, based on this criteria:
All decks are available for purchase through Amazon and other retailers.
- The Deck That Speaks To Me: The Wild Unknown, by Kim Krans
- The Deck That Speaks To My Clients: The Sasuraibito Tarot, by Stasia Burrington
- The Deck That Goes With Me To The Deserted Island: Tarot Vintage, mass market RWS by Lo Scarabeo
Here’s why.
I was an early adopter of this extremely popular deck, and my copy of The Wild Unknown is the first edition. The separate guidebook, a standalone work of art itself, was published with the second edition and there are minor variations and updates on a few of the cards, but I couldn’t tell you which. As Kim Krans has proven by the body of work she’s created since the launch of TWU, her artistic vision is vast and profound. Whether I read blind, or use the guidebook for further insight, I’m always astounded by the clarity and depth of the messages provided by readings with this deck. I occasionally use this deck to read for others, but it’s not my first choice for client readings. The next deck is my go-to for that purpose.
I obtained The Sasuraibito Tarot when it was launched as a kickstarter, but it’s now available for purchase. Stasia Burrington’s vivid color palette is a paradox to the delicate Eastern imagery. The two aspects combine to create a powerful visual for anyone unfamiliar with traditional tarot symbolism, while honoring the historical structure of the RWS deck. My clients are mesmerized from the very first card of their reading, and I’ve had nothing but positive experiences delivering profound and meaningful messages and information with this deck. And yet, if I had to choose just one, this wouldn’t make the cut because that honour belongs to the final deck.
I’m a Rider Waite Smith devotee. I love a good clone, and appreciate beautiful art, even if it’s not exactly ‘true’ to Pixie’s vision of her deck. But when I need a tried-and-true deck to throw in my bag for those times when I’m unsure of where a client session or an event will lead, it’s a traditional RWS for me, every time. I recently gave my Centennial Rider Waite Smith, (in a tin!), to a friend who was going through a difficult time. She’d never had a tarot reading before, much less read cards for herself, but she connected so strongly with my reading for her, I sent her home with a deck and began teaching her how to read for herself. I instantly regretted giving up the Centennial deck and was just about ready to replace it when I saw the Tarot Vintage. The sepia and tea-stained background with a soft, muted tone reads like an old and dependable, well-worn, deck. The cards are narrower and easier for me to shuffle (I have small hands). The box is sturdy and the guide that comes with the cards is brief, but helpful. It’s everything I believe the RWS deck should be.
These are my favourite decks, and even if I did cheat just a little, I managed to narrow it down to one in the end. I’m really glad I don’t have to make this decision for real, though, because I might change my mind. Several times.
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