posted January 22, 2008 07:47 PM         

Buy away! Otherwise, how would any of us ever get a deck?

The tradition that a deck is especially "powerful" or "good luck" if gifted... well probably so much rubbish.

The cards are only a tool, the real Power comes from within.

I'm sure a gifted deck would be meaningful, if you had a soul connection to the giver, but otherwise, the important thing is that you establish a relationship with the deck itself. Find one that appeals to your aesthetic sense, and go for it!

Bright Blessings on your new adventure...

A

posted January 24, 2008 05:31 PM         

Just to add to the advice you've already received.....I've found that even if you have a soul connection with the gifter - it still doesn't guarantee that you will have a connection to a deck that they give you. Sadly, a couple that I received sit in my drawer, collecting dust.

And, it's often hard to tell if you will have a connection until you receive the deck and hold it in your hands.

I don't really use the first Tarot deck a lot that I purchsed either.

There are Tarot-related websites such as Aeclectic Tarot Forum that have lots of discussions, reviews and sample card images that may help you to choose your first deck.

And don't feel you have to stick to just one deck either. I've found that some decks are better suited to different types of questions. Especially if you want to get into Oracle decks as well as Tarot.

And then there are theme decks - so say if you like fairies for example, you may just want to check out Fairy decks.

There are so many lovely decks available. I hope you enjoy your search for "the one". I think Card Reading becomes more of a journey than a search anyhow.