Do I have a shopping addiction or am I just poor? Income inequality in the tarot world...

[@Heather_Tarot]

There is a lot in this video that I want to think about before commenting, but I did want to comment on the idea that KZbinrs have a responsibility to state the price of a deck in their videos. I am not sure I agree with this and I think, at least for me, it’s dependent on the purpose of the video and the type of channel. If the channel is know for being a review channel and is often sent decks for free in order to effectively market them, then I agree that ideally the cost of the deck would be mentioned. If the channel is one where tarot is clearly someone’s hobby and they are just sharing a deck they happen to have bought with their own money, I don’t think they have any obligation to disclose how much they spent. To use your example of an expensive camera… if I was watching a video from a channel whose whole reason for existing was to review cameras sure, an idea of the price would be useful. If it’s a film-making enthusiast who just happens to be talking about one of their favourite cameras, I’m not expecting them to tell me what they spent on it. If I want to buy that camera I can always go and check the price for myself. It may end up being way out of my price range, which sucks, but that is not really the KZbinrs problem… and I say that as someone who grew up dirt poor and remained that way for a very large portion of my adult life. I know how painful it is to want something ‘everyone’ else has and not be able to afford it.

[@MixtressRae]

This is exactly what I was trying to say in the video and didn’t have the right words, Heather. Thank you!!

[@MixtressRae]

I want to say also as a general reply to clarify the aspect of this video that seems to be upsetting the most people: I don't believe anyone (at any time) in this life is unbiased. I should NOT have said it the way I said it (that people are "lying"). I apologize for that. I don't expect us as a tarot society to always state the price, only when we are doing unboxings and reviews.

[@MixtressRae]

@@hagstoneshouses I get you, Hilary!! 🥰🥰

[@khan7459]

@@hagstoneshouses Yes, that sounds exactly like my story. Except that I wouldn't have been able to find the right words to say it like this. I had a good control after 2 regret buys that taught me some lessons, but lately I recognize myself falling back into that purchasing/ feeling the urge to have that deck -trap... and my wishlist is longer than ever (though I declutter it more often than ever). But it's so difficult to step away - I think I need to restrict my youtube consumption, but gosh that is hard! I've unsubscribed from most channels, only 11 are left, but my aim is to further decrease that to maximum 9, and then I want to make certain days or weeks or months where I do not watch anything that I'm not subscribed to. I hope that will be a doable first step in the right direction. Because I've already tried a completely you tube free time span, but that didn't work, it turned out to be like a 0 calory diet followed by binge -eating. Now I'm planning to try something like the 16/8 diet, but with different premises, adapted to screen time/ you tube time.

[@Rosies.GreenLeafOdyssey]

​@@hagstoneshouses I enjoyed your comment. 😄 I'm new to tarot...about a year now. At first I was so excited! I bought multiple decks. I think I got drawn into all the wonderful variety of tarot and oracle decks. After I hit 25 decks I stepped back and slowed down. I don't want or need a hoard of decks. I watch a lot of tarot reviews on KZbin. That's how I found a lot of the decks I have now. And I always get them through affiliate links to help the reviewer. The other point that I want to make is I want to develop a real connection to the decks that I use. I can't do that if I'm always buying new ones. I may buy one every four or five months now...and then ONLY if something about the deck really resonates with me. I'd have to say for my decks I rely heavily on KZbin reviews. I really want to see the cards before I buy them. I bought one deck that I didn't watch a review for. I got it simply because someone I admired was using it. Now, I'm sort of disappointed with it. The majors are very nice but the minor cards look like an afterthought in my opinion. They looked so simplified compared to the majors. Like, maybe the author or artist ran out of energy... or something. So, I learned my lesson!! I watch the reviews, and more than one on any deck I find interesting because I want a VARIETY of viewpoints. Good, bad or indifferent. MY POV: If you're going to take the time to review a deck, be honest, be YOU. That's what I want to see and hear. I expect to see negative reviews. I want to see those too! I want to use my freedom of choice. I want honest opinions about any aspect of tarot. I'm new, my biggest desire coming in is to always be authentic. So, that's what I want and expect to see.

[@kashikitsune8724]

I've said this on other channels so I'll keep it short here. The tarot is no longer magic. It's become part of commercialism and consumerism. It's no longer about the tarot ITSELF anymore and that's one of the reasons I don't give a damn about new decks anymore. I keep it old school and focus on the tarot and not new pretty shiny gold edged limited edition blah blah blah tarot decks. My Rider waite smith decks and Thoth tarot . I'm good. People can do what they want. I just speak for myself. With all that said I still enjoy watching tarot videos to see the art. Yes...I myself am an artist and I appreciate art. But for Tarot? Read above.

[@djh3239]

Dear Mixtress, I’ve only just found this video. Many commenters have already commented! But I’ll add my tuppence worth too. I’m retired, in my mid 60’s, I live in the UK (London). For around 20 years I had one tarot deck only, which I used for my own self development. I got it when I was training to be a psychotherapist, it’s the Mythic Tarot. My therapist used to pull it out when I was all stuck in my own resistance, back in the day 🫣 That idea of small vignettes from Greek mythology on each card as a little mirror to my own journey was most helpful and useful. Both indirect and straight to the point, that deck went strolling through my resistances. When I bought my own deck to use at home to support my therapy, there was maybe 10 or so decks to chose from in the shop. Not many, for sure. That deck was my faithful friend for many years. In lockdown with waaaay toooo much time on my recently retired hands, I decided to get the RWS deck and the Thoth deck as they are so famous historically, and books to help me understand them. I felt very daring and rather self indulgent having 3 decks tbh. I’m comfortable financially, not rich, but not poor so it wasn’t about the money. It was that Tarot had always felt like something scared and mysterious, and I didn’t want to take away from that special buzz I used to get when I pulled out my one and only deck. That little spiritual frisson! Then …. I went on KZbin. Wondering if there might be posts about how to read my new decks. OMG. What a shock to the system. Tarotube is totally overwhelming. I had never heard of unboxings, flip throughs, mass decks, indie decks, deck hauls, anti hauls. OMG!! I’m an intelligent astute woman, who had not been hiding under a rock, but it was as if I’d suddenly fallen down a rabbit hole and become Alice in an unknown land, with strange rituals and a language all of its own. My first reaction was - how on earth can someone with 200-300 decks really know those decks? How can you actually work with or read or even use so many decks? And - how can you afford so many? Do you rely on doing unboxings for ad revenues, so you need to buy a new deck every week? Do you get given them for free? How can you review a deck you only unboxed 2 minutes ago? You haven’t done a reading with it yet! If I was reviewing a car, you would at least expect me to have driven it for a few weeks in varying conditions before I told you how well it worked and if it had flaws. I’m trying to describe at least some of the shocked reaction I had…. If you are new to the tarot tube it’s really a big surprise to meet all of these decks and tarot readers. It used to be pretty unusual to chat about tarot at all. So, there are obviously many good things about tarot being officially “out of the closet” if I may put it like that, especially compared to my experience of it as a child of the 60’s. When it was still shrouded in an unholy glow. I do regret though, something of the loss of mystery around it, along with the idea that you would only have a tarot reading once or twice a year. The assumption being that a reading would give you a lot to think about and digest so you wouldn’t need to come back again for a while. Another shock was this whole concept of mass and indie decks. With a definite edge to the assumption that mass market decks are “less than”. I wondered, is this like an assumption that mass produced clothes are “less than” designer clothes? Because that makes no sense…. Having watched a lot of Tarottube stuff in the last 2years or so (ikr! Retired! Too much free time!) I can see that there is a big difference between a deck that’s pulled together by a publishing company, and one that an individual has spent considerable time developing and publishing on their own. And that they might need to charge properly for that to recoup their time and expenses. Nevertheless- the prices for some of them are extremely high. I can only conclude that this is because the tarot explosion - of decks, readers, KZbin channels, books etc - has been touched by the magic wand of capitalism and commercialisation. Some decks are hyped up to such an extent, they are sold for extraordinary amounts of money. I suspect many of us fell under that spell a bit unconsciously. It’s like a glittery cave of crystals and candles down here, it’s like finding the door in to the High Priestess’ sanctuary when she’s not looking and being left to wander around unsupervised. Of course one wants to touch everything and come home with a souvenir! One buys a deck, as one is already online and it’s so easy to buy. But my question is …. do the indie decks give better readings than a basic RWS? Or are they just for your collection? If they are just for your collection because you are a collector, that’s fine but why don’t people admit that? I have fallen into the fomo trap and now have 30 decks approximately. Including an indie deck. Even though I promised myself I wouldn’t. Eek! Some of the new decks are fab and I’m really glad I got them. Some were just confusing. Not thought out properly. I ended up feeling I’d been gaslighted into buying them because of the pretty flip throughs. I realised I knew more about Tarot than some of those deck designers, because some surely have fundamental mixups in their interpretations. An aside - I wish people who do deck reviews or flip throughs would stop describing decks as “pretty” or “cute”. The cards are designed to be archetypal mirrors to your soul to guide you! Let’s not patronise them (or us!) and let’s not fall in love with a book just because of its cover. It’s great that they are pretty, but isn’t that’s part of the Fomo spell? To end, I want to say how much I appreciate your video with its honesty, and self reflection. I have had many thoughts about whether the tarot explosion is for the best or not and I have not found anywhere else I felt brave enough to express at least some of my wondering. I am now making a bit more effort to stay in my own centre and think for myself about tarot, and not let myself be so beguiled by all the shiny pretty things out there. Thanks for letting me have my say 🥰 All the best to you and your channel.

[@MixtressRae]

I love the visual you gave about stumbling into the high priestess' cave and of COURSE you want to take home a souvenir!! That's a perfect visual for this madness that is the glittery magic wand of tarot card capitalism.

[@polly6341]

I do agree completely. Love the way you describe your own stumbling path through tarotube....mine was alike. I did put a hold on my purchases, as I just don't have the money for it right the last 5 or 6 years. So, in fact I am glad I don't have the money, as at makes me think for myself and not just blindly fall into the Rabbit Hole of fomo....and now I have to try and stay on that path when I will be making more money....😉☺️

[@pointedlogic]

The commenters upset over talking about actual financial numbers need to take a hard look in the mirror at why that’s uncomfortable to them. Capitalism likes to pit us against each other, when we are not each others’ enemies. We are all stuck in this toxic systems that stomps on those who work to benefit those who own capital. I’ll share my finances right now. I make approx. $4,000 a month and my cost of housing is $2,000 a month which leaves the other half for utilities, food, and extras. This country’s laws also force folks with disabilities or those who can’t work to remain poor. I am having a baby soon and will lose the majority of my income while I am on leave. I am terrified about that even though I make almost four times what Mixtress Rae makes. I’m doing my very best to save but if we can’t all talk about finances, then we can’t build a supportive community to help each other. If you are embarrassed to say how much you make, think really hard about who that benefits. Surely not us, the working class.

[@nompra]

The tarot community has recently evolved in a direction very far away from spirituality. Some people claim to be artists, but I mostly see a lot of profiteering from the increased success of tarot. I have an independent deck (60€) and I think it's too much. I could have the money but I don't think it's worth it. I prefer to buy a painting from an artist to support him/her. For example, collage decks are a trend, and I think that's great for an artwork but not for a card that needs to stay readable, because the symbol needs to stay clear to be interpreted. It's up to us to react and refuse to pay so much for a deck even if it is claimed to be covered with fairy dust... Your video is wonderful because you put the finger exactly where it hurts and that's why some people feel targeted. You speak with a perfect clarity and sincerity. Some comments, though in the minority, show that shadow work is essential... Personally, I will be more and more selective with the channels I watch and boycott hauls and deck flip through. It brings no added value in terms of knowledge and constantly tickles us to consume decks that often remain in the closet...

[@kashikitsune8724]

Well said. I'm very much of the same mindset

[@sem6x3ag]

A review or unboxing is for people to determine if it's something they want purchase. We can look up the price, but we cannot always get a preview of all the cards. The price will not go down because we talk about it. The price will go down when people stop buying overpriced cards.

[@jodevonshirenz]

This is exactly how I see it! I have a personal price point I don't go over... If my budget doesn't allow a particular deck, I either hard pass, or in a few rare cases have treated myself when I have extra money. I also buy pre loved Indie decks and am lucky enough to have quite a lovely wee collection. But, ultimately it's MY choice to buy and pay whatever the price asked. If people keep paying for items they think are over priced... well... don't blame artists or creators. You don't HAVE to buy.

[@AbundantLifeTarot]

Hi! I am late to this particular conversation - but it is one I have had many times on my channel. I tabulate every penny of what I spend on my collection and I even assign a value to the ones gifted to me. I look at the cold, hard numbers and then give myself grace. When I was at the height of spending on my decks - I was in a much different financial position. Now, I am living much more frugally (happily so!) and have become very intentional about the decks I add to my collection. I give myself an annual budget that I am allowed to spend on decks and it has helped me tremendously. As a Tarot KZbin content creator - I aim to be 100% transparent, even sharing my spreadsheets and numbers year over year of all that I have spent on decks. I have created a free course to help people with their deck-collecting habits. I also state clearly when a deck has been gifted to me in exchange for an HONEST review. If I notice a card is chipping or a weird crease that affects the shuffling of the deck, I mention it! No matter if the deck was free or not. I am kind, but honest. I don't get free decks often and that is fine by me (it means I can *really* say what's on my mind, lol). When I receive gifted decks from friends or a creator sends me one to promote, I am gracious and thankful. Here's the thing - there is room for everyone in this conversation. Shopping addiction is real and it happens in the Tarot collecting world. But - I want deck creators to be compensated fairly. Costs are rising for everyone. When I shared my Depth Year 2020 experience online, I received similar comments on my videos. I understood that my dealing with my overconsumption issues may be triggering for others - especially because I was a content creator who built her channel or deck unboxings. As I began to shift my channel's focus, I worried about how my audience would receive the change towards how I *use* my decks versus just procuring them. Then, my beautiful subscribers told me to "just do you, Kim." And, I am telling you to do just that - do you. I hear you 100% and feel you. I also have a deep respect for indie deck creators, as I am friends with some of them and I know the blood, sweat, and tears they pour into their work. I can hold compassion and grace for those who create decks and those who buy them - no matter the income bracket they fall in.

[@MixtressRae]

Thank you, Kim! I appreciate your insight. This whole experience has been enlightening! 😬🫣🥰

[@steffymuze]

I just wanted to say I've taken a couple of your courses; your spreadsheets and related discussions were really helpful and eye-opening for me about my own habits. I still use them 😊 We all have to do what's right for us, no matter where we fall on any spectrum, financial or otherwise. Much love ❤️

[@AbundantLifeTarot]

@@steffymuze It makes my heart happy to know that you still use the spreadsheets and that the discussions surrounding this topic were really helpful for you. It was a goal of mine to help people feel good about their big or small deck collection - not burdened.

[@oekmama]

Well said, dear friend. Your Curating Your Collection course is an absolute gift to the tarot community, because it allows each person to take responsibility for their own collection (large or small) within their own context.

[@gnomie2.0]

As always you are a voice of wisdom and reason to my ears ❤❤ I think you are very generous with content and engagement, always transparent, and down to earth. (DISCLAIMER: I am extremely biased towards this creator 😂)

[@francesrobinson1335]

I, recently, came back to tarot after a long absence. When I discovered Tarottube I was very excited about all these new decks. I went a little crazy. Bought several decks I'm no longer interested in. Now, a couple of years later, my tastes in decks has evolved. I have several beautiful decks and I'm rarely tempted by something new, especially if I already have a deck that fills that particular "niche". I don't want hundreds of decks! Or even a hundred decks! What I have now is a group of decks that satisfy my artistic eye and can help my spiritual aspirations. So, I'm kind of bored with deck hauls and declutter, etc. I want videos that examine historical issues, that discuss spreads and interpretations, that reveal how someone is incorporating a specific deck in their spiritual practice, etc. These KZbinrs are creating content, using decks they already have. And it's interesting! You see some decks again and again! I'm not interested! I'm poor, too. I own a couple of expensive decks. Most are reasonably priced. One of your commenters stated that artists should be paid. That statement resonated with me. I se decks as unbound books. If you look at the costs of "coffee table" books, and volumes with quality reproductions of artists work, you'll find them quite pricey. Anyway, your video did attract quite a discussion. And that's a good thing. I don't always agree with you, but I admire your desire to be so vulnerable and transparent. We can change Tarottube.

[@marybabysteps]

Please be a bit more gentle on yourself. Complete deprivation of pleasurable things isn't something poor people need to put themselves through. I've learned that lesson as a poor person. When I buy myself a tarot deck or a journal, it improves my life immeasurably. I, personally, only buy mass market decks, and usually when they're on sale or I have a discount code. However, they still take a significant portion of my income. I fucking deserve them. And so do you. I believe such "splurges" truly can be an investment for a poor person. The times I completely deprived myself were some of the most miserable of my life. Having hobbies and making small purchases to partake in them has contributed greatly to my mental health. Anyone who wants to question my spending can kiss my ass. Anyone who isn't sensitive to the experiences of others, or who refuses to become so through education, is flat out not welcome in my life. I appreciated this video tremendously.

[@MixtressRae]

I love this!

[@Scentyland]

I ❤ this comment

[@Umurhan999]

I can't stand how in tons of Tarot and Oracle reviews, the reviewer just says they "received" the deck and move on from the topic of price and availability altogether. When you look at stuff like tech reviews, they have an entire section dedicated to that. Sources often HAVE TO disclose their relationship to their product, even if they received a review copy and there is no sponsorship. Everywhere on KZbin people need to stop before mentioning any product or brand and disclose whether they have any type of relationship and YES, if a KZbinr was sent a review copy or was given one for free, they need to mention that. None of that "i REceIvED It" bullshit. I'm sorry for not being nice about this, but sometimes I think spirituality and buying from indie artists becomes an excuse to ignore these necessities. As for availability, people are better at mentioning OOP decks nowadays but as someone in Turkey, no one mentions shipping pricesand available countries when they REVIEW decks. A dedicated deck review just has "I RecEıVed ThıS tODaY", a flip through with the occasional riveting comment that sums up to: "wOw, tHaTS sO PRetTy!!!" and them saying that they love it after just unboxing the deck or using it like once. This is not everybody, I know. Sometimes one gets basic commentary about the cardstock, but like calling artwork pretty, the call it good or bad and be done with it. If this community wasn't at least speaking about stuff like diversity and having analyses of some of these modern decks on various levels, I think I would have cleaned my algorithm of it but alas, I'm still here... Honestly if these "rEViEWs" just met the basic standards of reviews like transparency of how the reviewer got the product, proper and tangible rating of the deck in various fields (art, cardstock, guidebook, box, ease of use, how it did in test readings) BEFORE talking about their more subjective opinions, that would be great. ON a level of economic inequality, I think a lot of your frustrations do come from lack of any discussion of the finances and transparency on these topics and I feel very similarly.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Please do not let the lively/heated discussion in the comments dissuade you from expressing your thoughts and feelings on any subject. Instead, my wish for you is that it fuels your inspiration and propels you to continue making videos like these. I actively seek out content that challenges my ideas and provokes me to examine my own thoughts and feelings. xoxo

[@MixtressRae]

Love you, babe. 💜

[@weststartarot-Liz]

We live in a capitalist culture and capitalists have discovered the burgeoning popularity of tarot, astrology, runes, witchcraft, etc so it’s ripe for picking or I guess I should say selling/marketing to. As someone who has been a witch and a tarot reader for close to forty years this monetization of my beloved tarot and craft breaks my heart. It’s just not the same now that it’s basically mainstream and every other person is trying to make a buck. That being said I do not begrudge people trying to make money doing something they love. I do begrudge and continuously criticize what I call the tarot/Oracle industrial complex. They just keep endlessly pumping out decks, most of dubious quality and value, and promoting them ceaselessly. Then there’s the people that after studying tarot or runes or astrology for a few months try to sell you a course for hundreds of dollars offering a “certificate’ upon completion…… it’s really out of control, but so is our whole capitalist culture. It’s hard to resist. I know I have bought way too many tarot decks way more than I can possibly get to know deeply (the way I did my first few decks) and my tbr pile of books is huge and about to topple over. I am aware that i have too many decks and books and yet I still succomb from time to time. (Working on it) thanks for bringing up this topic and for sparking discussion.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I agree with you wholeheartedly, Liz. We have been invaded by the capitalist culture that for the longest time didn't know (or cared) we existed... until they figured out how to market to us. I concur that it's hard to resist. "The Tarot/Oracle industrial complex", indeed.

[@SusannahConway]

Neurodivergent woman here (ADHD, diagnosed at 49!) leaving you some love in the comments ❤❤❤❤❤ (edited to add -- also an introvert. I feel you, sister x)

[@TarotMagpie]

Yes, everyone has their own personal bias - and if we follow that through to its logical conclusion, it means that everyone has their own preferences and benchmarks for what *their* money is worth to *them*. I think part of consuming social media content responsibly is in acknowledging that and engaging some critical thinking skills. It's also worth noting that words like 'expensive' and 'fairly priced' are not universal, and also reflect personal bias when someone uses them. I think using all that to say 'nobody can be objective' does a disservice to anyone who works to articulate and explain their opinions, as well as to anyone watching as if they cannot figure out that someone will think favourably of a deck they got for free from a friend. Considering that tarot tube is international, I typically dismiss the cost of a deck from a review because it's going to cost more or less for me with shipping, exchange rates, comparative cost of living, even fluctuating amazon prices. I think watching a creators content and getting a feel for how their preferences and opinions interact with mine is far more meaningful than knowing how much they paid for it and if they had a discount. Also, it has to be said - if I'm looking up videos to decide if I want to buy a deck, I already know how much it's going to cost. I've gotta outright disagree with you on one point though; we do have to pay artists. Cost of living is going up for them too and the starving artist is a trope that helps nobody. You're stating that decks shouldn't be priced so high, but also that you make barely any money on your relatively more affordable decks, so I think you're disproving your own point. Personally I'm not going to spend 100+ on a deck, but it's also a non-essential product and the creator is not duty-bound to ensure I can afford it.

[@MixtressRae]

I don’t want to charge more for my deck than what I would be able to afford, but I do see your point.

[@TarotMagpie]

@@MixtressRae that makes a lot of sense. Prices at the moment put both sides between a rock and a hard place I think.

[@Black.DragonTarot]

Yes yes yes! This is an outstanding video. I do have indie decks , but I tend to cycle through them. So I sell one to aquire another- I don't just collect them. And even on my pick a card readings - the camera doesn't face the decks. I've always wanted the focus to be on the messages. Since I started tarot, especially in the beginning - when I asked for feedback on my mini readings I got nothing. People just asked about the decks and it was mildly disappointing. The tarot 'hauls' glamorize large collections. Again loosing sight of the whole purpose of giving readings. Thank you for sharing

[@PrinceXSuperstar]

I hear you loud and clear and frankly and I don't understand why people are being so fucking salty in their comments!! You must be hitting some sore spots, obviously... I think we should applaud how brave you are for putting this conversation on the table. I read someone saying that you have a victim mentality. I don't think so at all, because I can hear the struggle in your passion. I can hear through your (untold) words that you also feel SOMETHING about the fact that you want something that you don't need or can't afford. I want to say that the fact that you want to talk about it is proof that YOU DON'T HAVE A VICTIM MENTALITY. You're just working your shit your way and that's fine! Yeah, yeah, we all know that "you don't need that many tarot decks" speech and we all know it's true. No need to rub it in people's face. Everyone is fucking different, with their own narrative and you/we shouldn't compare ourselves in that matter. One deck makes you happy? Great! 250 makes happy? Awesome! I understand where you coming from because I actually haven't even been able to afford a freaking mass market deck in two years! Two years! I can't put 20 something bucks in a deck, because my case is still pending in immigration and I can't legally work in the U.S. So I still work in Colombian pesos which is peanuts in dollars but I'm grateful friends are still willing to give me work when they could give the job to someone that doesn't live 4001km (approx. 2500 miles) away from their office. And I have never ever touched an indie deck in my life. In fact, they scare me a lot, with their prices... I'm scared that I might not like the cardstock, that they might be too precious, that I might damage it, etc. It's completely irrational and silly but since I know it I don't even bother with them 😅. Anyways, stay strong, true to yourself and keep on bitchin' about stuff ❤ (I love you for that)

[@tamarasmagicalworld]

I have pretty much left the community and keep my practice private, I don’t have the desire to purchase decks like I did before and the materialism does feel super gross to me. You always manage to to be so spot on in your commentary, and I thank you so much for being a real one xoxo

[@Mystiq81]

Hi. I just wanted to say something about the people who receive free decks. When they decide they don't want to keep the deck, the youtubers sell them for a profit. I also wanted to add that the creator of the $95 tarot deck gave one for FREE to another youtuber to review on their channel. Them not wanting to give a discount tells me all i need to know about them.

[@vkestrel3519]

Thank you for making this thought provoking content. I think it’s really important and I’ve learnt a lot in recent days hearing different points of view. You are very courageous 🙏🏻

[@silvermoontarot3101]

Rae, I can completely relate with you, and I am so glad you made/posted this video. I think you've been quite thoughtful in expressing your thoughts and feelings, especially considering how emotions can impact what we feel and say. If it were as "easy" as "getting another p/t job" (which you already have with your tarot readings/podcasting/patreon!), I think you would already be doing that if it were feasible for YOU (having the additional time/energy). I can understand, because I suffer with limitations or dis-ability as well. I'm sorry you received negative/judgmental/ignorant responses. It's no one's job to tell you what you're doing "wrong" (according to them), or to tell you how to do it differently. They are responsible for themselves, not you, and their responses show you who they are, and their inability to manage their own emotions to you sharing yours (re: deck prices, not being able to afford all we want, etc.). I think it does feel "greedy" to charge $100 for a tarot deck. But if I had *money*, it might not be an issue for me at all. I don't know, as that's not my situation. Consider the pricing of the following decks: Mysteries of Mary/Black Madonna ($185/deck, book & pouch); Caitlin Mattisson Tarot ($100/deck); Dust to Onyx Tarot ($149/deck & book in box). The issue of how much an artist charges for their work has likely always been up for debate/consideration/criticism. In this case, rather than talking about a painting or sculpture, etc., we're discussing the art in a deck of cards (however the images were created). Again, thank you for speaking your truth, and for trying to be mindful when doing so. I think you were, and no one can state everything perfectly, no matter how many hours they spend preparing, or editing. BTW, your hair is gorgeous. Thank you for Acknowledging that deck prices have become out-of-reach for Many of us. ❤

[@shaunaraetarot]

I feel sick every time I think about how much I spent on tarot decks, but in the end, the fault is entirely my own. I am not buying any more. I honestly don’t understand how people afford their collections without going into debt. I have mad respect for those who can, because I couldn’t.

[@jessreadscards]

It’s a fucking struggle. I recently went overboard…again…and I feel like dog shit for it. Totally not worth it.

[@shaunaraetarot]

@@jessreadscards Oh Jess, don’t beat yourself up. It’s a struggle. Start again 💚

[@khan7459]

@@jessreadscards don't feel guilty! It's just human. We have high expectations, and sometimes we just can't match them . I am very strict with my buying habits nowadays, because if I'm not, I'm very fast at the point I've been before. Instead I put everything on my (non shop realated) wishlist. There it has to stay for several months before I consider putting it on my real wishlist. But I also have to watch at least 5 silent flipthroughs and if possible at least 1 or 2 honest reviews or declutterings of this deck, before doing so. That way I'm not tempted to buy because other's are gushing about or have it, and after many flip throughs the initial glam is gone and I see the reality: The decks I already have are fabulous...

[@viragstibinger7579]

@@jessreadscards Please don't feel bad, now you are more aware, you can see and feel when there is a lot, rather enjoy the new decks, you chose very great ones. Now is the time to delve into them.

[@viragstibinger7579]

And honestly, I'm more interested in your experience and opinion in your video, if you only talked about The Tarot of Vampyres, I'd still watch your videos, in fact!

[@BEY0NDAUTHENTIC]

This is real. I tend to only buy decks second hand now unless I see one I absolutely adore and even then it will sit in my cart for a while before I commit. So I don't review new decks on my channel as I can't afford it. My channel isn't monetized at all so it's all a hobby and as I have very limited funds I have to make tough choices. Thankyou for sharing this publicly. Sod the haters. This was a brave and necessary video. X

[@rustinst.claire2006]

I am Canadian and I have been purchasing tarot decks since about 2016. A mass market deck would usually be $28 to (max) $36. Lately I have noticed that mass market decks are hovering around $56 dollars and a lot of the product seems to be giant fancy boxes etc. I too struggle with shopping addiction, but the very sharp increase in price has finally slowed me down. I can't help but balk at the prices. And the sheer amount of decks coming out all at once really splits my attention - it's hard to get excited, it's just overwhelming.

[@ForestMoonMaiden]

Mixtress, I have always admired you for your honesty and candidness whether I agree with your sentiments or not. You were part of my inspiration for starting a channel myself [which I no longer have for various reasons]. But I just gotta say, this comment section ain't it. While there are a lot of healthy debates going on, there's also a lot of disappointing toxicity. For example, when you said tarot tubers should disclose the price of decks, I could piece together that you meant people doing reviews, not people doing regular videos. And yes I agree that people doing reviews should disclose the price of the deck, that's generally standard when reviewing any sort of product. But I digress about that, the point of my comment is to highlight how this community is so divided, one side constantly attacking the other [in general terms, seems to be pro-deck collecting vs anti-deck collecting] and this comment section is a prime example. Additionally, this comment section highlights how people in this community who freely voice their own opinions and thoughts are cancelled/shunned/etc because the general public doesn't agree and/or takes it personal. I genuinely don't understand why people with differing opinions can't coexist and why people can't just listen to an opposing opinion without fighting. The only way we grow as a society is by incorporating our differences instead of forcing conformity and shunning the outsider. Anyway, didn't mean to get all philosophical there. Thank you for continuously going against the grain and being authentically you. Don't ever stop, no matter what anyone says. You're an inspiration for more people than you may realize.

[@jessreadscards]

I completely agree with this. Our “community” feels so divided to me. I also think a lot of these comments were made impulsively (major assumption here) including mine!! People are reacting instead of responding and I think that’s something we all need to get better at.

[@ForestShadowWitch]

Sending love, care, and respect. There's stuff in here I super relate to and stuff that I disagree with. But I respect your vulnerability. Take care of yourself and know that you are entitled to your feelings and opinions!

[@BenebellWen]

I love that you always contribute to Tarot Tube a video that inspires deeper thought, and challenges us to be honest with ourselves. ❤ I always look forward to your content when it shows up on my feed. 😊💕

[@MixtressRae]

Thank you, Benebell! How kind of you to say! 🥰

[@TheWitchsRattle]

I have so many thoughts on this, from the perspective of a business owner, addiction, spirituality AND financial hardship. I gotta get my thoughts together on this one. It's a worthy conversation (even if I think a surprising amount of panties were twisted as a result of your opinions lol). Loved the video. Loved the vulnerability and honesty.

[@rootsofaurora]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts so honestly. Interesting subject! I have some reflections... Do you truly think it's shady to value your own work? That's surprising to me. I think we need to consider HOW a deck is created before lashing out about prices. These days some people use AI software for a few weeks and they're all done, sure that's not a whole lot of blood/sweat/tears lol, but that's not the norm in deck creation as far as I'm aware. There are decks that were created during a whole decade and each card was hand painted by the artist. Why shouldn't someone like that value their time, energy, materials and talent that ends up coming together in a deck? I'm just a bit baffled seeing people thinking that just because they can't afford an object that costs 80 dollars the price should be lowered to 20 dollars...? Would we say the same about a car, a house, a new roof, a piece of hand-sewn clothing? There is also the matter of personal responsibility that I think needs to be adressed here. You're saying that we're being tempted to buy all of the pretty things. But we make that choice when we watch an unboxing/review. No one is forcing us to press play. If we are short on money or for other reasons want to stay away from new purchases we need to take responsibility for our own choices and make better ones. It's simply not a valid excuse to be honest. And the same goes for the whole "youtubers need to consider those with a shopping addiction" - Why though? If we want to be considerate and not trigger or tempt anyone then none of us can create videos or anything anymore. Someone will always get triggered, that's life. With that said I completely agree that transparency in reviews is important, no matter what the youtuber is reviewing. In my country the law states you have to clearly disclose if you get something for free to review/advertise it.

[@BiancaIris33]

What an amazing video. Thank you so much for your candor about this. I had a makeup addiction that got replaced with a tarot deck addiction and it's just left me reeling. Capitalism is actually harmful to those of who are constantly being deliberately kept from fully participating in it with dignity. Everything seems to be designed to get me to spend the few pennies I earn. I'm sick of it, and of my weakness for shinny new things. I am getting better at restraining myself. I'm setting goals to save as much of the small amount of disposable income I make. It's like learning how to ride a bicycle. You practice until you no longer need the training wheels. 2023 is becoming my savagely low to no buy year. Good luck to you.

[@marinkillen6407]

I have been thinking about this video all day and just had to come back and add more. Something that’s been bothering me is how we seem to have an expectation of the way poor people are supposed to communicate. There have been lots of comments from people implying that you just need to be “grown up” about what you can’t afford, or you just need to save for it, etc. i don’t really agree. I think it’s okay and even good for people to be angry at income inequality. Sometimes you need to rage at the fact that life for broke people is so stressful and traumatizing. You shouldn’t feel like an outsider on Tarotube because you have authentic rage at the price of these decks, and people shouldn’t be policing what you can and can’t criticize as hard as they are. This video has got a lot of heat, but I’ve heard other KZbinrs say the same thing before and they didn’t get the same push back. It’s odd. Idk, poor people are allowed to be upset.

[@marinkillen6407]

Personal responsibility for our spending is great, but the system we live in is BAD. And it's okay to be affected by that. It doesn't make you unevolved, immature, etc. etc. No matter how spiritual we are, money is a hard reality, and it can be a cage. I have had the experience of watching a video where the number and price of decks used in one month would cost more than I can even fathom, and I think it's okay to feel weird about that. It's the same feeling I get when I see people in the makeup world paying $75 for a blush. Why are we so attached to these expensive things that we get upset when they are criticized? A lot of people have been saying that Mixtress needs to manage her anger/jealousy/etc. Maybe so, but then so do we, as we avidly defend these mega expensive decks.

[@MixtressRae]

What you said! Exactly!

[@pinekun]

👏👏👏

[@kathykerr1202]

I agree when first person expressions are owned as just that. The most honest points on the og video were that she's "pissed about being poor" and that she is jealous. This scene went awry when it went waaaay into the field of projecting (punting things off on others), making absolute statements on behalf of others, assuming that tons of folx share the same views, etc. Then it got personal toward Tiara May. Now the shock waves of receiving honest, hard to offer feedback given with the best intentions, are all but being dismissed when there is much to gain.

[@pinekun]

I would not be responding to this if I didn't get a notification about it. Respectfully Kathy, you do NOT need to pound this in the way you are. You have made your point in other comments. It is not your job nor your responsibility to tell people that YOU see they need to grow. There is still peace here. Please stop.

[@rachelledays9881]

People receiving decks for review, have to disclose that they are being endorsed by the deck creator. The endorsement has to be in the video description, put in a # hashtag #ad #endorsement ... I'm not sure if they have to disclose the price of the deck, but it might be a good idea to do so.

[@Marizeye]

I'm glad you brought this up, as to me the "tarot community" has felt a bit like an elite group. It happens so often that I see a deck raved about, then find out that it was either given to that creator by another youtuber (who probably got it for free at some point), or that they got it for free for review. Usually that deck will be anything from simply expensive to outrageously pricey. You could see that as just sour grapes on my part, but the fact is I don't at all feel a part of this group. I have hardly any subscribers (I chose not to post anything/rarely after opening my channel) therefore no one is going to give me a deck, and no publisher (obviously) is going to send me anything for review. I'm not poor, but at the same time I have to choose very careful how I allocate my funds, as they are far from endless. At the moment the "community" feels heavily weighted towards the popular influencers or the disposable-income-rich. Where is the place for the people who either don't create, or create very little, and don't have much disposable income? Where are the people who want to share their journey with tarot as a practice, without the "click-bait" of shiny new decks? I agree with you that the prices are too high, but if that elitism and "unholy matrimony" with the publishers continues, they will just keep steadily rising. Thanks again for bringing up this subject.

[@_cosmic_void]

Something that hasn't been brought up about the channels that have large collections who focus on unboxings is taxes. I've seen multiple comments talking about "how do they afford it?" And tax write offs are likely part of it. If they are operating their channel as a part of their business/side hustle every deck they show is a potential tax write off. At least partially. As well as any other props in their videos or Instagram photos. Now I don't think anyone needs to disclose their tax write offs on their channel or about their business. It's just something to think about or be aware of.

[@MagdalenesCraft]

💯

[@rachel2880]

Such a great point. Thanks for sharing this. 💯

[@tizzas1232]

I was just thinking about this the other day. I was watching some TarotTube channels and getting the uncanny feeling of watching an informercial. Not all channels are like this of course, and I'm not having a go at anyone who does deck reviews. I just find myself gravitating more towards channels with less focus on buying decks these days (probably because I'm not shopping for decks as much) and more towards Tarot channels with a variety of content.

[@katrina8393]

I understand and empathize with what you say and I am there and have been there myself for years. The difference is that I have long since accepted I’m personally responsible for what I purchase, if not fully personally responsible for what I make. I’m a freelance writer and editor and trust me when I tell you, the majority of people want a crap ton of work for absolutely nothing. A full novel that could take 1000+ hours of time for $150? Get out of here!!! But people expect others to work for nothing. Same goes for art. We have gotten so used to super cheap playing cards and plastic everything but you must realize there have always been much higher quality versions of cards, books, furniture, clothes and everything else. That’s how life is. I’m responsible enough not to shop at Express when I can only afford Marshall’s prices. Capitalism is awful but it’s the economy we have to deal with. Free speech is a privilege but freedom doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to what is said. That is accepting true responsibility.

[@TarotTherapeia]

Humans are subjective beings, objectivity doesn’t exist. There is no way that value and price doesn’t influence how we feel about something, we all have complex relationships with money. I once head someone in advertising say if you are not paying (full price) for a product, then you are the product. I love your candour and critique at what’s going on in tarot tube. Thanks for being a warrior for speaking your truth.

[@MixtressRae]

Ooh I’ll have to remember that quote!

[@lostingothicmusic]

I always appreciate your videos on the financial implications of tarot consumerism. I know that I have spent eye watering amounts on my tarot collection overall [insert that I had to do a spreadsheet to work it out and jeeeeezzzz even over a few years it's a stupid amount on what is really pictures on card]. I know too that I am in a just-about-comfortable position in a society that is privileged. I am not the 'little guy' here. I love watching your videos because they highlight to me just how much value we do (or don't) ascribe to our tools. I always feel after watching that I can assess my collection of decks, what they mean to me, what I use them for, with a much more nuanced and appreciative eye. Therefore I can curate my tools more effectively. I have reached the point where I can cull a couple here and there but everything now has a purpose. I don't *need* to add anything. That's also not to say that I haven't worked long and hard to reach this point, fighting against impulsive spending that was usually a symptom of my deeper mental health problems. Crystals actually being the main focus rather than tarot, but still. When money is finite, everything spent needs to be justified and not enough people talk about it. Which circles back to why I appreciate your videos!

[@MixtressRae]

You hit on something that I struggle with every day: the constant thought and justification of purchases. I’d love to not “need” to do that, but when the money is finite, it’s a necessity to think that much about every dollar. Which is where all that shame and guilt over mundane purchases comes from. Everything matters when you’re scraping by. 🙏

[@MichelleMontemayor]

No one ever talks about actually numbers 😮 thank you for doing that!! It’s a great perspective for us viewers.

[@daveymcteer6804]

I feel there are lots of money grabs when it comes to decks. Existing art with no guidebook I think a lot about before buying. Asking for a discount when you are an influencer. I feel that might lead to a situation where the creator feels they have to discount or they will get bad press. Maybe. I think I’m free to buy and creators are free to create and set their own price. Being an adult and managing your budget is part of life. I do find when I want to cut back on buying I don’t watch review videos on new or decks I don’t have really helps. I also watch reviews on decks I already have inspires me without fomo. Great discussion, thanks for generating good discussions.

[@empresssong]

Personally I think it’s all about perspective. To some you may seem poor, but to others you are rich. That’s why my goal for this year is to stop taking things personally, cause I agree everyone is biased. I really hope the opposing opinions on this video/discussion don’t discourage you from continuing to express yourself so freely. Cause y that’s I’m here, not for the decks. ❤ I stalk KZbin for thought provoking videos like these, not to hear ppl ooh and ahh over the same decks robotically. But I do think when it comes to the cost of the deck whether it is expensive or not is really all about perspective and circumstance, therefore I don’t necessarily need a reviewer to disclose the price. But I like when they leave a link so I can check it out and decide for myself.

[@MixtressRae]

Love to you, Gitta. 💜

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I agree with Gitta as well. Please continue making videos like these. I also find myself scouring YT for videos that challenge my ideas and provoke me to think.

[@empresssong]

@@MixtressRae *hugs* I also want to say that for me personally anything over $100 for a single deck is unreasonably expensive. I wouldn't pay $90 for RItual Tarot, but I would pay $90 on a deck I really wanted if I felt it was worth it. But like you, I tend to appreciate and value the decks that cost less to me, the ones I consider affordable and reasonably priced. I have no complicated feelings towards them. The pricier decks I am much more critical of which sucks.

[@empresssong]

@@MaryGraceFahrun 💕💞

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

@empresssong 🤗❤

[@oekmama]

For a long time, I had one deck. And was paralyzed by all the choice on the market. I was stunned by prices. Because I live in Europe, shipping is a huge factor, which further drives prices up. So I don’t watch Tarotube flipthroughs unless I’m doing focused research on a deck. Because what you say about how our brains work (see->want) is sooo true. I‘ve had to really work on not wanting to have all the things. Curating my collection, as Kim of Abundant Life Tarot says. That being said, sending influencers free (or sharply discounted) decks to review is a cost that deck creators (mass market and indie) accept, anticipate and plan for in their budgets. So I’m not sure if saying the price out loud will drive prices down. It will absolutely be helpful though.

[@morphinpink]

I know I ranted about this in the discord (and you replied to it, I appreciated your reply a lot btw💗), but what really kills me about this issue is that the community really revolves around buying new decks. Of all conversations and exchanges we could be having about tarot, this is the only thing that seems to matter and be talked about. Like I said in my discord rant, with bookdepository closing I'm not going to be able to even get mass market decks anymore because international shipping is insane. I have a bit of of savings on paypal from money I get every once in a while for game mods I make (sharing for full transparency), and I am very picky with what decks I want so it's not like I want to buy every deck that comes out. But even if I only have a handful of decks I want and I can save up for it... I cannot justify paying anywhere between 50 to 100 usd for the shipping ALONE, on top of how much decks cost and that's without even going into how unfavorable the price conversion is for those outside the US. And unfortunately 99% of the content on tarot tube is about buying new decks so ultimately it feels like I can't join the conversation. I love talking about tarot, I want to make friends to talk about tarot with but I just can't keep up and it just sucks. It sucks that the space feels like a constant infomercial.

[@viragstibinger7579]

I feel the same way.

[@khan7459]

Rosebud cauldron has a channel, and she is using mainly 1 same massmarket deck for most of her videos. Also she does not post extremely often, but when a video comes out, it is not on which decks and consumerism etc, but on what she does with her deck. I appreciate that youtuber very much, and would like to see more channels to go that way, instead of all the unboxings and "here is my 400 deck collection" or "the 10 expensive indie decks you need" ....

[@Jo_-_-t.a]

I'll talk to you about just the tarot. Not specifically the decks or anything. I am personally going through a 'life be life-ing' situation right now, the type of thing that I would be triggered to buy something that would temporarily raise my joy. Right now I want to use the tools I already have to process my way through this time. That's part of what these tools are meant to do right? Maybe I'll find other tools, but I do not want to use 'money' as my only Earthy resource. Hmmmm typing this out is unfolding an idea, a thought process about the symbolism of the Earth element. About how it is so easy to limit my own Earthy energy to 'consume' and through money. Again money is a very narrow tool. Money is a tool.... I digress. Community, as a word is a very induvidual concept and it seems that this very small area of TarotTube has hooked on 'consuming' as a tool, as a way to regularly connect with others. Because to be honest, if I am using my tarot and oracle decks for reflection and growth processing, it is slow. If I made videos, they would be really sporadic. Our individual relationships to what Tarot means to us. If it is buying a lot of decks, using a lot of decks. Then that is fine. It gets frustrating when we as humans conflate meanings and expectations. As for voicing frustrations, why not? Life's struggles are that. If we can't even voice that then what are we doing?

[@ugy10]

Ultimately the earth is providing the resources for decks. And the earth is at its limits right now. We all need to tread lightly on this earth and take only what we need. We do not need to be consuming so much with all due respect❤.

[@Scentyland]

I’m 10 mins in and I’ve subscribed. We’re in the same boat finance wise. Some of the comments here are just gross. Some people don’t understand what it means to be from low income. I have unsubscribed from so many channels, Instagram accounts etc just because I don’t want to fall into over purchasing. And I’ve been there. I don’t collect anymore. If I don’t use what I’ve bought I move it on. Indie decks aren’t a thing for me anymore unless second hand 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@robertawalsh2995]

When somebody told me that they would never buy a used deck I just rolled my eyes because I got over that more than 50 years ago. I'm a big fan of buying used and not just tarot decks.

[@thesolitarysoul311]

You could almost say the same thing about readers and their reading services. Some readers charge $15 for one card and another reader charges $300 for one reading. Would you offer a 50% discount on your servces to anyone who asked, a lot of us are struggling financially as well.

[@EmilysTarotandMagick]

I really appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in this video. I am grateful to people in the community speaking out about inequalities. I hear you and hold space for your thoughts and feelings around this. I do believe artists should be able to receive a fair wage for their work, just as I believe all people are entitled to fair compensation for work they do, but sadly I just dont think it happens. It is shocking how makeplayingcards works in this respect. I do believe it is important to speak about these topics here because these conversations help to raise awareness and makes it more likely the mass market publishers will hear and take notice. The price of everything is very expensive, all I can say is a do hope that things will become easier for everyone financially. I also want to send love and blessings your way. 🙏Xx

[@wyomingwynne]

Appreciate the way you gave thoughtful, respectful replies to contrary views. That is a skill/quality sorely lacking by some in the community, both creators and viewers, because it does stifle honest, quality discourse from which we all can learn.

[@simonfernandes6809]

I have said this before but I'll say it again. Yes, some people have a tarot deck buying addiction. If you feel the need to defend your over consumption of decks then you need to examine why you feel defensive.

[@MixtressRae]

Yep. I’m literally always doing that. 🤣

[@AmberMoonLight22]

I can think of one VERY well-known tarot tuber who hardly EVER says that she received the deck free form the creator. When we all know she most likely did. This bothers me. I’m not so concerned with the price as I am the transparency.

[@optimalwellnessyoga]

I'm extremely late to this party. This is an important conversation to have and it is emotional for many so words can easily get away from us or get misinterpreted. I too only work part-time. I'm lucky enough to have a partner who supports me so most of my income is discretionary. But a large number of my decks, especially indies are either birthday/holiday gifts or bought with birthday/holiday money. My "collection" is miniscule compared to lots of TarotTube and it does cause feelings of being left out. I don't feel I have enough decks or acquire decks frequently enough to contribute to TarotTube. I think the big piece you touched upon was that feeling of not being included. In this case, it is socioeconomic in nature. Many people out there have trauma around being excluded in some way or another and we get triggered when we are put in that type of situation. That is life and we could be a bit more compassionate and aware of likely triggers in the community. When you are triggered it is extremely difficult to make logical and rational decisions like not spending grocery money on a deck. Then add decision fatigue into the mix - if you have to always count pennies and weigh what gets paid and what doesn't or if you don't feel safe places and have to choose between going out and feeling safe at home all the time you are vulnerable to impulse purchases. Or, if you are neurodivergent you may be more susceptible to impulse purchasing. There has been some improvement in asking deck creators to be more inclusive of races, body types, ages, abilities, genders, and sexualities but there are more things to address than the visible inclusivity. There is still work to do to really be inclusive in an integrative and non-performative manner. I do wish any videos that are highly focused on a specific deck would disclose MSRP. That way if we know it is out of reach we can choose to leave rather than getting a bad case of FOMO. Especially if we can recognize we are in a vulnerable place to be triggered at that time. This would apply to walk-throughs and unboxings, but I'd like to see it on practice videos where the practice is built around a very specific deck. Or, to take it even further, in a practice video it would be nice if the content creator offered up a few other decks less expensive options that might also suit the practice. Moving away from phrases that imply the value of the deck would also help. Value is enormously subjective. Instead, try to present the facts and let the viewer decide whether the deck has value for them in their current situation. How does the deck shuffle, how big is it to handle, is the imagery inclusive (in what facets), how does it hold up over time (does it curl, crease, chip, peel, etc.), scenic or pip minors, card or suit name changes, etc. etc.? There are a million and one unboxing and first impression videos out there. I want to know if my "investment" is going to hold up to use over time and how people are putting a deck to use. Hopefully, this makes sense and I expressed my views clearly. Thank you for being vulnerable enough to open up this conversation!

[@mysticrosetarot888]

I haven't been following much on KZbin channels but I have stopped investing in decks since I feel there are not as many decks being produced to my liking AND also the fact that I feel I have a complete "tarot family" that fills a majority of my reading needs. There seems to be a "price trend" happening with some decks that are priced to meet a certain "income class" of readers and/or collectors. The independent decks tend to be priced accordingly since they are being self produced and with a *bit more* of control on the creator's side. Those "limited edition" higher price point decks are for those serious collectors who are making the investment based on the value of the artist. I make sure that what deck I have will be used and (more than likely) will stay in my working collection of decks. Personally, I can't invest in a deck if I'm not going to use in some way, shape, or form. I'm the picky tarot reader and I let those know who are interested in gifting me a deck. I would rather the person save their money to invest in something of their own. I don't know where I'm going with this comment.. but I'm grateful I can sit on my hands and not do any (for the most part) impulse buys. Whatever extra income I have I will put towards my own self care or metaphysical practice (incense, oils, books, candles, etc...) things I will definitely resource and use. By chance, have you lessen the amount of decks you have and simplify it to what decks you work with the most? I'm happy to help you if you like! 😉👍🌹✨ in spirit. ~MRT~

[@MixtressRae]

Oh yeah I’m always kicking decks to the curb if I can’t use them. I’m ruthless! I can’t wait to get to that point where you are without impulse buying. It’s been a long road for me in that respect and I do well for awhile and then it all shifts. It’s a process I’m learning to accept and forgive myself for it, but I (obviously) still have so much growth still to do. 🙏

[@mysticrosetarot888]

@@MixtressRae All in time! 👍 Give yourself the patience and space needed for any shifts. Things will fall into place and it will be a sense of relief when it does. 🌹🕯

[@khan7459]

Mystic Rose, I love your comment!

[@sapphosvampyre]

Firstly you didn’t have to show your income to validate your thoughts and reasonings but it was comforting to know we are in the same boat.. And like I just can’t fathom how others do it. And I am also apart of the book community. So its consumerism/addiction all around. So this video just hugs my heart, thank you ❤

[@VintageMoon-]

Oooooh Gurl…. I totally support your right to talk about whatever you want and I for one enjoy your passionate rants 😂 and do I agree with everything “No” but I totally get you!!!! Sending you so much love 🤗

[@murasakim00n]

as one broke american to another, thank you for showing me i ain't alone here...i wanna make videos, too, but the recent only 10 indie decks tag had me feeling like i won't be able to keep up...then YOU said the decks you have now are the perfect ones and i feel better...now that's how to INFLUENCE eachother!

[@khan7459]

I'm not a broke American, but I couldn't take part in most tags. You can make videos with always only 1 deck though. Do you know the channel " A rosebud cauldron " ? I really recommend it. Maybe that can be an inspiration for you to make your own videos.

[@esca.1530]

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in this video. You got a lot of people pissed here but that makes me think you're hitting the nail in the head and doing something right. I hope more discussions like this open in the future because it's a real problem, and i think a lot of people are in a consumerism chokehold, buying all these decks when they don't use a third of em. Lots of great points made here. Sending my love!

[@woollychannel6759]

Come back again to watch a second time and agree with much that has been said here. I don't think it's too much to ask for some transparency from reviewers to tell us how much the deck costs and how much they paid for it or if they got it for free. Some larger channels seem out of touch with the struggles that most people on lower incomes face. Even those on half decent income are stuggling so much right now and can't justfy the increased costs. Not to say that artists shouldn't be paid for their work of course but who can afford $100 for a tarot deck? Sure personal responsibility also plays a part in all this but let's face it, if we all clicked away then a lot of these larger channels would collapse overnight!

[@grumpyschnauzer]

I agree with what you said that some people on larger channels seem out of touch with people struggling with lower incomes. I see this on channels where the person is complaining over and over about card stock or how big a deck is for small hands (out it goes disposable). Some KZbinrs rave about a deck that I’m like “in a few months I will also see you doing a video on getting rid of it”. I roll my eyes.

[@CandySoulAndSoil]

You start be saying how you are having to charge quite a bit for your deck and yet make so little profit on it that you can’t even take into account that income. And yet you can’t understand how decks are so expensive? Surely with that experience you can understand it and imagine being a full time artist relying on the money from your art. I’ve had friends price up costing of decks and prints trying to meet the exacting standards of a public demanding quality and it’s so so much! I am more surprised tbh that anybody can do an affordable deck these days than the fact decks are expensive. Artists I know are almost giving decks away infact a friend of mine actually was out of pocket on her last project due to trying to bring a price down. As for affording decks I save through the year and it’s a treat and that makes it so special. Of course I couldn’t just immediately jump at a pricey deck the second it appears but I absolutely delight for those that can. Objectivity in reviews i think is possible too. I have been sent a couple of oracles recently by blue Angel and I got to pick the decks I wanted to review as I didn’t like the thought of having to review a deck I thought might not be for me…. Because I would say what I thought as I’m honest and dont actually lie on my channel and I knew that would make me feel stressed. So I chose carefully and loved them both. It’s a very sweeping judgement to say people can’t be objective.

[@MixtressRae]

I meant that all of us have bias and can’t ever truly be objective. Just in general. Not that certain ppl can’t be. That reviews can’t be objective ever.

[@viragstibinger7579]

Are you absolutely sure that a deck is so expensive to produce that someone will sell it for $100? I also live in Europe, printing a deck with shipping, packaging and tax costs about 20 euros in small quantities. Made in Europe. I don't think a full-time artist should make a living selling a tarot deck.....

[@CandySoulAndSoil]

@@viragstibinger7579 I never mentioned 100 as reasonable? Not sure where you got that from from my comment. I’m simply stating it costs an awful lot to produce decks these days. why you are asking about a specific amount when I didn’t? I mentioned Mixtress raes deck which she said was 50 to produce and my friends are around that too and they like Mixtress Rae make next to nothing. Gosh you really don’t think a full time artist should expect to make a living from a deck after the work that goes into it? What a thing to so easily say! It amazes me how people will think that about an artists work as if it somehow doesn’t count. And 20 for a deck? What about boxes and guidebooks? Really? So yes I’m sure about what my friends are paying for decks, I’m sure about what Mixtress Rae said it cost her too and I’m also sure an artist should expect to earn a wage from their job.

[@viragstibinger7579]

@@CandySoulAndSoil Miss Candy first of all, i really like your channel, you are very important to me.I reacted to the video primarily aka Ritual Tarot deck price- 100 dollars, I didn't want you to feel it was an attack. I am also an artist, I went to art school since I was 6 years old. And I have been living and working as an artist for 15 years. I have a degree in graphic arts. I make a living from it, it's not easy, but it can be done. I wanted to point out that an artist should rely on more sources of income, client work, tenders, limited prints, tarot decks, etc. Yes, Miss Candy, the price of printing a deck is about 20 euros, including the box, but the guidebook is not included. Chinese prices are much better than that. It is worthwhile to find factories and ask for a price offer. I know the prices because part of my work is the printing area. I think $50 or £50 is a fair price, or a bit higher for an indie deck. But I don't think 100 dollars or more is fair.

[@CandySoulAndSoil]

@@viragstibinger7579 nobody said only one source of income or only one project at a time either? Who said that apart from you? I simply think some money should be allowed to be made. Mixtress Rae literally said she can’t even count that income! Your printing costs with box and taxes are literally so cheap which is great and I would think if I was being pushed to say what I thought a more normal price for a deck could be (with massive generalisations and no idea of individual circumstances) I think 60 dollars plus is not a lot for an artist to make a small markup (of course that’s not enough to sit back and think 1 deck is a living, no artist and I expect no non artists think that’s a reality) As for the ritual tarot and other decks that are pushing thresholds up, literally I can’t see their costings, size of deck makes a massive difference too who knows what factors are involved? But as consumers we decide if it’s worth it to us nobody has a gun to our heads. And artists should feel free to cost for themselves too in order to feel their work was worth doing. How long does a tarot deck take! 78 images, all the production work, rising costs everywhere, and yet people are vilifying artists. I’ve had it with studio work. I can’t tell you the amount of times somebody has contacted me for a commission and expected me to knock something up for £25! anyway this thread and conversation is exhausting so I’m out now, not because I’m salty it’s just hard being asked to justify artists whose circumstances and costings I have no details for. When my point was clear in my response to Mixtress Rae.

[@asheirahs_nook]

I understand that 95 dollars for a deck is exorbitant, I’m quite poor as well (on benefits atm), but I’ve been wanting the True black tarot for years. I finally caved when I saw there was a limited edition available, and told myself it was a *very* expensive birthday gift to myself (let’s say about 150 euros after shipping, taxes and customs fee). It’s one of 2 of my ‘dream’ decks (besides the Children of Litha tarot). But to me, they are pieces of art as well. I do very much hope it’s worth it. And part of me already feels bad for spending so much money on a deck.

[@MixtressRae]

Don’t feel bad for spending the money! You wanted it and you treated yourself. I never wanted anyone to feel bad for buying themselves things they want. I would love to stop feeling bad about buying myself things I want. I hope you love your new deck! 🥰

[@asheirahs_nook]

@@MixtressRae oh, I didn't want to imply that your video made me feel bad, it's just if I buy sth expensive for myself I tend to feel that way sometimes (probably a topic for some shadow work actually, now I think of it). But we sometimes do deserve sth nice, as long as we buy responsibly 99% of the time. Because let's face it, we're all humans living in a capitalist society, we're bound to mess up and splurge way too much every now and then, no matter what income you're on. 🙈

[@MixtressRae]

@@asheirahs_nook I know that feeling. I feel guilty often when I buy anything at all. It's annoying! Mad sympathy and luck to you!

[@MasterGGuru]

This is my husband's KZbin account so I don't usually comment on videos. Thank you for this video. A lot of the tarot videos I've seen on other channels feel like commercials. Thank you for being honest.

[@letthemponiesrun9938]

Or you are helping me to see that a deck is not for me.. thus saving me from buying a deck I do t want or need. Ultimately we are responsible for ourselves and our spending habits.

[@Masculineintuitionreadings]

You are so misunderstood in this comment section. I am sending love and I recognize myself in these situations you’re describing. The influencer sphere is, not cool. What irks me is that some influencers are only gushing over shit to get more free shit. I have so much more to add to the convo, but it seems like everyone else is already offloading their dumpster trucks full of garbage, so I’m not gonna. I love this honesty. And yes, no deck is worth ‘the investment’. ❤

[@MixtressRae]

🙏thanks Levi! 🥰

[@viragstibinger7579]

@@MixtressRae Straight up Miss Mixtress Rae. 💜

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

@Masculineintuitionreadings "What irks me is that some influencers are only gushing over shit to get more free shit." Levi, you are a KING. xo

[@Masculineintuitionreadings]

@@MaryGraceFahrun ❤️

[@Thehodgepodgeartist]

I use to waste my money on loads of makeup I barely used. Then I found tarot and it’s can be/should be more. I honestly wonder if I’m missing what tarot is meant to be because I believe it’s spiritual and art. I just dislike when no one is allowed an opinion even if different or complete bs to anyone else’s.

[@gourmetknitters5938]

I completely agree with you. I am now a new subscriber.

[@wendi4327]

Thank you for this video. I really needed to hear this and appreciate your honesty and integrity.

[@polluxxia]

I will go on a rant too here hahahah. So, for starters, I'm not from America, I'm from Eastern Europe actually. With our conversion, what to somebody from the States might be "25 bucks", in my money that's 50, which is grocery money for one person for a week. Even most Mass Market for me is, ngl, kinda expensive. I remember when I bought the Mary El, it was 45€... that's close to a 100 in our currency. To date, this just might be the most expensive deck I've bought? It's either this, or the Ferdinando Crippa (il Meneghello), and that's because it was in stock already in the country. There was a time when I wanted the Abyssal Tarot, but... it's an etsy deck that costs 94 fucking euro, without any shipping (not that it even *is* available to ship to my country lol). I sometimes do feel jealous over people who can just "try out" decks like the Dame Darcy Mermaid tarot, and if it "didn't work out" it wouldn't be a big deal. There's a deck, Stella's Tarot, which I wanted for years and I was only able to get it because a wonderful woman gifted it to me, just because I asked for any similar MM decks that I could get instead. They're closing Book Depository by the end of this month, on the 26th of April to be exact, and that was *the* most affordable way for me to get Mass Market original decks for as reasonable a price as one may. From that point onward, most of the decks I will get I will have to consider extra well before I buy, because will all the shipping and shit, it really better be worth it. And even I still have the advantage of having been into tarot for several years now, so I have a collection, more than I could possibly need for the rest of my life. P.S. Sorry to any and all fans of the Ritual Tarot, but... I don't get the hype? Like? It's just a collage deck, without any titles (so just collage), on crappy cardstock? It does nothing for my intuition either. If it costed 15 bucks and was sold at like,, a convenience store (what was it, Spencer's?), would the spell still work? Would the folks who hype about it still have found a "hidden treasure", or would it not be noticed at all? Glamour magic is real, but technique beats it every time. Thank you for all the videos you put out, I sincerely love your energy 💜

[@wren1019]

hmmm...i heard about this video. seems to me you've clearly stated that this is your opinion and that people are adults. sooooo...i think i'll subscribe to your channel now 💙

[@JPatickPhotography]

Could we also talk about what the indie deck prices are doing to mass market? I have to wonder if the success of those $95 - $120 indie decks has anything to do with Llewellyn and others now charging $50 or more for some of their cards... It's gotten very predatory... And I know its the nature of capitalism, but it's really sad that we're seeing it so prevalent in spiritual spaces. People gotta eat, but there comes a point where it's taking advantage.

[@amidst_the_grey]

I've thought about this a lot. While I feel that part of the increase is due to the massive increase in printing expenses (I advise a middle school yearbook club and the increase of printing costs over the past few years is staggering), I can't help but feel that the rising costs of indie decks (and the consumer demand of said decks) is also contributing. I get people need to make a living and be compensated appropriately for their time and energy. This is a systemic issue...layers upon layers of higher costs that continue to rise. There's no easy answer. Something I'm turning my attention to is buying more secondhand (even more than I do now, of everything), especially mass market. In the end, I'll probably pay a bit more buying secondhand, but I'm not sure I want to keep feeding the mass market machine.

[@JPatickPhotography]

​@AmidstTheGrey love that! I've gotten to the point where I rarely aquire a new deck unless it's to support someone I know, or I'm REALLY drawn to it. Second hand is the way to go... Don't even get me started on my antique spending haha 😂

[@steffymuze]

​@@JPatickPhotography same here and it makes my decisions so much easier if I only allow myself to buy used. I've gotten wonderful decks this way by believing if it's meant to come to me, it will. I got Cilla Conway Shimmering Veil used and I probably treasure it even more for that reason.

[@kirstencorby8465]

I think the same. The pricing is just out of hand all around.

[@championofcoinstarot7232]

Thank you so much for sharing and opening up this conversation! I resonate so much with what you said about consumerism. A lot of the videos that do well are hauls, unboxing, or lists of decks, and while those are fun to watch and fun to create it definitely perpetuates the cycle that we constantly "need" new things when many of us are financially struggling. I also think that we should all be including the price of decks and be transparent about when we have been gifted a copy for review. I know that there have been legal complications in other KZbin communities like BeautyTube with influencers not disclosing sponsorships or paid reviews in the past, and I think that we should all adopt transparency as a best practice.

[@velvetforestmoon]

“two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.” I wanna start by saying I don’t usually comment, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen every video of yours since discovering your channel 2 years ago or so. There are things I disagree with and agree with in this video, and I’ve loved analyzing my own reactions to the subject matters being brought up. Thank you for your thoughts, and I hope you don’t let the words of others stop you from being yourself. Love your vids, and I hope this video is inspiring others to look at why they are reacting the way they have and doing a little shadow work.

[@kleri1403]

Where I disagree with you (or I think I do!lol): Personally, I don't think that "influencers" HAVE TO act in a certain way. Everyone has their own reasons for making videos. Everyone should be free to do what they see right as long as they don't lie or purposefully try to mislead people. WE (the viewers) have to take responsibility for OUR choices. "Influencers" have as much power over us as WE give them! If I fall for a deck because I let myself get influenced, it is MY choice and therefore MY mistake (or not!). Having said that, I learned that lesson after having made the same mistake over and over! (I have several decks I bought because someone else liked them! 🤣) Also I don't believe that the majority of TarotTubers who do unboxings try to actually make people buy the decks. I think most of them just want to show off their decks and they are probably even more excited if they have gotten them for free! It makes sense, right? Where I agree with you: TarotTube has undeniably turned this hobby into a very expensive one! It's like watching back-to-back adverts of things we are interested in! Unboxings are literally that! And when the comments come from people we actually like, they become twice as powerful! Companies and indie creators that send out free copies to KZbinrs with many followers know that this is effective marketing (at least 95% of the time)! And it is much cheaper to them than paying to properly advertise their products!So there is that! IMHO,this is a win-win situation for both the companies/creators and the KZbinrs so I don't see anything wrong with it. I feel more "seen" when KZbinrs mention that certain decks ARE expensive. And I appreciate it when they mention when they have received the decks for free. Like you, I do think that this affects how one may feel about a deck. I don't think it will turn a "bad" deck (a deck someone is not interested in at all) into a "wow" deck, but it can easily turn a neutral review into a positive one. To avoid unnecessary temptations, I have decided instead of watching reviews/unboxings, to watch videos that focus on how or what for people use their decks. So if nothing else, if I decide to buy the said deck I at least know something it is possibly good for! :) Last but not least, I totally understand why, in present times, deck prices have increased massively but I can't help thinking that some prices are still too much for a deck of cards. Unless someone is a professional Tarot reader and uses this deck as their work horse, I don't see how "investing" this money on a deck of cards is justifiable (whether one can afford it or not!). The reason I say that is because, in my opinion, we have to keep in mind that whatever we decide to spend our money on takes away from something else we could have bought (it's called alternative cost)...and personally I can think of many better ways one could spend that much money ! Thank you for making this video! I can imagine it being very controversial but it is certainly authentic and very thought-provoking! xx

[@Blu-skies]

I’m listening and I so feel you. I am lucky to be able to purchase decks. Yes.. $60 is my limit… most times. Last month, I calculated how much $$$ I spent since Jan = Too much. Although I can keep purchasing, I ask myself “why”. I’m not even a professional reader! So, I’m limiting myself. $$$ should be spent more wisely. Thank you for sharing again! We need to hear more of you!

[@Blu-skies]

By the way, I hope you will find your fortune soon. I grew up poor. I know what it’s like. I was able to change that … you can too!

[@MegsCosmicCartomancy]

Your voice is important here. Please, don’t let the turkeys get you down. Speak… some of us are listening with our hearts.

[@marialouisawessels3835]

❤ I understand what you are trying to say but also why your words provoke a lot with some. Keep speaking your truth so all of us can have a discussion about these things in the community and think about it.

[@pamelabatchelor9204]

Hello this is the video I watched and I don’t hear anything you should be called out for or apologize for. My god you can say whatever you want. If I’m willing or not willing to pay the price for a tarot_Oracle deck it’s my business. I’m far more concerned with the cost of essential food and gas we should pick our battles. No one should charge what I say they should charge it’s the market price that decides. If decks are ridiculously over priced I for one just won’t buy it.

[@Jo_-_-t.a]

Wow coming back and reading some of these comments... hot buttons were pressed. 😂 This video has garnered a lot of attention, what's next? Your own relationship to community, tarot, oracle and money. Feels like Devil card energy is slapping us all in the face right about now. What, how and who is controlling who? Loved this video and the traction and engagement shows.

[@kirstencorby8465]

Watch out for FOMO. Sit with it, breathe into it. Do you *really* want that?

[@Jo_-_-t.a]

@@kirstencorby8465 absolutely, but was this reply to my comment?

[@mylived-inlife]

I don't know a gentle way to say this. I think it is very bad form to call out a deck creator by name for refusing to give you a discount on a deck. I would never call a fancy restaurant, fashion designer, or jewelry artist and ask them to give me a coupon and then be salty if they said no. This just sat with me the wrong way. I was able to consider your viewpoint on a lot of other things you said, but this just feels mean-spirited.

[@MixtressRae]

Yeah, I can see that. What I was meaning to say is that she’s willing to provide her deck to people with a bigger reach than me and that is a thing ppl should be aware of, but it came off shitty. I did not articulate that well. It came off like I feel indignant that she didn’t give me her deck which is not what I truly feel. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I talk about things as I’m processing them.

[@viragstibinger7579]

I don't understand exactly why this would be a problem, I am an artist, a graphic designer, it has happened countless times that customers have asked me how I can make a logo cheaper because they have a small budget.

[@kathykerr1202]

​@@MixtressRaewhen we start from jealousy, how can we possibly express ourselves clearly and effectively?

[@kathykerr1202]

@@MixtressRae You are assuming that's why she said no.

[@MixtressRae]

True, I don’t know why she said no. And I did feel rejected. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@crazybunnylady]

This is a wonderful video and definitely a discussion that should happen. I have made the decision to distance myself from the tarottube and tarot world because I too have noticed that the prices are going up up up. I'm also poor, I have been unemployed for the past two years due to mental health issues, and even the massmarket decks are getting more expensive. Tarot is aimed more and more towards people of a higher income and it just doesn't feel fair. I also feel like tbere's an attitude amongst tarot tubers/readers/collectors that indie decks are better and massmarket decks are being looked down upon. And all that makes me obviously jealous and feeling like shit, and I just really don't like the way capitalism and greed has gotten its claws into tarot as well.

[@effieknits]

I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@emmaythegray]

Just wanted to stop by and say thanks for putting your thoughts out there. Lots to think about. 💜

[@lemonbalmbruja]

Wow! So much to discuss here! Haha! I guess the main point that really got my wheels turning was the criticism of indie deck prices nowadays. I, personally, don't think $70+ is necessarily ridiculously expensive. Especially if the artist spent a lot of time researching their subject and/or the tarot, developing a system, creating the artwork, finding and working with an independent printer . . . so much more goes into creating a deck than just getting it printed, especially when it comes to analog artwork.and i bought the ritual tarot full price, didn't resonate with it and moved it along for way less than i paid lol. that was a big learning experience for me, but even so, i still really appreciate the artwork and effort of the artist, even if the deck didn't necessarily resonate with me. Also, as a person who has worked with manufacturers before and now makes art just for fun, i can say that making art IS expensive. There can be art that is made to be cheap and easy to access, which i think is SO important and valuable, but if an artist poured their heart and soul and years of study and practice and development into a deck, and they want to actually make some money back off of it, its gonna be expensive (unless they get picked up by a mm publisher) and i, personally, can't be mad about it. I really try to trust artists when they price their artwork or whatever theyre selling because anybody that sells handmade stuff knows, you generally have to undercharge (aka not get paid a living wage for the amount of work you did) for your stuff because ppl will look at it and be like "i can get this cheaper at target" and go buy it there lol. paying full price for independently made decks is one way i can support artists whose vision i truly appreciate, whose artwork & interpretations contribute to my spiritual practice. And if its pricier, i knock all the other decks i want down the list and know that i'm not gonna be buying decks for a while 😅 for example, i've realllly slowed down on deck buying because i want to make sure i have money for the solara occulto meliora kickstarter when it goes up. anyway, def not trying to argue or anything, just sharing my perspective on that particular point. Thanks for opening up the discussion!

[@artistsandoracles]

@lemonbalmbruja As an artist myself I’d just like to say- Thank you for this beautiful comment. 🙏🏼🪶

[@steffymuze]

This is why I like KickStarter since you mentioned it. I can choose decks and artists to support that I resonate with and be involved in the entire process. By limiting myself to only used and chosen KickStarter decks I've actually cut way back on buying, which ngl had gotten out of control, because I feel it's more planned now. For me anyway. Nicely said overall!

[@SaoirseGraves]

Ok, some thoughts... i think i have commented this before on other videos of yours but in general terms i feel that 'tarot tube' is more like 'deck buying tube'. I was having a conversation with someone recently about this and they made the really good point that there ARE varieties of experience to be had in this corner of the internet and that finding tarot related content that i like is not off the table. I follow your channel because you talk about tarot and, in my opinion, you do a good job of highlighting issues with the deck industry AND you remind people of your baseline perspective so they can factor that in. Secondly, i guess i benefit from the fact that i can't stand the vast majority of decks AND i almost never use amazon (used it ONCE recently and instantly hated it) AND that to not use amazon means that most things (not just decks) are not accessible to me... price wise and shipping wise. I've been wanting the Tazama African tarot for a while but I simply can't afford to ship it to Ireland yet (if ever?) It's my feeling that tarot tube often feels like (as Dylan Moran said) being offered a tour of someones house immediately upon arrival... or being shown their family photo album against your will... only with less qualitative storytelling and way more pricey. 🫤😵‍💫😪

[@MixtressRae]

🤣to the comment about photo album. So true and I think this analogy nails why KZbin can be so overwhelming to me.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

"being offered a tour of someones house immediately upon arrival... or being shown their family photo album against your will... only with less qualitative storytelling and way more pricey. " Woah, that is a really good analogy.

[@slovestarot3821]

When I hear you speaking about the Ritual Tarot (which I won't buy because am not into collage decks) it seems like you will not like it because the price is to high. But I see an artist who has confidence in their art and they set a price that reflects this level of self worth (just the way I see it). I am happy for them and I am ok with it being that pricy because this doesn't take money away from me. I can decide for myself if I want it and that's it. I am responsible for my money not a KZbinr or other influencer. And I enjoy it thoroughly when people share their passion and love for a deck and their practice. That's why I love to watch tarot tube. It inspires me. You inspire me too.

[@MixtressRae]

I love this evolved viewpoint and hope to get there one day. I’m influenced by others so much.

[@grumpyschnauzer]

I guess I’m somewhat happy to becoming bored towards tarot unboxing and deck declutter videos. I really respect that you are having this discussion and it is one of the most refreshing content out there. Us small fries are also seeing how disposable people are with their decks. Another commenter here on the thread said that some people on larger channels seem out of touch with people struggling with lower incomes. I see this on channels where the person is complaining over and over about card stock or how big a deck is for small hands (out it goes disposable). Some KZbinrs rave about a deck that I’m like “in a few months I will also see you doing a video on getting rid of it”. I roll my eyes. The income disparaging continues… I doubt people would be so vocal on a larger channel about personal opinions because everyone sugar coats everything on those channels. You speak well, very articulate and up front direct about how you feel using strong language and some people can’t handle it because they want to control it. Don’t let them make small of your voice because they feel entitled to do so. Everyone has an opinion and theirs can be as valuable as yours or stink as much as yours but this is your channel/your voice, not theirs. I mean essentially people could perceive this video as a shopping addiction video rather than a dig at tarot personally but that would require people to think and perceive outside their bubble. In addition, I’ve heard other people speak on their channels about this and judging your language in a way to pathologize instead of hearing the message. It’s an uneasy feeling that you are being evaluated based on your communication style when it wouldn’t be any different to hear how you speak in larger cities like Los Angeles and New York. The pathologizing others are doing “in your defense” is cringe worthy. This is simply a discussion about economic challenges of affording consumer goods and people feel threatened by it… it’s not about the decks itself. The way people said “appropriate language” and “ability to articulate”. You sound 100% fine from where I’m standing in a non-Eurocentric part of the world where people don’t equate articulation with economic nor mental health status. So many points… I can’t even say them all! This harkens back to better quality for more expensive decks which means they are available to certain people. This is the same with anything, quality of food, quality of clothes, gatekeeping quality for price. It’s going there. I was watching a video on a limited edition deck box set that was priced at $80 (actually $87 because it’s Euro). For fear that it would sell out before I finished the video I bought it only to find out at the end of the video the speaker says there is the single non-special edition deck for sell mass market for $25. Haha jokes on me I guess because I wouldn’t know to look for a mass market version that costs less. 😢 My fault, sure, but the price gouging for the kit compared to the individual deck is ridiculous. But damn I should have waited until the end of the video and researched more than taking the KZbinrs infomercial at face value.

[@MixtressRae]

💜🙏💜

[@khan7459]

I hope you were able to cancel your order and get the mass-market version instead.

[@Jaymeezy88]

You rock never change! ❤

[@becurious17]

Thank you for this honest discussion. 👏🏼 As a fellow person of limited means, I was relating a lot to what you shared. I have a small, intentional collection of decks (12 decks total) and even some of those purchases I look back and feel conflicted about. I’ve been guilty of spending “bill money” on a deck that I certainly didn’t need and there are definitely feelings of shame wrapped up in all of it. This was a timely video for me to watch as I just recently did a deep shadow work process about my relationship to money and my personal spending habits. For now, my intention is to not purchase anymore decks this year and to be more mindful about what I can reasonably afford in all areas of my spending. I have all the spiritual tools I need. And like you mentioned, our spiritual connection is within us. 💓

[@katrina8393]

Sometimes when I’m feeling sorry for myself, it helps to put things in perspective. Perhaps this could help you too? You love watching KZbin, but I can only do so away from home because our internet service, which we way overpay for, is so slow we can’t stream videos. Many people around the world don’t even have access to the internet. Let alone the ability to purchase cameras and mics and make videos and gain a following. In addition, there are so many alternatives to using your grocery money to pay for a new deck. I really wanted Tarot of Prague but it was too expensive so I collected vintage decks from thrift stores and garage sales and traded five of them (two OOP) for Tarot of Prague. The months I waited and work I put in to get it makes it all the more special to me. I’ve made many trades and I’ve also sold decks and other items online just so I could afford something I wanted. I’ve even done crafts and sold enough to purchase a deck I wanted. Hopefully that gives you some ideas and/or other things to focus on.

[@twodeserts2094]

Your opinion and experiences are your own, and many of us relate. Don't let the haters get you down. Indie decks especially are expensive to make/buy, but I agree the general FOMO and consumerism has gotten a bit crazy.

[@steffymuze]

This 💯

[@upsendowns4762]

Neurospicy love for you and your thoughts.

[@deepdeserttarot]

Annnnnd Subscribed!

[@TarotandWitchery]

Like most people here, I agree with some of this and disagree with a few things. Gonna thi k on this as I have been sharing my consumerism vortex journey for a while. So, maybe a VR coming... Thanks for being real.

[@cosmic.creeper]

This was an interesting listen. There’s a lot in positions where our income is no where near enough to survive, let alone thrive. But it also seemed there was an assumption or feeling your relationship with money and tarot tube was a given. So everyone feels this way, acts/behaves this way and perhaps they just don’t realise. Instead of the assumption they have a different experience. And I’m basing this solely on the foundation of people in the same income bracket you’ve discussed. Not speaking for higher ones. I don’t feel we’re required to take responsibility for our viewers at all, which isn’t to say I don’t care but that I believe there’s lines between enabling, harming and responsibly that include viewers. There are things we can share for transparency which makes for a nicer relationship between creator and viewers, of course. I can comfortably say I retain objectivity (at least through the lens you’re using) when I am gifted or discounted a deck. I agree, we don’t need to invest or do anything in deck world. No one is less than or doing it wrong if we can’t all get the new thing. So I appreciate listening to your experience, where I disagree was was being spoken for. I wonder why these conversations can’t focus on our feeling and experience, without moving onto assumptions of others. Bias is everywhere, but we don’t all have the same. Similar to being a reader for others, some element of bias will always exist in how we read. It’s impossible to have none, as you say. I’m not sure if you wanted to hear contrasting opinions, and I don’t usually comment if I don’t know as I can see there’s a lot of comments already. But I figured it’s a discussion, I’d join in. I appreciate discussions on community.

[@MixtressRae]

Oh man, I really didn’t want to make anyone feel bad. I was heated and it seems you got my meaning overall, but I wasn’t trying to put words in people’s mouths. Thank you for commenting though. I will have to reflect on how my words have made ppl feel.

[@cosmic.creeper]

@@MixtressRae for sure, as far as your experience goes, I understood. It’s difficult doing heated topics in the moment, as we’re usually in a different headspace, so absolutes are easier to use. Least that’s how I find myself sometimes anyways. I don’t mind diving into these community discussions whether I agree, don’t or feel impartial, but it certainly does heat up which is why I’ll forever favour live back and forth convo, but we rarely get the luxury of this online.

[@MixtressRae]

@@cosmic.creeper Good point. I'm terrible at live in person convos, but I do well on WhatsApp precisely because when you can talk-out something with someone, it hits different.

[@pinekun]

hugs to everyone here 💛

[@NYCHFAN]

The thing to remember is a tarot deck is literally a small box with 78 cards made out of paper in it. The price of some of these decks is almost like we're buying the original art. These are mass produced prints on little cards. I say this as someone who overspent last year, my first year of reading tarot. I ended up with 56 decks and about half that amount of oracle decks. I was shocked I had that many decks, some of which I hadn't used. Then I found out 56 tarot decks isn't that many! 😳 I have my decks scheduled out this year and passing along the decks that don't wow me, and I don't plan to purchase any more decks. It's a ripoff what is out there, and so commercialized. I don't consider a tarot deck an investment because it doesn't seem to me that resell value is very much. There is one deck that I thoroughly love that I purchased a backup copy and to be truthful, both times I purchased the deck, I purchased an irregular for a lower price. The only thing wrong was the tuck box was dented or had a scratch on it. The cards are fine. 😊 I know a lot of people love Ritual Tarot, it does nothing for me. The cards are too big, too busy, and way too expensive. I've stopped watching deck hauls and deck collection videos because they seem like bragging to me. "Look at all my stuff!" Plus, they do tempt me to spend money that is not earmarked towards tarot. Thanks for this video.

[@tangytarot]

The reminders of disclosing the deck prices and our possible biases during deck reviews is so important. And being mindful about language overall is definitely important. I was super into makeup KZbin many years back, and I remember something Hannah Louise Poston (a renowned anti-hauler / no-buyer in makeup) said - something like, "they say 'you NEED this (makeup item), but the truth is you honestly don't NEED it."

[@marinkillen6407]

This video has made me think so much. I wonder if it would almost be appropriate to talk about a gentrification of tarot decks as commodities. The prices do seem to be rising, and sometimes I wonder how we are (or if we are) justifying some of these purchases. On the other hand, there are luxury versions of almost every product imaginable, and someone out there can afford them and enjoy them, even if it's not me. I don't want to judge others for enjoying nice things (I have a Leo stellium, I love luxury) but there are some legitimate ethical considerations when it comes to promoting these decks--are they really worth it? I didn't even like the look of the ritual tarot until some of my favorite tarottubers showed it off. To be clear, I love everyone that I follow and I believe they are speaking genuinely when they rave about the deck. But I agree that sometimes there can be a wave of love for a deck that's almost hypnotic. I made $80 yesterday (rare) and almost immediately went to purchase that deck. I'm glad I didn't.

[@Queeny53]

This is why I buy tarot or oracle cards on Amazon. Because I'm not buying no cards for $50 or more, sorry but not sorry. Now, when I get it like that then yes, I would. But to be honest, I'm a shopaholic when it comes to tarot and oracle cards so it's so hard to see beautiful decks I can't afford right now 😢🥴💀🤣🤣.

[@andrewgarratt5191]

But that Somnia tarot deck though. 🤤😮😍

[@SaoirseGraves]

Pausing to say A) this video is very thought provoking, very interesting and B) I am moving my copy of Ritual Tarot on, would you like it? (Btw, I do think it's beautiful but I do not think it's worth its price tag.)

[@SaoirseGraves]

Addendum - lest this seem pressurised, if you wanted it but end up not liking it, you could just move it on too.

[@MixtressRae]

Sorsha that is so sweet of you to offer! But I bet you could get some money out of your “investment”. 😬 and I know the shipping to send it to me would be pricey.

[@woollychannel6759]

Part of the problem is the KZbin algorithm too. The more successful channels and videos tend to be based on deck collections/walkthroughs. This means if you do have a shopping addiction, you will be recommended more and more content that focuses on deck collecting as opposed to tarot itself. This can lead to hype, FOMO and the normalisation of spending lots of money on decks. (And consequently the prices of tarot in general goes up). I enjoy channels like Tarot Maps that focus more on actual tarot but it can be harder to find those kind of channels because they are less likely to be recommended. (Tarot Maps is an exception because it’s a bigger channel). I love you said the best decks are the ones you already have. So true! It’s such a gamble paying lots of money for new decks when you don’t know for sure if it will read well for you.

[@danielaayers3449]

THIS 1000%. The way i have found my favourite channels tend to me word of mouth or collaborations, not from searching YT or its algorithm suggestions.

[@elizadys]

@@endofthehollow Absolutely, this! I've discovered and subscribed to 3 new-to-me channels from the VR chain from this video.

[@feathersandstarstarot]

I just wanted to comment, to speak up, about how much your compassion for others in a similar financial situation to yourself (me included!) shines through in your videos. We might not all agree with each other on the best way forward, but I want you to know how very much I appreciate your honesty… you share your vulnerabilities, your thoughts and your feelings, in a way that I hardly see anywhere else in this little corner of the internet and I love you and your channel for that! It takes courage and I’m so glad you’re here, talking about the changes you wish to see and why 💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@viragstibinger7579]

I had a similar case with The Mysteries of Mary Tarot Deck. I thought, oh, but I really want to buy it, but it's so expensive plus shipping to Hungary plus tax. While I was thinking about this, I was walking home on the street when a homeless man came up to me and asked me for money for food. I didn't even look him in the eye, I said I couldn't help. After a few minutes, it dawned on me that it is more important for me to buy a tarot card that costs about 260 euros than to help a fellow human being. I am so ashamedI didn't buy the card and ran after the man in shame to buy him food.

[@viragstibinger7579]

Just to be clear about eco-printing decks - printing 500 decks in Europe costs a maximum of 15 -20 euros. I'm an artist - I know exactly how much printing costs.

[@viragstibinger7579]

tax is included.

[@viragstibinger7579]

Me as an artist, my opinion 100 dollars for a tarot deck whatever it is and beautiful and gold gilding ect. - this is robbery - unethical!

[@viragstibinger7579]

Definitely not spiritual....

[@MixtressRae]

Oh wow that is a powerful story. Thanks for sharing that. 💜

[@sheartswild]

This is REAL. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@ProjectRefinedLife]

As KZbin kept recommending this video to me yesterday, I watched. I also saw your comment on the community page today. There was so much said in your video and I'm trying very hard to be supportive to you at this time because it is obvious that you're hurting. This is your channel and as you have clearly stated on your tagline "talking about whatever you feel like talking about". If you feel that prices should be part of the conversation, then YOU should do that on your channel - maybe some of the other channels will follow your lead. What I feel is uncalled for is calling out artist/creators for "their" choices; who they decide to distribute their decks to for promotion or what type of discounts they'll provide. Also, indirectly calling out other channels/TarotTubers because of how or what they choose to share on THEIR channels doesn't seem to align with what you've clearly stated on your tagline "talking about what you want to talk about"...because as we all know - it's YOUR channel. With that in mind, I’m not here to tell you what I think you should or should talk about on your channel. As an adult, it’s my choice to watch or not watch. One thing that I always keep in mind is any time someone decides to watch one of my videos is that they've invited me into their home, their space, and they've decided to spend time with me. I consider it an honor, so I'm mindful of that. Although I'm not personally triggered by what you said on your video, I know that there are plenty of PEOPLE that may be hurt by your words - they were harsh. Words once spoken can not be taken back. Even if you were feeling triggered and unable to gracefully put into words what you may have originally set out to say, as KZbin creators we have to upload these videos to KZbin and push the "publish" button. There is time for contemplation. You spoke of the responsibility that you believe we hold as TarotTubers - I hope that you also hold yourself responsible for the words you choose to speak and publish. Most importantly If you have an addiction - PLEASE seek help. A Tarot deck should never come before groceries. Wishing you well.

[@MasterGGuru]

Her words weren't harsh, they were truthful. You are the one being harsh.

[@ProjectRefinedLife]

@@MasterGGuru I'm sorry you feel that way. Have a great day.