The Myth of the "Soul Deck"

[@Masculineintuitionreadings]

The deck I enjoy the most is the one I made myself. I would love to encourage anyone to try to make their own. It’s not hard at all. It’s a lot of work. Thank you Mary-Grace for making these videos about these hard hitting topics, they’re needed.

[@Julis_Arkana]

„Here on my channel we stop the madness“ 🙏🏼and that’s exactly why I’m staying 🙏🏼

[@erika6401]

My first tarot deck was the Universal Waite in 2014. It's the one I learned with and had before tarot consumerism became a thing. Now 2021 it's the same deck I use to read for clients. I don't use it for personal readings as I can't stand the overly laminated feeling, but I do use a Rider Waite version printed in Switzerland (it has the most buttery texture). I'd definitely say this is my ride-or-die deck as it's so easy to read and connects me immediately to divine. I totally agree about starting with a traditional deck! They might not be the most aesthetically pleasing but they sure get to the heart of the matter. One huge pet peeve about modern decks is when artists not well versed in tarot create a deck. It's like the blind leading the blind, that's why sometimes it's best to just go to the source of where it all started and get yourself a traditional deck. Too many money hungry folks looking to make some cool art with no real meaning.

[@chelle1256]

I only started about 4 years ago and didn't know about tarot decks and how many were out there I bought Dusty Whites book and a Rider Waite deck as that is what he recommended. He had free lessons on KZbin which I would watch as I worked through the book I also found printable RWS colouring pages and I would colour and listen and I was so excited and genuinely happy in this little tarot world I was creating for myself. THEN a well know channel popped up as a recommendation and so it all began of WOW buy buy buy I would say close to 300 later I had bought what everybody else was buying and then I stopped working through the book and just watched walkthroughs, deck comparisons and pairing oracle and tarot together before I knew it I had become a sheep (sad but true). I have enough frigging decks that my room and cupboards look like a shop lol I have to laugh as what else can you do.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Laugh it off and move forward. I did the same with the idea it was going to make me a better reader. I can't help but laugh at my own ridiculousness. Thinking of you and sending you love. My heart feels for you in lock-down. xoxo

[@Peekaboorose]

We have some differing perspectives on soul decks, and it's eery timing to see your video because I was planning on filming on this very topic tomorrow. Now I can make it a VR! I appreciate hearing your thoughts!

[@mattkiraly9869]

People take all these New Age concepts so seriously. I usually understand that as "the deck I feel comfortable reading with currently" or "the deck I use the most". Overall, I think you're right - it's like those videos where people seriously talk about how they are missing an aquatic animal oracle and then get preoccupied with the idea of buying one and end up buying 6 to try them out, or "I don't have a mermaid deck"... because that's about a realistic a need as mermaids are real. If you know how to read, one deck is perfectly enough. A bit of variety is fun but it's not necessary. But this world is not about excellence in anything, it's about quantities. Capitalism has infiltrated spirituality so deeply that there is very little spirituality left. It's all about buying stuff.

[@mrsdelacruz1860]

Keep up the great rants!!!! I love it so much! It helps keep me in check.😃 My first tarot deck was the Tarot of Vampyres…which I lost when I moved to another country. I stopped tarot for a couple of years. It recently called to me that I tried to get it on Amazon but ended up with other “trendy” decks in my cart. 😔 I’m so glad I discovered your channel and your videos about having too many decks.

[@jordanafarrugia8765]

So much truth here, thank you. Endlessly buying decks takes people further away from actually forming a working relationship with ANY deck. My old faithfuls are Rider Waite and Morgan Greer. Quality of relationship with your decks over quantity of decks.

[@mdbarton1979]

Yes. I wish I had known this 20+ decks ago. I know that may not seem like a lot of decks to some people, but I can't afford to buy a new Tarot deck every month, and that's pretty much what I had been doing up until recently... searching for "the one." Thanks for calling out this nonsense. There will always be another deck coming down the pipe that resonates... until it doesn't.

[@MahasTreasurebox]

I definitely have a "soul deck". Just like I have soul other things :-) sorry it rubs you the wrong way! Sometimes a deck just speaks to me not on a mental level but on a heart and soul level. I feel like what that means to me is that I am connected with the artwork and perhaps the person who made it. That's how I always explained it to myself. I am an artist so I truly believe that when we connect to artwork, we are connecting to the artist as well. As an astrologer, when I look at artists that have influenced my work in the past, when I look at their chart I see so many similarities to my own chart. I believe that is not a coincidence. As within and so without -

[@MahasTreasurebox]

@@amethystte2749 I guess it depends on your own soul! To me I can have more than one soul deck because my soul can connect with many things. Also I suppose that is a question no one can answer for anyone else, the only way one would know the answer to that would be by connecting to their own soul

[@MahasTreasurebox]

@@amethystte2749 that makes sense :-) and people have opinions :-) I'm just speaking from my own experience - I used to think there was only one soulmate and now I know in one lifetime one can have many soulmates… Human beings are complex. That is the beauty of life I suppose. Enjoy the personal journey of your soul!

[@shamanicarawakpriestess]

Yes yes yes freaking yes. RWS and wheel of the year tarot are my soul decks. I got sucked into feeling like I wasn't good enough because I didn't own these fancy modern decks. Even though I had a thriving business my clients loved My readings I kept feeling inferior. I finally started to look within myself and stop trying to look for validation in things. RWS is the deck that sings to me and I love it. Thank you so much for this video it is very much needed. I am making a VR to this 😊

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I look forward to your video... like I do all your videos! ~G xoxo

[@shamanicarawakpriestess]

@@MaryGraceFahrun I love all your content too.

[@NinasFibreArt]

Freakin brilliant video. 🙏 I can see both sides of this conversation but I definitely appreciated hearing your perspective.

[@justinmichaeltarot]

I agree that some people are probably chasing the “soul deck” but I think what fuels most compulsive buying of decks is what compels all compulsive buying, and that’s the little buzz you get when you buy something, anything. I think Fomo is another reason, particularly for channel creators.. I bought a bunch of decks a few years back that I never had any business buying. I still have to part with some.. but in the last year I don’t regret a single purchase.. especially my vintage decks. I especially don’t regret a single purchase of historic decks snd Tarot de Marseille. I am a collector. I always will be. But I don’t buy anything unless I know I want it. I buy much less frequently. I don’t read with most of them. I never intended to. I buy decks (mostly historic) now because I want them for comparisons, studies, and appreciation but most of all because I love tarot. I do appreciate your perspective. I will say everyone is different and not everyone uses tarot the same. Some of us are just nerds and collectors. We also all have different purses. And there are far worse things to be. But for people having real trouble with over-purchasing, this is good to hear.

[@lauraursu7300]

My mother’s RWS. I would sneak into her nightstand when she was away, sit on the living room floor facing East, and read…and learn. She still owns it and I have never purchased RWS for myself. I purchased The Haindl Tarot for myself many years later. I have also used a common card deck. Divination is available everywhere in everything.

[@JulianneVictoria]

Yep. My first deck was RWS. It's the only deck I used for years, and the images are imprinted in my brain, which got my thinking that a soul deck is one that one refers to in the mind when looking at a new, modern, and/or altered or non-traditional tarot deck. 😊

[@rosanneroy9054]

The Ethereal Visions deck is the one I bought for myself and learned with, that is, until I thought I needed to search for "the one" that these videos told me I needed. Just pulled it out and decided to recommit. And oh my, what an eye opening reading it gave me this evening. Love your honesty and presentations. Thank you!

[@loriejo67]

The runes chose me, back in the 80's. I didn't choose them. They work with me, I responded...

[@moonraventarotandwitchcraft]

OMG I wish I found your channel like 5 years ago. I do not have over 300 decks, BUT I was trying to decide wich one of my 7 decks is my "souldeck". Thank you thank you thank you SO MUCH for this

[@tomayaspirit1638]

I'm not done watching the video... but will finish watching later... and welcome back, girl!

[@riotthill]

My first deck was The Mythic Tarot, a gift, an original still in its packaging, which I never understood and so didn't use. My second was a purchase, the 'yellow box' RWS which was so badly printed it was unusable. It was at least a year before I decided to return and learn to read tarot and I cannot now remember which deck I purchased, but it was a RWS clone -- and that's the point, the learning, the discovery of self and archetypes and journeys, was always based on RWS. Now I have several TdM and Thoth based decks, but it is the discoveries learned through RWS that enables me to branch out.

[@Rozalyn508]

Thanks for this video great advice.

[@TheCatCottage99]

Good to hear a voice of reason! I think it's all a bit " New Age" to search for your soul deck ... whatever on earth a soul deck is. I've worked with the RWS since about 1983 ... great working deck for me. I love my Fantastic Menagerie, but give me a good old RWS any day :) Great video and if it ruffles few feathers, so be it!

[@effie8993]

Yes, connect with the deck, learn the deck, communicate with the deck. And create your own psychic symbols. You will most definitely get the clearest of guidance. To give and to receive.

[@clav06]

I would love a demonstration of how you read playing cards!

[@handlewithcare.T]

Again thank you so much for sharing your opinion on this topic. I have bought so many decks hunting for the one. After you discussing this topic I realize i wasn't searching for a soul deck as much as easy access to the tarot.

[@aj.655]

I’m wrestling with this a bit. My very first tarot deck was Jane Lyle’s Renaissance tarot back in the late 90s and my second “1st” when I returned to tarot a few years ago was the Centennial. But I can’t say I learned to read with either. I was tied to a book and then got too distracted looking for that “soul deck” rather than learning to read. I guess I thought the right deck would unlock the gates for me, so to speak. So I have a lot of decks but I still haven’t learned to read or connect to spirit. I think I’ve favored a psychological approach to the cards lately as being the most I can manage because I suspect at this point that I’m psychically constipated, if that’s a thing. Perhaps, this being the case, I’m not the target audience for this specific message. What would your advice be for me? Just pick one of my decks and hide/lose the rest?

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

" I guess I thought the right deck would unlock the gates for me, so to speak. " this right here is why we all (those of us who relate) ended up buying dozens upon dozens of decks. What I did was put all my decks in a box and waited until I felt the pull to rescue one. It took a while, but the pull did come. One by one I rescued decks from the box as they called to me. Maybe start there. We all experience psychic constipation at times. Most of the time too much spiritual "stuff" like cards, crystals, tools, decor, are the culprits. We all can use a little spiritual drano. Thank you for watching and thank you for taking the time to post a comment. ~G xo

[@aj.655]

@@MaryGraceFahrun thank-you, that makes so much sense and I’m encouraged. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

[@Azarika]

OMG, you just described what happened to me. I mean, really 100% the same, even my first deck was the Centennial also. And, yeah, I got lost in all the deck craze and still haven't learned to really read. I didn't even want to touch my deck for a couple of months. Then I took out one. Recently I took a second. And it's enough for now. I don't even do 3 card spreads or anything like that. I shuffle my deck, take out the cards that want to come out and look/feel/listen to what that tells me. If necessary, I read the guidebook, then look again. Have no idea if that's the right thing to do or not, but I feel rather happy doing that, so I keep going on. And I stopped buying new decks. Enough is enough.

[@FirstLightMystic]

I've honestly never seen anyone using soul decks as a marketing tool, but maybe i'm watching the wrong channels. ;) I do see people refer to soul decks when talking about a specific tarot deck, but it seems more in a casual sort of way, a shorthand way of letting the viewer know that "this here is the deck that I resonate with the the most." I think it's just a term that's become part of the tarot community lingo. I agree that we can have many soulmates; also we can have many soul decks. I consider the Mary El Tarot my soul deck because it challenges me, draws me out of my shell, comforts me, uplifts me, finds its way into the spiritual recesses of my mind. That being said, it was one of the first tarot decks I ever bought, so I'm with you on the point that people are doing too much buying in order to find The One Deck when they probably already have it. Also: "Marketing is the most mainstream magic there is." YES!!

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I can be provocative in my delivery but, everything I talk about comes from my own personal experience. I literally saw a sign above the Tarot and Oracle display at a metaphysical shop I went to recently that read: "Have you found your Soul Deck yet? Let us help!" Now if that isn't aggressive marketing, then I don't know what is. This store shamelessly used the "Tarot community's lingo" to sell decks. There is also the spell cast when we are all saying the same things and the end result is fantasy self, FOMO, retail therapy, mindless consumption, etc. I am complicit as well in my channel content. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. ~G xo

[@FirstLightMystic]

@@MaryGraceFahrun oh yeah that is very blatant marketing! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that you were exaggerating with what you said. I’ve been culling a lot of tarot channels lately (which goes hand in hand with my physical decluttering) and just thought maybe I’d missed out on this marketing/soul decks thing, which I’d never encountered before. It’s true, a lot of the marketing that goes on here is implicit (and perhaps often unintentional). It almost seems like it’s par for the course in the tarot community now. Although maybe it always has been, on some level-just not as blatant as it is now, with all the monetization etc. Perhaps it’s something we have to learn to live with? (Just thinking out loud there.) It’s just hard for me to see it going back to the way it was before. Anyway, I honestly really value your “bluntness” and the conversations you start, and really enjoy hearing your thoughts on things a lot of people (myself included) just never talk about.Thank you for taking the time to clarify what you meant. Xo❤️

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

@@FirstLightMystic No need to apologize! When I read your comment it sparked me to share my real life experience. On social media, most of the marketing is implicit and unintentional. We all do it. Myself included. As for the culling, it was a very long process for me. Every time I thought I was done, I discovered I wasn't. It took many, many, many trips to to the river. I'm not done yet. ~G xo

[@nanettechurch1319]

The Mythic Tarot. I used it so much I had to modify it. My dog bit a corner off one of the cards and from use they got worn. Now it is a little mini deck that I carry with me.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I bet it's really magical. xo

[@anyabertolet5751]

Mary-Grace, love this. Of course, it's RWS for me (I wish, too, to have started with Thoth--but... so it is). So glad you cam out with this clear message. I think the issue is that of terminology, the inevitable romanticizing of "soul mates" and "soul decks." If I understand correctly, you are marking a soul deck as the one that connected you to the spirit, awakened your consciousness, activated your soul, in some sense. And I think in the community people mean something else by this term: perhaps, a deck that, to them, most accurately represents their soul, or makes their soul sing, or resonates deeply. And I'd argue that it goes beyond the aesthetic, but either way, it reaches the soul. I think that's what people mean. But it seems to be externally motivated. It's like a favorite book--when someone asks you what it is, you know you will be judged by the answer. It's the same situation--many books can (and should) be your favorite, but if we are forced to pick out one, we darn right know that it better represent US. So the soul decks are looked to to represent souls. And it's problematic, as it is with music or poetry or any art whatsoever that is not even made by us. If an artist tells me her tarot represents the 78 aspects of her soul, I'd honor that. As you say, the term is catchy, but the meaning is conveniently vague. It sounds good. It's sexy, I guess, to have a soul deck--way more exciting than, say, a friend deck, or a teacher deck even. We all need to take better care with our words. Because of the hype, the implication is that if you are a tarot reader and don't have a soul deck, then you may well not have a soul. Words are powerful, and "soul" is one of the most powerful words in a human language. And again, I'm grateful for your statements about the deck-buying craze. YES.

[@willagrant7403]

Yep, I have had a bunch of rider waite. I use those when I read for others, always keep a new one to replace worn cards. Not my fav, not the one I use for myself. I also learned on playing cards.

[@marialouisawessels3835]

I really love your video’s. I started learning tarot in June 2020 and since then, I bought lots of books, and decks. I love the learning part. I am reading a lot (books). My interests of history, art, numerology, astrology, it is all coming together in these cards. Kaballah is a totally new area, I did not know of before, but also interesting. I am not looking for a soul deck but found lots of decks filled with the most stunning, beautiful art. Now, many decks further I wish I stopped after 10 or even 20 decks. I wished I found your video’s from the start of my journey. Now I do realize it is ridiculous for me to have that many and not being able to use them, cause I am just a newbie, still learning. So I finally stopped buying more decks, took your advice (too late though), but I cannot let go of most of the decks I already have. I will not probably not decide in the next 2 years, till I really know which decks I want to work with.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Since you are new to reading cards, I suggest you hang on to them. They will teach you what you do and do not like. What works for you and what doesn't. In time you will release the ones that do not resonate and truly bond to the ones that do. It's a journey. Be kind to yourself. xo

[@freddieblue6351]

Good food for thought....great topic

[@greylady1958]

The Original Rider Waite is my most used and loved tarotdeck. I learned how to read with this deck and how to connect the cards. With this deck my readings flow the most naturally.

[@bluehourtarot]

Most of the people I know use this term to describe their most favorite deck, a deck they can’t imagine falling from favor. If it does, it’s a fun hunt to find another, whether it is something new, or something you already have. They change as you change. The only problem is when you trade learning and evolving in for the idea that the next deck will make you a better reader.

[@ladysmall9853]

I love this outlook. I first read with a pack of basic playing cards years before I took up tarot and oracle. I was reading for fictional characters but I still count it. The Rider deck was my first tarot and they will have to pull the Witches Tarot from my cold, dead hands.

[@BiancaLesman]

My 'soul' deck is the radiant wise spirit.

[@nancy-acronesintuition4614]

Perhaps the people who are looking for their “soul deck” have not been fortunate enough to truly connect with any deck. They see people who bond with decks and are not able to find that magic ….. because they’ve never truly rolled up their sleeves and learned how to read tarot. Therein is the conundrum. Just my thoughts. My first deck was the Radiant Waite. I have gathered quite a few decks. The decks that I truly enjoy reading with are Bonestone and Earthflesh, The Cosmic Slumber Tarot, Ethereal Visions Tarot and The Tarot of the Sidhe. It depends on how I’m feeling as to which deck I choose. The Radiant Waite doesn’t really get any action.

[@Nightsong93]

Yes! I think there are so many choices these days, a new reader is bound to purchase modern decks over traditional ones. While many indie decks appeal to a modern palate, they frequently lack the symbolism and clear imagery that helps train the brain and intuition to read tarot. So, I do see how it can become a cycle of buying cards because you love the concept or artwork, but then never really connecting with it as a divination system and then on to the next deck purchase...great point!

[@annasmith6651]

Loved this, thank you. First tarot deck: Motherpeace. I quickly found it too nuanced as a new reader and moved to RWS. But Motherpeace feels like it has first place in an ancient recipe book written by people and moments in time I treasure.

[@veronica.theswamphag]

my first deck: Rider-Waite plaid back baby

[@steffymuze]

Same here. Still have it 20yrs later!

[@TheWitchofWillowCreek]

girrrl yessss!!! there are some decks that i just use over and over again and some that i just have because i like the art. sometimes those that i use all the time will change. it just depends in the mood i'm in. i'm gonna start calling things old age 😂 i agree it is a marketing ploy for the majority of the tings we purchase including decks. thank you for sharing sis! much love and blessings 😘❤

[@Reginacycs11]

I’m 58. My first deck was RWS bc that’s all that was available when I was a senior in high school and purchased my first deck. I have a large collection, mostly mass market. It’s not bc I’ve been looking for THE deck or soul deck. I purchased multiple decks over the years bc I found it interesting the different approaches and takes on the tarot from different artists/creators. I liked to see those perspectives. This was well before the internet when you could just watch a walk thru to see cards. I don’t have a soul deck. I have some favorites and some I use quite regularly. I guess I’ve been misunderstanding the way people use the term. I thought they referred to a soul deck to describe a deck they really connect with, not a deck that gets them. How can paper pictures “get” you? I don’t have a KZbin channel or Instagram. I’m not sharing photos or readings online. And I don’t have a soul deck. … I’m so out of the loop,😁.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I also take a soul deck to just mean a deck someone feels a connection with.

[@AstralLadyTarot]

Oh, I know I've used this term in the past. Glad to say it at least was used to explain my deep connection to the deck and I knew it well and read it with ease. It was the RWS, absolutely. But it definitely came from the incorrect idea that there was the perfect deck out there. I was looking for that one perfect deck. We can be "dedicated" to a deck, we can love a deck, there is no perfect deck. Omg 6.25 yeaaaassss. My soul decks are my Main decks, remember that? It's true, these decks taught me my spirituality.

[@thewitcheslilypad]

Ahhh a fellow potty mouth. Love it. Thanks love 🐸

[@BetweenSunAndMoon]

The decks I learned to read with: Gilded Tarot and Shadowscapes Tarot The decks I always reach for: Tarot of the Haunted House, Tarot of Vampyres, and Thoth Tarot

[@tamipie]

I did learn with Thoth. I got it in the mail one day out of the blue. And I think if you start with Thoth, and really learn Thoth...you can read anything!

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I am still wrapping my head around the fact that the deck's reputation is that it is very complex. Without reading anything, I was able to read it right out of the box. My thoughts are that it is because the symbolism is so ancient and universal.

[@sacredsortilege]

Less than 5 minutes into this video I literally said out loud "YES!". My first deck was the 1JJ Swiss and I struggled with Tarot until I got my second deck: The Robin Wood - a paganized clone of the RWS. Now I have 3 decks that meet your working definition of a "soul deck" - the Robin Wood, the RWS and the Light Seer's. The images from those 3 decks are seared into my mind.

[@lupamoon6625]

Hiya great video not saying I am of the same opinion 😀😀 I am going to do a VR .Much love and blessings 💜💜💜

[@mattkiraly9869]

My first deck was Morgan Greer because that's what my parents gave me. But I hardly read with RWS tarots anymore. 99% of the time I either go to playing cards or to my Jean Noblet Marseille. Especially playing cards are direct, to the point and adorably non-esoteric.

[@moonchild-is-here]

I often see readers who have massive collections of indie decks but when they read for clients they use the RWS , why ? because it speaks a clear language . If when reading artsy indie decks your minds eye is picturing the RWS to understand the card then why not just use the RWS in the first place . Indie decks seem mostly fashion accessories . If your mind needs to mentally revert to the classic RWS when reading then the psychic line with spirit is interrupted .

[@leighedwards5464]

The Radiant Rider Waite Tarot was my first.

[@derekr1013]

My first was a Rider-Waite as well, the one with blue and white flower pattern on the back. I don't read tarot anymore, did a reading for myself that turned out to be scary accurate and it kinda turned me off the practice. But I still love the tarot symbols and collect the ones with artwork I really like. Been reading 'Meditations on the Tarot' lately and so I feel like tarot is back on my radar again.

[@mellechimalis]

Thank you for this perfect video, I'm agree with you because I started to learn tarot with a Marseille deck and this is not the most beautiful deck that I have, but this is the one that I use the most 😸

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

My very first deck was egipcios kier, which isn't a regular tarot deck. But my friend/future boyfriend had it and showed it to me and I bought it from him. Now I don't have all tbe cards anymore and it's not available anymore except for a lot of money. :( Then... when I bought my own deck, I got 3 decks plus RWS for reference because I wanted to learn TAROT, not a particular take on it. So I bought 3 decks that came with beginner guides. They were: Black cat tarot (can't find anymore) Gilded Tarot And Mystic Dreamer I studied the books they came with, I looked for the common threads and differences... I looked for ways to understand the over arching ideas. Like what did the suits mean. I made charts. I tied to figure out on my own what all tbe 3s Nad 4s and 5s had in common with each other. I tried to see if i could develop my own shorthand. (I could). I tried to figure out how the suits matched with the elements and what else they matched with and how they matched with my witchy understanding of the elements and their directions and all the other correspondence. I did a lot of work on those decks. I still struggled in certain ways and didn't really connect it with my intuition but I did learn a lot. Then after a few moves I couldn't find them so I went online and ordered 3 oracle decks and 2 decks: the wild unknown and Hansen Roberts. I used those decks for a year or more before I started buying up all sorts of decks, lol. I almost didn't order the wild unknown when I saw it was so popular. But I was so glad I did. I definitly think it's my soul deck. ALL of those decks mentioned I think are very special to me, for the reasons you said.. but the WU is really especially special. It was really popular, and now it seems really popular to dump on it... but I'm so glad I listened to the voice that told me to get that deck. It's not the one I use the most. But it's still my "one deck to rule them all." I used to for a lot of inner work and a lot of tarot reading and I would have been fine to never buy another deck again. But I do enjoy seeing the different perspectives that different artists have. I don't think any deck will ever replace my WU though. And I feel like soul deck is really really accurate honestly. Another one I use a lot if hidden realms. It's quite nontraditional and it looks like it would be impossible to read but then I do a reading and it talks to me so perfectly.🤷🏼🤷🏼🤷🏼

[@gillianmariepearce]

RWS plaid back & my Keepers of the Light Oracle Cards. My first two decks and also my "go-to" decks for reading! SO bang on :)

[@AmethystAscensionTarot]

I definitely appreciate your opinion and this is your truth, however I think all truth is perspective. My soul deck is not the deck I learned how to read with. I have more than one soul deck, I have a few actually and I have only been reading for a few years. I do not believe having too many decks dilutes my readings, it broadens my perspective beyond my own. As a collector of tarot decks I also do not feel the need to read with all of my decks all the time. I'll read with them when the mood strikes me or a situation calls for it. Seeing art and expression through someone else's eyes expands me and I think this comes down to the individual. My very first deck was the Gilded Tarot and also what I learned to read with and took a course with. It is not even close to my soul deck, I do not even see those images in my head, and I gave that deck away I believe. I choose different decks for different things, and every deck I buy is not because I'm looking for the infamous soul deck, I buy it because I want to and because I think it will bring value to either what I am trying to learn, different types of readings, gain more perspective, or because I also want to support an artist. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on what a soul deck is and if it is just a myth. Great video. 💖🌞💖

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Everyone is free to do, feel, and think what they want. As am I. xo

[@AmethystAscensionTarot]

@@MaryGraceFahrun Absolutely! 100% agreed.

[@nicnaknoc]

LoL - back at the controversial topics :D - oh sweetheart you are ruffling the feathers

[@amber.cartomancer]

@Jezebel von Tex...Right! Some one is gonna be in trooouuble... Good someone needed to put it out there!!🥰🤣🥰😁

[@nicnaknoc]

@@amber.cartomancer 😂

[@lanternedu33]

Old plaid back from early 90’ Rider Waite (French agm muller Swiss edition) that was gifted to me without me even knowing anything about tarot. It found me, teached me how to read as a young adult, waited for me as I was letting it sit uncovered with the weasels and the mouses in a humid barn near my house, and came back after this soulless phase of my life, surprisingly intact and good smelling 😅, to teach me again. A kind of experience money can’t buy on Etsy 🙂 Thank you Mary-Grace Ps.: I do sometimes buy a new deck and it’s great and beautiful but I don’t connect it with me obtaining more magic, more spirit or more skills anymore.

[@polishfolkwitch]

The first decks that I was actually learning to read with were the Golden Tarot of Klimt and shortly after Tarot Illuminati. Those were fun times. I still love the Klimt deck. Though, to be fair, I first started with reading the Futhark around a decade before I picked up my first tarot deck, so the runes will forever be my first choice over tarot.

[@DianeJarecki]

I agree with you about soul mates, and I also agree that after thinking several decks filled that elusive ideal of a "soul deck" for me, that I feel that I have several decks that speak to my soul in different ways, but while some people may have a deck that special to them, I do not. I think I do have a copy of a version of the RWS, but I haven't even opened it. It's definitely not any "soul deck" for me.By your definition of a soul deck, I don't have either of mine any more, I've given them to new homes, purchased new copies and sent them to new homes again. Those two decks are Tarot of the Spirit and Revelations Tarot. I'm just learning to read playing cards now. Cartomancy is definitely my soul system over tarotmancy (Golden Dawn esotericism layered on top of Tarot). I really enjoyed this perspective on the subject, and I agree about people needing to stop searching for that unicorn and just enjoy the decks they have. 🙏🧡💜🧙🏻‍♀️🍁🍂

[@crowredrose]

I have honestly never heard of the phrase "soul deck". And I have been reading cards for like 20 + years.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Right? Heard it for the first time on You Tube in 2018.

[@steffymuze]

@@MaryGraceFahrun same!

[@journalsandjuju]

The Rider Waite I had a dream about the deck before I even started reading, and it has taught me so many magical things!

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I am so fascinated the people's experiences of dreaming of a deck. To me that is a spirit communication dream. Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment. ~G xo

[@thewitcheslife2061]

I’d never thought about my soul deck. I learned with a RWS. But when I was 18 I bought 2 decks, the Witchy Tarot and the Gothic Vampire Tarot. I’d say the Witchy Tarot is my soul deck (it’s missing a card too). I own 10 tarot decks and 3 oracle decks, I love all but 1. I also use playing cards too. I might do a video about my soul deck because you’re right, I bought this waaay before tarot marketing was so hyped up.

[@emmaythegray]

My first is my beloved US Games star-back RWS. (Box long gone so I don’t know “official” edition) Recently cut the borders and titles off. BFF.

[@alyssamarie1091]

RWS centennial and it’s still gives me the best readings. The mini in the tin version is the one I always have in my hands when I’m around the house unless I consciously make the decision to reach for something else.

[@jamieloom22]

My first deck was RWS (pre-copyright) and a few years later I got a Thoth greenie. Those were my only decks for many, many years until I found IG and YT and stated collecting decks. Soul decks like soul mates are love/hate relationships that are here to teach us and help us evolve.

[@dkellywatson]

I need you to make a video everyday 😊 my first deck was a RWS deck. Anytime I need to reset I go back to it. I am in the process of moving out decks, your videos speak to me. Thank you. 🥰

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Thank you. I am happy my videos are helpful. :) xo

[@Shellz1111]

Haha, in this case mine are all my should decks. Because it depends what mood I am in . first deck was animal tarot by Doreen Virtue and Radleigh valentine. Then my radiant rider Waite is where it got serious . I absolutely do go to that when I mean business. You are so right . It's bent and the home job giilding I did is worn off. It may be time to chose a borderless version. I agree with you. on all points with the Waite deck.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

Short answer: The Wild Unknown

[@tomayaspirit1638]

Ditto on soulmates and soul decks!

[@lark6676]

My first deck was the Hanson Roberts...didn't learn on it because my daughter took it for an art project. Next deck Universal Waite and Robin Wood learned on those. Both still my go too main decks.....I have 5 deck I know inside and out... Robin Wood, Greenwood, Universal Waite, Morgan Greer, and Guilded. All older decks, all 5 always on my table, all I'm equally at home with...if I had to pick only one it would be my Robin Wood...even though I have often heard it put down as the dumb blonde deck and I have been teased because it isn't "cool"...it's still my first love, we have been though so much together. 300 decks later...and over the years whittled down to about 90...and you are right the first decks I bought and learned from are my soul decks. You have inspired me to finally take a long hard look at my remaining collection and make some decisions.

[@Nightsong93]

Robin passed a year or two ago and left a legacy of art; not only in the tarot but also in many pagan and witchcraft book illustrations

[@gillian5163]

My brother gifted me the Mythic Tarot when I was 13, but it never really clicked for me and I decided “I guess I’ll never learn tarot.” Fast forward TWENTY THREE YEARS and I purchased the Neo Tarot by Jerico Mandybur (based on RWS). I’m able to get very clear readings with this deck and I love it for that, but I’ve noticed lately that I can’t kick the guidebook because the images don’t always jive with the meanings. Fast forward another three years and I bought the borderless edition of RWS. Right out of the box I was like “Ohhh…I see!” It’s too early to tell if it’s the right deck for me, but I have a good feeling it is.

[@morphinpink]

I think the concept of a soul deck is one of those things that were supposed to be descriptive of someone's bond with their deck, which they actually use, but turned into a Thing(tm) that can be commodified into a marketing ploy. Same with "type of witches", it went from describing a general idea of a witch's general practice to people asking "how do I know what type of witch I am" or 'what type of witch are you? like??? they're not real, we're not pokemon and can't be categorised like that. you could say you're a noodle diamond cat food witch😂 anyways. If we don't bond with a deck it can never be a soul deck no matter how pretty. It's not something you can tangibly find by hauling decks, it's a relationship you build with your tool. And if aesthetics help someone put their energy into it imo that's valid. I'm personally very picky with aesthetics because I know if I don't like it I won't touch it, if I don't like the production quality I won't use it. But with that also comes the acknowledgement that aesthetics alone won't make it work. Aesthetic preferences should help us be more critical and picky when choosing our decks tbh not an excuse to buy more more more (and honestly I don't understand how people can buy so many decks and all of them be their Aesthetic(tm) but that's a different story☠)

[@deckharlot]

The RWS is also my go-to deck, just because it’s the one that made reading cards click, thanks to a teacher who insisted on his students using it. I hated the art, but it grew on me, and now I’m a snob when it comes to recoloured and redrawn versions.

[@crimson0383]

The Druid craft was my first deck I read exclusively with and only owned for a couple of years. I have many decks now and use them all. If they don’t bring me joy, I move them on to someone who will love them. They are pieces of art 🖼

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I've never taken the concept of soul deck as a literal actual thing. To me, it's just a deck that you feel a special connection with. Like when people say, "that child dancing in the rain is my spirit-animal." I don't think it was even come up with by marketing people. I think somebody just said it one day and it caught on. To me it's just a way that people express a certain feeling they get from a deck that they can't really describe. But it's just a personal opinion like, this is my favorite color, it speaks to my soul. (That for me, would be deep sapphire blue). And then some people maybe heard it and thought it was was actual "thing" rather than just an expression of delight at finding a deck that they felt a special connection with.

[@luciev.7844]

My first tarot was printed in a magazine spread - soooo long time ago. And later I worked in a bookstore where I got the Easy Tarot by Josephine Ellershaw. Just because it said easy and it was bright and colourful. I know you are friend with Natalia - you have similar vibes - I miss her content, so I love that she sometimes collaborate with you. 🌟

[@spellboundtarot1264]

My lovable deck is Rackham Tarot. I don’t use it “all the time” but I have a deep connection with it. (I love it deeply.)⭐️ Tarot is just a tool for divination and spirituality!! Nothing more and nothing less. I agree with u. ✨🖤

[@nysiad4261]

Im so late for this! But here goes nothing, my first deck was from corrine kenner/ Wizards Tarot gifted to me. The guidebook that one has taught me soo much, gave me a new world. Then i was gifted a Thoth deck. Which changed all my mind system. 😂 but these 2 decks have something in common, they are not for the aesthetic. I started to think maybe i should go for looks, some deck that is modern, aesthetic but deep at the same time. Nope, none of them feel deep enough, no learning with them. They just look cool to me. Thanks for giving a reality check. 😂

[@tizzas1232]

I have maybe 2 or 3 soul decks. One of them is the RWS original and another is the Hush Tarot. I actually love the art work in the RWS, (even though its not my usual art style). I still have a few more decks I rotate seasonally, but I've realised I don't need 100's of decks, (although everyone should do what works for them of course).

[@aryahavinfun5682]

My first deck was the Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot Cards, a black & white deck with stilted line drawings. (There are nicely colorized versions available these days.) It was quite hard to read, but I persevered, and found many insights into my own life and the lives of others. Later I got really into the Albano-Waite, and to this day in my mind's eye, I still see Cups as watery silver gray (not yellow), Pentacles should always be cheerfully green & red (ditto), Swords yellow gold, Wands woody brown and green. And those crazy skies!!! I read with all sorts of decks now, a current fave being The Slow Tarot. I never resonated to the idea of a "soul tarot", a term seemingly created to inspire competitive envy, cuz if you don't have one you must be "less than", or just not in with the spiritually "in crowd". Pfffft! That and the concept of a "soul mate" just make me roll my eyes...

[@SemplicementeSE]

My Soul deck is my Tarocchi delle Sette Verità: it was the first one that I had in my hands when I was 4! 🥰 But I have to say that I love all of my other decks, I don't have thousands and I bought them with intention and not on a whim. ❤️

[@TheHallbjorn]

Your talk about soulmates reminded me of this Tim Minchin performance of 'If I Didn't Have You' (which is great if you haven't seen it): kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-ZmIloqMmfaZo

[@AllOne82]

My first deck that I actually started to learn with was legacy of the divine tarot by ciro marchetti…. The deck I use most… light seer’s tarot by chris-anne, wizard’s tarot by Barbara moore, and groovy waite tarot… huh… wow that narrowed things down… thanks!

[@viragstibinger7579]

Dear Mary Grace, My first deck is Thoth.. I was totally fine, then I found the tarot tube... The result of this was that I bought a lot of decks because I was looking for The deck, the soul deck. After not finding this, in your video, you explain why, I took out the perfectly good but not cool Thoth deck. And I realized that this is my soul deck anyway.

[@viragstibinger7579]

But i bought 80 other tarot decks.... please don't laugh at me....

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I will NEVER laugh at you. Many of us, including me, have done the same. xoxo

[@viragstibinger7579]

@@MaryGraceFahrun ❤

[@jennyamery4357]

🙂👍 my first deck was the witches tarot back in 91. The old James bond deck. I didn't know that at the time and the place I got it from was this really small shop. They had that and one other deck. Not much choice I'm afraid. It's not my soul or reading deck. Yes you've guessed it it's the waite smith I think it's the original rider waite smith deck I'm using.. the one that comes in the blue box. Another cheap deck but I love shuffling the shlt out of it! My second is the robin wood. I do have more but these are my 2 reading decks.

[@nicobeing]

The goddess tarot by kris waldherr. Thank you for this. Wow.

[@amber.cartomancer]

Mary Grace! OK, I love saying your name. I say it out loud when I type 🙃🥰. My collection is 52 decks. I have one deck I hate and will give away when some shows up who should have it (Spolia..don't get it) . Another I just don't get but I don't hate. The others...are my aesthetic and I love each one of them...but my soul deck...MORGAN GREER Baby!!! The Centennial was my first RWS deck but my first deck I could read was the Morgan Greer. I love all my Tarot decks but...playing card reading....now that is my soul communication 🤣🤗

[@violat1603]

My first tarot deck: Quantum Tarot 2.0 (I have not done this for so long :P) I kind of don't like it but I love it and to be honest I don't use it much right now. It has always been straight to the point for me. :)

[@SylvainDementi]

I think you've found the tagline for your channel. Mary-Grace Fahrun, Stop the madness! 💛 My first deck, the one that teached me how to read cards, really is The Wild Unknown. I'm grateful that it came in my life, but I'm not using it anymore. I have hard time calling it my "soul deck", though. 1) I hate this expression and 2) It was an entry point, but I really don't think it reflects the person I am and it certainly NOT reflects the way I read cards today.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

I feel the same way about playing cards and plaid back RWS,. They are the decks that opened me up to we are all "spirits in the material world". 🤗

[@wren1019]

ah, yes. i did a little video about a year ago with regard to the topic of "soul decks"

[@maharetlanoire4419]

My First Deck was the Unicorn Tarot by Suzanne Star and Liz Hilton, that‘s the first one I learned to read with, too. And no, it’s not my favorite and no it’s not the prettiest in my Collection 😂

[@paintedowl356]

Circa 1987 Reflexions by the Catalyst Group, Wortman Associates was the first deck I successfully read. I had tried other decks (Shapeshifter Tarot and Faery Wicca Tarot). After my success, I started looking for other decks to try to enhance the readings I was getting. I hoped to broaden the language of the reading by having more cards to pull from and that is where KZbin came in... I never bought so many decks before. I had maybe 3 or 4 max. With Tarot Tube, my deck purchases went over 100. I think the decks I like represent aspects of myself or my family that I am seeking connection with. I don't really have one soul deck.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

" I think the decks I like represent aspects of myself or my family that I am seeking connection with." So poignant and so relatable. Thank you for sharing that, Deb. G xoxo

[@zanabandgirl]

a psychic on purpose… EXACTLY!!

[@Nightsong93]

Fenestra Tarot was not my first, however it is *the deck* that made me feel like a true fortune teller (i know we aren't allowed to say that these days :/). It is close enough to RWS, but has this old world grandma's tea parlour vibe. I can't explain it but yeah...no matter how many decks I buy, it is the one I've kept the longest (over 12 years now), and would pack with me in case of emergency. Tarot of the Hidden Realm or Wildwood Tarot would also be contenders because I feel I connect with my Celtic ancestry through those. Thanks for your recent videos; just sold 10 decks on mercari. Feeling inspired to curate my collection down to the essentials!

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

Fenestra Tarot is an excellent choice. I love that "old world grandma's tea parlour vibe"!

[@moonchild-is-here]

Fortune telling is the exact reason I started reading tarot in the first place ..reclaim the fortune teller like we have reclaimed the power of Witch !

[@Nightsong93]

@@moonchild-is-here I agree. Just don't tell the rest of tarotube LOL

[@_cosmic_void]

My first tarot deck was Renaissance Tarot by Brian Williams. I bought it at a head shop when I was 12 or 13 and could not even pronounce it correctly. My "soul deck" is The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin. It's the first deck where I stopped trying to memorize the meanings of the cards and literally cannot read any other deck without looking up the meanings. It is not my aesthetic, although I love the backs and the card stock. I do keep trying to find something "prettier" but there is usually something not right. Usually card stock or size (deck too fat or too slippery!). I don't have a ton of cards though, maybe 20 - 30ish. Yes still too many, hahaha.

[@koungson]

My first deck was from the Goodwill for $2.50. It’s an element deck with not the worst art. Still own it but not my favorite.

[@steffymuze]

My "soul deck" is whatever deck my 'soul' wants to work with at any given time now 🤷‍♀️ that's it. This changes and I have multiple decks for this reason but it's not an actual search so this to me, is just more marketing🙄 (ETA I learned on blue plaid RWS over 20 yrs ago, pre-internet. I stick to that system but been out of the loop LOL , I just can't/won't spend the time or energy, or $$$, keeping up anymore, it's impossible and my psyche doesn't need it. I'm downsizing; just did a nice trade online with a gal and trying to stay off the Latest and Greatest. How new and different can they really be anymore? I like some new indies but everyone and their mother has one now it gets exhausting)

[@Starr1258]

The Aquarian tarot. Had it since the 70's but in 2000, while I was going through a separation and then a divorce, I was reading for many other people and I put them away because I think I blamed the cards for my sadness, my grief, my loneliness. You get what I'm saying. I didn't touch the cards again till 2017. I still had resentment so I trimmed them to change them or to change the way I felt about them. A friend turned me on to the fact that there's so many beautiful decks. I never even knew about the RWS because I had 2 books dealing with the Aquarian, that's it. I had another book on spreads, that's it. After watching this video, I opened the box which sits on my night table along with several other decks and I apologized to my long lost friend. Thank you Grace. That hit home.

[@MaryGraceFahrun]

🤗💕

[@cristinadarte]

The deck I started with was the Shadowscapes tarot, the second deck that I got was the wild unknown and the third was the rider wait smith. I've felt the 'soul deck' tingle with the wild unknown mostly but I go more to the rider Waite Smith for study and practice. Shadowscapes served as my introduction and is still part of my collection but I don't read with it anymore. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the topic.