If (or when) you find yourself drowning in too many unique decks, think about sorting them by their energy or intention. As the cards revealed to me over time, I now group my collection into distinct categories, those for healing work, others for exploring shadow aspects, and a special selection for sparking creative flow. This approach transforms the daily deck selection into something that flows naturally from within.
I love this deck! Okay, since it’s already been suggested and we already have a thread on Anime Tarot cards … how about this one.
Serious enough that the artstyle is usable with clients or people unfamilar with the game. It’s the standard deck but with this cool artstyle that won’t get in the way of the reading but a bit of a nod to the game if you know it.
You mentioned wanting decks that match your reading style, how do you figure out which deck works for what? Do you find some art styles click better with certain questions or types of clients?
Unpopular opinion but I think collecting tons of decks might be limiting your tarot practice. I get why people love the aesthetic side, new decks are pretty and fun to collect.
But (and I know this is an unpopular opinion) using the same deck for a long time (even just a basic Rider-Waite) helps you build a stronger connection than switching around all the time. Maybe I’m just boring but I’ve stuck with one deck for years now.
What made you go for mermaid decks? I’ve been thinking about getting some themed decks myself. Do you plan to use them for certain types of readings or just mixing them in with your regular ones?
Your collection sounds nice. I know what you mean about the artwork - different styles can really affect a reading, and I don’t know if it’s shallow, but I’m really into the aesthetic of a Tarot deck.
If nothing else, I think if you like the deck you’re working with then you’re going to use it more which means you get more practice and appreciate it better.
The energy of a deck really does shift depending on what you’re exploring. My ethereal, watercolor decks seem to open up intuitive channels for spiritual guidance readings, while bold, geometric designs ground me when doing practical career or financial spreads.
For client work, more traditional imagery helps people who are new to tarot feel comfortable, while abstract or unconventional decks work beautifully with clients who are already on their spiritual journey. I keep a selection of three decks visible and let clients choose which one calls to them - the deck they pick often reveals so much about what they’re really seeking, even before we turn a single card.
Okay but… I actually think themed decks like mermaid ones might seem limiting at first - like you’d only use them for water-related or emotional readings - but that constraint can make you a better reader! When you’re forced to interpret The Tower through a mermaid lens, suddenly you’re seeing emotional tsunamis instead of just general upheaval. You don’t need to narrow them down if you don’t want to.