I think they are responding to tarot content. I watch a lot of tarotube and I always found it odd how often ideas and even full on phrases/word choice are parroted from video to video - it seems everyone hates borders, linen is the best, everyone hates the "creepy baby" in the sun card, a pregnant Empress is bad, and now any depiction of the III of Swords with a pierced heart is "boring". Some things are mentioned so often and loudly that I am not surprised that we are seeing these changes implemented by Mass Market Publishers. I remember so many people made such a big deal about the High Priestess and the Hierophant in the first edition of the Mary-El that when the second edition came out they changed those cards entirely (I remember one person said "I wish they would change this card, *no one* likes it" with regards to the Hierophant). I don't think it is unique to Tarot, I think it is likely a group thing, that ideas tend to permeate a space and people sometimes unconsciously take them on, you parrot something enough it, it kind of becomes the rule. But it is fascinating how homogeneous thought in this space has become, especially because we are talking about subjective symbolic art.
absolutely agree, I always appreciate when someone has their own opinions, it stands out because tarotube seems to speak with one voice on many of these things. A lot of the opinions I don't share, so it's disappointing the loudest minority has so much clout on the direction things are going.
@@Flip_MouseMany “influencers” are in communication with each other and do speak in similar manner. Some voices that used to be distinct are now receiving many “free” decks to review and now seem more about selling new decks to people each month rather than having any sort of individuation. Money can corrupt people.
It’s so true about the group thing! It’s always interesting for me to observe how people (content creators) will literally copy the aesthetics, mannerisms, vocabulary and even entire looks from fellow creators they enjoy - it’s almost like borrowing someone’s personality instead of having one’s own. I’ve seen this way too often in the TarotTube community over the years. It’s creepy to me.
I feel publishers are absolutely watching tarot-related content on TH-cam, based on the number of videos that I see consisting of products being sent for review by publishers and creators (both indie and mass market). I have an itty bitty channel, and even I have been approached. Just looking at how mass market decks are packaged and presented now, it's apparent that there's been a shift to perceived preferences (bigger guidebooks, edging, more elaborate boxes). Kickstarter campaigns are another avenue that I suspect publishers are keeping an eye on. They can see, in real time, the types of decks that consumers are drawn to and what they're willing to pledge. There have been a few decks that went from Kickstarter-funded to mass market in a very short period of time.
I'm only 8 minutes in but I have to pause and comment before I forget: I have always loved the multiple languages on Lo Scarabeo decks. As someone whose first language isn't English and someone who knows many people who don't speak English I appreciate and love the accessibility those multiple languages bring. TarotTube is so full of people (usually native English speakers) who always mention how much they hate those borders with the multiple titles, and to me that speaks of entitlement and not much else. Always leaves a bad taste in my mouth even if it's someone whose content I otherwise enjoy.
I am from a multi-lingual and multicultural background. I have never understood the criticisms from solely English speakers of the multiple languages on Lo Scarabeo decks, marketed WORLDWIDE. It hints at ethnocentrism. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.
As a Reader for many years, I think I’ve officially graduated into being a “Old Skool Stanchy Trad Reader”. And it feels so dam good! I have ONE RWS (my beautifully beat up Dirty Pam edition) and 1 kick ass deep diver Oracle Quareia). That’s all I use professionally. I have numerous somewhat old occulty decks collecting dust in plastic bins. Besides popping them out every so often on a Sat night when I’m bored, I’ll never use them. One thing I think that can’t be dismissed is how the modern witchcraft community informs and even directs the tarot culture. WitchToc, IG Spells, and bubblegum Conjure also required that Tarot downshift to meet the spiritual levels of these types of practitioners. Tarot now is dumbed down for everybody and their mama. Instead of requiring those to rise to meet it and understand it where it was. But let’s be real, how many online Practitioners are REALLY bringing spiritual substance? Witchcraft is now wrapped around a new unboxing and glamorised regurgitation. Your channel is really a gust of fresh air. Thanks for keeping it real. Rant over.
I agree that a lot of modern decks look sh*t. It’s just a quick money maker, they all look the same and the art is poor. You can tell that many decks are created simply for ‘looks’ rather than actual reading.
The cardstock “issue” is all because creators and influencers use massive ring lights so they get glare when they make content with their cards. They care more about not having glare than they do about the usability of the cardstock itself. As someone with a visual impairment that gives me constant double vision, linen card stock only adds to the blurryness and makes it harder to read. The minimalist tarot trend is bewildering to me, but even worse are the ugly obviously AI vomit of colours decks. There are so many of them, coming out at a rapid speed and they don’t make any sense towards the tarot itself. You’ve got some deck creators bringing out multiple decks a year and I refuse to believe that those decks are well crafted labours of love. They’re desperate money grabs for anyone who will buy them.
Hey. I hope you had a fab birthday 🥳🖤 I missssss the lo scarabeo borders so much, and stock. I’m so thankful I have early copies of tarot of pagan cats. I think we’ve spoken about borders before. You know I love me a border lol. It might not be trendy, but I’m here for them either way. With the linen reprints, I generally won’t replace mine as it feels like wasted money/materials, because it’s too hard to shift decks where I am. Even for trading or great selling prices. I end up gifting a lot. But otherwise, it seems to not be easy. However, I would get a linen Brady despite all this, because my hands hurt for so long with it and I use it a lot. I’d feel out of pocket, but I would consider it a one off. I definitely think most publishing houses go with what’s popular demand on social media. With linen or any thin, bendy, durable cardstock (like playing cards) that’s a benefit for me. But only for anything I might in future lol. The quality for long term use often feels lacking still though. The lap desk at the end is soooo cool. What a fun thrift find. I could see myself using this as a mini altar for the garden or woods. I could see doing workings at it or readings. But I imagine there are endless possibilities. Anyways. Lovely catching up 🥰
Hi and Happy Birthday month to you, T! 🥰 It is a shame that most publishing houses go with what’s popular demand on social media. They assume that the people who are vocal on social media speak for everyone when they are the minority. Same as everything else, I guess.
8:22 I too don’t like borderless. I think borders make the deck more elegant, artistic and more put together. I don’t get the addiction with the borderless decks.
I think some people have issues with extra items in their visual field. I have heard that some people think the borders are distracting. Isn't part of the fun adjusting the decks to your preferences? Now they have been adjusted for everyone whether or not you want your edges trimmed.
I feel that Tarot cards should be designed with borders. People are then free to cut them off if they don't like them. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
I'm with you on titles... regardless of the fact I only speak/read English, I also enjoy the languages, and I'm really not on board with no titles... I always remember your "words are magic" comment. ❤❤ As for linen cardstock. Yes, it's nice. But I'm not going to rebuy a deck just bc the cardstick has been updated. I like to read with my cards too so if Im replacing a deck its bc I NEED to.
Are they using AI to generate the art? Also, are they catering to intuitive readers who don’t really know the language of the symbolism, nor do they care to know it. They may as well have a deck of blank cards to read with because their readings don’t draw from the actual card meanings.
@@VioletH172 I can't say I'm a fan. I didn't even keep the one AI deck I did get even though it read well... it just wasn't for me. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
Hi, for me when I feel blockage and no longer am in the mood to create I take walks outdoors, specially in nature. Trees are my Gods. Im looking for more ways to renew the creative flow but this one always works for me. I also agree about the card-stock and titles on the cards. I am french and speak a few other languages. I always appreciate the Lo Scarabeo tarots. Its a shame they have changed.
I, too, like the multiple languages in the Lo Scarabeo decks. I think I only have 1 Scarabeo deck, though. What's wrong with other languages? I grew up in a bilingual home, nothing wrong with it! 😊 I won't be replacing decks for new cardstock. I'm still donating decks out, lol! I have no desire at this time to get any new tarot decks. The stuff I see out there seems too "commercial" to me. I don't know if that is the right word, but I would use Llewelyn decks as an example. More money spent on a glossy guidebook, with cartoon character cards. I agree with you about the crappy artwork. There are a few decks I use over and over that are faithful in giving me good reads. All the rest go. I think the big tarotcreating and buying phase has slowed down. Those of us who weren't essential workers didn't have a lot to do. I took advantage and learned tarot - something I've wanted to do since my first tarot reading at 22. So what dowe do? Tune in to YT to learn about tarot, and see all of these decks! I thought to be a legit reader, I needed a good variety of decks. So I started buying. I think many of us got caught up in buying since there wasn't a whole lot to do. Now that life is back the way it was, I think the buying has probably slowed down. 😊 I'd use the lap desk for a portable altar type thing. Put my saint cards and herb packets, small candles, etc. in the filing part, and use the flat part to set it up. Like a travel altar. Happy Birthday!! I hope it was great! 🎉🦄🕯🔮✌️❤️😄👍
I was an essential worker and still managed to have amassed a mountain of decks during that time, LOL. It was a stressful time for everyone. Thank you for the birthday wishes and your suggestions. xi
Belated happy birthday! I love the lap desk! Would probably use it for journaling in nature or something. As for creativity, my most trusted way to get back into the flow is the deadline hovering over my head 😂 I don’t allow myself to be late with my creative work or to half ass it & that is motivation enough. If the deadline is far away enough though, I’ll let go and do nothing sometimes, and I think that is healthy to do every now and then cause burnout is no fun. If I’m feeling creatively spent, gardening, nature walks or crafting something in a completely different medium helps. As for the deck market thing, I’m totally lost in all of it at this point and I’m glad, lol. I’ll sometimes look at new releases for fun & the stuff I see lately just seems so unhinged to me. Freaking alien cowboys, AI art, countless goddess decks, some cringe angelic-shamanic stuff, and of course spiritual coaching decks. Yuck 😭
Thank you, J! 🥰 Thank you for your suggestions. I think the main reason I am struggling with motivation is that it is scorching hot here and I can't even go out in nature -which is currently mostly dead and brown where I live. It's really getting me down. Glad to hear that it's not just me poking my head out to check out new deck releases and thinking WTF? 😆
@@MaryGraceFahrun Ah yeah, the seasons can really affect creativity indeed. Fingers crossed we soon see a shift towards a more bearable weather and everything will begin to flow again ❣️🤞🏻
I would love to have a goodwill (thrift store) but for witches/pagans/spiritual folks that I’d donate my used items and decks for a affordable price or even free (my metaphysical shop has a free shelf to give away any used items). It can really help the community but also the environment! I suggest ask your local metaphysical shop if you can donate any used supplies or tools.
I agree with what you say but, my local metaphysical shop would accept the items for free and then put them for sale in their store -often asking full retail. I rather give my no longer needed stuff away to an individual I know will use them or a thrift store that accepts them.
@@MaryGraceFahrun Ahh I never thought about some stores would do that! I know there are some witchy websites and stores that are thrift shop based but so few. I agree, it’s probably more fair and reasonable to give used items to a thrift store knowing they will give a very affordable price for a used item which is nice to know beforehand.
@@MaryGraceFahrun I have not seen that at my shops that I go to but I have seen shops selling counterfeit decks for the full price. Like these cheap plastic cards that they probably brought on Temu for $7 they will resell them for $30 and I don’t even think part of the sales are going to the actual artist and author. Though I love supporting small businesses but some shops are very shady and sketchy.
Dear Grace, you're a breath of fresh air. Why have I not found you before today? Stupid question, our paths cross when the time is propitious. This loose affiliation of the so-called Tarot community isn't immune to the tsunami of consumerism. Whilst folks keep indiscriminately buying expensive 'tat' unfit for purpose, then market forces will scurry to keep up with the demand. Being a person of a certain age I'm in a privileged but also awkward position of having experienced this stuff before. That's not my cleverness it's just the passage of time that lends itself to my observations. Thanks. ~ Dee.
The Lo Scarabeo discussion has been going on for many years - on the Aeclectic Tarot forum. The multi-language titles reflected the needs of the European market which is multi-lingual. I'm a multi-lingual European myself but I trimmed many of my Lo Scarabeo decks long before I discovered others did the same. I was actually surprised when I went on AT and discovered that trimming was a thing. I think the "problem", if there is one, is that the US tarotsphere has taken over all the others. I see that in many small things. It's easy to forget that the tarot has a multi-cultural history, but nowadays, much of it is unified to fit the North American taste. I can't count how many times I have read that the RWS order of Strength and Justice is the norm and the Marseilles tarot (!!!) has them ordered non-traditionally. People don't seem to realise that the Marseilles is much older and that the RWS is the one who changed the rules. And that's just one tiny example. Tarot nowadays caters to the strongest market which is influenced by books written in English, by decks designed by English native speakers and by social media populated by English speakers. It has become a huge market and obeys the laws of the market. The result: a plethora of decks that are pretty and not much else.
I would use that tool you found thrifting as a personal altar!! 🤩😍 In Daddy Longlegs (the movie with Fred Astaire) the female lead character had a similar one, she, of course, used it for writing letters. I would write spells, letters, thoughts, drawings... ❤
Hello! Many tarottubers hate Lo Scarabeo cardstock and the multiple languages in their guidebooks.. My language is Spanish and let me Tell people That the English section of the guidebooks are a Lot more complete than the Spanish one. And about the cardstock, it is very Nice and their decks are not too expensive. People like me in South América can Buy Lo Scarabeo because their prices and Quality. And the issue about the art and the original meanings ohhhh it is something that really irritates me because I finally can't read with these kind of decks. I don't buy anymore decks which I can't read only for the artwork. I prefer classic ones. Thanks for your thoughts. Greetings from Argentina ❤
Hello and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. It makes me sad that Lo Scarabeo is reacting to the ethnocentrism of primarily English speaking Tarot Tubers. 😥
I feel really cheated when I buy an indiedeck, and then the next edition is with the artwork brushed up (cause the first time it was brought out too quickly?) and it is sharper & more beautiful; or when there is an extra card in the later edition; or cardchanges to the original cards. I prefer when creators work longer on a deck and bring it out when they know for certain that it’s really finished by then.
Oh yeah, the indie deck that practically goes straight to mass market can be galling. That and the decks that are released half-baked, so to speak, and quickly followed by a second, third, etc, edition with the "corrections". Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
Also, there are way too many decks produced every minute, I can't, I really can't. Decks that are all the same, some patchwork, some copy of a copy of a copy, nothing is really special and prices are going up and up. I preferred when in the '90s you had 10 decks in your metaphysical shop and that was it, because you had to work and study what you had. ❤
bro, my usgames decks are bent by the weather, while the 2004 loscarabeo decks are still straight and crispy and jumpy. While Llewellyn decks , made in china , just chip away (which is ok, some patina from use an time can me aesthetically pleasing... etc) but a totally bend deck (us games) !?
The renaming drives me up the wall… I’m over it! I refuse to purchase anything with the majors changed, the suits renamed! I have a few I can’t shuffle at all… 😢
Ok Grace. Yes, I have that same feeling too (at the risk of sounding like a "me too" girl, but also, I might be having a flash back that never happened, but I remember going to a reader or two back-in-the-day and the cards in my memory were larger and more colorful? Do you remember anything like that? The 90's were a long time ago for me, ha ha, but still it seems as if those types of cards no longer exist. Do you know what I'm talking about? since you have been doing this longer do you remember anything like this?
I can't believe I'm saying this - for TdM readers, the market has opened up - as these days we are spoilt with the options available... I;m so thrilled that handmade historic decks on the most sublime art/laid paper have become available and don't pack the cost of 10 mass market decks; but then we also have the folks who publish even more affordable decks on linen cardstock! Love your videos, beautiful Grace! xx
That's the beauty of Marseille. Marseille is the more widely used Tarot in the world -except for English speaking Tarot Tube! LOL My favourite Marseille is the Pierre Madenie. I love the faces so much. I am still searching for the right one. :) Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Mascha. I hope you are doing well and I send you much love. xo
BTW, lining tuck boxes with clear tape is a great idea! Will do that right now 😊 on the subject of creative flow, have you tried working with music? Maybe bossanova, egyptian ambient music, or latin dance beats. Something that you can associate exclusively with your creative work, that way when you un-pause the music, you can get back to the rhythm of your work.
There is so much more money to get from a group of collectors than from some one deck for life readers 😄 ofcause the publishers are gonna make decks for the collectors and multiple of the same deck just like they do with books in different qualities cuz a collector will buy every single version to have the complete "set"
I really dislike those types of minimalistic decks you are talking about, for sure. I'd rather have a deck that gives a little too much than too little. I want to be inspired, moved! Just checked out mass market Mythologia Fennica deck and it looks decent apart from the guilding. What did you not like about it?
I'm tired of these cartoony decks, and a lot of intricate decks are all AI generated and manipulated. I hope somewhere out there someone is creating a worthwhile deck among the garbage.
This was an amazing video, in so many ways! I hate that Rockpool went to matte cardstock; I loved the glossy, flexible cardstock, that, btw, holds up super well after years and years of use. Tarot is becoming very superficial, because it needs to be palatable to people who only have a superficial interest. It’s easy to see when a person has no real drive to understand, to dive deep, to seek truth, to grow…they just like pretty pictures and fluff. I’ve never seen any of your videos in my feed, but I’m glad this one popped up! Happy belated birthday, btw!
Whenever I am feeling like checking out of my creative flow either a good nap and/or a cold shower bring me back to presencing into my creative purpose. (I have a channel, but commenting felt the most accessible to my mama schedule. Would love to discuss deeper tho 🤓)
I wondered if you ever made the video on Shielding yourself. You mention it in a video on purging about 4 years ago. I have looked through your videos but cannot see anything. 🙏
I’m actually upset with the new treads. The cards are too thick and stiff. I like the borders because I do large layouts. The prices are unreasonable for kickstarters. Who’s going to let a client try to shuffle those? Mass market are the right size for most hands the big ones are ridiculous
I don't buy Lo Scarabeo decks because of the multiple languages. I also love linen card stock because I can shuffle it. I remember in 2016-ish era everyone was into rose-petal finish, and now those same people are into linen card stock. As someone who has read cards for a long time , Tarot has definitely been watered down. We are in the pretty deck era now.
Cookie Monster!!!😸👍 Happy Belated Birthday🦋 I appreciate linen cardstock because my hands are strained easily and I love to riffle shuffle. That being said, I can see the value in a well made sturdy deck built to survive an apocalypse! For those creative projects you must set a time, the same time every day and stick to it. Ritual practice has Power. As you very well know ;) Much love❤
I know I haven't told you in a while, but oh my goodness how I love you! Happy, happy belated birthday from a fellow Cancerian (but Scorpio rising). All I can say in response to your opening about tarot decks and the tarot community is - preach on! I agree 110% with everything you just said. In fact, I left a similar (albeit a bit more watered down) comment on a recent video of Esther's (Mindful Tarot). No response so I may not have watered it down enough. ;-) On the subject of creativity, you might get a kick out of this: two years ago when you did the Soul Cards I and II to tarot video, I jumped on it as I had owned the decks for a while and not being an oracle deck user, I never used them. I literally shuffled the cards around for a couple of months, then got sidetracked and put it all away. About every 6 to 9 months or so since then, I've picked the decks up, made a change or two, either slept on it to see if I liked the changes or got sidetracked again. I never labeled them (and yes, I DO remember you saying they weren't tarot cards until they had titles) so this past weekend I got them out again to see if I could finally get the deck finished and labeled. Keep up the great work and the good fight. Much love, Donna P. S. I am pea green with envy over your lap desk. I use fountain pens, so I would use it to write letters, notes, or journal.
Great video as always! ❤ I wish some of the older decks that are hard on my hands would get the linen finish treatment. Druid Craft, Star Tarot, Dreams of Gaia, Witches' Wisdom to name a few. I've trimmed them hoping I could use them, but no dice. I would make the investment so I could use them as often as my regulars, because I only use them occasionally.
Grace, I always enjoy your 'I"m not sure where this is going' videos. 😀 On the Creativity thing - I 100% feel you on that. I"m a writer and collage artist and have been through a stretch where I just felt like I had nothing left to put into it and nothing was coming to me. I really got a lot out of Astrea Taylor's book Creativity Through Magick (Llewellyn 2023) "How to ritualize your art and attract the creative spirit" - I will try to put a mini review up on my channel at some point but I know it won't be for at least a few weeks. The advice that I get repeatedly and from every direction is - not to wait for the muse (or whatever we call it) to show up, but to sit down anyway and be prepared for their visit. Of course, that is the advice I don't want to hear, LOL. Also, convincing ourselves it is OK (and good) to produce crap because then at least we're engaging. 💕
the laptop thing> a pop up altar/ witches-working-space/ travel-device for example for spell projects or tarot readings that are slowly building up during several days, where you could keep your notes etc handy and ready to pop it up when your time available is 5 minutes at a time .... or an ancestral album, with items/ symbols of the ancestors you connected and consult with, pictures, postcards, etc, and some tools to communicate with them, and to carry around, or a focus-port, so there is one chosen project that will be prioritised until it's finished, and this thing is a reminder of that priority as well as the quick provider to make it easy to focus on that project on a daily basis before turning to some random ones of the other 100 projects...
I love Denise Linn Sacred Destiny, band Sacred Forest but I hate the boarderless Sacred Forest Hay house card stock. as soon as I started shuffling it started to chip and wear off. Now if a deck is boarderless I don't want it. 💖 I love the Lo scarobeo card stock with the boarders and the other languages . They are good quality. The best deck for card quality is Brian Froud decks. Lovely
Probably, the linen decks are to compete and win against counterfeit companies. It does feel sad that a hobby or subculture that is so linked to introspection and nature is suffering from overconsumption, but I feel conflicted because I do like the pocket sizes so much. If deck publishers are watching/reading, I would LOVE the Herbcrafter's Tarot in Spanish; it's a Hispanic-Celtic ancestry deck, why not? I like that oracle cards are being reprinted in manageable sizes like the upcoming Starcodes Astro Oracle, however, I get what you mean: for my fave oracle and tarot decks to get reprinted in nice cardstock and pocket sizes would mean many other decks would go through the same process and encourage overconsumption. At least decks don't expire like makeup or gadgets...
I definitely prefer borders, because they protect the imagery, and they are other reasons too. But borders should be made in a way that they could be trimmed in case I decide to do so. For example, the strange borders on the primordial tarot are bothering me, and the suit symbols are interfering with the image for me. But they are made so, that they are untrimmable or I would loose too much of the original image.
I adore Mythilogica Fennica. I saw the Amazon preview and knew, once again - they fuxxed it up. Shit. Oh, well. Yessss. The bullshit art... come on. Give me a break, all the stupid vector art SuuuuUX. I am not interested in the scribble scratch. I do really appreciate some of the newer collage decks. Cardstock... what the actual fek. Please let me shuffle. I have ripped a couple cards... 😂 aw well. Here for it. We spirit communicate.
Couldn´t agree more. Anything that is obviously AI generated looks like it has lost its soul. And then there are those decks where the paintings are inconsistent, meaning the style they are created in varies from card to card. I could not deal with this. Also, I do not get why anyone would feel the need to change the names of cards. Or cards where the artwork does not resemble the meanings and depth of the originals in any way. Why bother to call it tarot cards at all if you show no respect to the depth that went into it? There is one oracle card deck where there is a face integrated in all the cards somewhere in the background. I like the deck but the face freaks me out. WHY did they have to do this? Why?
I agree and disagree with you. Let me explain; Tarot deck is a market thing S of course the publishers will try to comply to customer's that spend big bucks There is nothing we can do about it. For borde /bordeles, I do not care I like both and I do not modify my decks. For Lo Scarabeo I did not mind at all the 4 langages, I am a french speaker Quebecer FI liked their original card stock Nut I have to say that I was also pleased to see that on the recent decks _ like the tarot V for exemple _ there were only the roman numbers for the majors and glyphs and arab numbers for the miners while retaining a 4 language booklet. This way it suits all But I have to say that I prefered their old card stock over the new glassy thick one Regarding creativity I agree with some others Go for a walk preferably innature look around empty you mind Do not force anything or fo inwards meditate a few minutes It will come back Or start again without thinking doodle glue something and donot think Slowly it will come back. I write poetry it is what I do doodle automatic writingfor 16 min and it starts again As for the quality of new tarotscreators I agre some just improvise themselves without knowing much about taroy it is just getting worst with AI great things canbe done with AI as far as the creator puts his soul emotions and authenticity in it I amlookingforward on your take on working with departed ones. I cannot aford to pay a membership but please do an introduction on you tube. I like your style Mery Grace. I always enjoy listening to you😊😊
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I think they are responding to tarot content. I watch a lot of tarotube and I always found it odd how often ideas and even full on phrases/word choice are parroted from video to video - it seems everyone hates borders, linen is the best, everyone hates the "creepy baby" in the sun card, a pregnant Empress is bad, and now any depiction of the III of Swords with a pierced heart is "boring". Some things are mentioned so often and loudly that I am not surprised that we are seeing these changes implemented by Mass Market Publishers. I remember so many people made such a big deal about the High Priestess and the Hierophant in the first edition of the Mary-El that when the second edition came out they changed those cards entirely (I remember one person said "I wish they would change this card, *no one* likes it" with regards to the Hierophant). I don't think it is unique to Tarot, I think it is likely a group thing, that ideas tend to permeate a space and people sometimes unconsciously take them on, you parrot something enough it, it kind of becomes the rule. But it is fascinating how homogeneous thought in this space has become, especially because we are talking about subjective symbolic art.
absolutely agree, I always appreciate when someone has their own opinions, it stands out because tarotube seems to speak with one voice on many of these things. A lot of the opinions I don't share, so it's disappointing the loudest minority has so much clout on the direction things are going.
@@Flip_MouseMany “influencers” are in communication with each other and do speak in similar manner. Some voices that used to be distinct are now receiving many “free” decks to review and now seem more about selling new decks to people each month rather than having any sort of individuation. Money can corrupt people.
It’s so true about the group thing! It’s always interesting for me to observe how people (content creators) will literally copy the aesthetics, mannerisms, vocabulary and even entire looks from fellow creators they enjoy - it’s almost like borrowing someone’s personality instead of having one’s own. I’ve seen this way too often in the TarotTube community over the years. It’s creepy to me.
I’m tired of people saying the 3 of swords is boring. The people saying that are boring.
I feel publishers are absolutely watching tarot-related content on TH-cam, based on the number of videos that I see consisting of products being sent for review by publishers and creators (both indie and mass market). I have an itty bitty channel, and even I have been approached. Just looking at how mass market decks are packaged and presented now, it's apparent that there's been a shift to perceived preferences (bigger guidebooks, edging, more elaborate boxes). Kickstarter campaigns are another avenue that I suspect publishers are keeping an eye on. They can see, in real time, the types of decks that consumers are drawn to and what they're willing to pledge. There have been a few decks that went from Kickstarter-funded to mass market in a very short period of time.
I'm only 8 minutes in but I have to pause and comment before I forget: I have always loved the multiple languages on Lo Scarabeo decks. As someone whose first language isn't English and someone who knows many people who don't speak English I appreciate and love the accessibility those multiple languages bring. TarotTube is so full of people (usually native English speakers) who always mention how much they hate those borders with the multiple titles, and to me that speaks of entitlement and not much else. Always leaves a bad taste in my mouth even if it's someone whose content I otherwise enjoy.
I am from a multi-lingual and multicultural background. I have never understood the criticisms from solely English speakers of the multiple languages on Lo Scarabeo decks, marketed WORLDWIDE. It hints at ethnocentrism. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.
As a Reader for many years, I think I’ve officially graduated into being a “Old Skool Stanchy Trad Reader”. And it feels so dam good!
I have ONE RWS (my beautifully beat up Dirty Pam edition) and 1 kick ass deep diver Oracle Quareia). That’s all I use professionally. I have numerous somewhat old occulty decks collecting dust in plastic bins. Besides popping them out every so often on a Sat night when I’m bored, I’ll never use them.
One thing I think that can’t be dismissed is how the modern witchcraft community informs and even directs the tarot culture. WitchToc, IG Spells, and bubblegum Conjure also required that Tarot downshift to meet the spiritual levels of these types of practitioners. Tarot now is dumbed down for everybody and their mama. Instead of requiring those to rise to meet it and understand it where it was.
But let’s be real, how many online Practitioners are REALLY bringing spiritual substance? Witchcraft is now wrapped around a new unboxing and glamorised regurgitation.
Your channel is really a gust of fresh air. Thanks for keeping it real. Rant over.
I agree that a lot of modern decks look sh*t. It’s just a quick money maker, they all look the same and the art is poor. You can tell that many decks are created simply for ‘looks’ rather than actual reading.
It is very frustrating.
The cardstock “issue” is all because creators and influencers use massive ring lights so they get glare when they make content with their cards. They care more about not having glare than they do about the usability of the cardstock itself. As someone with a visual impairment that gives me constant double vision, linen card stock only adds to the blurryness and makes it harder to read.
The minimalist tarot trend is bewildering to me, but even worse are the ugly obviously AI vomit of colours decks. There are so many of them, coming out at a rapid speed and they don’t make any sense towards the tarot itself.
You’ve got some deck creators bringing out multiple decks a year and I refuse to believe that those decks are well crafted labours of love. They’re desperate money grabs for anyone who will buy them.
Hey. I hope you had a fab birthday 🥳🖤
I missssss the lo scarabeo borders so much, and stock. I’m so thankful I have early copies of tarot of pagan cats. I think we’ve spoken about borders before. You know I love me a border lol. It might not be trendy, but I’m here for them either way.
With the linen reprints, I generally won’t replace mine as it feels like wasted money/materials, because it’s too hard to shift decks where I am. Even for trading or great selling prices. I end up gifting a lot. But otherwise, it seems to not be easy. However, I would get a linen Brady despite all this, because my hands hurt for so long with it and I use it a lot. I’d feel out of pocket, but I would consider it a one off.
I definitely think most publishing houses go with what’s popular demand on social media. With linen or any thin, bendy, durable cardstock (like playing cards) that’s a benefit for me. But only for anything I might in future lol. The quality for long term use often feels lacking still though.
The lap desk at the end is soooo cool. What a fun thrift find. I could see myself using this as a mini altar for the garden or woods. I could see doing workings at it or readings. But I imagine there are endless possibilities.
Anyways. Lovely catching up 🥰
Hi and Happy Birthday month to you, T! 🥰 It is a shame that most publishing houses go with what’s popular demand on social media. They assume that the people who are vocal on social media speak for everyone when they are the minority. Same as everything else, I guess.
8:22 I too don’t like borderless. I think borders make the deck more elegant, artistic and more put together. I don’t get the addiction with the borderless decks.
I think some people have issues with extra items in their visual field. I have heard that some people think the borders are distracting. Isn't part of the fun adjusting the decks to your preferences? Now they have been adjusted for everyone whether or not you want your edges trimmed.
Boarders are rather like frames on paintings.
@@VioletH172 Yes
I feel that Tarot cards should be designed with borders. People are then free to cut them off if they don't like them. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
@@wisewomanhealing This. xo
I'm with you on titles... regardless of the fact I only speak/read English, I also enjoy the languages, and I'm really not on board with no titles... I always remember your "words are magic" comment. ❤❤
As for linen cardstock. Yes, it's nice. But I'm not going to rebuy a deck just bc the cardstick has been updated. I like to read with my cards too so if Im replacing a deck its bc I NEED to.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
Are they using AI to generate the art? Also, are they catering to intuitive readers who don’t really know the language of the symbolism, nor do they care to know it. They may as well have a deck of blank cards to read with because their readings don’t draw from the actual card meanings.
There are many new AI decks out there now. Some are very interesting others are oddly disturbing.
This. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
@@VioletH172 I can't say I'm a fan. I didn't even keep the one AI deck I did get even though it read well... it just wasn't for me. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
Hi, for me when I feel blockage and no longer am in the mood to create I take walks outdoors, specially in nature. Trees are my Gods. Im looking for more ways to renew the creative flow but this one always works for me.
I also agree about the card-stock and titles on the cards. I am french and speak a few other languages. I always appreciate the Lo Scarabeo tarots. Its a shame they have changed.
I, too, like the multiple languages in the Lo Scarabeo decks. I think I only have 1 Scarabeo deck, though. What's wrong with other languages? I grew up in a bilingual home, nothing wrong with it! 😊
I won't be replacing decks for new cardstock. I'm still donating decks out, lol! I have no desire at this time to get any new tarot decks. The stuff I see out there seems too "commercial" to me. I don't know if that is the right word, but I would use Llewelyn decks as an example. More money spent on a glossy guidebook, with cartoon character cards. I agree with you about the crappy artwork. There are a few decks I use over and over that are faithful in giving me good reads. All the rest go.
I think the big tarotcreating and buying phase has slowed down. Those of us who weren't essential workers didn't have a lot to do. I took advantage and learned tarot - something I've wanted to do since my first tarot reading at 22. So what dowe do? Tune in to YT to learn about tarot, and see all of these decks! I thought to be a legit reader, I needed a good variety of decks. So I started buying. I think many of us got caught up in buying since there wasn't a whole lot to do. Now that life is back the way it was, I think the buying has probably slowed down. 😊
I'd use the lap desk for a portable altar type thing. Put my saint cards and herb packets, small candles, etc. in the filing part, and use the flat part to set it up. Like a travel altar.
Happy Birthday!! I hope it was great! 🎉🦄🕯🔮✌️❤️😄👍
I was an essential worker and still managed to have amassed a mountain of decks during that time, LOL. It was a stressful time for everyone. Thank you for the birthday wishes and your suggestions. xi
Belated happy birthday!
I love the lap desk! Would probably use it for journaling in nature or something.
As for creativity, my most trusted way to get back into the flow is the deadline hovering over my head 😂 I don’t allow myself to be late with my creative work or to half ass it & that is motivation enough. If the deadline is far away enough though, I’ll let go and do nothing sometimes, and I think that is healthy to do every now and then cause burnout is no fun. If I’m feeling creatively spent, gardening, nature walks or crafting something in a completely different medium helps.
As for the deck market thing, I’m totally lost in all of it at this point and I’m glad, lol. I’ll sometimes look at new releases for fun & the stuff I see lately just seems so unhinged to me. Freaking alien cowboys, AI art, countless goddess decks, some cringe angelic-shamanic stuff, and of course spiritual coaching decks. Yuck 😭
Thank you, J! 🥰 Thank you for your suggestions. I think the main reason I am struggling with motivation is that it is scorching hot here and I can't even go out in nature -which is currently mostly dead and brown where I live. It's really getting me down. Glad to hear that it's not just me poking my head out to check out new deck releases and thinking WTF? 😆
@@MaryGraceFahrun Ah yeah, the seasons can really affect creativity indeed. Fingers crossed we soon see a shift towards a more bearable weather and everything will begin to flow again ❣️🤞🏻
I would love to have a goodwill (thrift store) but for witches/pagans/spiritual folks that I’d donate my used items and decks for a affordable price or even free (my metaphysical shop has a free shelf to give away any used items). It can really help the community but also the environment! I suggest ask your local metaphysical shop if you can donate any used supplies or tools.
I agree with what you say but, my local metaphysical shop would accept the items for free and then put them for sale in their store -often asking full retail. I rather give my no longer needed stuff away to an individual I know will use them or a thrift store that accepts them.
@@MaryGraceFahrun Ahh I never thought about some stores would do that! I know there are some witchy websites and stores that are thrift shop based but so few. I agree, it’s probably more fair and reasonable to give used items to a thrift store knowing they will give a very affordable price for a used item which is nice to know beforehand.
It never occurred to me either until I saw it with my own eyes. It made me angry for the people who thought they were buying something brand new. :(
@@MaryGraceFahrun I have not seen that at my shops that I go to but I have seen shops selling counterfeit decks for the full price. Like these cheap plastic cards that they probably brought on Temu for $7 they will resell them for $30 and I don’t even think part of the sales are going to the actual artist and author. Though I love supporting small businesses but some shops are very shady and sketchy.
Dear Grace, you're a breath of fresh air. Why have I not found you before today? Stupid question, our paths cross when the time is propitious. This loose affiliation of the so-called Tarot community isn't immune to the tsunami of consumerism. Whilst folks keep indiscriminately buying expensive 'tat' unfit for purpose, then market forces will scurry to keep up with the demand. Being a person of a certain age I'm in a privileged but also awkward position of having experienced this stuff before. That's not my cleverness it's just the passage of time that lends itself to my observations. Thanks. ~ Dee.
Welcome! All of this. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
The Lo Scarabeo discussion has been going on for many years - on the Aeclectic Tarot forum. The multi-language titles reflected the needs of the European market which is multi-lingual.
I'm a multi-lingual European myself but I trimmed many of my Lo Scarabeo decks long before I discovered others did the same. I was actually surprised when I went on AT and discovered that trimming was a thing.
I think the "problem", if there is one, is that the US tarotsphere has taken over all the others. I see that in many small things. It's easy to forget that the tarot has a multi-cultural history, but nowadays, much of it is unified to fit the North American taste.
I can't count how many times I have read that the RWS order of Strength and Justice is the norm and the Marseilles tarot (!!!) has them ordered non-traditionally. People don't seem to realise that the Marseilles is much older and that the RWS is the one who changed the rules. And that's just one tiny example.
Tarot nowadays caters to the strongest market which is influenced by books written in English, by decks designed by English native speakers and by social media populated by English speakers. It has become a huge market and obeys the laws of the market.
The result: a plethora of decks that are pretty and not much else.
I would use that tool you found thrifting as a personal altar!! 🤩😍 In Daddy Longlegs (the movie with Fred Astaire) the female lead character had a similar one, she, of course, used it for writing letters. I would write spells, letters, thoughts, drawings... ❤
Hello! Many tarottubers hate Lo Scarabeo cardstock and the multiple languages in their guidebooks.. My language is Spanish and let me Tell people That the English section of the guidebooks are a Lot more complete than the Spanish one. And about the cardstock, it is very Nice and their decks are not too expensive. People like me in South América can Buy Lo Scarabeo because their prices and Quality.
And the issue about the art and the original meanings ohhhh it is something that really irritates me because I finally can't read with these kind of decks. I don't buy anymore decks which I can't read only for the artwork. I prefer classic ones. Thanks for your thoughts. Greetings from Argentina ❤
Hello and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. It makes me sad that Lo Scarabeo is reacting to the ethnocentrism of primarily English speaking Tarot Tubers. 😥
I feel really cheated when I buy an indiedeck, and then the next edition is with the artwork brushed up (cause the first time it was brought out too quickly?) and it is sharper & more beautiful; or when there is an extra card in the later edition; or cardchanges to the original cards. I prefer when creators work longer on a deck and bring it out when they know for certain that it’s really finished by then.
Oh yeah, the indie deck that practically goes straight to mass market can be galling. That and the decks that are released half-baked, so to speak, and quickly followed by a second, third, etc, edition with the "corrections". Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
I feel like early buyers are punished for supporting new decks.
I agree. It does seem to be the case.
Also, there are way too many decks produced every minute, I can't, I really can't. Decks that are all the same, some patchwork, some copy of a copy of a copy, nothing is really special and prices are going up and up. I preferred when in the '90s you had 10 decks in your metaphysical shop and that was it, because you had to work and study what you had. ❤
bro, my usgames decks are bent by the weather, while the 2004 loscarabeo decks are still straight and crispy and jumpy.
While Llewellyn decks , made in china , just chip away (which is ok, some patina from use an time can me aesthetically pleasing... etc)
but a totally bend deck (us games) !?
Right? Everything you said, bro. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
The renaming drives me up the wall… I’m over it! I refuse to purchase anything with the majors changed, the suits renamed! I have a few I can’t shuffle at all… 😢
Same! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
Ok Grace. Yes, I have that same feeling too (at the risk of sounding like a "me too" girl, but also, I might be having a flash back that never happened, but I remember going to a reader or two back-in-the-day and the cards in my memory were larger and more colorful? Do you remember anything like that? The 90's were a long time ago for me, ha ha, but still it seems as if those types of cards no longer exist. Do you know what I'm talking about? since you have been doing this longer do you remember anything like this?
I can't believe I'm saying this - for TdM readers, the market has opened up - as these days we are spoilt with the options available... I;m so thrilled that handmade historic decks on the most sublime art/laid paper have become available and don't pack the cost of 10 mass market decks; but then we also have the folks who publish even more affordable decks on linen cardstock! Love your videos, beautiful Grace! xx
That's the beauty of Marseille. Marseille is the more widely used Tarot in the world -except for English speaking Tarot Tube! LOL My favourite Marseille is the Pierre Madenie. I love the faces so much. I am still searching for the right one. :) Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Mascha. I hope you are doing well and I send you much love. xo
I just love your content woman ❤It's always a treat to watch a new video from you. Salute 🥂💞
Thank you! xo
BTW, lining tuck boxes with clear tape is a great idea! Will do that right now 😊 on the subject of creative flow, have you tried working with music? Maybe bossanova, egyptian ambient music, or latin dance beats. Something that you can associate exclusively with your creative work, that way when you un-pause the music, you can get back to the rhythm of your work.
Thank you for your suggestions! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
There is so much more money to get from a group of collectors than from some one deck for life readers 😄 ofcause the publishers are gonna make decks for the collectors and multiple of the same deck just like they do with books in different qualities cuz a collector will buy every single version to have the complete "set"
I really dislike those types of minimalistic decks you are talking about, for sure. I'd rather have a deck that gives a little too much than too little. I want to be inspired, moved! Just checked out mass market Mythologia Fennica deck and it looks decent apart from the guilding. What did you not like about it?
I'm tired of these cartoony decks, and a lot of intricate decks are all AI generated and manipulated. I hope somewhere out there someone is creating a worthwhile deck among the garbage.
I share this sentiment. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
This was an amazing video, in so many ways! I hate that Rockpool went to matte cardstock; I loved the glossy, flexible cardstock, that, btw, holds up super well after years and years of use. Tarot is becoming very superficial, because it needs to be palatable to people who only have a superficial interest. It’s easy to see when a person has no real drive to understand, to dive deep, to seek truth, to grow…they just like pretty pictures and fluff. I’ve never seen any of your videos in my feed, but I’m glad this one popped up! Happy belated birthday, btw!
Thank you for the birthday wishes 🥰 Everything you said. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts. xo
Whenever I am feeling like checking out of my creative flow either a good nap and/or a cold shower bring me back to presencing into my creative purpose. (I have a channel, but commenting felt the most accessible to my mama schedule. Would love to discuss deeper tho 🤓)
I wondered if you ever made the video on Shielding yourself. You mention it in a video on purging about 4 years ago. I have looked through your videos but cannot see anything. 🙏
Hello Mary Grace, have you read the book by Spinelli I sent you? What do you think of It?
I’m actually upset with the new treads. The cards are too thick and stiff. I like the borders because I do large layouts. The prices are unreasonable for kickstarters. Who’s going to let a client try to shuffle those? Mass market are the right size for most hands the big ones are ridiculous
I am new to tarot but have to admit that the RWS deck doesn’t do it for me.
I don't buy Lo Scarabeo decks because of the multiple languages. I also love linen card stock because I can shuffle it. I remember in 2016-ish era everyone was into rose-petal finish, and now those same people are into linen card stock. As someone who has read cards for a long time , Tarot has definitely been watered down. We are in the pretty deck era now.
Cookie Monster!!!😸👍
Happy Belated Birthday🦋
I appreciate linen cardstock because my hands are strained easily and I love to riffle shuffle. That being said, I can see the value in a well made sturdy deck built to survive an apocalypse!
For those creative projects you must set a time, the same time every day and stick to it. Ritual practice has Power. As you very well know ;)
Much love❤
I know I haven't told you in a while, but oh my goodness how I love you! Happy, happy belated birthday from a fellow Cancerian (but Scorpio rising). All I can say in response to your opening about tarot decks and the tarot community is - preach on! I agree 110% with everything you just said. In fact, I left a similar (albeit a bit more watered down) comment on a recent video of Esther's (Mindful Tarot). No response so I may not have watered it down enough. ;-)
On the subject of creativity, you might get a kick out of this: two years ago when you did the Soul Cards I and II to tarot video, I jumped on it as I had owned the decks for a while and not being an oracle deck user, I never used them. I literally shuffled the cards around for a couple of months, then got sidetracked and put it all away. About every 6 to 9 months or so since then, I've picked the decks up, made a change or two, either slept on it to see if I liked the changes or got sidetracked again. I never labeled them (and yes, I DO remember you saying they weren't tarot cards until they had titles) so this past weekend I got them out again to see if I could finally get the deck finished and labeled.
Keep up the great work and the good fight. Much love, Donna
P. S. I am pea green with envy over your lap desk. I use fountain pens, so I would use it to write letters, notes, or journal.
Thank you!!! xox BTW, I'm a July Leo. :)
Great video as always! ❤
I wish some of the older decks that are hard on my hands would get the linen finish treatment. Druid Craft, Star Tarot, Dreams of Gaia, Witches' Wisdom to name a few. I've trimmed them hoping I could use them, but no dice. I would make the investment so I could use them as often as my regulars, because I only use them occasionally.
Grace, I always enjoy your 'I"m not sure where this is going' videos. 😀 On the Creativity thing - I 100% feel you on that. I"m a writer and collage artist and have been through a stretch where I just felt like I had nothing left to put into it and nothing was coming to me. I really got a lot out of Astrea Taylor's book Creativity Through Magick (Llewellyn 2023) "How to ritualize your art and attract the creative spirit" - I will try to put a mini review up on my channel at some point but I know it won't be for at least a few weeks. The advice that I get repeatedly and from every direction is - not to wait for the muse (or whatever we call it) to show up, but to sit down anyway and be prepared for their visit. Of course, that is the advice I don't want to hear, LOL. Also, convincing ourselves it is OK (and good) to produce crap because then at least we're engaging. 💕
the laptop thing> a pop up altar/ witches-working-space/ travel-device for example for spell projects or tarot readings that are slowly building up during several days, where you could keep your notes etc handy and ready to pop it up when your time available is 5 minutes at a time .... or an ancestral album, with items/ symbols of the ancestors you connected and consult with, pictures, postcards, etc, and some tools to communicate with them, and to carry around, or a focus-port, so there is one chosen project that will be prioritised until it's finished, and this thing is a reminder of that priority as well as the quick provider to make it easy to focus on that project on a daily basis before turning to some random ones of the other 100 projects...
I love Denise Linn Sacred Destiny, band Sacred Forest but I hate the boarderless Sacred Forest Hay house card stock. as soon as I started shuffling it started to chip and wear off. Now if a deck is boarderless I don't want it. 💖 I love the Lo scarobeo card stock with the boarders and the other languages . They are good quality. The best deck for card quality is Brian Froud decks. Lovely
Probably, the linen decks are to compete and win against counterfeit companies. It does feel sad that a hobby or subculture that is so linked to introspection and nature is suffering from overconsumption, but I feel conflicted because I do like the pocket sizes so much. If deck publishers are watching/reading, I would LOVE the Herbcrafter's Tarot in Spanish; it's a Hispanic-Celtic ancestry deck, why not? I like that oracle cards are being reprinted in manageable sizes like the upcoming Starcodes Astro Oracle, however, I get what you mean: for my fave oracle and tarot decks to get reprinted in nice cardstock and pocket sizes would mean many other decks would go through the same process and encourage overconsumption. At least decks don't expire like makeup or gadgets...
I definitely prefer borders, because they protect the imagery, and they are other reasons too. But borders should be made in a way that they could be trimmed in case I decide to do so. For example, the strange borders on the primordial tarot are bothering me, and the suit symbols are interfering with the image for me. But they are made so, that they are untrimmable or I would loose too much of the original image.
I love me a printed in Belgium deck! Linen isn’t my favorite card-stock either. (It’s not the worst but it’s not my favorite)
AGM printed in Belgium cardstock is top of the line for me. 🤤
💜✨️💜✨️💜✨️💜
I adore Mythilogica Fennica. I saw the Amazon preview and knew, once again - they fuxxed it up. Shit. Oh, well. Yessss. The bullshit art... come on. Give me a break, all the stupid vector art SuuuuUX. I am not interested in the scribble scratch. I do really appreciate some of the newer collage decks. Cardstock... what the actual fek. Please let me shuffle. I have ripped a couple cards... 😂 aw well. Here for it. We spirit communicate.
I'm one of those cat video ladies. I love dogs and cats but there is just something about cats that I find irresistible.
Couldn´t agree more. Anything that is obviously AI generated looks like it has lost its soul.
And then there are those decks where the paintings are inconsistent, meaning the style they are created in varies from card to card. I could not deal with this.
Also, I do not get why anyone would feel the need to change the names of cards. Or cards where the artwork does not resemble the meanings and depth of the originals in any way. Why bother to call it tarot cards at all if you show no respect to the depth that went into it?
There is one oracle card deck where there is a face integrated in all the cards somewhere in the background. I like the deck but the face freaks me out. WHY did they have to do this? Why?
I agree and disagree with you. Let me explain; Tarot deck is a market thing S of course the publishers will try to comply to customer's that spend big bucks There is nothing we can do about it. For borde /bordeles, I do not care I like both and I do not modify my decks. For Lo Scarabeo I did not mind at all the 4 langages, I am a french speaker Quebecer FI liked their original card stock Nut I have to say that I was also pleased to see that on the recent decks _ like the tarot V for exemple _ there were only the roman numbers for the majors and glyphs and arab numbers for the miners while retaining a 4 language booklet. This way it suits all But I have to say that I prefered their old card stock over the new glassy thick one Regarding creativity I agree with some others Go for a walk preferably innature look around empty you mind Do not force anything or fo inwards meditate a few minutes It will come back Or start again without thinking doodle glue something and donot think Slowly it will come back. I write poetry it is what I do doodle automatic writingfor 16 min and it starts again As for the quality of new tarotscreators I agre some just improvise themselves without knowing much about taroy it is just getting worst with AI great things canbe done with AI as far as the creator puts his soul emotions and authenticity in it I amlookingforward on your take on working with departed ones. I cannot aford to pay a membership but please do an introduction on you tube. I like your style Mery Grace. I always enjoy listening to you😊😊