Should I Have Multiple Tarot Decks?
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BY NICOLE LAU
Short Answer
It's entirely up to you—both approaches are valid. Some readers work with one deck for years, building deep connection. Others collect multiple decks for different purposes, moods, or clients. There's no right number. If you're a beginner, start with one deck and master it before adding more. If you're experienced and drawn to other decks, collect away. Just avoid collecting for collecting's sake—each deck should serve a purpose or bring you joy. Quality over quantity. Your practice works with one deck or twenty.
The Long Answer
Arguments for One Deck
Deep connection:
- Build intimate relationship with one deck
- Know every card intimately
- Stronger bond and trust
- Mastery through focus
Simplicity:
- No decision fatigue
- Always know which deck to use
- Streamlined practice
- Less overwhelming
Financial:
- Decks can be expensive
- One quality deck vs. many mediocre ones
- Invest in what you use
- Practical approach
Mastery:
- Truly learn one deck deeply
- Understand its quirks and personality
- Become expert with it
- Depth over breadth
Arguments for Multiple Decks
Different purposes:
- Personal deck vs. professional deck
- Shadow work deck vs. daily guidance deck
- Different decks for different questions
- Specialized tools
Variety and inspiration:
- Different art styles inspire differently
- Fresh perspectives
- Keeps practice interesting
- Prevents stagnation
Learning:
- Different decks teach different things
- Compare interpretations
- Expand understanding
- Educational value
Joy and collection:
- Beautiful art to appreciate
- Collecting brings happiness
- Supporting artists
- Personal enjoyment
For Beginners
Recommendation: Start with one
- Master the basics first
- Build confidence with one deck
- Learn card meanings thoroughly
- Avoid overwhelm
- Add more later if desired
Don't collect before you can read.
Reasons to Have Multiple Decks
Different purposes:
- Personal readings vs. client readings
- Deep work vs. daily guidance
- Teaching deck vs. working deck
- Specific types of questions
Different energies:
- Gentle deck for sensitive topics
- Direct deck for tough love
- Whimsical deck for light questions
- Dark deck for shadow work
Backup or travel:
- Main deck stays home
- Travel deck for on-the-go
- Backup if one is damaged
- Practical reasons
Learning and comparison:
- Traditional RWS + modern deck
- Compare different systems
- Expand knowledge
- Educational collection
How Many Is Too Many?
Warning signs:
- Buying decks you never use
- Collecting for collecting's sake
- Financial strain
- Overwhelmed by choices
- Decks gathering dust
- Can't connect with any of them
Healthy collection:
- Each deck serves a purpose
- You use them regularly
- Within your budget
- Brings you joy
- Manageable number
Choosing Additional Decks
Consider:
- What purpose will it serve?
- How is it different from decks you have?
- Does the art speak to you?
- Will you actually use it?
- Can you afford it?
Be intentional, not impulsive.
Different Deck Types
Traditional Rider-Waite-Smith:
- Standard for learning
- Most books reference this
- Good foundation
Thoth or other systems:
- Different symbolism
- Expands knowledge
- Advanced learning
Oracle decks:
- Different from tarot
- Complementary tool
- Simpler messages
Themed or artistic decks:
- Specific aesthetics
- Personal resonance
- Inspiration and joy
Managing Multiple Decks
Organization:
- Store properly
- Keep track of which is which
- Rotate use
- Don't let them languish
Cleansing and care:
- Maintain all decks
- Cleanse regularly
- Keep them energetically clear
- Show them all attention
Choosing which to use:
- Intuitive selection
- Specific purposes
- Rotation schedule
- Whatever feels right
What Other Readers Say
Common practices:
- "I've used the same deck for 20 years"
- "I have 50+ decks and love them all"
- "I have 3-5 decks for different purposes"
- "I collected too many and now I'm overwhelmed"
- "I started with one, now have a curated collection"
Quality Over Quantity
Better to have:
- One deck you love and use daily
- Than twenty you never touch
- Decks you connect with deeply
- Than decks that just look pretty
Use matters more than ownership.
When to Retire or Rehome Decks
Consider letting go if:
- You never use it
- It doesn't resonate anymore
- You have too many
- Someone else would love it more
- It's taking up space
It's okay to curate your collection.
Your Collection Can Evolve
Remember:
- You can start with one and add more
- You can have many and pare down
- Your needs change over time
- Your collection can grow or shrink
- No permanent commitment
Trust Your Practice
Whether you have:
- One beloved deck
- A small curated collection
- A large library of decks
Your practice is valid.
Final Thoughts
Should you have multiple tarot decks? It's entirely up to you—both approaches are valid.
Some readers work with one deck for years. Others collect multiple decks for different purposes. There's no right number.
If you're a beginner, start with one. If you're experienced and drawn to others, collect away. Just avoid collecting for collecting's sake. Quality over quantity. Your practice works with one deck or twenty.
One deck or many—both valid. Quality over quantity. Use what you love. Your choice.
As you explore your relationship with the cards, remember that each deck holds its own unique energy and wisdom, much like the many facets of your own intuition. To deepen your practice and honor the diverse voices within you, consider pairing your tarot exploration with tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery, which can illuminate the subtle messages each deck brings forth. For those drawn to the rhythms of lunar energy, the 13 new moon rituals lunar beginnings offers a beautiful companion for setting intentions with each new cycle. And should you seek to weave your decks into a more structured journey, the the 52 week tarot journey a year of weekly spreads daily pulls deep reflection can guide you through a year of profound discovery, honoring every card and every turn of your path.
