This was wonderfully helpful - an antidote to my sometimes feelings of being like a kid with a small allowance gazing through the candy store window at chocolates she can't afford.
I second this idea! And that could be a great segway into starting a discussion around dealing with the sadness and frustration of missing out on decks. I come from a privileged position where I can get most decks I want, but even so, I miss out on some decks. None of us can afford everything - we all will experience deck FOMO. Maybe if we talk about how everyone experiences FOMO (no matter your income bracket) and how to get through it, we can start helping everyone purchase more thoughtfully. Or at least feel as if their struggles are not theirs to bear alone. And having dupes as examples can really help with it.
Yes! Great idea. Especially something like the Spolia Tarot. I start to feel like a lot of these oop decks are so unique and that there’s nothing else like them. Like the Lubanko Tarot. But maybe that’s just part of the psychology of them being impossible to get.
An alternative for the dream vision tarot is the mystic mondays tarot. To the oak, ash and thorn could be the soul cats tarot with artwork from the same artist or even the spirit song tarot. The alternative to the rebel heart tarot is the tarot of the curious creatures. An alternative for the mini OAT could be the wild unknown pocket tarot. An alternative for the pulp tarot could be the housewives tarot.
Yes yes yes to more of these i absolutely loved it. On a limited budget with unthinkable postage and taxes now to the uk and that’s if a deck will even ship here as more and more now won’t, this was so useful and fun. You are a genius ❤❤
Interesting alternatives. None of these was on my radar although the Flow Tarot and Sea Soul Oracle look interesting :) I would love a second part with more decks. Personally I'm eyeing Revival tarot but shipping cost is killing me 😭What about a video about ''dupes'' for out of print decks (Tarot of Delphi 👀)
Always appreciate how you focus on the function of each deck. Of course aesthetics are important, but a good deck should have both. I hope you do more of this type of series! It’s so easy to want every new deck that comes out, but stopping to think about its function and what other options are available makes thoughtful purchasing much easier. While I’ll continue to support indie deck creators, I know it’s a luxury item and while I can afford some, I can’t afford all. :)
Well - looks like this one went over well so I'll definitely be making more! I love bringing in new things, for sure, but I also try to balance my content in this space, so I'm glad this was helpful!
This was an excellent topic. Revisiting this theme is not only helpful for those looking for an alternative deck, but also can be reverse engineered: if you like the less expensive mass-market deck and want to get something similar and ready to invest more financially, this is just the type of video to watch.
Very good video. Would definitely love to see more on this subject. The Goddess Oracle and Sacred Hags Oracle seem interesting and with good guidebooks. Do you have a recommendation for a good Gods oracle? I know about Gods and Titans oracle, but the art doesn't speak to me.
We don't buy counterfeit decks because of all the ills they contribute to, so why are we still buying decks from Amazon? It's impacts are also really harmful, from environmental to treatment of their workers to outcompeting small businesses. I urge anyone who wants their spiritual tools to be as tidy- energetically speaking- as possible, please consider skipping Amazon and buying your decks elsewhere. Yes, free shipping is great but not contributing to Amazon's ills is even better.
I am from Eastern Europe and I certainly get a sticker shock for most of the decks, not only indies, even some of the mass market decks are expensive here :D
Great video. Thank you for bringing a positive take on a much needed conversation that is being had and giving a wonderful solution to those of us that cannot and will not spend the crazy prices for what the Indie decks are going for now adays.
Love this. @Empress Song did a tag recently called #poptarotalternatives offering suggestions of alternatives to popular and potentially too expensive tarots
Thank you for this type of comparison vs. cost video. Since there are so many decks and so little time😢 it can be difficult doing thoughtful research on it before purchase. This helps take a pause to see what the real $ costs can be; and whether or not you want it or something else 💖🦄🐉
I make my own deck holders...but man, I am jealous of some of the fabric Peggy finds for you girl! I'm still searching for something perfect for my tarot of trees a year after getting the deck :)
Watching this right after I spent $444.44 on The Bonestone and Earthflesh 😅. I told myself I wouldn’t get it but I kept seeing the deck in my dreams like it has a message for me and I finally decided maybe I’m being guided to. I wish I had gotten it before it hit this value but I don’t think I knew about it back then…so that may be my last tarot purchase of this year 😂.
🏆OMG! Sooooo helpful from every angle. My sis lives in NS & I'm in SoCal. The shipping is real/always a huge consideration...I'll be getting the Sea Soul Journey to share with my teen pisces son. Please do these types of videos forever! Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🧡
Heavenly Bodies was my first Astrology deck. I got it because you and Veryn had both talked it up and I love it. I use Starcodes Astro more for associations in astrology study and HB as an oracle for readings. Sacred Hags is now on my list of decks to consider more seriously. If I found it in person I would likely get it on the spot.😂
As someone who LOVES the Weavers Oracle and has the Goddess on Earth on her wishlist, one deck that also scratches that vibe for me is the Lantern Oracle. It's not a goddess deck but it is a very feminine deck that scratches that "ancestor" energy for me. I'm also a fan of the Sacred Mothers and Goddesses Oracls by Claudia Olivos. The Goddess Oracle is definitely one of my all time favourites though!
I have been eyeing Flow Tarot for a while (due to your videos) and now I'm wondering if I'm also eyeing the Sea Soul Journey Oracle -- have added it to my written 'look into more / think about' list. The tones of the messages feel very different but I like the looks of both a lot.
I love love love the heavenly bodies. It has everything I need and want. I want to buy southern gothic tarot and roses, dust, and ash wish they were cheaper.
Thank you for running with this Lisa. ❤ and thank you to everyone giving my channel some love this morning. I'm still learning RU-vid and not very experienced so I appreciate it.
Thank you for inspiring the idea!!! And hey ... does this mean more videos from you??? *waggles eyebrows* (srsly though, no pressure, it can be a lot!)
Very thoughtful video. I think we all get so caught up in the newest and coolest new releases. Costs have jumped so much in the last year. Outside of the USA costs are compounded by exchange, shipping and duty expenses. Also US Games and Llewellyn have some decks they simply will not ship to Canada so purchasing these products becomes even more costly through alternate resources. I love that you present options. Yay! 🇨🇦
Great topic to offer to your viewers, Lisa! There are decks that are so unique in art and quality there's no replacement (Dust II Onyx comes to mind), but I just came across a "nice" indie deck I liked, but with shipping it's $96 US! Besides realizing you have something kind of like it already, looking for less expensive options is worth it. But can't we come up with other words than crone and hag for mature ladies? (Your puppy is so sweet asleep behind you :)😸
Brilliant stuff, Lisa! I’m in the UK so shipping alone for loads of indie decks is prohibitive for me. I do treat myself to the gorgeous three trees decks as UK based but otherwise I do check amazon , amazon used ( always in excellent condition !) and e bay to find affordable decks. More of your help with this type of tarot decks please
I have Heavenly Bodies, and it is beautiful, but I started seeing Starcodes Astro Oracle around and fell in love with it. Cost less than $20. I think I'll use it a lot more.
Thank you so much for this video - it gave me some ideas and highlighted mass market decks I didn't know existed. I would love to see more of these, especially OOP decks, to help quell any temptation to pay the aftermarket prices.
I loved this video! Everyone is hyping up the Ritual Tarot and it is beautiful, but I have the Telezma tarot and I can't seem to push myself to pull the trigger, it's spendy and do I need it if I already have a collage style with a similar feel? IDK.... but I also think the Celtic Dragon's also has a very similar feel to Smoke, Ash, & Embers and it has a very chunky guide book :)
The only reason I didn't consider Celtic Dragons (agree - it's beautiful and a great comparison!) is because as much as I want to love that deck, the elemental swap of wands to air and swords to fire throws me!! :D Great suggestion for those that wouldn't be bothered by that, though!
I loved this video, but especially because you highlighted that indie publishers are producing their decks alone, versus mass market publishers who have money and resources that an individual likely doesn’t. I’d love to see dupes for the Mysteries of Mary and the Black Madonna decks, because those are two decks I’d love to have, but under no circumstances can I ever see myself buying 😭😂
This video was amazing, i would love to see more videos like this. i been wanting to get the weavers oracle (lets be honest it seems like everyone is talking about it and i want to see whats all about) but the price its to much really but the sacred hags looks soooo much and i must admit that i like the art on the sacred hags oracle more. So thank you soo much for the recomendation, i will definitely be getting that.
Hi Lisa , Can you do a whole video of Tarot and oracle pairings. One of my favorite pairings is the Guardians of the Night tarot with the Spirit Animal Oracle. I’ve seen some of your pairings but need more! Second, can you please explain how to use an oracle deck as a tarot deck. I’m lost on that one completely. Thanks!
I absolutely loved this video LIsa, you are the best! I do hope that you will do this style of video again. I have both indie decks and mass market decks. I've been on both sides of this as a creator and consumer. I see the benefits of both.
Yes please do more of these I loved this. I have the Mass market Tarot of Dragons and Heavenly Astrology deck shown in your video. I love both!!!! Thank you Lisa for showing us affordable options
I loved this video! I am on a budget. I do own a few indie decks, but I'm mostly a mass market girl. I have my eye on the Shimmering Veil Tarot--way out of my budget. Can you recommend a dupe?
This is BRILLIANT! I love this SO much! I've wanted the weavers oracle forever, and just didn't get it, because there are so many other decks that i want as well. I somehow missed the sacred hags! I'm only 45, but ongoing female issues have reduced me down to one useless ovary, and threw me into full-blown, estrogen taking menopause. I've struggled SO hard with having a 9 year old son, and suddenly becoming what I consider to be a crone. Definitely getting that deck. Thank you!!
Oh my gosh what a wonderful idea! This is amazing, thank you for this!!! Lisa you are an absolute gem! I'm loving your makeup, its a great spring/fall mixer 🧡💚🧡
I was expecting the Victorian Flowers and Floret Oracles to be mentioned. Personally I own the Floret mostly due to the price but also due to it's size. The Floret is closer to playing card size which is awesome because tarot sized cards really hurt my jeans too shuffle.
Fabulous concept. It's so refreshing to watch fresh, prepared tarot videos rather than the stale deck openings, poor reviews, and Same-Shit-Different-Day stuff.
Wonderful video, thank you. I am so grateful you showed an alternative to The Ritual Tarot, I love it but it's way out of my budget, The Voyager Tarot looks like an amazing option for me ❤
This was a fabulous idea. I loved seeing your choices and hearing your thoughts on why. You’re always so sincere which I appreciate. I’d love to see another like this and I love the idea a few other mentioned about doing it with OOP decks. I always love this kind of thought process from you even in the context of choosing a new deck and asking do I have anything that kind of fits the vibe already? So good. Thank you for posting this! ❤
Of course, you always come up with the best video series ideas. Impressive! Yes, please continue! The Aello (Delphi and Earth majestic tarots) and Baba studio decks need dupes. Really expensive but so inspiring...
Thanks Lisa, Benny from The Fool’s Apprentice YT channel recommended this video. I’d love to see more videos like this where you compare an Indie deck with its MM alternative (if there is one). Shipping costs to Australia range from $35 (minimum) up to $60. The shipping matches and sometimes exceeds the price of the deck. I can choose 4 MM decks for the price of the one Indie deck. Needless to say, I choose the 4 decks over one Indie deck most of the times.
Thank you Lisa, for all your hard work and thoughtful comments on these alternative decks. It's a pleasure to watch and is very sensitively presented. The postage to the UK is often astonishingly high, it can be more than the deck, and has a real bearing on many of my deck purchases. I appreciate all your great suggestions and will be buying some of the alternative decks. Please continue to make this sort of video alongside all your other exuberant, joyful and rhapsodic offerings.
Great idea for video indeed. :) Though for people living in Europe (like me) (and differs even more from country to country of course) the money will look different (though of course independent deck is generally always (naturally) more expensive than mass market, it's always good to see possible alternatives :) )
Another nice, photographic ocean themed indie deck,that wasn't super expensive, was the first edition of Salt And Sea Energy Oracle Deck. The next one has blue and green art,and different and more cards with overall positive meanings. I have them both and would use them together, or as a curated deck,with cards from both. I miss the natural phenomena from the first deck,and, some more cautionary meanings.
Another great series. Love it! "Not down for counterfits!" I only recently purchased some pricy decks but the wait to get them through kickstarter is taking forever. My budget is tight these days & these videos are always appreciated. Thank you Lisa
Such a wonderful, informative and thoughtful video! I really hope you do more like this. I was really intrigued to hear your experiences with the Hag oracle deck. I got rid of that one and had no recollection of the meditations you describe😄- but what interested me in particular was just to hear such a major influencer talking enthusiastically about a cheap, relatively unknown deck. I would love to hear more about that sort of perspective, because it gives a more rounded picture of the person reviewing. Otherwise, I sort of get the impression that influencers only use brand new/indie/expensive decks which gives, I don't know, something of a more commercial feel? I don't know if I explain myself right but in any case I loved the video and hope you do more of the kind!
Another thought, maybe a little slowdown. There's no reason to be in a hurry. Another great deck is coming. We get in a hurry to feel the shopping buzz. I like to hang out and wait. (Sometimes, not always) Everyone is excited about Woodland Wardens, and it's adorable. I know I want the new Three Trees oracle. (I knew it was coming) I also know, she keeps her decks in stock, so I don't need to panic fomo hurry up hurry hurry hurry. 😂 I can just wait. I know, it's backwards in the context of this video. But also, not buying a mass market thing, or 2 or 3, because you're trying to save money, but then you still wish you had the indie one... patience will also save me some $$$.
Awesome video idea. And I appreciated you pointing out the factors affecting pricing at the end. I live in the UK, so the Smoke Ash and Embers would cost me £47.50 (about 60USD) including shipping and taxes, whereas the Flow Tarot would cost me £77.90 (almost 100USD!).
Yes! The Voyager Tarot 😊 I am lucky enough to consider James Wanless a very special spiritual influance and met him and than was able to interview him for my channel. He embodies the Joy, Light & Love in every way imaginable and truly one of a kind Seer versed in spiritual practice and alternative ways of healing our bodies.
That comment took forever to type. Phone was glitching? Just wouldn’t type! Anyway! I’ve got the deviant moon tarot with the big book and I love love love it. I have a friend who likes the idea of a big book like that but isn’t keen on the deviant moon artwork. Thank you!
Oooh well the Way of the Panda Tarot (indie) has a seperate full size book called the Book of Pandas that is AWESOME :) Much different aesthetically than the Deviant Moon!! ;)
Alchemical visions tarot is also a pretty good alternative to ritual tarot. Nobody seems to mention it, maybe because it is huge, but it is very elaborate like the ritıal tarot with very evocative imagery. Another thing to mention is that alchemical visions is similar in concept in minors to RWS and Thoth. Also it has a massive guidebook.
Love this video concept. Some of my favorite readers are mass market. Good Karma is one of my most frequent readers I call it my YA Romance reader because the artwork reminds me of all the modern YA novels cover art.
Hii! Thank you so much for the valuable knowledge. A bit unrelated, but what lipstick and eyeshadow are you wearing? It is gorgeous, could not take me eyes off of it!
Hehe On my eyes in this one are some shadows from Pat McGrath's Celestial Oddysey palette butttt I don't remember what was on my lips LOL I know I was using my Bare Minerals lip liner in cherished rose - paired with probaby a slightly warmer toned lippie from my lil' collectin LOL.
I really liked this video and would love to see more like it. Sea Soul Journeys Oracle has been on my wishlist a while, so I'll definitely have to give it some serious thought after seeing it in this video. It looks like a really lovely deck.
I love this video's concept and I especially appreciate your putting everything into perspective at the end of the video! It is true that there are good alternatives for many decks around for those who can't or don't want to afford expensive decks. Saving on many decks also means that one may afford to buy a more expensive deck once in a while. There are really special decks around the art and production quality of which are unrivalled and that I'd never do without, e.g. the Smoke, Ash & Embers. So looking forward to this becoming a regular series!
I am so grateful that you totally get what my intention was with this video! Definitely not trying to dissuade anyone from making the purchases they want to make - just a big fan of 'the more options, the more folks can enjoy their hobbies/interests/practices'! :) (also, confession time, I got the Tarot of Dragons so I can toggle between it and the Smoke Ash & Embers which I lovvvvve). LOL :)
