Time to declutter the social media me thinks I hear you on the clones, over saturation but it has to do with access, we are in an age of frenzied consumption and some people are getting full. There are people at different points on their journey, the happy gimme all the decks and your can we have something different please. We are all in the same pot. Yeah intention, don't click on the clones, disappointment abounds.
@@AstralLadyTarot rah you're on it. I went back to edit my comment with the word in. Thought you could do with knowing some of us are watching your whole vid. Hope the restlessness calms soon.
While I don’t take issue with decks that work with the rws as their foundation, but then use it as a springboard to inspire fresh, new imagery and art that expresses the same, or similar, ideas - something has to be said about the over saturation of (mostly mass-market) decks that are straight up copy-pastes of Pamela’s designs with some novelty theme mixed in. So, actual clones. I think publishing houses have discovered that they struck gold in an otherwise niche, yet lucrative market and knew that the way to appeal to both beginners and collectors alike, was to churn out these clones that, for all their variations, are still a one-size-fit-all marketing gimmick. Not all, but most are quick cash grabs. You can spot a cash grab where zero thought has been put into the craft from a mile away. Enough is enough, but it doesn’t look like this train has any ‘intention’ of stopping any time soon. Love your videos as always, always inspiring great discussions 🌚
Yes, that's what I meant. My examples in the video really weren't that great. But the novelty stuff plastered onto Pamela's artwork.... enough already. Although... I might fall in love, you never know. Thanks for the thoughtful comment
Imagine if someone comes up with a whole new system, with a different intention, and then we have to learn a new way. I am currently working with a regular 52 card deck. I love the concept 52 cards/weeks, 13 cards per suit/ season and adding up all the numbers becomes 365. So it's nothing new but fun to explore. Thank you Anna. May you have a wonderful day.
Could be cool. Or focus on Marseille or Thoth or any pip style or just RWS meanings with different perspectives when making new decks! I'm impatiently awaiting more of these creations
I agree, the RWS system is so overdone now. Bring on new systems! 💚💚💚 Time to make decks with a different intention. 🌈 I absolutely love your stream of consciousness style videos, Anna. I like the way you think 💚
There's a misconception that capitalism breeds innovation. Since RWS is the most familiar system, that's the system that will be replicated in many different styles to reach as many consumers as possible. To experiment in selling a different or fresh new system would be a huge financial risk. And yeah, that's a huge bummer, and it shouldn't be that way. 😑 Personally, I think there's a solid line between clone and an homage. Like, Winter Waite? Pallet-swap, for sure. The Illustrated Trionfi Della Luna? That's a love letter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🤖🖤
It just turned out I was hanging out with my decks last night -without any intention to read with them, just visiting with my "friends", when I came on and your video had just posted. I am feeling a lot of the same feelings and thinking a lot of the same thoughts what you discussed in this video. A lot. xo
I have to agree I'm so bored with seeing decks decks and more decks 😴 I'd much rather hear about Tarot rather than decks that to me look the same ( most of them) ❤
In a way I agree with you that there is an overwhelming amount of RWS-based decks and RWS clones and sometimes I feel disappointed when I check out a new deck and see it's the old thing again. But on the other hand I like that there's a deck for everyone now. If i want bunnies themed RWS I'm sure there's one out there. All women decks, people of many shapes and forms, animals, gummy bears, cats, unicorns, dinosaurs, fungi, blobs... whatever you want. Different art styles, colour palettes.... And it's only RWS clones. There's another huge mountain of RWS inspired decks. The same way I don't go to a jeans store and complain that there's multitude of different styles of jeans for everyone to find the one that matches them. Incoming snark: Another RWS deck comes out - people complain. A pip deck comes out - people complain. A non pip deck comes out - people complain the scenes are not RWS. A non-RWS deck comes out, with a totally new set of meanings/ key - people complain, say it's not a tarot deck. A fun or pop culture deck comes out - people complain, (sidenote: did we all forget how tarot was once a card game? maybe these decks are like this?) An esoteric or packed with symbols and interesting connotations deck comes out - people complain, say it's too difficult, too hermetic. Hmmmm... it's almost... as if... not every deck will suit everyone... But it can't be right.... We are all the same 🙃 Much love to you and I hope you don't take it personally. It's been on my mind for some time whenever I hear people complain about how the tarot is now mainstream and that there's too many decks coming out. Great video! You always bring interesting points for discussion! 💙
I also sometimes just need to be with my decks even though I don’t feel like reading. I think the esoteric decks contain a lot of archetypal symbolism that is needed to respond to the cards from a deeper psychic level, the collective consciousness. The newer commercial ‘funny’ decks ask for a more intuitive reading style. It might be just part of a process in tarot development what types of decks you like reading with. It changes overtime. Intention😊👍
Tarot decks that are genuinely unique yet stay within the traditional systems I believe are a sign that the artist has actually spent time contemplating the tarot.Whereas clone decks seem to just use RWS as a template for for an ambitious art project.Not saying there's anything wrong with that but its much more impressive to see fresh perspectives on the tarot.All about intention I suppose.
I too surround myself with a few favorite decks and just shuffle them or go through them. I do this especially when I'm anxious or worried. I imagine deck creators as having a vision they want to put out into the world. That vision may be inspired by RWS, Thoth or Marseilles, but somehow they find the courage to put it out there. I really respect that. Playing the devils advocate here, if you really resonate with the RWS, it will always be in your heart undiluted. If a clone really resonates with you, and it is part of your life, does it matter if you don't resonate with the original? Isn't what matters is finding a deck or decks that help you/me in some way? I reach for oracle decks when I want my intention to be something other then a tarot system. My oracle decks provide me with unique systems that give me "extra", if that makes sense. I love videos that make me think and offer up a conversation if you will, an exchange of ideas/thoughts. Thank you for providing that!
100% agree about the oversaturation in RWS clones. I think diversity and accessibility is important but if I were to pinpoint why so many of the clones feel especially disappointing and unnecessary I would, incidentally, say they seem like they have been created without much intention 😉... I get the same feeling from the prevalence of deck expansions, variations, bonus features (often released in quick succession) etc. Side note - the Kazanlar is next on my wish list (I think). Gonna save up for the new edition...and I like that it takes me time to do that (and often also takes time to aquire and ship decks because I wont use Amazon). Instant purchase/shipping freaks me out!
I agree so much with this! I have certainly used Amazon and other quick shipping services to acquire decks in the past, but I must admit there is something nice about the anticipation :D If I ever bring back the "four decks in one year" thing, I think I'll use the sabbats to open up my packages. That really was a good time
@@BetwixtDandD I agree and I think it's also worth emphasising that it's on us to refrain from buying what we don't want to accumulate. Talking about these things nuances the demand that exists over time, I guess.
Oh I forgot about the new Kazanlar edition. I was lucky enough to get the old one, such a special deck for me, although I admit I don't read with it. I'm looking forward to see the new edition, see how it fares.
I was overwhelmed with RWS clones, well, decks in general, but not anymore because I don't care (anymore) hahaha. My activity with Tarot went low, my social media involving tarot also went low in activity, had a 3rd declutter, decluttered my wishlist and I'm already done with whatever decks are coming unless there are decks that catches my eyes. Which is now extremely rare, hahaha. Ritual Tarot by Tiera May is one that will always catch my eyes. Forever on my wishlist 🤣. Been obsessed with looking at it since you showed it 😍! But one thing for sure is that we make the RWS clones happen. It's inevitable. We made RWS lineage the most popular. By us liking the prettiness and variations, they made more and more and in that movement there are variations too (like 500 decks about paganism or witchcraft, 200 decks about cats, etc...). We are the ones affecting their marketing since we are the target 😂. Decks now look soulless but they won't have a soul unless we give them one. If you get me 😅. I don't think I will go back to who I was until 2 months ago, honestly. There's no stepping back but only going forward and for now, it has been perfect for me 😂.
Hi Hyun. You are probably right about the RWS clones being inevitable. And of course we are completely allowed to connect to one of those soulless RWS decks with a novelty theme on top of it, but it's not what I'm looking for. I think there was a time where this was actually what I was looking for... easy to read, but different from classic RWS. Anyway... things change!
@@AstralLadyTarot Absolutely! I was once of those people who wanted everything from each type of deck or deck theme. I was completely wrong 🤣. Every step we take in our path with tarot is another step we can reach and grow our mind(set) with all the topics that sorrounds the Tarot. Even with our boundaries with it. At least, I see it in that way... From experience since I never came back to as what I was with my "relationship" with Tarot.
A comment with intention :) Might be my first comment on your channel, I'm not sure, but I really like your long rambles, you always have something thought provoking to say. Enjoyed this one as well, and I share your thoughts on RWS clones. There are ways to make the RWS interesting and relevant without repainting the same images a million times. I think many people don't know how to separate the meaning from the image, or at least many of the creators in this current tarot boom don't know how to do that/aren't as experienced in tarot/are only doing it as an art project etc. On one hand it's annoying, on the other - it's curbing my purchase impulses. And what a walk down memory lane - actually going to a shop and having to take a deck sight-unseen, only based on the box, or the few images in a catalog, and discovering it in its full glory at home. I think that's also part of the magic, nostalgia, and attachment to those older, pre-clone days decks. It really had to be something special to get published. Here's a personal RWS pet-peeve - when pip decks use RWS meanings, not only in their books, but also by introducing little decorative elements in the art that serve as mnemonics/echoes of the RWS imagery - scrambles my mind as I read the two differently. Don't like that it's "spreading" the RWS clone-ism into a whole other area. (I'm just another old man yelling at cloud). Hope you have a better day tomorrow.
Thanks, Oliver. You are probably right: how many creators these days aren't as experienced in tarot/are only doing it as an art project...! I know, there's a lot of nostalgia connected to my Tarot practice.. How I don't let the cards touch anything electronic... how I sometimes make myself wait a couple of weeks or months to open a deck.. I use a Tarot journal.. I connect to a small amount of decks.. Your comment is making me see it goes quite deep, deeper than I thought. Perhaps I'll share more in a video! It really had to be something special to get published. YES! Haha regarding your pet peeve... I'm pretty certain the Trionfi della luna marseille uses RWS hints. But I don't mind, it helps combine systems which is what I like to do when reading cards. Loved this comment
@@AstralLadyTarot I do see an upside to the RWS-Marseille merger: it introduces more people to pip/Marseille decks. And sure, maybe at first they'll use the RWS meanings, but maybe they'll get curious about other ways once the deck itself is a bit less intimidating? Maybe a mass market Marseille boom is imminent? Would that be a blessing or a curse? So many changes in the industry over the years. Looking forward to that video if you decide to make it :)
One of the craziest RWS types is the Chubby Bunny tarot deck 😆 I can’t seem to take the reading so seriously because of its adorable images, but sometimes it’s just what I need to lighten up the mood and take a distance from “studying” the meanings of the cards using the original RWS imagery. Not sure if you ever knew the shop when it existed, but I got my early tarot decks and books from a new age shop in the center of Amsterdam called Himalaya, it used to be on the Warmoesstraat. It was such a lovely store with a tea house, very similar to Ananda in Haarlem 😊
it's funny cuz the more decks r out there the more rws is being pushed behind like an antique style, like an oldie. nowdays people lovee to have big decks collection just because, they are all empowering the market to create more and more shallow decks, consumerism has taken the spiritual worl din the west, money grabs with some themes (like for exmp queerness, witch it's okay but things like a tv show or a movie decks....even the pot tarot...that's stupid to be absolutely honest.), as I don't live in the west world anymore (thankfully) I can confirm that this happens pretty much in there only.
I think there's a glut of decks on the market (especially RWS clones) that are lacking depth. It seems as if sometimes the creator's intention was to release a deck as soon as possible and either they didn't care to include the type of symbolism that makes the original RWS great or they just don't have the foundational knowledge of tarot that's needed to do so. I see many vapid and simplistic decks that lose their luster pretty quickly. I find so many of my early decks (both tarot and oracle) from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s are comprehensive and well-thought out. They took years (sometimes decades) from the initial inspiration until they were ready for publication. I can read any tarot deck like Lenormand (a chariot is a chariot is a chariot) including the Kazanlar, but having that extra depth of meaning and symbolism is what's kept me engaged and passionate about tarot since the 80s.
Yes, a lack of depth is well put. At least we know which decks work well. I too tend to gravitate towards the ones that took a long time to make. Thanks Christina
The 10 of Swords is my favorite card. I sometimes judge a deck by how it handles, or bumbles, the 10 of swords. The most powerful 10 of swords I've experienced is in the Mary El Tarot. It's the card that cracked the 10 of swords open for me. In some decks I feel that cups are skewed toward positive ideas and that swords are negative or harsh. A sort of "don't think too much, just make babies and be happy". Some 10 of swords feel like "you thought too much - death of a thousand cuts". The Mary El 10 of swords is powerful and aggressive, but for me, very different. That scythe wielding, acid colored rider coming toward you, is you. It's not punishment for, or failure from, over thinking. It's separating the wheat from the chaff. It's not taking away anything you truly want to keep, but it is asking you to cut loose anything that interferes with your ability to function. To cut yourself down to the bone, to your most essential self, and to move forward with empowered freedom. I've also found that cards in the Mary El look different at first, but are ultimately consistent with other decks/systems. But they sometimes have a more holistic view. An over-arching perspective that specific cards in other decks depict a narrower moment from. I think of the 10 of Swords like running a marathon. Yes, at mile 22 the runner stumbled and fell to the ground. That's the part of the 10 of Swords marathon that most decks graphically depict. But the runner also picks herself up and finishes the race. The 10 of Swords in The Light Seer's Tarot is the runner having entered the coliseum, finished their race, and taking a victory lap. The cards are different, but they all depict moments, or film frames, from the 10 of Swords universe of experience. I also find this in the 8 of Cups. The PCS version shows both the "walk away" aspect - leaving something that your friends or family think you're crazy to give up, but that you know you must leave to find your truer destiny - as well as the "lucid dreaming" journey into the moonlight mountains ahead. Many other 8's of cups depict a part of this: walk away, but not lucid dreaming, or visa versa. All these cards are part of the universe of 8 of Cups, they're simply different moments from that journey. Different frames from that film.
Very true. I always try to convey that in these videos; Tarot cards depict a spectrum, not only one single meaning. Ten of swords can really be positive in some cases, even with the hurt/ sacrifice. Thanks for sharing!
My intention is to continue my journey with Tarot for as long as it brings me joy and helps people around me. My Intention is strong at the moment but I feel you on the clones! When is enough, enough?
I love RWS. I'm generally not interested in Thoth at this time in my life, I do not like the imagery at all. I also don't like recently made up systems that mean I have to read a guidebook and make it make sense. Just not my thing. I've always loved RWS from the beginning, despite its seeming waning popularity on RU-vid. No, I am not done with RWS clones. That being said, in general, I am super picky about tarot decks and I do not like a lot of them. But the reason is not that they are RWS clones. Love your videos, btw.
I have a pet peeve when it comes to decks that simply recolor Pixie’s line work and call it a new deck, acting like it’s a new artistic creation, but I absolutely love the fact that we have so many decks with similar meanings but different images. Each experience with another deck enhances my Tarot experience.
True, Jessie. I think this feeling comes from seeing decks I’d like to work with, but upon discovering it’s exactly the same imagery that I’ve already discovered, there’s a disappointment. Then again, plenty of RWS clones I like
Personally, I don't like the art style of the traditional RWS, but I love the system, so I learned and go to decks that follow it, with different styles. My favorite deck, the one that I most conect to, is Light Seers wich is inspired by the RWS but the artist put her vision and art style in each card, I see how she put her soul and love into that deck. So, my point is we do need RWS inspired/clones, cause not everyone will conect with the traditional one.
The overwhelming RWS monoculture... I find it a bit oppressive at times, too. Coming from the Thoth, it really surprised me when I went online and discovered that RWS really MEANT tarot to many people. I was also surprised that people on forums didn't know that some RWS traditions were actually innovations (Strength and Justice for example). People really thought that the RWS sequence was ancient tradition. However: whenever someone asks online or IRL: what deck should I get as my first deck?, there is a majority of people saying: make it an RWS or a clone! All the books are about it! First of all, that's not true. Secondly, why not pick a deck with only one book to its name? Thirdly, why this conformity? I still don't get it. I always recommend to research a bit and go with a deck that feels right, that tells you stories, that interests you. If it's based on the RWS, fine. If not, fine as well. I confess that I also dislike the term "clone". None of the so-called clones are actually clones; they're re-interpretations or inspired by the RWS.
This makes me think of a quote that goes something like 99% of poetry is garbage and 1% is brilliant and that 1% is different for everyone. I think to some a specific RWS clone could be empty, shallow, soulless etc… and for someone else that exact deck might have all of the depth of the universe.
yes, I get tired of seeing the same artwork rehashed over and over...but...I also enjoy some cool ones...the Crystal Unicorn, and Mood (love that one) I like Oliver Hibert's re-imagining of the RWS, and I can't get enough of the Hello Kitty Tarot, even if it is basically pirated. (the licensed one sucks imo) but I'm done with it at this point. Could just be my jaded intention during my own self-imposed tarot diet. Could be me crawfishing at the forced-feediness of all the new and shiny decks (but are they really???) decks coming out right now and pushing and shoving for a place at the money bar.
I agree. The huge amount of clones are overwhelming us with copies that in many cases has art on them that don't match at all what that particular card is suppose to represent. Personally these people shouldn't be allowed to twist and distort the integrity of the RWS deck. They should just create their own system apart from RWS like a few visionaries are doing.
Intention😁. Last year I realized that I'm feeling fed up with Smith - Waite clones. Now I prefer more oracular decks. New system? After 4 years with tarot I'm not ready for that yet, but 10-15 years later who knows..
True! I didn't necessarily mean new systems, but rather: Thoth or Marseille instead of sooo much RWS imagery. Or even give me RWS meanings but from a new perspective ;) There is some good stuff out there
Thank you for the video, always love hearing your tarot thoughts 😊. My ….intention… was to wait for the next edition of the Ritual Tarot to come out before purchasing(which hopefully included titles), but I just couldn’t retrain myself. I am so happy I didn’t. Love the open images, it is so great to read with. Thanks for sharing!
My explanation on Patrick's work is that somehow he downloaded some information that will probably become one of the most traditional decks that will resist time. I am also grateful for the time spent on books and really hunting for knowledge, especially growing up in Brazil where public libraries were quite unexistent. I am new to tarot and have some decks and i already know the ones that will stay and the ones that must go. It wasn't my intention to collect decks😉, but i think i needed some different ones to study.xx
I have a lot of decks that are RWS inspired... BUT lately, I find myself becoming disillusioned with a lot of the new decks. I find myself just reaching for my Dirty Pam.
One deck that I feel has a fresh take on the RWS is the R.Black deck, the images are different from the standard RWS, but the essence of the RWS meaning & interpretation is perfectly captured, especially in the minors IMO.
I just love to go through my decks just to relax and see what randomly comes up. And to watch youtubers doing the same thing, Now, I've never owned that early RWS. I disliked the artwork and those awful colors, esp those colors. I started w the Morgan-Greer. I now own 2 diff versions of Pixie's deck but not that yellow and blue one lol. Love my Thoth. Don't use it often enough to claim I get it, but the images have energy that always come across more as time goes by. So thank you Anna.
34:56 I think you are making total sense. Your life is so stressful right now and you are looking for a little bit of release with some inspiration from new designs that can take you away for a little bit and fill your heart with fire.
I appreciated the that we live in a world of plenty as far as decks go. I always think it's interesting to see what individual artists come up with for their imagery or from what sources they draw from in the creative process. One of my favorite winks I see from creators is when Strength and Justice are switched. Milady's a Leo and I'm a Libra so I'm always a little tickled by it, specially when it's an RWS clone and it's not quite clear if it's Marseille or Thoth the creator had the intention of referencing by it.
Oh dear Anna! I certainly see you're feeling IN TENSION from the marketplace frustrations we all are swimmng in... so many derivative copies that don't add quality or comfort when we seek our little bits of solace here and there... When you come out of your funk and are open to checking something else out, how would you feel about a really skillful synthesis of RWS and Thoth? There was a deck published in 1994 called The Ancient Egyptian Tarot by Clive Barrett, which went out of print for years. It's recently been republished, it reads well, and it's just gorgeous! It is my INTENTION to simply show that even old fashioned themes can be invigoratingly refreshed. :) Oh! and I expect you will appreciate the depiction on the 10 of Cups!
Intention! We grew up in a different era. Today we can have whatever we want as soon as possible. I do enjoy the different decks for fun like a hobby collector & these are the things I enjoy playing with or lift my mood. I do enjoy the Artwork in some Tarot like visiting a museum & appreciating the collections. I also really enjoy the RWS now more that I see all these decks available. I try to be mindful in my purchases, I think this year has been hard & as much as I wanted to study thoth & my skt deck. Having different decks & images even RWS clones can spark deep thoughts or a different view point. I'm needing decks that lift me out of the chaos of the world. I seek simpler days & simpler times. I always enjoy your chats & thoughts. What new decks did you get? Sending ❤ Thanks Ana 😊
Hi Becca, that is so nice to hear. I got four decks in the mail the previous video! A generous gift from a patron. It's good to take things slow sometimes
What?! Only 28 decks? Why so few? :) I need to stop acquiring based on spur of the moment whims, but instead acquire with more *intention*. I would like to see more new decks follow other systems, just to explore different ways of thinking
Hey Moonlander. I keep culling because I want only to own decks I love and not just like. And I want to use them. I have gathered a lot of decks throughout the years but it never felt right to have decks just sitting there. I want to know what I work with. Still 28 is a lot for some people. (Ahem, non- Tarot people) ;)
I go back and forth between accepting clones and being angry at them. Sometimes you need a pretty deck to put someone at ease, that comes with the familiar imagery of RWS. But sometimes I wonder if I should shock my clients and get them a Mary El, or a Margarete Petersen (these are 2 of my favourite decks), to help me dig deeper. There are loads of non RWS mass market decks that have done amazing, like The Wild Unknown (not my cup of tea, but I can appreciate the impact it had on our generation), White Sage Tarot (lovely deck with its own system), and many others. There's so much room for creativity, and one of the issues I have with the current deck releases is that they take a theme (Friends, Buffy, even Stranger Things now), slap it on the RWS and they're laughing on their way to the bank. Thank you for your thoughts, something to ponder on.
Truth is, the market for collectors is now outnumbering the market for those who use tarot as a spiritual tool (whether for themselves or others or both). In that 1st camp I include people who read for others, but the tarot is almost an after thought - they'd be equally happy using almost anything else. The reason I like the RWS is because it gives me a vibe of being ego-free, of being a "clear vessel" for your spiritual development - it is very neutral in feeling. 99% of other decks don't have that feeling for me. Tarot has largely become a vehicle for 1) making money 2) artistic expression and 3) political messaging/campaigning, sometimes all 3. I have a large collection but I prefer tarot's earlier manifestation.
I may of mentioned this in one of your previous videos, but I prefer "non system decks" hands down. I don't mind "inspired decks" that incorporate a certain percentage of traditional systems but ideally a deck (for me) needs to have a unique perspective on the arcanum. Interestingly, the Thoth/Golden Dawn inspired decks that are out there truly challenge creators to take an esoteric system and produce something that is incredible. The Gill Tarot is one of those decks that reads in a powerful way for me. Simple and with energy that works. The *Kazanlar Tarot* slightly reminds me of the Arabian Knights at a metaphysical level. I think this deck will speak to you in time as you continue your tarot journey. To me, it holds energy that is reminiscent of some your favorite decks... give it time. Regarding the RWS clones... I only have my original RWS deck.. I'm not interested in print variations of RWS decks as I'm not a collector. Hang in there, Anna. Stress comes and goes.. e x h a l e ❤🔥🕯✨
I have over 100 decks accumulated over 19 years. Many of these are RWS clones. However, now I only use the actual RWS along with some TdM and Pip decks. And the Margarete Petersen Tarot The MP Tarot is just exceptional and modern and is not a clone. It took 21 years to create and verges on abstract art in some instances while still embodying the meaning from the RWS. It's now the only RWS influenced deck I use apart from the actual RWS. The Centennial Smith Waite is based on the original Roses and Lilies deck from 1909. The first printing of the first edition. Kaplan from US Games famously bought the ultra rare Roses and Lilies deck in an eBay auction for about 8000 dollars in 2008. The Centennial actually is THE original RWS - every other RWS is based off this! It looks aged because the Roses and Lilies deck was not printed on proper card stock and it has aged.
I love the realness of your videos, thank you for sharing. As for the rws clones, for me it’s the lure that I might connect more with different clone of the rws, but I pretty much go back to the first one I ever bought in the purple and yellow box. I’m also a collector and dare I say hoarder lol. I also love different interpretations of the tarot which keeps me wanting more.
Thank you. I get what you mean. That's probably part of the lore of clones... we can read with them right out of the box but it has a different theme that suits us more. Nothing wrong with that, but for me it feels like this has been happening a bit too long. Sometimes it comes across as a cheap way to sell decks that won't stand the test of time
As always, great topic. I understand where you're coming from, but, as you know, I'm also super fascinated about the reinterpretations of the card meanings over time. Are the copy cat decks just annoying because they're uninspired or is meaning becoming diluted? I could make a case that the further removed we get from the original RWS that the meanings may become lost. You know, like a game of telephone or a copy of a copy of a copy. Of course, that's if you believe those meanings are fixed and absolute. I do think the meanings are intentional. I don't have an answer, but that doesn't matter right? Fun to consider. :)
