Q&A with Joy: How Many Decks Should I Take On Vacation?

Be Sure to Leave Room in Your Luggage for Tarot Decks!

“How many decks should I take with me?” A year or two ago, I was reading for a client who was preparing for a retreat that would last several months. At the end of the reading, she asked this question. On the one hand, tarot decks are compact and easily fit into luggage, tote bags, a briefcase, or your purse. On the other hand, they are dense for their small size and too many can weigh you down. I can’t tell you what decks to bring. But if you too are wondering, “How many decks should I take on vacation?” then read on for my rule of thumb.

Question: How Many Decks Should I Take?

“How many decks are you taking to the tarot symposium?” Hal asked this morning.

“Three to five,” I said.

“Three to five?!”

“If I leave the house overnight, I’ll take three to five decks with me,” I reiterated. Not including the one I carry at all times in my purse, but that goes without saying.

He sat down on the couch next to me. “You’re saying that if you leave the house overnight, you’ll take three to five decks with you.” Apparently this was hard to process, but it was first thing in the morning.

“I don’t always use them all,” I offered.

“I’m taking one to the symposium,” he countered. “All I need is my Dodal.” He got up and paced over to where his Dodal was sitting on the table by his chair.

“You’ll want to take your Wickwillow with you.” The deck he created and self published. Currently out of print. I’m trying to convince him to put it back in print. “And probably your new Awakening Aeon Tarot or the Rose Tarot.”

My Answer: Three to Five

He looked down at his Dodal. Hal’s a minimalist. In terms of possessions. Also in terms of illustration. Pip cards are his style. He didn’t say anything.

“I had a client who asked me this question once in a reading. I told her, take the deck you use for clients, the deck you use for yourself, and the deck you are currently studying or trying to learn better.”

“Dodal, Dodal, Dodal.”

I shrugged. “I can take a Wickwillow with me.” It was a tarot symposium after all, and I didn’t mind being weighed down with decks.

“Right, Wickwillow,” he said. Morning. Before coffee. “And in case I need an illustrated deck, I’ll want the Rose or my Gilded Tarot Royale with Cheese.” Hal’s a ham.

“Yeah, you might need an illustrated deck for some of the workshops.” Maybe I was pushing my luck. “I also told that client to take the deck that wants to go along for the ride.”

How To Choose What Decks to Take

When you’re going to an astrology conference, creative residency, spiritual retreat, tarot symposium, weekend getaway or holiday vacation, remember to pack your tarot decks. I consider these factors when choosing decks to take with me.

1. The deck you like best for reading for others
2. Likewise, the one you like best for reading for yourself
3. The deck you are studying or trying to learn better
4. Finally, the deck that wants to go along for the ride.

Choosing your tarot decks is the most fun part of packing. What decks are traveling with you?

How Many Decks Do you Take with You?

How many decks do you take with you? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to learn other great tips for choosing how many decks I should take on my journeys!