Counterfeit Conundrum: The Dark Side of Cheap Tarot Cards

As a passionate Tarot and Oracle card collector, I have always found the art and guidance in these decks' messages exciting and valuable. However, as I delved deeper into various Tarot and Oracle decks, I discovered a disturbing trend—the prevalence of counterfeit decks masquerading as the real thing. In this post, I will explore the dark side of cheap Tarot cards and shed light on the importance of authenticity in this sacred practice.

The Allure of Authenticity in Tarot and Oracle Decks

For me, diving into the practice and meaning of Tarot and Oracle is not just a hobby; it's a profound journey into self-discovery and spirituality. The allure of authenticity in these sacred tools is undeniable. Each authentic deck I've encountered has been a gateway to deeper understanding, with every card weaving a unique narrative that resonates with my innermost thoughts and feelings. 

Genuine Tarot and Oracle decks, crafted with intention and care by devoted artists, writers, and spiritualists, possess an irreplaceable energy. As a collector and a Tarot card seller, I connect deeply with this energy. These creators infuse each deck with a piece of their soul, their understanding of the arcane, making every shuffle and spread a personal interaction not just with the cards but with the minds behind them. 

The authenticity of a deck amplifies its power, quality, and beauty, transforming every reading into an experience brimming with insights, revelations, and profound appreciation. It's like the difference between a heartfelt letter and a generic email; the former touches the soul, while the latter merely communicates a message. Authentic decks bring with them beautifully crafted boxes, intentionally written guidebooks, and designed cards with a personal touch that counterfeit decks can never replicate, no matter how visually similar they may appear.

I've learned to identify the differences between an authentic deck and a counterfeit through my journey. I will share what I've learned so you know what to look for.  

Spotting the Fakes: More Than Meets the Eye

In my quest to expand my Tarot and Oracle deck collection and discover new decks for my store, I've become all too familiar with the shadowy world of counterfeit decks. At first, the fakes are almost deceivingly identical to their genuine counterparts, luring you in with their appearance online and in person if you have yet to see the original. Yet, as I learned to discern more keenly, I realized that spotting these imitations involves looking beyond the surface. Poorly crafted materials give the first hint that a counterfeit deck often feels flimsy, lacking the weight and texture of quality cardstock.   This disparity is a clear red flag as someone who appreciates the tactile experience of handling my cards. "Guidebook not included" is another tactic some online sellers use when selling counterfeit decks.  

Further scrutiny reveals more discrepancies. The artwork on fake cards might appear blurry or pixelated, starkly contrasting authentic decks' vibrant clarity and intentional artistry. Misaligned borders and inconsistent colors further mar the visual harmony, detracting from the immersive experience readers and collectors seek.  

There is a reason why Tarot and Oracle decks are not cheap. The creators put a lot of effort and intention into each deck. Buying cheap counterfeits undermines and hurts the efforts put into genuine decks by the creators and hurts stores that have a passion for and sell authentic decks. It is also illegal and violates copyright laws.  

Having been duped myself early on in my tarot journey, I can share some of the red flags to look out for and a side-by-side example of an authentic deck compared to a counterfeit one.  

The Red Flags 

• The price is too good to be true - let's say you want a new deck that typically sells for $50 retail, and you find it online for less than half the price brand new when most places sell it for around the suggested retail price.  Always question why the price is so low for a new deck, it may be a fake.  
• The "guidebook is not included" - Companies creating counterfeit decks buy the original, make copies of the deck with smaller, cheaper cards, and give you a link to the scanned guidebook. Some companies operating out of China are notorious for this. That said, some legitimate decks do not include a guidebook with their decks and give you a link. In this case, check the publisher's website to ensure the original does not include a guidebook.  
• There are no pictures of the actual deck - If you're purchasing from a resale site or one of the big online marketplaces (I won't name them, but you know who), make sure there are pictures of the actual deck you are purchasing, and check the origins of the product. Are there only a few stock photos taken from the publisher's website?
• Confirm where the product is shipped from - Is it coming from China? Of course, counterfeit decks can come from anyone/anywhere with a printer, but I'm seeing a lot of fakes from China right now. 

Below is a side-by-side example of an authentic Light Seer's Tarot deck and a fake.

 Color and detail differences

  Authentic Light Seer's Tarot deck (left) vs fake (right)

  Size difference between the real (left) and fake (right) decks

  Authentic deck and guidebook on the left vs fake on the right.

The Impact on Creators and the Tarot Community 

I've grown to understand the profound impact that counterfeit decks have on unsuspecting consumers, the creators, and the wider Tarot community. Witnessing the effects of counterfeiting firsthand has been disheartening. The artists and creators behind these mystical tools pour their hearts, souls, and countless hours into each design, hoping to share a piece of their vision and spirituality with the world. When counterfeiters replicate their work without permission, it's not just a theft of intellectual property but a violation of the sacred trust and connection these creators strive to build with their audience.

This rampant issue extends its shadows beyond individual creators, sowing seeds of distrust and discord within the Tarot community. For those of us who cherish this practice, the presence of fakes undermines our collective integrity, making it challenging for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike to know whom to trust. It disheartens me to think of the countless individuals who might unknowingly begin their Tarot journey with a counterfeit deck, missing out on the authentic connection that could have been.

Supporting genuine creators isn't just about ensuring the financial stability of those artists; it's about nurturing an ecosystem of trust, respect, and authenticity within our community. It's a call to action for all of us within this sacred circle to protect and preserve the art, wisdom, and tradition of Tarot for future generations. By standing against counterfeits, we safeguard the heart of our practice and honor the legacy of Tarot. 

 Final Thoughts: The True Value of Authenticity 

In starting this journey with Tarot and Oracle cards, I've realized that the heart of my practice beats strongest when nurtured by authenticity. Each deck I've chosen, not for its price but for its genuine connection to tradition and artistry, has enriched and deepened my understanding of the Tarot. This realization didn't come quickly; it was from many encounters with counterfeit cards. Through this, I've learned that authenticity isn't merely a hallmark of quality; it's a testament to the sacred bond between reader, creator, and the ancient wisdom of Tarot. Opting for genuine decks has allowed me to honor the lineage of Tarot, ensuring that this spiritual art form continues to thrive in its true essence. I urge the Tarot community to view their choices through the lens of authenticity. In its light, we support the artists and embrace the transformative power of Tarot. 

- Rikki