U. S. Games Systems Inc.

Tarot experts Katz and Goodwin have come up with a creative, interactive new approach for studying tarot. Whether you want to learn to read cards, or to use classic tarot symbolism and images to tap into esoteric wisdom, this book is a perfect place to start. Set up as a journey through the traditional 78-card tarot deck, the reader is invited to visit one card a day and explore it as a destination. The authors then build on that basic format, providing information about tarot-related subjects (correspondences) like numerology, astrology, Kabbalah, essential oils, and magickal tradition.

The information in the book is well-organized so it is easy to access, but there is lots of it (the book has 424 pages). The Reading List at the end, spanning a hundred years of tarot writings, indicates the broad range of resources the author relied upon to create this tarot tool. The end product is synergistic, not a compilation. It is a unique presentation which includes fun titles like The Clockwork Museum, The Garden of Delights, The Pyramid Plaza, and The Ancient Coliseum. The addition of Affirmations, Meditations, and original spread designs helps the reader become an active participate in the world they are exploring.

The book will be as valuable as an addition to a reference library as it is as a starter course for serious tarot study. If you want to learn what lies behind the intriguing pictures in your tarot deck, this is the book for you. SHOP FOR THE BOOK

© Anna Jedrziewski and InannaWorks

Llewellyn Worldwide

In this follow-up to her successful Easy Tarot, Ellershaw gives us additional insight into the process of reading tarot cards. She begins with the basics, even concisely reviewing some of the starter points in Easy Tarot. The bulk of the book is, however, devoted to putting what she teaches into practice. We get to look over her shoulder as she does ten readings, witnessing the interaction and her interpretive skill. She shares the thoughts that go through her head as she puts the pieces of those tarot readings together. She points out the ethical considerations involved in the process. She gives us feedback from the seekers. She adds a commentary at the end, discussing the special lessons/challenges that a specific reading presented.

If you’ve never read cards before, this is the book to start with. If you’re already reading cards, this is the book that will help you fine tune your skills (including tips for email and phone readings). Ellershaw meticulously documents her personal relationship with the tarot, and in doing so, points the way for others to discover new aspects of the cards for themselves.

Anna Jedrziewski
TarotWise.com

Llewellyn Worldwide

In a voice that speaks with a clarity and strength of message that is often missing from esoteric discourses, Kenner picks up where the Order of the Golden Dawn left off a century ago. Drawing on time-tested sources that are familiar to many of us (Arthur Waite, Aleister Crowley, Paul Huson, etc.), she moves through the standard 78-card tarot format, documenting each card’s link to astrology. For astrologers, the book gives a new dimension to their science, literally illustrating their practice. For tarot enthusiasts, the book opens doors to other worlds of understanding. Written in user-friendly language, the book is a good place for beginners to start — it is an even better refresher course for those already familiar with tarot and/or astrology.

The book contains lots of new spreads, simple to complex, and sample readings in which Kenner shows off her interpretative skills. Kenner’s “you can do it” tone invites readers to dive right in and learn by doing. The book is also designed to be an ongoing resource. It is fill with charts and diagrams, and has a handy glossary at the back.

I LOVED Kenner’s Tarot for Writers. She didn’t disappoint with this new book. The fact that it is illustrated with Kenner’s enchanting Wizards Tarot is the icing on the cake.

© 2011 Anna Jedrziewski and InannaWorks

Tarot 101: Mastering the Art of Reading the Cards
Kim Huggens
ISBN 978–0-7387-1904-7
$17.95, Paperback
Llewellyn Publications

Do you believe it’s next to impossible for any one to write an exciting, informative, new book about tarot? I admit I did, but Kim Huggens has managed to pull it off. Using her years of study and breadth of experience, she has reshuffled the deck, organized it by themes (feminine archetypes, virtues and vices, astrology, the dark side, etc.), and woven it all together with instructions on how to read the cards.

The instructions start at the beginning — where and how to pick a deck. She goes on to cover how to use and create spreads, develop intuition, and do a reading. From there the instruction becomes more advanced (working with difficult questions, handling negative information, finding inspiration, and appropriate ethics).

Huggens’ advanced studies in Antiquities and Philosophy make the discussion of symbols, keywords, and literary associations for each card particularly compelling and put her on very solid ground when she links the tarot with magic, pathworking, and Kabbalah.

Beginners who follow her instructions for working with the book, and do the exercises as written, will find themselves quickly becoming competent card readers. Tarot professionals can just look up cards and add to their existing understanding and interpretations.
This one will be a welcome addition to any tarot library. Bravo, Kim Huggens!

© Copyright 2010 Anna Jedrziewski