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Learning to read the Tarot Deck can be a bit intimidating but this book really helps explain the meanings and tells the story of the cards in a simple way. Of course, you take those meanings and combine with your own intuition to discern the cards pulled but the book is great for beginners.
I have been working with the tarot for 40 years and was looking for a book to recommend to my students. So many books on the tarot are limited in scope,(focusing only on the major arcana or the minor arcana) or geared toward readings with one-line interpretations that are less than accurate.The author has captured the essence of perennial philosophy and ancient mystical traditions (including kabbalah, numerology, astrology, colors, and mythic images) in an easy to read concise fashion to give you tools for unlimited exploration and personal growth.Instead of 'quick fix' answers, this book teaches students to understand symbols and to discover personally meaningful answers that give a person not only guidance about one's life, but also award the reader with insights into one's inner strengths, in order to make good choices and deal with life in positive ways. I put this book on par with Angeles Arrien's The Tarot Handbook which is based on the Thoth Deck.
If you feel you have to read it, please check it out of the library or borrow from someone else. I read the whole book, but it took forever because I couldn't get into it.
I just couldn't get into it. The author was kinda preachy for my taste.
I really, really tried to. Is this to save the space or was it too hard to explain to us "dummies".
There was a lot of information on Qabala and mystery schools, which I didn't think went well with a book for begining tarot readers. She doesn't really believe or care that much about card reversals.
I've read many other tarot books, and I would reccommend any of them over this one. I found very little useful information here, and all that I did find was available in better books.
If you already know some basics of Tarot or are interested on a more deeper occult level this book is not for you. Be not deluded however to place tarot in such a microscopic level as Jayanti does. But if you are a total DUMMIE on the subject, you should read it. You should also read it when you are interested in various kinds of tarot-decks wich are covered extensively in this book or have no basic idea about tarot interpretation. One should not forget that tarot is a philosophical machine wich can postulate metaphysical mechanics. This book has a somewhat "materialist" approach.
There are 22 sections to this book. In giving concise, thorough explanations, this work becomes valuable to her intermediate and advanced readers.It is truly no wonder and with much deserved credit, that Amber's books bring rave reviews, with use of such words as `compassionate', `knowledgeable', and `insightful'. She will without doubt, be a historical figure in the Tarot World with such books as these.In this work we are getting Amber's views which while influenced by her Qabalistic leanings, does not demand that her reader have such knowledge. Otherwise, I can only repeat two words over and over-- "excellent. Meditating With Tarot, gives various ideas on this useful practice as well as covers that interesting aspect of color usage. Who Uses the Tarot and Why, contains examples of how Tarot can be put to use. Mystery School Tradition, looks at what such groups are and are not, as well as what they teach or not.A Magic Mirror, contains excellent advice and opinions on how to handle reversal cards. page 76 on the Fool entry; Amber didn't cover the symbolism of the little dog.
You must see for yourself just how much information is packed in this book.With her usual expert writing skill, Amber gives us a strong examination of a wide range of Tarot aspects, that will be useful to all levels of the reader's expertise. Amber Jayanti delivers again.Authoress of the classic "Living the Tarot", when Amber writes a book on Tarot, we know to expect great things. More importantly in this section, Amber covers situations that a person may get from their client but are better left to the experts (for example a doctor) and proper questioning methods. Strength, Death, and Moon have some of the best descriptions I've ever seen in print. Handling Mixing Interpreting, is detailed thoughts for setting the proper `stage' of respect and spiritual mood, without the usual foolishness some people get into.
Making Friends with Tarot, covers pictures, archetypes, and making the Tarot personal. Tarot Spreads, is insightful and ethical guidance for when dealing with others. History and Mystery, is a fascinating look at the historical aspects of Tarot. beginning with the Introduction we are started off with some `behind the scenes' thoughts. With sensitivity she maintains her gentle sense of fun and humor, giving her views in a non-threatening way that is especially valuable to her beginner readers.
We then come to a comprehensive, complete, and most importantly accurate, Index.Amber's strength is in not just handing out answers, but in making her reader think for themselves. Help Wanted, covers becoming a professional in realistic and legal manner.Several important, related sub-topics are covered. Be sure to check out Amber's own spread. Let's Go Shopping, is a discussion on many of the popular decks and the choices available to you. Minor Arcana, shows different ordering choices for the suits and then the individual numbered cards of the suits. She aids them to decide how they, as an individual, feel about each card.
In TFD, she not only lives up to our excited expectations but far exceeds them. I was especially impressed with Additional Resources, as this section is covered with a firm grip on the reality, that different people need different books and teachers. Following are sections that are easy to comprehend, as Amber shows us how to connect Tarot to Qabala, Astrology, Numerology, and the philosophy of Alchemy.We then have the Top 10 Tarot Misconceptions and The 10 Cards Most Likely To Cause A Freak-Out, which are both wonderfully covered with good choices of cards dealt with. Emphasis is always on doing what feels right for the individual, rather than dictating some personal dogma as many writers do.
That's it. I thought the Queen of Wands was especially good.Experiencing the Tarot, covers finding your Soul and Personality Cards but also has an excellent article on linking cards to historical events. Her work itself proclaims these attributes loud an clear. I read through this book twice and only found one thing that bothered me.
The 22 Major Arcana, describes each of these cards then asks pertinent matching questions. The 16 Court Cards, gives us different ways to view these cards, with examples and excellent thoughts to consider before then covering each card individually. You never get the impression of, "it's my way or the highway." with Amber.Now, what didn't I like. wonderful."Be sure to check out her book, "Principles of the Tarot" too.
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