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Title: Tarot for Dummies by Amber Jayanti ISBN: 0-7645-5361-5 Publisher: For Dummies Pub. Date: 01 August, 2001 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $21.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4 (6 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Four stars, only when viewed as an introduction.
Comment: If you already know some basics of Tarot or are interested on a more deeper occult level this book is not for you. 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. Be not deluded however to place tarot in such a microscopic level as Jayanti does. One should not forget that tarot is a philosophical machine wich can postulate metaphysical mechanics. This book has a somewhat "materialist" approach.
Rating: 4
Summary: a review by denelder
Comment: Amber Jayanti delivers again!
Authoress of the classic "Living the Tarot", when Amber writes a book on Tarot, we know to expect great things. In TFD, she not only lives up to our excited expectations but far exceeds them. 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. 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. 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'. Her work itself proclaims these attributes loud an clear. 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. There are 22 sections to this book... beginning with the Introduction we are started off with some 'behind the scenes' thoughts. Making Friends with Tarot, covers pictures, archetypes, and making the Tarot personal. Who Uses the Tarot and Why, contains examples of how Tarot can be put to use. Let's Go Shopping, is a discussion on many of the popular decks and the choices available to you. History and Mystery, is a fascinating look at the historical aspects of Tarot. 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. The 22 Major Arcana, describes each of these cards then asks pertinent matching questions. Strength, Death, and Moon have some of the best descriptions I've ever seen in print. Minor Arcana, shows different ordering choices for the suits and then the individual numbered cards of the suits. 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. 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. Handling Mixing Interpreting, is detailed thoughts for setting the proper 'stage' of respect and spiritual mood, without the usual foolishness some people get into. 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. Meditating With Tarot, gives various ideas on this useful practice as well as covers that interesting aspect of color usage. Tarot Spreads, is insightful and ethical guidance for when dealing with others. Be sure to check out Amber's own spread! Help Wanted, covers becoming a professional in realistic and legal manner.
Several important, related sub-topics are covered. 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. 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. 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. She aids them to decide how they, as an individual, feel about each card. Emphasis is always on doing what feels right for the individual, rather than dictating some personal dogma as many writers do. You never get the impression of, "it's my way or the highway!" with Amber.
Now, what didn't I like? I read through this book twice and only found one thing that bothered me... page 76 on the Fool entry; Amber didn't cover the symbolism of the little dog. That's it. Otherwise, I can only repeat two words over and over-- "excellent! wonderful!"
Be sure to check out her book, "Principles of the Tarot" too.
Rating: 1
Summary: A big disappointment
Comment: Ms. Jayanti is big on the history of tarot cards and obviously a psychology buff. She interprets the cards as a psychologist might see Rohrschach ink blots. "I don't work with the tarot to predict the future," she says.
Tarot is a great teaching tool for substance-abuse counselors, according to this author. She lets the client do the interpreting of the cards as pretty pictures, much as a psychiatrist might ask a patient to interpret ink blots.
This author calls it a "fallacy" that some think tarot readings help you find out about your future. To her, the cards are merely a symbol system that can assist you in understanding yourself -- and you can forget about predictive readings for others. "Lighting candles or saying prayers" to her is "just plain ignorant."
I'll take a book that tells me how to read the cards. If I want psychoanalysis, I'll go to a psychiatrist.
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Title: The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals (Special Topics in Tarot) by Mary K. Greer, Barbara Moore ISBN: 1567182852 Publisher: Llewellyn Publications Pub. Date: March, 2002 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Learning the Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners by Joan Bunning ISBN: 1578630487 Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser Pub. Date: October, 1998 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot by Rachel Pollack ISBN: 0007131151 Publisher: Element Books Ltd. Pub. Date: February, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot by Rachel Pollack ISBN: 0722535724 Publisher: Thorsons Pub Pub. Date: April, 1998 List Price(USD): $21.00 |
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Title: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Tarot (Complete Idiot's Guide To...) by Arlene Tognetti, Lisa Lenard, Lisa Lenard-Cook ISBN: 1592570666 Publisher: Alpha Books Pub. Date: 01 July, 2003 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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