Paul Fenton-Smith is a best selling author of eight books on Palmistry, Tarot, Astrology and the psychic sciences. I’ve been following his career since 1997, when I met him at an International Tarot Conference. During that weekend, the presentation that he gave was entitled “The Tarot: Preparing for Mainstream Acceptance”, and in this talk he emphasised the need for Tarot readers to be highly ethical and well trained in their craft. His latest book “Tarot Masterclass” expands upon these principles, and also offers practical advice for those thinking of establishing their own Tarot business. There are 342 pages of informative text and illustrations that show his wealth of expertise in the world of Tarot.
The book is well designed and smartly presented. I know that the content is the most important thing, not the looks, but a book seems to be easier to read, and offers a more enjoyable reading experience, when it’s laid out clearly and with a sense of style. Pagans will also appreciate the drawing of the pentagram at the beginning of each chapter! Paul said that this symbol was “an artistic decision, but I like the upright pentacle, for to me it symbolises mental discipline of the desires, or passion directed by the mind. It’s had a bit of bad press, but if those people who fear it understood it better, they might work at living their lives in the manner of an upright pentacle.”
In Tarot Masterclass, the author explains what you can realistically expect from a tarot reading, such as inspiring you to fulfil your dreams and clarifying your immediate challenges and obstacles. The limitations of tarot readings are also discussed, and this can prepare you as a tarot interpreter, so that you don’t have unrealistic expectations about what you may be able to achieve.
What sets this book apart from any others that I’ve seen are the tips on how to read Tarot cards in conjunction with each other, and the chapters that focus on establishing and running your own Tarot business. And because the best way of receiving direct answers from Tarot cards is to ask precise and concise questions, Paul has included a chart that details over fifty clearly worded suggestions that can help you to form the most suitable query, so that you can gain the most from a Tarot session.
Another innovation is found in Paul’s interpretations of the cards. Apart from the general meaning, he also supplies suggestions as to how each of the Minor Arcana cards relate to finances and health. In another chapter, interpretations of the Major Arcana are given in this same way, with the inclusion of spiritual meanings too.
Court cards are normally only given a passing reference in most books, but Paul has described these cards in depth, showing how people represented by them respond to certain situations. He gives their attitude to setbacks; how they act when upset; their sense of humour; their compatibility with each other; their business sense; and their spiritual purpose in the physical world. He manages to bring the characters of the court cards alive with four chapters of anecdotes, case histories, and his expressive storytelling style.
Even though the title of this book gives the impression that it is only for advanced students of Tarot, I think that it would be extremely useful as a guide for beginners too, as it gives very detailed explanations of the meanings of the cards, and encourages a deeper understanding of the Tarot—something that is lacking in many introductory books.
Title: Tarot Masterclass
Published by Allen and Unwin
ISBN: 9781741751277
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