There are not many tarot books around that have sold over 100,000 copies. Most beginner’s guides to tarot fall by the wayside because they are too simplistic, or too full of mystical jargon, or too advanced for those who have just picked up a deck of cards. Paul Fenton-Smith’s book The Tarot Revealed goes beyond the basics, but has manageable chunks of information that are easily digested. This is why this book has been so successful. Even its Chinese version is in its 13th edition, with new printings twice a year!The Tarot Revealed has just been revised and re-released. It’s now through a new publisher and it has a new look that marries it to Paul’s recent book, Tarot Masterclass. It has the same stylish layout and design as Masterclass, and it includes similar, handy reference charts. Colour images of the whole deck are shown in this section. In this revised version, Paul has included even more meanings for reversed cards.
One of the highlights of The Tarot Revealed is the story of each Suit, where we are taken on a journey that explains the nature of each card. In other areas of the book, the general meaning of each image is given, and the “relationship meaning” of each card is also explored, since this is an area that is most often asked about.
Another useful section is the one that looks at the combinations of cards that show certain situations, such as pregnancy, karmic lessons, and even physical death.
Spreads for different situations and specific needs are offered of course. And for those who look to tarot for a deeper understanding of their true self, the Spiritual Direction Layout offers awareness regarding spiritual direction.
This is a well-crafted book that helps you to understand tarot cards, which will then lead you to a greater awareness of the world around you, and your own inner nature. Highly recommended!
Title: The Tarot Revealed
Published by Allen and Unwin
ISBN: 978-1-74175-259-5
2 comments:
Great review. I've never heard of this book before but I'll be keeping my eye out for it. I've often found myself thinking of ways that would better explain the Tarot to beginners and this book certainly sounds like it would help me.
Thanks for taking the time to share!
I found that a combination of Rider Waite and "The Tarot Revealed" by Paul Fenton-Smith to be an *excellent* start.
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