Obviously,
it won’t be for everyone or even every library collection but this is just both
beautiful and fascinating. The history of Tarot is long and extensive across cultures,
and this is outlined in the opening chapters of this gorgeously presented book.
After this exploration of the origins, the variations in decks and the purpose/intent of tarot readings the text goes on to enumerate the various cards, beginning with the major arcana, each with a colour illustration, key words, and a short explanatory paragraph.
Chapters on the cups, the wands, the swords, and the pentacles follow in a similar format.
With these
two sections concluded the book continues with the ‘how to’ section: reading
the tarot – for yourself, for others, interpreting the cards, different spreads
and taking your tarot knowledge further.
All of this
makes for absorbing reading as it is both interesting and, for most of us,
quite different. Following my initial reading, I have gone back to re-read
various sections and, no doubt, will do for some time to come – as I intend
keeping this one (and have already ordered my tarot deck!).
The text is
quite accessible (technically) but the sense or meaning of explanations may be
a little more difficult for some young readers. That is not precluding it, but
it may just take some a little longer to grasp the essence of particular passages.
I am totally in love with this book’s presentation which is not only stylish of its own accord but so perfectly suited to the subject matter. While the ‘about’ and ‘how to’ sections are mostly white pages with black and gold accents, the section dealing with the suites of cards are black with gold which makes the full colour card representations ‘pop’ on each page. The black and gold foil hard-cover binding with the addition of the gold marker ribbon make this every bit as special as one’s tarot deck is meant to be. And, of course, (just to make my heart sing) stunning endpapers black with gold mystic motifs – LOVE!
Just as soon
as my deck arrives and I’ve had time to further my study and practice, I will
be available for consultation *wink*. In the meantime, if this is a topic of
interest for you, or if your school’s collection does not preclude the
inclusion of such materials, I highly recommend this for your readers probably
from around 12 years upwards (including young adults).
Authors: Suki Ferguson &Ana Novaes
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, Imprint: Wide Eyed Editions, $24.99
Date of Publication: January 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780711263758
For ages: 12+
Type: Non-fiction
