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.
astrology
.
The number one Tarot book
on the market!, November 12, 2001