Customer Reviews

Easy Tarot: Learn to Read the Cards Once and For All!

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I purchased this set a few months ago and am really enjoying both the book and the deck. I have numerous decks that I have collected over the years, one or two of which I have consistently gone back to as they have felt most comfortable for me. However, since receiving this set I very rarely use any of my other decks - I simply love the artwork of the Ciro Marchetti deck and really connect with the images.

In addition, although I've been reading for many years, I enjoy exploring others' interpretations of the cards as I feel I am often able to gain additional perspectives and insights into the images, and I believe that really understanding and connecting with tarot is an ongoing, ever-expanding journey. Josie has done a wonderful job of explaining the cards' imagery, interpretations, and inter-relationships, as well as covering other very important topics that can really benefit those students new to tarot, as well as those of us looking to deepen our knowledge.

This book has definitely reignited my enthusiasm for and connection with the cards. Many thanks to Josie and Ciro!

"When the time comes and you have someone sitting in front of you for a reading, the bottom line is this--they don't care how much technical knowledge you may have. They don't want to be blinded by science or your amazing knowledge (however great it may be). What they want is an accurate reading...end of story." - From the Easy Tarot Handbook

Using the popular Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti, U.K. resident Josephine Ellershaw teaches Tarot newcomers how to learn the cards step-by-step using her own method she calls The Tarot Technique. Stressing the importance of maintaining a Tarot diary and getting to know the cards one at a time, Ms. Ellershaw leads readers by the hand in the Easy Tarot Kit, encouraging patience and focus along the journey.

Divided into twenty-two steps, the 223-page Easy Tarot Handbook bypasses the oft-customary history lesson, as well as complicated esoteric systems, in favor of simply--and thoroughly--explaining how to prepare, care and connect with the cards. Explaining, "one card does not a reading make", Ms. Ellershaw reminds readers that the art of Tarot reading relies on associations among cards, where surrounding cards influence and inform the best interpretation for a card.

For example, Ms. Ellershaw relates a story where an inconsiderate reader told a woman that she'd be getting a divorce--based solely on the 3 of Swords absent of any supporting cards (i.e. the surrounding cards showed a happy marriage and home life). Confused and distraught, this woman turned to Ms. Ellershaw for guidance. Turns out that the original reader didn't bother to take the time to find out the woman's situation--for if she had, she would have soon realized that the husband was working away from home...and the couple missed each other terribly.

The Easy Tarot Handbook introduces each card from the Gilded Tarot one by one, beginning with the Minor Arcana, then the Court Cards and the Majors last. This refreshing departure from the norm (where the Majors are presented first and the Courts are lumped with the number cards) is sensible and accessible. Ms. Ellershaw emphasizes the importance of NOT reading for others "for practice" when first learning the Tarot, instead encouraging reading for yourself first.

Ms. Ellershaw addresses reading "awkward" cards that don't seem to fit, as well as those that seem to induce a "blank"--prodding readers to look inward for the reasons some cards seem troubling. The Easy Tarot Handbook also covers ethics, health readings (she advises against them), charging (or bartering) for readings, reading for minors, why the cards remain may remain silent on pivotal issues (such as accidents) and more. The Easy Tarot Handbook also provides "cheat sheets" for the Majors and Minors (but not Court Cards).

I enjoyed Ms. Ellershaw's treatment of the Courts (she points out that character and personality traits are more reliable than astrological Sun Sign associations or hair/eye/complexion data), as well as her systematic--but personable--approach to learning the cards. I also think it's great that she emphasizes the power of thoughts and beliefs, and how hope can be found in every reading--no matter how dire the cards may look.

However, I feel that the spreads Ms. Ellershaw teaches and recommends--such as The Celtic Cross and a twenty-eight card Life Spread, may be too complicated for beginners. She also describes a complex method for reading timing in the Celtic Cross, and asserts that smaller spreads (such as 3-card spreads) are actually more difficult to learn than larger spreads. Granted, she does provide lucid explanations and sample readings, but I would think much of this might be overwhelming to new readers. (When I first learned the Tarot, I tried reading with The Celtic Cross and found it complex, vague and discouraging.)

Because the Easy Tarot kit is designed specifically for use with the Gilded Tarot, Marchetti's deck must be one that appeals to you aesthetically and resonates with you intuitively--so keep this in mind if you want to learn the Tarot with one particular deck. While gorgeous, the Gilded Tarot doesn't speak to me on any level (see my separate review of this deck).

Surprisingly, some of the card interpretations are superficial and brief. For each card, there is a description based on the Gilded Tarot image and then an interpretation. For example, here's the interpretation for The Sun:

"The Sun is one of the most positive cards in the Tarot, for it brings happiness, success, and triumphs, excellent relationships, a happy marriage, contentment, prosperity, and good health. The Sun tends to shine favorable upon any situation. When this card is present, it is important to make the most of its favorable aspects."

Ms. Ellershaw doesn't cover reversed cards or the light/shadow of each card dynamic.

Another addition to the Easy Tarot kit: a large, glossy foldout designed for laying out the Celtic Cross spread plus Ms. Ellershaw's 4-card "Readers Fan" (that she never quite gets around to explaining sufficiently.) Each rectangle is the size of the Gilded Tarot cards (approximately 4 ¾ x 2 ¾ inches) with all positions labeled (e.g. Card Position 8 Environmental Factors: How Others See You).

Engaging and down-to-Earth, the Easy Tarot Handbook by Josephine Ellershaw is a refreshing introduction to the Tarot. If you love the looks of the Gilded Tarot, and feel that you'd be able to connect to the images on an intuitive level, then you may very well want to try the Easy Tarot kit for learning the cards. If you enjoy getting to know the cards via a Tarot diary as Ms. Ellershaw recommends, I think Mary K. Greer's 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card would be an excellent addition to this kit. If you'd like a book on creating your own spreads using a central method, Joan Bunning's Learning Tarot Spreads would be a great adjunct to this kit, as well.

(To see 10 card images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)

Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)

I ordered this card deck with the book in August ('09) and I was so pleased when i received the deck! It's beautifully designed with compelling artwork that depicts the interpretation of each card so clearly. The deck is easy to manuever and shuffle ... and the glossy finish feels rich yet not slippery in your hands when shuffling. Now here's the problem... I decided to COUNT the cards in my deck this morning... just some nagging feeling that's been on my mind for a few days so since it was a saturday and i had a few extra minutes i decided to count all the cards in the deck and discovered to my horror that i am missing (YES ...MISSING!!) 6 cards: the KINGS of each suit as well as the Queens from the Pentacles and Swords. I'm horrified. I've been using these cards for a month and NOW i learn that the deck is not complete... and not just missing ONE card.. it's missing 6!!! So if you purchase this deck which i would highly recommend doing because it's worth it... i would just double check once it arrives that you have all 78 cards... lay out each suit and the major arcana and make sure you have every card. I hope your luck is better than mine!

This deck has no "Reversed Meanings"; however, the book(s) lives up to its Title:EASY TAROT with Ciro Marchetti's GILDED TAROT beautiful Deck. This is for both Beginner Initiate and Apprentice Levels. Everything to know at these levels are simply explained. Gilded Tarot follows the industry standard of Rider-Waite-Smith 78 card deck of each cards meanings and tarot interpretive readings. I recomend this kit for the tarot novice to get experience doing readings. Reversed Meanings are absent in the book for the cards; however,Novice is referred to the R-W-S book: Pictorial Key to the Tarot,A.E. Waite,USGAMESSYSTEMS.COM and The 78 Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack to gain upright and reversed meanings of any 78 card deck. The Novice should acquire this kit and the others mentioned in this review..Good Luck!!!..

Ciro Marchetti's 'Gilded Tarot' earns 4 stars easy. Josephine Ellershaw's book on the other hand, probably 3 stars. If you are a true beginner than this set will definitely get you interested in further developing your tarot reading, but you should really use the book as a guide rather than the definitive word on the meaning of the cards. She does teach some very important techniques and concepts that other authors tend to ignore. Such as the importance of a Tarot Diary, I can not express how crucial this little notebook will be to you and your study of the Tarot. I did mine digitally by using a wordpress blog that only a logged in Administrator can read. Another useful nugget of information is that you have to understand how the meaning of the cards play off of each other and how they associate not only to each other but to the person you are reading for as well. The reason(s) why this is not a 5 star set, is because of the way she dictates information to you, and how she very clearly forbids you from deviating from her teachings. Now, if you know anything about the occult then you understand the effect of doing what you feel is right for you. If you are not comfortable then it probably wont work for you. So learn the concepts and techniques you can from the book and expand on it, do not let this be your first and only jump point. Listen to your instincts.

Although the deck is beautifully rendered, there are a few symbols and imagery that I take issue with, especially if you know the Fools Story from the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) classic deck that will be necessary for a beginner to know...

The Fool - the cliff and the little pack is missing. The whole point of it in the story is that although the fool has everything he needs and is looking ahead he is not looking at what he is doing and even though the little dog is missing I like the metal hoop that is wrapped around his foot because the dog seemed like an outside influential force here it is by his own doing that he is going to fall. It can be argued that the fool is juggling the signs of the zodiac and all he needs is what the universe provides him but to a novice that meaning can easily be lost on them, especially when the magician unfolds the pack in the story.

The Chariot - There is no sense of conquest in this image, to me it is more about the post-conquest, this woman has already achieved what she has set out to do and is now being held on a pedestal even. The importance of having living creatures pulling the chariot (not sphynx statues) is so the reader understands that you have to put this advice into action. When the man in the chariot tells the fool that he should come up along side his enemy, match its momentum with your steed but remain in control of their direction, it is one of the more memorable times in the story for me.

Death - A good way to decide if this deck is right for you is to pay attention to the death card. Death is one of the hardest things to deal with and if you can look it in it's face and extract some meaning from it then you will probably be happy with that deck. This death card does not do it for me. The rising sun in the distance, the child in the field and the field itself are all missing. 'Death humbles all' but it is the only way to begin anew. That is why the clergy man is praying to death in the RWS card. The absolute most important piece of symbolism on this card is the rising sun, it teaches you that a new dawn approaches and you realize that letting go of who you are is the first step in transformation.

The Devil - Another misunderstood card and here it can be misinterpreted. There is a reason for the Pentagram to be inverted on this card, it is because your world has control over your spirit. The absence of the two people here make it easy to forget that the lesson in the RWS card is that they are not chained by the devil, but that they have chained themselves to him. They are there by their own will. Remaining blind to faith will leave you with nothing more than frivolity (the grapes in the woman's hand). You can unhook yourself at any time, but only you can do it and most people do not want to.

Please learn the story and when you are finished with this set, take the time to learn the classic RWS Tarot, the original deck is to much for my eyes and I cannot stand that stark yellow that is used everywhere. My favorite deck thus far (until i get my hands on the Legacy of the Divine Tarot) is the 'Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot' artfully re-crafted by Virginijus Poshkus. A masterful update to the one that all others are based off of.

THE ARTWOR ON THESE TAROT CARDS IS SUPERB! "Realistic and Haunting" best describes them! CIRO MARCHETTI not only knows how to draw....but some of the faces of people pictured on the cards, (such as the lady in The Ten of Pentacles), are drawn SO realistically as to almost make one believe they are photographs! Expressions are also very appropriate: if a card represents fear, pride, courage or ambition, and a person is pictured on that card, the face of the person will show the emotion to the reader immediately.

The book accompanying the tarot deck is well-written by JOSEPHINE ELLERSHAW. The paper used is very, very good -- it is extremely white, and I am sure it is non-acidic....so it will last for a very long time!
But the print size is just a bit too small for me -- a point or even a half-point more in type-size would have made it easier for many people to read. Making the print larger may have added a page or two to the number of pages....but, evrn if using the fine paper which presnently is in the book, a page or two extra could not have added that much extra expense.

However -- unlike many other tarot decks....the booklet accompanying the cards, here, is BIGGER than the deck itself. This is all to the good, as tinier books mean even tinier print than there is here!

My main disappointment with this deck is that, from the descriptive text used to advertise it, one expected A SUMMARY OF THE MEANING OF EACH CARD TO BE PRINTED ON EACH CARD. Maybe I misread the publisher's description...but I was extrmely disappointed not to see individual meanings, (or even a few words of summary of meanings) of each card, printed on each card. For beginners, this would be ideal -- and, despite the overwhelming beauty of the art on the cards, this IS supposed to be a beginner's deck. The guidebook, of course, goes into much detail about the meanings of each card...but it would be SO much more convenient if a few words, (15 or less?) could be printed somewhere ON each card, so that going to the guidebook would not be necessary, except if the reader wants, not just a cursory definition, but a lengthly explanaition of card meanigns.

Ab accompanying fold-out, "The Celtic Spread", does give meanings....for where each card is placed. But this is only one tarot "spread", and there are many others. The page gives meanings for the LOCATION of the cards...but for the meaning of the cards themselves, one still must go to the guidbook. After a while, I'm sure the meaning of each card is impressed on the reader's mind....but for a beginner, printing a quick summary of the meaning of each card, ON each individual card, would really speed up the learning process.

So, other than a slightly-too-small print in the guidebook, and no meanings printed on each card, I have no complaints about this deck. The artwook is SO beautiful, it takes one's breath away! The guidebook, though filled with slightly-smallish print, is made of good paper, and good explanations of each card, though one must, perforce, check each meaning in the book, at least to begin with. These things said, it is an excellent, even a near-perfect deck. The illustrations are not only realistic, theyare intuitive, and in tune with the meaings of each card.

This set is a beautiful, mysterious, and, I think, quite Powerful set of Tarot cards!

I have played with Tarot decks for many years, but never used the Minor Arcana because it seemed to hard to learn all those cards. I liked Rider-Waite, bought Tarot of the Witches but didn't care for it, then bought a deck with cats in the art. I like the cats but the artwork isn't my taste. I decided to order this set based on the reviews and am SO happy. The deck is very nice, I really feel an attachment to certain cards in particular, and the artwork incorporates the meaning of each one. My cat deck shows the Six of Swords as someone standing there with six swords and a cat. The same card in this deck depicts what's going on and meaning of it. They all are like that. Book goes into more detail on each card than another book I have. It's more specific. For the first time, I can learn all the Minor Arcana. Before, they all looked the same except for number of wands, cups, etc. Thought went into the artwork for this deck. Oh, and have to mention this morning. I finally had some good news via phone, something that made me want to yell,"Whoopee!" Went outside with coffee to read more of this book, picked up the shuffled deck for the heck of it and looked at the bottom card, it was Three of Cups. For one thing, it means a celebration of sorts, AND the page in book on the Three of Cups was exactly where I left off reading last night, bookmark was still there. I'm not one to put complete faith in this but it is becoming a fun hobby to play with! I totally recommend this for anyone who wants to learn, above any other book I have personally seen.

This set of cards and book was the first for me. The cards resonated with me deeply. I now have several decks of different types and this is the one I keep coming back to. I find the graphics visually appealing. But unlike some of the other reviewers, I find the graphics helpful for interpretations and meanings. I find little reminders that jog my memory or give me a little tingle of intuition that gives me more accurate readings. Of course, this is highly individual and what works for one person may or may not work for another. No doubt about it. I also firmly believe picking out a deck, especially a first deck, should be a hands on approach. Ihad in my mind to purchase a Rider-Waite tarot deck as my first one. There were dozens of decks including the RW decks, but this one just kept drawing me back and that decided my first purchase. Simply could not put it down. I find I connect better and can do a much more thorough reading with this particular deck.

The book I found to be a great start to tarot. Another reviewer mentioned the reverse for cards were not mentioned and that the descriptions were at times too brief. This is a beginner's book. Reverses can be intimidating and confusing. The author clearly states that she does not use reverses herself and has better results that way. I definitely believe when someone is comfortable with the meanings and is able to read for themselves, incorporating reverses may be something to add to their repetoire.

This has been a perfect beginning for me. A great foundation to build upon.

This book is excellent at describing the true art of Tarot reading. The deck that comes with it is very very creative and beautiful. Well worth the money. I have seen gilded decks go for a lot more on other sites and in stores.

I recently purchased this deck and book set. The artwork is amazing! Even if you are not sure about getting a Tarot deck, the artwork alone is worth purchasing the deck. Each image is just as stunning as the next. I also like how the artist's goal was to create a deck that was similar to the Rider Waite Pocket Rider Waite Tarot Tarot feel and vibration, but yet different. Job very well done. So all those of us who like the Rider Waite can nicely transition into this gorgeous Tarot deck. The companion book from what I have read in it so far, has a very positive and loving vibration to it. So it enhances working with lovely cards to have a positive, loving and encouraging book interpretation, that nudges towards forward growth. I keep records of my readings in my Tarot JournalTarot Journal and Daily Spread JournalDaily Spread Tarot & Oracle Journal. They are perfect for recording readings of all kinds and with any deck. Lots of fun card stickers to use, so I never have to draw boxes. :)