How to Read the Tarot: The Keyword System (Llewellyn's How to) [Paperback]

Sylvia Abraham (Author)

Book Description

Series: Llewellyn's How to | Publication Date: September 8, 2002

In as little as one week's time, you could be amazing your friends with the accuracy of your insights, when you study the easy-to-learn Key Word system of Tarot reading! Here is a simple and practical guide to interpreting the symbolic language of the Tarot that anyone can quickly learn to use with any Tarot deck.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sylvia Abraham is owner of The Cosmic Lantern Bookstore in Long Beach, California, where she has been in business selling metaphysical books and supplies for more than 15 years.  She has devoted over 20 years to reading the Tarot and teaching others how to interpret the Tarot.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (September 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567180019
• ISBN-13: 978-1567180015
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,513,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to Read the Tarot (How To), August 1, 2000

By 

C. Lawson (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Read the Tarot: The Keyword System (Llewellyn's How to) (Paperback)

I had no experience with reading the Tarot when I purchased this book. If you want to achieve the basic ability to read Tarot spreads in a hurry without much preparation time in advance, this is the book for you. Sample spreads are included. I used the book so much it finally fell apart - I held it together with a rubber band until I recently received a replacement copy as a gift. I highly recommend it.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for every beginning, intermediate or advanced student, October 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Read the Tarot: The Keyword System (Llewellyn's How to) (Paperback)

This book completely satisfied so many aspects of the Tarot that I was completely surprised. I found the symbol dictionary so easy to use and has helped me with my dream journals. Also defining the cards both upright and reversed was quick and to the point. The physical size of this book (paperback) by far does not reveal the real potency of the material in it. I'm glad i've added it to my metaphysical library. This book is a steal at the price.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is NOT Rocket Science!, February 22, 2003

By 

Bookworm "Jerry" (Marietta, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Read the Tarot: The Keyword System (Llewellyn's How to) (Paperback)

I was given my first deck of Tarot cards over 40 years ago. At that time, only Eden Gray's works were available. Those are wonderful, but require careful thoughtful study. That's not bad either, but it takes a a long time to wade through all the academe to the useful information.

I found Ms. Abraham's book about three years ago. It's delightful "key-word" system based upon the number of each card gives a quick, and reliable, reading into each card. Although I rather disagree with her treatment of the Court cards as individuals <i.e., the King, Queen, Knight, Page/Princess of each suit> my disagreement is semantical, not philosophical. Moreover, Ms. Abraham's delightful treatment will only stimulate the curiosity of the serious student to deeper readings into the field. For that, my witch's--er, I mean my "wizard's"--hat, too firmly planted around my ears these many long years, is raised in humble respect!

Ms. Abraham uses the Rider-Waite deck for her illustrations, which is, after all, the most commonly available if not the best known deck around, but her simple "key-word" definitions and explanations will give grand results to the most novice of readers! And if the reader is really serious about the art of Tarot divination, it will only stimulate his/her appetite for more in-depth books on the subject.

All of which is to the good!

"How To Read The Tarot" is a small gem, glittering and valuable, and quite possibly small enough to be overlooked. For those with more experience, pick up this diamond, and readjust your own views! For Beginners, buy it, enjoy it, use it, but don't think for even a moment that this is the last word on the subject. See Ms. Abraham's thoughtful and complete bibliography!

"How To Read The Tarot" is a sound corner-stone for your Tarot library. Buy with confidence, because you won't be disappointed. In fact, it will only whet your thirst for more knowledge of this grand art.