The Tarot Court Cards: Archetypal Patterns of Relationship in the Minor Arcana [Paperback]

Kate Warwick-Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 2003

A detailed interpretive guide to the 16 “face” cards of the tarot that reveals their core identities and special purpose in a person's life.

* The first tarot book to focus exclusively on the court cards.

* Shows how the “face” cards can clearly and accurately reveal the specific nature of the support-based relationships in one's life.

* Includes tarot spreads and potent techniques for contacting these powerful archetypes through meditation and pathworking.

The Tarot Court Cards gives fresh meaning to the 16 “face” cards of the tarot--the King, Queen, Knight, and Page. In contrast to the idiosyncratic and confusing interpretations that are presented in many tarot books, Kate Warwick-Smith shows how these cards embody archetypal patterns of relationship that offer greater enlightenment than ever before.

Using the Kabbalah, she reveals the core identities of the Minor Arcana's court cards and their special purposes as supporters, detractors, inner resources, and challenges in our inner and outer life. She shows how the court cards can be used to identify your true tribe or clan--the specific people who support you in unique ways, such as your mentor, champion, protector, or healer. She also shows how the court cards can help you identify your inner resources and challenges--insight, discipline, passion, or greed--that enhance or hinder your efforts in the world. Using both new and traditional interpretations, the book also presents new tarot spreads and potent methods for contacting these powerful archetypes through meditation and pathworking. Both seasoned tarot readers and newcomers will find this book helps them achieve practical and insightful results.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is an entertaining and thorough look at a neglected aspect of the tarot cards--the effect and relationship of the 'people,' or court cards, on divinatory readings. The author has created a unique system whereby the court cards can be 'read' to reveal individuals in our lives and the roles that they play."
(deTraci Regula, author of The Mysteries of Isis )

"Practicioners and students of tarot will find integrative perspectives, fresh lucid significances, and practical applications in this resource guide."
(Joi Eden, New Age Retailer, November-December 2003, Vol.17 No.7 )

"I feel that this author offers a fresh, distinctly unique approach to working with the tarot Courts."
(Diana McMahon-Collis, Tarot Association of The Brtish Isles, Autumn 2003 )

“By looking at court cards from so many different perspectives, the author helps tarot readers everywhere better understand one of the more difficult parts of the deck.”
(Rachel Pollack, author of Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot )

“Never before has a comprehensive study of the origin, meaning, and significance of the sixteen court cards been written. The Tarot Court Cards offers historical and mystical insights into the evolution of the court cards and their diverse meaning and uses. A treasure of a book.”
(Isha Lerner, Author of?Inner Child Cards
)

“A comprehensive and practical resource guide that offers valuable insight into our personal relationships. No other book addresses the sixteen royalty cards so thoroughly.”
(Angeles Arrien, PH.D., Author of The Tarot Handbook )

"This refreshingly straightforeward book is easy and quick to read, but intelligent and thoughtful."
(Nellie Levine, TBP Review, June 2004 )

"With clean, clear, thoughtful writing, interesting history, at-a-glance tables, and plenty of stimulating how-to, this book expertly handles the Tarot deck's aristocracy."
(

Stephanie Mills, ForeWord Magazine, Jan.-Feb., 2005

)

From the Back Cover

The Tarot Court Cards gives fresh meaning to the sixteen “face” cards of the tarot--the King, Queen, Knight, and Page. Kate Warwick-Smith shows how these cards embody archetypal patterns of relationship that can be used by seasoned tarot readers and newcomers alike to achieve practical and insightful results. Using the Kabbalah, she reveals the special purposes of these cards as supporters, detractors, resources, and challenges in your inner and outer life. The author demonstrates how the court cards can be used to identify your true tribe or clan--the specific people who support you in unique ways. She also shows how the court cards can help you identify inner resources and challenges that enhance or hinder your efforts in the world. Using both new and traditional interpretations, the book presents tarot spreads and potent techniques for contacting archetypes through meditation and pathworking.

KATE WARWICK-SMITH is a Marriage and Family Therapist who facilitates dream groups and has been studying the Western Mystery tradition for over twenty years. She lives in Sonoma, California, with her husband and two children.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (May 5, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892810920
• ISBN-13: 978-0892810925
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Balanced, February 25, 2004

By 

Theia (Carrboro, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tarot Court Cards: Archetypal Patterns of Relationship in the Minor Arcana (Paperback)

The first chapter of "The Tarot Court Cards" focuses on the history of the court cards. Starting with ancient divination practices and working up to modern day influences like the golden dawn and Aleister Crowly. Informative but somewhat dry in places. Only a very small part of the book anyway. Next Warwick-Smith discusses ways to interpret the court cards. They are; as enviromental influences, as people, as other entities (Gods, etc.), or as aspects of the psyche. Again, somewhat dry but makes you think.

At this point Warwick-Smith gives her own method of interpretation. The court cards can be seen as supporters or detractors. Supporters are people who provide us with something we need to lead fulfilling lives. Detractors are people who challenge us to rise above certain issues. There is also a "parts of self" version of this where the card can represent either an inner resource or an inner challenge. What I love about this way of thinking is that each card is equal parts negative and positive. While most books say that each card can represent a negative or a positive, this is the first book I have seen that actually treats the two sides equally.

The meat of the book is a discussion of the four aspects (supporter, detracter, resource, and challenge) of each card. What really amazed me is how well the descriptions fit the cards, regardless of which of my decks I looked at. Each of the four aspects is given a one word title above the description and in most cases I just had to read the titles and it was like That's It! That's exactly what this card feels like to me. I have only modified two of cards meanings to fit my favorite deck.

After reading the four aspects of each card you will find several small layouts for use in learning how to use each aspect and one large layout. These are fun and great for getting the feel for the different aspects. Two of the excerses are deep and useful as divination in there own right. Finally there is a section on pathworking. Besides the usual instructions for entering a card there is a mediation that will allow you to meet the entire royal court. I have found it quite helpful.

At the back of the book is a summary of the aspects of each card, with only two sentences on each card. While not nearly as insightful as the full descriptions, this is great for looking at when you forget the meaning of a card. There is also a rip-out chart with literally just the names of the four aspects.

Overall a great book. And one that sheds light on an area of tarot that is often ignored or shoved in a corner.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Good!, July 6, 2011

By 

Jagadeesh Dev "j dev" (everywhere) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Tarot Court Cards: Archetypal Patterns of Relationship in the Minor Arcana (Paperback)

Court Cards kicking your ass? This is the only book you need. It is AMAZINGLY detailed without being overwhelming. In a word, perfect. The only book you'll ever need on Court Cards.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!, December 3, 2007

By 

EmLar (Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tarot Court Cards: Archetypal Patterns of Relationship in the Minor Arcana (Paperback)

"The Tarot Court Cards: Archetypal Patterns of Relationships in the Minor Arcana", by Kate Warwick-Smith, finally brings the give and take of the everyday support group of family and friends into my tarot studies in a way I can understand. Also, I'm usually so tired of the "where did tarot come from" sections in a lot of books, but this book makes that subject interesting as well. I've often felt that straying from the traditional was going against the grain of the purpose of the cards, but as you find out how the meanings were developed since the first readings, you wonder if some day, what the cards say to you might be recorded for new students. Great book!