The Tarot Handbook [Paperback]

Hajo Banzhaf (Author), Christine M. Grimm (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2003

Learn about tarot through hands-on experience! Ideal for use with all tarot decks, especially the Rider-Waite and Universal Waite decks.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880795115
• ISBN-13: 978-0880795111
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN OUTSTANDING BOOK!, May 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tarot Handbook (Paperback)

This book is the best handbook for the Rider-Waite deck. Hajo Banzhaf does away with the obscure language of mysticism that perplexes the Beginner, and even baffles a few old-hands like myself. Practical, direct, and lucid, Banzhaf makes a great teacher and he is always informative. This book is layed-out according to his PATH spread--a very good spread that answers the question, "How should I act in the future?" This approach discourages the fatalistic sense of "what will happen..." by focusing on the extraordinary force of the human will. The PATH spead reveals how you have acted up until the time of the question, and then offers a proposal for how you should consider acting in the future. The PATH focuses on three fundamental descriptions: how you feel, think and are perceived by others. Astrologers will see, here, an nice correspondence to ascending, solar and lunar aspects. Nonetheless, you do not need to know, or be an astrologer, to appreciate this layout. If you are, however, studying astrology, then you will really value this extra dimmension that Banzhaf adds to his interpretations. You will also find additional spread formats that are quite good, which are ideal for Pagans (and this is extraoridnary since the Waite deck is very Christian influenced). Amongst one of my favorites is the Secret of the High Priestess spread, which focuses on the waxing and wanning cycles of the moon as indicators of events/attitudes that are loosing influence regarding the question at hand, and events/attitudes that are gaining influence. This approach highlights the cyclical nature of time, which works well with themes of lunar consciousness, reincarnation, and Mediterranean and Celtic traditions. Banzhaf is also very good at bringing fresh perspectives for interpreting the older superstitions and fears regarding the 3 of Swords, Tower, Devil and 10 of Swords. This German author, who has his works translated into English, is a valuable and important interpretor who has made the Rider-Waite far more accessible without discarding its more profound layers of meaning. I highly recommend this book to the Learned and Beginners.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentle Hand from an Inspirational Teacher, October 22, 1999

By 

Old Kentucky Home Boy "writer at large" (U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tarot Handbook (Paperback)

For those of us who fear the big bad bears (Tower, 3 of Swords, 10 of Swords, Devil, Death) of the Tarot, take heed! This insightful, soulful book will guide you toward a greater understanding and acceptance of yourself and your life as it unfolds. Mr. Banzhaf is a gentle, inspirational teacher. You will feel as though this book is a kindly hand that reaches out to you when you most fear the threshold of discovery (both inner and outer). I highly recommend this unique experience to anyone courageous enough to face the demon within and the wonder beyond. My world, but for one, is better for the beauty of his wisdom.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With Hajo's death this may go out of print. Get yours now!, February 14, 2009

By 

bunnyrabbit4 (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tarot Handbook (Paperback)

Sadly Hajo Banzhaf died suddenly on February 11, 2009. His achievements in the world of tarot are many. He was a scholar of Crowley's tarot work and wrote extensively about its symbolism. This book and The Tarot Companion are two of the most useful books in my library. They are useful not just in terms of interpretations but in terms of the way he chose to ask questions. If you want to try out some of his spreads and get a feel for his interpretations, go to his website www.Tarot.de and make use of the free tarot spreads. Hopefully someone will maintain it now that he's gone. Rest in Peace Hajo. You have given many wonderful things to those you leave behind.