The Tarot Handbook: practical applications of ancient visual symbols [Paperback]

Angeles Arrien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 1997

In this updated edition of The Tarot Handbook, now with a new introduction by the author, Angeles Arrien takes tarot beyond the limits of the fortune-telling realm and shows us how this time-honored application is both a visual and symbolic map of consciousness, and a source of ancient wisdom. An exciting handbook for either a beginning or an ardent student of the tarot, it contains a multitude of charts, spreads, illustrations of the Thoth Deck, and other methodology tools for anyone looking for insights into personal and spiritual development. An anthropologist who specializes in cross-cultural myths, Arrien demonstrates how the seventy-eight figures of the tarot are portraitures and archetypes that are prevalent in the collective human experience. The author teaches us to use this realization to look beyond our cultural viewpoint or bias when we approach the tarot, and to rely instead on these more important universal principles, thereby deepening the quality and accuracy of our interpretations and expanding our awareness of the human psyche. A significant and classic piece of tarot literature, The Tarot Handbook is both a required manual for teachers and students of the subject, and an accessible and fascinating exploration of cultural anthropology.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Angeles Arrien is an anthropologist, educator, and award-winning author. She is also a consultant to corporations, organizations, and schools such as the Wharton Business School, Motorola Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Labs, the Fetzer Institute, and the Kellogg Foundation. She lives in San Francisco.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Jeremy P. Tarcher / Putnam (October 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874778956
• ISBN-13: 978-0874778953
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > Tarot

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Enlightening Interpretations of The Tarot & Symbolism!, August 14, 2001

By 

Frater V "The Truth is Absolutely Not Absolut... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Tarot Handbook: practical applications of ancient visual symbols (Paperback)

This is an Amazing volume of information, based-upon Anthropological & Jungian interpretations of The Thoth deck. If you love the Thoth Deck or you want to understand the underlying Symbolism of All Tarot cards, this book will be a great asset to your studies and to your collection!

I wish I would-have read this book several years ago, when I first acquired it. However, a friend loved it so much that I gave it to her. Luckily, we live-together, now--and she was more than happy to share. Therefore, I had the opportunity to delve into this Fascinating work, researched by someone familiar with cross-cultural and psychological Symbolism.

There are so many levels of The Tarot & so much Symbolism, that one can do hundreds of readings and not notice a certain aspect or Symbol of the Tarot Card that is calling-out to you. Yet, this Splendid Handbook will give you absolutely astounding results! If a certain Symbol or Image pops-out at you, more-so than the rest of the card, during one particular reading (or several subsequent readings) this well-written & well-researched Tarot book will help you understand what the Cards are trying to tell you. In my opinion, this Lady knows her stuff !

For those who do not understand how Tarot cards work, the System is based-upon Contacting Psychological Symbols and Archetypes in the subconscious mind--as-in Jungian Psychology. The hands simply manipulate the information into revealing itself, through psychokenesis. This means, basically, that your Subconscious Mind is trying to tell your Conscious (Incredulous <g> ) Mind certain information. This is a great way to contact your Inner Emotions and Knowledge learned from the Higher Mind.

It is not necessary, however, to study Jungian Psychology and Quantum Physics to understand all this stuff. Just grab a copy of this book and you will be set! You will soon consider this book to be an Invaluable Resource for information and lessons in how to read your Tarot cards. However, do not assume this book is ONLY representative of One deck. Because this Symbolism pervades ALL Cultures, Religions, Myths, etc. it is Infused into MANY Tarot Decks--no-matter who created them, when or where in the world ! There are a few decks out there that are completely Individual works, made by people with personal agendas, or without respect for The Tarot & this book will not help you with those decks--which are mostly just collector's items.

For most Standard Decks this "Tarot Handbook" will save you a lot of money and time researching (or scratching your head).

I believe that if a person purchases this book & one deck (Thoth, preferably), they will begin to understand The Tarot very quickly. I really cannot say enough good things about this work. "Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols" is a very descriptive and perfect title for this thick handbook, filled with a wealth of Knowledge, drawings and copies of the Thoth tarot cards, for easy reference.

I hate to sound cliche' but, she could have just as easily named this "The Only Tarot Book You will Ever Need."

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars average, March 3, 2007

By 

david - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tarot Handbook: practical applications of ancient visual symbols (Paperback)

My main problem with this book is in the introduction. The author says that the reason for the book is that she didn't agree with Crowley's interpretation of the Thoth deck. (I have to agree that it's a difficult book.) She then tells us that she wants to present a universal view based on Lady Frieda Harris' visual interpretation. The fact is that Crowley assembled the images from his own knowledge and, being unable to paint as well as the deck deserved, he asked Lady Harris to do it. She knew absolutely nothing of the symbolism beforehand. He had to have her do some of the paintings two or three times before he approved them. Lady Harris' vision was the equivalent of that of an illustrator for a book she hasn't read. The author's rejection of Crowley is a rejection of the symbolism of the deck. And that calls into question either her understanding of universal symbolism or the very existence of such.

Beyond the reasons for the book, her interpretation isn't the worst I've seen. But it's a very personal interpretation, not universal as she intended. It's a little better than most books that are written for the purpose of fortune-telling, but probably not much good for meditation or insight unless you're the author.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent source for Tarot users, May 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tarot Handbook: practical applications of ancient visual symbols (Paperback)

A friend once let me borrow her copy of the first addition of this book and I found it extremely helpful and had to get my own copy. Its approach to Tarot is very positive and user friendly, and is an extensive source of esoteric symbolism. Although its interpretations of the Thoth deck may very from some of Crowley's, I found them very in-tune with the energy of the deck. I recommend it often to friends. Wonderful!