The Tarot Handbook: practical applications of ancient visual symbols (Paperback)

by Angeles Arrien (Author) "It occurred to me twenty-five years ago when I read the above quote by M. L. von Franz that symbols may well be the creative..." (more)
Key Phrases: archetypal matrix, legacy bearer, current year add, High Priestess, Major Arcana, Ace of Swords (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this updated edition of The Tarot Handbook, 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.

Product Details

• 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: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,837 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Graham Douglas Lincoln "The Truth is Absolute... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews

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."

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best!, June 3, 2001

By A Customer

There is a lot published on tarot and one has to be very mindful in what they choose, especially as a basic source. I found Arrien Angeles' book to be immensely useful both for a beginner like myself and for a friend who is an advanced tarot reader. Well worth the money.