Robin Wood Tarot: The Book (Paperback)

~ Robin Wood (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is the book that I wrote about my Tarot deck.

In it, I explore the real, factual history of the Tarot (No one knows, and does it really make any difference?) as well as a chapter about the theories of the history of the Tarot in general, and a recounting of the history of the Robin Wood Tarot. There is a description of the symbolism that is common to most decks, along with a listing of the symbols that are used in the Robin Wood Tarot in particular.

The bulk of the book is a description of each card; including a verbal key to help the Reader remember the meaning, a synopsis of what the card might mean in a reading, and a complete description of what is on the card and why I put it there.

This is followed by a short discussion of how the Tarot works, how to begin to read (including a section on Grounding and Centering,) and an exploration of the Ethics of reading the Tarot.

Finally, there is a short section about spreads. (It's short, because the book quickly became much longer than I expected!)

And, in the very back, there are a few appendices which go into more detail about some of the stories and legends that are mentioned in the book, as well as a section covering the Rules of Tarocchi!

Product Details

• Paperback: 233 pages
• Publisher: Robin Wood Enterprises (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965298418
• ISBN-13: 978-0965298414
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,309 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Artists insight into one of the best Tarot decks out there.., November 7, 2000

By	Kirsten M. Houseknecht "[e-mail]" (philadelphia, pa USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is not the book I would recommend for a basic "what is Tarot?" or "how do I do a reading?" overview. For a basic Tarot primer I recommend the book "Tarot, Plain and Simple", which also uses illustrations from the Robin Wood Tarot.

This book discusses the details of *WHEN this card was designed, *WHY this image is depicted in this exact way, and *IF I could I would work in another hint to go buy Robin Wood's excellent ethics worksbook "When, Why, If..." but I digress...

If you want specific details on why the clothing is that color, on why the cup is held just so, and the symbology of every detail in the Robin Wood Tarot, you have the right book! An extraordinary look into the artists mind and the stories behind the artwork, as well as a very advanced discussion of the symbology in ALL Tarot decks. Reading this book gave me insights into the small often overlooked symbols that were part of the "teaching vocabulary" of all Tarot cards.

Tarot decks were always designed to be teaching tools, in the same way that the stained glass windows of the Catholic cathedrals were "picture books" of the teachings of the Catholic church, for those who could not read. The Tarot has always included the lessons of the mysteries, and the occult studies, that were forced underground and into secrecy. Robin Wood took up this tradition in the Tarot, and has added many subtle Pagan teaching points to the illustrations in the Robin Wood deck. Consider this book to be the teacher's guide to those hidden symbols, and the deck to be the study book.

This is a *required* book if you wish to use the Robin Wood deck as a teaching tool, and I could also highly recommend it (even by itself) to those trying to homeschool or teach about paganism. I also strongly suggest it if you like "behind the scenes" stories from the artist.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love the Deck.. get this book!!, May 9, 2002

By A Customer

For the most part, you don't need a deck specific book to learn to read tarot. Unless you have a more intricate... or as some might say, "oddball" deck, most general tarot books will teach you the subject as well as supply traditional interpretations that can be applied to most decks.

Some will even tell you to avoid these type of books.. as it is always best to use your *own* intuition and to discover what the cards mean for *you*.. While I do beleive this is one of the most important parts of learning tarot, I also beleive gaining another's perspective can only help.. It can expand on what you see.. allow you to see something new.. even at times provide that "AHA!! NOW I get it" feeling...

What is special about this book is that it was written by the artist herself. Who better to provide such insights as the person who's blood, sweat, and tears went into every drawing and symbol. .. the person who lived each card from glimpse to creation.

If you love this deck like I do.. this book will help make it come alive in a whole new way. If you can't order through this website due to limited availability, Robin sells the book through her own site. ...

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Beautiful, June 27, 2001

By A Customer

This deck is one of those things I can't live without. I buy these decks two at a time so that I have a replacement on hand if tragedy befalls the deck I'm using (yup, I've got kids!). I have used this deck more than any other as a professional reader. The artwork is absolutely beautiful. It speaks to pagans and non-pagans alike. I especially advise this deck for beginners. You don't even need a book, the images tell you everything you need to know.