The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Rachel Pollack (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Tarot is all about connections--connections to the future; connections to the past; connections to Kabbalah, music, numbers, and life. Rachel Pollack has taken a coffee table book and transformed it into a labyrinth of history and magic. Stop thinking of the tarot as a deck of cards and learn to see it as a representation of your family, or an epic tale with you as the protagonist. Sure, The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot includes some of the most popular spreads for divination, such as the "Celtic cross," but the full-color photographs also offer a rare opportunity to see some of the earliest cards, such as the Visconti-Sforza Tarot of the 15th century. In the midst of these illuminating images, Pollack leads you beyond placing cards on a table and teaches you to make tarot a part of living. --Brian Patterson

Product Description
Authoritative and practical, this is the ultimate in comprehensive on-volume reference works, covering every aspect of the subject with clear text, fascinating charts, and fabulous visuals.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd. (April 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1862042128
• ISBN-13: 978-1862042124
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,128,697 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A visually appealing, well-written overview of the Tarot, May 11, 1999

By	Barbara A. Bolek (Hamtramck, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This is a lovely book, one you'll want to leave out on display, or on a coffee table for guests to browse. Written in the style of many books today -- sharp, eye-catching graphics, short summarized sections, it has the added benefit of being put together by an authority in the field. Pollack has written extensively on the subject, most notably, her two-volume interpretation of the Haindl Tarot and her own deck, the Shining Woman Tarot. Pollack begins by giving a brief, instructive overview of the origins, legends and history of Tarot cards and its occult connections. The structure and symbolism of the cards, the major arcana sequence, the significance of court cards, paths on the tree of life, card numerology, the suits and their correspondences, garden/botanical elements and animal symbolism are all touched on, along with much more. Part three covers the cards a bit more in-depth, including the metaphorical journey through the major arcana. Part four deals with reading the cards, including some simple spreads. The last section suggests other uses or activities for the Tarot, such as, using them for game playing, storytelling, or, how to go about creating your own deck. This is a pretty sophisticated little reference with wonderful illustrations including images from a variety of Tarot decks, both old and new. It would make a wonderful gift for novice or advanced practitioner alike. One might not consider this a "must" have book, but it is a book you may "want" to have in your collection, because of the book's visual appeal, and Pollack's concise overview of the Tarot.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful, May 4, 2000

By	Lori Vallis (Canada) - See all my reviews

As the Tarot Host @ BellaOnline.com, I am constantly on the look-out for books to enlighten myself and my readers.

This is a beautiful book, wonderfully illustrated and concisely written. Rachel Pollack covers every aspect of the Tarot, from traditional ideologies to more modern interpretations, all in a beautiful package.

A definite "must have" for anyone wishing to learn about the Tarot or the visual imagery associated with the cards themselves. I would not be without it!

Lori Vallis

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, September 8, 1999

By	A. J. Busch "abusch10" (Santa Barbara, Ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Rachel Pollack's TAROT is the most beautiful book I have seen on the tarot. I discovered it brousing through a bookstore and as a new practicioner of the science and art of tarot reading, a process which amazes me every time with its ability to bring clarity to ones life - find the core of ones individuality and that of your friends and family... I highly and earnestly recommend this book to EVERYONE. Rachel Pollacks book is brilliant and meaty, It will leave you something to devour every day, this book is a tool and a guide for interpreting the meaning of your spreads.