Tarot

by Fred Gettings

The tarot is a pack of 78 cards of ancient origin which can be used either to answer questions or for divination. This book describes the symbolism of the cards themselves, and then goes on to explain how to use them to answer questions about the present and the future. The author explains that the tarot is one of the simplest methods of fortune telling to master, and also gives a short account of the history of the tarot.

Genres: Tarot

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Claire]

I feel very conflicted about this book. On one hand, it’s an excellent resource for learning about the history, symbolism, and definitions of Marseille Tarot. On the other it’s relentlessly heterosexist (apparently every possible card a woman might draw relating to creativity, leadership, etc. refers to a man in her life…) and full of Freudian misogyny. I learned plenty from Fred Gettings but am very glad to have read this after cultivating a relationship with the tarot, otherwise he would have put me off completely.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great op shop find! I have been delving in and out of various tarot books since I began learning the art of reading tarot. The research and imagery here is fantastic, however the focus is on the major arcana, all of which are explored in depth. Each reader has an approach unique to them, which is evident here in some explanations, choices or beliefs. This is one of the intriguing and interesting aspects of studying tarot, comparing, contrasting and discovering what works for you.

[Teleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick guide to basic card meanings is actually pretty good, and often packaged with starter sets.